Rhino Richards

Its like comparing the NAB Cup to an AFL Flag. Shield for mine.

About time CA moved on Symonds. http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/cricke...3423210593.html Dean Jones has a better chance of selection now. While people respect the X factor Roy can bring with bat ball and in the field, he is long long way off that now. Its a pity because with the collapse of Lee, Hussey and Hayden, the backbone of last years team, we really needed Roy to step up. He didn't Roy has burnt too many bridges now. That said I hope he gets his act together off the field. Its not surprising he is in rehabilation.

I am measuring the standard of tennis over a longer period of time. You asked the difference between Williams/Safina and Nadal/Verdasco. I gave it. The standard of tennis and entertainment is miles ahead in mens tennis now and has been for some time. And because one Spaniard has a brain fade does not condemn the whole of men's tennis. Dokic was only entertainment for Australian audiences because of the rampant jingoism that Australia has in claiming everyone who might have the slightest connection to Australian as their own. If she had played for her country of birth then she would have been snubbed by Australians and media for not choosing Australia. Outside Australia, no one would give a stuff about a has been with a ranking of 100. Players should be rewarded according to the money they generate in an entertainment business. Its as simple as that They dont when it comes to the sources of the revenue. It should be divided based on who provides the most entertainment like all other sports. Does men's golf, soccer, basketball subsidise the women's alternatives? Surely they must because their costs are the same. Sorry I dont think so. Should all AFL footballers get the same money as each other? They all have the same costs. I dont think so Tennis gets sources of revenue through providing entertainment. The revenue should be cut on the proportional basis of the entertainment provided. And for some time, the men's tour has subsidised the women's tour.

Dont tell me we now have women playing in the AFL?

Is Katich's shoulder better? He refused the offer to bowl in the Test series.

Easy. By the observed standard of the game. Nadal/Verdasco or Nadal/Federer || || \/ daylight || || \/ Williams/Safina Tennis is all about entertainment...TV ratings etc. Now let me see what was better entertainment.... Mens semis and finals or the women semis or finals? Hmmm. The depth of talent and competition in woman's tennis has always been a concern. Tennis players on the circuit are richly rewarded for their efforts. However, the cut of the profits pie should be biased to those that bring in the dollars to the game. Costs dont come into it.

I think Nadal/Federer just topped the men's semi-final. I am not interested much in tennis these days being a game of baseline power and grunt monotony. But Nadal and Federer took the game to another level last night. Nadal's temperament and physical effort over the past couple of days was phenomenal. I thought Federer was close to his best but Nadal just keeps getting better. As for the women, lets here no more tripe about parity of earnings between men and women tennis players. Chalk and cheese in entertainment, effort and skill. And women's tennis is hamstrung by the vain and narcisstic Williams sisters. Is there a more openly vain and self centred high profile sportsperson than Serena Williams? Puke.

Agreed The issue is from No1 to No6 in the batting order. Even when we have a start, the inability of the middle order to drive home the advantage is stark. There is a couple of players in the squad playing on reputation and not form.

What do you think the media do if Ponting gave Symonds a public broadside and said he did not support certain players in or pushing for a Test? It would media salad days and Ponting would be hung for being ungratious, unprofessional and divisive. Ponting would be finished and Australian Cricket would be deeply embarrassed and shamed. Despite the whims of sports followers, the media is not the place to deal with this issue. In fact its the last place it should be. The last time I saw something handled through the media was the fallout after Australia lost to NZ in the RL World Cup. And didn't RL come up smelling roses after that! It was a PR disaster which showed much of the sport in its true colours. At the moment I suspect there is more going wrong in Symonds life than just his front foot position when batting. There is a real risk that Symonds with his career shot becomes more of a media bunny than he has been thus far. Admonishing Symonds in public is the last thing he needs. Roy is still smarting from a perceived lack of support from above over the Harbarjan monkey incident in Australia. He needs to grow up. We all agree on that. But public condemnation would be judt dumb on a number of fronts If Ponting is going to speak with him privately and offer some helpful words of advice then its a feather in Punter's and Australian cricket cap for showing maturity and some compassion.

Completely agree about Roy. Not so much as brain explosion, more the fizz from a half flat can of Solo. I now understand in the ad why the guy in the disused industrial site traded Roy in a towel for an eski full of sugar drinks. Good thinking. I think any hope of redemption for the Ashes one day would seem way off. Its ridiculous given that Australia is crying out for a Number six that can take a game by the scruff of the neck, but Symonds seems to be necking something else. Its no slur on Duminy to suggest that his start is inferior to Lara and Tendulkar. His first Test was better than Bradman's!!!! Jury is still out on Hussey and McDonald IMO. Yeah I know they are Victorian players!!!

I meant Australia but forgot to include it when I mentioned with Clarke. No argument with Sachin and the Prince. Outstanding from 18 and 20 years old when they debuted at Test level. In my mind arguable two of the best batsman produced since Bradman. Sachin for technique, Lara for the flow. When on song I cant think of a better batsman that I have seen than Lara in full throttle. It would be demoralising for a bowler. Remarkably neither were successful or capable team captains during their careers.

