The Googly

Thunder Downunder: Last Hurrah

Obviously the crew at the Shed aren't the only souls upset at the closing of The Googly on the eve of the northern international summer. Sreesanth's pink Punjabi pyjamas has caused his feminine side to shine and upon hearing of the council decision to condemn, demolish and redevelop the dungeon he couldn't hold back the tears when his boyfriend told him the sad but inevitable news.

I propose a last ditch caption contest for this photograph. Give us your best shot and celebrate what has been one of the funniest blogs in the English blogging pavilion.

At the Shed, we will be soldiering on at 99.94 with regular contributions from The Tooting Trumpet and if we win the lottery and hide his drumsticks, perhaps the esteemed editor of this publication too.

It's been a fun ride. I'm sure we'll all cross paths again. And anything that makes Sreesanth sook, in my book, can't be all bad!

[Nesta Quin]

Grass roots cricket is the place to be

This is my farewell piece here for the Googly and it's hard to know where to begin or what to write.  With only one piece left, I wondered whether to continue with the off-stage antics of Shane Warne - thinking the tram-crash fest in Melbourne last week - or whether to write about something closer to home.

I've chosen home because I'm sure you all know about the other thing! So last weekend I went to our season opener. A triangualar tournament of Twenty/20s between Lossie, Elgin and Fochabers. What a day to open the cricket season. Minus about 10, no-one there but me and the prettiest ground in the north-east looking dreadful because all the trees are still in full winter mode.

A ground that delights in being situated beside the Spey and lined on all sides by lovely trees was left looking like a 12 year-old's football playground at the side of the A96!

It didn't matter - my team hammered the opposition to win their matches and to my surprise, enchanted with some damn fine cricket. The match I'd been to before this had been Australia v India at the MCG. Sitting in the sun there, I had been entranced at the sight of Ishant Sharma befooling the Aussies with his magnificant bowling, and equally been impressed by Gilchrist walking when palpably not out. Last weekend, everyone out walked before the umpires even gave them out. It was cricket as I know it.

There could be no greater contrast between freezing to death at Fochabers, and having to leave the MCG because it was too hot. Amateurs playing for nothing but the love of the game - professionals earning their livings, but there was something that made these two experiences the same. I was the fan at both matches. I cared. In fact I probably applauded my mate Dave with more enthusiasm when he got a wicket than I did Ishant.

This may be the end of The Googly, but it won't be the end of fans wanting to have a voice.

It's been great fun being part of this and I hope all readers will find their way to other sites. Here at The Googly we have directed readers to check out many up and coming England cricketers - so follow our stars. Last year Toots and I brought you all the news of the County Cricket and hopefully you enjoyed that. Keep the faith. County Cricket is not dead. Outside the Counties, not just here in Scotland, cricket is a fine place to be. See this little song from someone in Oxford:

If you go down to the Parks tomorrow, you’re sure of a big surprise,

If you go down to the Parks tomorrow, you’d better go down in whites,

For ev’ry fan that ever there was, will gather there for certain, because

Tomorrow’s the day the Oxford UCCE play Nottinghamshire

Ev’ry cricket fan who’s been good, Is sure to see 3

England

players,

Including a leading wicket taker, and lots of runs beside

Beneath the spires where nobody works, they’ll bat and field as long as they please,

Cos that the way the cricketers have their innings.

All the best to my readers. Follow the links and you'll find me elsewhere.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig}

Somerset will win everything

So says Andrew Caddick, but that's not really why his words have caught the ear today. Never one to miss an opportunity, Caddick has weighed into the Harmison debate with his incisive review of Steve's recent performances in New Zealand.

"The standard he is playing right now, he is not viable in the side."

Caddick, of course, is not the only one to have doubts about Harmison's form - Michael Vaughan recently revealed that he had doubts before and during the tour of New Zealand, and the BBC's Jonathan Agnew expressed his fears some while back.

What makes Caddick's comments in an interview today of interest, is that is not often that we hear such naked bitterness. "He took over my spot ... He frustrates me ... I didn't get a chance to retire ... I was told I wasn't going to play again [for England]." Examples of how deep the hurt went in 2003.

Caddick was never an easy cricketer to enjoy - when playing for England he could be incredibly destructive on one day and then come out as a journeyman club bowler next time. Described again and again in his international career by journalists, coaches and fans as "frustrating", there is an irony in his choice of this word when speaking of Steve Harmison.

While I realise that by writing this piece I am giving Mr Caddick the oxygen of publicity for his views, I think it's a shame that he used his interview to spend time talking about Steve Harmison when he could well have taken the chance to give Somerset a resoundingly positive send-off for the season.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Why I don't like... Two Test Series

There's little that can gladden the hearts of followers of the greatest game than to read of a renaissance in West Indian Test cricket. Alas the Queen's Park Oval appeared to be populated with more dancing girls than cricket fans, but that did not stop Ramneresh Sarwan, supported by Shiv Chanderpaul and others reaching their target of 254 to level the Sri Lankan series 1-1. I looked forward avidly to the showdown next week where the spoils would be decided and (possibly) a new dawn at last hailed.

But no. In their infinite wisdom, the ICC's Future Tours programme saw fit to truncate this "series" to two Tests, and so deny us (and the Windies' worldwide followers) the chance to see a positive result. Shame on them.

And in case you think this is a one-off and see the malign hand of the IPL in play, here are some upcoming two / four Test series: Australia in West Indies (four Tests, April 2008); South Africa in England (four Tests, July 2008); Australia in India (four Tests, October 2008); New Zealand in Australia (two Tests, November 2008). I'm afraid there's plenty more such coitus interuptus to come.

[The Tooting Trumpet]   

India want China giving them money playing cricket

Not content with potentially ruining the world game in their pursuit of rupees, the BCCI is now set to ruin the Olympics for the same reason.  Alright, I might be exagerrating a bit, but they are taking cricket to China to promote the game in the vast, increasingly rich country.

Bats and balls have been sent, and the Indian board are to send coaches from their national academy over to help the youngsters learn the game.

In spite of the dollar signs that are no doubt flashing in the eyes of the BCCI bigwigs, if this succeeds it will surely be good for the game globally, won't it?  Let me know your thoughts...

Thunder Downunder: West Indies tour squad announced

In their infinite collective wisdom the Australian selection committee recently announced the touring squad to tour the West Indies beginning in May.

There were few surprises in the squad with Simon Katich and Stuart MacGill returning to the Test squad and David Hussey and Shaun Marsh earning their first tour with the ODI squad.

