Macca

Yep, Chargers now back in the mix (sort of) Their last 2 are both at home (vs Oakland and vs KC) Miami edge them on the tie-break. Baltimore have the advantage within the conference (right now) Denver losing opens a door - the Pats can claim the 1 seed (but they might have to win out)

Top effort from Smith and possibly a match winning one. He batted with real authority. If Pup goes on for another 3-4 years then the next captain* might be someone who is the right age, right now. The selectors will most probably want to make the next appointment one that could do the job for 4-5 years - history tells us that's how we've traditionally appointed our captains. Smith is at least at the right age. However, the next captain may be someone who is not currently in the team. Steve's cricket is improving at a very good rate and this current innings will help to establish him as a more permanent player within the side. It's also a bit tricky trying to judge Smith's tactical awareness and leadership qualities. If he's given some more responsibilities, then that could be a pointer. I wonder if he's capable of batting higher in the order? His technique is improving - he's much more solid in defence than when he first came into the side. If we were to rule out those who might be ineligible, then there's not a lot of other choices if we peer into the future. Another batsman with obvious captaincy capabilities might burst onto the scene though. You just never know. Warner is the right age but he's got a fair bit to prove (outside his current batting prowess) As for today's play, apart from Smith's fine effort, Johnson continues to impress. His innings was very intelligent and an important knock given the circumstances. Only saw highlights of Warner's innings but a fair bit of Haddin's innings - both of them keep producing the goods. Brad especially, is in great form and is batting as well as ever. Australia's day. *Assuming the next captain is a batsman.

The 3,4,5 and 6 seeds in the NFC are probably going to have to go through New Orleans and Seattle. Big ask for a road team to win at either venue. The NFC Championship match-up looks almost set but stranger things have happened. Last year I was convinced that the Pats and Broncos would meet for the AFC Championship but the Ravens shot that theory down! What I'm waiting for or maybe hoping for is a team outside the Saints and Seahawks to get hot. Might be Philadelphia - they're now 8 and 5 (and they've won their last 5) No big scalps but they're no.1 for rushing yards. If they get in they might cause some headaches. Baltimore in the AFC are the other team that could create some issues if they secure a spot. And have a guess who the back-up is for Kirk Cousins? ... Rex Grossman! Out of the early games, I'd much rather be watching any of the games involving San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago or Philadelphia. The Colts probably won't move from the 4 seed and Houston are just terrible. There's 9 road teams who are favourites this week - a lot of match-ups where it's good team @ average/poor team. I can see a few teams slipping up which could open up the play-off race. Weather is now a factor as well. St Louis would be most pleased Washington are in a bit of a mess but they might lift for the Dallas game in week 16. They'd like nothing better than to derail the Cowboys season. ... bleacher report - power rankings for week 15

TV games ... Friday 12.30pm San Diego at Denver (ESPN) 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 Tips Arizona Seattle San Francisco

From Cricinfo ... McDermott says bouncer barrage will continue With regards to Johnson, McDermott went on to say ...

Your Vikes have played quite well in the last 6 weeks - just can't convert it to wins. By contrast, the Packers have been mostly awful ... miraculously, we're only a half game back. I have absolutely no idea how our division will end up In the rest of the League, there's still a bit to play out with regards to seedings and wild cards. Seattle and the Saints should end up being the 1 and 2 seeds respectively in the NFC whilst the 49ers and the Panthers would be favoured to pick up the wild cards. Denver should hold onto the 1 seed in the AFC. The Colts will probably be the 4 seed and KC should be the wild-card 5 seed. However, anything can happen in this League. The Pats will miss Gronk big time and they're now in danger of losing the 2 seed. If the Bengals can draw level on wins, they'll hold the advantage against New England in the tie-break. The snow game in Philadelphia was amazing - here are the highlights for those haven't seen them already ... Lions @ Eagles

Bit tricky trying to tip 3 road winners in the completed games this week - there were only 2 road winners! At first glance it looks a lot easier this week. The points tally ... 6 - Strafford 5 - cowboy from hell 4 - pantaloons 3 - Macca 1 - DemonDave, Gorgoroth 0 - 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, Arrow, bananas ... week 15 games

It will be a nice problem to have when Cummins, Pattinson and Starc are all fit and raring to go. Bird has a bit to offer as well.

Our cricket has improved dramatically. We seem totally switched on and there's a real purpose to just about everything we've done so far. It's been quite a revelation to a lot of fans - these are the best kind of wins. As for England, I'm not sure they can right the ship enough to challenge. What do they do about Johnson? The wheel has turned and the Aussies will be going in for the kill. And yep, win the toss and bat!

From the 'Mirror' online ... England have been utterly outplayed - and the truth is that it could be too late to salvage the Ashes Test Match Special Podcast ... England defeated by 218 runs (includes interviews with both captains) The predicted forecast for the first 3 days in Perth ... hot, dry and 36 degrees.

