Cricket

[zeb]

That was an incredible game and a wonderful result for NZ cricket. I hope we can get over India tomorrow and make it a host nation final.

[LetMeSleep]

Can't wait for today's game. Should be a cracker.

[Rangi Guy]

Oh look - NZ's choking, who would have thought that'd happen?

[LetMeSleep]

I don't think they choked. Just outplayed with no luck. Good team and its a shame they didn't win it.

[Rangi Guy]

Just saw the odd update - I was watching movies last night.
Full credit to the Aussie team though - they deserve it!

[zeb]

Great game, great result. Commiserations to our ANZAC brothers and sisters.

[zeb]

ASHES

[LetMeSleep]

Too right. I'm calling a 2-1 Australian win. But this first session is massive. We need to get into Cook early. Losing Harris could have a big impact on us.

[zeb]

Australia ahead in the first session, I remain cautiously optimistic.

[William Bloke]

Moeen Ali looks fucking ridiculous without a moustache but with the huge beard. Wtf? Did someone steal the thing?

Maybe it was an England cricket team prank. I remember having an eyebrow shaved off when I was passed out pissed on a Uni basketball trip back in '89. Could be something similar I guess.

[LetMeSleep]

But fuck, didn't he get a wicket when they needed one?

So we were outplayed pretty comprehensively. Sure it would have been a different game if Haddin had have caught Root on day 1 but the cracks are showing. It's a shame that Starc may miss Lords but Siddle will do a better containing job. Watson has to go. We need to look forward with our batsmen now. Bring MMarsh in and give him 4 tests regardless of results.

And Voges isn't looking a great selection now. 36 years too. I hope he gets a few runs at Lords and in the series but his future is so limited anyway.

[William Bloke]

Watson has been a waste of space for at least the last 4 years imo.

Lords will be better - I believe!

[bada]

What's the plural of innings?

[zeb]

Innings.

Eg: "Shane Watson has been underachieving for a number of innings and now it is time for the selectors to do the right thing and drop him."

[Evvo]

Didn't think we'd win that from 43-3 on the first morning, let alone a hammering inside 4 days. Was great to see a buzz about Cardiff with the Test held here last week. Australia have their work cut out for them it seems. Watson's place surely untenable now?

[LetMeSleep]

I can't see him playing Lords. If he does play it'll be his last chance. I hope they don't drop Voges and keep Watson. That'd be stupid. Although Voges will only have maybe 3 tests to prove himself.

This should be an interesting test. Both teams could go either way. To think that Eng were almost 4-43 and were then 2-22 in the second innings. If a crucial moment went the way of the Aussies it could be a very different story.

But that's not to detract from England. They played a very percentage based yet inspired match. Everyone stood up though you could argue no one but Root really shone. If Cook gets going there is the chance of a massive innings.

[zeb]

These Tests definitely seem to go the way of the toss.

It will be outrageous if Watson gets another Test. The selectors really need to bite the bullet for the good of the country. Either Marsh can replace him, I don't care which one necessarily.

[Evvo]

Looks like Haddin is out.

[zeb]

Yep, I think he's at the end of his rope and wants to retire. Probably would have after this series, so as to shield a rookie keeper from this tour.

It will be interesting to see how Neville copes.

[zeb]

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