Macca

And now this Test takes another turn. Amazing sport for that sort of thing. Some sports can be very predictable but Test cricket constantly throws up these sort of twists. One wicket can change things dramatically - or that one wicket can lead to a dramatic change. You'd reckon that South Africa won't be letting us off the hook when we tour there in Feb/March. 5 or 6 down for not many against their renowned attack? Our top order has to get better - maybe Hughes will get another chance? Or Maddinson? Hughes had a terrific tour over there in 2009 (so did Johnson) If Hughes or Maddinson (or another top order batsman) come into the team, Watson should drop down to no.6 (his bowling is still invaluable) Bailey might be the one to make way (if there is a change to the team) However, if we go on and win this Test, I can see another unchanged team* Interestingly, the South Africans haven't beaten us in a home series (over there) since that infamous 4 nil loss we experienced in 1970. *Edit: Watson might be doubtful for Sydney with that groin injury. He may be bowling in the knowledge that it can't get any worse (but could still rule him out for Sydney) We just need one wicket (preferably KP's wicket! )

Lyon has complemented our quicks nicely. Clarke uses him very intelligently. He gets good bounce and he can turn 'em. He's getting better and better - but not in a dramatic way.

Another wicket! Johnno can do no wrong! This could turn out to be a great finish. Game on!

Yeah, if ever you're going to do something like that, it's when you've won a series. I've heard that suggestion bandied about a bit during this Test and it has merit, Wyl. Or ... see the last bit of this post below for an alternative explanation. We need to find a way of winning the series against South Africa and lets face it, it's all about winning series. Big series margins are just the cream on the top - we're now doing it tough in this Test but that's a good thing IMO. We defeated England 5 nil in 2006/07 but that margin was not really a pointer to the future. Steyn, Philander and Morkel are gonna test our blokes and we could do with the team remaining really hungry. Cruising to a 5 nil series win could cover up a few notable weaknesses (specifically, our batting) We may still win this Test and it wouldn't surprise if the pitch doesn't deteriorate all that much. The 3 Shield games played at the MCG this year might indicate that batting later in those games wasn't all that difficult. Time will tell with this Test. Vic vs WA Oct 30 - Nov 2 Vic vs NSW Nov 6 - Nov 9 Vic vs SA Nov 29 - Dec 2

From the lips of Ryan Harris (14 minutes into this BBC podcast) We could assume from the above that the decision to bowl was not Clarke's alone (regardless of your view on what we should have done when we won the toss) My view is we should have batted first but that view is based more on not batting last. My view is also not a hard and fast one either - after the completion of day 1, it looked like it was a good decision! We can't have it both ways. Most 4th and 5th day wickets play up to varying degrees but sometimes they don't play up. It depends on whether you want to bank on the "sometimes". Another argument is that sometimes a first day wicket helps the bowlers more than what was initially thought. England would have learned a lot about how to bowl on the wicket when they batted in the 1st innings. However, we batted appallingly badly all the same. Both sides of the argument have merit. It may not be a bad thing to get a kick in the pants anyway. South Africa looms.

TV games Monday 5.00am Jacksonville at Indianapolis (OneHD) 5.00am Baltimore at Cincinnati (Fox2) 8.25am San Francisco at Arizona (Fox2) 8.25am Denver at Oakland (OneHD) 12.30pm Philadelphia at Dallas (OneHD & ESPN) All the week 17 games and ... The BS Report I guess all the TV games mean something in terms of finishing positions for a number of teams involved. Obviously the Packers/Bears game will have a lot of interest for neutrals and fans alike but unfortunately, that match is not on the tele. For those without cable, the Denver/Raiders game will have to suffice in that timeslot! You'd reckon that Seattle will win with so much at stake but the 49ers will still want to win, just in case. The late games involve a lot of matches that can change the make-up of the play-offs. I reckon we'll at least see a lot of crossovers whilst watching either of the late games.

