Caption Time

Taken before the MCG Test started, what words of wisdom, irony or blasphemy should I add as a caption?

Take That Old Fella

No concessions for age in this test battle, with Kallis made to dance and weave at the crease. Should add even more spice to the next confrontation between the world number 1 and 2 test teams.

Game Still On

While the MCG Test is starting to feel like watching a favourite old cat put down, it is great to see that they are still going toe to toe in South Africa.

There will almost certainly be a result, it is just that we don't know what it will be yet.

Melbourne Meltdown

Ricky, Ricky, Ricky...

... don't lose that number, you might want to call somebody else.
... if you want to get ahead, get a (new) hat.
... breathe in, breathe out, move on.

An Old New Face

Hashim Amla is one of the most recognizable faces of the new South African cricket scene so it is a bit of a shock to find he is about to play his 50th Test. Lets hope it is a memorable occasion for all concerned.

All I Want For Christmas ...

...is another chance (Dougie B)
... some runs (Ricky P)
... a flat track (Ally C)
... boxing gloves (Matty P/Petey S)
... some cricketers (John W)
... a bowling attack (Gary K)
... a bit of turn (Danny V)

You get the idea - feel free to add suggestions.

Coming At Ya!

My brief but intense affair with Mitchell Johnson is almost over. I keep looking for other players to 'image' and keep finding photos of Mitch that I can't resist.

It is my problem, and I am dealing with it, so I thought I would end my short dalliance with this sultry shot. It also has the best image I have so far seen of 'the tattoo', just in case you might want to get something similar for Xmas.

Mitchell Johnson II

Mitchell Johnson was the star at the WACA but I can't find a really good image to celebrate the fact. Instead here is a reworking of one I used a couple of years ago when he had the swagger and no tattoo.

Not A Quick 50 ...

... but a glorious one. And you just know there is more to come.

One Of The Best Of All Time?

Given his longevity, production and class can you argue a case for Kallis being one of the best all rounders to have played cricket?

I Found It, I Found It ...

... I found my swing.

I could have told you Mitchell, it's always in the last place you saw it.

A Day For The Bowlers

So much of the modern game is tilted towards the batsman I rather enjoyed the bowler dominating in both test matches.

Both pitches were a little sporting but it was quality aggressive bowling that did the damage and Aussie and India will now have a chance to continue the trend.

Don't Worry Michael Beer...

...it may never happen.

Especially given that every time I do an image of the 'next great spinning solution' they seemed instantly doomed to become a cricket trivia question.

I like the way Steve Smith presents and suspect he will be the spinning option, at least at the WACA. In order to help the Aussies (and they need it), I will not do an image of Smith until we know whether he is the goods or not.

Meanwhile, Michael Beer should soak up the atmosphere, he may not get too many chances.

Great Cricket Statements

"There will be few demons in the pitch"

Up In The Air

Based on a great photo taken by one of the Getty Images boys.

One of the big questions for the third test is going to be which Mitchell Johnson turns up to the WACA - and will he cast a shadow over the proceedings?

Ego Is It's Own Reward

No point paying homage to KP's talent, he already has that market bottled up.

Happy Hooker Fails To learn Any Lessons

Came across this interesting video while searching on Andrew Hilditch. It does pose the question "is this the guy who will think quickly on his feet and right a sinking ship?" History does not suggest that will be the case and current form supports that, as he replaces one little known left-armer with another. Perhaps he will suggest that Ponting hooks his way out of his current slump!

India Under Pressure...

... you can tell by the intensity with which they are training for the fifth ODI.

They must beat the Black Caps to sweep the series as they can't have Bangladesh doing better than them.

 I keep saying "the secret to sporting success is depth and confidence" - the Black Caps have neither and Lord knows what sideshows they will be distracted by when they play the Pakistanis in NZ.

A Not So Secret Saviour/Santa/Spinner

As an interested, but not hugely committed, bystander I think this is going to be a fun month. One loss and we are already into silly season.

Why stop at bringing back Warne? Richie could still roll his arm over (and of course set a decent field), Tubs could block up one end and Glen McGrath must be out there somewhere just waiting to be asked.

For a more detailed description of why bringing Warne back just won't work visit Uncle Jrod for a good quality rant.

It's All About Execution

The coaching mantra of the moment is "we have the players, they just need to execute well". What this really means is "we are getting our arse kicked but we can't sack this useless load of plonkers because we haven't yet developed any one who is better".

I favour a different philosophy, taken from the NFL, which says "next man up". Keep trying until you find some bugger who will front, and if you are Mark Greatbatch (or Tim Neilson), why wait?

The Subtle Art Of The Fist Pump

Wee Jimmy is only an apprentice pumper, but the big K has got it really going on.

Should the weather hold and the Aussie batting fail on Day 5 we may get to see a rare team fist pump - the English equivalent of a haka!

Mr Cricket Positive

It is becoming too easy to bag the Aussies, even their own supporters are becoming resigned to ordinariness (check out Jrod's "describe Australia in three words" video clip).

In the interests of balanced commentary I offer Mike Hussey, the shining star, as an inspiration of what green and gold can achieve.

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.