5th Test: Australia v England at Sydney Jan 3-7, 2014

[The Charlatan]

Aggers on ABC: Anderson's back in bristling form.

One good session doesn't suggest a return to form. I suppose he also feels that Watto's hundred and 80 odd not out when the heat is off would suggest he's playing well as well?

 

[undertaker]

Ireland should be a test nation. Their best XI is no worse than New Zealand IMO.

THIS!

BCCI and ECB are the stumbling blocks though. ECB won't be able to raid the Irish stocks anymore, like they have with the Suth Effrikens.

 

[undertaker]

You'd hope the ICC would have an amnesty for them.

England are going after George Dockrell as well now. 4 players good enough to play for England, coupled with another half dozen who have been very successful for Ireland against full members. It's time.

England will never be #1 in any sport over a sustained period of time while they continue to not produce their own talent and have half of their team from players of different countries. Little wonder 99% of the best players in the EPL aren't from England.

 

[Timbo]

Look at Smith standing next to Rankin.

Rankin looks like he could step on him.

 

[undertaker]

I'd be happy with at least 250 in this first innings. Anything over that is going to be a huge bonus. Johnson, Siddle, Harris and Lyon are going to have to stay in there if Haddin is still around.

 

[Didgi]

How is Bailey still in the team?

Because persevering with players across a series is a far better strategy than picking them once or twice and dumping them if they aren't an immediate success.

 

[undertaker]

That cut-shot from Smith was reminiscent of Steve Waugh.

 

[Mr Spock!]

Can Rankin and Morgan still play for Ireland?

 

[Timbo]

THIS!

BCCI and ECB are the stumbling blocks though. ECB won't be able to raid the Irish stocks anymore, like they have with the Suth Effrikens.

There was a really good article on Cricinfo over the winter about how the ECB is able to charge a massive premium to Indian TV networks over their summer as there is virtually no competition and they always want live cricket to show - any live cricket - and that were Ireland to get full member status there would be competition devaluing the rights. As a result England are actively holding them back. In addition to raiding Rankin, Morgan, Joyce and Dockrell.

 

[hineyrulz]

Shot!!! Hads is at it again.

 

[Pete Cash]

It's getting a bit silly with Ireland though. They've done more than Bangladesh ever did. There has to be a pathway to test cricket or what is the point.

 

[Timbo]

It's getting a bit silly with Ireland though. They've done more than Bangladesh ever did. There has to be a pathway to test cricket or what is the point.

As Jim Maxwell said on the radio this morning, they are significantly better than Bangladesh or Zimbabwe with a better development system than either, and would probably beat the West Indies or New Zealand in Irealand and be competitive with Sri Lanka in seaming conditions.

They're significantly better now than the last three were when awarded full member status. It's time.

 

[Pete Cash]

Is cook waiting for Haddin and Smith to be really set before bowling the spinner.

 

[Timbo]

Is cook waiting for Haddin and Smith to be really set before bowling the spinner.

I think just quietly he's relieved the quicks have done the job, Borthwick is not as good a bowler as Kerrigan.

 

[Meth]

Shot

 

[Joely01]

Seriously why isn't Haddin batting higher up the order?

 

[hineyrulz]

Cracking shot Hads, and again. He's playing another little gem so far.

 

[Horrie Is God]

I think just quietly he's relieved the quicks have done the job, Borthwick is not as good a bowler as Kerrigan.

:lol:

Poor kid..

 

[hineyrulz]

Seriously why isn't Haddin batting higher up the order?

Because he is doing such a great job at 7??? Why move him just find a number 6 who isn't poo.

 

[Meth]

Haddin is slaying Stokes