OneHD still haven't posted up their Monday games but it could be assumed that they are at least covering the SNF game along with ESPN (Eagles @ Dallas, 12.30pm) The 5am Monday game on Fox2 is the Ravens @ Cinci and the 8.25am game is the 49ers @ Arizona ... Week 17 games Tips ... Philadelphia Denver Green Bay

Points tally in the comp .. it's the last week coming up with 3 points on offer - good luck! ... Week 17 games 6 - Strafford, cowboy from hell 4 - pantaloons, Macca 2 - Gorgoroth 1 - DemonDave 0 - 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, Arrow, bananas

Hard to disagree with any of that 'cfh'. I see you've drawn level in the comp as well! So many permutations in store for next week after today's results ... 2013 NFL Week 17 playoff scenarios Makes for some interesting reading but the biggest surprise is that Seattle have now left the door open a bit for the 49ers and the Panthers. Even the Steelers can make it although that is a bit of long shot. I think I'm right in saying that Arizona could finish 11 and 5 and still miss the playoffs. That's cruel. Carolina can get the 1 seed if San Francisco wins the NFC West. One part of the equation if that were to happen is the Rams winning in Seattle next week - who's to say they won't after today's results? Week 17 games

Hard to believe that the Packers can still win our division ... the truth is that we're in that position by default but we've not exactly underperformed either. Without Rodgers we've done about as well as could be expected. Detroit were 6 and 3 and flying and are now completely out of it. It now all comes down to next week at Soldier Field but I'm not expecting Rodgers to play - the latest is that the collarbone fracture was of the "spiral" type. But who would know? Happy to be surprised with Rodgers and thankful that we've still got a puncher's chance with Flynn.

C'mon Eagles!!

The OneHD games and the cable games have been a mixed bag this year (more specifically the games outside of SNF and MNF) ... the thing that has been noticeable has been the games not covered (with some of this week's games being a good example) It's as if they have a set roster done at the start of the season but they don't factor in that certain teams improve a lot and other teams fall away completely. 2 years ago, the 49ers were rarely on OneHD or cable, even though they were on their way to the SuperBowl. I remember commenting about it on this thread. It was difficult to make an appraisal of Alex Smith because we rarely got to see him play. OneHD and Cable need to bring in their own version of "flexing" games (if that's possible) I'm also wondering why OneHD don't do a deal and get hold of the MNF games. Hopefully, all the play-off games will be covered by both OneHD and cable. As an aside, sports fans outside of OZ would probably be wondering why we have to watch our free-to-air sport in 'Standard Definition' instead of being able to watch it in 'HD' ... the footy and the cricket in particular. I've heard all the reasoning but it still doesn't add up IMO.

Here's a couple of favourites from earlier in the thread ...

Here's a track called "Hacienda" by 'Jeff Lorber Fusion' (from their latest album) 'Hacienda' currently holds down the no.1 spot on the Billboard jazz charts. The first youtube link serves as a bit of an introduction to the song (and the album) "Hacienda" (the song) follows ... Macca's jazz 6.7

Not the "official" video of Godsmack's 'Whiskey Hangover' but nonetheless, an interesting one! Macca 13.9

TV games ... no game tomorrow Monday 5.00am Cleveland at NY Jets (OneHD) 5.00am Indianapolis at Kansas City (Fox3) 8.05am Arizona at Seattle (Fox3) 8.25am Pittsburgh at Green Bay (OneHD) 12.30pm Chicago at Philadelphia (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Atlanta at San Francisco (ESPN) All the week 16 games Disappointing that the Saints/Panthers game isn't on the box. The Pats/Ravens match-up is another game which would hold high interest. As some of you are no doubt aware, if Dallas win their earlier game against Washington, the Eagles might rest their starters, as their game against Chicago would have no relevance (if Dallas win, the Eagles going to 9 wins or remaining on 8 wins has the same impact because they'd still have to defeat the Cowboys in week 17 to win the NFC East) Hope that makes sense! Tips ... New Orleans Denver Miami

The points tally in the comp ... 6 - Strafford 5 - cowboy from hell 4 - pantaloons, Macca 2 - Gorgoroth 1 - DemonDave 0 - 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, Arrow, bananas 1 point on offer for week 16 with 3 points up for grabs in week 17. Those who can't win can still get a "podium" finish! Week 16 games (the Thursday night games are done) Is anyone going to pick Dallas?

