The Ashes, baby!

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Well the test should have been a draw from day one anyway - to score over 400 in the first dig and not force a draw is ridiculous.

And Ponting wasn't roasted by the Oz media, except perhaps for being a whining hypocritic over his post-match comments.

Anyway, test #2 starts very soon. At our favourite ground. That might well be a different story.

[Sweder]

Anyway, test #2 starts very soon. At our favourite ground. That might well be a different story.

1934 ... last win for the Old Country against the Crims at HQ
The X-Factor is Harmy. Watch that first delivery - bumper to the noggin or catching practice for 2nd slip? I'll be behind the sofa Bubba, in full Doctor Who mode. If Flintoff does hobble out for the 2nd test it'll betray England's desperation. A half-fit talisman is a liability, there being no more ruthless exponent of weakness in world sport than a fired-up Australian cricket team. Stephen Fry posted news last night in the Twittersphere that he'd met Fred at a function where the Great Drinker had pronounced himself fit and certain to start. Flintoff's off-field judgement has been shaky at best in recent times; here's hoping those two more pragmatic Andrews, Messrs Flower & Strauss, rely on more informed medical advice.

Jason Gillespie, over here to promote indigenous Australian cricket, offered an even-tempered response to 'Glovegate', suggesting that he'd have been happy to do whatever it took to survive those final overs. Punters' outburst and the subsequent Pom-like wailing from the Southern Hemisphere simply reflects bitter frustration at failure to secure what looked like, at the end of day four at least, a nailed-on 1-0 lead.

In my view 'Glovegate' saved Pontings blushes. Negative field placings (first Engand innings) and strange bowling selections (last two sessions of the last day) cost Australia the match, not some dubious dithering at the end. Collingwood's vigil and last wicket heroics nothwithstanding England did their best to throw it away but, as with Warnie at the Oval in 2005, the toursists failed to hold the catch.

Gently smouldering discontent from the powers that be at the R&A this week.
Seems The Open (Golf Championship) is always played on the third weekend of July (has been for the last 30 years), yet the ECB slotted a Lords Ashes test in for the same period (both start on Thursday), dividing loyalties amongst the sport-loving public. Given England's woeful track record against Oz at St Johns Wood perhaps the decision was both deliberate and understandable

[Sweder]

Thanks to EG for catching my deliberate mistake - originally posted 'Collimore' instead of 'Collingwood' - an aposite composite if ever there was one. More Colly indeed :o

'Sir' Freddie announced his imminent retirement from the long game this morning, this series being his last (fitness permitting). The arguments will rage over a) his inclusion in the recent IPL series when less than fully fit and b) his perceived desire to become the next Dumbslog Millionaire versus his apparently less valuable test career. (I think the latter point is redundant; Freddie's body can't take five days of full-on day-long pounding. One-day disciplines offer rest days compatible with failing body parts). Wider questions will bob to the surface re: the future of test cricket and which players may follow suit in pursuit of short-term gold over sporting immortality. Flintoff's place in cricket's pantheon is already assured thanks to 2005 and all that.

Aggers, reporting the news from Lords this morning, pointed out Flintoff's rather ordinary test stats - batting average barely over 30, a modest return of wickets costing a hair over 32 runs each. He also acknowledged the Fred Factor over and above mere numbers; the ability to rise to the toughest challenge, to smite furiously with bat and ball when his country needed him most, not to forget those redoubtable bucket hands at second slip.

I wonder if this announcement will galvanise Flintoff and his team mates to step up and 'win one for the Fredster?' England expects ... and hopes.

[Sweder]

A good start from the home side, in part vindicating my previous assessment of the visitors as 'ordinary'. Of course we're likely to be denied a result in the second test, Mother Nature expected to show her wrath at the deluge of sport (The Open, Ashes and La Tour) by unleashing a tempest of her own tomorrow.

I was disappointed to see Harmison heading for Trent Bridge this morning, services no longer required. Having seen Cook and Strauss bat on towards 200** perhaps the selectors knew what is now apparent; this pitch lacks the promised pace & bounce. If that's not the reason we must assume the Durham paceman may not get another chance, it least in this series. Brett Lee, in what might have been reverse psychology, expressed delight on behalf of his team-mates, claiming Harmmy to be a feared opponent on his day. There's a blandness to England's bowling attack (assuming Flintoff can't bowl flat out for fear of further damage). No-one could accuse Harmison of being bland; exciting certainly; erratic, sure. But never dull.

England will need a monster total to defend with the barely tried Onions*, the errant Broad and an as-yet un-tested, patched-up Flintoff leading the way. If the pitch stays true Swann may have more to say, but I can't see this ever getting to a fourth innings when spin on a wearing pitch might pep things up. Go on boys, prove me wrong.

[SIZE="1"]* I don't agree with J. Agnew's assertion that Onions perfomance against the Windies warrants his inclusion. I could have taken wickets against that dispirited, motley crew. I guess we'll see soon enough, but it should be noted that Aggers gets well paid for his insight whereas I'm an event logistics specialist :o

** Curse of the Running Commentator - Cook plumb LBW when set like concrete. Here we go ...[/SIZE]

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

I hope this gives you guys cause to be more optimistic about England's chances ... you're killing us!

Honestly, if you had Simon Jones or Harmison back in form and in the side, you'd be pretty much unbeatable.

[Sweder]

It certainly helped having a close-to-fully-fit Fred chucking grenades down at well over 90 mph, though notable that Jimmy Anderson did most of the statistical damage. England do still need an out-and-out strike bowler (Jones circa 2005 would be just the ticket). Harmison appears to have pissed in somebody's popcorn - if he can't make the side in his current county form we must assume he's spoiled goods in the eyes of the selectors.

