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07 January 2011 3:05 AMPosted by Chris Stocks
Ashes briefing: Sydney, day five - England's glory!
You've urned it: England, led by Andrew Strauss celebrate at the SCG
Session one: Australia 281.
England headed to the SCG looking for a quick kill to secure another innings victory and a 3-1 series triumph but they were frustrated by rain and some dogged resistance from Australia's Peter Siddle and Steve Smith. After downpours in the morning, play started on time but the players were forced off after just 21 minutes. They returned 36 minutes later and England were made to wait for their first breakthrough. But it came when Peter Siddle (43) skied spinner Graeme Swann to James Anderson in the deep. England took the new ball soon after and Anderson induced Ben Hilfenhaus into a nick behind to wicketkeeper Matt Prior for seven. That brought Michael Beer to the crease and England needing just one wicket to complete a memorable victory. Before that Steve Smith does his own future Test prospects no harm by reaching a half-century. But Chris Tremlett finishes off an innings and 83-run victory by bowling Beer.
Verdict: Do I have to tell you?
Test in a tweet: 'Rain can't stand in England's way as they finish the job in style to complete Australia's humiliation. 3-1. Job done.'
Facebook friend: Andrew Strauss.
Today he became only the third man to lead England to home and away Ashes victories and can take great credit for such a comprehensive series victory. He may not be his side's top scorer but along with coach Andy Flower he has led this side in exemplarity fashion. They have led and everyone else has followed. Superb job.
Unfriend: When you witness England winning an Ashes series in Australia for the first time in 24 – and in such a comprehensive manner – the world is a good place and you don't feel like picking on anyone. It'll be a good night in Sydney.
Gift of the day: Showing the same generous spirit as Australia's bowlers, authorities at the SCG made entrance to ground free of charge on the final day. The overwhelming majority of the 17,000 in attendance were English.
Party of the day: Pick any bar in Sydney, they will all be rocking tonight with celebrating Englishmen, myself included.
Stats a fact: This is the first time in 135 years and 730 matches that Australia have lost three Tests in a series by an innings.
Download of the day: The Last Post (for Australian cricket) which Barmy Army trumpeter Bill Cooper piped up with just before Tremlett sealed victory with the wicket of Beer.
06 January 2011 9:30 AMPosted by Chris Stocks
Ashes briefing: Sydney, day four
Nearly there: Anderson took two wickets today as England closed in on a
famous Ashes win
Session one: England 636/9.
England, resuming on 488, build on their overnight lead of 208, moving past 500 as Australia struggle to dislodge Matt Prior and Tim Bresnan on a placid pitch. Prior then brings up his first Test century against Australia in just 109 balls – the quickest since Ian Botham in 1981. Bresnan, though, is the first wicket of the day an hour and 20 minutes into the day, edging Mitchell Johnson to Michael Clarke in the slips. Prior follows for 119 when he nicks Ben Hilfenhaus through to Brad Haddin. But Graeme Swann's cameo with the bat rubs salt into Australian wounds as the spinner's breezy 33 takes England to 636 for eight at lunch. It equals England's highest-ever Ashes score in Australia, which came in the timeless Sydney Test of 1928. The lead at the interval stood at 358 after adding 150 in the session.
Verdict: England.
Session two: England 644. Australia 77/2.
Swann gets a single off Michael Beer and it sees England record their highest Test score on Australian soil. But Chris Tremlett is out soon after as he nicks Hilfenhaus to give Haddin a regulation catch. It means Australia start their second innings 364 runs in arrears and are fighting to stave off a third innings defeat in five Tests. Shane Watson starts the innings aggressively and with Phil Hughes, takes Australia to 45 without loss. Then disaster strikes as Watson's involved in his third run out of the series. This time he's the man out as Hughes checks his run and stands his ground to leave his team-mate stranded. It's the seventh time Watson has been involved in a run out during his Test career, but only the second time he has been the fall guy. Usman Khawaja, the hosts' bright young hope, is next in. Yet it's Hughes who is next to go as Bresnan induces an edge to Prior and Australia are in trouble at 52 for two. Stand-in captain Clarke comes to the crease and his side need something big from him to try and salvage this Test. At tea he is unbeaten on 19 alongside Khawaja (four).
Verdict: England
Session three: Australia 213/7.
Clarke and Khawaja negotiate the first 40 minutes of the session safely but their 65-run stand is brought to an end when the youngster is dismissed for 21 after he edges Jimmy Anderson to Prior. Mr Cricket Mike Hussey is next in but he loses Clarke as his partner when he nicks one to Prior after a superb swinging delivery from Anderson. Mr Cricket's vigil at the crease comes to an end when he is caught in the gully by Kevin Pietersen off Bresnan to leave Australia 161 for five. That turns into 171 for seven with a magic over from Chris Tremlett as he tempts Haddin to an errant half-pull shot which is nicked to Prior and then Johnson is bowled to leave Tremlett on a hat-trick. Peter Siddle survives the hat-trick ball and despite the extra half hour granted because of that wicket England are unable to wrap-up the win today.
Verdict: England.