The scenes in the rooms were great. Like to see more of that sort of stuff - that sort of connection goes down well with a large percentage of supporters. Footy does it quite well and there's no reason why cricket can't do the same. A much better effort from England in their 2nd innings and they might have found a decent cricketer in Ben Stokes. To make a century under the circumstances is a good sign for England. He bowls with good velocity as well. Well done to our trio of centurions in this Test. Seven 100's from our blokes in 3 Tests is good going (we had only scored a total of 8 centuries in the preceding 12 Tests) The next 2 Tests might be a bit closer but we've won the prize! Test Match Special Podcast ... Australia regain the Ashes (includes interviews with both captains)

Good point 'cfh'. Apparently Romo has a bit of a license to change calls but regardless of all that, his receiver (Beasley) did let him down on that last interception. This, from 'MMQB' explains yesterday's play calling from Dallas a bit further ... The Big D Blame Game

You beauty!

Got every right to be happy there, Gorgoroth - big win against a big opponent. Plus, you picked up a vital point in the comp! But how 'bout those Cowboys Packers!! What a win - great 2nd half by the Pack and Flynn did an excellent job. 26-3 down it looked all over. Tony Romo helped, of course - these interceptions he has are almost predictable now. If Rodgers gets back, Green Bay have a chance. What a crazy League. Bengals losing now means the Ravens control their own destiny if they can win out (in terms of winning the division) Just as long as Baltimore win tomorrow, 'Strafford' - after that, I hope your blokes can hang on. Arizona and Miami keep hangin' around and a number of the big guns had some big wins. The Vikes had a huge win without AP - they could be more than nuisance value in the last 2 weeks. KC racked up 56 points on the road - Wow! The Chiefs have the same win/loss record as Denver - maybe the AFC West isn't quite done yet hey? The Panthers have a chance to go the top of the NFC South next week if they can beat the Saints at home. It's all happening! The last 2 weeks looks like being a frantic finish.

Test Match Special Podcast ... England staring down the barrel of defeat ... and from the "Mirror" online ... The Ashes: England humiliated on the third day by a ruthless Australian side

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 5.00am New England at Miami (Fox2) 5.00am Houston at Indianapolis (OneHD) 8.25am Green Bay at Dallas (Fox2) 8.25am Arizona at Tennessee (OneHD) 12.30pm Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Baltimore at Detroit (ESPN) All the other week 15 games

I might describe it in a slightly different way but I get your drift It's been an amazing turnaround if, as expected, we go on and win this Test to go 3-0 up (thus securing the Ashes) Sport occasionally throws up these sort of victories. There are a lot of factors at play but nearly all those factors have been in our favour. The cracks on the wicket are another big factor now. We got our runs before the cracks appeared the way they have. As it is turning out, it has been another very important toss to win.

It's going to be tough for England to get out of this if we can restrict them to under 320 tomorrow. They'd need to get a lot more than that to draw level in this match. They'd probably need a lead of 60+. Batting last on this wicket could prove a difficult assignment. The cracks on the wicket will almost certainly get worse as the match goes on ... and one or 2 of those cracks are right in the line of the stumps. Bell is the stumbling block but if wickets keep falling at the other end, he may end up succumbing before he gets a big score. He's a class player and we might be best served to keeping him as quiet as possible. Couple of poor shots from Cook and Pietersen today. Cook's shot was a bit out of character but KP is making a habit of his mode of dismissal. His was an awful shot, given the circumstances. All in all, it's advantage Australia. Test Match Special - England under pressure again (includes an interview with Craig McDermott)