The Cricket.....

they're injured - that's why they're not playing!

Thrilled with the victory. But I still want to ask this question: What is Ashley Giles for? d.beswetherick.

Ramps? Now I know you are insane. If anyone is brought back it should be Thorpe - but who should go? Smith showed he may be useful and the only other batsman in the firing line is Stewart - but then you need another wicket keeper. Don't forget that we have a VERY young and inexperienced bowling line-up. I hope they do it today but don't go bananas if they don't. It'll give them all a huge confidence boost if they bowl as well again today as they did yesterday but they will need to do so to get the wickets. The ball does not behave so outrageously once it softens a little - and we are now in that situation. Hence the runs for Flintoff and Giles in the English innings. They bat right down to Adams - it's going to be tight.

A South African woman can't ignore this discussion! I have a feeling that with the pitch deteriorating further today its going to work in your favour. Also, there seems have been a shift in Morale for the English team that is working to their benefit. Its really good to see that. They used to be so damn apathetic! Its exciting to see a team shift like that.

...we're gone!

What happened to all the great English players we used to produce, Tony Greig, Mike Deness,Alan lamb,Robin Smith,Basil d'oliveira,Graham Hick, Craig White and Andy Caddick. Surely there must be a half decent Transvaal reserve or second string Queenslander itching to get a deserved British passport because their parents used to import HP sauce.

You copy and pasted that list of names didn't you? I should hate cricket by rights. But you know what? I don't.

I don't think many South African players would realistically choose to represent England instead of South Africa. But the players who already have passports (because we are all half breeds) are playing for the british county sides...

No i didn't copy and paste that list of names, i'll have you know i'm decent chap to have on your side at the old pub sports quiz. I have a love,hate relationship with cricket, today i dislike it. I'm moody and enigmatic you see.

(and I mean half breed in the nicest possible way...my father is a garden gnome from surrey)

why should you hate cricket it by right?

Yes you did copy and paste that list of names. I saw you. Cricket is for upper class wimps and closet queers*. I'm a working class hard man (hard like a criminal) and comfortable with my sexuality, so I should hate it. But I don't. * I am of course using the term 'queers' in the original sense meaning 'homosexuals.'

well its clearly only a question of time before your burst out of the closet. You better not let the whack of leather on willow corrupt you. Have you started wearing white on weekends yet?

No i didn't.

Yes you did.

Didn't.

This is childish. Did.

Ginger Beers!

Didn't Didn'tDidn'tDidn'tDidn'tDidn'tDidn'tDidn'tDidn'tDiDidn'tdn't

Hello Rulf. Working from home today?

Nah, in the office Stuart. Cricket on the radio and a song in my heart. My girlfriend is at home though. Making some smashing Samosas whilst walking around in a bikini. Might go out and smash a few windows later. You? R

We have won! Well done chaps! Ralph

they did a good job (sob).

Bring on the Horsetrailiyans eh!what! top hole old boy.

Congratulations. This calls for a pitcher of Pimms and a game of p i s s on the peach stone. Escort the ladies fromt the room would you Vickers?

p.i.s.s off.

After all my criticism of England all I can say is Well Done

You know, when I was striding through the open plan government offices where I work one morning, I saw a lady eating a blueberry muffin with a knife and fork.

Sets up the series nicely. These are the number two and three teams in the world - both light years behind the Aussies - and the conclusion should be a corker. It was a lousy pitch and whoever won the toss should have won easily. I feel that as we made a right dog's dinner of it by bowling poorly in the second half of the South Africa first innings they come out of it with credibility intact and all to play for. No Pollock for them next match and it looks like no Harmison for us. could be crucial. I'd rather lose Harmison than Pollock but who comes in? Kabir Ali? Glen Chapple? I hope it's Ali as he is one for the future. Look at our list of crocked fast men: Caddick, Jones, Tudor (I think), Hoggard... I think there's more. Still we got Kirtley out of it and he looks a real prospect under pressure - and Anderson is going to be a real gem if he stays fit. Ho Hum.

I'm a working class hard criminal. What planet are you from? its usually them sorts that are hiding something!!!!

Of course Anderson is a gooner!! Seriously, I think they've realised that they can play good cricket when they set their minds to it. I think they should give Hoggard and Tudor another chance. It's weird the way younger players seem to be dropped very quickly if they don't perform whereas the older players are given chance after chance. There is hope.