Most interest has centred on 25 year old left-arm wrist spinner Beau Casson. Like MacGill, Casson left his home state of Western Australia to try his luck on the big turning Sydney pitch and after only one complete season it has paid a handsome dividend.

Capable of prodigious turn and with a well disguised wrong'un Casson is also a more than handy bat as his 88 in the Pura Cup final showed.

It is a grand chance for the young man to race ahead of young spinning rivals Dan Cullen and Cullen Bailey and if MacGill, only two matches back from surgery, aggravates his tender wrist then Beau Casson may get a red carpet ride into the Baggygreen brigade.  Full squads over the jump...

TEST SQUAD
Ricky Ponting (c) TAS 33yrs
Michael Clarke (vc) NSW 26yrs
Beau Casson NSW 25 yrs
Stuart Clark NSW 32 yrs
Brad Haddin (wk) NSW 30yrs
Matthew Hayden QLD 36yrs
Ben Hilfenhaus TAS 25yrs
Michael Hussey WA 32yrs
Phil Jaques NSW 28yrs
Michell Johnson QLD 26yrs
Simon Katich NSW 32yrs
Brett Lee NSW 31yrs
Stuart MacGill NSW 37yrs
Ashley Noffke QLD 30yrs
Andrew Symonds QLD 32yrs

LIMITED OVERS SQUAD
Ricky Ponting (c) TAS 33yrs
Michael Clarke (vc) NSW 26yrs
Nathan Bracken NSW 30yrs
Stuart Clark NSW 32 yrs
Brad Haddin (wk) NSW 30yrs
Matthew Hayden QLD 36yrs
James Hopes QLD 29yrs
David Hussey VIC 30yrs
Michael Hussey WA 32yrs
Michell Johnson QLD 26yrs
Brett Lee NSW 31yrs
Shaun Marsh WA 24yrs
Andrew Symonds QLD 32yrs
Cameron White VIC 24yrs

[Nesta Quin] [Image:Getty]

Five things for Shoaib Akhtar to do now he’s been banned

The Rawalpindi Express has been given the boot by the PCB for five years.  What could he possibly do with his time now?  Here are our suggestions:    

1. Take drugs, but properly this time, without fear of being caught.  Then put on demonstrations of bowling at 134mph before his heart explodes out of his chest.    

2. Star in his own Bollywood film, entitled “My Big Fat Bowler’s Arm” - a musical rollercoaster ride through the life of a legend.   Featuring the songs All the Ladies Love Me; Drugs, Glorious Drugs; and Whoops Mr Asif! Your Arse Is On The End of My Bat    

3. Play in the Indian Premier League, where the Mumbai Super MonsterSquad (or whatever they are called) will pay him handsomely.    

4. Come over to England and play for Surrey, with it’s lovely villages and easy access to West London’s finest male entertainment establishments.    

5. Keep his head down for once.

Thunder Downunder: Warne Walks

In what is probably a augury tale in regards to English County cricket, Shane Warne has opted out on the final year of his not so insignificant contract with Hampshire for business and personal reasons.

However, Shane will still be playing cricket for the Jaipur based Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League that begins in around three weeks time.

Warne has been instrumental in recruiting his Hampshire team-mates Dimi Mascarenhas and Shane Watson to Jaipur and I can only imagine that Hampshire chairman Rod Brangrove is less than impressed with Warne’s actions despite his diplomatic public utterings.

The rupee-laden Indian T20 tournaments, both official and unsanctioned, are affecting cricket at the top levels in a way that we haven’t seen since the 1970’s with World Series Cricket and the 1980’s with the questionable rebel tours to the then Apartheid dominated South Africa.

In the last few weeks we have seen New Zealand and South Africa field less than their best teams in Test matches and it would seem that only the richest cricketing nations will be able to prevent their best players from falling to the temptation of easy money on the sub-continent.

Cricket Australia, well aware of the long-term damage that rebel organisations can cause to the game, have so far been willing to accomodate their best players but a few fringe players have opted out of contracts to take a full-time place in India.

Jason Gillespie while still contracted to the national board retired from first-class cricket and is now preparing to play in India. Brad Hogg likewise. There is a suspicion that Adam Gilchrist’s decision to retire was made all the easier by the truckloads of cash he will receive in India.

There are rumblings in England that there could soon be a player revolt at many of their best players missing out on the gold rush and if that happens, and here at The Shed we hope it does not, then only Australia and India will be relatively unaffected by this new league.

Although I am anticipating the IPL with some enthusiasm I’m beginning to see the dangers it holds for the rest of the cricketing landscape. I can see a time in the not so distant future where only two or three nations reguarly compete year round with their best eleven.

And that, however you look at it, cannot be good for the game of cricket.

[Nesta Quin]

New Zealand vs England - Series Player Ratings: New Zealand

Okay, it wasn't the best cricket we've ever seen, but it was competitive and unpredictable and, at the end (as our picture shows) poignant. The Trumpet awards the series an 8, but cross the jump for the New Zealand player ratings.

Jamie How 6 - A vital 92 on the first day of the series set up the Kiwis' extraordinary demolition of England in the First Test. Thereafter looked slightly out of his depth.

Matthew Bell 3 - Scores heavily in the domestic game, but seems paralysed by nerves in the international spotlight. Should sign up to a TV dance competition immediately.

Stephen Fleming 7 - Looks fantastic, a God amongst mortals, but still the match-turning knocks elude him. For a man unfulfilled as a batsman, it is deeply depressing to hear of his retirement at 34. He should speak to Graham Gooch.

Matthew Sinclair 1 - Not good enough.

Ross Taylor 8 - Made a dazzling 120 to set up the win in Hamilton, thereafter dazzled intermittently. Easy to forget that he has played just five Tests. If Vettori's bowling deteriorates further, expect whispers of captaincy.

Jacob Oram 6 - A batting all-rounder who played as a bowler who bats. Still doesn't convince at Test level - more of a Lancashire League pro playing a bit above his comfort level.

Brendon McCullum 5 - Gilchrist-lite. Slightly too pleased with himself, poor shot selection was his undoing too often. Keeping was showy rather than safe.

Daniel Vettori 6 - A bowling all rounder who played as a batsman who bowls. Captained beautifully at Hamilton, but was less convincing in the two defeats. His lack of penetration with the ball must be worrying him.

Kyle Mills 7 - Honest trier whose decapitation of the England order in the second innings at Hamilton sealed the win.

