Mental Preparation

"Reports of my demise ...

... have been greatly exaggerated"

Channeling Dan

He might be the English star on the rise but by hell Stokes appeal has more than a bit of an echo of fellow Kiwi born Dan Vettori.

Warming Up In Cardiff

A Pressing Question

From what I have seen so far they could take a leaf out of Swann's plan book and just sneak off home to Mum.

First Blood

It is just a pity for those of us wanting to watch a tight tussle that this sort of English aggression has taken until the Fourth Test

Bring On Boxing Day

Nobody should be looking forward to the day after Christmas more than Michael Clarke, unless it is all those who plan to put their feet up and watch Day One between the odd snooze. Merry Christmas one and all.

One Head, One Helmet ...

... and one hell of a great feeling.

For the 100th Time!

... and yes I will be doing one of Michael "The Pup" Clarke as well.

Multiple Exposures

The problem for England is that it ends up the same picture every time.

Head Down, Bum Up

Carberry will need to keep his head down and graft a lot longer on day three before we will forget the goober of a catch he was unable to take on day one.

A Serious Beginning

Young Ben Stokes is pictured taking his first test match very seriously, and so he should. In fact it was a good tough first days cricket all round, lets hope it stays tough not bitter.

Happy Day(s)

It was a great win but as a disinterested, and very interested, spectator I can't help thinking there are a few more plot twists left in this particular show.

Who's A Bit Excited Then?

Who can blame the Aussies for getting a little OTT. It is not every day you stuff the "old enemy" to the extent that they have.

Cutting Remarks I

Cricket As Interpretive Dance

But what it is that Prior and Harris are saying remains a mystery to me.

Going Both Ways

One ball, two different directions.

In To Every Life ...

... a little rain must fall. Apt cliches are always a comfort, aren't they?

Breathe Deep The Gathering Gloom ...

... because behind every cloud is a silver lining.

The Summer Of Youth Continues

Agar bowling to Root - makes me feel old just thinking about it.