Don't give up your support for the Baggy Greens

The loss at the MCG was a painful one and the Urn has been retained by England.
Their performance was an outstanding one and their seamers executed the perfect plan of patience, accuracy and dominance to the point where you could sense the next wicket was coming anytime soon.
They exposed our batsmen's weakenesses being complacent shot selection and the inability to be patient, lock down and face the music until the ball would wear down. The number of caught behind dismissals or inside edges onto the stumps is always a good indication of disciplined bowling via a perfect line just outside of off, while it was even better as all the English seamers managed either late swing or slight deviation in the air with their deliveries. Hitting this line brought about the edges (both back of a length or slightly fuller) and this uncertainty generated a few bowled victims.
It was a brilliant effort and their batsmen were benefitted our bowlers being vulnerable yet again with far too much pressure to attempt a decent defense with a first innings resulting in 98 all out.

Peter Siddle was the bloke who did little wrong during the test. He played his heart out with the bat in hand and you could clearly see his emotions when his test efforts came to an end after a determined slog out alongside a very driven Brad Haddin (named our Vice-Captain), who was left stranded in his best efforts to not give in. Sids also claimed 6 wickets with a similar bowling display to the English bowlers.
He probably could have done with some better back-up but even though he had Ben Hilfenhaus send down another tight spell of bowling, the wicket taking was dry for Hilfy and Mitch and Ryano weren't effective. Ryano has more troubles after an injury took him back and has cast him out of the series as well a doubtful World Cup candidate, which is a devastating blow to our side given he's one of our most outstanding limited overs performers.

Our batsmen didn't look comfortable at any stage of the game. Michael Clarke was lucky to have not been stumped, Punter was clearly outplayed with pressure more than likely hammering his confidence which was very hard to watch given he is a bloke I admire so much and Phillip Hughes just couldn't settle into his own technique to graft out a decent innings.
In all fairness he wasn't helped out by Shane Watson who has been the candidate for a number of unnecessary run outs. He ran Phillip out in a daft attempt of a single but I respect Watto for coming out and apologising for this. He wasn't all 'politically correct' and admitted fault in a way that supporters can atleast understand.
I think Watto needs to work hard as his continual efforts, which are usually very good, need to become brilliant in the sense that he has to find a way to start converting these fifties into centuries. He is our cement at the top of the order but without Simon Katich, our real hard grafter, Watto has to find a way to keep going. He's done a fine job but as an opener I remember Matthew Hayden once stated your job isn't done if you only getting a half-century.

I find Michael Clarke is often too formal in his comments, bland and tries to hard to be 'the nice guy of Australian cricket'. We don't need this and this is where the public issues come forth with him being our potential Skipper. I honestly think the opposition are awaiting this as there's little intimidation with Pup taking the reigns and I firmly believe Australia needs hard arsed characters in the leadership ranks. Allan Border, Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and Punter. They all have a very rough trait. We need a bunch of tough bastards in our side who will have the grit and courage to take this team to a new level and move on past these issue.

Michael will be Captain (43rd) with the news that Punter will not play in the final test due to an injury. I also think this is a chance presented to Punter that will allow him time to contemplate his cricket, think about his future and hopefully come back to rethink where he should appear in the batting line-up.
So, I do wish Pup all the best in his first test leading the Australian cricket team. It's a tough time to be taking on the Captaincy but I do think this is, believe it or not, a good decision for Punter particularly. So I spare a thought for Pup also noting his form has been shocking. Maybe these extra responsibility will spark something, while also remembering it's at his home ground.

Look at Jacques Kallis and even Sachin Tendulkar. They had a very, very rough run a few years back. Kallis in particular became highly inconsistent and was offering very little. The number three role (like Punter) became a burden on him as his reflexes and natural instinct let him down. He still had the class and the ability but he wasn't in the right place. After lots of debate and public outcry for him to sacked, he simply dropped down the order, opened up another opportunity for someone else (Hashim Amla) and now look at Kallis' form. Sublime. Tendulkar is the same too as at once stage it looked like he was at an end and suddenly he's been booming again with more records going onto his CV.
Punter should drop down the order, he should contemplate his role as Captain, but one thing that is certain is he shouldn't step down from cricket until this has been trialled and tested. I look at these two players in particular and it tells a story. I believe Punter has alot to offer and as such a looked up to leader, keeping him within a leadership role would be great for the team.
This is what I'd like to see, but I don't want supporters to give up on him.
Many of us dismissed Michael Hussey (although there was justification for this as his poor run went on for two years) but he found that his strengths in limited overs cricket were transferrable to his test form. His failed at the MCG, which we were expecting, but he's had a wonderful series.
Don't give up on Punter.

The last thing I have to add is that the series isn't over. Yes, the Urn has been lost and the objective was to win it back. Reality is there is one test to go and England lead 2-1. We need to back the boys, support them throughout the test no matter what. Even though these batting collapses are sickening and the Selection panels daftness and stubborness makes us bloody angry, the XI guys go out there are still representing the team we support and have done through the highs and lows. This is where a true supporter MUST stand up.
We will come out of this. I do strongly believe their is a disharmony in the camp behind the scenes which we don't see. I do believe in an overhaul of both selectors and staff but I think an effort to find a core group of 15 players (both young and old, selected on form or a substantial first class record) should be selected. This will provide some sanity for supporters.

I still have a problem will Michael Beer being drafted into the side when Nathan Hauritz has returned to State cricket, played well, has played against England, has been making runs and getting wickets and would have a chance to play on his home ground.
Other news is Usman Khawaja (NSW) has been called up to the side, almost certain to debut (another Baggy Green, but atleast there's some proof of worth) and Doug Bollinger (NSW) returns to replace Ryan Harris. Doug should thrive with his home crowd behind him.

If we can win at the SCG it will be drawn. The Urn is gone but a drawn series still appears better than say 2-1 or even 3-1! Our guys need the support now more than ever, especially with a limited overs series to follow ahead of a World Cup which we have to defend in a continent that isn't an ideal hunting ground.
Show your pride in the Baggy Green, if you go to the SCG (two of our contributors will be there) cheer loudly, try be positive and let's hope that the taste of victory will return.

We lost, we try to move, so apologies for the lack of posts, but I wanted to ensure my above comments were constructive.

SCG SQUAD:
Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Michael Clarke (Capt), Michael Hussey, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (Vice-Capt), Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger, Michael Beer

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4th Test, Day 3: Not too sure how we analyse it

As I sit here typing, my apologies for a lack of input over the course of this game. If you have been following my tweets on Twitter I haven't been finding this easy. Australian Cricket means alot to me and having been backing the boys through thick and thin, I can't lie and say it's easy to witness our state of affairs.
Losing the Ashes is like a kick in groin. Can't explain the pain but damn when it sets in it isn't great. Just a game? For some but I just know what measures are going to be taken to rectify these growing issues within the camp.
Politics, behind the scenes dramas, a complacent Coaching staff, a bunch of players not feeling value over their spots in the side, leadership frailties?

It was pleasing to Peter Siddle bowl a wonderful spell of all out aggressive bowling to the Poms. His figures of 6-75 was quite an achievement amongst the mess at the MCG. His home crowd loved it and he was a machine. I have always said Pedro has this burning ambition and intense pride in his duties for the Baggy Green. I wish more could take a page from his book. His just did what has brought him so many wickets. Banging it in hard back of a length, following through, showing his aggression and steaming in no matter what the situation. Always gunning it, what a bloke. Add two catches to that, he really did well.
Ben Hilfenhaus finally found a breakthrough after a very good return spell to back Peter Siddle with a better line and length and after never ending bad luck walked away with 2 wickets.

Ryan Harris also fractured his ankle and Punter had another failure with the bat and is in an even more horrific position. Hopefully Ritchie Benaud doesn't have a heart attack in the commentary booth seeing this carnage unfold.

A lack of opportunities were presented and a spree of bad luck with decisions and circumstances really took its toll on our guys. As for the Punter scenario? The bloke is operating under immense pressure, heavy criticism, on the verge of a serious blemish to his cricketing CV and faces an uncertain career. After being such a legend and good representative of Australian cricket, I do get angry with the way he gets hammered in the media. Doesn't deserve it but I think the whole side (including the NSP & Coaching setup) has alot of PROPER questions to answer to inform the public why things have turned out the way they have.

I feel sorry for this side as they are in for a very tough time from the media. They're going to be baited. It has already begun. This site is a supporters site so you won't find a written attack on our guys but rather just stating the facts and as you will gather, the lack of input should give you an idea how disheartening the performances have been. I don't want to be a negative moaner. Easy to kick a team when down.
On that note, I leave you with a comment that was posted on the site but a reader. While being short and to the point, I think it was a fair comment to make.
Hads & Steve Smith are grafting away at 5/154, still trailing 261 runs. Too much to do? Yes, Stevo has been bowled by Anderson. The Urn has been tossed away given courtesy of a start to the Boxing Day test with a mammoth 98 all out. Needn't look further.