Jeetan Patel 7 - Outbowled his captain and brought energy and commitment to the field.

Chris Martin 6 - Took wickets regularly, but never looked like a running through a side. Too one-dimensional to trouble international batsmen. Showed real guts to allow Southee's cameo after a clout on the head.

Tim Southee 8 - Bowled a superb opening spell at Napier, then played an Astlesque innings when the game was up. Beautiful action, tremendous hand-eye coordination, wonderful temperament, big, strong boy - what more can one ask of a teenage cricketer?

Mark Gillespie and Grant Elliot 1 - Not Test cricketers on this evidence.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

 

Meanwhile, in other cricket news, Bangladesh finally win a match…

As Sam Cooke once sang so beautifully, “It’s been a long time coming, but I know, but I know, Bangladesh gon’ beat someone”.  Or at least I think that was it.   

Anyway, the Tigers have finally won an ODI for the first time in a while by defeating Ireland in Mirpur and this is A Good Thing.  However, the management are reported to be a little bit unsure as to what to do with happy players after a match as they only brought the “How to Keep Losers Chipper” book with them.   

Paceman Mashrafe Mortaza continued his steady improvement, with impressive figures of 10-4-22-3, dismissing both Irish openers; before Shahriar Naffees hit 90 not out with the bat to seal the game.  A solid start for the home side who must be very happy not to be having their arses handed to them, as usual.

Somerset will win everything

So says Andrew Caddick, but that's not really why his words have caught the ear today. Never one to miss an opportunity, Caddick has weighed into the Harmison debate with his incisive review of Steve's recent performances in New Zealand.

"The standard he is playing right now, he is not viable in the side."

Caddick, of course, is not the only one to have doubts about Harmison's form - Michael Vaughan recently revealed that he had doubts before and during the tour of New Zealand, and the BBC's Jonathan Agnew expressed his fears some while back.

What makes Caddick's comments in an interview today of interest, is that is not often that we hear such naked bitterness. "He took over my spot ... He frustrates me ... I didn't get a chance to retire ... I was told I wasn't going to play again [for England]." Examples of how deep the hurt went in 2003.

Caddick was never an easy cricketer to enjoy - when playing for England he could be incredibly destructive on one day and then come out as a journeyman club bowler next time. Described again and again in his international career by journalists, coaches and fans as "frustrating", there is an irony in his choice of this word when speaking of Steve Harmison.

While I realise that by writing this piece I am giving Mr Caddick the oxygen of publicity for his views, I think it's a shame that he used his interview to spend time talking about Steve Harmison when he could well have taken the chance to give Somerset a resoundingly positive send-off for the season.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Why I don't like... Two Test Series

There's little that can gladden the hearts of followers of the greatest game than to read of a renaissance in West Indian Test cricket. Alas the Queen's Park Oval appeared to be populated with more dancing girls than cricket fans, but that did not stop Ramneresh Sarwan, supported by Shiv Chanderpaul and others reaching their target of 254 to level the Sri Lankan series 1-1. I looked forward avidly to the showdown next week where the spoils would be decided and (possibly) a new dawn at last hailed.

But no. In their infinite wisdom, the ICC's Future Tours programme saw fit to truncate this "series" to two Tests, and so deny us (and the Windies' worldwide followers) the chance to see a positive result. Shame on them.

And in case you think this is a one-off and see the malign hand of the IPL in play, here are some upcoming two / four Test series: Australia in West Indies (four Tests, April 2008); South Africa in England (four Tests, July 2008); Australia in India (four Tests, October 2008); New Zealand in Australia (two Tests, November 2008). I'm afraid there's plenty more such coitus interuptus to come.

[The Tooting Trumpet]   

India want China giving them money playing cricket

Not content with potentially ruining the world game in their pursuit of rupees, the BCCI is now set to ruin the Olympics for the same reason.  Alright, I might be exagerrating a bit, but they are taking cricket to China to promote the game in the vast, increasingly rich country.

Bats and balls have been sent, and the Indian board are to send coaches from their national academy over to help the youngsters learn the game.

In spite of the dollar signs that are no doubt flashing in the eyes of the BCCI bigwigs, if this succeeds it will surely be good for the game globally, won't it?  Let me know your thoughts...

Thunder Downunder: West Indies tour squad announced

In their infinite collective wisdom the Australian selection committee recently announced the touring squad to tour the West Indies beginning in May.

There were few surprises in the squad with Simon Katich and Stuart MacGill returning to the Test squad and David Hussey and Shaun Marsh earning their first tour with the ODI squad.

Most interest has centred on 25 year old left-arm wrist spinner Beau Casson. Like MacGill, Casson left his home state of Western Australia to try his luck on the big turning Sydney pitch and after only one complete season it has paid a handsome dividend.

Capable of prodigious turn and with a well disguised wrong'un Casson is also a more than handy bat as his 88 in the Pura Cup final showed.

It is a grand chance for the young man to race ahead of young spinning rivals Dan Cullen and Cullen Bailey and if MacGill, only two matches back from surgery, aggravates his tender wrist then Beau Casson may get a red carpet ride into the Baggygreen brigade.  Full squads over the jump...

TEST SQUAD
Ricky Ponting (c) TAS 33yrs
Michael Clarke (vc) NSW 26yrs
Beau Casson NSW 25 yrs
Stuart Clark NSW 32 yrs
Brad Haddin (wk) NSW 30yrs
Matthew Hayden QLD 36yrs
Ben Hilfenhaus TAS 25yrs
Michael Hussey WA 32yrs
Phil Jaques NSW 28yrs
Michell Johnson QLD 26yrs
Simon Katich NSW 32yrs
Brett Lee NSW 31yrs
Stuart MacGill NSW 37yrs
Ashley Noffke QLD 30yrs
Andrew Symonds QLD 32yrs

LIMITED OVERS SQUAD
Ricky Ponting (c) TAS 33yrs
Michael Clarke (vc) NSW 26yrs
Nathan Bracken NSW 30yrs
Stuart Clark NSW 32 yrs
Brad Haddin (wk) NSW 30yrs
Matthew Hayden QLD 36yrs
James Hopes QLD 29yrs
David Hussey VIC 30yrs
Michael Hussey WA 32yrs
Michell Johnson QLD 26yrs
Brett Lee NSW 31yrs
Shaun Marsh WA 24yrs
Andrew Symonds QLD 32yrs
Cameron White VIC 24yrs

[Nesta Quin] [Image:Getty]

Five things for Shoaib Akhtar to do now he’s been banned

The Rawalpindi Express has been given the boot by the PCB for five years.  What could he possibly do with his time now?  Here are our suggestions:    

1. Take drugs, but properly this time, without fear of being caught.  Then put on demonstrations of bowling at 134mph before his heart explodes out of his chest.    