. Siddle was very good but *Cough* no Johnson?

....and he is only 22yo. He has stacks of time and opportunity to make the big time. However, is JP Duminy the find of the summer? At 24yo (still very young by modern cricket standards) his performance with the bat and in the field have been astonishing in their maturity and poise. I am scratching the think of a better debut under tough competitive conditions from a player under 25? Michael Clark in India in 2005(?)???

Fantastic Series with a fitting and dramatic finale that gives great credit to both captains, both sides and the administration. The best series since the Ashes 2005. Both sides should be absolutely praised for the competitive character and sportsmanship of all the players during an absorbing and rivetting series. The conduct of the players and officials particularly during the contentious Kallis decision was exemplary and should be a training video basis for all other teams. Graeme Smith was a stand out man of the series. And a brave effort in the 2nd innings. The last time I saw this happen was when Pakistani opener Talaat Ali came out to bat with a broken finger against Australia in Adelaide in the early 70s. He held the bat in his good (top) hand and held his injured hand behind his back. He lasted 3 balls. Smith's effort deserves recognition against the quicks. Although the ICC rankings have Australia on top, there is no doubt in my mind that the South Africa is the top side ATM in terms of performance, sportsmanship and character. They absolutely embarrass the Indians in the last two categories who should take a lesson from them. No doubt they wont. Good series coming up in SA. However both sides need to manage their strike bowlers Steyn and Johnson. Both have been fantastic but both looked physically jaded from their herculean efforts. Nothing better than Test cricket. Barely interested in the lolly forms of the game. Meanwhile English cricket once more shoots itself in the foot with the resignation of both Captain and Coach. Roll on Ashes 2009.......

I thought that in Perth in 2005 when we had McGrath and Warne. Australia must keep pushing for another wicket (or more) pre lunch. Its all about survival now for SA.

Amla c Katich b Hauritz 59 4/110. 266 to win with 6 (make that 5) wickets GAME ON. Australia is heading for the jugular. Great stuff. Good use of the bowlers today. They need to press on for home.

The wickets yesterday fell to batsman error not from the ball doing anything significantly off the track. The first hour is critical for both sides. Australia needs wickets, SA needs runs and no outs. The pitch is still good to bat on. Australia does not have a fifth day bowler. Every bowler needs to chip in and take a wicket or two but McDonald will be important for the one that could keep low. SA have their nose in front at this point.

Have a cigar! B)

While we must seek a victory in the first instance, a draw would not be so bad given we have been so comprehensively outplayed in the first two tests. Regardless of the result, this has been a far better showing by the Aussies this time around. Smith being out really does take their lead batsman out and denies them a good kickstart to their chase. Who will open with McKenzie?? De Villiers? If the bowlers can derive some indifferent bounce then the pressure will surely be on the SAs.

So when is the declaration going to be? 1/2 hour before tea.......Aust 3/199, 317 in front. If they can get to 400+ in front with an hour before stumps, they could make in roads. If a wicket falls I would play Haddin at six to get the scoreboard ticking. Factors to consider: Smith wont bat until the death knell if at all. If he does he will struggle. So SA has to rejig the batting order. Alot falls on the shoulders of Siddle, Johnson and Bollinger (whose luck must change). Very little spin ATM but will the pitch crumble. Its important that Australia chases (and hopefully gets the victory). With half the side having not experienced a real win agasinst good competition (eg Haddin, Johnson, Siddle, Bollinger and Hauritz) so far it will give the young guns some much needed confidence that they can get 20 wickets and win. It will also set them up to take some confidence on the SA tour. If they can win/draw the series in SA, then they should be good enough to retain the Ashes. However, a flogging in SA leaves us in poor stead for the Ashes defence

Agree. I was thinking that Johnson's good form with ball and bat is in the Brett Lee mould.

I think Symonds is in no man's land. He's not batting well. His knee does not allow him to bowl or field to his capabilities. Off field he is a fly in the ointment. If Watson was fit then I think the door will be shut. Be interested to see if he is selected for one days. If not then he is gone. I think we have seen the future of the bowling attack with Siddle and Johnson. Johnsons maturity as a cricketer over the past 12 months has been astounding. I think thats for me He is a luxury at 9. Fits in well at 8 behind Haddin at 7. Very good on a benign pitch thats straight up and down. Wonder what he is like with the bat with ball moving about in England.

Cameron White or Marcus North????

STOP PRESS: ABC Radio announced that Shane Watson has a stress fracture in his back and will be out for up to six weeks and will only resume batting and wont bowl for up to six months. Geez, he would have to do wonderful things in 2009/2010 to even get a consideration. Questions over both his batting and bowling at the top level with a serious dark cloud over his body.

Trajectory for a quick bowler is critical along with pace and accuracy. I think the selectors are hoping to go to the Ashes with fit and in form Lee (33) and Clark (34). At the very least Clark...for his metronomic accuracy. For quick bowler to debut at 31 then he claims must be irresistible. I dont think Nannes has that strong a case. He is in the mix but it would be bizarre if Hilfenhaus was overlooked given he was in the Melbourne 13.