Test in a tweet: 'While 'Jimmy Saville' is in the ranks of the Barmy Army he certainly wouldn't be able to fix it for Australia to save this match. England will wrap this up tomorrow for a 3-1 series win.'
Facebook friend: Matt Prior.
Take a bow Matt Prior. You biffed a ton in 109 balls and nobody has achieved the feat so quickly since Beefy Botham back in 1981. It was your first Ashes century too and helped propel England towards their highest-ever Test score in Australia. Okay, you might appeal absolutely everything, but you're the wicketkeeper England had been seeking for years to replace Alec Stewart. You might not be Stewie but you've got two Ashes wins to your name.
Unfriend: Shane Watson.
Some unkind people manipulate his nickname and refer to the Aussie opener as 'T****o'. It wouldn't be a surprise if some of those people resided in the Australian dressing-room such is the propensity for him to run his team-mates out. Five times during his Test career he has stitched up a batting partner with his running between the wickets – the last being Phil Hughes in Melbourne. Yesterday it was Watto's turn to take his medicine when Hughes stood his ground. Karma perhaps.
Retirement of the day: The morning was dominated by the news shortly before the start of play that Paul Collingwood will retire from Test cricket after this game. The Durham man, 34, has had a poor series with the bat, averaging just 13.83, but has been a great influence in the field and with his occasional medium pacers.
Joke of the day: Kerry O'Keefe on ABC radio: 'If you walked into a Greek nightclub and yelled: "Nick" 11 Australian cricketers would turn round and say: "Yep?"'
Stat of the day: England's record first innings saw century partnerships for the sixth, seventh and eighth wickets. This is the first time this has occurred in Test history – for any side.
Petty steward of the day: The busybody who tried to bar me from walking along a path OUTSIDE the members' area because I wasn't wearing a collared shirt. Ridiculous.
Download of the day: History by Michael Jackson.
05 January 2011 8:17 AMPosted by Chris Stocks
Ashes debrief: Sydney, day three
Session one: England 277/5.
Resuming their first innings on 167 for three, England lost nightwatchman Jimmy Anderson early for seven after he was clean bowled by Peter Siddle. That brought the out-of-form Paul Collingwood to the crease and while he settles down to reach double figures, Alastair Cook continues his phenomenal form by bringing up his third century of the series. He was reprieved on 99 when Phil Hughes claimed a catch off Michael Beer despite replays showing the ball clearly bounced and the umpires were right to refer to the video. But Collingwood's woeful run continues when he falls for just 13, trying to slog Beer and only ending up being caught in the deep by Hilfenhaus. But Ian Bell and Cook see England through to lunch in a strong position.
Verdict: England.
Session two: England 378/5.
Cook and Bell go along serenely after the interval, with England's vice-captain moving past 150 and his partner secures his fourth half-century of the series as the tourists move past Australia's first-innings total and build a healthy lead. There are few, if any, scares for either batsman. Such is Australia's desperation, Michael Clarke brings Mike Hussey into the attack shortly before tea but Mr Cricket's medium pacers can't dislodge either batsman and England head into the break 98 runs ahead.
Verdict: England.
Session three: England 488/7.
Cook's marathon innings comes to an end when he prods Shane Watson to Hussey at gully. He has scored 189 runs and during the series he has batted for a total of 36 hours and 11 minutes. The result is 766 runs second in the all-time list for any Englishman behind Wally Hammond, who struck 905 during the 1928/29 Ashes series. Bell then survives by the skin of his teeth when on 67, he edges Watson to Brad Haddin but after belatedly reviewing the decision – which suggested he knew he hit it – he survives because Hotspot doesn't show anything and Aleem Dar feels he cannot go with his original decision. Snicko, not being used by the third umpire, shows a tiny nick but Bell gets away with it. He then goes on to claim his first Ashes century in 31 attempts before Johnson snares him for 115 as he is caught by Clarke. With Matt Prior also passing 50, England are in complete control before bad light ends play prematurely.
Verdict: England.
Test in a tweet: 'England's batsmen bludgeon Australia's attack into submission as they take control of the Test. There's runs galore for Cook and Bell but plenty of controversy too.'
Facebook friend: Alastair Cook.
What can you say about this guy? He's Metro's columnist, likes helping out on his in-laws' farm during the lambing season and, oh yes, he's scored a shedload of runs this winter. His third hundred of the series was impressive enough but the records he has broken are too numerous to list. All you need to know is, other than the great Wally Hammond, nobody has scored more runs in an Ashes series than Cook. Awesome.
Unfriend: Phil Hughes.
It was bad enough that Alastair Cook was on 99. Then to make things worse the ball which came off his bat clearly bounced before being clutched in Hughes' right hand at short leg. That the Aussie opener claimed the catch was beyond belief. An honourable mention must also go to Ian Bell, who successfully reviewed a caught behind decision even though he looked as guilty as sin when he referred it and Snicko later showed an edge.
Celeb spot of the day: Okay, nobody in the UK probably knows who Julia Gillard is but to people over here she's a big deal – Prime Minister. She popped in to chat to TV and radio about breast cancer on Jane McGrath day and also flood relief for Queensland. Gillard has Welsh parents but she is as Aussie as you can get. In fact, she sounds like she could be a character in Kath and Kim.