2. Star in his own Bollywood film, entitled “My Big Fat Bowler’s Arm” - a musical rollercoaster ride through the life of a legend.   Featuring the songs All the Ladies Love Me; Drugs, Glorious Drugs; and Whoops Mr Asif! Your Arse Is On The End of My Bat    

3. Play in the Indian Premier League, where the Mumbai Super MonsterSquad (or whatever they are called) will pay him handsomely.    

4. Come over to England and play for Surrey, with it’s lovely villages and easy access to West London’s finest male entertainment establishments.    

5. Keep his head down for once.

Thunder Downunder: Warne Walks

In what is probably a augury tale in regards to English County cricket, Shane Warne has opted out on the final year of his not so insignificant contract with Hampshire for business and personal reasons.

However, Shane will still be playing cricket for the Jaipur based Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League that begins in around three weeks time.

Warne has been instrumental in recruiting his Hampshire team-mates Dimi Mascarenhas and Shane Watson to Jaipur and I can only imagine that Hampshire chairman Rod Brangrove is less than impressed with Warne’s actions despite his diplomatic public utterings.

The rupee-laden Indian T20 tournaments, both official and unsanctioned, are affecting cricket at the top levels in a way that we haven’t seen since the 1970’s with World Series Cricket and the 1980’s with the questionable rebel tours to the then Apartheid dominated South Africa.

In the last few weeks we have seen New Zealand and South Africa field less than their best teams in Test matches and it would seem that only the richest cricketing nations will be able to prevent their best players from falling to the temptation of easy money on the sub-continent.

Cricket Australia, well aware of the long-term damage that rebel organisations can cause to the game, have so far been willing to accomodate their best players but a few fringe players have opted out of contracts to take a full-time place in India.

Jason Gillespie while still contracted to the national board retired from first-class cricket and is now preparing to play in India. Brad Hogg likewise. There is a suspicion that Adam Gilchrist’s decision to retire was made all the easier by the truckloads of cash he will receive in India.

There are rumblings in England that there could soon be a player revolt at many of their best players missing out on the gold rush and if that happens, and here at The Shed we hope it does not, then only Australia and India will be relatively unaffected by this new league.

Although I am anticipating the IPL with some enthusiasm I’m beginning to see the dangers it holds for the rest of the cricketing landscape. I can see a time in the not so distant future where only two or three nations reguarly compete year round with their best eleven.

And that, however you look at it, cannot be good for the game of cricket.

[Nesta Quin]

New Zealand vs England - Series Player Ratings: New Zealand

Okay, it wasn't the best cricket we've ever seen, but it was competitive and unpredictable and, at the end (as our picture shows) poignant. The Trumpet awards the series an 8, but cross the jump for the New Zealand player ratings.

Jamie How 6 - A vital 92 on the first day of the series set up the Kiwis' extraordinary demolition of England in the First Test. Thereafter looked slightly out of his depth.

Matthew Bell 3 - Scores heavily in the domestic game, but seems paralysed by nerves in the international spotlight. Should sign up to a TV dance competition immediately.

Stephen Fleming 7 - Looks fantastic, a God amongst mortals, but still the match-turning knocks elude him. For a man unfulfilled as a batsman, it is deeply depressing to hear of his retirement at 34. He should speak to Graham Gooch.

Matthew Sinclair 1 - Not good enough.

Ross Taylor 8 - Made a dazzling 120 to set up the win in Hamilton, thereafter dazzled intermittently. Easy to forget that he has played just five Tests. If Vettori's bowling deteriorates further, expect whispers of captaincy.

Jacob Oram 6 - A batting all-rounder who played as a bowler who bats. Still doesn't convince at Test level - more of a Lancashire League pro playing a bit above his comfort level.

Brendon McCullum 5 - Gilchrist-lite. Slightly too pleased with himself, poor shot selection was his undoing too often. Keeping was showy rather than safe.

Daniel Vettori 6 - A bowling all rounder who played as a batsman who bowls. Captained beautifully at Hamilton, but was less convincing in the two defeats. His lack of penetration with the ball must be worrying him.

Kyle Mills 7 - Honest trier whose decapitation of the England order in the second innings at Hamilton sealed the win.

Jeetan Patel 7 - Outbowled his captain and brought energy and commitment to the field.

Chris Martin 6 - Took wickets regularly, but never looked like a running through a side. Too one-dimensional to trouble international batsmen. Showed real guts to allow Southee's cameo after a clout on the head.

Tim Southee 8 - Bowled a superb opening spell at Napier, then played an Astlesque innings when the game was up. Beautiful action, tremendous hand-eye coordination, wonderful temperament, big, strong boy - what more can one ask of a teenage cricketer?

Mark Gillespie and Grant Elliot 1 - Not Test cricketers on this evidence.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

 

Meanwhile, in other cricket news, Bangladesh finally win a match…

As Sam Cooke once sang so beautifully, “It’s been a long time coming, but I know, but I know, Bangladesh gon’ beat someone”.  Or at least I think that was it.   

Anyway, the Tigers have finally won an ODI for the first time in a while by defeating Ireland in Mirpur and this is A Good Thing.  However, the management are reported to be a little bit unsure as to what to do with happy players after a match as they only brought the “How to Keep Losers Chipper” book with them.   

Paceman Mashrafe Mortaza continued his steady improvement, with impressive figures of 10-4-22-3, dismissing both Irish openers; before Shahriar Naffees hit 90 not out with the bat to seal the game.  A solid start for the home side who must be very happy not to be having their arses handed to them, as usual.

The Thunder Downunder: In Memory of Old Bill

It is with a heavy heart that the crew at The Shed return from their enforced cyberspace exile. Bill Brown, Australia’s oldest surviving Test player passed away in Brisbane last night after 95 fruitful years serving his family and country with humility, courage and poise.

There are few within the Australian cricketing family that are not saddened by his demise. He was the grandfather of the baggygreen and his loss is deeply felt within the fraternity.

