Singing in defeat
Kevin Pietersen swished and missed at the second ball of the day and was out to the fourth on the final day in Brisbane.
That was essentially game over, but despite witnessing the agonising sight of a second England batsman falling in the nervous 90s, the came alive in the Geraint Jones-Ashley Giles partnership.
Neither of these two players are the most loved in England 鈥 in fact many fans have lambasted Duncan Fletcher and Andrew Flintoff for picking them here.
But ticket prices of just $20 (拢8) brought out a boisterous gang of away fans gathered at fine leg at the Stanley Street End. And for once, they were all seated together.
How ironic, then, that Jones and Giles should hear the warmest support of all 鈥 which showed off the quality of the acoustics at the Gabba no end.
The Barmy Army were of course helped by the absence of their Australian counterparts, , who were busy earning a crust as they returned to their day jobs.
But even when Stuart Clark triggered the inevitable clatter of tail-end wickets, and ended the innings by having Steve Harmison caught at fine leg, the Army sang on regardless.
It only remained for the formalities of the post-match presentation and subsequent interviews with the press 鈥 the ones you don鈥檛 see on TV.
Andrew Flintoff graciously gave up 10 minutes of his time but we then had to wait for what seemed like an age before Clark and his skipper Ricky Ponting turned up.
Asked how he intended to celebrate the victory, Ponting replied: 鈥淲e鈥檒l have a bit of a celebration this afternoon and some drinks in the rooms in the evening.鈥
I鈥檝e always wondered how that works. Do 18 people (well you have to include the support staff) cram into Ponting鈥檚 hotel room, or do a series of rival get-togethers take place next door to each other?
One person who will not be invited to sample a few cold ones and is Dennis Lillee.
The veteran fast bowler says he wants to help Harmison get his action together.
鈥淗e doesn鈥檛 seem to be a great fan of the Australian team at the moment,鈥 said Ponting, noting that he was also 鈥渢eaching the Indians how to bowl fast鈥 through his academy in Madras.
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Ok Olly which was the more humiliating for a Pom this weekend - losing 1st Test in Brissie or losing to "Serth Efrikker" - at Twickers. Or have you all suddenly become fans of Justin Rose ?
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Please could a journalist find out exactly what Harmison is actually doing over the next 3 days to 'fix his problem'.
It is critically vital that Harmy is on song.......this is crisis time........backs to the wall stuff..get Lillee to help,get it right,get angry.....Harmy- this is it.....your whole career is on the line here AS WELL AS YOUR TEAM'S HOPES.
FIRE UP!
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As an Aussie I have to admit the Barmy Army is a top class organisation and despite the cracks about only having one chant, they have actually come up with some hilarious ones previously. When we look at the England test performance over the past decade you would struggle to understand why they have such loyal following? Even more credit to them for being hte true fans they are. I know several people who have toured the Caribbean with the Barmy Army and it is a well organised, professional organisation who place as much importance on good relations than team support. Don't confuse them with the football hooligans or worse, THE FANATICS. Our answer to the Barmy Army is a disgracefull example of the ugly Australian sports fan. Trust me, these people are not the true supporters of good cricket. They are constantly in the news for the wrong reasons (especially the tennis) and make most Australians cringe at the yobbo style behaviour which reflects on the Australian public as a whole. Don't worry, we aren't all like these troglidites, we know good cricket and we DO appreciate it from opposition sides. The whole trumpet thing is a farce, however the fun-police has been established after some horribly racist crowd taunts last year against South Africa. Its not an anti-Englang thing. Keep the series going, I'm hoping for a 5-0 but its going to be a good season for runmaking.
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NO STORM! It's 5.30 pm at the Gabba, and it's stayed fine, no storm yet - so no need to wonder "what if we'd hung on until the rain?"!
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Jimmy....great to hear from a genuine Aussie cricket fan.
Yep, the Barmy Boys are a great bunch.....we've got the best fans in the world for sure.
I'm confident we can bounce back and start to show the locals why we're ranked as highly as we are, and to earn the respect we deserve.
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Jimmy, Here, here!!
I still remember hearing the barmy army signing Steve Waugh's name at his last Sydney test. All Class!
One comment though, one of the reasons the fun police are out in force is due to the amount of dribble coming from the English press re Aussie crowd behaviour, specifically what was expected for Monty. Imagine the headline here the first time anything slighty out of order happens!
WHEN Monty plays in Adelaide you will hear lots of banter, Lets face it we have not had a target on the boundary like him since tuffnell. but i also know he already has the respect Aussie fans before he has bowled a ball and i am sure he will hear that too.