Heart warming moment of the day: The majority of the 43,000 crowd at the SCG sporting pink on Jane McGrath Day. The wife of former Aussie fast bowler Glenn died from breast cancer three years ago and men, women and children of all ages wore pink to help raise funds for the McGrath Foundation breast cancer charity.
Download of the day: Pink by Aerosmith.
04 January 2011 8:08 AMPosted by Chris Stocks
Ashes debrief: Sydney, day two
Celebration time: Anderson, centre, celebrates taking another wicket
Session one: Australia 230/8.
Resuming on 134 for four, Australia struggled for runs as England's bowlers again strangled the life out of them. Brad Haddin was the first wicket to fall, edging James Anderson to wicketkeeper Matt Prior. Paul Collingwood, who has had an ordinary series with the bat, picked up the crucial wicket of Mike Hussey for 33, bowling Mr Cricket as Australia stumbled to 171 for six. Steve Smith, who doesn't look ready for Test cricket, became Anderson's second victim of the morning when he nicked the Lancastrian to Collingwood at third slip. Peter Siddle was next in and next out, another who edged Anderson into the slip cordon – this time Andrew Strauss the catcher. However, there was some resistance from Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus as the pair reached lunch safely and took Australia to somewhere near respectability at the break.
Verdict: England.
Session two: Australia 280. England 73/0.
After lunch, Johnson and Hilfenhaus lay waste to England's attack with a staggering 59 runs in five overs. Towering sixes from both tailenders gives Australia some momentum to take into their bowling as they put on 76 runs for the ninth wicket before Johnson is finally bowled by Tim Bresnan for 53. And the innings is wrapped up when Hilfenhaus top edges an Anderson delivery to Prior. When England bat, the openers get off to a fast start, with Andrew Strauss hitting 36 of his first 25 deliveries and the skipper and Alastair Cook bring up 50 in just ten overs. The pair continue in the same vein through to the interval, with Strauss one run shy of his 50.
Verdict: England.
Session three: England 167/3.
Strauss wastes little time to pass 50, slashing Johnson for four over the slips. But he makes only ten more before he is bowled by Hilfenhaus. Australia's bowling has been awful, with Johnson in particular offering up what can only be described as legside filth...or pies. But he finally gets one right, tempting Jonathan Trott into a drive and seeing England's No.3 get an inside edge onto his stumps. But Cook and Kevin Pietersen consolidate, with England's vice-captain reaching his third half-century of the series after he was offered a let-off when Beer thought he had got his man caught at mid-on but had the wicket struck off for a no ball. Pietersen, though, falls before the close after a poor hook shot to Johnson saw him caught by Beer in the deep. Anderson comes in as the nightwatchman and he safely negotiates the remaining four overs alongside Cook, who is unbeaten on 61.
Verdict: Drawn.
Test in a tweet: 'Match is in the balance after Aussie tailend resistance and dogged bowling after nightmare start. England can win but this one might be a thriller.'
Facebook friend: Mitchell Johnson.
He bowls to the left, he bowls to the right and his bowling may often be s**** - as the Barmy Army sing - but the Aussie showed yet again today he is a useful lower order batsman. Just as in Perth, the fast bowler carried Australia up to a respectable first-innings total with some lusty hitting. That he was his side's top scorer with 53 shows how badly the rest of his team-mates batted. But it also demonstrated how crucial he can be to Australia as an all-rounder when he gets it right. It's a shame his bowling is so awful, so often.
Unfriend: Michael Beer.
The rookie spinner could walk into the stands at the SCG and nobody would know who he is. That's not a crime but it demonstrates what a left-field selection he was. Poor old Nathan Hauritz has been overlooked for this unknown and Beer's failure to take a wicket yesterday, despite some decent bowling, suggested he wasn't a world beater. At least his name is gold to headline writers.
Celeb spot of the day: David Hasselhoff was in the house during the afternoon session. The Baywatch legend is in Sydney on promotional work and The Hoff delighted cricket followers with his presence at the ground.
Pun of the day: 'So this is beer batter.' Kerry O'Keefe on Australian radio when debutant spinner Michael Beer walked out to the middle to bat.
Download of the day: I'll be ready (Baywatch theme) by Sunblock.
03 January 2011 8:04 AMPosted by Chris Stocks
Ashes briefing: Sydney, day one
Big man delivers: Tim Bresnan celebrates the wicket of Shane Watson
Session one: Australia 55/1.
The hosts make a slow start after winning the toss and opting to bat on green-tinged wicket. Scoring just 15 runs in the opening 45 minutes, Australia's openers pick up the run rate and approach lunch in a solid position on 55 without loss. However, Chris Tremlett picks up a wicket with the final ball before the break as Phil Hughes fends a lifter to Paul Collinwood in the slips.
Verdict: Drawn.
Session two: Australia 111/2.
