Ponting Watch, Day Two

There is a great Lisa Simpson line - "Prayer, the last refuge of a scoundrel" - which sprang to mind when I saw this image.

I do begin to feel a bit sorry for Punter as quite a lot of the problems are not ones of his making.

I even have a suggestion for him. When things aren't working you have to change things up and I reckon it is time for a brand new, shiny 'baggy green' cap. At least he wouldn't look quite so downtrodden and forlorn.

Day One Blues

I am not trying to pick on Ponting specifically, it's just that he has such a wonderful "Oh my God, what a fuck up" look about him at crucial moments.

It was a great day for The England but they need only reflect on day one of the first test to realise there will be a few ups and downs over the next four.

The Loneliness Of Captaincy

In the famous words of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis - "Just win, baby".

Not So Much A Cuddle as A Collision

There is a lot to be said for the old fashioned hand shake or polite clap.

Gambir and Pathan fail to pull off the post wicket celebration. Perhaps it is something they need to practice more or even add a dancing coach to the staff roster.

Over Reaction Theatre

C'mon people, it is only Act One Scene One. A little too soon to be popping champagne corks or reworking retirement speeches. Did any one really think this was going to be a 5 to zip whitewash? The two teams are evenly matched and we are in for a slug fest of a summer - isn't that great!

I keep reading about these pitches that are going to take turn by the end of day four but no one seems to be asking the question as to whether either side has a spinner good enough to exploit it.