'Australia has been riding the crest of the wave for a long time. Whilst they have fantastic training academies and strong domestic teams - and therefore a great pool of players to draw from- something has / is going horribly wrong.
All teams fall from grace at some stage, usually because players have been left in the team / squad for too long, with no new blood being brought in as none is available. I think that the board of selectors needs to take a good, long, hard look at themselves. Stop being pedantic about selecting players from certain states and stop bowing to pressure to keep players in the squad / team. Sadly Punter's prima donna behaviour today will further enforce the belief that he is on borrowed time. Heaven help us if Pup is made Capt - he has no back bone and is not a leader. It's time to face facts: hopes of regaining The Ashes are barely a glimmer on the horizon, the World Cup is around the corner and I am not too hopeful about that either. No, it's time to start rebuilding the Team and National Pride. Like the Phoenix, Australian Cricket will rise from the ashes (pardon the pun) to reign supreme at the top of the log in all forms of the game again.'

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4th Test, Day 1: 98 all out, what to say?

Normally my analysis is lengthy, not today.
98 all out on an even surface for both bat and ball. Yet another batting collapse and 80% of it can be owed to daft shot selection and, in all fairness, some outstanding back of a length bowling delivered between James Anderson and Chris Tremlett.
The deviation on the ball wasn't much and pace wasn't really a factor, but a simple observation you could see by simply keeping it back of a good length, banging it hard into the deck and relying on the breeze, overcast conditions and top condition ball to create the deviation, which was enough (clearly) to stun our guys.

Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting's Ashes woes continue, concerning given they are our seniors and it was expected that Michael Hussey and Shane Watson would finally slip up somewhere during the series. Disturbingly it all happened in one innings!
Watto was dropped twice but he didn't look like he was going anywhere anyway, so when he was finally cleaned up by a back of a length delivery it was the end of his Boxing Day. Quite a contrast to his 2009 Boxing Day test.
Phillip Hughes looked decent against the short bowling but got out playing to his strengths. He could have easily left it.
Ricky Ponting looked like a bloke who was down on his luck and is out of answers. All he can do is smile and march on hoping something turns around. I will never resort to slamming Punter's cricket because he's a legend in my books, but fact is if he weren't our Captain he'd be a goner. That's not the first time this series he's been out just half-heartedly fending one. He also nearly found some legside edges too!

The middle order wasn't much better where the caught behind dismissals continued. You could almost predict the fall, which is a terrible place to be as a supporter. Imagine what it's like for the team, more so their Coaching staff?
The Boxing Day test lost the hype within the first session. Such a pity and the worrying reality is that after our brilliant efforts at the WACA (still owed to particular players) the Urn has slipped away on Day 1. I'm not saying we're down and out, but this is a situation that would go down as one of the greatest tests if we can draw it, let alone win it!

England will sleep easy tonight, the Barmy Army will rest the vocal chords and the Baggy Green boys will be in for a very testing day tomorrow.
No wickets down, getting close to a 100 runs lead and our bowlers can't really be blamed. The pitch is now a decent batting track and our batsmen have once again exposed our bowlers to a situation where they are operating under severe pressure from ball one.

Game is still on, but I am curious to know what the reply will be too, "I'm hitting the ball really well at the moment", "Happy where my game is at", "I just need to go out there and get the runs on the board." Things have to turn around. The battle to regain the Urn just got a whole lot tougher.

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Thoughts ahead of a big Boxing Day Test

All I can say is it's going to one hell of a tough test match! A massive crowd expected at 'The G' (90 000 plus!) along with some serious rivalry as both supporters and teams go head to head with this Ashes series still alive, but England are safely sitting in the best position right now...which makes me eager to see how our guys come out. Would love to see that ferocity and tenacity we saw last test match. But here are some of my thoughts ahead of the MCG.

Ricky Ponting has been in a very difficult position with his batting lately. The stats indicate one thing, but it seems that in all fairness he has been getting out to either some really clumsy shots or flashing complacently at some rather good deliveries. I firmly believe if Punter can survive a session where he can overcome a spell of 50 deliveries sent his way, that's all he'll need to cash in. Boxing Day has always been a special stage for Punter. This time around we need his brilliance!
While he has been struggling to the average onlooker, no doubt Punter knows where his weaknesses lie and that incredible saying always comes to mind when he see a champ like him go through what is the true essence of Test cricket. That is, "form is temporary, class is permanent." I also believe Punter has represented Australia in 99 test wins during his career of 151 tests. A win here seals 100!

Michael Hussey has been our anchor. However he is destined to have a hiccup at some stage and for this reason we can't continue to see our hopes rest upon his shoulders. He's managed to take that aggressive rescue mission mentality into his test game and suddenly we have been priviledged to see a wonderful cricketer bring up two outstanding centuries and display his class. Again, "form is temporary, class is permanent." If Huss can deliver some more for us, who'd complain? But the fact is we need Punter and Michael Clarke to deliver the goods with the blade in hand. We desperately need it in actual fact. Both of them are captains of industry with their skill, I just hope the boxing day test brings the best out in them.
A bit sick of hearing the talk of, "I've been hitting them really well", "I feel really good about my game", etc. Get out there and give the Poms hell now! I also think Graeme Swann has a chance to make a mark on the series this Test.

Shane Watson scored his maiden-century during last years boxing day test following two nineties during the season, one against the Windies, the other against Pakistan in the same test he finally reached a memorable milestone!
His form has been good and he's our cement at the top of the order, but we desperately need him to carry on. Even though he got another ninety last game (95 LBW), he did the job but I think it's that conversion rate of half-century to century we need to see him overcome.
Michael Slater is the most obvious guy who comes to mind in this regard and Steve Waugh as well, but Tugga found out how to overcome the mental baggage. Watto needs to learn his way to overcome this.
Will be good to see him send down a few overs.

I strongly believe if our batsmen get some good runs on the scoreboard it will solve 60% of our worries with a bowling unit that is might fired up, and why shouldn't they be?Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson (man-of-the-match for his figures of 6-38) were unbelievably bloody awesome, but they were well backed up by Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus.
Hilfy has been unlucky in my opinion and should he play, I do expected something special from him. Phillip Hughes for that matter is going to do something valuable up top. I think his technique will always be questionable at the elite level, but I think faith in the selected players needs to be shown by all supporters sometime and I really do expect something from Phillip.

Drifting off topic a bit there, but yeah, I think the bowling is the risk.
Do you:
a) Bowl the same pace attack that worked at the WACA?
b) Bowl the same attack but make extra use of Michael Clarke, Steven Smith & Shane Watson?
c) Debut Michael Beer and just handout another Baggy Green to a spinner who has little credibility, although the one thing in his favour is being from Melbourne, if that counts?
d) Bring back Nathan Hauritz to fill the role who has also been batting so damn well. Where did that come from? He won't get picked but he's doing exactly what he needed to.
He's taking wickets, getting runs and last Boxing Day test he delivered a 5-fer I remember very well.

I think going with B is a good option, but let's see what the NSP does. What do you all think?If our guys get verbal out there (what a relief to see that was) and play their hearts out with a side that really embraces the mentality as an elite team, we can win this!
Here's to the Boxing Day test, it will be a tough graft.
The pitch will be slower and even though I think Hauritz would have been a wise input, Michael Beer may have his debut awaiting. Option C seems more realistic from a selection perspective.

The situation: Series poised at 1-1 with two tests remaining.
Australia; require two wins or a draw from the remaining test matches to regain the Urn.
England; require one win the retain the Urn.

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KFC Big Bash fantasy league (Fox Sports)

Playing fantasy cricket is alot of fun, if it is State cricket.
I never bother participating in International fixture fantasy leagues because the thought (and common sense you have to in order to get enough points) of selecting other International players (England) in my team is unnacceptable.
This is why State Twenty20 fantasy leagues are alot fun.

Myself and a couple of Twitter followers (as well as some of the Baggy Green contributors) have created our teams and joined our own league to battle it out for the KFC Big Bash 2010/11 fantasy league at Fox Sports.
It's quick, easy and will provide some good fun over the Twenty20 series.

* Go register yourself and join in by CLICKING ON THIS LINK to go to Fox Sports.com.au

* If you wish to join our league, once your team is created, use this code: 5418-670


AUSTRALIAN CRICKET NEWS?
The Boxing Day test is near, but not much to report other than Usman Khawaja has been called in as stand by for Ricky Ponting. Still think David Hussey or Cameron White would have been suitable given their home ground knowledge and reputation to the Poms, but Khawaja has been consistent and is in good form.

A reminder on the situation. It is currently 1-1, three tests down, two to go.
England require one win to retain the Urn, we require two wins or a win and a draw to regain the Urn.
I tip us to win the Boxing Day test, while the SCG will see out a draw. The batting is the key as if that clicks it will ease pressure off our bowlers even more. The batting has been letting us down (as it did in 2009, courtesy of inconsistency).

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3rd Test, Day 4: Remembering the feeling of victory

What a job from our boys, what a fight and I am sure I write on behalf of all the guys at the Blogsite that we're mighty proud of the team. To make a comeback is one thing, but to do it as they did after the Adelaide thumping was really inspiring.
We're not home yet as we have to win atleast every contest from here and not lose any other. I believe we can win the Boxing Day test match which would put my 2-1 prediction on top, but this feeling of victory can be dismissed quickly but I'm not going to get too ahead as I'm feeling so damn good right now. To be on the winning side again is very refreshing. Yes!

