H_T

They got smashed literally. Both Melbourne sides off to a slow start. Looking forward to the Boxing Day Test tbh.

$1.98/kg last night at my local. Now, all I wish for is fuel to follow the trend of banana's over the last several months. Down, down...

"Michael, I'll return on one condition, you let me lead the rendition of "Under the Southern Cross" after a win, and you bloody well join in and don't pull up stumps until the last man leaves, after all, you are captain. Otherwise, I'll be asking "Where the bloody hell are ya!"

J.Viney may be the comparable one..unfortunately. Even though he isn't quite on the list, just in presence.

Can I use this as my sig ? Maybe the penny will drop one day. Just one day....<insert laughing emoticon rolling around>

Check mate. Biffen and The Don would be interested in this also. I find it interesting that the spruiking on the "great" first innings of 150 only happened at the conclusion of the Test match. 'twas all quiet on the Friday.

Yep. And why Clarke sent NZ in to bat at the toss.

I reckon the selectors may look at Ed Cowan for the. Boxing Day Test. Whether Watson is declared a starter there would be doubt on him bowling. I can't imagine them going in with a half baked Watson, I would be more inclined to give Dan Christian a go if Watson not 100%. Harris has declared himself fit. I would imagine Starc would make way. Pattinson, Siddle, Lyon the other bowlers. Cowan for Hughes. Punter, Haddin and Hussey to stay in for me, much to others apparent disgust.

Truth is you don't know that for sure. And the ball was moving around just as much on day one as it was day two. It wasn't just movement due to conditions that provided a low score. A closer look at those holding the willow may provide you with a greater insight.

For those who are having withdrawal symptoms re: Next year's Draft, I have dug up from page 31 of the thread the official countdown clock. Time is ticking....be sure to check it each day to get a quick fix....

I'm sorry for missing the shenanigans on the weekend and re-hashing posts from the weekend and yesterday, but I must address this... A quick comparison of scores would put them ahead in anyone's book. So, had we managed 350 + or even 200 in return on the first dig, would 150 have still been a good score on day 1 ?

Prove it ! Taylor would have done the same as Clarke had he won the toss. That wicket would have had Bob Brown salivating more than the thought of a Carbon Tax.

Man U out of champions league. Focus will be on the title now.

Don't know the answer to that as yet but I do know the last time the kiwis won a Test Match on Australian soil was 1985.

It didn't until a wicket fell, and ninja took over before any additions

Maiden Test century for Warner 100 from 147 balls. Well done to him. Match winning innings.....maybe...

Warner looks pretty solid defensively and has shown a great deal of patience at the crease, which is an essential attribute to have as an opening Test batsman. Hughes looked to have taken onboard some much needed advice on patience, particularly not having to play every ball outside off stump as I posted earlier. He was fortunate to still be there at stumps Yesterday despite looking more watchful. However they're opening stand did put the Aussies in a decent position for the match and series. Unfortunately for Hughes it came undone this morning and he didn't trouble the scorers.

Correction. I was incorrect according to Mark Nicholas on Nine. It's 21 from 30. Stupid Herald-Sun !

As Mark Waugh said....

Result wise Hughes has fallen victim 19 times out of 30 innings between keeper and gully. Ricky Ponting doesn't think the issue is a confidence thing as he highlighted Hughes "has come off a few good knocks in South Africa." Mark Waugh has urged him to play the percentages: - - Article: Peter Badel H-Sun I agree with this. The dismissals will happen with the angles Martin creates. However my belief is a good top-order Test batsman should be just as strong on the onside as he is playing the off side. Being able to work through the on side for runs has it's advantages. Many think that Hughes is strong outside that off-stump and they're right to a degree because that's where he cuts and scores most of his runs. But, it is also his weakness. I agree with Waugh's assessment in being strong outside off-stump, strong and mindful enough to let the ball go. Strong enough to have patience too. Much like Justin Langer did.

Sehwag out for 219 off 149 balls in 47th over.

Virender Sehwag scores a double ton in one day international v West Indies, breaking the all time highest score in a ODI. He is the second player to surpass 200 - the other being Sachin Tendulkar in Feb 2010. Currently 210* not out off 144 - still 5 overs remaining ! *Fox Sports

Typing it almost did the trick as well ! Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

Realistic = Too much warm cocoa makes you pee at night.

Actually he blocked a couple of Nathan Lyon's overs with a somewhat technically sound yet fragile technique; with soft hands and very dead bat, before proceeding to unleash with a technically correct attempt to hit over mid-off. Unfortuantely for Martin he seems to lack the strength and nous to pull it off (as expected with most no.11's), as it appeared the ball was hit with as much power as 'some' of the kids in the dinner-break Milo hit & giggle cricket during the One-Day Internationals. (I highlight 'some', because many kids display a much stronger handling of the bat than Martin and can hit it further). Ouch.