The Official Ashes 2009 Thread
09 August 2009, 01:05 PM
#212
Pontificating
3 players who should not be at the Oval, or playing for England anytime soon.
Bopara
Bell
Collingwood
And you thought Bell was out of his depth, Bopara makes Bell look like Don Bradman.
Bopara
Bell
Collingwood
And you thought Bell was out of his depth, Bopara makes Bell look like Don Bradman.
09 August 2009, 05:27 PM
#216
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wellingborough
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ramprakash is the best batsman in England period and has been for years !!
You're talking about a 1 shot deal to win the Ashes as sad as it sounds he's are best bet. An experienced test player that average's nearly 40 versus Australia and that is averaging nearly a ton everytime he bats this season is worth a go.
Especially when you consider that the grand total of runs from Bopara Bell and Collingwood was 16 in the whole test match !!
You're talking about a 1 shot deal to win the Ashes as sad as it sounds he's are best bet. An experienced test player that average's nearly 40 versus Australia and that is averaging nearly a ton everytime he bats this season is worth a go.
Especially when you consider that the grand total of runs from Bopara Bell and Collingwood was 16 in the whole test match !!
09 August 2009, 10:10 PM
#217
Scooby Senior
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: England
Posts: 18,358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You don't need to pursuade me that Bell should be dropped.
I'm telling my non cricket loving friends that they must remember that we are playing the best team in the world, it's not like losing to Northern Ireland in the footy. Trouble is, we know that it's the weakest Aussie team in years
I'm telling my non cricket loving friends that they must remember that we are playing the best team in the world, it's not like losing to Northern Ireland in the footy. Trouble is, we know that it's the weakest Aussie team in years
09 August 2009, 11:57 PM
#218
Pontificating
At least he's not a spineless ***** who'll donate his wicket because he hasn't got the ***** for the job.
I'll even chuck Cook in there, he always gets out to a stupid ball, usually caught nudging one to the slips, how many times will he do that before he learns, OK he's young so he'll keep but come on work on that ***** shot son you always look like you're going to get out...
I don't mind losing
, as I have said many times I'll always look forward to the next test with plenty of enthusiasm, I never expect England to win every test, but this is probably the 1st time in 20 years that I'm seriously fooked off with them, purely because of the way the majority played, and the manner in which we lost, Strauss grining on the balcony day one with 7 down did not bode well, even Botham commentated on it, I just can't see Mr steady ripping those guys a new arsehole can you ?
For me Prior, Swann and Broad can hold their heads high, Broad will be a good all rounder if and when they sort his bowling out still young and plenty of time to fix it, he'll get plenty of wicket just needs to be cheaper.
The one dayers just hold no appeal right now
I just hope I'm completely wrong about the Oval, just can't see it happening
I'll even chuck Cook in there, he always gets out to a stupid ball, usually caught nudging one to the slips, how many times will he do that before he learns, OK he's young so he'll keep but come on work on that ***** shot son you always look like you're going to get out...
I don't mind losing
, as I have said many times I'll always look forward to the next test with plenty of enthusiasm, I never expect England to win every test, but this is probably the 1st time in 20 years that I'm seriously fooked off with them, purely because of the way the majority played, and the manner in which we lost, Strauss grining on the balcony day one with 7 down did not bode well, even Botham commentated on it, I just can't see Mr steady ripping those guys a new arsehole can you ?For me Prior, Swann and Broad can hold their heads high, Broad will be a good all rounder if and when they sort his bowling out still young and plenty of time to fix it, he'll get plenty of wicket just needs to be cheaper.
The one dayers just hold no appeal right now
I just hope I'm completely wrong about the Oval, just can't see it happening
10 August 2009, 08:33 AM
#219
Scooby Senior
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: England
Posts: 18,358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having calmed down a bit from yesterday I think we can take something away from this.
We now, at long last, have some batting down the order. If it wasn't for the tail enders we would have been out on Saturday.
I have to agree that Bopara needs to be dropped for the oval. Bell should never be called up again regardless of how well he does at County level. Cook does make some silly shots but he is a quality player. Onions never really did anything but I'm a bit non-committal with him, he clearly has some talent.
As you know I'm firmly of the belief that you support the England cricket captain no matter what. At the moment I am struggling with this though
We now, at long last, have some batting down the order. If it wasn't for the tail enders we would have been out on Saturday.
I have to agree that Bopara needs to be dropped for the oval. Bell should never be called up again regardless of how well he does at County level. Cook does make some silly shots but he is a quality player. Onions never really did anything but I'm a bit non-committal with him, he clearly has some talent.
As you know I'm firmly of the belief that you support the England cricket captain no matter what. At the moment I am struggling with this though
10 August 2009, 08:46 AM
#220
Scooby Senior
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Scotchland
Posts: 6,566
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
.I could probaly do better than Bell (And I'm $hit at cricket)
ps I did once score a run in what can only be described as an England-esce middle order "collapse" - We were 24-0 and 26 all out
.
10 August 2009, 10:46 AM
#221
Pontificating
Calmed down a bit myself lol 
Had to remind the Aussies it was the first test in 8 they've won in England and isn't it funny that you only sing when you're winning, tosser's wouldn't even talk about it in December when the Saffers spanked them here
Had to remind the Aussies it was the first test in 8 they've won in England and isn't it funny that you only sing when you're winning, tosser's wouldn't even talk about it in December when the Saffers spanked them here
10 August 2009, 11:45 AM
#222
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 16,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well what a great 2 days I chose to go watch The Friday was truly shocking. At least on Sat we had Bopara in front of us.... he was getting it all day from the crowd. He's a big time charlie and doesn't deserve to play for England.
The Friday was truly shocking. At least on Sat we had Bopara in front of us.... he was getting it all day from the crowd. He's a big time charlie and doesn't deserve to play for England.
12 August 2009, 08:43 AM
#224
Scooby Senior
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: England
Posts: 18,358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Most of the papers and former cricketers they interview are saying we should keep Bopara but drop him to #5.
Most of the papers I've read have said Bell should be dropped, never to appear again. So they listen to me NOW
Ramps, Key or Trescothick are the only names being mentioned as replacement. Although someone mentioned Andy Caddick
Whoever comes in will be pumped up and ready for it. Imagine being recalled out of retirement for a must-win game. Not just any game but THE game that might win The Ashes. If they play well then they'll be a national hero.
I'm now looking forward to the game but I'm nervous as hell already.
Most of the papers I've read have said Bell should be dropped, never to appear again. So they listen to me NOW
Ramps, Key or Trescothick are the only names being mentioned as replacement. Although someone mentioned Andy Caddick
Whoever comes in will be pumped up and ready for it. Imagine being recalled out of retirement for a must-win game. Not just any game but THE game that might win The Ashes. If they play well then they'll be a national hero.
I'm now looking forward to the game but I'm nervous as hell already.
12 August 2009, 09:10 AM
#225
Guest
Posts: n/a
This is a chance for Fredies Ashes if he comes back from injury to play his last ever Test Match and wins the Ashes with a great bowling display and some big hitting.
I some how doubt it but it would be great to see him go out in style. What more could you need to be ready to give it all that you have left?!
I some how doubt it but it would be great to see him go out in style. What more could you need to be ready to give it all that you have left?!
12 August 2009, 01:16 PM
#226
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Northants. 22B sold, as-new Lotus Omega instead.
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not at all sure if even Freddie's aching bones are strong enough to carry this England team. We need to score some runs and that looks difficult without Pietersen (Flintoff averages 32 with the bat at test level). The bowling's feeble to!
The other players need to at least match their test match averages. This is not the best Australian team to ever grace these shores and we're playing n home turf, after all! As you can see most players are underperfoming. This is the side that played in the last test.
BATTING
Strauss: overall average: 44; Ashes 2009 average: 69 runs
Cook: o/a: 44; Ashes 2009: 29
Bopara: o/a 33; Ashes 2009: 15
Bell: o/a: 40; Ashes 2009: 21
Collingwood: o/a: 43; Ashes 2009: 32
Prior: o/a: 47; Ashes 2009: 40
Broad: o/a: 30; Ashes 2009: 28
Swann: o/a: 34; Ashes 2009: 34
Harmison: o/a: 12; Ashes 2009: 19
Anderson: o/a: 14; Ashes 2009: 17
Onions: o/a: 6; Ashes 2009: 10
Total: o/a: 347 runs per innings; Ashes 2009: 314 runs per innnings
That's 33 runs short per innings (66 runs per test) of what we would reasonably expect from our batters.
As we all know the worst culprits are the batsmen from Number 2 to Number 6. Those guys are "costing" us an average of 70 runs per innings, by not doing what is expected of them. In other words they're pretty much giving the Aussies a 140 run lead for each test match!
