H_T

NSW - Homebush interrupted by rain again *sigh* - typical Sydney weather. Reduced overs, looks as though the Bulls have done it easy. The Redbacks are already in the final, and it will more than likely the Bulls or Warriors for the Prelim.

This LINK will work. If it's around October, I think it could work. After the US Open in early September; before the ATP Master Series in November/December.

I think Federer and Henin.

Makes you wonder if they would have stuck fat with him at 1-1 ? I reckon they would of kept him in for this third test regardless. After this test, there is a break from Test cricket for a while.

Katich is making trip to Hobart.

I can only see one possible change to the line up for Hobart at this stage. North out, Katich in. The Aussies have won the series and based on the fact, there will not be too many changes. The win I think does cover up some of the cracks. despite a couple of chances gone begging, Mike Hussey has made the most of his innings and return to form and together with Siddle handed Australia a series win to Ponting. For the moment, the only thing that doesn't stack up is Marcus North in a winning side. Very poor form and consistent poor form should see him out of the line up. No runs, dropped catches, arrghh ! Fitness permitting, Katich should return. The way I see it, whilst I am still unconvinced on Hughes. I think he could keep his spot for Hobart to open with Watson. Katich and Hussey could sort themselves out at No.5 & 6 respectively. Hussey plays well with the tail and can rotate the strike to suit when required. As he did with Siddle. Katich is familiar with batting down the order; even though he might prefer to open. But if the selectors replace Hughes with Katich, it would be a clear indication by the selectors that Hughes is not yet ready and Katich is still preferable as opener at this stage. It might well also open the door for two changes. ie. North for C.White...at No.6.

Sheer lunacy. $26K on them ! That was Centrebet. All punters should have followed McGrath's tip before the commencement of the Test. He tipped a winning margin of 37 runs for the Aussies. They won by 36 runs.

TAB Sportsbet had the Paki's at $1.09 before play and at one stage at 0/30 they were down to $1.08, although those that were keen on the Paki's to win could have got $1.14 elsewhere if they shopped at Luxbet or Betfair. Aussies were $10 to win on Betfair; $7.50 TAB Sportsbet. If betting was wild here in Australia, one can only imagine what it was like on the sub-continent...? <_<

8/133. Umar out.

6/105. What a Test match. The pressure is immense. Johnson the pick of the bowlers with 3; bowling very well. Hauritz has 2 - the major wicket being the skipper Yousuf, caught & bowled. The 176 target would feel like 400 to the Paki's.

I was probably a little unfair on tennis. I usually get into the groove after seeing a couple of matches at the Aussie Open. Right now cricket takes precedence. I only like the quality matches of tennis. A couple of good aussies making the finals would make a difference in terms of my interest. Although, I do enjoy the Djockovic v Federer; Federer v Nadal; Nadal v Djockovic matches. Back to cricket. The Paki's are currently in "Licorice All Sorts."

Yes ! Big wicket, Yousuf is out. 4/77. Make that 5/77 ! They're crumbling and the Aussies smell blood.

You should start up a thread on your reviewing of old games whilst rehabilitating, it may make the time pass quicker....it will help us focus on footy rather than the Australian tennis circuit that has commenced...boring ! (Just a suggestion, or perhaps start work on 2011 mfc clothing range.. ) Guess what comes after the tennis ? Footy! :D

Ouch. Tough break Jaded. How unfortunate. Fortunately there is some good cricket on. Great partnership by Hussey & Siddle enabled a handy lead of 176 (a further 96 runs added today) when all appeared lost at stumps on Day 3. Aussies have made inroads and have Paki's a shaky 3/59. Brilliant catch by Haddin keeping down leg side. Catches win matches....

It was a good call, but as 45HG alluded to he had 18 tests in the 2000-2009 period. That is not alot of cricket. But it is right up there with bowling average and strike rate. Another who has played 35 Tests from 2004-2009 with 174 wickets in this period and averaging ~23.5 is D.Steyn of Sth Africa.

D.Bollinger leaving a ball to a leg spinner pitching just outside his off-stump. Priceless.

Shane Watson has really impressed of late. He is Australian's best Test opener because he is more often technically correct than other candidates in Katich, Hughes. Whilst talk of dropping him down the order a few weeks ago was a consideration. His consistent form of late and a no-flaws technique provide the Australian team with an excellent opener who can occupy the crease. Fact of the matter is, the selectors can't possibly drop him down the order given his return of figures (albeit a few in the 90's). M.North should go. His figures that he has returned and the manner of his dismissals should be more than enough evidence. I haven't seen alot of S.Smith to be honest, but I have seen alot of C.White. I'm not really convinced on Hughes, he has a high risk game and as such I think the selectors should re-evaluate. S.Marsh is another option. They should IMO, either look to give Watson a new opening partner or more of the same with Katich. And replace North with a new No.6 or push Katich down the order.

Bingo, Johnson gets the wicket. Pakistan now 4/237 with the skipper out caught by Haddin. Good catch. It's a big wicket.

Of course I rate him, he is one of the best bowlers ever. Strange action, but effective. Is his action not legitimate ? Is it not legal ? He has met the requirements. It has been deemed legal. Personally, I find it hard to throw with tremendous off-spin. I always found it easier to turn the ball by bowling it. PS. I personally regard Shane Warne as the best spin bowler ever. Just not for this exercise of the "Naughties", that's all.

Forget Basil...try Manuel (Man-well).

Based on figures between 2000-2009, certainly. Although, I would have a different view if it was based on their careers as a whole. 2000-2009 period Test comparison: - M.Muralidaran - 84 Matches; 1161 Maidens; 11,849 runs; 565 wickets; 20.97 Average; 49x 5WI; 20x 10WI; Best 9-51; 2.47 RPO compared to S.Warne - 65 Matches; 604 Maidens; 8986 runs; 357 wickets; 25.17 Average; 21x 5WI; 6x 10WI; Best 7-94; 2.97 RPO I couldn't ignore Murali's figures for my spinner selection. Are you talking crap again ? You need your memory checked. Fair enough, I went on volume of wickets and averages over the decade.

In other matters: - My World Test Team of the Decade - "Naughties 2000-2009" : - M.Hayden (AUS) Ave: 52.94 ; 8364 runs G.Smith (SthAfrica) Ave: 49.62 ; 6451 runs R.Ponting (AUS) Ave: 58.38 ; 9458 runs S.Tendulkar (Ind) Ave: 53.20 ; 7129 runs J.Kallis (Sth Africa) Ave: 58.71 ; 8630 runs M.Yousuf (Pak) Ave: 58.54 ; 6439 runs A.Gilchrist (AUS) 397 Dismissals / 362 catches B.Lee (AUS) 303 wickets Ave: 31.27 M.Ntini (Sth Africa) 380 wickets Ave: 28.64 M.Muralidaran (SL) 565 wickets Ave: 20.97 G.McGrath (AUS) 297 wickets Ave: 20.54 McGrath, Ntini, Lee & Kallis can provide my pace attack, Murali the spinner - statistically has a far superior record over Warne, (who was next in line as the spinner) throughout the "Naughties".

Your memory is definitely questionnable. I recall a few SCG and even Gabba pitches between '95-'2010 (15 years) being green on day 1. 45HG16's previous post also highlights and confirms your lack of memory. WYL, you may as well fess up and move on.

I can understand the odd no-ball for the fast / medium bowlers. Spin bowlers there should be no excuse.

Correct. WYL - no use back tracking, you will just dig yourself a bigger hole. Yes, move the slips forward. Punter has shown no confidence in his bowlers. How many runs have they scored between second slip and gully. FFS Punter give 'em a third slip at least ! The wicket still has gremlins. I must say his captaincy this morning has been conservative to say the least. The Paki openers are doing ok now. The wicket will play much better this afternoon for batting.