*Official* Fourth Test at the MCG

[Woodster]

Originally Posted by BoyBrumby

No doubt in my mind Shahzad is already the better bowler. Not absolutely express, but possessed of the sort of Simon Jones/Shane Bond, slippery, swingy kind of pace. Bowls high 80s/low 90s regularly. Probably our quickest bowler in the squad. Not tall (well, as fast bowlers go) so bowls a wicket-to-wicket line and threatens the stumps a lot.

Reverses the old ball and shapes his deliveries nicely back into left handers before the ball leaves them; with Hussey proved a massive pain in the aris this could be crucial.

Would be surprised if his pace is that consistently high, would have thought mid 80's, slightly nippier than Jimmy may be where you would find him more consistently. Is capable of the odd sharp spell though. Good analysis of him though BB.

[treamcast34]

I can't help but think about what a powerful, choking atmosphere it's going to be for us in the MCG on Boxing Day. A cauldron, colosseum, call it what you want.

I think we're going to get done here, and it'll all come down to Sydney as to whether we retain the Ashes.

[GingerFurball]

Originally Posted by treamcast34

I can't help but think about what a powerful, choking atmosphere it's going to be for us in the MCG on Boxing Day. A cauldron, colosseum, call it what you want.

I think we're going to get done here, and it'll all come down to Sydney as to whether we retain the Ashes.

If I was an English cricketer, I think my ultimate dream would be to walk out at Boxing Day at the MCG, with the Ashes finely poised and a full house creating a cauldron of an atmosphere baying for my wicket. I can't imagine many greater stages than that on which to play the game.

Pietersen will get 150+, am willing to bet my avatar until the end of the Sydney Test on this one. (bet is void if Pietersen is left stranded by a lower order collapse) This sort of stage is made for him.

[Howe_zat]

Originally Posted by GingerFurball

If I was an English cricketer, I think my ultimate dream would be to walk out at Boxing Day at the MCG, with the Ashes finely poised and a full house creating a cauldron of an atmosphere baying for my wicket. I can't imagine many greater stages than that on which to play the game.

Pietersen will get 150+, am willing to bet my avatar until the end of the Sydney Test on this one. (bet is void if Pietersen is left stranded by a lower order collapse) This sort of stage is made for him.

I''d take that bet, but for the fact that I like your avatar as it stands.

[Faisal1985]

Originally Posted by GingerFurball

If I was an English cricketer, I think my ultimate dream would be to walk out at Boxing Day at the MCG, with the Ashes finely poised and a full house creating a cauldron of an atmosphere baying for my wicket. I can't imagine many greater stages than that on which to play the game.

Pietersen will get 150+, am willing to bet my avatar until the end of the Sydney Test on this one. (bet is void if Pietersen is left stranded by a lower order collapse) This sort of stage is made for him.

Yea you smell a slow deck so, yes you can bet on this.


True about the great stage though.

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Originally Posted by Uppercut

Hmm. The only way I can see a draw is if the curator churns out an absolute prank-pitch that's like the Gabba was on day four from the very start. Both teams are bowling a lot better than they're batting at the moment.

Yes, I agree, but I still think a draw is more likely here than it was in Perth. But I agree, it's still pretty unlikely having seen Howard's weather forecast and there was certainly no value in the Draw price.

[howardj]

Originally Posted by HeathDavisSpeed

Yes, I agree, but I still think a draw is more likely here than it was in Perth. But I agree, it's still pretty unlikely having seen Howard's weather forecast and there was certainly no value in the Draw price.

Yep, the draw I'd suggest is rather unlikely for a few reasons:

- The weather is set fair
- There aren't too many draws nowadays except for absolute flat one's like the 1st Test
- Australia will be looking to advance the game considering they won't fancy absolutely needing to win in Sydney

[Marcuss]

Ponting to play, batted for just shy of an hour this morning and Usman's asking for film recommendations for the next week.

[howardj]

Originally Posted by Marcuss

Ponting to play, batted for just shy of an hour this morning and Usman's asking for film recommendations for the next week.

The Aussies will be tickled pink(ie)

[G.I.Joe]

Why are the Aussies training in India's old ODI kit?

[Burgey]

Originally Posted by G.I.Joe

Why are the Aussies training in India's old ODI kit?

Lulling their opponents into a false sense of security.

[Ausage]

Originally Posted by Burgey

Lulling their opponents into a false sense of security.

[TumTum]

Originally Posted by G.I.Joe

Why are the Aussies training in India's old ODI kit?

Wasn't India's old ODI kit lighter?

[G.I.Joe]

Originally Posted by TumTum

Wasn't India's old ODI kit lighter?

It was lighter, then it got darker, and as of last series, it again got lighter, but nearer the darker one than the lightest one.

[andyc]

Originally Posted by GingerFurball

Pietersen will get 150+, am willing to bet my avatar until the end of the Sydney Test on this one. (bet is void if Pietersen is left stranded by a lower order collapse) This sort of stage is made for him.

Will happily accept that (assuming you're talking about 150+ in one innings, not both combined).