H_T

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.

Vics grab 1st innings lead - QLD all out for 257 Vics off to a solid start 0/53 - lead 101 runs Bad news: Damien Wright did his hammy this morning after 3 overs. A worry for the second innings. D.Hussey & C.White may have to chip in.

4/116. Are you there today ?

I've since seen the shot, I'd have to agree. Hopefully the last wicket can last another 20 + runs. Then the Vics can make some inroads into the Bulls innings with a few decent scalps. edit: - Bushrangers all out for 305. Bulls in reply 1/12. Pattison took the wicket.

My man Wade again 45HG16. He's the Grimes equivalent for the Victorian team ! Well timed 96 runs. Just when the Vics needed it. Has saved the Vics from capitulation.

In a canter. I think the support by Clarke's teammates will be very good nevertheless. Sheffield Shield The Vics minus bowlers McKay, Siddle, Nannes, Harwood - should still acquit themselves well against the Queensland Bulls at the MCG with the likes of McGain, D.Wright, McDonald & Co. Cameron White will return for the final. The Vics have taken some good form into the final with an outright win over tassie last start.

Here here. Whilst I couldn't give a continental what Brereton says or does RR, I don't think he would have anything to gain from his admission, do you ? (Btw, I do agree that on occassions he is a self-serving boofhead that trolls the same cesspool as Fevola) However, do you think it's right if LB sells her story for a large lump sum $$ by telling phurphies to W'day that she didn't know Fevola was married ? Surely, Brereton would be inclined to speak up if he knew otherwise and hold her to account ? I'm sure Mrs. Fevola would agree. She is still a victim out of this mess. Karma perhaps...

Well, Lara made her own bed with the help of Max Markson (Mgr. for Money). Telling "porkies" (repeatedly) and getting paid for it is not on in my book. Clarke is awake to it. Apart from Fevola, she only has herself to blame for having an affair with a married man (knowingly - as revealed recently, even though she denies it).

Whilst he has personally gone through a tough patch, I'm sure he will receive great support from his peers and the public. Although, not so much support onfield from the opposition ( ). I was amused to hear (flat track bully) Mike Hussey tell all in NZ to lay off sledging Clarke on field. Ie. A no-go zone. What a joke ! If I was a NZ player, I'd be saying it's open slather on the sledging.

Really ? I thought we were commenting on my mum's baked scones ?! Please excuse me.

Actually, we're (VICS) are going for back to back. It's the Ford Ranger (One-dayers) that have been the stumbling block. The Vics have been overall the most dominant of recent times in reaching finals in all forms of cricket. From Hookesy to Shipperd the Vics have really been the dominant force domestically on a consistent basis. Whereas other teams such as NSW, QLD, Tassie have randomly been hot & cold.

WA beat Queensland by 3 wickets. Queensland had WA 6/44 ! chasing 105. Phew ! Phew The VICS beat Tassie to host final. By an innings and 46 runs. Nice warm up for the Final.

Vics grab 1st innings points and lead by 136 runs at 8/358. Hopefully Wade (my main man) can be a pain in the ar$e for the opposition again. Extending the lead to 200 would be ideal ?! Go Wade. MCG is looking good at present for the final. However, stranger things have occurred. Queensland are 29 runs in the black (6-209) on their second dig against WA. They look beat at present. Fingers crossed that WA knocks those 4 wickets off quickly and gets the required chase with ease.

Test team announced Ricky Ponting © (TAS) Michael Clarke (vc) (NSW) Doug Bollinger (NSW) Brad Haddin (NSW) Nathan Hauritz (NSW) Ryan Harris (QLD) Phillip Hughes (NSW) Mike Hussey (WA) Mitchell Johnson (WA) Simon Katich (NSW) Clint McKay (VIC) Marcus North (WA) Steven Smith (NSW) Shane Watson (NSW) North is in, new inclusions are Steve Smith and Ryan Harris. Clarke announced. I wonder if he will be allowed to return. Time will tell if Bingle will let him go.

Yet Cricket Australia and the Aussie Cricket Test team are sponsored by three.

Agree with grazman, Grimes to Watts and RR. I know no-one really laughs at the ol' blonde jokes Rhino, but they're all related to your 3 points. Maybe Katich didn't shake him (Clarke) up enough ?

Correct. It was the situation the Vics found themselves in, that I was reacting to t_u, not your post in general. Good win by the VICS - 54 runs. Wade 91 runs top scored. All comes down to the last match for home ground honours for the big final against the Bulls.