Username:   Password:     Forgot Password? | Register     


Project Overhaul: Australian Cricket Team

kirby August 25, 2009 (Pad First)
So, we've just lost the Ashes. There's no point avoiding it, pointedly changing the subject when it comes up in conversation with the neighbourhood Englishman, or sticking our fingers in our ears, closing our eyes, and pretending like it never happened. In fact it is quite the contrary; this is the perfect time to begin an overhaul of the Australian cricket team. This should not be an overhaul of just the side. It should range everywhere from the team to the underperforming administrators lurking...


Posted in Cricket
Views 697 Comments 12

The "Pad First" View of the Fifth and Final Ashes Test

kirby August 24, 2009 (Pad First)
Even the most nostalgic writer couldn't have scripted this any better. Australia and England, locked in the eternal battle for that most coveted of trophies: the Ashes. As it stood, the two teams were locked at 1-1 in the best of 5 series going into this final Test at the Brit Oval, and both teams had their reasons for winning outside claiming the sacred urn. The English side, attempting to prove they are a team on the rise, were also looking to farewell crowd favourite Andrew Flintoff from Test...


Posted in Cricket
Views 1185 Comments 7

The "Pad First" View of the Fourth Ashes Test

kirby August 10, 2009 (Pad First)
Both sides have been faced with selection issues after Edgbaston, due to both form and fitness. The Australians come to Headingley 1-0 down in the series, and are looking to save the series; if England win either of these last two Tests, they win the Ashes.

Match Summary:

After mid-week fitness and form concerns, the English decided the risk was too great to continue playing Andrew Flintoff, replacing him with Steve Harmison, while the Australians opted for an all pace...


Posted in Cricket
Views 1667 Comments 14

The Secret to Modern Test Cricket

kirby August 8, 2009 (Pad First)
For all the complicated game plans that sides come up with for themselves and opposition players, the Poms and the Aussies in this current Ashes series have put their finger on the secret to Test cricket, and it's actually rather simple. Accurate swing bowling. Now you may think I've temporarily gone mad suggesting something as simple as swing bowling, but let's take a moment to consider the evidence. At this stage, the Australians are trailing 1-0 in the series, but are in an excellent position...


Posted in Cricket
Views 1108 Comments 16

The "Pad First" View of the Third Ashes Test

kirby August 3, 2009 (Pad First)
Updated August 4, 2009 at 02:02 AM by Mute
After their first loss at Lord's for 75 years, the Australians set their sights to Edgbaston, the site of one of England's greatest Test victories in 2005. But can the tourists level the series?

Match Summary:

The Third Test at Edgbaston got off to an ominous start for the Australians when opener Phillip Hughes released a Twitter entry stating he'd been dropped for Shane Watson before the announcement of the team, and Brad Haddin broke a finger in the warmups, handing Graham...


Posted in Cricket
Views 1300 Comments 15