1st Test - End of Game (Physio-gate)

1st Ashes Test - wash up


Well...what a Test match!?! Unbelievable game of tactics and batting from both sides truly showed what the Ashes means to both teams.

However...(read: venting spleen)

Your Director would like to point out that the inexplicable cynicism displayed by Levi "Blackadder" Strauss and his conniving plan to slow play soured what was ultimately a fantastic Test match. By sending on the physio and the 15th man (remember the Gary Pratt fiasco of 2005) to put the brakes on the Australian team's focus on securing that last wicket, highlighted a severe lack of form from Blackadder and exposed his immaturity to be England's captain. Haven't the ECB learnt from their mistakes when last they appointed a South African as captain!??!? Blackadder managed to successfully tarnish the fabric of the game and the spirit in which it should be played by this rash brain snap...the likes of which were managed by Queen Kev in both innings, and to then suggest his actions were honorable fell on deaf ears the world over (by both English and Aussie fans).

Sure, England narrowly escapted defeat...but one must remember that Australia nearly bowled England out twice whereas England could only muster 6 enemy wickets in the whole of the first innings. Poor bowling display by Australia, as has been suggested? I think not!

So, we're now on to the 2nd Test at the home of cricket. One of the most spectacular venues on the planet to watch God's game. The Barmy Army will still be in fine fettle after the Great Escape and the Australian Fan-attics will be out in force, which will lend itself to a more intense atmosphere given the crowd capacity in Cardiff was a little shy of a recession-busting 223 people and Lord's holds in excess of 30,000.

To each side, and those who follow, we cricket lovers here in Asia will be detoxing heavily in the build up to Thursday's start knowing full well that livers will be saturated by weekend's end. If you are rugby supporters, the usual 6pm start will be 3 hours earlier with the first game of the Bledisloe starting at 3:30pm. Your Director can only say...hiccup! OUCH!!!

Until Thursday mortals...

Pammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm