Macca

It's out of you and 'cfh' now and fittingly so. pantaloons and myself have the same tips as you 2 leaders (albeit separately) Besides, if the Packers get up, I reckon we'll all get the 3 points as I can't see any of Carolina, Denver or Philly losing (but of course, we say that every week, don't we? ) Gorgoroth could finish outright 3rd if things fall his way. I thought of picking 3 left field choices but the lure of the 3 points on offer is just too strong! Good luck to all and well played, gentlemen! ps Your blokes are an outside chance for the 2 seed - Bills would have to pull off a major surprise for that to happen - ya just never know! I reckon you'll take care of business against the Ravens - however, they've got a lot to play for and it's sure to be close. Miami can still hold them out but trying to work all that out hurts my brain.

Yep. Hopefully they've had a real think about how he's protected going forward. Previously, he's been sacked way too many times. I don't want him running with the ball unless it's absolutely necessary. Peyton and Tom don't do a lot of scrambling, nor should Rodgers. If we can't win with him throwing the ball from the pocket, so be it. We've now got a reasonable running game so it should be a no-brainer (it's not just about tomorrow either) The Bears are sure to be fired up and it should be a crackin' match. Tunein radio will most probably have the game covered. That'll have to do. There's a lot more going on tomorrow - especially in the later games.

Was looking for a Packer in that Pro Bowl list and then I remembered ... We're a one man team! Lacy might go close to being the (offensive) ROTY though. 3rd favourite behind your bloke, Tavon Austin.

If Clarke remains fit and Watson drops down to no.6, we're really only looking for a no.3 in the short term. Rogers may end up going on for a couple/few more years - him and Haddin are defying old father time. Good on 'em. My opinion of an ideal no.3 is the following ... Must be able to play the role of an opener Have a great ability to get off strike with plenty of singles Take the attack up to the bowlers and dictate terms Have shots all around the wicket Be one of your best players if not the best. I guess that's asking a lot but if we're going to no.1 in the world, we'll most probably need someone of this ilk. However, the no.3 doesn't necessarily need to start off in that spot. I prefer to start a new player off at 5 or 6 to help ease them into Test cricket. But again, that's not a hard and fast rule.

He's not my choice anyway. I mentioned that I thought the selectors might pick him. I won't rule a line through Hughes though. He's still young enough to improve his game. Maybe in 12-18 months? For now, it's time for the selectors to try someone new. But who knows what they're thinking? They are the Australian selectors after all - expect the unexpected! It might be academic anyway as one scribe reckons that Alex Doolan will come in and bat at no.3 if Watson is out for the Sydney Test. You look like being right re Harris as well. He's another who is now doubtful for Sydney.

2014 Pro Bowl selections are announced

Don't forget your tips, Strafford.

Yep, we're switched on. Lehmann and co have made a big difference. The truth might be that many have lifted - coaching staff and players alike. ... and when you've got that sort of attitude, everyone wants to be a part of it. Lyon steps in today with a five wicket haul. Before I forget, for those without cable, "tunein" radio often offers a radio broadcast of selected Test matches. This link ... Tunein - Cricket Radio currently offers commentary of the 2nd Test between South Africa and India (just click on the date next to the description for live coverage - might take a minute or so to kick in) I'll post the link up again when we're in South Africa in Feb/March. Maddinson and Silk both open but could bat at no.3 at a pinch. I think Burns is mainly a no.3 but has spent a bit of time at no.4. Doolan the same (?) I just read the odd match report and check the scores of selected Shield games. Back in the day, we all knew a lot more about the up and comers. There's so much sport about these days - it's therefore difficult to keep up. It's always worth at least having a scan through the scores though. Cricinfo or the CA site have all the scores and results. What I do remember is that previously, a batsman needed to bat in the top 3 or 4 for his State in order to be considered for the Test team. Even Walters started off batting 3 or 4 when he played for NSW (before he played for his Country) You may be right about Hughes but after the turnaround of a number of our players this season, you just never know. Plenty have come back after being initially written off. You've previously made mention of a much improved environment and maybe someone of Hughes stature needs that sort of thing more than some others. He has had more than his fair share of chances though

Some good points there 'dl' Watson possibly being injured for the Sydney Test might allow the selectors to revamp the batting order in preparation for the South African series. I threw up Hughes' name to bat at no.3 because I believe the selectors might give him another go. I'd much prefer one of Maddinson, Burns or Silk to be given a chance. Doolan is another possibility. Watson is better suited at no.6 and still offers a fair bit as the 5th bowler (when he's fit!) Shane is a bit of an enigma! I'm not sure any of the players I've mentioned above are going to be the next "Ricky Ponting" but having the all-rounder at no.6 at least has a better look to the order. If Watson is fit, I still believe we need to do something with the no.3 spot. Bailey might have to make way if Watson were to drop down the order (George's form is questionable) I like Bailey as a cricketer but tough decisions have to made if he can't make runs. However, it might still be another unchanged side for Sydney (especially if we win tomorrow) In some ways, this series is done in my eyes but not in terms of where we're heading. I hope we win tomorrow but I'd trade a loss here for a Test win in South Africa. One test win probably won't win us the series in South Africa but it might mean we've made some more positive strides. The 3 Tests in South Africa will be played over a total of 22 days (3 days break between the 1st and 2nd Tests and 4 days break between the 2nd and 3rd Tests) But we never like to lose to England anytime do we? Haddin's 65 in the 1st innings could ultimately prove the difference. Brad is in career best form - a grand effort for a 36 year old.

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

Condolences and best wishes rjay