Good stuff from Collingwood & Prior on Saturday, making the visitor attack appear toothless and clueless. Flintoff aside I've been unimpressed with bowlers on both sides. There again there's not too much in the pitch and the Aussies, mostly inexperienced in English conditions and using our make of ball, seem to be taking time to adjust. It'll be a different story when Lee's fit.

I'd like to see Strauss give Flintoff a half-hour with the willow before the declaration this morning. Not a shred of sentiment there (albeit Fred's last Lords test appearance); rather a ploy to deny the Aussie openers the luxury of long-term preparation and the (minimal) psychological advantage of knowing exactly when they'll be coming out to bat. Minor details perhaps but in these contests small things make a big difference.

Whatever happens - and you never say never with Australian cricket sides - we're in for some good sport in the next 48 hours. Meanwhile hats off to Tom Watson as he leads the field into the last day of The Open at Turnberry. Much as I'd love to see Westwood (or Fisher) bring it home there can be few who'd begrudge the 59-year-old five-time former champion showing the young pups how it's done.

And therein lies the rub; if a man just weeks shy of his sixtieth birthday can win the top competition in the world can golf truly be considered a sport or, as is often advanced by disgruntled sports fans who believe if one doesn't sweat it ain't sport, is it a game at best and most likely a super-hyped gentleman's pasttime?

Mind that can - oops! Worms all over the place

[Sweder]

Unbelievable grit from the Australian middle order. This match is still very much alive for all three results, the Aussie rearguard turning into an offensive counter-punch. If England want to take series lead they'll have to prize these wickets out of the Tourists' cold, dead hands.
Fabulous stuff.

Meanwhile a truly remarkable scene is unfolding on the Turnberry links. 59 year old Tom Watson is in a sudden-death shoot-out with compatriot Stewart Cink for the Open championship, Lee Westwood the nearly-man once again. Sport, game or pasttime it's compellng stuff.

[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.

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Well played England.

I'm feeling numb.

[Sweder]

Terrific match; well played both sides.
And well played Ricky Ponting. He seems to be the man we love to hate here but he fronted up in the aftermath and paid warm tribute to his opponents when he may well feel his side got a few tough decisions in the game. Class.

Flintoff: irresistible, irrepresible, irreplaceable, immense.
He deserved his five-fer. I can just hear the sound of pub doors slamming in terror all accross London NW8 from here. God help England if they can't keep him fit. The back-up bowlers looked ordinary (Anderson bowled well but Onions was mediocre and Broad, Ponting's scalp aside, poor). This is 'game on' - we'll enjoy a historic victory but tomorrow is another day and England must side-step the laurels and get to work. Australia will bounce back.

Time to 'rest' Pietersen and get a form batsman in the middle order, look for a back-up strike bowler and keep that foot on Oz's throat.

I'm off to the pub

[El Gordo]

It's testament to the game that we entered the final day with both sides having a good chance of winning.

I don't hate Ponting at all. In fact I rather like him. He's made some errors, yes, but that just makes him human. He's a decent man in my eyes. and a sound captain as i fear we will discover in the remaining matches. The Aussies will bounce back for sure. Unless someone carefully manages the reaction to this victory, I can see England having to get thumped in the next test to bring them back to earth. Let's see what Strauss is made of here.

I wouldn't consider dropping Pietersen for a second. He's put in some very ordinary shifts so far, but this just convinces me that he owes us some heroics.

Credit to Australia too. They turned a hopeless position on Sunday morning into a genuine contest, and without one or two dubious umpiring decisions, we could well have been crying into our beer tonight. As it is, let's enjoy this sweet taste of success, as I fear it won't last forever.

[Sweder]

I don't hate Ponting at all. In fact I rather like him.

My mistake; by 'here' I meant England in general rather than RC.
Gore Vidal said something rather ugly about it 'not being enough to win - others must fail'; that seems to apply doubly to Ponting so far as much of the English media is concerned. Actually I'm in agreement with you EG; the man stood very tall at the end of today's match, and should be applauded for that and his leadership by example. The sting of defeat will no doubt spur him and his team on to greater efforts; England beware.

I wouldn't consider dropping Pietersen for a second. He's put in some very ordinary shifts so far, but this just convinces me that he owes us some heroics

Nothing against KP - he's a proven match-winner - but he's clearly carrying an injury.
The Aussies kept stealing cheeky singles to him because they know he can't move very well and I'm certain the injury restricts him as a batsman. It's widely known that he's injured so he can't use a runner (unless Ponting agrees, which is unlikely) and it's debatable that England could replace him in the field for any length of time for the same reason.

The injury has lingered for several weeks. I'd be amazed if he was fully fit for Edgbaston. England need to think about a replacement.

[El Gordo]

Nothing against KP - he's a proven match-winner - but he's clearly carrying an injury.

Ah, my turn to apologise. Was unaware. I've actually listened to very little commentary or comment about the cricket. It's on in the corner of the room with the sound turned down as I work. I occasionally look up to see what's happening but am a bit detached from who's done what in this match. Bad news about KP if true. We are a bit short of 'characters' if he and Flintoff are invalided out.

Bring back Geoffrey Boycott

[Sweder]

Bring back Geoffrey Boycott

He's got a lot better since he retired, dontcha think?

Meanwhile I thoroughly enjoyed the following piece with my baguette and tomato juice this lunchtime.
I have to admire Barnes - he's got the job I'd die for. Here's why: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/c...720947.ece