Unchanged line-up, dl. Sounds a little boring but it's not just because of the "Don't change a winning side" default mode. Team harmony and that 'all conquering' attitude that a team can suddenly have are also very important. We're playing well as a team and even one change could disrupt things a little. I also share the thoughts of a few other posters that Lyon could well be suited to the Perth track because of the bounce that he achieves. "Roo" Yardley is a half decent comparison although Bruce spun his off spinners with his middle finger. As you no doubt remember, Yardley got good bounce and had a stellar year in the mid 80's where he took 35 odd wickets in 6 Tests. Nathan also possibly needs to know that his position is a bit more secure. On top of all that, he leads the team song! The up and comers might have to bide their time for now. We play Pakistan in Abu Dhabi/Dubai (?) for 3 Tests in October and then India are here in the summer of 2014/15 for four Tests. Ideal opportunity to blood a new player or 2 in those series. I reckon the guts of this team will tour South Africa now that we've turned things around. If we win in Perth, the selectors might decide to experiment but that might involve giving the quicks a game off (each) None of them would be putting up their hand though. Sore spots and aches and pains can be put aside when you're winning. Winners are grinners

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 5.00am Kansas City at Washington (OneHD) 5.00am Indianapolis at Cincinnati (Fox2) 8.05am Tennessee at Denver (Fox2) 8.25am Seattle at San Francisco (OneHD) 12.30pm Carolina at New Orleans (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Dallas at Chicago (ESPN) ... all the other week 14 games and ... The ESPN 2013 NFL Power Rankings: Week 14

Happy to go with the old adage "Never change a winning side" dl. It's been so long since we've had some real stability in the make-up of the side. Winning does change the thinking. If England can keep us out in the field well into tomorrow, one of the quicks might become doubtful for Perth. Clarke would be aware of that however, and will no doubt use the fast bowlers with that in mind. We get another one soon and the rest might fall sooner rather than later.

Fair enough. If Lehmann lifts the team out of the doldrums and takes the team to the top like Bobby Simpson did, he'll have done a great job. Not sure we reached no.1** status in the World under Simmo but we went damn close. Regardless, Bobby certainly took the team to the top (as a manner of phrase) It's going to take some doing to catch South Africa or even come close to their status. For starters, we'd have to win the series over there next Feb/March ... and that's just to start making some inroads with regards to the rankings*. They'll be well ready for us! That upcoming series should be a terrific one, all the same. ... but first of all, we need to clinch this Test and this series (and not lose any of the remaining Tests in the process) * The ICC Rankings 'Predictor' **Edit: Bobby Simpson did, in fact, take us to the no.1 status in the World ... Bobby Simpson's Coaching Career

The Demons getting to 9 or 10 wins next year might be seen as a monumental improvement. That's where I could see the similarities. I definitely wasn't thinking in terms of finals (yet!) It's the proportional level of improvement where comparisons could be made.

Good summary, TD. Still early doors but this feels a lot like the '89 series. Of course, we won that series 4-0 and had the better of the 2 other drawn Tests. I believe that '89 team was initially dubbed "The worst ever" to tour England as well! Whether we can dominate the rest of this series remains to be seen but the signs are good. To be honest, I'm still coming to terms with the turnaround. Let's hope that Roosey can have the same sort of impact at the Demons hey! (as well as seeing a number of our players starting to realise their potential) We've already snagged one of their best bats in the 2nd innings (Cook) I'd like to see Lyon pick up 3 or 4 wickets in this innings. Smith might get a few overs.

Michael Vaughan forecasts a 5-0 annihilation Geoffrey Boycott and other English greats blast tourists Test Match Special Podcast ... England fall again to Johnson (Geoffrey says the Ashes are gone)

With the Perth Test beginning next Friday, the more prudent move might be to bat again and set them about 550-600 to get in around about 2 days. Clarke will almost certainly bat again you'd reckon (that also gives us another chance to knock their bowlers around) A quick-fire Warner century? And I agree, Bell has to move up to no.3 if they're any chance of getting back into this series.

He had a chance to knuckle down and get his Country out of the mire. For someone with his experience and talent, he had to make a better fist of it. As soon as he was dismissed, their chance of saving the Test was all but gone. Now they've got the issues. Looks like they've been feeding Johnno raw meat - unbelievable turnaround. Good on him. He may have to keep the 'Mo' too. Cricketers are a superstitious lot.

Pietersen gave his wicket up - can't believe he fell for it. Clarke placed a couple of blokes in the spot where he likes to hit it - he duly obliged. Root's shot to get out was equally as poor. Bell looks the goods but it's just a matter of eking out a wicket here and there at the other end. We're playing well.

It's just nice to be right back in the contest, 'dl.' Our rediscovered aggressiveness could be on show again tomorrow. Looking forward to watching it - the couch awaits! If we can turn the big advantage we have in this Test, into a victory, we would go to Perth with a 2-0 lead. As it stands now, it will be at least a 1-0 lead (barring a miracle England win)

Well said, 'TD' So many runs to play with and Lyon could be a bit of a handful tomorrow (hope so anyway) KP could be the key dismissal but Bell's wicket is also very important. England would have to bat well into the 4th day to save the game you'd think. If the Aussies can pick up 2 or maybe even 3 wickets per session, we would be at their tail in the last session. 2 more centuries is very pleasing and is Haddin the 'other' renaissance man? (he kept very well in England but his batting right now, is superlative) Brad seems to be getting better with age. Another great knock to Clarke ... doing it at the no.4 spot as well (which is another positive result) It would be great if he could come to the crease more often when we're well placed (2 for plenty) Test Match Special with Jonathan Agnew and Geoffrey Boycott (includes an interview with Brad Haddin)

Ha! As we all know, Strafford, a lot of things can change in the NFL in just one week ... and this week is no different. Some great match-ups and it's a tipsters nightmare (and that's just trying to find some straight winners - home or away!) I could only come up with 2 (Denver and the Pats) Every other game could go either way (IMO)

TV games ... Friday 12.30pm Houston at Jacksonville (ESPN only) Monday 5.00am Kansas City at Washington (OneHD) 5.00am Indianapolis at Cincinnati (Fox2) 8.05am Tennessee at Denver (Fox2) 8.25am Seattle at San Francisco (OneHD) 12.30pm Carolina at New Orleans (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Dallas at Chicago (ESPN) ... all the other week 14 games Tips ... KC Oakland Giants

The Bengals are 2 games clear in your division, you're leading the comp and Roosey has come to save us! What more could you possibly want?