To roll England for 187 and 123 indicates our bowlers were the match winners, but where our fielding has been terrible this series, all the basic things I observed in the 1st two tests that were out of place were quickly pulled back up to the elite standard. The catches were taken (some terrific ones), the energy in the field was inspiring and our bowlers kept it simple but backed each other so well. Short ball attacks, patience by hitting a good line and length, control of the swing and a very verbal bunch of bowlers, it was a turn around.
Ryan Harris bowled with high energy and walked away with 6-47 which sealed the deal for us and Mitchell's spell of 6-38 started things off for us. Mitch displayed his X factor as he also played a crucial innings on Day 1 to score 62 runs on the back of Michael Hussey's 61.
Mitchell's rest paid off and to hear the crowd right behind him was important. That is something Mitch needs and as that confidence returned you could sense England were realising they were facing a man that they had not faced. Mitch on his day is a devastating cricketer for the opposition and he proved it.
Man-of-the-match with figures of 9-82 (6-38/ 3-44) and a long awaited return with the bat to score 62 runs. He lead the way and if he is playing well, every team member feels the wave.

Ryan Harris wrapped things up bowling back off a length and that wicket when Matt Prior fell was a crucial moment and Huss of course took one hell of a catch at gully too as he charged in some snatch the catch. When he bowled fuller, it was more a surprise than anything as he bowled Anderson and had Bell LBW.
Mitchell had 1 more wicket when he bowled Swann while Hilfy had his contribution on Day 3 where he bowled a tight spell of bowling and removed Pietersen. It opened the door for our two spearhead bowlers to win the match.
They closed up shop alot quicker than I expected, not that I'm complaining. It was needed because we've definitely seen the bowlers struggle to wrap up tail-enders.

A last mention is for Michael Hussey. I had a say about Watto on Day 2 but Huss has been incredible. It really is astonishing how he turned things around for himself but he's been epic, absolutely epic. We all knew the ODI cricketer was in a good place and it seems he has, after many battles, been able to implement the tactical aggression into his test game and it's working. You just have to see the power he puts into his cross bat shots and confidence as he almost glides on his feet to the ball to play those cover drives. 61 and 116, what more you want from him under the circumstances where our top order hasn't been at all convincing. Well done Huss!
Leading run-scorer of the 2010/11 Ashes thus far and two centuries to his name.
His batting looks better than ever and please may it continue till the end of Sydney.

Ahead of Boxing Day, the potential side will be dicussed with Phillip Hughes looking well out of it (very unfortunate cause I was excited for his return), what of Punter's finger injury and what about the top order? Hopefully Punter makes the MCG game (finger fractured) but most importantly hopefully we see our Skipper get some runs, same for Pup.
For now, look and the positives and if you are a supporter of the Baggy Green, enjoy the victory. 1-1, series is level, for now!
Also, I have no issues having Mark Taylor in the commentary seat for every exciting moment that happens. Watching some footage of the other days play, classic Tubby!

Ryan Harris gets the big wicket of Ian Bell and charges down the track on his way to a spell to wrap up the WACA test.

© Getty Images, Courtesy of Cricinfo.com

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3rd Test, Day 3: What a day for the Baggy Green!

A century from Michael Hussey, a strong contribution by Shane Watson (missed out on another century) and an incredible spell of bowling from our seam bowling unit.
5 wickets is all that stands in our way to go head down to the MCG with the series level at 1-1. Tomorrow will still be hard work with Ian Bell and Matt Prior to bat, but if our guys are patient like they were today, it could all be over in reasonable time.

Michael Hussey, I don't know how he's done it. After being so inconsistent and having a torrid few seasons (which he did state would come his way at some stage) he has just clicked into sublime form and if you saw his innings, you should have been mesmerized! His confidence can be indicated by one shot alone and that's the pull shot. Raw power and insane bat speed produced some of the finest displays of pull and hook shots I have seen let alone from this man, but just over the years of watching cricket. It was no surprise that that was the shot that brought up his 13th test century, his 2nd for the series and he is comfortably in the top of the run getting list. As he charged down the track he roared, "Get in there, yeah!" Dammit, you had to roar in delight with him. He saluted the WACA crowd, who really have been brilliant and at the best of times have drowned out the Barmy Army.
Good on ya Huss, I write it yet again and I am so glad to be able to write such positive expressions about a cricketer I am so fond of and to see him find some outstanding form after such a disheartening period of batting.

Shane Watson lucked out on another century. Not too much to say about Watto other than he is our rock at the top of the order. The starts are very frustrating that he so regularly gets but rarely builds upon for a big score. He still has just 2 centuries to his name, but he deserves the recognition for a, as mentioned yesterday, determined century. That LBW was a bleak one.

The magic continued though when our seam bowlers took to the field. I was nervous about debuting another spin bowler at the WACA, especially being Michael Beer. No disrespect intended but I am over seeing debutants expected to spin us to victory.
So I was content with the four seamers, with the knowledge that Steven Smith is capable of sending down some overs while Watto is a recognised break through bowler.
But seeing our seamers do another brilliant job out there was a HUGE relief.
It started off with Ryan Harris getting Alastair Cook LBW on the crease (the old Cook returns as pointed out by a Twitter follower).
Ben Hilfenhaus ensured that he kept things tight and made any chance of run scoring hard for England. With Strauss and Cook obviously complacent, Hilfy kept a good line outside of off while bowling alot more short pitched bowling than usual, a tactic that is clearly working between these four seamers.
Ryano got things started.

Mitchell Johnson came on and after that glorious spell where he took 6/38, it was time to see what he could do. He already has two wickets to his name and the big one was Strauss. He bowled it alot fuller, Strauss was batting with a split mindset and he went for it, got the edge and Punter took a superb catch in the slips. What a moment, what a wicket!
Ben Hilfenhaus was next in line as he finally got the wicket he has been searching for since the 3rd ball of the Gabba test, it was also his 50th Test wicket. He has bowled very well, but has been unable to get the wickets he's deserved. A bit unlucky? Perhaps, but there were some good observations made by the 9 commentary team regarding his approach to the crease and where he has been executing his deliveries. Very valid. But the relief was just seeing him not only get a wicket he's been working hard for, but it was Kevin Pietersen. Pushed a ball wide of his body and the patient, tight line paid off.
Peter Siddle did his job with an intimidating spell of bowling.

Mitch delivered one more wicket for us when Trott edged one as well. He was looking very in control Jonathan Trott and was playing his shots freely. His free flowing shot selection is what nailed him as he departed for a pretty well played 31 when he edged the delivery to Ricky Ponting in the slips.
The worry though is the way the ball slipped out of Punter's finger tips, which Brad Haddin calmly saved to ensure the wicket was a given.
It looked like the ball probably nicked Punter on the pinky finger (which stings really badly and instantly 'spasms' your finger) but I am sure he will be fine tomorrow, but hard to judge from your tele.
Hopefully nothing too serious. It's his birthday tomorrow so if he can make it out there and if our guys can pull this game off, it'd be great because it keeps us in the Ashes.
The last wicket came on the last ball of the day. James Anderson refused a single on the 5th and it was so great to see it backfire when Paul Collingwood ALSO edged the ball where Steven "The Sherminator" Smith took a screamer! Diving to his left he took it low and it was a real action shot. Took me a while to calm down after that catch was taken and Ryano stormed down the track to greet his Baggy Green teammates.

What a day of cricket and with two days to go, it could all be over by the 4th. I am not going to over hype things as we still have a few very good batsmen, one who is in fine form, but we're definitely on schedule.
My prediction of a victory at the WACA may soon be a reality.
Come on the Baggy Green!!!

Huss celebrates his 2nd century of the series. Splendid moment! Just seeing an image like this will make every Australian supporter smile.

© Getty Images, Courtesy of Cricinfo.com

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3rd Test, Day 2: Mitch shows England his other side

What a day of test cricket. Starting off I was a bit concerned having seen how outstanding England have been over the last two matches with regards to their batting, especially Alastair Cook. Fortunately, after being left out of the Adelaide squad, our X Factor Mitchell Johnson decided it was time to show England the side of him they yet to see.

6-38, absolutely bloody insane! In 2008 he delivered that brutal spell to the Proteas, which won't be forgotten despite the result of that game. This time around he was bowling with that same intent. Pace, aggression, determination, brutality and intelligence. His control was quite something but most importantly was the deviation he was getting! Late inswing to the right handers and with a good variation (which was justifiable given he had the best control he's had in ages) he really made life tough slogging out there for the Poms.

Three LBWs that were as a result of fast paced, full length bowling saw the end of three dangerous English batsmen. If it were to happen again we'd be on track to winning this game, but it was just so special to see Mitch get wickets again. Six wickets! I didn't see that coming but I just had a good feeling he'd deliver the goods.
I enjoyed the short bowling spell that was delivered between all of our seam bowlers. Mitch was lethal and then when he managed to bang them in at a good length it just totally baffled the English middle order. What a sight! His consistency and control was brilliant too.
Congrats to Mitch and it's great to have him back. Perhaps that half-century was a big element to get his confidence bar right up to the top?

England have finally seen the mean side of Mitch, but we will need another display come the 2nd innings.