BOWLING:
Collingwood: o/a: 56 runs per wicket; Ashes 2009: 75 runs per wicket
Broad: o/a: 38; Ashes 2009: 36
Swann: o/a: 33; Ashes 2009: 68
Harmison: o/a: 32; Ashes 2009: 49
Anderson: o/a: 34; Ashes 2009: 39
Onions: o/a: 25; Ashes 2009: 30
Total: o/a average: 36; Ashes 2009: 50
So this strikeforce is allowing the Aussies practically an extra 140-odd runs per innings, over what the stats would expect!
NB: even Flintoff was only managing 49 runs per wicket with his bowling in the first 3 Tests.
So: we're stuffed then. Even the weather can't save us now!
The other players need to at least match their test match averages. This is not the best Australian team to ever grace these shores and we're playing n home turf, after all! As you can see most players are underperfoming. This is the side that played in the last test.
BATTING
Strauss: overall average: 44; Ashes 2009 average: 69 runs
Cook: o/a: 44; Ashes 2009: 29
Bopara: o/a 33; Ashes 2009: 15
Bell: o/a: 40; Ashes 2009: 21
Collingwood: o/a: 43; Ashes 2009: 32
Prior: o/a: 47; Ashes 2009: 40
Broad: o/a: 30; Ashes 2009: 28
Swann: o/a: 34; Ashes 2009: 34
Harmison: o/a: 12; Ashes 2009: 19
Anderson: o/a: 14; Ashes 2009: 17
Onions: o/a: 6; Ashes 2009: 10
Total: o/a: 347 runs per innings; Ashes 2009: 314 runs per innnings
That's 33 runs short per innings (66 runs per test) of what we would reasonably expect from our batters.
As we all know the worst culprits are the batsmen from Number 2 to Number 6. Those guys are "costing" us an average of 70 runs per innings, by not doing what is expected of them. In other words they're pretty much giving the Aussies a 140 run lead for each test match!
BOWLING:
Collingwood: o/a: 56 runs per wicket; Ashes 2009: 75 runs per wicket
Broad: o/a: 38; Ashes 2009: 36
Swann: o/a: 33; Ashes 2009: 68
Harmison: o/a: 32; Ashes 2009: 49
Anderson: o/a: 34; Ashes 2009: 39
Onions: o/a: 25; Ashes 2009: 30
Total: o/a average: 36; Ashes 2009: 50
So this strikeforce is allowing the Aussies practically an extra 140-odd runs per innings, over what the stats would expect!
NB: even Flintoff was only managing 49 runs per wicket with his bowling in the first 3 Tests.
So: we're stuffed then. Even the weather can't save us now!
12 August 2009, 01:32 PM
#227
Scooby Senior
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: England
Posts: 18,358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Remember Bopara averaged 118.33 against the West Indies and only played 3 matches.
Drop him down the order to give him a bit of confidence, drop Bell and bring back KP although he looks injured again.
Drop him down the order to give him a bit of confidence, drop Bell and bring back KP although he looks injured again.
13 August 2009, 12:44 AM
#228
Pontificating
With all due respect Chris, the W.I are no more than county standard these days, especially with their captain's attitude towards test cricket, and the fact they refuse to play, tbh they're a disgrace to the great history W.I. cricket. Gayle's ego must be on a par with KP's.
I suspect the ECB being the ECB will either stick with what they have or make one sacrifice, the lamb being Bell, they have never been radical.
It'll never happen but I'd like to see Botham and Hussain running the show, how many commentators over the years have said Botham should be in the set up, numerous , change the selection process, have a coach and a manager, coach and captain report to the Manager.
The ECB reminds me of how the RFU was run for years, Old Farts as Carling said, and that comment changed the way the RFU was run, for the better imo, same needs to happen to the ECB, no old boys act going on, we people that are switched on running the show.
I suspect the ECB being the ECB will either stick with what they have or make one sacrifice, the lamb being Bell, they have never been radical.
It'll never happen but I'd like to see Botham and Hussain running the show, how many commentators over the years have said Botham should be in the set up, numerous , change the selection process, have a coach and a manager, coach and captain report to the Manager.
The ECB reminds me of how the RFU was run for years, Old Farts as Carling said, and that comment changed the way the RFU was run, for the better imo, same needs to happen to the ECB, no old boys act going on, we people that are switched on running the show.
13 August 2009, 08:55 PM
#229
Scooby Senior
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: England
Posts: 18,358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
its a crying shame isn't it.
West Indies was always my 2nd favourite test series back in the day. Can't quite believe the attitude of Gayle he should be ashamed of himself.