It is regretably the end of an era. Old Bill, as he was affectionately known, was the last surviving Australian player pre-WWII and probably our most loved former captain. Softly spoken and forever self-depreciating, Bill was a great storyteller who still made guest appearances well into his 90’s and never charged a cent for his time. His wisdom, generosity, experience and wit will be sorely missed.

An Invincible, Bill’s international career began at Trent Bridge in 1934. He was an intelligent and reliable opener who often provided the perfect foil for Bradman’s later exploits. At the crease Bill was more of an artist than a tradesman and he was renowned more for his placement than his power. In his second Test, at Lords, he secured his maiden Test century. The home of cricket was a ground that became a personal favourite.

During the first televised Test, at Lords in 1938, Bill carried his bat scoring 206 and I presume those wealthy enough to possess a television witnessed a sublime innings. No opening batsman since has achieved a greater total when not out at innings close. He once remarked that his proudest moment was when he took his grandson up to the Long Room to see his name in gold on those hallowed boards. Lords held a special place in Bill’s heart as it does for many within the cricketing world.

Like others of his generation he lost his best years and more than his fair share of mates to WWII where he served his community with distinction. A RAAF pilot who served in New Guinea during the failed Japanese invasion of Northern Australia he never marched on ANZAC Day because he felt he “didn’t do enough”.

The first match after the war was the inaugural Test against New Zealand and Bill was given the honour and responsibility of captaining the side. The year after against India at the MCG Bill was the victim of the questionable tactics of Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad for the second time in consecutive matches.

Mankaded in Sydney, Bill spoke to Vinoo about the dismissal after play and Vinoo gave his word that if there was ever to be a repeat he would warn him first. Proving himself a man with little honour Vinoo repeated the tactic, without warning, when Bill was on 99. Not unlike recent events this summer passed, there are two sides to this story. Ultimately it depends upon who you would prefer to believe. However, one fact is beyond question, Indian and Australian cricket has a long bitter history of unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Leaving that argument for another day, Old Bill was patience, strength, humility and forgiveness personified. News Ltd journalist, Robert Craddock visited him at his bedside the day before he passed on and Bill was as fearless facing death as he was confronting Japanese shrapnel or the new ball on an uncovered greentop.

Yesterday, Australia lost one of it’s greatest men. His memory will be undoubtedly cherished.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, sons Peter, Geoffrey and Steve, his 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

[Nesta Quin]

The Harbhajan Singh one-man charm offensive continues

The head of the Australian branch of the Indian Tourist Board must love this fella. Harbhajan simply cannot do enough to ensure that the the Australian players, public and media despise him in the most vehement way imaginable. 

Not content with calling the players all sorts of names (none of which were "monkey", by the way) and gesturing to the crowd; he has now taken to combining gestures with spitting and crowd abuse with one spectator claiming he made monkey gestures, spat and said naughty things to him.

Allan Border, however, disagrees.  "I was at the ground yesterday and I was on that side of the ground and Harbhajan was copping a fair bit of stick from the crowd. I didn't notice any gestures at all and I thought he handled himself quite well to be quite honest."

So, who to believe?  I'm leaning towards Allan Border rather than some (probably drunk) spectator.  Also, as we all know, Border has a Sauron-like all-seeing eye - I can feel it's lidless glare on me now as I type this.

Why can't Marlon Samuels stick to any rules?

Marlon "Nice Boy" Samuels is obviously an extremely dedicated and diligent cricketer with a steely determination to achieve something that no other cricketer has managed.   Namely breaking every single rule in the entire game.

So far Marlon has broken curfews, been done for tipping bookies, and also ran out living legend Lara in his last ever international.  Continuing his sterling rule-busting form this week, the middle-order terror has been banned from bowling for chucking.

If he breaks one more rule he gets a free set of crystal glasses.

Matthew Hayden Invitational XI

Our picture shows Matthew Hayden proudly holding his trophy as winner of the "Andrew Symonds' Best Friend Competition 2007." (Lee - can you check if I have this right?)

Hayden is known for many things (LBW b Hoggard for example) including his oft-stated religious beliefs. As Wikipedia tells us, "Hayden is a devout Roman Catholic and says "When I’m in trouble, I ask: ‘What would Christ do?'" That's Christ not Gilchrist - everyone knows that Gilly would try to hit every ball out of the ground.

So, with due acknowledgement, since other religions are available, join the Trumpet over the jump as we build the Matthew Hayden Invitational XI.

Captain - JC himself. He (that's He) would keep wicket, gathering deliveries the way he gathers souls, and bat at seven, offering redemption to sinning specialist bats with momentum turning knocks rooted in muscular Christianity. Not unlike his near-namesake Gilchrist - though Adam is more saintly.

Coach - John the Baptist. Useful adviser, though clearly deferring the Captain. Might change cap awarding ceremonies to something wetter.

Number 1 - St Matthew. Hard-hitting left-hander and sledger-in-chief from slip. Can be relied to tell the Gospel-Truth to match referees.

Number 2 - St Andrew. Current in run of bad form due to fishing (outside off stump).

Number 3 - St Thomas. Appears class, but inability to dominate leads to doubts about his place. Cherubic looks don't help his cause.

Number 8 - St Peter. Burly, bowls a heavy ball at first change, averages 23.5 in ODIs but at a strike rate of 103. Refused to tour three times before finding favour with the Captain.

Physio - Mary Magdelene. Sorts out bowlers' feet after a long day in the field.

The Press - Pontius Pilate. They'll crucify England if they lose to New Zealand.

Banned for taking 30 pieces of silver from the ICL - Judas Ischariot.

Can Googlyers add to the XI?

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Website of the Week - The Spin

  No, the Website of the Week is not Dan Vettori's homepage for that photo is not the Kiwi spinning legend, but star cricket writer at guardian.co.uk and The Wisden Cricketer and non-pareil amongst OBOists, Mr Lawrence Booth. His regular Tuesday gig is to round-up the world of cricket in one whimsical bundle he likes to call The Spin. And damned fine it is.

For those unable to resist his quill, LBWs (Lawrence Booth's Works) extend into longer format on the shelves of good book stores everywhere. His oeuvre comprises Arm-ball to Zooter: A Sideways Look at the Language of Cricket, Cricket: Celebrating the Modern Game around the World (in collaboration with Philip Brown and that literary giant, Sir Ian Botham) and Cricket, Lovely Cricket due June 2008. Hop over the break for a teaser of that tantalising title's topics.

