H_T

Let's re-visit this, shall we WYL..... Oh dear...... No I didn't WYL.... England 5/98 and MJ has 4 wickets ! Something about being optimistic...cricket being a funny game....cricket can deliver peaks and troughs....... There. End of lesson.

What ... no Mitchell Johnson.... ?

Perhaps I should have elaborated. I said it was interesting, because he had been promised a start by the chairman of selectors. He'd also had all his family and cricket friends come over to WA to watch his debut call up. Interesting ! Looks as though Punter had the last say.

Short lived. Always the way when you give someone a wrap live....out for 61. Still, he dug deep when in need. Whilst others continue to struggle.

It's such a pity this post was on the other page for others not to see. Once again the man is digging deep in a crisis and Haddin is by his side...again. Hussey 59 not out. Told you WYL...never throw the baby out with the bath water.

Which is not enough for Test Cricket.

Bracken - I don't think the selectors feel he suits Test matches. Better for the One day/20/20 game. Jacques - has a good Test average. The forgotten man really. May get a look in... ? McDonald - Injury cruelled him after some excellent innings with the VICS, still returning to the VICS soon I gather; rehabilitating.

I think he's retired from Test cricket and wanted to concentrate on the shorter forms of games.

Forget his mum. That would be the last thing on he's mind playing for Australia with his career on the line. Or so you'd think, anyway. He just needs to put his best foot forward. He has been wayward previously, but he can take wickets. All four bowlers are arguably in the same boat.

Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water just yet WYL. Whilst Hussey is still digging in and England still have to face the music (I hope it's music to our ears.... ). There is two innings to be played too. I'm obviously an optimist. Cricket has always been a funny game delivering peaks and troughs. PS. Your pick after Rogue in the Draft which is taking place on the other thread.....please take a look.

Not as yet. titan might know....

What about Quiney's innings ! 100 odd off 60 odd balls or something like that...awesome display. Hodge this morning said it was one of the most memorable innings he had seen.

I like Hussey's attitude. I admire him for it. I'll gladly raise my hand and say prior to the Ashes that he was just about on the cusp of missing selection (for he probably was in many people eyes), but what Hussey has is what many don't have. That fighting spirit. Like the way he loads up with 30+ and zinc cream as if he's about to spend a week out there in the middle. He can grind out an innings when things are tough, much like S.Waugh before him. It may not look pretty, but it has teeth. Whereas the more fancied beautiful stroke makers don't seem to grind when in need. And wasn't I glad to see the back of North. As for Clarke, he'll gladly bend down to pull up a new pair of Bonds. I'll leave it at that.

I know it's early and it's probably a silly call by me, but just watching Hussey's body language, that fidgiting around like he has ants in his pants. I'm tipping he'll dig deep for us...again.

3/33. Hughes 2. Ponting 12. Clarke 4.

Not surprising re: Punter. Now they have to back it up. No excuses.

Interesting that he's been named 12th man.

Anderson has really improved since the last time he was out here. Btw, it's your pick RR. Other thread.

I think this is what we're all dreading.

Are you inferring that it's the equivalent of just moving the deck chairs, so to speak ? Gee, you're big on the 'Victorian bias', aren't you Nasher ? I would have thought titan has made a judgement call purely on figures and form between the two mentioned bowlers.

I think it will be interesting whatever the result. Certainly on Christmas Day with lunch/dinner among my family it will be interesting. It's always the way that Cricket is the main topic amongst consuming some turkey, pork & crackle, etc. If it's a draw in the 3rd Test it will be - thank god Melbourne (Boxing Day test) & Sydney tests are still alive; thank god the series is just alive; what will the selections be for the Boxing day test (how long is a piece of string ?!). If it's a win for the Aussies in Perth - it will be the same as above... If it's a win for England in the Third test in Perth, the conversation will be huge - topics that will be covered: Selectors, selections for the two remaining tests, Ponting's future, where's the rest of the crackle ?

Agree. It will be interesting to see how India go. Tips ? I'll tip Sth Africa at home.

Probably just trying to improve ratings for the Warnie show. Mind you Warne himself is doing the promotion of he's show no harm by locking lips with one Elizabeth Hurley. First there was Hugh Grant, then Austin Powers and now Warnie. Liz has hit the jackpot in her life Yeahhowww baby !

Ready... Yeah he is, but are you ? Right to go WYL. Thread is open. Get in early... Good point. I guess he has to be scoring to be noticed. What has he done ? Maybe if he spent less time wondering about how his Bonds underwear fit and more concentration out in the middle for his country.....am I being too harsh ? Thread is open. Not sure he'll be named in any of the sides for the Best XI just yet, but he has an excellent grade cricket record. Tests are another thing. Guinness anyone ? Threads open Nasher if you're interested.

It irks me the way Clarke went out the night before in the last over. Not good enough. Good innings, but not good enough by Clarke.