KP's Got Thumb

Postcard From Lords

I'm here. Let's do this thing.

This impression created using AutoPainter II and Photoshop CS5.

Ego Is It's Own Reward

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

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.

Box On

Monty is a great, and famous, name for a boxer but I don't see young Panasar footing it as a pugilist.

I would like to see him wear the head gear as he strides to the crease at the Gabba with Cardiff still on his, and the Aussies, mind. 

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

Given that Pakistan seems unable to apply any pressure on The England the crafty coaches and trainers have decided to increase the stress levels at training.

You can see from the image that it is a lot more fun to watch than to do but it does add meaning to the old adage of "putting your balls on the line".

Staying Strong

There is no fooling the Wing Commander. He knows you can't rely on Pakistan to do the expected and like all good boy scouts he will be fit and prepared.

Either that or the prunes aren't working.

Caption Time Again

Any thoughts as to what Paul Collingwood might be up to?

Thanks to all contributors - you are sick people.

Sir Alec Bedser - Old School

Bully Boy

You know KP is coming back into form when he is starting to scare the wicketkeeper.

Cook Goes Retro

Alistair Cook invokes the spirits of Albert Trott and SF Barnes in an attempt to make some in roads into the batting in Bangladesh.

The old style action is fine it is just that, as opposed to the old greats, it didn't work very well.

There is no truth to the rumour that Cook is soon to pose for a series of cigarette cards.

Full Teapot

As demonstrated by one of my favourite cricketers, The Lion of Huddersfield.

The full teapot is a stance that must be mastered by any fast (medium) bowler if they are to have any sort of career at the higher levels. The Lion here demonstrates the benefit of years of county cricket in mastering the non verbal sulk.

Hair Case

I have begun to notice a pattern in my recent postings - there is a lot of hair. What this might mean is beyond me but it might be a subliminal suggestion caused by the Lion of Huddersfield at the top of the blog page.

Any hoo - I came across this image of Mike Brearley (OBE) from 1979 which I just couldn't resist. Great beard, but that must of been a huge seagull that dropped one on him.

Words, Words, Words

Like the slow early adapter that I am the concept of on line generated word clouds still seems pretty cool to me. The good people at Wordle do a great job of mixing things up.

The word cloud above is generated from the Cricinfo article "Strauss confident of ODI revival in South Africa". Apart from keeping journos in a job why must guys like Strauss keep spouting this drivel when they will need all their energy just to try and back it up.

A Matter Of Perspective

No matter which way he looks at it, they are not good enough, and rearranging the deckchairs is not likely to be the solution. As a Black Caps supporter I know these things.

England Finds Balance

The boys in dark blue bounced back from the orange nightmare and turned Pakistan a little more green. T20 happens quickly and so do the form reversals.

Whirlwind Cricket

Bopara in the eye of the storm.

Roll on some cricket, it is getting so bad I even watched some netball yesterday.

One Up And ...

... Andy doesn't seem that comfortable.

Perhaps he has watched The England find ways to take the smile of people's faces in the past.

In The Best Traditions...

...of heroic but ultimately futile English sportsmanship, Freddy charges in on one leg and a grimace. Not quite Scott of the Antarctic or the Charge of the Light Brigade but damn my eyes the lad can play in my team any time he wants.

Top Spin

Those cunning spin consultants to the ECB have begun to implement their plan to distract us all from the Standford fiasco. Phase one was the release of photos of the England gals looking together and gorgeous (a common fantasy). Phase two has been to "engineer" a great come back test win against the Windians involving an English spinner taking 5 wickets! God knows what they have up their sleeves for phase three but you can bet it is not arms.