Aussie's 5-0.... PLEASE! the last year has been hell!
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Bring on Dennis Lillee! Three days is a short time to put things right but it is worth a try.
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I know all of us England fans are totally despondent at the anti-climatic nature of the Test match, however, the fourth day should instil belief and confidence in abundance. Just put the fisrt three days down to anxiety, lack of preparedness and being awe-struck. On the fourth day we showed character, resilence and diggedness that will stand us in good stead for the rest of the tour. For all of McGrath's 6 wickets in the first innings, he looked fatigued and ineffectual in the second innings, especially after the first spell, Shane Warne lost his composure and serenity, a sign of England's increasing aptitude in dealing with him and Ricky Ponting again illustrated what a meek leader he is, someone who lacks ruthlessness and gave us the chance to take something away from the game. If you look at our dismissals, how many were good balls and more to the point how many were as a result of poor batting, such as Andrew Strauss's similarly disappointing departures in both innings? Harmy has had overs under his belt and knows he has to improve, and will, and we have Ponty back. Just keep the faith and support the team. They are no longer the spineless team of yesteryear.
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It's normal to be beaten in the first test of the (five test) series, but the way should be competitive. In the second innings after the falling of the top five batsmen of England team the players of the tailenders played as if it were a one-day game.They didn't understand that is was a test match ,they should be patient, try to defend the ball what they shouldn't play. One time I thought England batsmen were playing as like as a newcomer in the test cricket arena. At last I wish the England team to come back in the series with a fresh spirit and do a better result .
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cant we just have dennis lillee bowl for us?
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There's something quite ironic about a group of supporters boldly calling themselves 'The Fanatics' and then not even bothering to show up when their team are going one up in The Ashes.... maybe 'The Slackers' is more appropriate. Go the Barmy Army!
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As an Australian i would vote that England pick any 11 guys from the Barmy Army to start on Friday against the us...
They've got it all, passion, enthusiasm, commitment... everything sadly missed from all the english players bar flintoff and pietersen.
Id pay money to watch that rather than the freeloaders that are out here at the moment...
We want a decent contest..... Jones? Surely his mum is washing the whites...
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England's cricketers seem to do well only when the crowd is behind them... an alien crowd gets them intimidated no end. Wherever the Barmy Army tour in numbers... the Windies & South Africa 'speicially, England have done well. Struggles while touring Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka are easily explained.
No wonder the Aussies restricted the support for tourists at the ground - no other team gets even 10% of the support England's players get... and the Barmy Army seem not to care about the match situation or anything else happening.. they always find a reason to keep singing and yelling. Should be un-nerving for any home team.
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Sorry to say this, but that's b**s$&t about the fanatics...they were still there...it's just that the army was allowed to sit together for once...and they were just drowned out. Thank you very much to the queensland police who let anyone sit in the barmy army section, despite the best efforts by the security insisting that we go and change our tickets (and no doubt pay for the privelege).
A big thank you top the people of queensland too after today. lets hope cricket australia listen to their fans when they are tod that the barmy army needs to be allowed to sing for the good of the game and the atmoshphere
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Despite all my assertions to the contrary, I have to say ONE thing - do look at the Indian team and the 'consistency' of our pace attack.
Would you want Lillee to help you as well, England?
Pray he goes and helps the Clarks, Johnsons and sundry other Kangaroos for all our collective good...
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I read that on me mobile just a few mere hours after reading in his autobiography how Fred Trueman had given Dennis Lillee a few pointers on his action !! Lillee took a wicket well, and gave a nod, and thumbs up to the TMS booth that day.
I think Harmy should bite the bullet, and give him a call - what possible harm could it do ?
good on you Dennis, very sporting.
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I think the reason that the Barmy Army are such a source of amazement to non-English Cricket fans is easy to understand. Those who stare in bemusement are mostly journo's or australians (or both) who are completely alien to the concept of supporting your country's team whatever the outcome.
The Barmy Army are unique in that they support and cheer their team for every effort they give rather than waiting for success before showing their support. On the contrary, after Pietersen was dismissed on the morning of day 5 at the gabba, the cheering increased. Not because the fans were happier, but because they knew the team needed more encouragement.
I have to say the old "sing when you're winning" adage was very much in effect day 5 at the oval last year. As each sliver of australian hope slipped away, so did another australian fan down the exit steps. Compare that to the Barmy Army's display on monday facing their team's inevitable defeat.