Usman Khawaja makes his debut at No.3 for Australia and he gets off to a lightening start, striking 15 runs off his first eight balls. Shane Watson joins in too, striking his first boundary on his 89th ball as the hosts accelerate the scoring rate after lunch. But the light gets bad and just 43 minutes after the interval, the players are off. The delay is just eight minutes, though, before – under floodlights – the teams are back on. Australia pass 100 and then Tim Bresnan induces Watson into a prod to Andrew Strauss in the slips and another wicket is down. Stand-in captain Michael Clarke strides on to the field to a mixed reception but promptly drives his first delivery for three. Bad light and light rain showers force the players off again for an early tea 24 minutes before the scheduled break.
Verdict: Drawn.
Session three: Australia 134/4.
After a delay if more than hour – which included tea – the players are back on and England make a breakthrough early in the session and it's a big wicket – stand-in skipper Michael Clarke. 'Pup' edges Tim Bresnan to James Anderson in the slips. He has made just four and his wicket swings the balance of the match back towards England, who now have their opponents 113 for three. Mike Hussey joins Khawaja at the crease and Mr Cricket has some scratchy moments early in his innings. It's Khawaja, though, who is next to go – Graeme Swann getting the new man after he top edges the spinner to Jonathan Trott at square leg.
Verdict: England
Test in a tweet: 'England take control on an attritional, rain-affected day as Michael Clarke's first day in the Test captaincy is a black one in every sense of the word.'
Facebook friend: Usman Khawaja.
The first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia made a composed debut. He may have scored just 37 but the Pakistan-born batsman looks the real deal and he seems a nice guy too. Off the field the 24-year-old is addicted to his games console, loves to play the guitar and is a qualified pilot. Khawaja went to the same school too as Michael Clarke and footballer Harry Kewell. Now he has joined them on the world stage.
Unfriend: Michael Clarke.
He's brash, he's flash and even the Aussies aren't fond of 'Pup'. A poll in the Sydney Morning Herald only gave him a 15 per cent approval rating among its readers and that was in his home town. Clarke's been Australia's captain-in-waiting for years now and Ricky Ponting's injury has given him chance to show he is a real leader in Test cricket. But he messed up when his first chance to prove that came. Firstly he opted to bat in seam-friendly conditions when he won the toss and then made just four with the bat. It wasn't the best start. In fact, it was pretty bad.
Mum of the day: Usman Khawaja's, shown on the big screen at the SCG when her boy was batting and looking very nervous – wringing her hands and rocking back and forth. Her son looked far more composed.
Stupid rule of the day: Punters at the SCG were not allowed out of the ground at all during the day – well, not if they wanted to come back for the cricket. Most grounds issue pass-outs so people can pop out for food or drinks. Not here, leading to severe overcrowding around the ground at lunch and during the rain delay, when people came out of the stands for shelter.
Download of the day: Here comes the rain again by the Eurythmics
29 December 2010 1:15 AMPosted by Chris Stocks
Ashes debrief: Melbourne, day four - ENGLAND RETAIN THE ASHES
Final reckoning: Strauss leads out England on day four before their win
Session one: Australia 258/9. ENGLAND WIN BY AN INNINGS AND 157 RUNS
Australia start on 169 for six with England needing just three wickets for victory because of the injury to Ryan Harris which means he can't bat. But Mitchell Johnson is bowled by Chris Tremlett with just the tenth ball of the day to start the victory celebrations amongst the boisterous Barmy Army. Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle put up some resistance to see their side through to the drinks break without further loss. Haddin, who has shown great aggressive intent, brings up his 50 soon after but he loses his partner Siddle when he tries to hit Graeme Swann over the top and is caught by Kevin Pietersen for a Test-best score of 40. Ben Hilfenhaus is next in and it isn't long before he is out, caught behind by Matt Prior off Bresnan. Cure mayhem as the Barmy Army go bonkers and England's players bounce up and down in a huddle. The Ashes are coming home and Australia's 24-year dominance of Ashes series Down Under is finally over. England have made history. Soak it up.
Verdict: England.
Test in a tweet: 'England wrap up a comprehensive thrashing of Australia. It's payback time after the 5-0 whitewash four years ago. The Ashes are coming home.'
Facebook friend: Andy Flower.
England's coach deserves huge credit for what he has achieved less than two years into the job. The capitulation in Jamaica during his first Test in February 2009, when they were rolled out for 51, seems a long time ago now. He has put together a strong team, not only on the field but also behind the scenes and no stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of Ashes glory. But the Zimbabwean won't let his side rest on their laurels in Sydney, he'll want to ensure a first English series win in Australia since 1986/87 and then there's India next summer. Many big challenges lie ahead for this team but for now; let's allow them to enjoy the moment.
Unfriend: Authorities at the MCG.
While England were wrapping up victory on the fourth morning people were still queuing up outside the ground to gain entrance. It was bad enough they were being charged $31 to get in when really surely they should have been allowed in free? However, apparent staff shortages meant ticket sales and the process of getting people through the gates was taking far longer than usual as only three gates in the entire stadium were open. Ridiculous.
Getaway of the day: Ricky Ponting was seen being driven away from the MCG just under 20 minutes before play started today to get treatment on his broken pinkie. Speculation rages over whether he'll play in Sydney but he returns for the final presentations.
Fan of the day: The England fan who caught Brad Haddin's massive six in the crowd towards the end of the first hour of the day.
