Australia has the Ashes safely in its keeping. Nominally, the rest of this series is a ‘dead rubber’, the sort that, historically, Australia did poorly in. But Warne and McGrath are bowing out after Sydney; Warne is on 699 test wickets; McGrath has a point to prove before his last series, the one-day World Cup.
If this series looked forgettable, that forgetfulness has fallen by the wayside now. Australia still has a very good side, and MacGill will fill Warne’s shoes admirably for a year or three. Likewise Stuart Clark for McGrath. But the team – and Australia’s place in world cricket – is changing. Clark is a Sydney University law student, a man who considers the law library one of his favourite haunts. MacGill is a wine connoisseur notorious for reading novels in the dressing room. The departure of two greats will pull us back to the pack as the likes of Haddin and Jaques, Johnson and Tait, find their feet.
These last two tests will thus grant us an opportunity to see the last of Warne and McGrath in the long form of the game. We should treasure it, as do those old-timers who treasure their memories of seeing Bradman bat. The likes of them – especially as they were paired so naturally, for so many years – will not be seen again.
17 responses so far ↓
Shaun // Dec 26, 2006 at 9:05 am
So given the early mail that the pitch will favour the the pacemen, do ya reckon Ponty might give Warney a rest and play 4 quicks?
wrongun // Dec 26, 2006 at 12:07 pm
Well right now the MCG is favouring the bloody rain – pissy Melbourne weather. One of the reasons I refuse to go there except when someone else is paying.
Shaun // Dec 26, 2006 at 8:44 pm
I don’t get the idea of a nightwatchman. Ponting would have been a better bet to see out the overs.
Anway, Warney’s day with 5 fer. A great bowling performance though Lee and Clark also bowled well. If Australia get away to a good 1st innings bye bye England.
And the all important forecast from the BOM.
Forecast for Wednesday
A few showers, particularly in southern and eastern suburbs, clearing during the
afternoon. A mostly cloudy day with a moderate to fresh southwest to southerly
wind
Precis: Few showers clearing.
City: Min 13 Max 19
Thursday Morning drizzle then fine. Min 12 Max 20
Friday Fine. Min 12 Max 24
Saturday Fine. Min 12 Max 28
wrongun // Dec 26, 2006 at 11:36 pm
Warne and 700
And gentlemen in Australia now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whilst any speaks
That watched with us upon Saint Stephen’s day.
Sorry, couldn’t resist. And wasn’t someone else supposed to be doing poetry? Rafe? Rafe?
Bring Back CL's blog // Dec 27, 2006 at 7:37 am
England very disappointing.
A typical slow seamers pitch and they struggled.
Why is Pieterson not at no4?
McGRath unimpressive. Cut the ball too much. Took too long to adjust.
notice recently he slowly goes downhill in a series.
England will get beaten 5-0 if they do not wake up.
Freddy needs to give the captaincy to Strauss to get his game back on board.
Shaun // Dec 27, 2006 at 12:02 pm
Well it seems that England has woken up a little. I was on a train to the airport and heard whispers of a collapse and it is all true! 115/5 at lunch.
Symonds future is at stake. He has a chance to prove his worth and save the innings with Haydos. I’ll check in after I get to the North Coast.
Bring Back CL's blog // Dec 27, 2006 at 3:38 pm
Freddy simply hasn’t a clue when it comes to captaincy.
Doesn’t bring Monty on until it is too late and then lets the batsman have free runs.
He has the game by the tail and then meandered.
always thinks defensive rather than attacking.
Shaun // Dec 27, 2006 at 5:21 pm
Who were these silly people claiming Symonds was not up to test match standard? Why is everyone looking at me?
What a great innings. I missed most of it being in the air but caught the hundred driving from Coffs to Grafton. Good effort and long may Symonds reign at number 6.
wrongun // Dec 27, 2006 at 5:42 pm
He’s taken time to find his feet, but Ponting has always rated him. Very classy knock.
And nice to see you noticed when everyone looked your way Shaun
Shaun // Dec 27, 2006 at 9:58 pm
Reverse psychology. Works all the time.
Now, who should I start bagging next in the Aussie line-up as to grant them success?
wrongun // Dec 27, 2006 at 10:00 pm
Whoever gets picked to replace McGrath.
Nic White // Dec 28, 2006 at 4:32 am
Clark is kinda McGrath’s replacement as they have a very similar style, whoever else makes up the third quick will be there to bring a different dynamic to the team. I reckon we need someone who can reverse swing the ball in England and still be fairly consistent in the not giving away runs department. That way you have a balanced pace attack.
Shaun // Dec 28, 2006 at 4:59 pm
Well, what do we do for the next two days?
Bring Back CL's blog // Dec 29, 2006 at 7:56 am
Symonds is a flat pitch bully.
If the ball swings or seams he hets out as his technique is highly suspect.
England have dissension in the camp.
When the two most battle hardend players get out to manby pamby shots they do not care.
Rain will save the poms in sydney
Leinad // Aug 26, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Best. Spambot. Ever.
Leinad // Sep 5, 2007 at 11:44 pm
F’n hilarious, spam blackmail!
Shaun // Sep 6, 2007 at 10:35 pm
you’re right Leinad. This post is some weird spam attractor. I’m tempted not to delete as it is perversely fascinating.