In short, the Barmy Army will never be emulated by the "fanatics" or "boony army" or whatever the australian media can try to concoct, until they ask themselves this question:
Do you support your team or just their success?
I'm an Englishman in australia and regardless of England's successes or failures, rest assured Freddie: I'm England 'til I Die! Come on lads! Ashes live in England!
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It irks me the Cricket Australia are so desperate to regain the Ashes that - as if restricting sales to England fans isn't bad enough - they've intentionally split-up the Barmy Army into isolated groups to minismise their vocal support.
They're well meaning supporters who bring a lot of atmosphere to a game and enjoy the banter and sing-songs with the rest of the crowd.
It's cynical and unecessary, but what do you expect from an organisation that sells it's own country's identity to the Commonwealth Bank for profit?
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Response to John Shuby ...
Firstly I agree the Barmy Army is unique; and as an Aussie I find them hugely entertaining and they certainly add atmosphere to the game. However, the fact that we don't have an Army doesn't mean we don't understand the 'concept of supporting your country's team whatever the outcome'. As an Aussie living in London who in the past 3 years has watched the Aussies lose in the rugby and the cricket - I understand what supporting my country whatever the outcome means. I've taken the shots on my chin and hopefully it will now be my turn to give out a few.
I was also at the Oval for day 5 last year, and apart from being spat at, whilst standing in the beer queue for cheering when the Aussies got a wicket, I had a great day and was there till the very (sad) end. I even had the English supporters seated behind me buying me pints for being 'a good sport'. And I personally didn't see any Aussies leaving.
With regard to this continual Aussie bashing - just because we don't support our team the same way that the English do, doesn't mean we are any less passionate. I personally find the billboard I drive past on the A4 each morning - showing Shane Warne with his head in his hands and the words "XXXX'ed" written across him really quite sad. Bit of a cheap shot really when he isn't here to see it himself.
Anyway - I look forward to the rest of the Ashes and hope that the off field bitching ends - calling it banter doesn't make it any less offensive.
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Keith. Re the accusation of intentionally splitting up the Barmy Army. Can you tell me how this was done? I think you will find the BA like the rest of those who purchased tickets through CA were allocated seats on a first in first served basis.
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Harmy, all Dennis Lillee now and have a chat!!
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Re John Shuby. I couldn't agree more with you. Guys like you make me proud to be English and I just wish I was down there supporting the team with you! Have some beers and sing a song for me!
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Dear "aussie in London"
It's a disgrace that you were spat at by someone at the Oval. Having been repeatedly sworn at, spat at, and at one point physically threatened at the SCG during the 1998-9 tour I know how that can ruin your day. Incidentally I had nobody offer me a pint (or schooner) as England lost that one-day series. I am really interested in your perception of how the series is being portrayed in London. Here in Sydney the coverage is littered with adverts with jingles like "We eat our (foodstuff) so we'll smash the poms for six!" or the authorised ashes promotion being spiced up with the "T***-a-pom" competition.
I'm all for struggles on the pitch but outside it we should all be allowed to enjoy following our sides without fear.
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Your article 'Freddie promises an Ashes fightback' quotes Kevin Pietersen as saying '.. there were a few bad decisions etc etc'. Good to see that he has fully integrated himself into his adopted country and is now a certifiable whinging pom. How short is his memory? It is a disgrace coming from a player who was the beneficary of a couple of fortunate decisions in the 2005 series : Lords - given not out when plum LBW to Lee -( and before you go off on one in response - you should note that the umpire did actually admit and apologise for the mistake) and at Edgbaston - where Billy Bowden gave him not out when he clearly gloved his first ball from Lee through to Gilchrist (even Ian Botham thought it was out). Remember also the couple of dodgy LBW decisions against Martyn and 'that' decision by Bowden against Kasperwicz that cost Australia the second test. Not once did any of the Australian complain in public. Pietersen looks good enough to be able to do himself (and his adopted country) to have the grace to stop giving stupid interviews and let his bat do the talking.
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I believe we could have easily drawn the match, if not won it, had four (Pieterson included) of our top batsmen not thrown their wicket away.
I know I am being too optimistic, but scoring 350 odd wouldn't have been a tall order if we would have been, say, 273/2 at the end of the fourth day.See how Collingwood and Pieterson played once they settled in.And most threatening bowler Shane Warne was hit for approximately 5 runs an hour. Its a pity that we made a mess of it, when we suddenly had a chance after Ponting's decision.
Can't understand what is going on with Strauss.
Flintoff played disgusting shot ever!