Peter Siddle's initial display of short bowling was highly ineffective. However, when he just adjusted his length, he was getting them right in and the ribcage which was cramping the batsmen for space, especially when he was clocking it in at pretty effective pace.
The way he got rid of Matt Prior was so awesome. Smacked him in the grill, which certainly would rattle any batsmen (and be damn loud too!) but then another follow up cramped Prior, who lost total control of the shot and after hitting him on the body we had some luck go our way as the ball displodged the bail by rolling into leg stump.
Pedro and Prior exchanged some pleasantries soon after. Probably Prior along the lines of, "Meet you for a beer outback (gestured by pointing) mate to discuss the game and life in general."

Ryan Harris and Ben Hilfenhaus complemented each so well, on the topic of short bowling.
Hilfy was damn unlucky to not get a wicket. He is still searching for that 50th one, but he was certainly not a passenger out there. He regularly beat the outside edge, kept the English batsmen alert, created pressure by containing them at his end and when Ryan Harris started to come right after a few crappy spells, the way they worked as a team was so good. It was enough done from Hilfy's part to ensure England were struggling which allowed the golden opportunity for Mitch come back in and do the job as a true spearhead bowler.
Ryano was highly effective to get rid of the batsmen who usually provide a few headaches with their resistance, but like Hilfy he was fast and accruate with his bouncers which regularly saw the batsmen taking evasive action and then when he was able to get the ball in that perfect region of doubt, the edges were produced and it was a joy to watch.

Four bowlers used and England were knocked over for 187. Outstanding fightback by the Baggy Green!
One man deserves a huge pat on the back (on the ass if you are Michael Clarke giving the honours though) and that is Shane Watson. He was so strong minded out there and so determined to ensure he was there till the end, it really was an inspiring effort from him.

After another top order collapse, which is very, very concerning, Watto was able to stay calm, leave the good balls and any chance he had the instinct to get his feet moving to the pitch of the ball or get into position to powerfully execute a shot, he was bloody marvellous.
He is unbeaten on 61* with 8 boundaries to his name. We have seen Watto put together many half-centuries (this his 14th I think) but with only a couple of centuries, it indicates that while he has become an essential member of the Australian Squad, we seriously require him to produce a big score. He regularly gives his wicket away (safe to say 'cheaply') soon after reaching the half-century mark, but we seriously require him to march on. Just seeing a triple figure to one of batsmens stats will boost the momentum in this side tremendously as we have a go at England with the ball to try take the match.

Michael Hussey is supporting Watto well and the effort from Huss really does indicate what has been a key to todays cricket.
Complement your key players and get the basics right. It has been a non-existent thing from this side and as soon as you see it occur and the momentum returns, even though it's intangible it is very real and now this side is looking and feeling like a team.
Ricky Ponting will unfortunately be facing a media attack until the Boxing Day test, while Michael Clarke has to get some big innings behind him. Simple as that on Pup's part. Phillip Hughes may have to wait a while until his opportunity to open the batting returns, but even though it was great to see our guys dominate the days play for 80% of it, there are still some questions that need to answered, but now is not the time.
Day 3 is a big one for the Baggy Green. Good luck Watto and Huss. Let's get this one!
2-1 is still my call and we need a lead of 350, I'd go as far as to say minimum. Only 150 odd short of that.

Mitchell salutes the WACA crowd who really did get behind him. Pride in the Baggy Green is what we need now!

© Getty Images, courtesy of Cricinfo.com

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3rd Test, Day 1: Chirps & Quick Singles #1

Today's collapse was nothing new so I'm going to not get into it too much other than the shots Punter, Hughes and Pup played to get out were pretty aweful, especially Punter! Collingwood took a screamer (top class fielder, something we need to bring back to life), but honestly what was that "shot"?

Well done to Huss though, who continues to show his return of excellence this series as he managed another half-century. Unfortunately we did need another monstrous effort from Huss, but another faint edge to Matt Prior off Graeme Swann ended his chances of resistance. After our top order amassed 31 runs (I think), it was hard for Huss and Brad Haddin to save us again. Hads also continued to make runs and scored a well deserved, aggressive half-century but got out chasing one on the drive.

Mitchell Johnson was fantastic with the blade in hand and as important as his batting was in the end, I really hope it gives him some well needed confidence to go hard at the English openers with the ball in hand instead.
Peter Siddle, take a bow! What an innings from our number 10, who single handedly outclassed our top four batsmen. Great effort and the fight shown from himself and Hilfy at the end could just somehow prove to be a crucial little period of play.
Don't know what day 2 holds for us, so I'm open to your thoughts.

Here's the first bit of something different for the blogsite, The Baggy Green, Chirps & Quick Singles, comic strip (with some editting). Enjoy.



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A quick look at the WACA test

In case you haven't read it yet, have a bit of a laugh at our previous article written by Justin, as he gets to the truth as to what really happens at an NSP meeting. We need a bit of humour during a time like this, even if it is at their expense.

Instead of a detailed article here's a quick look at the WACA test, where I do tip our guys to win the test, why I don't know, it's just a gut feeling.
A victory will also turn things around dramatically in the camp. The guys just need that one win and I am then certain we can take it 2-1. 3 matches left and alot of history to still be made, hopefully some of it prevented.

This side will struggle to comeback from the loss. So this test may be too big a climb for them, however, this is when TRUE supporters are tested.
It's easy to support a team during the highs, but it's during these times that even though we voice our frustrations and anger, maybe even confusion, we still have to back the boys loudly and proudly. They need it now, more than ever.
So if you are going to the WACA, you know what to do. Smack a Pom and cheer on the Baggy Green!

The threat? We stand to lose the Ashes this test should England win and England have apparently never regained the Urn (in this case secured the Urn) before Christmas in 133 years! They haven't won it in Australia in God knows how long...notably due to Steve Waugh.

Punter has a good record at the WACA and we need him to perform as an inform Punter, or a good innings from Punter, has the ability to really motivate and drive this side. I will trust Punter that he really is feeling good about his game.
Michael Clarke did well in the 2nd innings at the Adelaide Oval, but like Shane Watson, we needed someone to carry on. We were rolled in no time on the final day.
Pup may not be everyones favourite, but he's a key performer for this side.
Watto needs to ensure that if he gets a start, he carries on. Sad truth, having been reading Matthew Hayden's book the last few nights, is that you aren't doing your job if you are repeatedly getting starts and not carrying on. He's batting well is Watto, but he needs to do more. He will know it!

Mitchell Johnson is likely to return. I do think resting him for the Adelaide test was good. His performance at the Gabba didn't suggest he was going to deliver the goods, so you can't rest the blame on him for the Gabba, nor can you point fingers at him not being present for the 2nd test. He didn't deliver the goods and hopefully after a break, seeing our side get humiliated and the knowledge now that Mitch really is our go to guy, our X factor, he needs to get out there and just do the damage to the Poms!
Like Punter, he has an aura about him that if he is in tune, everyone else does their roles harmoniously. It's what won us the series back in South Africa in 2008, with a side very similar to the one that will take the field on Thursday.
Ryan Harris should play and Ben Hilfenhaus must return. We haven't seen the best of Hilfy yet, and alongside Ryano, well, let's just say I have been waiting a long time for this to happen. I hope to see it this test. Two genuine swing bowlers wit ha fair bit of variation, bowling alongside a left arm quick!

Michael Beer may debut and good luck to him. I think it will so hard for him with regards to pressure and unfair expectation, so on that note, I will let the bloke be and not deliver any puns. I'll just support him and see what he can do for us.
Lastly, Phillip Hughes is back! I am very excited about this and despite his current form being average, I do tip him to overcome some of those demons from 2009. I have written a fair bit about Phillip since the Adelaide test, so I won't repeat myself, but rather state I am backing the bloke and if he counter-attack the English bowlers AFTER facing any short ball onslaughts, he will be fine. That will test his confidence. Just think of Bodyline! It's all mind games. The English bowlers have been outstanding with patience and perserverence to clean our guys up often within sessions, so Phillip has the challenge set. I am excited to see how he combats it.

Here's the probable side tomorrow, with Michael Beer not being a given.
Shane Watson,
Phillip Hughes,
Ricky Ponting,
Michael Clarke,
Michael Hussey,
Brad Haddin,
Steven 'Sherminator' Smith,
Mitchell Johnson,
Michael Beer (Peter Siddle, depending on the surface),
Ryan Harris,
Ben Hilfenhaus.

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One flew over the selectors desk

Fans always wonder what is going through the selectors minds when they are putting their collective heads together to select a team which they think will best represent the country. Lately, the Australian selectors have come under fire for not doing this to a competent level and I thought, an insight into how their thought processes worked for the picking of the third Ashes test, which will be taking place at the WACA. Enjoy.

We open on a room not much larger than the meeting room in your office, scattered around the table is various newspapers from around Australia and all sorts of beer (for Boonie) and Wine set out. Four men enter the room and sit in the four empty chairs, with a grey haired gentlemen sitting at the head calling the meeting to order.

Andrew Hilditch: Welcome gentlemen, I know Adelaide didn’t go how we planned, after the massive innings defeat to England. I’ll open the floor for suggestions for who to replace, keeping in mind Simon Katich is injured.

