Macca

I was making an observation that Jonathan will be missed (perhaps more so than a few people might realise) There is no harm in saying what I said and I certainly didn't mean it in any other way other than to recognise that he's a top class batsman. A player who I have a lot of time for. Again, I wish him a full recovery.

Flynn seems to go ok but only at Green Bay - probably because he's spent a bit of time there but hell, he's been cut a few times by other teams as well as the Packers. The only reason I give us a chance at Detroit this week is because of Detroit! They could have scooted clear but they couldn't even beat Tampa at home. It's still a tall order and if Stafford can hit Megatron enough times, we'll be in allsortsa. Amazingly, the 3 best placed teams for the no.1 overall draft pick are Jacksonville (sort of expected) Houston and Atlanta. Who would have picked that? I think I had Atlanta winning the NFC South and Houston getting a wild-card! I wonder which team or teams will get "hot" from here on in? Philadelphia? maybe San Diego?

This is just a wild guess but was a bloke named Albert Trott involved? He's the only other cricketer named Trott that I can recall. Think he played at the turn of the century (the 19th to the 20th century) Hoping Jonathan Trott makes a speedy recovery from his illness. Him not playing weakens their side but it would be preferable if England were at full strength.

That's a major blow to your season, pantaloons. Hope you can hang on in there. It seems a lot of our teams have suffered some sort of major injury or 2 that has curtailed our seasons. In spite of all their injuries, the Rams, Bengals and Bears are still hanging in there. It's a pity that St Louis are in such a strong division as they are not a bad team and have had some impressive wins this year. Even my Packers are only a half game back when in all honesty, they should be out of it. Rodgers is probably still out for a bit so I'm extremely doubtful of our chances despite the Bears and Lions not capitalising on their opportunities. At Detroit on Friday The Vikes should have done a fair bit better (I picked 'em as a wild-card!) and so should have the 49ers (although San Francisco can bounce back with a win tomorrow) Denver should have won with that lead and the Steelers, Ravens, Titans, Chargers and Miami are still in with a chance after today. The big winners were Arizona and the Panthers whilst the big losers were the Giants, the Jets and Detroit (what's happened to them?) Still lots of unanswered questions but if the Colts can take care of Tennessee at home next week, they should go on and win that Division.

I feel the same way TD. Apparently it's a drop in wicket (not sure how long that's being going on at the Adelaide Oval?) 10 days off (including tomorrow) gives our bowlers a good rest as well. The only thing that concerns me is the make-up of our bowlers for both Adelaide and Perth (which are back to back tests with only 3 days break in between) You'd reckon it will be an unchanged team for Adelaide but our bowlers won't want to be in the field for 3 days in Adelaide (which might happen if England bounce back hard with their batting) Great win in this Test though and I'm still a little shocked by it all. You probably kept the faith Edit: Ryan Harris has been named in an unchanged squad for second Ashes Test

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 5.00am San Diego at Kansas City (Fox2) 5.00am Pittsburgh at Cleveland (OneHD) 8.05am Indianapolis at Arizona (Fox2) 8.25am Dallas at NY Giants (OneHD) 12.30pm Denver at New England (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm San Francisco at Washington (ESPN) ... all the other week 12 games Bill Simmons weekly column from 'Grantland' ... All Hail Megatron (scroll about 3/4 down on the linked page for Bill's tips)

Of course I waited for us to get well on top before doing so So many things have gone well in the last 2 and 1/3 days (including having 2 century makers today) Things couldn't have been scripted better since we were 6/132 (which seems like light years away now) Clarke and Lehmann have 9 days now (maybe 10) to bring the players back to Earth (and England will have to wait and they may overplay things when we get to Adelaide) We're in a great position. Anyway, for those who are interested, here's 'Aggers and Geoffrey again with their summary ... Australia build huge lead ... as well as that, here's a summary from the 'Mirror' ... Gabba curse shows no sign of letting up for England

Fair enough 'dl' ... Only rain can save England from certain defeat in this Test. I'd like to see Lyon get a big haul when we bowl. I also like the idea of having 9 full days off until the next Test. If it were a back to back situation we might be more vulnerable. England will have to stew on things for a while. Let's hope the curator prepares a typical road for Adelaide - our batsmen need some more chances to get some runs in the bank.

... as an example, if we were to give Maddinson, Silk or Burns a chance, they could bat in the "seemingly" unaccustomed position of no.6 (they all currently either open or bat in the first 3 for their state) The problem I have with your argument is that you're always waiting for the "right" time (and you may well be right with that view) The time is always nigh for me. That's our point of difference 'dl' (and it's ok to agree to disagree) I also don't believe that a young batsman needs to be knocking down the door to the Test side either - if the selectors all thought that Bradman was going to be the world's greatest ever batsman, why did they start him off at no.7 and drop him after his first Test? Traditionally many top order State batsmen started their Test careers batting at around the no.6 spot. It wasn't viewed as an unusual thing back when it was practised but it would be now - many cricket followers would be scratching their heads with bewilderment

I believe there is nearly always room for one young batsman (unless the batting is settled and a new batsmen isn't needed) Bat that young player at no.6 until he's ready to go up the order (as long as he does enough to stay in the side, of course) Warner gets a hundred! Lets hope he makes it a big one ... I read somewhere once that Warner has been known to spend up to 6 hours in the nets in one session. Maybe that dedication is starting to pay off.

Sometimes the old ways are the best, 'DV'. The sport hasn't changed all that much compared to many other sports (like footy) so we can confidently default to tried and tested ways without taking any undue risks. I have no dislike of Rogers or Bailey but I wouldn't have considered either of them (when they were initially picked) because of their age. They may prove me wrong and if they do, so be it. We've picked other older players previously and apart from Michael Hussey, I can't think of too many batsmen picked at a later age who have had long and illustrious A grade careers (and shouldn't a long and illustrious A grade career of a player/batsman be the aim of the selectors?) It should also be remembered that back in the day, Shield teams seemed to contain more younger players so the selectors had a few more to choose from (older players would retire early as there wasn't much money in the game) To me, the selectors are taking what they perceive to be the "safe" route but it's the opposite in my view. Related is the way the selectors have treated the spinners (post Warne) There seems to very little patience involved and let's face it, Warne was a once in a generation player (probably multiple generations!!)

My philosophy is the same one as the thinking of old - bring one young player in at a time and bat him down the order. If he's any good he stays and then gradually makes his way up the order. It's a tried and true method and it's one that has served us well over many years. Bradman, Greg Chappell, Border and Harvey all started off this way. Many, like Hayden, Langer and Martyn have made their way back into the side after initially being dropped after being picked when young. We could say the same about Smith now (although he hasn't established himself just yet) Obviously not all young players are going to make it but nearly all our great batsmen were picked when in their early 20's. The facts are all there in front of us. I don't like short cuts or stop gap measures. Mine is a conservative view though it might be viewed as high risk - it depends on how you view things jazza

Previously, I've advocated going down the youth path with players like Jordan Silk, Nic Maddinson, Joey Burns and 1 or 2 others. I haven't changed my mind on that but I can understand why the selectors are going for a few older types. I'd prefer to see us build a team for the future and I've always felt that a young batsman can improve when placed at a higher level of competition. We could or should win this Test despite our top 6 not performing when the heat was on (as a collective) Some of the shot selections in the 1st innings was awful and if that's repeated, we may not be able to wriggle out of things again. However, I'd expect to see the same batting order for the next Test. They've all got a chance to consolidate their spots in this current 2nd innings and in the next Test (Clarke has proved himself of course and shouldn't really be included amongst the others) It's great to be in a winning position (at last) but there are 4 Tests to come. To regain the Ashes, our batsmen are going to have to perform at a very good level.

There's a bit of rain about but there's still 3 full days left (and time can be made up on any of those days) Hopeful that we'll go one up - and from there it will be game on. There's 9 full days off until the next Test in Adelaide. If we do go one up, England will want to get it back to square as soon as possible (which may mean they'll need to make the running) It's all set up for a great series now - England will bounce back hard, sooner or later (just not in this Test please )

There's still more than a few doubts about our batting but the teams overall fighting qualities have been on show in the last day and a half. We've played well in the big moments which is when games are decided. I know you place a fair bit of emphasis on Lehmann's role and although it's still early doors, if we go one up, the team can gain a lot of confidence moving forward. As well as that, we looked to have some good plans for their batsmen and that's where a good coach comes to the fore. Some terrific signs but there's still a long way to go. Anyway ... here's Geoffrey Boycott and Jonathan Agnew with a 22 minute podcast from today's play. I'm just about to listen to it myself but I'm betting Geoffrey won't be holding back! ... Test Match Special - England blown away by Johnson

He's in good hands then. He looks very fit and healthy for a 32 year old so that area isn't an issue. We'll need him fit and firing for the 3rd Test in Perth (which is nearly always a "result" Test) I wonder if the selectors have a plan for Mitch? The Perth Test follows the Adelaide Test after only a few days break - Adelaide can be hard work for fast bowlers. At issue here are our reserve or back-up fast bowlers (of which we don't have a lot due to injuries)

Nah, didn't see that coming - at all. Obviously was hoping for the best but that is a huge turnaround from being 6/132 half way through day 1. We'll struggle to lose this Test now and a few of our batsmen have now got a real chance to cash in. There's a hundred sitting there waiting for at least one of our batsmen. DK has been working with Johnno which might explain a few things and having McDermott back as the bowling coach is also a positive move. How things can change in such a short space of time - amazing The series is well and truly alive!