Collingwood, bit of a rush of blood.
And Pieterson, he is always after everything.
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Paul,
Yes I clearly remember the lack on Whinging from Ricky Ponting when he was run out by Gary Pratt, I'm sure nobody in the crown or on tell heard or saw it too.
Give it a rest about how perfect the Aussies are, they whinge just as much.
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Bit harsh on the Aussie fans for that last day at the Oval. Where I was sitting the stand in the front of the players dressing room there was about 30 of us 鈥 none of us left 鈥 we got up and defiantly sang Waltzing Matilda under a deluge of debris (beer , plastic cups, food 鈥 nothing too serious but worth mentioning) when the game was well and truly over 鈥 as well as singing the National Anthem, 鈥淵ou sent us to a Sunny Paradise鈥, 鈥淲e鈥檝e had the Ashes for 18 Years鈥 and a collection of other semi to non amusing dittys throughout the day. We also stayed throughout the presentation ceremony which was right in front of us and even reluctantly clapped the English players.
Not too sure where John Shuby was sitting but I didn鈥檛 see anyone leaving.
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Paul,what planet are you on.I distinctly remember old Punter Ponting moaning at being run out last year by Gary Pratt,i'm sure he said it was against the spirit of the game!what about Simon Katich and his disgraceful outburst and Matty Hayden swearing at a young boy carrying a flag!!and probably what sums it up is when your team walked out of that awards ceremony earlier on in the year when Tuffers reminded them about how they lost in England.Face it Paul,Aussies can dish it out but CANNOT take it!!!!
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It's great that the Army are getting one over on the 'Fanatics' or whatever they're called. I think that the army are brilliant; any aussie pundit who complains about them is an idiot, and should look at their own fans. What's worse; a trumpet player or racial abuse?
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I think the Barmy Army are great. It was nice to hear their hymns ring out around the Gabba yesterday even though England were destined to lose. The only thing I don't like in cricket stadia are those awful horns which are so loud they can block the radio commentary!(ref:India tour 2006) The Barmy Army are really an institution and those who remember the last Ashes will know how much of a part those guys played in England's support. The players obviously like them as they were invited onto the stage in the victory celebrations in London. Keep it up guys!
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Its funny how everyone complains about the barmy army being split up - i was at trent bridge with the fanatics last year and the exact same thing happen - the ECB split us up - supposedly for our own safety as they were afraid a large group of us might upset those around us!!!
But do you know what - i didnt care - i had my best mate sitting next to me and i became mates (if only for one day) with the english guy on the other side and we watched a fantastic day of Cricket.
I cant wait to get down to OZ for my Christmas holidays where i will be there front and centre watching us reclaim the ASHES 3-0 in Perth!
Hope to see you all there :-)
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The Barmy Army are delightful and amusing...for about 10 minutes! How they can follow the cricket at all with all that hooting and bellowing I'm not sure. Sure spoiled my watch...I had to turn the sound off - until Brett Lee's timely removal of KP quietened the blighters.
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Kevin
wouldn't you all be better off if less of your taxes were spent on developing such a good cricket team and more on the Aus obesity problem which is second only to the USA?
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I'm also surprised that Pietersen was mentioning the umpiring. I thought it was pretty good and while there might have been a maximum of two decisions that went Australia's way, it had nothing to do with the result.
Incidentally, I still get annoyed that Aussie fans bring up the umpiring in 2005 as a factor. I watched a DVD of that series recently and Brett Lee was plum lbw to Harmy late on the last day at Old Trafford.
In a five-match series it is almost impossible for the quality of the umpiring to affect the overall result.
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Jimmy,
You are a fair dinkum fake. I don't reckon you are Australian at all. Of course you are a 'true' supporter of Australian Cricket. Either you are English, or you work for Cricket Australia. But either way, that comment was pathetically incorrect and you are a lousy try hard.
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In response to kevin byrne's comments about Englishmen not teaching you how to play sport...did one manage your national football team not long ago? and even now you don't have one that is of an Australian nationality? and where do the majority of the Aussie players play football? England i believe?!
Anyway...I think this series will only get better, I'm not sure if the Aussies (in Aus) seen it, but in Eng Nasser did an interview with Warney, and it was very interesting, there were comments from Waugh about the last ashes being too 'Friendly' and Warney was quick to remind him about Langer and Ponting being hit on the 1st day let alone the rest of the series, and that when Warney got to 600 wickets Vaughan (who was at the non-strikers end) went into the Aussie huddle to congratulate him...I think it's good to have sportsman like behavour but I wasn't too pleased to see Langer 'showboating' as he caught Freddy, and Warne throwing the ball, not at the stumps, but head height twice at KP one in each innings...i don't think either was very sportsman like and i hope England don't lower themselves to that petty level!
I hope the Cricket picks up in the next test (from Eng) and makes the rest of this test very entertaining to watch.
Bring on Adelaide, and bring on a performance that betters our position in world cricket.
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I am a diehard Aussie living here in Brisbane. I can鈥檛 understand why people are shocked at how the security was at the first test. That is just how things are here in Queensland you are not allowed to have fun. I say let the barmy army sing, and if you think we find it intimidating I think you may be delusional on that one. It is all in name of good fun and at the end of the day it is just cricket. Too many people are taking this way too seriously. As much as I hate to admit this I think England are going to win, it would be the best thing to happen to Cricket we need a challenge.
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Dear Damo,
FYI day 5 at the Oval I was in the OCS stand at the long on boundary, across from the pavilion. There were a lot of songs coming from our area and during the final session we cheered the throngs of aussies fans leaving to choruses of "cheerio, cheerio, cheerio". It was all good natured but I must say I didn't see many aussies stick around for the ceremony. Certainly didn't hear them. Well done to you for sticking it out though. That's the kind of spirit England fans had to show for 16 years.
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England will have a chance only if the bowlers get their act together in Adelaide. Whether there is enough time or not thats something else.
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Dear Damo,
FYI day 5 at the Oval I was in the OCS stand at the long on boundary, across from the pavilion. There were a lot of songs coming from our area and during the final session we cheered the throngs of aussies fans leaving to choruses of "cheerio, cheerio, cheerio". It was all good natured but I must say I didn't see many aussies stick around for the ceremony. Certainly didn't hear them. Well done to you for sticking it out though. That's the kind of spirit all fans want to see.
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I was wondering how the barmy army even managed to get tickets, it certainly wasnt with any help from cricket australia who blatently didnt want any English fans at any of the games and heaven forbid letting them sit together and sing!!! might put Ricky Ponting off while showing us how to bat properly ... he's one of the best ever by the way, enjoy it through the pain fellow englishmen.
keep up the good work barmy lot, sucess over this type of adversity is a truely english thing that cannot be taught, it has taken 1000's of years of good breeding and fine tuning to have this pragmatic satiricle sarcastic outlook on life .... can i take my tongue out of my cheek now ?
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normal service resumed at Brisbane. Yes the Ashes were won in 05 but really if looked at more closely were England that good or was it that
a. England had a large amount of luck
b. the Aussie selection policy cost them the series.
Re b look at the errors Katich Matyn Gillespie with others such as Hussey Symmonds in the wings. Also should have played MaGill with Warne at Oval and the result would have been different.
England were not that good and since 05 it has become clearer even when injuries are taken into account
The problem now apart from talent is if the players can handle the pressure have they the heart to battle this series. The captain has but the others ? I have my doubts. I predict 3/4 0l
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If it takes a bunch of pissed blokes singing in the stands with their sunburnt man boobs exposed to get your team to play with pride and passion it really shouldn't come as a surprise when you get pasted.
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Sir/Madam
Australia was dubbed as the favourite to win this Ashes series. In the last Ashes series England came bace strogly after loosing the first test match.But it is unlikely that the same story will be repeated. Aussies are far superior to any other team in the world.
England lost the significant before the Gaba test when Marcus Trescothick decided to return home. This really broke the back bone of the English team. Trescothick did the same thing in India. Flintoff is clueless what to do. English bowler I do not think can get Australia out two times in a test. It would be a magic if England returned in the Ashes series. Ricky Ponting's men are in tremendous touch. This time they would not let the sries drop from their hands like the last series.
The prediction is that Australia will win this Ashes series 4-1 or 3-1. If England win even a single test then It would be a dream for the English team. Sorr, I am not an Australian fan. But as a Cricket fan I believe Australia will thrash England in the on going Ashes series.
Wasimul Haque
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Delighted that the Kasprowicz wicket at Edgbaston still rankles the Australians. Makes victory all the sweeter.
And while we're talking about dodgy decisions - how many "LBWs" does Warne get each game through his theatrics and intimidation of umpires? Probably one per match. So that means he's bought himself over 100 during his career. He practially starts to appeal before the ball has left his hand. And sad to see that he's now resorting to throwing the ball at batsmen's heads when it isn't all going his way. No doubt a great bowler, one of the greatest ever. But a bully also.
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Got last minute tickets for friday, 3 of us. Husband, 9 yr old son and me $25 each. Sun didn't hit us until 3.30. Beer expensive for Aussies at $5.50... but when you are used to paying twice that at any UK sporting occasion, we thought it was great. Free tickets on public transport too (over an hour for us from the Gold Coast to the Gabba) A national sporting day out for 3 for under 60 quid... your avin a laugh aint ya ! UK sport should learn from Australia on that score. We only emigrated out here in May and we are proud to be whinging POMS. Sat with the Barmy Army, and had to cover sons ears occassionally. If it hadn't been for the in stand entertainment, waiting for Ponting to declare would have been a bore (fantastic innings by the way). So bring on the beach balls and the mexican wave, and COME ON ENGLAND!!! Go Freddie. PS we miss the 大象传媒 Coverage but at least still have Richie B.
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Howard wrote
鈥渢he Aus obesity problem which is second only to the USA? 鈥
So that鈥檚 another thing Australia rolls England at. Awesome! You guys must be crushed鈥.
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Having read my way through all the ashes bloggs I felt obliged to reiterate a couple of points made by a few of the saner contributors.
Firstly,I'm English but have lived and worked overseas, including in Australia. I've met Aussies at home and abroad and found the majority fine, with a few complete tossers thrown in for good measure. In effect, exactly the same "tosser to good bloke" ratio I've encountered among my own countrymen. Basically, to generalise is not only wrong but inaccurate into the bargain.
Secondly, "banter" as a generic term for any verbal exchanges is a generalisation in it's own right I think. Having attended test matches and ODIs at all the Aussie grounds over the last few years, I can safely say the comments I attracted varied from genuienly funny quips to vitriolic personal abuse and threats. Personally, I don't see this as a problem peculiar to sporting events in Australia...........rather one of the issues any "away" fan anywhere has to put up with in following their team. For Aussies or Englishmen not to recognise this, demonstrates either an inability to understand that we're not all that different really, or absolutely no personal experience in attending major matches outside our own respective parochial back yards!
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I want to comment on the racist abuse suffered by Sajid Mahmood and Monty Panesar.
I think we should all congratulate Cricket Australia, and the ACB for burying there heads in the sand and saying that racism won't be a problem during the Ashes series, even though it is going on.
But then come down like a tonne of bricks on a Barmy Army member and throwing him out of the Gabba, because he is playing a trumpet!! are you serious Australia, I maybe suggest you take a long hard look at yourselves and get your priorities right.
I might also ask the question seeing as you are such a multi-cultural country and so multi-racial why are the no players of colour in the Astralian side.
This might well explain the attitude of Australian cricket
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"Comments are moderated, and will not appear on this weblog until the author has approved them."
That I highly doubt. Over the last week or two I have used the 大象传媒 website, including these blogs, to form an understanding of the English view on this year's Ashes Series (or at least, the view of the 大象传媒 and it's contributers).
I have been somewhat intrigued by the news reports and editorials published, however as for the Blog network, I have found them highly ill-informative. It just seems like a haven for any kind of blind debate, with the most blatant use of stereotypes and generalisations I have ever come accross. The really unfortunate thing is that it's not only those posting who are committing these argumentative sins but the 大象传媒 Journalists who are starting the blogs, seemingly for the sake of throwing bait into the water to watch the chaos unfold.
Another Sports blog I often read over is that for FoxSports Australia, which is also at times disgraceful, however it pains me to say that even it provides a higher level of informity than these blogs.
I often take a backward step whilst reading and ask myself, surely those commenting here are not truly representative of the culture they claim to be indicative of, which is a really sad thing to have to do. But that is the case, and so I ask Oliver Brett to indeed 'moderate' his blogs (at least to a higher level), and be more selective with you're rate of approval. If not for yourself, then for the viewing pleasure of those such as myself.
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Mark,
He may not be in the test side (although he has played tests) but did you just think that Andrew Symonds had a nice tan??
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Being a neutral from the sub-continent I have immensely enjoyed the Ashes in 2005 and ,although the English were below par ,I am still enjoying the cricket this year.But it seems to me that the english people and press havn't taken the defeat of the 1st test too well.They are making a big issue of Harmisons first ball in the 1st test.I dont think this kind of things are gonna make his life easier.Ok.. he bowled badly but it doesnt mean he is a bad bowler.We know that in cricket sometimes you get the rub of the green..and if no more that 2 aussie batsmen had played a rash shot to him and got out in the 2nd innings everyone would have said that Harmy is back.Give him time......He'll prove his quality.
