Ah, back in the day when Australian captains would not grimly hold onto the role until their dying breath... when respect for the captain's role was prioritized more highly than prestige and pension. I blame that fat-gutted Mark Taylor.
If things are going in circles, bring on the new Allan Border.
Day 2 is primed to be a big day - I can't say I'm overly optimistic although I'm pleased to see Bollinger back fit and ready to go. Ditto with Harris in place of Hilfenhaus... Hilfenhaus is only any good when the pitch is seaming and the ball is swinging. In my mind, he's a "horses for courses" bowler, one who I wouldn't want to see playing in Adelaide.
Retro.
"Politics are too emotional now. Contemporary culture generally is too emotional, really... I'd rather people looked to the truth." (Neil Tennant)
*edit* 150-run second wicket partnership. I've never seen Aussie looking so defeated. This is like watching England in the Ashes right through the 1990s.
England are a solid team but haven't really had a proper match winner for a while but Cook is on fire and Pieterson is starting to look world class again. Jimmy Anderson and Graeme Swann are excellent bowlers. The main difference between the sides imo, is that England don't have any weak links. The Aussies have a few.
England still have to go on and win the test and we saw what happened in the first game. There is also 3 tests after this but England are looking much the better.
The one massive difference with England since the last tour of Australia, is that they are a team again. After England regained the Ashes in 2005, some of the players thought they were untouchable. It's a completely different dressing room now.
One major plus for England is the wicket keeper. Prior never seems to get mentioned but he is the best keeper i've seen since Jack Russell. He doesn't seem to flap at anything.
Big test now for the Aussies. They need to win at least 2 Tests.
Do the Aussie fans think they should change captain? Ponting is getting slated but what makes it worse, is that he's not contributing with the bat.
I have to say that i think Hussey is one of the best batsman around. A proper player.
Undertaker wrote:Do the Aussie fans think they should change captain? Ponting is getting slated but what makes it worse, is that he's not contributing with the bat.
Yes, I think he should hand the role over to Michael Clarke (it's inevitable, get it out of the way, move on) and that he should concentrate on his batting... and if he can't make the team on his batting contributions alone, he shouldn't be there.
Retro.
"Politics are too emotional now. Contemporary culture generally is too emotional, really... I'd rather people looked to the truth." (Neil Tennant)
