The New South Africa

Love this image from the second test. Smith will get most of the Boys Own heroic mentions from the third but these two have fronted on every occasion and not just doing their own job. The Aussies should enjoy their win because these guys are not going to get any easier back on home soil.

And Take Your Seeing Eye Dog With You!

What the hell has got into young Ashraful, has someone stolen his favorite squeeze toy? It must be this bowling thingy that has angried up the blood, although I note it didn't lead to many runs in the second dig.

A New Work Horse

I like the grafters. The guys who run in hard, bang it into the deck and then go back and do it again. Peter Siddle strikes me as a no nonsense, give me the ball, sort of bowler who will earn every wicket he ends up getting.

Any one notice a resemblance to Craig McDermott?

Summer In The South island

If you choose to holiday in the South Island and insist on being a Black Caps supporter then you must develop several key traits.

The ability to make your own entertainment.
A very low threshold of excitement.
A healthy appetite for beer and scenery - cause there is sod all else to drink or watch.

Red Replaces Dread

There is no doubt that Andrew McDonald will add a bit of ginger to the Aussie side.

In The Pink

Great sentiment, important cause, but perhaps not the best timing given the state of the series.

Getting in touch with my inner humbug I also wonder if this is setting a precedent that might be hard to over come. There are a great many good causes out there that would benefit from test cricket as a marketing vehicle.

The Kittens Roar

"Get to the top of your mark and bowl as hard as you bloody can lad"
Just because you aren't very good doesn't mean you can't be aggressive. It is an approach that has been used with little success by the Blackcaps for many years now.

"Thank You Sir, May I Score Another"

Bangladesh seems to be developing a more aggressive and disciplined approach but this may be a bit too harsh.