H_T

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.

Yes, well summed up regarding the mental side of things for her game. That was my thoughts too. Other jobs and activities with her child off the court and fun and focus on the court. Agree with the 'pressure' side of things.

Well said Titan & Queen C. I'm wrapt for Kim Clijsters in winning the 2009 US Open. Thorougly deserved her win and was in the best form at the tournament. Great to see her 18 month old join her. I think she can continue on and do well at the next Grand Slam event - the Aussie Open. I'm probably out of my league in saying this, but being a mum may just help her game. Congratulations Kim. The Williams sisters could also take a leaf out of Kim's book relating to on court manners.

Dee-lightful win by Man U over Spurs...'away too'..........

They're appealing (Chelsea that is). Was the ban 3 transfer windows...or 2? In other news Lucas Neill is reportedly leaving for Spain......Madrid I believe (SEN - this morning). Probably for the warmer weather.... GG, any news of this (re: Neill) over there?

Really? what happened?....

I thought Benitez did a solid job last year, just too many draws for the reds.

I take it you don't like the Liverpool condemned...... PS. *disgraceful*

Cool customer? He lost the plot. Temper tantrum at the very least after seeing one of his forwards being called off-side. (He was off-side by a country mile). Yes anything can happen in a EPL season. First points go to Man U.

Man U 2 Arsenal 1 And to make things interesting Arsene Venger sent off after kicking a water bottle after an off side.

Two sheds jackson, sincerely I can't believe that you're going through all of this at just 23. Shocked. I've enjoyed reading all of your posts and I hope to read many, many more. You give well balanced and very articulate views IMO. I enjoy reading them. May you draw some inspiration from our MFC President Jim Stynes and his own personal battle, and fight it, don't wait for the inevitable. It's taken great courage to share your thoughts, your personal battle. Now you have got that off your chest, you now know where to channel your courage and energy.

You're kidding yourself...what has the Gunners quietly achieved lately? Man U & Chelsea have left Arsenal in their wake the last few years.