Another thing which really annoyed me was the Dad's Army crap that came from few people.These are quality players there and bar Gilchrist none of the older aussie players are out of form.Adn most damage done to the english side was by these so called old guys.If you consider the Aussie players over 30 years of age ..they scored a combined total of 675 runs and took 18 of the 20 english wickets in the match.so give the Dads Army crap a rest boys.
I am seriously hoping that the english team improves for the rest of the serious otherwise the most anticipited test series in cricket history could also turn out to be one of the most one sided ones.........
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We've lambasted poor Steve Harmison from pillar to post but was his performance really that bad. Yes it was but keep in mind the expectation on him is huge. If Pietersen or Flintoff are missing it would be seen as a blow just like Trescothick, Vaughan and Jones. However we all say if Harmison is anything but at his best we cannot retain the Ashes. I hope big Steve storms back but he needs support and is his performance really any different from his usual because Steve Harmison has always been inconsistent, going from blindingly brilliant to ordinary to has he ever bowled before? The Aussie's have an enigma also Brett Lee! 37 overs 2 for 149 not much better than Steve but backed by world class performances from McGrath, Clark and Warne not to mention the batting. My point being, it is not only Steve Harmison who has to raise his game its a bit too easy to blame it all on him.
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If Ponting was English we would laud him as the greatest living English sportsman and the gutter press would still try to dig the dirt and undermine him. Give him a break. I would rather have 11 obnoxious, arrogant and loud mouthed Aussies (not that I think they are) of the calibre of Ponting, Langer MacGrath etc.. in the England team if it meant we were the best in the world which they clearly are by some distance.
England can retain the Ashes but it will take a good deal of character and moral courage to step up and do the business. They can all perform at Test level and have the natural talent but do they have the mental strength and bloody mindedness to take the game to Australia? We will see.
Harmy needs to grow a set of balls and start shedding some Aussie blood and the rest of the England bowlers will follow suit. The batsmen need to go back to basics and bat properly and not throw their wickets away (I would not mind seeing Strauss and Cook bat all day and only make 150). Whilst MacGrath and Co are truly great they are only human and we have proved before that we can bat against them.
As fo me I am at the MCG for the 4th Test and will be proud to sit alongside my Aussie mates and family and enjoy some good cricket. I am sure by then we will be 2-1 up in the series! But if we are not then so be it. Let us get over this bickering this is cricket and all of this whinging on both sides is very distasteful. The media will always try to make headlines as it sells papers and with last years Ashes win overhyped the achievement. A victory parade for winning something that only two teams contest every two years is a bit pathetic. Anyone who has ever been to Australia loves it there and the people are a joy to have a beer with. On the opposite side my Aussie brother in law cannot wait to get back to London. This is cricket not football!
Just my thoughts, although more of a concern is the England team sporting these muscle vests (or slip if you are an Aussie). Apart from looking ridiculous they look more like a bunch of Football hooligans on the beer in Tenerife than the English Cricket Team.
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Can we please just get one thing correct? All this 'Dad's Army' business - how it came about and so on. All I've been hearing is the 'Poms' have no respect..blah,blah...calling us 'Dad's Army'.
Dennis Lillee: 'The West Australian' 23rd October, or something like that:
'Dennis Lillee reveals his Ashes fear: Our Dad鈥檚 Army'
Let's not start a war of words - generally, I think you'll find that England supporters have the upmost respect for Messrs Ponting & Co. - and have had since the start. Let's get real - the last ashes was very close - I know the Aussies love to think we're ripping the mickey out of them - but Lillee started all this! Just thought I'd straighten that up.
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Being born and bred on the Sydney beaches and an SCG member, I can remember the buzz whenever England ventured downunder. Dilley, Willey and Lillee providing an endless source of amusement in the box. Randall fielding like a whippet, Beefy turning games at will, Gower's elegance and of course Sir Geoffry the rock.
Back then it was always fun and the teams could still separate business and pleasure...so what has happened to this generation of over aggressive, paranoid, image conscious robots ?
Of course I'd like to see us win to ease the pain of 05, but to watch Warne and KP chucking their handbags and declare "no speakies" fills me with dread. This is not life or death lads. It's an unhapppy legacy from the Healy era of sledging ( "how's your wife and my kids getting on ?" ).
I love reading anecdotes from times past reflecting the best spirit of this glorious game. Sadly, from here on I can't see much source material being generated.
