The third test thread

**English assassin** · 08-15-2005, 10:41

Great series, 1-1 and the third match finely balanced (between a draw and and England win, really. In the old days even having to make a record score you couldn't write the Ozzies off but the batting this series has been fragile at best. Still, its not impossible someone will get his eye in and really fill his boots and then who knows.)

One thing the Ozzies lack (and England too for that matter) is a batsman who can truly turn a match. There are some bowlers who can (Warne, obviously, McGrath, usually, I think Harmison is there too). But if you think of the great batsmen of the past, say Viv Richards or Beefy from my memory, or of course Bradman for all time, until they were out you never, ever, could be sure they wouldn't bash out a quick 150 and turn the game.

I don't think either side has a single batsman close to that class today. Sure, they can get a big score on their day, but none of them have that sense of ever present danger.

**Mount Suribachi** · 08-15-2005, 19:53

Oh man, what a finish!!

I'm exhausted!

Congrats to Ricky Ponting, he saved your canary yellow hides. Truly a captains innings.

But what a test match! In fact, what a series!

This is truly turning out to be an all time classic series, one for the ages. All the aussie players said they wanted a challenge, well I guess they got it.

Pape, you said you wanted an exciting series, I hope the last 2 matches have seen you right

9 days to draw breath now before Trent Bridge. Despite the aussie fightback, I still think England are the favourites, I actually think our top 6 are playing Warne pretty well now - if you look at his last 2 tests, most of his wickets have been the tail. Even Strauss, his "bunny", hit a century.

See you all next Thursday

**King Edward** · 08-15-2005, 20:20

Maaaa!!! 3 whole overs to bowl McWalkingWicket and Brett Lee and we didnt do it!!! Harmisons last over was not the best, 2 waisted balls down leg, you have to make him play Harmi!!!! But what fantastic entertainment!

**tibilicus** · 08-15-2005, 21:47

Best Series in a long time. It's actually been an enjoyment to watch.

**Roark** · 08-16-2005, 01:33

White knuckle stuff.

You should be ashamed of yourselves for not getting McGrath out.

Awesome series so far.

**English assassin** · 08-16-2005, 09:48

Fantastic match and series. Five day test cricket resumes its rightful place as the highest form of sport, and the Ashes as the highest form of Test cricket.

Fair play to Ponting, that was a magnificent and match saving knock, a true captain's innings as MS said.

Bring on Trent Bridge and, best of all, whatever happens there the final match at the Oval will still have meaning for the series. This is about the best Ashes I can remember.

**Revelation** · 08-17-2005, 11:40

Unbelievable! How is the poms are at the top of the bucket now? All those years wallowing in the slops. It must feel good.
Looks like it's the Aussies turn to play the "L" on the forehead for a while. We're not going quite so well in the union atm either.....sigh...
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI