Jan 3-7: 5th Test: Australia v England at Sydney

[Left_Hander]

From Cricinfo:

The groundsman Tom Parker is talking to Mark Taylor on television: "I reckon we're going to get a fair break in the rain in the next 20 minutes or so at the longest. We may get some showers later in the day, but it's not all doom and gloom. Twenty minutes is ample time (to get the players back on when the rain stops)."

Sounds like good news, hopefully the rain stays away.

3.40pm The rain has stopped, and the groundstaff are starting to take the covers off. Good signs!

Looks like we'll have some play soon.

Play will resume at 4:05pm according to Cricinfo.

 

[angryangy]

Hughes played brilliantly for a batsman in rock bottom form, though for some reason, they elected to bowl far worse at him than anyone else. Watson has been playing a lot better and today gave a good demonstration in classical opening batting, so I would say it was more disappointing, even if he lapsed as he is prone to do.

Overall, the batsmen have been a little better than the bowling in these conditions. There's been plenty there for the seamers, but they've had to work hard. Perhaps that was the intent of batting first again; not to shirk away from the challenge after several failures, but to persist and eventually get it right.

Of course, there's a long way to go yet, but the signs have been positive for the batting team.

 

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Are you still here you complete mug? Dunno how many times I have to explain that India never have and never will compete for the Ashes, now begone and watch your lot beat South Africa instead.

Why you always interfere in my matters you filthy Pom ?? You know here in India, we have a syaing. laaton kay bhoot baaton se manana nahi karte this suits for you.

 

[pcfan123]

you sure that's not an Australian saying?

 

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

What's with Australia picking players who aren't born in Australia? What kind of crazy ass team does that? Pathetic.

I'm sure this Usman Khawaja is a nice bloke and all, but if he gets a first baller it'll be the funniest thing i've ever seen in my life.

We are far better than you. We do not go and steal from other countries. You team is a hybrid team.

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you sure that's not an Australian saying?

I am sure, in Australia there they use some other phrases for these Poms

 

[Left_Hander]

Not exactly the start Clarke would of wanted with the bat in his first innings as captain.

 

[Dare]

YouTube - Usman Khawaja 121 v South Australia, 12/12/10 720p HD )

This kid is something special I tell you glad selectors saw the light.

Is that Fleming all over his **** at the beginning?

 

[Left_Hander]

I was just wondering when Swann was going to get the ball.

 

[pcfan123]

Woohoo Swanny! Way to throw it away Usman

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feel bad for his mom though

 

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

I was just wondering when Swann was going to get the ball.

You asked too soon

 

[angryangy]

and it's raining

 

[Left_Hander]

You asked too soon

I have a gift

And right on the rain delay too. That's gotta be disappointing for him.

EDIT: This rain looks heavier than the first delay. I don't think we are going to get any more play, bad light isn't going to help either.

 

[Left_Hander]

According to Cricinfo, it doesn't look like there will be anymore play.

Just thought I'd ask you guys. Who do you think will come out to bat at 6? I personally think that Haddin will. That is also the line-up Channel 9 was given.

 

[Owzat]

Bit surprised to see collywobbles retained, this ridiculous not changing of a winning team business really is n/a when it comes to cricket.

Poor old Clarkey eh, takes his series tally to 152 runs at a whopping 19.00 average. re who should bat six, I'd suggest Haddin has shown most fight with one hundred, three fifties and an average of 54.00. With Beer coming into the side I wouldn't have thought it would be up for debate, the batsman replacing Smith should be coming in at six but for some reason the aussies retained him. With a career average of 23.38 with bat and 51.00 with ball I would have thought trying to integrate him in the side could have waited for a less "must win" match. The Ashes may be gone, but without some substance to the side then the series may be lost too. Quite how Hilfenhaus with four wickets in three Tests kept his place I don't know either

 

[angryangy]

It's easy to see why Hilfenhaus is retained, because even if he's the least deadly of Australia's bowlers, he's safely the steadiest. Though he produces few sudden bursts of wickets, even at his best, he rarely looks worse than his figures. They've come to depend on that workhorse element.