The Ashes, 5th Test, The Oval - The Decider

[Lao]

Squad announced today. Bopara out, the selectors following the suggestions of several GOT members. The temptation to recall Ramps was resisted, and Bell promoted up to number 3.
Trott in - is it wise throwing in someone untested for a match so important?
Panesar back in squad. We need the bowlers to step up their game.
We also need Freddie to dose himself up on cortisones and play the game of his life. His last ever test - will it be 'The Flintoff Ashes'?

 

[Azzbot]

OHH MONTY MONTY, MONTY MONTY MONTY PANESAR.

 

[linglong]

Ramps,hasnt done it in the past so honestly i see no reason he would do it in this game tbh,but i would have gone for rob key rather than trott..but hey ho lets see what happens.

 

[Bundy]

Trying to think of something to say, but in the end I dont really care.

 

[Goat]

When does this crap start?

 

[McBain]

When does this crap start?

Glad to see your interested.

Not sure...seems you Poms dig having a couple of weeks off between tests. Could be anytime when they get back from their holidays.

 

[little curly alan ball]

When does this crap start?

Thurs 11 a.m.
L.C.A.B. trying to sell his soul to get in - as yet with no success -
Binga's taking wickets , and vying with King Louis to see who can stay fit longer .
Convicts on roll .
Bell is the worry . The kid's got talent , but the Aussies eat him for brekkie . The Sherminator . Warney , you blond bombshell who'd kiss the face off yourself if you could ; you [Poor language removed] . Funny though .
HE doesn't believe he can do it . I'd have gone with Ramps , if only that none of this attack is Glenda or Warner .
I'd say draw . Both get big runs first dig , game petre's out to a draw . The striped-jumper'ed one's win and retain the urn .
Party on the landings Tues next .
Drat , and double drat .

 

[little curly alan ball]

OHH MONTY MONTY, MONTY MONTY MONTY PANESAR.

He won't play , kid .
Him , Harmy , Sidebottom back to Counties , Thurs 10a.m.

 

[Welton Toffee]

I think we'll lose.

Would love to be proved wrong though

 

[linglong]

He won't play , kid .
Him , Harmy , Sidebottom back to Counties , Thurs 10a.m.

When i can understand you matey you talk a lot of sense me old china

Apart that is about Ramprakash..52 tests he couldnt do much in all those years hes nearly as old as me yet he trundles belting the [Poor language removed] we have playing county cricket,this is mans cricket not the comfort zone he's never really got out off since his debut back in what? 1991 was it..

Sorry but he's over the hill and frankly he wasnt much good at test cricket in his prime,a real one that flattered to deceive much like his oppo Hick..another flat track bully who was found out at test level.

Would gone for Key though,thats for sure.

Adraw at best for this one..maybe

 

[little curly alan ball]

When i can understand you matey you talk a lot of sense me old china

Apart that is about Ramprakash..52 tests he couldnt do much in all those years hes nearly as old as me yet he trundles belting the [Poor language removed] we have playing county cricket,this is mans cricket not the comfort zone he's never really got out off since his debut back in what? 1991 was it..

Sorry but he's over the hill and frankly he wasnt much good at test cricket in his prime,a real one that flattered to deceive much like his oppo Hick..another flat track bully who was found out at test level.

Would gone for Key though,thats for sure.

Adraw at best for this one..maybe

I'd argue the Ramps thing on the basis that he was dropped more times than , .. well , Hick . He's actualy got a decent av. Vs Australia , and made a 100 in his last Ashes knock , ( against Warne and Good Old Glenda smile-a-while . )
It was a one-off . To win the goddamn urn . Drastic times and all that .
With him , we might've won . Without him . I doubt it .
( I would also have picked Key . )

 

[linglong]

Know what you're saaying mate but to me he was always a nearly man i agree he looks the part but he's had his chance and in no way shape or form should he return..the selectors are frankly idiots but on this issue i agree with them.

But on a side note to this story to even consider him,even in passing it just goes to show the lack of depth in english cricket at the moment it rally does make you wonder after this crop has gone who'll come in and more to the point be good enough to continue.

Unless a couple of promising batters are out there as yet untouched by england i fear for the future

 

[Lao]

Agree with that. Ramps is 39 or something, averaged 27 in tests, playing brilliantly against county fodder, but a desperate retrograde step if he had been recalled. Key might have been an option, but the lack of depth in batting talent around the counties is worrying. The growth of limited overs, 20/20 etc has contributed imo.

Fingers crossed for Trott, Bell to produce the goods under pressure, and Freddie to go out with a bang.

 

[linglong]

The way flintoff's luck has gone the only bang he'll go out with is in his knee :/

 

[Lao]

Aussies approached to throw the series?
BBC SPORT | Cricket | Ashes bookmaker allegation probed

Thought this was going to be Strauss going all Churchillian, but at least he realises that taking 20 wickets is the issue!
BBC SPORT | Cricket | England | Strauss makes Ashes rallying call

I liked this bit:
'The Oval is the ground upon which England famously reclaimed the Ashes in 2005.' Let's have some Deja-vu.

Did you get a ticket LCAB?