How are you? Recovered from the flogging in the first test? Some really interesting results – form of Ponting and Langer, Hussey continued where he left off last summer; and a very focused Clarke playing for his test spot; McGrath’s form with the ball, lack of impact of Lee and Warne ( even though he bowled well); Gilchrist test batting form continues and the surprise packet in Stuart Clark? Collingwood and Pietersen played so well in the second innings but Harmison looks dreadful – his first up ball will feature on many re-runs through the summer here!! Where will the bowling depth come from to take 20 wickets in 5 days? Very pleased to see both Giles and Jones in the side, though in fairness Jones has not made a major stuff up ( even if he has not exactly starred with the bat). I had thought a small SMS, well done, well played, you were lucky etc might have been forthcoming but obviously the finger had stuffed up. You were certainly not drunk celebrating!! Interesting to see how the ageing Australian bodies respond given how close the tests are – Ponting slight back strain, McGrath feet blisters may be the start of things to come. But with Jacques ( back to back 100’s against England); McGill ( third best spinner in the world currently); Watson as a test alrounder coming back from injury and two young quicks waiting for a chance after blooding, I am confident we have more depth then in UK last year where we needed Gillespie and co to fire. Oh, I forgot, we also have the best tail ender in the world if we need strength as a night watchman ( which only goes to confirm our many discussions in Jameson’s on why Bangladesh should be dropped from test status and why all records against them should be expunged).

Rarely have the mobile phone out of the car over weekends – work is not 7 days a week here and most people would ring on the land line. Cricket is usually radio ( better commentary) with an odd TV at session breaks to watch the replays ( too many ads otherwise). Life here has been very busy between work / travel; renovations at home; gardening, families, social life etc. Lovely time of year in the garden and weather has been very pleasant. From late Nov on very busy with work functions with customers and social functions with neighbours and friends. Pat’s daughter and grandchildren will be here for several days on 16th; Robbie William’s concert 18th; McDonald on 23rd; Xmas Eve BBQ with neigbours 24th; all of Pat’s family on 26th before Melbourne test in a corporate box 27th and 28th with Mcdonald ( not sure if we should sleep in the box or try for a train home?); and then tennis at Australian Open mid Jan in a Corporate box. Some how also need to fit some work functions in between and also friends.

Second Test is at an interesting stage. England have been steady early but probably too slow day 1. They had stated prior to the test they would be happier going to the third test with a draw which belies how aggressive they could be. Harmison has continued to be ordinary; Hoggart has played really well; Giles is bowling for economy but has been predicable; and the partnership between Collingwood and Pietersen has been sensational. Take that out and England would be vulnerable to a loss. Collingwood with 300 runs after 2 tests would have gotten good odds before the series. Ponting failing narrowly to average 200 after two tests ( 199 average to date) has been the backbone of the fightback and Martin failing to impress ( despite excellent form in India and Malaysia ) could see him lose a spot to Watson for the third test if Clarke goes onto to score well today.

So where to today? Ponting still believes Australia is positioned to win. I think if anyone were to win, more likely England with the first session today the key. If Australia bat out the first and part of the second session, then they will score 120 – 150 runs and finish around 460. Gives England a lead of 90 -100 with 4.5 sessions to play. Unlikely they would give Australia a bat so a draw is likely unless they were bowled out in 3 sessions which could see an Australian run chase for 300 from 2 sessions. If Australia were bowled out in < 1 sessions, England could bat for two sessions; chase runs to set a target and leave 3 sessions to try and set up a win – danger is unless the target is > 400 then England could misjudge and lose, or could be bowled out early trying to force the pace. Given 850 plus runs in 3 days for 11 wickets, difficult to see 20 wickets in the last two days given the conditions.

Take care, regards to everyone at the table from Pat and I – roll onto!!
Regards
Ian Dickson

landlord@jamesons-pattaya.com

The Answers for Quiz Last Week

1. When did Bjorn Borg win his first Wimbledon?

A. 1977

2. In golf, who won the 1984 British Open?

A. Seve Ballesteros

3. In 1954, who won the Derby on Never Say Die?

A. Lester Piggott

Jameson's The Irish Pub

proudly presents

T H E A S H E S 2 0 0 6

December ..........................................

Thursday 14th 3RD TEST: Perth 11:00
to Monday 18th

Tuesday 26th 4TH TEST: Melbourne 11:00
to Saturday 30th

January ...........................................

Tuesday 2nd 5TH TEST: Sydney 11:00
to Saturday 6th

Please note: Although matches will be shown live, we will be picking up
the action a few hours into each match due to the time difference with
Australia.

Book your table now to avoid disappointment!