Jamie Cox: Well, first I think that loss at Adelaide was a fluke and I don’t think England will play that well again in this series.

Greg Chappell: A fluke? They’ve amassed over 1000 runs for the loss of six wickets, there is something wrong with the current team and there needs to be changes!

David Boon: With all due respect Greg, I inspected the pitches before day 1 and they were flat as a tack, even spilling my beer or kicking up some portions didn’t help, so I agree with Jamie, we need to show faith in the eleven we selected.

Andrew Hilditch: All valid points fellas but we do need someone to replace Simon.

Jamie Cox: How about that kid from NSW, with the strange stance? Phillip someone?

Greg Chappell: Hughes, he hasn’t been setting things on fire in the domestic season for NSW, only averaging mid 20s also remember England were the ones who sorted him out with the bouncer.

David Boon: Who cares, this isn’t England, it’s Australia *takes a sip of beer* the pitches are bouncier and Phillip will know them better, so I say we get him in.

Jamie Cox: Plus who else is there? Phil Jacques is too old and Punter has said he doesn’t like him because he freaks out Mitchell and I refuse to pick someone from Victoria, so Phil it is.

Andrew Hilditch: Ok, now that is settled. The newspapers have been calling for the sacking of North, due to his failures at Adelaide. I think this is duly unfair, Marcus is an integral part of the team and his form will turn soon enough but we should placate them and see if there is anyone better.

Jamie Cox: Vultures aren’t they, poor Marcus has gone out there and tried his heart out for Australia and they have the nerve to question him but I asked Marcus for a flat white coffee during the second innings and he made it black, forgetting the milk so I say drop him for someone who makes a proper coffee. I always liked that yappy kid from NSW Steven Smith.

Greg Chappell: That is a load of rubbish Jamie, Marcus should have been dropped a long time ago but I don’t think Steven is the answer, [Usman] Khawaja and [Callum] Ferguson have been making consistent runs for their state sides and I would be leaning towards picking one of them.

David Boon: Usman Khawaja? Are you mad Greg, sure he may have runs but every time I’ve had a chat to him in the locker room, he’s never had a beer in his hand or made a lewd joke about a teammates wife, so he’s out and Ferguson is from South Australia that is bad enough to rule him out.

Andrew Hilditch: Umm David, I’m from South Australia but yes yes you’re right, I’ll scratch both their names off the list, so Steven Smith it is.

Andrew Hilditch: Next is the bowlers, like Greg alluded to earlier they have leaked more runs than a leaky faucet in an inner city apartment in Sydney, so how do we fix this?

Jamie Cox: Well I think we were a bit harsh about dropping Mitchell Johnson, Ricky wasn’t happy and sent a strongly worded text last night. So I think he’s back in for uhmm Bollinger who frankly scares everyone in the dressing room.

Greg Chappell: Serious? Johnson hasn’t played any cricket since he was dropped after Brisbane, why do you think he would have got any better to play in Perth, it’s ludicrous. I think we should keep the bowling unit stable and see if they can deliver at Perth.

David Boon: I’ve gotta disagree Greg, Mitchell has a great moustache and the team needs more of them I say. Doug though refused to grow one when I asked him too and that is basis enough to drop him, we’re also lacking in Tasmanians so bring back Ben Hilfenhaus

Andrew Hilditch: Ok, I’ll get my secretary to phone Doug later tonight. What about Xavier Doherty, Ricky has stated he wasn’t pleased that he didn’t listen to his plans and ignored his request to sing the X men theme, so what spinners do we have?

David Boon *ordering a drink* Beer please hun

Andrew Hilditch: Genius David! Michael Beer from Western Australia, England will never suspect that and will be confused.

Greg Chappell: You can’t be serious, he’s only played five first class games! What about Hauritz?

Jamie Cox: I never liked him, he looks too much like a child also whinged when I wouldn’t let him watch his stories in the lunch room.

Andrew Hilditch: Well that settles it gentlemen, that is the team for Perth. I’ll call a press conference soon to announce it and then we’re off to have a long lunch paid for by Cricket Australia. Meeting adjourned.

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Drinking and selecting is bad for you

That should be the message sent out to the Australian selectors after hitting an all time low with their selections. The headlines should have been about Johnson walking back into the side with only a handful worth of net sessions. Instead they read ‘Australia desperate, but Beer not the answer’, ‘Border bamboozled by choice of Beer’, ‘With series on line, selectors resort to Beer’.

Just when you think the selectors are heading in the right direction with the ‘dropping’ of Mitchell Johnson after the 1st Ashes Test, they epitomize the old adage of “one step forward, two steps backwards”. In picking Michael Beer, they have officially lost the plot. This move along with bringing Mitchell Johnson back after doing nothing for a week, could well be the beginning of the end for the selectors. These two selections will come under huge scrutiny if they turn out to be absolute shockers.

Michael Beer may well turn out to be a good spinner, but after only 5 First Class matches, not to mention debuting only two months ago, Beer has been well and truly thrown under the bus. Should Beer fail at the WACA, one of the hardest places to debut for a spinner, then his career could well end up like Daniel Cullen, Beau Casson and host of other failed spinners whom the selectors have tried over the past few years.

Stephen O’Keefe must be sorry he ran over Andrew Hilditch’s dog as it makes next to no sense how he has been overlooked if the selectors are desperate for a left arm orthodox bowler as Hilditch stated, “(But) we think a left-arm orthodox spinner is the right thing both for the Ashes but also for our future.” O’Keefe was the Australian A spinner who got overlooked for the First Ashes Test in favour of latest spin discard, Xavier Doherty. Now he have been overlooked again, this time for another spinner who apparently was on the verge of playing for Australia A instead of O’Keefe. However, O’Keefe was picked for that match and took 4 wickets in his only innings and grabbed himself a 50 in the process. How that performance translate to dropping back in the queue, I will never know.

Onto the other story which should have been the main talking point. Western Australia are currently playing Queensland in the Sheffield Shield match. Mitchell Johnson on the other hand is putting his feet up and drinking some complimentary beer from the selectors after another magical net session. One has to wonder how effective a few net sessions will be, especially considering the bowling coach had a few months to sort this issue out which has been present for a long time. The ironic thing having Johnson rested from the Shield match, is the fact the selectors have stated Johnson needed more match practice during his horror start to the Ashes last year. Now they feel he is better off without match practice and a few magic net sessions is all he needs.

The selection of Beer might have been a distraction from picking Mitchell Johnson who has done nothing since being dropped. Time will tell when the players run out onto the WACA. Good luck to Beer, he will need it and for Australia’s sake I hope he does well.

Let's talk about the WACA Squad

First off, the Baggy Green Blogsite now has a Facebook page. If you’d like to join click here to access our page. All our articles will be posted there to the notes section by default as well. Feel free to have dicussions, debates over there.

Without further to do here is the very questionable Squad for the WACA test, where I tipped our guys to take the series to 1-1. I base this on absolutely nothing, other than a strong gut feeling and the belief that if we played that poorly at the Adelaide Oval which is usually a great hunting ground, the WACA has to go well, given it hasn’t been that great a spot for us in recent years.
You heard it here, but I believe we can win this series 2-1.

THE WACA SQUAD PICKED BY THE MUPPETS AT THE NSP:
Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Ricky Ponting (Captain), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (Wk), Steven Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Michael Beer, Ben Hilfenhaus.

Michael Beer is the talking point. I will not resort to any puns and rather tell it like it is. This is a daft selection. Now, that isn’t meaning given the fact he only has a few games under his belt at State level daft, but rather this shows the Selectors have officially lost the plot.
Beer is another one of the trialled spinners since Shane Warne (who will not make a comeback, the publicity is just helping his soon to be talk show). The NSP has failed to develop a confident group of young players to carry forward the tradition that had kept the Baggy Green such a strong force and the prized cap is now seeming more of a giveaway nowadays.
It’s no longer who should we play, but rather who can we give a fresh cap too?
Xavier Doherty unfortunately couldn't deliver the goods.

Warnie did tip off Beer as a useful guy for the conditions at the WACA and should be trialled should Nathan Hauritz not be selected. Ritz was never my ideal candidate but I fail to see how he was overlooked. I mean, he could have atleast been chosen alongside Steven ‘The Sherminator’ Smith.
Anyway, Warnie tipped him to play and this makes two possibilities:
1)The selectors are officially clueless, dumbfounded and unsure where to turn and are just doing what Warnie stated, or;
2)Warnie has a say within the selection group or a newly obtained power we don’t know of?

I wouldn’t mind seeing number 2 being the possibility, but given Hilditch and co’s track record over the last 2 years, number 1 seems the most likely scenario.
Dammit, I hate the NSP, I hate them so much.

Should Beer get his Baggy Green cap, we’ll support him and hope he doesn’t become another casualty. As mentioned a few articles back, every 20 years an Australian spinner emerges. Could Beer be the next guy? I mean, he has the St. Kilda roots just like Warnie had. Think about it.

I am excited about Phillip Hughes being selected. I am gutted Katto is out for the series and knowing the severity of an achillies tendon I would go as far as saying his days representing the Baggy Green may be over. If Phillip makes an impact alongside Watto and they can forge a good opening relationship to see out the Ashes, Katto will call it a day for the Baggy Green. He has indicated this before and it’s a responsible choice as a senior.
I do believe he will stay on with the Blues for a while though to see through any further emerging talent. Katto is a machine with scoring runs, but only human when it comes to the risk of injury.
But it’s another chance for a young, exciting cricketer who I still believe has something special to offer Australian cricket. I am expecting positive cricket from Phillip and it’s a chance to bury those demons from the 2009 Ashes. He made progress against New Zealand earlier this year. Time to see it through, he can do it!
I am going as far as to overlook his poor outing for NSW against the Redbacks where he scored 4 and 0.

Otherwise Marcus North is finally gone. Pity cause he made such a brilliant start to his career. He waited in line a long time like Michael Hussey. In 2005 I actually spoke with a mate about Marcus and wondering when he’d get a chance. He’s become horribly inconsistent and the way to ever return would be a series of 4 or 5 consistent games for the Warriors.
Cricket is a bastard of a game and test cricket is no arena for the faint hearted. As fans, we only know a small taste of what it’s like for these guys. Financially it’s great, to do what you love is great, but the pressure both personally, emotionally, physically, psychologically and from the public is insane! So I won’t beat up the bloke with words, it’s unfortunate but someone had to go.
No specialist has been brought into replace him, so Callum Ferguson (who scored another century, but apparently that doesn’t count), Cam White, David Hussey (showing good form) and Usman Khawaja (had a very good game against the Redbacks) can all feel a bit disheartened.
We still need big things from Punter, Clarke and of course Huss, who has found confidence again. Back on his home ground, what will he do? I hope the crowds get right behind him!

Steven Smith is the replacement. Having him there may be a cast aside ticket for Beer, but Stevo can deliver with the ball (young and still emerging) and best yet the boy can bat. His temperament is improving and his attitude is good. He may also be able to give our dull fielders a wake up call with his energetic presence.
I don’t think he is ready for the elite level as a front line spinner. I give him two seasons to go still, but I would love to proven otherwise. His aggressive tactics and no fear to flight the ball may serve useful when KP and the other clowns have a go at him. Big challenge for the young man!
His performance against the Redbacks would’ve helped him for confidence.

Off note, I also see Michael Hill scored his maiden century for the Bushrangers against the England XI. Great to see a young man I tipped for big things finally make his first impact.
Two of his team-mates from U/19 World Cup a few years back are in the WACA line-up, namely Phillip Hughes and Steven Smith.

Mitchell Johnson returns which is no surprise. It may have been a mistake to leave him out of the 2nd test, but we’ll never know. I do think the rest was a good one to put some pressure on him and give him a chance to sort his crap out. Mitch is a good athlete and I want to see a pissed off Mitchell Johnson take the field at his new home ground.
You just can’t rule out him at the WACA after the 2008 freakish spell that had us all mesmerized!

I definitely want to see Ryan Harris and Ben Hilfenhaus bowl alongside one another. Genuine swing bowlers and the breeze at the WACA does help bowlers of their class. One is a strike bowler, the other a work horse who has only played two games on Australian soil for the Baggy Green.
Throw in Mitchell Johnson and the ever ambitious Peter Siddle, it’d be awesome. I believe in that pace line-up. However, Siddle would be my last choice of the four.

Having watched England’s bowling performance again, in short we need to see two things from our guys. Attitude and patience is required, while hitting a consistent line and length to build both pressure and uncertainty as to what will follow. England executed this brilliantly.
Back to basics is my call while each bowler can use their speciality to just fine tune this simple tactic.

Other than that, have your say, but here’s my call as far as the Squad goes.
Shane Watson
Phillip Hughes
Ricky Ponting (needs runs!)
Michael Clarke (needs to cement the number 4 role)
Michael Hussey
Brad Haddin
Steven Smith
Mitchell Johnson
Ryan Harris
Peter Siddle/ Michael Beer
Ben Hilfenhaus

Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian. To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
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New Digital Game Cricket Comp for Boxing Day Test

Everyone check out this digital cricket game with a great prize on offer! Click on the link below to enter

http://www.wolfblass.com/ultimatecrickettest/default.aspx?id=NquvwIOMkGyK

The prize is the chance to play on the MCG on Boxing Day against Michael Slater and a chance to win $10,000 cash on the day.

All Australians aged 18+ can purchase a specially marked 750mL bottle of Wolf Blass wine from bottle stores nation wide and instantly enter online or via sms for the chance to play the Wolf Blass Ultimate Cricket Test at the MCG on Boxing Day with Michael Slater. The prize includes flights, accommodation, tickets to the game, spending money and the chance to win up to $10,000 on the day when playing the game with Michael Slater.

Please see the below video for more details on the cricket competition.

http://www.youtube.com/user/UltimateCricketTest





















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Calm down people

The Australian public has been spoilt, we’ve had such an awesome cricket team for the last two decades, that once the tide had turned and all those greats had retired, it was going to be a hard slog. This leads us to the current situation we have, losing by an innings against England at the former fortress Adelaide Oval.

Since that loss, people have been saying sack the whole team or make wholesale changes before the next test in Adelaide but that isn’t the way to go. There needs to be a few changes, Marcus North has been the albatross around the Australian Cricket team’s neck for too long and the stink has got rancid. Usman Khawaja, Cameron White, Callum Ferguson and even David Hussey have been touted to replace North but if the selectors want someone proven, they’ll go with David Hussey or Cameron White but if they want to push youth, Khawaja and Ferguson would be the go. Personally I would go for Khawaja or White.

Next subject matter to address is the spinner, Xavier Doherty in his two tests thus far has figures of 3/306 and not being very penetrating, so he needs to fall on his sword, now some have suggested Marcus North playing at the fulltime spinner but that would be a disaster. Nathan Hauritz got a five for at the venue where the third test will be played also he can swing the willow, currently 110* for New South Wales against South Australia. He should walk into the side for the WACA but there has been calls for the long retired spin king Shane Warne to come out of retirement to kick some pom butt.

Lastly is an area where a change will be forced upon Australia, that is the injury to Simon Katich and the logical replacement for him is young whiz kid Phillip Hughes who hasn’t had the best season thus far in domestic cricket but would relish another opportunity to build his already good test career to date. Long shots to usurp to Hughes would be Shaun Marsh who has a century and two fifties to his name in a struggling Western Australian side.

These changes give the side a much needed spark of players who are in form and have youth on their side besides David Hussey, who has mountains of runs to fall back on instead. Making six or seven changes that some people have suggested is illogical and counter productive to helping Australia to win back the Ashes.

Also while Australia were in decline, other teams have improved, reflected in the current standings having Australia 4th behind India, South Africa and England, so the Australian people have to expect some losses along the way while we rebuild and blood some youngsters much like the eighties and look where that got us, the best side over the last 20 years.

So calm down, support the boys and if you’re in Western Australia, Victoria or New South Wales get out to the ground and make more noise than those bloody barmy army bastards who have ruled the GABBA and Adelaide Oval thus far.

Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Justin. To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article or find me on twitter @DragonPunk12

Changes seem certain for the WACA

Firstly, congrats to England. Normally I don't bother giving any sort of credit to the opposition but they really outplayed us in every single aspect of this test match. Not once did we dominate them and it was a victory that has proven the importance of momentum and learning from your oppositions mistakes.
I could do an analysis on what they did which was obviously as a direct observation of our efforts, but I'd rather focus on something that will have most Australian (and English) supporters debating.
Who will be making their way over to Perth for the 3rd Test?

The bad news is that Simon Katich has been ruled out. An achilles injury is not something you want to stuff around with, so seeing Katto on the bench is both upsetting but also the wisest move. The threat is this could well be the end of his career as I have seen these injuries before and the way he was limping about during his gutsy innings certainly would indicate he isn't in any position to be playing cricket.
So for Katich? Phillip Hughes is my choice. After his final innings he played for us against New Zealand where he was aggressive and displayed a fight of pride and courage to do his best to stay a member of the Baggy Green side, I'd have him in there. I think it would be good to have him up for a challenge where we'd need him to step up and as a young man he can try bury some demons from the 2009 Ashes where Freddie Flintoff exposed an inability to handle short swing bowling.
His time with NSW hasn't been prolific but I don't always believe you can just pick on form or reputation. Sometimes you have to play a risky card and given the selectors' spineless motives, I'd be stoked to see Phillip back out there as Baggy Green rep number 408.

Marcus North is surely at the end of the road. I never like to bog our players down, but I am sure it's the end of the road for him. He'd have been eager to have played a home Ashes test at the WACA, but I can't see it. If the selectors gave Hilfy and Mitch a rest to clear their heads, I think Marcus' call to head back to State cricket is a given. With the NSP we never know, but surely enough is enough.
So, this means we lose a part time spinner and a middle order batsman. So the change?
This is the tough one. A few months back I'd have said Brad Hodge or David Hussey, but one has retired and the other isn't at all in the selection framework.
However, my choices lie with Cameron White, who made a century for Australia A, Callum Ferguson who can step up to most challenges and then Usman Khawaja who is also versatile in the batting order.
Cam doesn't bowl much anymore but he can deliver useful overs (also has a better bowling record that Doherty) but England know of him in limited overs cricket is a genuine threat. He should be considered.
Who would you be choosing here? A New South Wales cricketer, A Redback or a Victorian Bushranger?

I have a feeling Mitchell Johnson may very well return for the WACA. One match rest is quite possibly all he needed. Seeing the way our bowlers struggled with two changes having been made for Adelaide (Ryano and Douggie), it may have been a shock to the system for Mitch I hope he realises how he really is an X factor for us.
So, keep your eyes open as I reckon the rest may be over soon.
Otherwise the only way I can see Hilfenhaus playing is if Ryan Harris or Doug Bollinger make way for him or the selectors don't bother playing a spinner.
This would result in a 4 man pace attack but there's still one spot in doubt.
The choices are; Bollinger, Johnson, Hilfenhaus, Siddle and Harris.

Lastly, if their is a spinner to be played, would you recall Nathan Hauritz, would you give Xavier Doherty another go or would you give Steven Smith a call-up as he can also provide the goods with the bat?
Smith wouldn't make my call as I do think he's got alot to still get right before making his way at the elite level and I have a gut feeling he'd get some punishment from a very inform English line-up who have also been playing more attacking cricket.
Nathan Hauritz has a very good chance of returning, which would be a boost to his credibility, but he'd then have to step up.
The spinner choices heavily depend on the decision made with regards to the seam bowling unit.

These are tough choices, but I maintain that it could have all been avoided had the NSP shown better foresight and less complacency.
The challenge is on for both players, selectors and supporters now as England have the momentum and are comfortably sitting 1-0 in the Ashes with 3 games to go.
It's two wins and a draw or three wins for the Baggy Green.
Sadly, the rain just came too late, but even if the heavens had opened as a supporter I can admit that we didn't deserve too win.
Time for the Baggy Green to fightback, but the changes do seem inevitable.

Your starting XI for the WACA?

2nd Test, Day 4: Playing for survival

There were a few more moments of madness in the field, but the drama is over. We only managed 5 wickets and England did what we should have done for the first two days of the test. The damage is done and now our middle order face a huge task for the final day of the test match.
That task is to try and survive an entire day against an English bowling attack who are being greatly assisted by some outstanding fielding and a massive army of supporters all around the Adelaide Oval. It's going to be hard work from here, but we never say die until it's over!

Kevin Pietersen is having an interesting game. We all knew he'd be a threat but to get a double century is one thing. But it's not his highest score (by 1 run) in test cricket, his double was the highest by an English cricketer at the Adelaide Oval, it was his first century in test cricket since the series against the Windies (while he did get 99 against Bangladesh after that) and he hasn't taken a wicket since 2008. That wicket was one of Michael Clarke, who was on his way to a positive century but he fell to KP in the last over of the day. KP is a definite man-of-the-match no matter what the outcome of the game is.

I can't see an Incredible Adelaide fightback here but I do believe the draw is a definite possibility, especially with rain lurking. It's not exactly positive to be rooting for the draw, but a loss is going to be too tough for this side to comeback from (I stand to be corrected) given all the media tension and definite internal politics I think we aren't being exposed to. This side does crack under pressure so Graeme Swann will be the key for England tomorrow.

Michael Hussey is still out there and he's our best bet for a hard graft out there. If we can make it to the final session by some chance it's on! England have done it, no reason we shouldn't be able to do a serious survival fight out there.
Marcus North is the worry. This will be his most pressurising situation of all undoubtedly. He needs to keep his wicket in tact and he needs to make a big score. As crappy as the NSP is and that we have zero understanding as to how they calculate things, this has to be the final chance for Marcus.
I don't care what he has or hasn't done in recent times. I only care about his attitude tomorrow and how he applies himself.
If Huss, North and Hads can steer us closer to a draw and preferrably get us past that lead of theirs, it will be fantastic and I mean that in the humblest of ways as we don't deserve to draw this test.
We've been outplayed and I still look at the reality that even though a draw may seem like a win, draws won't win back the Urn.

Simon Katich deserves credit. Battling an injury he worked hard out there and managed 43 runs before he got a faint edge to Matt Prior. Swann had his first and he was the man I expected to get it. Should Katto not pass fit for the next test, would Phillip Hughes be the next man or would Khawaja be called in to open as he has experience at the top of the order?
Shane Watson was looking to dent England's momentum but he also found the edge of the bat and as consistent as Watto is, it is frustrating to see him lodge another half-century under 70. He was a key factor for us this innings and despite doing all the hard work to get his half-century, we needed a big score from one guy up top. He'll be getting some big scores this series though. I am very confident about that.

In his 150th test, and a mighty important one at that, it hasn't been a memorable one for Punter. 9 runs for the game and two dismissals being caught behind won't just do his confidence the world of good, but it will only add media pressure against him, where he is already facing a serious blemish to his cricketing CV.
It's not all doom and gloom for Punter but I am curious to see how he goes about things from here.

I don't want to write about Michael Clarke's dismissal but his innings was an aggressive one and certainly enjoyable to watch. He's been questionable for some time now but we all know Pup just needed to get out of this rut. He has and that innings of 80 was a good way to make his own headway in this series so that it will only set him up for better things to come. He still doesn't look 100% out there but he was batting with so much promise and self-belief, that when he was dismissed by KP it really was an annoying sight.

Although apparently Pup apologised for not walking! What crap is that! I guess it's admirable in most peoples eyes but when you are so desperate to stay out there, you do what you can to get luck to work in your favour. No harm as the Referral system will catch you out if you are trying to pull a fast one. But why apologise? I believe in good sportmanship but I mean, you're in a competitive game where you want to survive to get a win (and with cricket being such a personal battle too), emotions will drive you onwards and if the Umpire says not out, you stand your ground unless you feel you'd be better off walking. You will do your best to survive!
Bitterly dissapointed for him though and his wicket was a seriously big knock to our hopes for tomorrow.

I don't want to think about the outcome of tomorrows game, but rather think about how the guys will combat England. How they will be mentally prepared for the battle and hoping that by surviving two sessions, the hopes will be lifted and if there's rain around which will waste time, we'll also be hoping that some resistance will choke any momentum England may have which would result in Andrew Strauss rather calling it a day for the draw.
Far from ideal, but it's the only way forward in this series.
Good luck to Michael Hussey and his middle order companions.
Please, no more outside edges as dimissals, please!

A few words from Huss that amused me when referring to having to be the rescue man with the bat in hand; "I'd be lying if I said I loved it, but it's certainly rewarding to come into a pressure situation and get your team into a position to win the match or save the match,"
"It gives you a lot of satisfaction. I wish I could come out like Bradman and smash them everywhere, but unfortunately the game doesn't work that way."

2nd Test, Day 2: Where is Mike Young?

Seriously, where is our fielding Coach at, because our fielding standards are pathetic! Missed run out chances, painful drop catches to have had to witness and the most dreadful part of this Windies like fielding is that it brings me back to that truthful quote, "Catches win matches!"
How true it is and should this test match slip away, this is one area that you could definitely point out as a weakness. It wasn't any better at the Gabba.
Positives? We still have three days of cricket.
The threat? England still have three days to make life bloody tough for our guys.
Reality? We are looking at a few similarities to 2009. A drawn 1st test, a defeat in the 2nd where we experienced the start of our batting collapses that are still continuing and the fact is that this team will struggle to make a comeback, despite how those of us as supporters try our utmost best to stay behind our team.

When Doug Bollinger bowled Andrew Strauss in the first over of the day (who has lost his off-stump radar) immediately there was hope. Sadly, poor fielding presented itself and England's batsmen just made it look so easy out there. Fact is it should have been this easy for us too, but a waste of a wicket on day 1 with Simon Katich stuck in dreamland resulted in a devastating loss of three wickets, leaving a hell of alot of pressure on our middle order. Exposed and defeated, 245 all out.
That will put you on the backfoot even if you come out victorious in a test match. Test cricket is already such a damn hard game to compete within, these collapses and wastages of opportunities are only making it harder for this side who are appearing mediocore when they are actually anything but.

Alastair Cook has been batting brilliantly. His composure has been admirable and he's in outstanding form which has been a turnaround as I remember there was talk about getting rid of him because his performances were not good enough. A bit like Michael Hussey's case?
Jonathan Trott is fast becoming our biggest nightmare and even though we messed a chance to have him early, we paid for it.
Kevin Pietersen has arrived to the party and is approaching a century. With Cook obviously setting sights on a double century and KP in the groove, there's still Collingwood, Bell, Prior as well as Broad and Swann who can hit out a bit. Unless we have a spree of wickets tomorrow within 100 runs, fighting back in this match may be beyond this sides pyschological capabilities.
That's not negative, it's fact. I've seen 2 years of cricket from this side and written numerous posts about it. They will struggle to fight back from this, even it's a draw, which is also a very good possibility!

Draws won't win back the Urn, it will not help the development of Australian cricket which we can thank those wankers at the NSP for as they have stagnated the development of players at the elite level and made their jobs harder.
Now they have a sympathy vote from players who keep saying how their jobs are tough. Damn right, it's because they stuffed up! No sympathy from me, read the NSP tag articles, you'll see, the writing was on the wall in 2008 already.

