H_T

Agreed.

Aussies now lead series 3-2 after a 3 run win cliffhanger....: Links:- http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2009/11/...7247732375.html http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/aussies-...f-1225794880183 The little master was in full flight amassing an epic innings of 175 off 141 balls ! 19 fours; 4 sixes.

Just on Hodge, look, I really have the same opinion they should be looking to the future now and I think his international career now is finished. I probably thought the same for Katich too, before his pile of runs - but that coincided with Hayden finishing and Jacques being injured. Based on some of the selection changes of recent times and the experimentation of Watson opening, as well as injuries, I guess some such things maybe possible with the selectors.

Fair call. Got anyone who you would personally consider for this summer, whom we have not seen in the green & gold ?

Well, without being too sarcastic, Hodge is in form. So far the only recent form Clarke has shown is on the arm of Lara Bingle at Derby Day whilst his teammates have been sweating it out in India. Apologies. He is injured and resting his back under doctors orders.

You could well be right. However, Katich did get a recall through sheer weight of runs at domestic level.

Last night I witnessed another century by Brad Hodge in the Ford Ranger One Day series against South Australia at the Adelaide Oval. He scored 114 off 113 balls. And was the architect along with McDonald's 58 in the win. On the back of a 190-odd in the Sheffield Shield, he is keeping the selectors on notice. "I think" Whilst the South Australia's bowling attack isn't the best it does have Shaun Tait who bowled with much vigour and surely is in line for one-dayers selection for Australia at some stage this summer.

Looking back at the make up of that team back then: - It just goes to show how blessed we were as cricket followers. What a side ! In hindsight, sometimes it's wonderful to reminisce the Australian side and how dominant Australia was for so long. Not just from that 2000/01 side, but right through from basically '89 onwards, our battle with the West Indies in the early 90's to becoming the No.1 nation in cricket. Makes you appreciate how wonderful it was to see the likes of Border and his men on the rise, with the likes of Warne. Then Tubby who was in his own right a great skipper and help establish a dominant side. S.Waugh continued on in this vein with his teams. To be able to see the ever consistent McGrath and Warne weave his magic during Boxing day Tests whilst at the G or on holidays will stick with me forever.

I'm quite sure he bowled occassionally after winning a toss.

You'll grant me that one?! The Gabba was just off the top of my head, I could think of many other venues to test your theory out - on "always batting first" in Tests.

Yeah, trouble is he didn't have my variety of spin at his disposal.

Well, you will risk losing with that attitude. For example, if we went to the Gabba and the conditions suited to bowl first, I would send you into bat, confident I could do some damage early on in your 1st innings by midway through the second session and have you on the ropes by stumps. Then I'd make use of a pitch that would welcome good batting on the 2nd and/or 3rd day's play. With a lead of over 400, I would be happy to see you suffer with a deteriorating pitch on the final days (4&5) for a well earned victory. Especially with my doosra and flipper to contend with. All being equal, I'm sure you would still be happy that you batted first. Despite the loss. The crux of my post is, in Test Matches (5 day format) you analyse the pitch first and look/consider at the pitch & weather conditions. Including forecasts. It helps determine results.

:D Michael Clarke must be approx. 3200.

He could remain as captain until he is 40. That's another two ashes series away.

Why ?

Watched conclusion on the replay last night. What and the hell was Watson doing in that second last over ? I think there were four rank full tosses outside wide outside off stump ! If he was trying across the seam deliveries, he needs to go back to the drawing board.

Boo. QueenC - Brett Lee is hitting his straps. Very impressive for NSW (even though it's Twenty20), and backed it up again for Australia against India. Showing plenty of pace and it goes well for a good showing for the Australian Summer. You must be beside yourself.

That's the spirit two sheds. Great to hear you're feeling terrific. All the best.

p!ssa

NSW joins VICS in Twenty20 semi finals

What about the boy from the Vics, is it John Holland ? Is he a chance this Summer ?

Unless they thought the rest of his year was just 'exceptional.'

That would explain it then.

Agree. Well it is all well and good if we do win. It's still a hollow feeling losing the Ashes IMO. No one will give a sh!t in a year's time about the Champions Trophy it would seem, however history will show we lost the Ashes. M.Johnson winning the cricketer of the year (ICC)......anyone see the Ashes when voting?

Congratulations to Mitchell Johnson - ICC Cricketer of the year.