Just Another Pair

When you have faced as many balls and scored as many runs as Kallis it must give you a bit of perspective on bagging a test pair.

To The Bowlers The Spoils

And why not, they did most of the work in this one.

Can any one suggest a reason why all the gun batsman feel the need to flash and poke outside the off stump? It certainly gives the line and length fellas a reason to jump for joy.

Don't Look Away

Every time you take your eye of the play in this test match, something happens.

I have the power to create a batting collapse just by leaving the room to get a lettuce from the garden.

Ishant Sharma showed you could stick around for a while if you didn't feel the need to have a go outside off stump - until he could resist it no longer of course.

Caption Time!

C'mon people. Get off the Xmas couch and give some thought to a caption that sums up this touching moment.

The Snick Not Heard Around The World

How Van Gough might have viewed Ed Cowan's dodgy dismissal on Boxing Day.

If you want even more angst and anger concerning the DRS and it's absence,  go no further than JRod's and We'll Have A Bowl's latest posts.

The Dangers Of Christmas Shopping

What worries me most is that I didn't have to add the Santa hats at a later date.

All I Want For Christmas ...

... is a bowling attack! A Christmas wish from this Black Cap supporter but there are a few other countries out there who would like to see a bowling up grade in their stocking.

Bronzed Up

No pressure Warney. You just gotta use a different  MCG entrance until you can get your head around yourself.

Padding Up

After watching a few games of The Big Bash it is good to contemplate Mushfiqur Rahim and the almost lost art of padding up.

Mushfiqur accumulated close to 100 runs in the second test at a strike rate somewhere in the 30's - stirring stuff for the purist.

Good Luck Ed

I wish Ed Cowan well, but it would pay for him to remember that he is there because the powers that be had little patience with the last lot of "new blood".

Remind any one of the Aussie selectors search for a spinner?

On Ya Toes

Virat Kohli goes up and over as he comes to grips with the Aussie bounce.

T For Terrific

In Vernon Philander's case it should probably be T for 10, as in wickets.

Frightens the hell out of me  what this attack might do when they make their way to NZ.

McGill Goes Off

Can't blame Stuart McGill for being excited - someone asked him to play, and provided fireworks.

Three Wise Men

These three are no strangers to the glare of an Aussie outfield.

They come bearing gifts (of abundant batting talent) but it will be interesting to see if their bowling attack is more frankincense than mire.

Waiting, In An..tici..pation

The review system is going to bring about some unexpected changes. Players are going to have to rethink the post wicket celebration - no point getting too excited until all the required agencies have been consulted.

Any one got any ideas for the slightly delayed celebration?

Warner Strikes

Steady on David. We have all felt that way about wicketkeepers, but there are some things you just can't do in the modern era.

Refer That!

What a strange test match. Funny coloured wicket, on and off weather and almost more referrals than runs. As a Black Caps supporter I am more than happy with the result but I have some sympathy with Warner and Lyon. Not their fault - have a look at the middle order.

Getting On

He is 37 and perhaps best known for what he can't do, but no one can say that Chris Martin doesn't keep running in hard.

A Little Off Balance

Sporting wicket?
Over confidence?
Good bowling?

It will be very interesting to see if the Aussie second innings can regain some of the composure they had coming into this test.

Yes, Yes, No

The art of good captaincy and batting is to know your own mind and keep things simple.

Seems like Michael Clarke is achieving a high level of clarity.

Who's Got A Big Gong Then?

Not bad for a young fella eh?

MBE - Master Batsman for England.

Won At Last

Darren Sammy gives thanks to the cricketing gods for their long awaited win over India. There is something special about the fella, both the camera and the powers above seem to love him.

One For The Album

David Warner will have lots of things to remember his first test by.

He might want to keep this photo, just to prove to the grandchildren that he was once a test leg spinner.

Words Of Wisdom II

"Just bend your back son, and keep your eye on the ball."

Words Of Wisdom

"Keep your feet on the ground Dougie - and behind the line!"

Bright But Gloomy

Funny old day.

Lots of bright starts and good intentions, thwarted by stumbles and errors. The sun should lift the spirits and the concentration levels of both sides.