Fickle fans of the day: The Australians. In Brisbane, they failed to turn up on the final day as England celebrated a famous draw and in Melbourne they started streaming out of the stadium on day one after their team was bowled out for 98. On day five, they were notable by their absence again. The English sections of the ground were full, everywhere else empty. They don't like losers, those Aussies.
Download of the day: Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie.
28 December 2010 6:56 AMPosted by Chris Stocks
Ashes briefing: Melbourne, day three
Who's the man? Bresnan celebrates the wicket of Shane Watson
Session one: England 513 (lead by 415).
Resuming on 444 for five, England add 15 runs before Matt Prior chips Peter Siddle to Ricky Ponting at mid-on. The wicketkeeper made 85, his highest Ashes score and his departure brings Tim Bresnan to the crease. But it doesn't take long for things to turn against Australia once more as Ryan Harris pulls up abruptly during his run-up with an injury to his left ankle (which later turns out to be a stress fracture). He leaves is forced to leave and the hosts are a bowler down. They can rely on Siddle, though, who completes his five-for with the wicket of Bresnan as the big Yorkshireman (who made four) edges behind to Brad Haddin. Jonathan Trott is an immovable object and he goes on to pass 150 off, inevitably, a Mitchell Johnson delivery. Graeme Swann hits a breezy 22 before he provides Ben Hilfenhaus with a rare wicket, top-edging to Haddin. But Hilfenhaus picks up another as he clean bowls Chris Tremlett. It's left to Siddle to wrap-up the innings, bowling Jimmy Anderson for his sixth wicket to bring an early lunch. Trott is left unbeaten on 168 – his third highest Test score and an outstanding effort.
Verdict: Australia.
Session two: Australia 95/1. (trail by 320)
Australia have one option – be aggressive and try and somehow score 500 to at least make England bat again. There are a possible eight sessions left in the game but the equation for Andrew Strauss' men is simple – bowl Australia out for under 415 and they retain the Ashes. Even if they bowl them out for more than that, surely any target will be academic. This is it for England. Australia's openers get off to a flier in perfect batting conditions, putting on 53 before a mindless run out of Phil Hughes to Jonathan Trott after a crazy single is called by Shane Watson. Cue Ricky Ponting to a crescendo of Barmy Army boos. Some superb bowling, with early reverse swing, has Watson and Ponting struggling to score but the former reaches his 50 as the pair reach tea safely.
Verdict: Drawn.
Session three: Australia 169/6 (trail by 246).
England make the perfect start as Watson is again caught on the hop in the 50s, this time letting a straight one from Bresnan thud into his pads. Despite the batsman's challenge, it's the umpires call and he's on his way for 54. Ponting survives an appeal for a stumping, then Prior fails to gather when Michael Clarke is out of his crease. But the Aussie captain is clean bowled for 20 by the excellent Bresnan and England scenting blood. Mike Hussey is next in but Mr Cricket is gone for a duck when he drives Bresnan to Ian Bell at short cover. Clarke and Steve Smith hold firm but the scoring rate is almost non-existent as England's bowlers turn the screw. That pressure sees Clarke depart when he pushes Swann to Andrew Strauss at second slip as they are reduced to 134 for five. That turns to 158 for six when Smith is bowled by Anderson and victory is close, although England can't get the extra wicket to claim the extra half hour to finish the job tonight.
Verdict: England.
Test in a tweet: 'England show patience, skill and spirit. Ashes coming home, even if we do have to wait until tomorrow for confirmation.'
Facebook friend:Tim Bresnan.
Many people, myself included, doubted the big lad and he has delivered in this Test after being called up in place of the tiring Steve Finn. After picking up two wickets in Australia's first innings, the Yorkshireman broke the back of their second innings with a spell of three for 13 which saw him account for Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey. The wicket of Ponting – clean bowling the Aussie captain – must have been the highlight of his stop-start Test career. This match may just be the making of the man they call Bres.
Unfriend: Shane Watson.
Watto is our public enemy No.1 today. Okay he scored a half-century but he also ran out team-mate Phil Hughes when both were going nicely to get England going as they went in pursuit of the wickets needed to secure the Ashes. And once he passed his half-century he again perished – the tenth time in 13 Ashes innings he has been dismissed for scores between 34 and 62.
Stat of the day:Jonathan Trott's Test average is now 64, second only to Don Bradman for batsmen who have played more than 20 Test innings. His average against Australia now is also an astonishing 100.83.
T-Shirt of the day: I love Melbourne (then handwritten below) But Essex is better.
Cheer of the day: Roar that went on to greet the announcement of Mitchell Johnson's name when he came on for his first spell of the day.
Barmy Army chant of the day (to tune of Yellow Submarine): 'Your next queen is Camilla Parker Bowles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Camilla Parker Bowles' repeat ad nauseum. It's closely followed by: 'You're just a warm-up for India'.
Optimist of the day: The girl selling earpiece radios outside the MCG with the sales line: 'Twenty dollars to listen to a miracle!'
Download of the day: Living on a prayer by Bon Jovi.