Resting Hilfy and giving Mitch time out to clear his head hasn't helped us and despite Ryan Harris trying his best, Douggie leaked plenty of runs and Siddle didn't look too threatening. Xavier Doherty is in a seriously worrying place and spare a thought for him. He could be inline to be yet another casualty in the post-Warne spinner dilemna. I feel bad for him if it ends up being a final show for him.
X is also facing the same threat Hauritz had and that is as soon as he comes onto bowl, his presence alone puts batsmen at ease, which a big reason why I think Ritz was sent back to do his duties for NSW.

I don't really have much too add on for the time being. We just have to watch this test match unfold. Cricket is a great game because it can change so quickly, but it can also be one of the cruellest games as well. The fightback will be hard. I expect three days of very gruelling cricket for all Baggy Green representatives, both players and supporters.

But to start at the basics, improve the fielding! And I'd like know where is our fielding coach Mike Young and why are our standards so poor? That would be a start.

2nd Test, Day 1: More misery one day into it

More misery for AU cricket, 245 all out, kind of depressing?
Let's not get into what this score symbolises and what record book it falls into, but let's just say the time to support the Baggy Green is at the red zone!
The Adelaide Oval wicket will become easier to score on over the next 3 days and I expect the wicket to open up a bit on the last day. However, England has the momentum so it’s already put them in pole position. What we aren’t looking to do is replicate the Lord’s test.

Things started off terribly. Simon Katich was run out, when he didn’t respond to a call by Shane Watson. The single was on, Katto would have made it, but he hesitated, leaving Watto no option but to keep charging. The direct hit was on and to Katto’s misfortune, no lifeline. He escaped one against Alastair Cook in the 1st test which was also a result of poor communication between him and Watto, only then the single wasn’t on.
While their opening duo is a mighty strong one, and very consistent at that (which is a surprise with this team), their running between the wickets has been shocking recently. Even in India they were a bit sloppy with their communication. Katto was gone for a diamond duck.

Ricky Ponting (playing his 150th test, what an achievement!), who has a great record at the Adelaide Oval, was caught for 0.
Punter has been dismissed is similar fasion many times, with a slight cross bat generating leaning edges to the slips, when a straight bat or pushing to the offside would see him safe more often than not. I’m too worried about Punter as that innings at the Gabba showed loads of promise; however, it costs us every time he stumbles.
He scored two centuries in his 100th test vs the Proteas, maybe a hundred is going to occur? Will be tough grafting if it is to be.

Michael Clarke you have to have a bit of a laugh at. Firstly, it was a joke he played in the 1st test given his condition and now, after claiming he was standing more upright in the crease and his stance to improve his technique, he was caught behind standing the lowest I’ve ever seen him. One hell of a contradiction and it was like that throughout his brief stay.
Unless I misunderstood, point it out to me, but it doesn’t seem the plan in the nets paid off for him. He’s another bloke with an outstanding record at the AdeOval, but he’s not getting anywhere at the moment, unlike his 2009 campaign.

Marcus North is surely at an end. I defend our players, but it’s amusing when you see Mitchell Johnson get omitted from the starting XI, Nathan Hauritz gets the yellow card and then Ben Hilfenhaus as well (who I hope was left out due to an injury niggle or purely conditions, cause to drop him in form is not justifiable), it makes you question what Marcus is doing there under those circumstances….I have the answer! Here it is:
The NSP have been complacent, and when guys were showing poor form and should have been sent to the County’s or back to State cricket, they kept selecting them, while leaving potential players in the dark to not have an honest opportunity at the elite level.
Their lack of foresight, courage and pathetic complacency has resulted in question marks as to WHO can step in to replace North (same was applicable for Huss till he found form).
We know who could do it, but now in the series, the fear is reality that you could be debuting a guy where there is doubt over how he will rise the occasion. I see no harm in it, but selectors are spineless.
Why the bowlers though? Because injury allowed for opportunity to be sourced and now we have options, but it’s come at an unfair expense in comparison to our batting line-up.
Andrew Hilditch must go, no matter WHAT the Ashes outcome is.

So, the positives? Hussey and Haddin!
Michael Hussey has come to the party and is looking brilliant. I am so angry he didn’t get a century as that would have given us just a bit of an edge over England, but it wasn’t to be. Still a good fight displayed by Huss and his cover drives still look marvellous. His pull shots were a bit out of it during his innings (a couple knocks to the crotch) but for the better part he still tried to counter-attack England with aggression.
He’s still looking vulnerable early in his innings (outside edges almost expected from him) and he was fortunate James Anderson put him down in a near caught and bowled. But he fought hard, just a pity that century went begging by 7 runs!

It’s a huge bonus having Brad Haddin in form. He’s being our saviour with the bat like Clarke was in 2008 throughout our ODI season. I do believe that the impact of Tim Paine made Hads up his game and the healthy competition has ignited something within him, especially with his bat in hand. If his wicket keeping dropped to a low, he could easily represent us as a specialist batsman. He is so strong on the front foot, and his was executing his shots alot better than the 1st first, which is hard to believe. More batting partners I am sure Hads could have gotten three figures.
His innings was entertaining, and Hads, while it seems he has finally dropped an Gilly comparisons, is his own batsman out there. Daft at times, but entertaining with a genuine elegance.
He made a half-century and he’s making an impact alongside Huss as a dup that could be a key to start gaining some psychological warfare advantages over the English bowlers.

Ryan Harris, playing in place of Hilfy due to his experience at the AdeOval as well as a bowling repertoire including reverse swing and effective deviation of the ball in mid-flight that can generate very skiddy deliveries off the deck with some late movement as well.
Hilfy apparently also has a mild injury, but to be honest Ryano is a good enough bloke to get the job done. As much as I rate Hilfy and think he got shafted, I have zero issues seeing a guy like Ryano steaming in because he values being a part of the Baggy Green.

Day two, expect a massive crowd at the AdeOval. The bowlers will need it, as a testing day awaits!

2nd Test: Mitchell Johnson given a rest for Adelaide

I hate it when the media uses words like, 'axed' and 'sacked'. Mitch was rested in my opinion because his confidence is on the verge of being shattered and if you continue to play a guy who can't deliver the goods as one of your key players, you will suffer and the chances of an effective comeback becomes unlikely.
Resting Mitch for the Adelaide test is a good move, it's a smart move to not only give Bollinger or Harris a chance, but it will give Mitch a clear mind to set his plan of action straight and hopefully he can get in some State cricket or just some needed to time to rebuild his confidence.

It's sad to see Mitch left out of the side. Fact is though his break is also important for us to try get this Ashes series on track again.
While I don't need to be told twice that Mitch is the X factor, as he so often gets referred too, but you can't keep selecting a guy because on his day he is brutal, and while you wait for that day to come, each test passes by with his performances being below par and rather unconvincing, which is so frustrating because that season of 2008/2009 was incredible. I just hope he can rebuild his cricketing persona and come back a stronger, rejuvenated Australian cricketer.
I hope his time off the field is seen as a positive by Mitch. He should be back though. It may just take a few weeks to set in.
Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, Simon Katich and even Michael Clarke have all been dropped before in their careers. Being dropped tends to refer to a guy just being left out of a starting XI. Being axed or sacked means you're history, no more opportunities, which didn't happen for the above mentioned guys. They were rested from International cricket, dropped from the current side in order to rebuild their game at State level. Simple, Mitch is in a scenario that is not daft nor new.

Ben Hilfenhaus is in a similar situation. Hilfy has alot more confidence though and this is probably what saved him. Besides, he's been a contributor since his return but there is one big thing Hilfy has been lacking, and that's wickets.
If Hilfy isn't getting wickets (he's one away from 50 and is still seeking that 5fer) he is doing a job that is already being done by Shane Watson. Bowling fast to medium paced deliveries, finding a way to swing the ball in a new and old condition, while attempting to dry up the runs and put pressure on the batsmen so the strike-bowlers (Mitch, Sids, Douggie) can find the lethal breakthroughs.
He's a work horse, but his wicket tally has dried up. He has a fair bit of bad luck go against him, but having said that he was far below his capabilities at the Gabba which was strange given his only test in Australia saw him receive Man-of-the-match against the Windies.
It will only be his 2nd test in Australia should he play on Friday, and for that reason he deserves another go.
No doubt though with Ryan Harris knocking on the door, who is a great bloke and is in wicket taking overdrive at the moment, he will be increasing the competition out there.

As for Marcus North? He took a wicket, so he has been given another chance. Amusing, but this is his final stand...surely. I hate seeing a guy lose his place, I really do hate it, but it's the nature of the beast and cricket does this. Fact is this team is a side where if you aren't consistent and not regularly contributing, you will lose your place (okay, that hasn't been happening, but that's the norm).
The guys no it better than us, we don't know the pressure they try to perform under but Marcus' wicket of Andrew Strauss was amusingly his saving grace and that he is probably due a century now.

Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting and the two to watch for. They are monstrous run scorers at the Adelaide Oval and will be the key guys to watch out for.
Four games to play for, this is going to be a tough series and I don't expect an Amazing Adelaide scenario this time around.
I just want a win.

The Adelaide Oval's new look is fantastic!