Off Topic The Official Ashes 2013 Thread

It isn't part and parcel of cricket, it's part and parcel of what some of today's cricketers are like.

Cricket is supposed to be a gentlemans game.

 

I have to agree here. Always been part of the game, even back to the days of Bradman etc. It got a little bit uncouth under the days of Mr Waugh but has reined back in to good humoured in recent years. You have to be careful for me when taking the heat out of these situations. Sledging takes different forms and has resulted in some of the funniest and best battles that cricket has seen. Part and parcel for me, even if it can get out of hand like the Sarwan/McGrath and Ambrose/Waugh battles.

Think back to McGrath getting at Eddo Brandes asking why he was so fat, Brandes simply responded that everytime he made love to his wife she gave him a biscuit. McGrath was furious and put off his game but the whole Aussie slip cordon hit the floor laughing. Or Miandad telling Merv Hughes he looked like a fat bus conductor. When dismissing him a few balls later Merv shouted "Tickets please!"

Then you have the other side. The war and mental battle between Atherton and Donald in 98. Donald bowling quick and aggressively fire insults Athertons way all day long. Neither took a backward step. Athers came out on top but said the great thing was once play ended, they shook hands and had a beer together forgetting all that was said on the field of play.

It certainly has its place but just needs to stay in the realms of acceptable.

 

To be fair Norma, Donald had Atherton twice, he just stood there and the umpire gave it not out.

 

I think it's too sunny for sledging personally...

 

Certainly did but the abuse from Donald began way before that. He was just pumped that day and it all formed part of the tactical assault of a bowler. Some of the most sizzling spells I've seen from any fast bowler. Atherton deserved great credit and no problem with standing his ground. Another thing people moan about but has gone on since the beginning of time. WG Grace was allegedly the worst for this. Plenty from every single international side throughout the years have refused to walk. Then you get others who just go. Look at the great Aussie side. Loads of non walkers but then Slater would often just go.

My personal favourite for sledging is Andre Nel. Just a very funny insane man. At times over the top but most of the time just daft as a brush.

 

Didn't W.G.Grace once get bowled, put the bails on and tell the fielding team that they didn't see anything, then they just continued.

 

I was once bowled when I hadn't been ready to face the delivery and I just told them so and batted on.

Top scored and hit the winning runs.

Something similar had happened before too.

 

Sledging is fun.
My favourite was when an Aussie started on Botham...

Aussie- hey beefy how come you are so fat?
Botham- cos every time I f**k your mother she gives me a biscuit.

 

Botham was the wrong one to try and sledge, he could outdo the best of them. Not the kind to mess about with .

 

Not Botham this one, actually Eddo Brandes of Zimbabwe (see above). However Botham was involved in a classic with Rod Marsh, legendary Aussie wicketkeeper.

"Hey Botham, how's your wife and my kids?"
"The wife is fine, but the kids are ******ed"

 

I thought that was Daryl Cullinan replying to Shane Warne?

 

As I say that was Eddo Brandes to McGrath the biscuit one.

Cullinan to Warne was fat related though. Cullinan was Warne's bunny and taunted him all the time as Daryl just couldn't pick him at all. I'm sure it was something along the lines of Warne saying to him "I've been waiting two years to humiliate you again Daryl" and Cullinan responded "Looks like you spent it eating" Maybe this is what led to him taking a banned diuretic and getting a ban. Bullied by Cullinan!!

 

I think this toss is going to be mighty important tomorrow in so many ways. The ball will always swing at Trent Bridge but the wicket turns a lot whe its dry. best to try and get runs on the board early looking at the weather. If it stays like this you won't want to be batting last on a crusty TB wicket. It'll turn a lot and if we win the toss and bat first, I'd fancy Swann to massacre the Aussies 2nd innings on his home ground if the wicket is as dry as you'd expect.

 

please log in to view this image

 

Pathetic England, 5-0 my arse, Broad out stupid. 213 for 8 on day 1.

 

Swann c Hughes b Pattinson 1 (England 215 all out).

 

Steven Finn takes the new ball in Broad's absence, but is greeted by a fierce cut shot from Watson. A boundary and shades of Phil DeFreitas to Michael Slater. How can Finn respond? With a long, looping half-volley that Watson gobbles up through the covers for another boundary. Powderpuff start from Finn.[/B]

Finn not getting off to the best of starts.

 

True that. I refuse to go out to the games - its daylight robbery
I stream it online from allsports.li

 

WICKET - Cowan c Swann b Finn 0 (Aus 19-2)

Game on.

 

HAT-TRICK BALL - Aus 19-2

A huge crescendo of noise cheers every step of Steve Finn's long run up to Aussie skipper Clarke. It's full, a huge drive, an edge? No, but close. If you didn't know what the Ashes is all about, you do now. Pure theatre.