The Ashes, baby!

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

I have to confess I found the first session so depressing that I focussed exclusively on the Tour de France, particularly with its promise of a change in the lead as they move into the Alps... and what a stage it was! Contador was astonishing, and did to Armstrong, Sastre et al what Armstrong used to do to them in the mountains. And whilst Armstrong played the team role, you felt in any case he could not have matched Contador.

As for the cricket! Well, what a stage it is that has been set for the last day. You'd still have to favour England, especially if Freddy fires again, but it will be quite a fight. Unless it rains we should definitely see a result. The Aussies just don't know how to play for a draw (always f*ck it up if they ever try), so they'll be looking for the runs, and they'll either get them or fall over trying.