On Thursday in Cardiff (about 2 miles away from me) the 2009 Ashes series kicks off. We won the Ashes last time it was held over here in 2005, but got fucking trounced 5-0 when we went to Strayer (thats short for Australia if anyone is wondering) approx 14 months or so later.
We will have a better chance than last time IMO as a few of the Strayians have retired but so has possibly our best batsman Micheal Vaughn. I say possibly as his record vs the Straians wasn't too bad. I know both teams have brough fresh blood through the ranks but the greatest bowler ever to play isn't going play for Strayer - and thats Warney. If the King of Spin didnt get you out with one of his deliveries than his gob would probably do the trick.
I love Australia, everything about it other than the creepy crawlies and snakes but sorry to admit I will have very little love over the next 8 weeks or so, until the summer ends as in cricket at least their is no other rivalry like it, oh ok, maybe India and Pakistan as at least we wont go rioting and burning flags if we get bowled out for 102 on the first day.
There has been a lot of talk about the series kicking off in Cardiff and even though I'm biased I can see why. It should be at Lords, its where all the other series starts and this is the biggest. However, the stadium and fans will do this competition proud, excellent facilities.
It'll be very interesting the way this goes, I cant see it being a white wash either way. I can't even call who will be the main men to keep an eye on but as our weather has it at the moment and he is in good form I think the English batsmen should watch out for Brett Lee. He has had his critics recently but proved last week he can bang it in short and knock ya lid off or pitch it up and get ya stumps cartwheeling. Same as any battle if you take the general out you have a chance, thats what England need to do with Ricky Ponting. Flintoff can be the man here, we will miss Simon Jones who was the best player in '05 but Freddie can get it swinging a bit and bowls a decent yorker himself. Wether Fred is fit enough to last a match, never mind the series waits to be seen.
The hype has been getting stronger in the press over recent months and will increase right up to the 1st ball at 11am on Thursday. Strayer are known for this side of the game and past players have been gobbing off in the press for a while now, thats about all they can do other than commentate, it'll be very interesting to see whats written between now and Thursday and from then till the very last ball is bowled of the series. I'd love to be playing in it, Id even stick a hat and a white coat on and go and umpire it just to hear the slating going on.
I predict a Series win for England or a draw, wether we get the Ashes back I'm not sure, but I think it will be close.
As long as we don't start this series like the last one in Strayer we have improved. Harmison straight to 2nd slip
We will have a better chance than last time IMO as a few of the Strayians have retired but so has possibly our best batsman Micheal Vaughn. I say possibly as his record vs the Straians wasn't too bad. I know both teams have brough fresh blood through the ranks but the greatest bowler ever to play isn't going play for Strayer - and thats Warney. If the King of Spin didnt get you out with one of his deliveries than his gob would probably do the trick.
I love Australia, everything about it other than the creepy crawlies and snakes but sorry to admit I will have very little love over the next 8 weeks or so, until the summer ends as in cricket at least their is no other rivalry like it, oh ok, maybe India and Pakistan as at least we wont go rioting and burning flags if we get bowled out for 102 on the first day.
There has been a lot of talk about the series kicking off in Cardiff and even though I'm biased I can see why. It should be at Lords, its where all the other series starts and this is the biggest. However, the stadium and fans will do this competition proud, excellent facilities.
It'll be very interesting the way this goes, I cant see it being a white wash either way. I can't even call who will be the main men to keep an eye on but as our weather has it at the moment and he is in good form I think the English batsmen should watch out for Brett Lee. He has had his critics recently but proved last week he can bang it in short and knock ya lid off or pitch it up and get ya stumps cartwheeling. Same as any battle if you take the general out you have a chance, thats what England need to do with Ricky Ponting. Flintoff can be the man here, we will miss Simon Jones who was the best player in '05 but Freddie can get it swinging a bit and bowls a decent yorker himself. Wether Fred is fit enough to last a match, never mind the series waits to be seen.
The hype has been getting stronger in the press over recent months and will increase right up to the 1st ball at 11am on Thursday. Strayer are known for this side of the game and past players have been gobbing off in the press for a while now, thats about all they can do other than commentate, it'll be very interesting to see whats written between now and Thursday and from then till the very last ball is bowled of the series. I'd love to be playing in it, Id even stick a hat and a white coat on and go and umpire it just to hear the slating going on.
I predict a Series win for England or a draw, wether we get the Ashes back I'm not sure, but I think it will be close.
As long as we don't start this series like the last one in Strayer we have improved. Harmison straight to 2nd slip
