[prydey]

2 tests down and no discussion on AFF. some would say thats a good thing.

right off the top i would ask that any discussions be kept mature. please keep the aussie/pom bashing to a minimum. many like to criticise the way the aussies play the game but from what i've seen so far neither side is perfect.

summary so far.
england have scored 1423 runs in 4 innings and taken 26 wickets.
aussies have scored 1295 runs in 3 innings and taken 35 wickets.

unfortunately for the aussies, even though those stats look pretty even or slightly in aussies favour, they don't count for much and we are now down 1 nil with 3 to go.

one thing i will say though, and it was evident in 2005 as well, is the english players spend a lot of time off the ground. some reasons are legit however when players come into the match carrying an injury its a bit rich they then leave the field a few times each day to get 'patched up' or 'injected' etc. not a fan.

mitchell johnson is having a real struggle. slow mo's show he is struggling with the release/seam position. his arm is also too low and the lack of success just snowballs and his confidence drops. 2 bad tests doesn't mean he should be dropped though. he will come good and at his best he is a match for most around the world.

i would like to see s.clark brought in for siddle though. i know the current crop did well in south africa but clark deserves his spot in the side. the win/loss % is much higher with clark in the squad. i think they missed a trick at lords given how successful mcgrath has been there.

i would like to see lee back in too but thats more of a personal preference. unfortunately you can't drop hilfy, johnson or hauritz and siddle should move over for clark.

freddie flintoff - i'm a passionate aussie supporter but you just have to love this guy. he's on one leg and still sends 'em down close to 150km/h. there is always a smirk on his face, even when he has a few pointers for the batsmen it always seems friendly. he was also the first to shake hands with the batsmen whilst all the others were jumping around. plays the game in a great spirit.

easily the best contest in cricket going around. englands form has been woeful since 2005 where they were ranked no.2 but against australia they come to the party.