I see Trescothick has ruled himself out after having had a dream, blokes a total fruitcase isn't he.
1 - 1 and the potential to make heroes or zeroes. I'm going to have to visit the doctor for heart tablets at this rate
West Indies was always my 2nd favourite test series back in the day. Can't quite believe the attitude of Gayle he should be ashamed of himself.
I see Trescothick has ruled himself out after having had a dream, blokes a total fruitcase isn't he.
1 - 1 and the potential to make heroes or zeroes. I'm going to have to visit the doctor for heart tablets at this rate
15 August 2009, 05:43 AM
#232
Pontificating
I've seen the Wii version being slaughtered in some reviews, graphics were poor, game play worse.
X-Box and PS3 reviews faired much better, thank goodness
I was tempted to get the wii version so I could play on line with my mate back home (he doesn't have a PS3) but the reviews put me off big time.
I will order one from the UK because I dont want the Australian commentary team, Tony Greig, do me a favour!! And I'd rather have KP on the cover than Ponting
I read one online review by a guy that didnt like cricket and had never played a cricket game before and he moaned his **** off complaining about the controls, they're the same as the Brian Lara ones, idiot should never have been allowed to review it imo.
Ended up finishing off my Ashes series against the Aussies on Lara 05 last night, 1-1 going into the 5th test 68 runs behind after the first innings, Aussies at 122-2, bowled them out for 215 and eased to my total with 7 wickets in hand
X-Box and PS3 reviews faired much better, thank goodness
I was tempted to get the wii version so I could play on line with my mate back home (he doesn't have a PS3) but the reviews put me off big time.
I will order one from the UK because I dont want the Australian commentary team, Tony Greig, do me a favour!! And I'd rather have KP on the cover than Ponting
I read one online review by a guy that didnt like cricket and had never played a cricket game before and he moaned his **** off
complaining about the controls, they're the same as the Brian Lara ones, idiot should never have been allowed to review it imo.Ended up finishing off my Ashes series against the Aussies on Lara 05 last night, 1-1 going into the 5th test 68 runs behind after the first innings, Aussies at 122-2, bowled them out for 215
and eased to my total with 7 wickets in hand
15 August 2009, 10:21 AM
#233
Guest
Posts: n/a
I reckon the wii version will be alright on multiplayer. In the first test at Cardiff I scored 565 all out by just after lunch on the first day (Flintoff 176) and then had the Aussies bowled out twice (Flintoff 10 wicket haul) to win the test match before the end of first day
I really hope Flintoff plays like that next week.
I really hope Flintoff plays like that next week.
15 August 2009, 11:50 AM
#234
Pontificating
I reckon the wii version will be alright on multiplayer. In the first test at Cardiff I scored 565 all out by just after lunch on the first day (Flintoff 176) and then had the Aussies bowled out twice (Flintoff 10 wicket haul) to win the test match before the end of first day
I really hope Flintoff plays like that next week.
I really hope Flintoff plays like that next week.
, Freddie started it all off for me last night before Jones came in and took the last 5 wickets, man I miss Simon Jone's, so unfair that the guy was so injury prone, one of my all time favourite players if not my favourite bowler of all time, maybe not the best I have ever seen but I loved watching him play, life can be cruel sometimes, 4 years and untold injuries he's still fighting, I take my hat off to him 
Is he in Ashes 2009 ?
15 August 2009, 11:53 AM
#235
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: l'on n'y peut rien
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quality, Freddie started it all off for me last night before Jones came in and took the last 5 wickets, man I miss Simon Jone's, so unfair that the guy was so injury prone, one of my all time favourite players if not my favourite bowler of all time, maybe not the best I have ever seen but I loved watching him play, life can be cruel sometimes, 4 years and untold injuries he's still fighting, I take my hat off to him Is he in Ashes 2009 ?
, Freddie started it all off for me last night before Jones came in and took the last 5 wickets, man I miss Simon Jone's, so unfair that the guy was so injury prone, one of my all time favourite players if not my favourite bowler of all time, maybe not the best I have ever seen but I loved watching him play, life can be cruel sometimes, 4 years and untold injuries he's still fighting, I take my hat off to him Is he in Ashes 2009 ?
16 August 2009, 11:14 AM
#240
Pontificating
You must be bubbling up at that news
Fookin crazy, who which bowler is going to make way for Freddie, Harmison ?, Monty recalled, so do they want 2 spinners, i'm slightly confused now, suppose we wait until Thursday to see who's bowling.
Worst case scenario for you, Bell hits winning runs with a ton !