TV games ... Friday 12.30pm New Orleans at Atlanta (ESPN only) Monday 5.00am San Diego at Kansas City (Fox2) 5.00am Pittsburgh at Cleveland (OneHD) 8.05am Indianapolis at Arizona (Fox2) 8.25am Dallas at NY Giants (OneHD) 12.30pm Denver at New England (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm San Francisco at Washington (ESPN) ... all the other week 12 games Tips ... New Orleans Carolina San Francisco

Terrific comeback but being 6 - 132 at one stage was another huge disappointment. The lack of century making ability from our top 6 (apart from Pup) is a real concern. Warner had a real chance today to make a big score before his dismissal (which looked soft) Watson and Smith both played at deliveries that they could have left (after both got starts) The less said about the dismissals of Rogers, Clarke and Bailey the better. However, despite all that, Haddin and Johnson did a fine job getting the team out of the mire and you might have even taken 8/273 at the start of the day (all things considered) Haddin's experience came to the fore just when we needed it. We're going to have to bowl well tomorrow all the same. Johnson might be having one of his big games - let's hope so because we're gonna need it! We could do with a bit of cloud cover tomorrow to help our bowlers.

Had a look at your schedule and you could win any of your 5 remaining games - you could also lose any of them with all your injuries! It's just so hard to predict ... reckon you win 3 at least which would get you to 10 wins. The Indi game at home (Cinci) might hold the key - both the Colts and the Pats have a few tough games so it's not done quite yet. I believe the 1 seed will go to Denver or KC in the AFC (the return fixture between those 2 sides may decide a few things - Denver are at the Pats next week on SNF whilst the Chiefs should notch up another win at home against the Chargers) Carolina winning today changes things a fair bit - suddenly they've become a real threat. They played well against a fairly determined New England outfit. Another dubious call right at the end but I thought the Panthers were the better side on the night (just!) Your blokes are doing well despite all those injuries. Agree with you re the Steelers. Big Ben knows how to manage and win games - 8 and 8 should get it done for the 6th seed in the AFC. The question is - which wild-card team is gonna get to 8 wins! (just watch the 6th seed get to 9 wins now just to spite me) Anyway ... no change in the points tally in the tipping comp ... 4 - cowboy from hell 3 - Strafford 2 - Macca 1 - pantaloons, DemonDave 0 - Gorgoroth, 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, bananas, Arrow ... Week 12 games ... The BS Report

Thought the penalty against the 49ers late in the game was a fairly average call. Fair enough if the contact was directly to the head/helmet area of Brees but I thought the tackle was initially to the arms and chest. However, we're most probably going to have to get used to these type of rulings. When the game is in the balance, it just looks like a gift. Where does it all stop? It seems incidental contact is just not allowable at all when it comes to the QB. Anyway ... Chicago are right back in it but they probably still need to finish a win ahead of Detroit to win the NFC North. At least 10 wins might be required to secure a wild-card in the NFC and even then it may come down to tie breaks. The Eagles are on a roll but that division is still wide open. Astonishingly, the Giants are only 1 loss back and they've now won 4 in a row. Cinci might have their eyes on the 3 seed - they would probably have to get to at least 11 wins and hope that the Colts or Pats lose a few down the stretch. Bengals are at home to the Colts in week 14. The 2nd wild-card in the AFC is up for grabs - Pittsburgh are now in the picture but they do have a few tough games to come - you just never know though. A lot riding on tomorrow's game - the Panthers can get a break on their rivals for the wild-card race and ... they still have their 2 matches against the Saints to decide the NFC South.

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 5.00am Detroit at Pittsburgh (Fox3) 8.25am San Francisco at New Orleans (Fox3) 8.25am Green Bay at NY Giants (OneHD) 12.30pm Kansas City at Denver (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm New England at Carolina (ESPN) ... all the other week 11 games ... and here's this weeks Bill Simmons column from 'Grantland' ... Return to the Island of Dr. Simbeau

lol ... ... the Colts getting up helps a few of us in the comp hey! Luck just keeps leading his team back into games and winning - can he do it in the playoffs? (assuming the Colts win the AFC South and are in the playoffs) At this time of the season, certain teams can start getting 'hot'. My 'Smokies' are the Panthers and the Eagles. I'm also waiting on the 49ers to hit some decent form. If the Giants defeat my blokes, they could be another team to keep an eye on (I'm expecting them to win if I'm being honest)

Here's a interesting doco that aired recently on ESPN ... 30 for 30 - Big Shot (the story of John Spano's short lived ownership of the New York Islanders back in the 90's)

If we do it again next year we could bring in a 2/3 rule (rewarding those who correctly tip 2 out of 3) I reckon picking the 3 roads winners should remain as the main basis of the comp. Say 1 point for 2 out of 3 and 3 points for getting all 3 correct ( 2/3 is quite achievable whilst 3/3 is rather difficult and should have a greater proportionate reward) 'cfh' would most probably still be in front if we had that revamped system but at least the points rewarded to all of us would be far more frequent! We could still have the 4 bonus weeks. I originally thought about picking the winners of each game as a tipping comp but that could easily become rather cumbersome (you kinda need something that's quick and easy if the goal is to have a number of regular participants) I also believe that posters should be able to enter at any time next year - starting late really wouldn't have an effect on those who are already involved (especially if those involved already had a number of points up) Having said all that, if someone was to come up with a whole new concept that was acceptable to all (or most), I'd be happy to roll that way. This years comp could best be described as cruel fun! (and I certainly never meant it that way!)