H_T

Wow, I didn't know Sth Africa's Tests to come were so......much to look forward to... . I've since heard Smith speak and he had contemplated where he'd rather finish and Newlands had been on his mind for some time. It may seem harsh but I can't believe Swann retired mid series. If I was to be any harsher I would say he'd be trying to keep his bowling average from ballooning out any further.... . Well played Aussies. Lead of 343, already 109 for the morning session. I have been enjoying Warner's fireworks so far on 85*

We were in a transition stage of sorts until Boof came to the rescue, injected some confidence and continuity (unchanged team in Ashes). I think we've been a contributing factor to England's changes (Trott, Swan, and co...) and maybe Smith's alarm bells on retirement started ringing when his mate Kallis retired pre-series. And Australia just confirmed his thoughts,

I reckon we'll need at least 4 sessions. Ideally 120 in the first session and another 80 or 90, declare at ~2:30 with a lead of ~440/450 with around 4.5 sessions at them. edit....similar to RR^

Agree maurie, err, mauriesy (that's a tongue twister). He's averaged something like over 70 (someone will have correct figures) since he's taken over as captain!

This 3rd Test will be an absolute doozy - must watch.

Brendon McCullum, take a bow.

I've seen that before I think. Robert Palmer's music video - Simply Irresistable?

Anything of interest today Redleg at the MM? Craig Cameron present? HNY to all here on the NoB$ thread. 2014 - off to a cracker with a banana smoothie (has to be iced); and it was great seeing Siddle get through with consistency again this summer. Must be the banana intake (28 I believe - 5-6 with every smoothie) .....

Nathan Lyon - some big wickets when it counted. Pietersen, Stokes. Played a small but significant part in the Test, had to play.....was important to bowl long spells and give our quicks a break. Worked a treat.

I got 15s. When Smith was approaching 50. Smith now unbeaten on 103, Johnson 39* Funny game cricket. Who knows? I thought Johnson playing at home was worth a chance when Warner was leading with 60!

What odds was Mitch Johnson for highest bat?

Quinten de Who? jk. I had to check twice before sending you a warning. Looking forward to some good cricket over the weekend, kind of hoping the Aussies would let the Poms swelter for 2.5 days in the field, but it looks like that will have to be the second dig now.

Just took a look. Django had Johnson. And it's fair to say my team has crashed in price. For a start, Trotty is being examined on the couch back in the mother country. Tendulkar has now retired after a last innings 74 (better than many....hehe) and Starc has been put back at the end of the line thanks to the rejuvenated Johnson.

The cricket they are playing is the same kind of level of cricket that I witnessed first hand at Old Trafford. The big and only difference is Mitch Johnson for Starc. And a fit and firing Johnson in great nic with the ball at that. The Aussies showed more elsewhere at Durham. I agree these are the best kind of wins, but for me it's not so much a revelation collectively. That said, Mitch Johnson has most definitely been a revelation and full credit to him and his mentors who have him on song.

That's what was reported at the time and ever since old dee. Including todays articles.

Bite. Costly.

Win the toss and bat,...and bat.. Although other here may have other ideas. England should change things up a bit with their bowling line-up. Anderson will be praying for the doctor to fire up so he can finally produce some swing in this country with the Kookaburra. Swann needs to put on more revolutions although he may struggle in Perth. I'd still play him, despite cries for him to be dropped. He can get critical wickets - and boy do they need them. I'd play Rankin in Perth with bounce on the menu. Cook is having a mare of a series to date with Johnson and Harris keen to bowl to him, having had success. The skipper needs to lead with his bat, to give his team a chance. As I stated yesterday, unchanged line-up for the Aussies if all fit. Lyon can still play a small part in Perth.

Spot on od. A lot more to come on this. The $5m suffering colt being bitten by the spider may be a little karma for BC3.

I'd go in unchanged if all fit.

Kohli, unbelievable! Brilliant innings by Bailey & Watson. Can't help but be impressed by the way Bailey constructs his innings of late. And what about the wickets being produced in India? Wow.

Two days remain. The Dees I'd say have shut up shop barring an extraordinary development.

Spare a thought for Sydney today, the 10th October...39 C predicted. Will probably top 40. Ah Melbourne...the worlds most liveable city. Nice and fine here boys.

Haha, that mate who has a modest share wouldn't be you by any chance would it, WJ?

Tommy Rockliff? Makes you wonder why this site pushed for Jurrah a hell of a lot more than Rockliff in that PSD, given what has transpired. Yeah I know, hindsight is a wonderful thing.... Nervous using up pick 2, it would want to be a good return.

So, who are we going to pick up for our midfield and how? And in the minds of the banana brethren, who are we willing to trade out? Who do you want to complete our lines of coaches including a 2IC? How much ground can we make (if any) on the competition? And when was the last time you had anything banana? Useless unknown alleged fact: Stuie Dew consumed a banana at half time in the 2008 GF. Will he need another to be released from the clutches of Colless/Longmire...stay tuned. H_T.