"Cricket, Lovely Cricket" is a sports book with a difference. It is an original and engaging journey around the perennially curious world of cricket, leaving no metaphorical leg-break unturned and peering at the game from every conceivable angle. Written by Lawrence Booth, who had little option but to turn a youthful obsession with cricket into a means of paying the mortgage, it seeks to answer the questions that crop up on a daily basis but rarely receive a satisfactory answer. What are the players really like? What is the secret of sledging? Why get so worked up about the Ashes? Why all the cliches? And when will India take over the world?Fittingly, for a sport that can last up to five days without a result, "Cricket, Lovely Cricket" is rambling but probing, humorous but insightful, sweeping but reflective. It is underpinned by the essential - and slightly frightening - truth that cricket does not actually matter at all, yet continually finds itself relating the game to the wider world.

By examining what cricket tells us about the nations who spend vast chunks of their existence fretting over the fate of a small red ball, it attempts to get to the heart of a sport that seems more capable than any other of bewitching its followers. Full of stories, observations, jokes and whimsy, this book is a captivating look at the way in which the game has become what it is today - and what, given a fair wind, it might be like in the future. (Amazon.co.uk)

[The Tooting Trumpet]

The ICC Under-19 World Cup Update Three

England's campaign in the U-19 World Cup fizzled out in a tame quarter-final defeat to India in KL Malaysia. England were inserted by India and were soon struggling at 106-4 with only "Sweet Baby" James Taylor showing any form with a painstaking 41. Instead of re-grouping in the late middle-order and building a total of 220 or so, in an uncanny echo of their seniors, the late order folded with the addition of just 36 more runs leaving 24 deliveries unused. There was no way back from that, as Man of the Match, Turuwar Kohli (right, though probably happier than he looks) led India to an easy win with 63 not out.

In the other quarter-final played today, South Africa destroyed Bangladesh, dismissing the Bangla Boys for just 41. Saffers' captain, Wayne Parnell, top scored with 57, then took six wickets for eight runs - Man of the Match too I suppose.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

England Lions snooze then roar

England Lions up and down tour of India concluded with a defeat to Maharashtra, despite Graham Onions' seven wicket haul and a resounding win over Saurashtra, constructed on the back of forgotten man Ed Joyce's (right) century and solid performances through the team.

Whilst it is no doubt useful for players to understand the discipline of touring and to gain experience on sub-continental pitches, but it is questionable how much we can read into the tour. Michael Carberry was clearly the pick of the batsmen with two centuries and two fifties, but no other batsman impressed consistently. All the bowlers did well with Onions' seven wicket haul placing him at the head of the er... pride.

Disappointingly, no player really pressed for the most vacant slot for England - Number 8. Only Adil Rashid showed potential with bat and ball and we all knew that anyway. Still, nobody did a "Jesse Ryder" and for that we must be grateful.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

England vs New Zealand Fifth ODI - The Key Moment

At some point, an England think-tank must have been convened to discuss powerplay cricket. Knowing that the only overs guaranteed to be powerplay overs are the first ten, no doubt the top order and the opening bowlers were subjects of some import.

So how do England end up so frequently with Cook and Bell at the crease looking like Dads at a rave, so ill-suited are they to the strokes powerplay cricket rewards? Then, come England's turn to bowl, Jimmy's inability to deliver any kind of consistent line and length and Broad's inability to react to batsmen looking to hit boundaries are exposed over and over again by high class players and Jesse Ryder (right).

The key moment of the Fifth ODI was the planning meeting which led to England's powerplay strategy - it's hard to over-emphasise just how big a contrast there was last night between England's batting and bowling in the powerplays compared to that outside the powerplays. Much food for thought for Colly and his two wicketkeeper coaches.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

The ICC Under-19 World Cup Update Two

After a second comfortable group win earlier this week (over Bermuda), England Under-19s played out a dead rubber today against the precocious Bangladeshis in KL Malaysia.

Having won the toss, Alex Wakely's decision to field looked a good one, as James Harris (right) chalked up five wickets in his first five overs to leave the Bangla Boys reeling at 49-7. Cue Suhrawadi Shuvo to play a captain's knock of 56 from number 8 to get his team up to a respectable 149. That was to prove enough, as England collapsed to a combination of poor running and tight bowling to finish 13 runs short of their target.

Both sides advance to the quarter-finals on Sunday: England will face India, Bangladesh front up to the South Africans.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

England Lions roar, but softly

England Lions (not getting any easier that name is it? ) completed their latest tour match with a 50 overs a side win over Mumbai just in time to tune into the IPL player auction and gag on the amounts of money available (some of it even going to players!) The Lions had had Mumbai in some difficulties at 100-5, before the locals were rescued by a hard-hit 78 from 'keeper Tare supported by the tail. 32 year-old Alan Richardson was the pick of the bowlers (which helps nobody), but it's good to see a couple of wickets for Adil Rashid.

With 269 needed for the win, England timed their chase to perfection, thanks mainly to another ton from Franklyn Rose lookalike Michael Carberry (right), who is emerging as the find of the tour, and a last over six from Liam Plunkett. The Lions complete their tour with two more 50 over matches on Thursday and Friday.

Oh yes, we should also note that slotted in at Number Five for the Lions was one A Flintoff - I'm sure I've heard that name somewhere before.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

England vs New Zealand Fourth ODI - The Key Moment

680 runs in a day, strokes aplenty, even cricket's rarest result (the tie) bundled together in what David Lloyd would describe as "all the fun of the fair" - what's not to like? Not much to be honest, but dig a little deeper and an awkward truth emerges once more.

When Brendon McCullum dropped the dolliest of catches off Alastair Cook, everyone knew that it was a key moment - unfortunately, it was the key moment from New Zealand's perspective. On a splendid pitch (why can't they all be like that - it's 2008 FFS) with short boundaries, batsmen had everything in their favour. Of the eleven batsmen who faced ten balls or more, eight had a strike rate over 100, with just a limping McCullum at 89 and Vettori at 93 not managing a run a ball. Oh, and Alastair Cook, who made a decent score (69) but at a pedestrian rate (78).

Okay it's not his role to blast away, but I am unconvinced that Cook has any role in ODI cricket as played in the age of T20. Had McCullum held on to the sitter, one presumes Dimi would have had a go towards the end and I suspect he would have scored at a bit over 78 - and thus secured the win.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

The ICC Under-19 World Cup Update One

Whilst the cricket world's attention is taken by the three best Limited Overs teams slugging it out as the CB Series chugs around Australia, the Under-19 World Cup is underway in Malaysia. The Googly will bring you regular updates over the next fortnight as the Bright Young Things clash.

