The Australians are here in England trying to stop us from wresting the Ashes from them; they want to win the five match series of 5-day tests to hold onto them. This will be a severe challenge and only the toughest will survive; heads have been cracked already; this summer, the Ashes is all that counts.

But the ashes of what? Until now, it has been believed that they are the burnt remnants of a ball or stump given to the England captain Ivo Bligh later 8th Earl of Darnley by some Melbourne ladies in 1883, after Australia had given England a thrashing. It is a mere 5 inch terracotta urn!

Aboriginal historians now claim that the urn contains a tiny portion of the ashes of King Cole, captain of the 1st ever Australian team to tour England, in 1868. The team consisted entirely of Aboriginals.( they have strict code against lying and invention.)

Their matches were preceded by a team member, Dick-a-Dick, performing a war dance in front of the Pavilion, with only a slim parrying shield for defence, inviting the gentry to put down their G & Ts and hurl cricket balls at him!

So you can understand why the Ashes is must win situation for both teams. C'mon England! Let's get those Ashes back!

Go Australia.

Kinda reminds me of the unforgiveable rival between United States and Mexico in the soccer.

Sorry Del, but I'm going to have to side with Monty on this one.

Originally Posted by Padre

Sorry Del, but I'm going to have to side with Monty on this one.

Careful Padre - that there Kiwi has not revealed where he wants Australia to go.

The 1st test was most fantastic warfare - right up to the last second of the 5th day - with England's last two in the trenches , staving off a big Aussie win. There were lots of runs, lots of wickets, lots of talent and grit, and for England it was the great escape. 4 seperate centuries in the Australian innings! An historic and unforgetable draw at rhe last ball.

Although it was played in Wales, the fans were applauding like a huge football crowd, Aussie and barmy army singing and chanting, it was so exciting.

Originally Posted by Del Boy

Careful Padre - that there Kiwi has not revealed where he wants Australia to go.

The 1st test was most fantastic warfare - right up to the last second of the 5th day - with England's last two in the trenches , staving off a big Aussie win. There were lots of runs, lots of wickets, lots of talent and grit, and for England it was the great escape. 4 seperate centuries in the Australian innings! An historic and unforgetable draw at rhe last ball.

Although it was played in Wales, the fans were applauding like a huge football crowd, Aussie and barmy army singing and chanting, it was so exciting.

Truthfully in cricket I am a West Indies supporter but outside that as my "sports event" shirt says "I support New Zealand and anyone playing England.

Originally Posted by Del Boy

Careful Padre - that there Kiwi has not revealed where he wants Australia to go.

The 1st test was most fantastic warfare - right up to the last second of the 5th day - with England's last two in the trenches , staving off a big Aussie win. There were lots of runs, lots of wickets, lots of talent and grit, and for England it was the great escape. 4 seperate centuries in the Australian innings! An historic and unforgetable draw at rhe last ball.

Although it was played in Wales, the fans were applauding like a huge football crowd, Aussie and barmy army singing and chanting, it was so exciting.

Del, on the subject of cricket, would you agree that Sri Lankan "bowler" Lasith Malinga is a chucker ! I do, and this was the subject of a fierce debate in our wardroom onboard our frigate in the Gulf.

Personally, Padre, Yes. He seems to be accepted, but it sure looks strange to me.





MONTY - you must be from Dunedin.

Originally Posted by Del Boy

Personally, Padre, Yes. He seems to be accepted, but it sure looks strange to me.





MONTY - you must be from Dunedin.

Nope, wrong coast and wrong island.

What a shambles the 2nd Test has been for Australia, after their performance in Cardiff, I had high hopes that playing at somewhere like Lords would really inspire the guys to perform miracles, (and having HM in the stands as a spectator as well.. and lets face it, how often would the Queen get out to the cricket?) and what happens....... Australia blows it...........

Captain Pout better watch it, lest he not only lose a Test at Lords, but also become the first Captain to lose an Ashes series twice......