27 December 2010 7:04 AMPosted by Chris Stocks
Ashes briefing: Melbourne, day two
Losing it: Ricky Ponting argues with Aleem Dar in Melbourne
Session one: England 226/2. (Lead by 128).
Resuming on 157 without loss, England lose opener Alastair Cook inside the first half hour when he edges a good Peter Siddle ball to Shane Watson at first slip. He had made 82 and England had added just two runs to their overnight total before that loss. They still lead by 59. Andrew Strauss is the next to go for 69, Siddle again the wicket-taker as England's captain is caught by a ball which rears up at him and is caught spectacularly by Mike Hussey. Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen join forces at the crease and take England through to lunch.
Verdict: Drawn.
Session two: England 304/5. (Lead by 206)
Pietersen and Trott are going along nicely when all hell breaks loose. Brad Haddin claims Pietersen edged a Ryan Harris delivery to him. Hotspot shows nothing and after losing a referral Ricky Ponting harangues umpire Aleem Dar for several minutes. It's the sign of a man losing his grip on not only his job but possibly his mind as the Ashes slip away yet again from Australia's captain. Pietersen is then trapped lbw by Siddle to leave England 262 for three, a lead of 164. Trott survives a run-out decision after it goes upstairs to the third umpire. The Aussie players were celebrating after Hilfenhaus clipped off the bails –making a point of running over to Ponting, who threw the ball in. That the decision goes against them sums ups Australia's desperate situation. Paul Collingwood, though, doesn't last long to extend his barren run with the bat, skying Mitchell Johnson to Peter Siddle in the deep for just eight. Johnson picks up his second wicket in almost identical fashion when Ian Bell departs for just one after hooking to Siddle. Johnson is then denied another wicket when Matt Prior edges to Brad Haddin but a clear no-ball shows up on appeal and England's wicketkeeper gets a life.
Verdict: Drawn.
Session three: England 444/5. (lead by 346).
Trott gets his century to cap a fine performance by the South African-born player. His 211-ball innings is an object lesson in patience as alongside Prior, England take the game further away from the Baggy Greens who are now being hit by a barrage of chants from the vocal Barmy Army. They include "Are you Scotland in disguise?" "You're getting sacked in the morning," to Ricky Ponting and "He bowls it left, he bowls it right but Mitchell's Johnson's bowling is s****". It's merciless but Trott and Prior continue to pile the runs on, passing the century mark for their partnership. Prior reaches his half-century too in 82 balls. At close they have broken Australia's spirit.
Verdict: England.
Test in a tweet: 'Australia battle hard but the damage was done on day one. England can sense this is the time to make history and retain the urn.'
Facebook friend: Jonathan Trott.
Another big Ashes innings from this guy. He took some pain too when he was struck on the knee but the ice-cool South African-born batsman again proved his worth to this England side. Australia must be sick of the sight of him.
Unfriend:Ricky Ponting.
Oh Punter, where has it all gone wrong? Your team are being walloped but there's no need to lower yourself to the level of the gutter like you did today. Ponting's berating of umpire Aleem Dar after technology proved him correct to give Kevin Pietersen not out was plain wrong. In fact it was a disgrace. 'You're getting sacked in the morning,' sang the Barmy Army afterwards. He may well be getting sacked fairly soon but Australia's captain should show a bit more class. Go out with dignity Ricky, today you looked like Graham Taylor when the former England boss lost it – 'Do I not like that" - when his team were losing to Holland in a World Cup '94 qualifier.
Injury of the day: Jonathan Trott went down like a sniper had shot him when a Ben Hilfenhaus delivery hit him on the inside of the knee just behind his pad. A bit of treatment and some painkillers saw him continue.
Quote of the day: 'If he'd been a horse they'd have shot him,' an unsympathetic Geoff Boycott on Trott's knock.
Chant of the day:'He's got more runs than you,' Barmy Army to the Aussie team after Trott reaches his century.
Canteen of the day:The lunches at the MCG are being served deep down in the bowels of the stadium – in one of the dressing-rooms which is not being used. As a setting it's odd, as you tuck into your food surrounded by lockers.
Number of the day: 67,149. The crowd on day two at the 'G, almost 30,000 down on it's full capacity. It led to a muted atmosphere despite the numbers in the cavernous ground. That was until Ponting's rant brought the Barmy Army to life.
Download of the day: England's Irie by Black Grape.
26 December 2010 11:55 PMPosted by Chris Stocks
Boxing Day autopsy: No, it wasn't a dream
Verdict: The front page of Australia's Herald Sun newspaper today
Well firstly, my apologies. The first day of the Boxing Day Test was memorable for a number of reasons – among them my temperamental laptop died.
Fortunately, a good night's rest has seen it come back to life. So, as I sit here with the players trotting out onto the field for the start of day two I thought I would recap my thoughts on the opening day, although not in the usual format as you know what happened already.
Let's start with the Australian papers. After being rolled out for 98, then seeing England reach the close unscathed on 157 without loss, they were rapidly frothing at the mouth at their team's demise.
Here's a selection of headlines:
'Crash and burn: With the Ashes in the balance, on the most important day in the cricket calendar, Australia was pitiful and England surely retained the urn.'