England's campaign is already off to a winning start. Their first group match saw the bowlers (led by potential Man of the Tournament, James Harris) dismiss the Irish lads for 109 in just 31 overs. Abetted by too many wides, English openers Billy Godleman and "Sweet Baby James" Taylor (right) got England over the line at a run a ball. A good, if predictable start for the England Cubs (well, if the ECB insist on calling the A squad the England Lions...)

Elsewhere India brushed aside Papua New Guinea, Australia did the same to Nambia and the home side were annihilated by the Trumpet's tip for the trophy, Pakistan.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

England vs New Zealand Third ODI - The Key Moment

New Zealand set a good target on a pitch which offered support to disciplined bowling. England were progressing nicely until (surprise, surprise) Bell was dismissed when well set and KP was given out LBW to a straight one as he continues to look like Hayden (2005). The game was poised with England four down and requiring 80 runs from 14 overs.

As recently as the home ODI series vs West Indies in 2007 (lost 1-2), that would have placed England two balls away from Liam Plunkett - enough to make any batsman circumspect. But this England XI still had the power of Dimi and Wright in the hutch backed up by the growing maturity of Broad. Colly decided to stay on the offensive. 12 overs later, he had 70 from 50 balls and England were back in the series.

Dimi, Wright and Broad had batted well without ever getting to the crease. Funny old game.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Denmark win Indoor Cricket Championship, again

When I think of Denmark I don't usually think of cricket straight afterwards; more like the Laudrup brothers, that massive bridge they built over to Sweden, or, err, that's it's really.  But, it seems that they do play, as evidenced by batsman Freddie Klokker (right).  Moreover, they are masters at the indoor form of our great game, taking the European championship again this year to make it four wins in the last five years.

The tournament, held in Finland, included teams from the host nation plus Spain, France, Luxembourg and even Greece.  The Danes went through the entire tournament undefeated, beating Portugal in a tense final.

England vs New Zealand Second ODI - The Key Moment

The key moment in the Second ODI was obviously when, as forecasted, the shower turned up in Hamilton.

They proceeded to win the toss, engineer a strong position before the rain break then fell apart (again). England are not as good as we thought they were after the T20 victories - and the boys pictured on the right are much, much better.

England need to win the last three ODIs to secure the series - more realistically, they need to make 200 to secure credibility.

[The Tooting Trumpet] {Image: Getty]

England vs New Zealand First ODI - The Key Moment

So you're a member of the England team management and you sit down to decide what team to play at Wellington's Westpac Stadium in the First ODI. You're feeling jaunty because you've just seen England win two T20 matches, one by 50 runs, the other by 32 runs. You look at recent matches at the Westpac and you see opposition scores of 148 (Australia 2007), 207 (West Indies 2006), and 203 (Sri Lanka 2006). You surmise that it won't be easy to score runs and that the batsmen will have to seize the initiative early on and make New Zealand believe the T20 hammerings never stopped.

So what do you do? You drop England's two fastest scoring charging power-hitters (Luke Wright and Dimi Mascarenhas) and pack the side with nudgers and nurdlers who like to stand in the crease and score square of the wicket (Mustard, Cook, Bell, Shah, Bopara). With no pace to work with, England's top order are emasculated, England are 34-1 after 10 overs and 60-3 after 20 overs, the powerplays are gone and New Zealand had assumed a control they would never relinquish.

So, even in the short form of the game, the key moment happened off the field. England decided on the wrong team and the game was lost. Unlike some cricket nations, England do not possess the wit nor the talent to correct such errors on the field and paid a full price.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]   

New Zealand vs England Second Twenty20 International - The Key Moment

New Zealand is a much weakened team without their captain, best batsman and best bowler, but they still need to be put away and England gave the Kiwis a right shoeing in a polished display.

After an excellent start (I'll say that again, an excellent start - 70 runs in total from your openers is worth a lot more than it sounds when it comes off 43 balls), England suffered a traditional collapse losing four wickets in 15 balls. The Trumpet sat back expecting England to consolidate by pushing singles with a view to scoring at 4-5 runs per over before a late slog. But no - the next four overs brought 7, 5, 13 and 12 runs as Shah and Colly stayed on the attack and maintained a strike rate of almost 10 per over. The game's key moment had passed and England were in the box seat.

Why were England able to keep attacking? The Trumpet puts it down to a late middle order comprising Dimi, Swanny and Broad - two all-rounders and a bowler who bats. That cushion assured Colly that another wicket would not spell disaster so the run rate could be maintained. Such is the value of late order batting, even if they don't get to the crease. Ah, but the bowling suffers, I hear the naysayers cry. It does, but when a captain can bring to bear second innings scoreboard pressure, the batsmen get themselves out. Let's keep the formula for the ODIs.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

It just got a shit-load easier to beat New Zealand

The hysterical reaction to the Indian Cricket League has taken a further turn for the moronic today, with Shane Bond, the only truly world class Kiwi seamer (17 test, 79 wickets @ 22.39), being barred from playing for his country.

Bond had hoped to play in the ICL in-between his international commitments, but due the ICC's draconian and imbecilic rules reagarding the Twenty20 tournament New Zealand Cricket has had to cut off its nose, spite its face and drive a stake through its own competitive heart - all at the same time.

Bond, for his part, has made it clear that he still wants to play for his country, "I will continue to be available to play for New Zealand," he said, "and look forward to doing so once again when NZC deems this appropriate."

This is a truly ridiculous situation in which everybody seems to lose; apart from England's fragile top order, who will be dancing a joyful jig tonight; and the policy-makers at the ICC.  Tossers.

England under-19s fail to impress, again

On the 27th Jan, Pakistan's juniors took on Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo and won by an impressive nine wickets. A couple of days before that England had failed to capitalize on their previous good form and lost to Sri Lanka.

So what hope today was there for the so highly rated England boys as they played Sri Lanka again? Well bloody nothing really. Sri Lanka won the toss and batted first. James Harris struck early and removed multi-initialled EMGDY Munaweera for just 6, but his companion Chandimal hit 10 fours and one six on his way to an unbeaten 112. Sri Lanka posted a total of 312 - the highest I think in this Tri-Nation's series and England had a lot to do.

