The Ashes 2009
 

The Ashes start on Wednesday in Cardiff. I'm really looking forward to it and reckon we have a good chance of winning them back. The aussies aren't what they used to be and if anything i think we've become stronger.


Some good news for England possibly? Lee is out of the first test - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cric...ia/8135950.stm


My prediction - 3-1 to England.

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

I sort of agree with you - the Aussies are certainly beatable but not sure we have a stronger team than in '05. We have been far too inconsistant (unable to finish SA off at Lord's & losing the next two tests against them, the disaster that was Jamaica). Beating a totally uninterested WI team earlier this year is not a great pointer.

But looking forward to tomorrow when it all kicks off (if that is the right metaphor!)

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

The big difference between England and Australia is that, over the years, they've proved far better at taking their opportunities and refusing to capitulate when the chips are down. I'd like to think that the performance at Cardiff on the last day might be a sign of better things to come but somehow I doubt it. Let's hope I'm wrong and we stuff them! :)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8151402.stm

Flintoff's right to call it a day. It's clearly too much for his body to take but let's hope he can muster up one or two more performances that approach his glorious efforts in 2005!

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Thats more like it England! Aussies 156-8 needing 70 to avoid the follow on :)

Pity about the bad light, it would have been nice to get them out tonight and have another go at the openers.

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

How can they be offered the light when the floodlights are on? :confused:

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Because the shadows and the ball are similar colours apparently, so the batsmen can't see the ball when it's bowled. I don't see the point in agreeing to use the floodlights if they can't play under them, seems pointless.

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Indeed - much better bowling and a few dodgy shots. Now to make it count :)

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

YEEESSSS :D
Go Flintoff :)

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

That's rather good, to have the Aussies flattered on our hallowed turf! :D

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Great performance, it will be a sad day when Freddie retires from test cricket, he will be missed and we saw why today, he's fantastic.

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

There's only one team in the world who could mess up the position England are in at the moment and manage not to win......:D

Surely the little urn is coming home?

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

I hope we bring the ashes home!!!!

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

10 wickets away from taking those Ashes back!

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

3 to go....

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

I only wen`t downstairs to make a brew (havin a fag and brew in the comp room) as it didn`t look like they where getting a wicket soon, then i see this :)

Come-on...

Cheers SB

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Start the car!!

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

All over. England win!!

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

There coming home...The Ashes are back in England one more time!!!

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Yessss :D
A bit worrying at a couple of points but got there in the end :)

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Its a pity that they haven't been live on BBC/Channel4 this year, Sky Sports take all the decent sports but I don't want to have to pay stupid amounts every month for the odd sport I'm interested in.

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Get in...:drunk: :Yes: :clap: :)

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Brilliant!!

Whoever says Test cricket is dead, is a fool.

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

You are sooo right!

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Test cricket may not be 'dead', but it is increasingly irrelevant to those of us who decline the 'privilege' of paying to watch it on Sky Sports.

Well done to the England team, of course, but highlights on Channel 4 don't substitute for watching the ebb & flow of a game, as it happens. For those of us refusing to line Murdoch's pockets it seems that won't change - shame ...

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

I agree homealone... I dont want to pay murdoch to watch test cricket alone. It was far better when Test Cricket was on Ch4 :)

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

At least TMS is still there - they create a fine atmosphere :)

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Cricket on CH4 was a waste of time.They altered the start time,if they played late to make up time than come seven o clock they put the news on.Saturday afternoon cricket alternated with the racing[unless you had Film4]
The high lites programmer came on at midnight plus.
To televise cricket correctly you need a dedicated sports channel.
Sky do an excellent job putting cricket on TV.I know it costs,but if you want quality you have to pay for it

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

I'm not saying they don't do a good job - I'm saying, Would you pay for Sky Sports if you only wanted to watch Cricket once a year and nothing else? Because I wouldn't (don't) as I think its a bit of a waste of money!

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

You could probably subscribe for the month or so the cricket is on and just cancel the subscription when it's not on? It's a bit of a hassle but it's probably worth it to see England beat the Aussies :D

Re: The Ashes 2009
 

Yeah I suppose so - I've just kept live scores with the ECB Cricket App on iPhone :) I might consider subscribing next year...