'We were AWFUL HOPELESS A DISGRACE: Our Ashes hopes look gone – is Ponting too?'
'Cook, Line and stinker: Pathetic Aussies hit new Ashes low'
'Last stand looms for ragged Ricky'
The general feeling among the locals is Ricky Ponting, who is woefully out of form, is a goner as captain when the series finishes. If England do win here, might he miss the Sydney Test and try to make sure his finger is okay for the start of the World Cup in February? Probably. Can he stay in the side if he loses the captaincy? It would be very difficult as his presence would undermine the new leader.
People are also laying into opener Phil Hughes, dropped midway through last year's Ashes in England, and recalled to the side for Perth. Despite Australia's win there he was poor. Again he was poor yesterday, going for 16 before driving at a wide one and being caught in the gully. He lacks the technique for top-level cricket and has been labelled a 'park player' in several Aussie papers today.
But what of England? They were fantastic yesterday. If you had dreamed of the perfect day for them it wouldn't have been as good as yesterday. I think the dominance shown here – along with their superiority on the final two days in Brisbane and the whole of Adelaide – proves they are a superior side.
As I finish writing this, England have just lost Alastair Cook for 82 to Peter Siddle. But the game is gone for Australia surely? It's too little too late.
I'll be back at the close of play with my normal round-up. If you're staying up, enjoy the cricket and if you're off to bed I hope you wake up with England even closer to an historic victory.
19 December 2010 5:54 AMPosted by Chris Stocks
Ashes briefing: Perth, day four
End of the road: ian Bell trudges off after being dismissed by Ryan Harris in Perth
Session one: England 123.
We have just 50 minutes of play as England, resuming on 81 for five, capitulate in ignominious fashion. Anderson's dismissal starts the collapse after he is bowled by Ryan Harris. Ian Bell (16) is trapped lbw by the same bowler and his referral is in vain as replays showed it was the plummest lbw you will ever see – hitting middle stump halfway up. Matt Prior then goes after nicking Harris to Mike Hussey at gully. Graeme Swann is then bowled by Mitchell Johnson for nine to leave England on 120 for nine and Harris administers the last rites on a thoroughly spineless batting display when he tempts Steve Finn in to an edge straight to Steve Smith.
Verdict: Australia
Test in a tweet: 'England roll over in less than an hour. Pathetic.'
Facebook friend: Ryan Harris.
The man known as Rhino (or is that Ryano?) was dehorned in Adelaide when he got a king pair with the bat. But he was superb in Perth and was the pick of Australia's bowlers in the second innings, picking up six for 47. Along with Mitchell Johnson, Australia have another bowler who can really trouble England's batsmen.
Unfriend: The England side.
The whole lot get the red card today after an embarrassing capitulation. Let's hope they expunge this horror show from their collective psyche otherwise they could be in trouble in the final two Tests. We must remember it's 1-1 in the series and there's all to play for so get your heads straight and come out fighting on Boxing Day in Melbourne.
Fiddler of the day: Mitchell Johnson.
Mitch just couldn't help himself during the post-match press conference when a mic on the table in front of him fell over. He spent the next 15 minutes playing with it as it refused to stand back up straight again. At one point he was told by Australia's team media chief to just leave it. At the end of the conference, which saw Ricky Ponting speak for the majority of the time, Johnson said: 'It just wouldn't go up again.' A touch of OCD I reckon.
Drinks break of the day: Sorry, we didn't even get an hour in today so no time for the Gatorade drinks truck to come on to the field.
Aggrieved punter of the day: My mate Keith, out here to see his brother in Perth, only had tickets for day four. He got just 50 minutes of play in. The worst possible day to pick of the whole series – we hope.
Download of the day: The Crying Game by Boy George.


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After reconciliation rumors swirled late last year, the couple has now officially taken their rekindled romance public, from cozying up at the Grammy Awards to celebrating Rihanna's birthday on the beaches of Hawaii. But now Brown is admitting that making amends was no easy feat.
"What can I say? I'm forgiven. But, yes, I worked hard for it," Brown told U.K.'s Mirror at Elton John's annual Oscar party, adding that some "serious making up" was involved. "Sometimes you row, you fight, with the one you love and things get said, stuff spirals. That night was the deepest regret of my life, the biggest mistake. But she loves me."
Back in 2009, Brown was sentenced to five years of probation and six months of community service after admitting to the felony assault that left Rihanna beaten and bruised. The "Don't Wake Me Up" hit-maker is due back in court on April 5, when he will face the Los Angeles District Attorney's claims that he did not complete his court-ordered community service as part of his probation.
Though they have put the past behind them, the couple's reunion continues to spark controversy, headlines and backlash. But Brown doesn't let that phase him.
"People attack me and criticize me. It happens all the time," he explained. "But they don't know me, and they don't know us. It doesn't bother me anymore. Other people can judge us but they don't know anything."
This time around with Rihanna, Brown is more mature. "I've learned a lot since that night and I've grown up. I was very young and I took a lot of stuff, fame, for granted," he said. "I didn't understand it. The support from those who do know me and the fans, who are incredible, got me through."