They didn't do much. Wakely out for a duck, Ben Brown (to my utter disappointment) only made 12 and Sam Northeast (who does sound like part of the Shipping Forecast) was top scorer with 32. England lost by 158 runs and my only comfort is that Billy Godleman was not playing. So many hopes for the future lie on that young man's shoulders that we can imagine that he would have won the game for us single-battedly.

A pretty miserable preparation for the World Cup - I can only hope that it will all go better for the boys there.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Adelaide: the final countdown

OK, OK, a slightly over-the-top headline, but for a Test match to go to day five with at least two results still in the balance is surely worthy of a tad of hyperbole? And anyway, this is the last Test report I'll get to do for at least a month.

Yesterday I said, along with the rest of the world, that this morning's session would be crucial. India needed to bat through until lunch without loss to hold on to a draw. Australia needed to take quick wickets to have a chance of winning the match. Of course, they have already retained hold of the series trophy, but a win is the outcome they would have been wishing for.

The morning session went very much the way of the Indians. A slight glitch when Rahul Dravid had to retire hurt - there's only so many times that damaged fingers can be restrapped, but it didn't halt Virender Sehwag as he processed serenely to his 50 with Sachin Tendulkar alongside him at the crease. He then went on to get his 13th Test century (and the quickest of the series) but the gloss soon came off for India as Sachin was run out just two balls later. Good news and bad news for Australia. They would have hoped to take a handful of wickets before lunch, and hoped to restrict the run rate rather more severely than Sehwag allowed.

India resumed after the break with a lead of 105, Sehwag still at the crease accompanied by Sourav Ganguly. Who didn't last long, gone for 18 but it took a referral for the umpires to be sure that Hussey had caught him cleanly and it was not a bump ball. A genuine need for referral or just another example of umpiring uncertainty post Sydney - you decide.

Tea came and went and India pootled on allowing Sehwag to notch up 151 runs in a fairly pointless cause. Nice though that Gilchrist was able to take one more catch before Kumble declared just half an hour shy of the official finishing time. The match was drawn and what could have been an exciting day's play ultimately had petered out into a rather tedious display of Indian batting in front of a very much less than capacity crowd.

On now to the One-day series, but first the little matter of the Harbhajan hearing. We await the result of that with rather more interest than we had in the final session and a half of today's play.

[Image: Getty] [mimitg]

Australia vs India Fourth Test - Day Four's Key Moment

Our photo shows the Adelaide Oval where the Key Moment of today's play happened, not today, but last year. As every England fan knows, Adelaide's Ashes Test also saw two innings of 500+ with the visitors entering the final day with a small lead. What happened next still gives me nightmares.

England stalled, the Aussie bowlers went for less than two runs per over (all of them!) and Australia rushed over the line on an adrenaline high - the Ashes were as good as gone. Of that Aus XI, Martyn, Langer, Warne and McGrath are all gone. Overnight, the Australians will be reminded of that extraordinary win - the question tomorrow is whether this new XI will be inspired by recent history or intimidated by it. That mighty challenge is at its sharpest tomorrow.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Day four at Adelaide

So day four started predictably with fans and commentators alike offering paeons of praise to the soon-to-be-retired Adam Gilchrist. No doubt most watchers were hoping that Ricky Ponting or Michael Clarke would lose their wicket sooner rather than later thereby hastening a visit to the crease of said Gilchrist and perhaps the final chance to see his flashing blade.

However, after one slight scare for Punter off yes, another Sharma ball, near the start, the Australian began to find a fluency which had evaded him yesterday and moved on swiftly, picking up his 34th Test ton in the 123rd over. Australia strolled on and the only glimmer of hope for India was off a Sehwag ball to Clarke, but it was a hard chance and Rahul Dravid could not hold on. Lunch couldn't come fast enough for the bowlers, as demonstrated by Harbhajan Singh's ridiculous appeal for a bat pad catch and a bit of bad-temper as he and Kumble made their displeasure plain at Billy Bowden's refusal to be moved and Clarke remained, quite rightly, at his crease.

Just before the break, Ponting had required treatment from the physio for what appeared to be a niggle in his back and sure enough, Michael Hussey soon came out to be his captain's runner. He wasn't there for long as India finally got the breakthrough they'd been looking for all morning when Virender Sehwag struck. Michael Clarke then brought up his century and this and Ponting's 140 may have done for India's chance of victory.

Sharma provided India's next wicket, VVS Laxman taking a very good catch to get rid of Clarke and the Adelaide Oval went positively wild as Adam Gilchrist walked out to play his 100th and quite possibly last Test innings. Playing with his customary brio, Gilchrist kept the crowd chanting as he flashed his way to a quick 14 off 18 balls before Sehwag spoiled the party taking a smart catch off Irfan Pathan's bowling. Suddenly it felt as though the momentum was with India and the liklihood of Australia taking a large first innings lead receded just a little.

Just after tea Ishant Sharma worked his magic again and Symonds was gone for 30. Brett Lee's appearance truly was a cameo. He faced just four balls and scored but a single run before Pathan claimed his 100th Test wicket. Calm and the natural Australian order of things were restored in the following overs as Mitchell Johnson and Brad Hogg kept the run-rate round about four an over until our old friend Harbhajan Singh got Johnson at the second time of trying. This time Sharma took the catch making amends for Kumble who had dropped him just a few balls before.

Sehwag wrapped things up for India. Stuart Clark making just three and his dismissal left Australia with a lead of 37 runs - considerably less than had looked likely when Michael Clarke and Ponting were together in the first session.

With just 20 minutes or so of schedulled play remaining (plus 30 mins of overtime), Ponting chose not to return to the field and thus Adam Gilchrist led out the Australians to a huge cheer from the crowd. Was his back troubling him badly, or could it be that a smidgin of sentimentality crept in? We shall probably never know. Anyway, the Australians looked like men on a mission and without much ado, Johnson trapped Pathan lbw and Lee very nearly got Sehwag's wicket only to have him dropped by the Pup. Lee's agony grew worse as Bowden, in yet another questionable decision, did not raise the crooked finger for an lbw although Sehwag certainly appeared to be plumb out. One can only feel that the fall-out from Sydney continues as far as umpiring is concerned.

As the minutes ticked by India crawled to close of play, a combination of their own caution after losing Pathan so early and some extremely tight and hostile bowling from Lee and Johnson. The less precise attack of Symonds and Clark allowed India to amass an eight run lead at stumps and so for the first time in what seems like an age, we go into day five of a Test for reasons other than the weather.

While a draw is very much the most likely outcome, in cricket anything can happen and the next session will be, as they say, crucial.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]