H_T

I'll give you something funny. You may have gone today. But guess what, I'm taking a break from my holiday to attend day 3 with a few mates tomorrow ! The positive is, hopefully we'll see two sides bat tomorrow ! Whilst I have said before that cricket is indeed sometimes a funny game; peaks and troughs can be experienced throughout. The Aussies on day 1 experienced a record trough that I doubt even the most optimistic of people believe the Aussies cannot come back from. But I'll leave you with words of wisdom and hope: Two days down, three to go. The bright side of things says: 1. good batting conditions with sunshine ahead 2. Most of the Aussie top order are due (despite poor form/technique) 3. Perhaps a day 5 pitch that may keep low. 4. Heaven help the Aussies....... It showed how important the toss was. And how important that whoever batted first must dig in the first two hours of play and retain wickets. Yep. Probably the biggest deflation after one of the biggest build ups to a series alive at 1-1 after Perth.

Good article. Can imagine him checking the rearview mirror around the Great Ocean Road.

I don't know the exact stats - but it seems to be the case. Gee South Africa played well. The bowlers had to work hard to knock over India in the second dig.

So where or what number would you put Ponting at if you bring in D.Hussey ? Who would you bring in to replace Clarke for his rest then for the Boxing Day Test ? Importantly, who do you promote up the order if Ponting drops down ?

Congratulations Sachin Tendulkar - 50 Test Hundreds. 14,500 run milestone. Sth Africa def India. Man of the Match J.Kallis - Test Double Hundred (maiden)

Hughes will also open. RR - it's your pick on the Best XI.

Certainly is. Whilst all the talk on Australia's first dig of 268 was all the criticism of the failure of the top order. Many forgot that in the Test Match - England were yet to bat and that there was still 4 more days play; three more innings to take place, not forgetting a total of 268 to erase on a pitch offering a fair bit for the bowlers; particularly if they bowled well. The conclusion of Day 1 showed enough promising signs for me from the bowlers to come to the conclusion that this test match was not over. MJ was bowling with noticably better reach and Harris whilst a little inaccurate was getting good swing.

Write them off at your peril. Back to the wall stuff. MJ has found his mojo. Watson, Hussey are shining lights with the bat. God help England if ever Ponting & Clarke kick into gear. Looks as though it is 1-1 and they head to Melbourne; centre stage. The series is alive.

Mitchell Johnson went back and worked on his bowling. He is hitting the crease taller and with more control. It's enabling him to swing and causing trouble for the batsmen.

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.