H_T

Indeed. Ponting had no faith in Hauritz by giving the ball to North. I know the Test was close RR and they may not make a change here. But with the Ashes approaching they need enthusiasm and they should put Smith in for Hauritz! I still cannot believe North is in, I called for him to be dropped prior to NZ tour. They needed to make changes back then. I like Paine at the moment. I think he should be perservered with. Chappell should have some serious input at the selection table. Go for youth Chapelli. FCS.

The Redbacks are still a show.

No such luck

Kicked a nice goal at a crucial time when the Bullants were coming.

Certainly impressed me. Moves like Stephen Hill.

Feel the same way. Certainly frustrating as an avid participant and fan of Cricket.

Indeed ! RR, I think harsh penalties should be implemented and actioned immediately by the ICC. But their inaction record suggests otherwise, so I'm not holding my breath. And if so fraudulent behaviour has been verified, perhaps imprisonment should follow. I heard Malcolm Speed suggest this yesterday after he referred to the outcomes from the Cronje, Azhuriddin ?(spell) cases.

Spot on 45. The last 48 hrs has been quite revealing.

Fixed ?

Good call. Get on the Aussies people.

Heard that Arsenal was no longer interested in Mark Schwarzer. PS. Btw, your PM box must be full. Tried to send you a PM re: report. It won't accept.

A sure sign WYL would have batted first.

What the ? I don't like this idea. Sending a batsman in for the second time. A sure sign things are in trouble.

Absolutely. Her kick serve is nearly the best in the game. It has troubled all her opponents and is most effective on the clay surface. It will suit her at Wimbledon too.

You're right titan, I was of the same opinion. Playing darts with a group of mates last night - no-one gave her a chance of beating Jankovic. Couldn't believe it. Most thought she had just played her "Grand Final" beating Serena. As she one, she didn't carry on - that's a sign of the 'work is not done yet.' Played magnificent tennis did Stosur, defeating Jankovic in straight sets in a most dominant display. I think she will win the title (oops - I hope I haven't mozzed her). Samantha Stosur. Well done ! But one more ! Then Wimbledon !

Awesome performance by Samantha Stosur defeating Serena Williams in three sets. 8-6 in the third and final set. Will gain great confidence. The first time she has beaten a World No.1. Now for Jelena Jankovic in the SEMI-FINAL. Many junior tennis kids could look at Stosur for inspiration. Her hard work & determination has got her into this position. At 26, she has a few good years ahead of her in tennis. Just the kick Australian Women's Tennis has been craving.

Yes, magnificent effort. Big stepping stone in her tennis career. Can take a heap of confidence into the Serena match. Go Sammy !

Good points. Unsure on removing Haddin though. Paine is more than capable and would suit. Good point you make re: England. Mitchell Johnson for mine is too erratic, especially for T20. When he is on, he is on. Bollinger, I think you can rely on to hit the spot more often from a captain point-of-view. To be honest though, even though the landscape has changed in Cricket. T/20 doesn't do much for me. I'd rather be inclined to make sure these players such as Bollinger and Johnson are right for Tests.

Yep. Is there any vacancy in the Cricket Australia selection panel guys ? I should have used this quote elsewhere. "Ramifications for Demons" thread rings true. (re: Melb v Ess jumpers Rd 15)

It was so eerie the Liverpool v Chelsea game. The Chelsea fans have no finger nails. They found their voice after the second goal. Liverpool are nothing without Torres.

Nice of Gerrard to deliver a splendid pass to Drogba in the Liverpool v Chelsea clash to effectively hand Chelsea the silverware.

M.Hussey is still a big query for me, for selection. But after a refresh and another series win, will no doubt be safe as North turned out to be in NZ.

That is great news two sheds ! Really great to read. Enjoy the footy !

Agree. Superb win for the Vics, giving them back-to-back. Given the circumstances early on day 1 it was a wonderful performance. Man of the match M.Wade.

And Clarke comes to the rescue....putting his troubles behind him...just the tonic he and his team need...scoring a century. 4/316 at stumps Clarke 100* (10 x 4's; 2 x 6's) North 52* Meanwhile at the G the Vics are in a great position now: - Vics 2/177 (lead by 225 runs) Jewell 70 Quiney 73 Hussey 18* Finch 5* Well batted Michael Clarke.