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The Barmy Army are rubbish. Their mission is self aggrandisment, not the enjoyment of cricket. Their yelling and chanting shows no regard for the game. When I was a young lad on the SCG Hill in the 70's, the crowd would roar at a good ball, a good shot or a top notch bit of fielding. We would scream: "Lillee, Lillee" or "Thommo, Thommo" as our bowlers charged in, but then hold our breaths as the ball was released. The Barmy Army show no such enjoyment of the play. They act like a bunch of football hooligans, malcontents who should be locked up with the rest of the residents at Taronga Zoo.
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A third English cricket team assembling in Australia? Yes dear Bloggers the team will play in Perth on December 12 against an Australian team of "legends". The English lineup is reported as Adam Hollioake, Gladstone Small, Mike Gatting, Angus Fraser, John Emburey, Alec Stewart, Robin Smith, Devon Malcolm, Graham Thorpe, Phil DeFreitas and Chris Smith. Beefy will be the manager. Up to you of course but If I were in your shoes I would be begging your cricket authorities to get these blokes on the field a.s.a.p , preferably this Friday in Adelaide...
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Have lived down under for thirteen years now and would have to agree aussies support only winners,who else watches swimming ,it's an absolute pleasure to hear the old songs bellowed out by the army,keep it up lads we'll turn it round.
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TeamEcho
Not too good a response there really is it.
Andrew Symonds... is that the only player you can come up with, it's a poor state of affairs when all you can come up with is 1 non white player, in a country with such a diverse and multi cultural society.
And no Aboriginals at all, now there's a surprise!! and we act all self righteous when there are racists calls from the stands in Australia, is there any wonder?.
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Jason Gillespie 60 odd tests and Aboriginal.
Aboriginals tend to be attracted to the football codes which is why they tend to be over represented in AFL clubs and Rugby league sides.
Your 鈥渞acist鈥 cries might have more credibility if you didn鈥檛 use our selection policy as a basis. The Australian cricket 11 is chosen purely on merit and if you can name an aboriginal player that is better than any our current 11 then I鈥檇 be interested. If it wasn鈥檛 chosen on merit then we would struggle to be number one for so long.
I don鈥檛 seriously believe that England has a racist selection policy but if I was so inclined I could ask whether Giles was chosen ahead of Panesar and Anderson ahead of Mahmood both purely on merit????
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I took a non-cricket fan to the ODI England v Sri Lanka this summer at Lords - his first ever match. There was a lot of beer, a little singing, some attempts at the Mexican wave and WE LOST. As the evening drew on, and the chances of saving the match thinned and wasted away, the singing went on. My friend said: "Are you sure England are losing?"
The big, big difference is between those of us who are fans of CRICKET, and those who are fans of WINNING.
Have any of our Australian guests below, been in Britain long enough to know what poem it is that always wins any vote for the nation's favourite? It is always 'If' by Kipling. I won't recite the whole thing, but you might as well hear this:
'If you can meet with triumph and disaster
'And treat those two imposters just the same.'
As J Boycott might say - Think on.
If England lose the series 5-0, I will still be a fan.
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So the story so far is:
First test - Oz are lucky enough to win the toss and bat, win by a street.
Second test - Glenn Mc Gr'aaaaaaargh! hurts his foot before the game.
I'm sure this story is eerily familiar from recent experience, but I'm damned if I can remember how it ends. I do hope it was a happy ending though. Can any of our Aussie friends remind me please?
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i reckon the barmy army do nothing for the game. on the surface it seems like they add atmosphere, but in reality they just detract from the spectacle on the field.
it was so nice and refreshing to hear the crowd responding with such spontaneity to a nice piece of fielding, a maiden over, or a play and a miss.
good cricket should be rewarded with a good crowd. save the shinanigans for the popcorn cricket (the one dayers).
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This night sound slightly arrogant but we have the best supported football team and cricket team. That is based on our support when we are not in England. Anyone could fill them home ground but when ever we play overseas we always have supporters there. Even the tour of Pakistan last year attracted a few! I was there for the one dayers and met about 20 fans who had come out just for the cricket!
The Barmy Army is heavily influenced by how we support our football teams, especially with the singing, humour and following our teams over land and sea. You aussies dont have anything that compares to the atmosphere and banter that you get at a football match or the loyal support. So trying to create something to the barmy army is going to be very hard as you neither have the track record of supporting a team overseas on a regular basis. Watching the Wallabies playing at Twickeham isn't quite the same thing.
It may come now that your football is actually performing up to its potential. They were well supported in Germany so who knows this may continue?
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