And despite all the Hollywood hoopla surrounding their relationship, the "Stay" singer stands by her decision to take Brown back. "I wasn't going to let anybody's opinion get in the way of that," she said in an interview with Rolling Stone. "Even if it's a mistake, it's my mistake. After being tormented for so many years, being angry and dark, I'd rather just live my truth and take the backlash. I can handle it."
But just because she forgive, doesn't mean she has forgotten the events of that fateful 2009 night. "He doesn't have the luxury of f***ing up again," she admitted. "That's just not an option. I can't say that nothing else will ever go wrong. But I'm pretty solid in the knowing that he's disgusted by that. And I wouldn't have gone this far if I ever thought that was a possibility."
Do you think Brown is truly sorry for assault Rihanna? Should the couple be together? Weigh in below.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Oh Lawd! VH1's Flavor of Love turns Violent
Vivica Fox: Plastic Perjury
Every time we post something about Vivica Fox's overly processed face, we get emails form folks saying she hasn't had work done and that she looks great. We love Vivica and all, but seriously, if she claims that she hasn't had a brow lift and a few botox injections she's LYING!!!!


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You should have come here from Dawn http://www.dawnsscrapbookcottage.blogspot.com
The first project I worked on this month was inspired by"Forgeries on the Fourth" It is no crime to create your own version of the trendy, hip products from the inspiration kit using your own stash and ingenuity. Each month on the fourth we are treated to tutorials from the Master Forgers or links to resources they have found.
Challenge #1 - Yum"While in Canada, we begin to indulge ourselves in October, November in the US is a month all about food. So your challenge is to scrapbook about a favorite meal—something you had in a fancy restaurant, a meal you love to cook at home, or maybe your favorite weekend breakfast. Show us what you are eating!"
My layout turned out to be my first ever recipe page. What is more comforting on a crisp fall day than a simmering pot of soup? A good soup begins with a good stock and here's my project ...
Thanks for stopping by and now you should hop over to Julene at
Here is the whole of the hop list. In case you missed the beginning, start at the top.
CKCB http://www.counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com
Jemma http://just-jimjams.blogspot.co.uk
Dawn http://www.dawnsscrapbookcottage.blogspot.com
Sherrie http://sherriesmuddlepuddle.blogspot.ca
Julene http://julenebydesign.blogspot.com.au
Tina http://tinasscrapcorner.blogspot.com
Lisa http://lisahausmann.blogspot.de
Don't forget to leave me a comment to let me know you were here and happy hopping!"


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As a senior getting ready to graduate, I remember a lot of people telling me that everything would change as soon as I reached the elusive "real world."
And while they were right, I found the simplest changes affected me the most.
There are no more teachers, but you can find mentors anywhere.
Does your boss turn into your teacher when you graduate? Kinda. Your boss will be the person evaluating you, tracking your progress, and making sure you're successfully completing projects. That being said, educating and training you isn't your boss's primary job -- you're there to help him or her. So you need to help your boss help you. Express what you're interested in, tell them what your goals are, ask them to give you feedback. Almost all bosses want to "teach" their employees -- you just have to let them know what you want to learn.
Don't just stop at your boss, though -- there are also a lot of willing mentors elsewhere in the office. Inspired by the work on a designer's screen? Ask him to show you what programs he uses. Completely oblivious to how mobile apps are actually built? See if a developer will walk you through how she codes them. Offices are, at best, a collection of intelligent and curious people working toward a common goal -- so learning from each other is vital.
There is no more homework, but you are responsible for balancing your workload.
One of the things that shocked me the most about post-grad life was the absence of homework. Suddenly you have all of this unstructured time and Sundays are no longer a mad rush to finish the work you put off all weekend. While this is (really) great, the stakes for your professional projects are a lot higher than they were in school. Turning things in late will make your boss doubt your ability and slow down other teams. And no client is going to buy that your dog ate your presentation.
That means, more than ever, you need to be on top of your workload. Keep track of how long it takes you to accomplish tasks and plan your schedule accordingly. Block off time to handle specific projects so that they don't slip through the cracks. Stay late if you need to finish something -- and then actually leave on time when your work is done. Your schedule is now yours to manage, so it's up to you to strike the right balance.
There are no more grades, but you will still be evaluated.
For some students, grades are constructive signals that help them know how they're doing -- something to aim for and judge their work against. Other students hate grades. As someone in the former camp, the lack of regular "grades" at work was …scary. How can you try and be an A student if are no more A's?
But just because there are no more grades doesn't mean that you don't get evaluated. Now, rather than periodic tests and quizzes, almost everything you do both in and out of your office is fair game for a supervisor to evaluate. View these evaluations as an asset, a tool to demonstrate your development over time. If your boss hasn't outlined these guidelines clearly enough for you, ask him to -- it demonstrates that you're thinking ahead and want to grow.
So what doesn't change when you leave school? The basics. Listen carefully to directions, take notes, be polite and normal(ish), and -- above all -- find a style of work that suits you. That and presentations -- there are a lot of those in the "real world," too.
About the Author
Ethan Scott graduated from Kenyon College and works as a strategist at Firstborn, a digital agency headquartered in TriBeCa.


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