pg, I can't think of anyone who "bullied through sport" Truely. All the talented people I've played with or against have been doing it for the love of the game. They didn't need to be paid handsomely. Can you name a high profile sportsperson that has bullied? (By bullied, I presume that you mean "humiliated") The world is full of those like Giles, Boycott, on the other hand has never explained why he piked out of those Tests.

Pray, do explain. This time in your true native tongue, it may be easier to understand.

pg, in all my sporting career, all I have wanted to do, is smash the opposition, and win at a canter. Why? Because it means you have trained for it. The problem arises when it doesn't happen, then, and only then, you have to accept, with grace, that the opposition was better than you, analyse the mistakes you made and meet the challenge of upping your game the next time you meet. Despite what you say, there has to be a bit of mongrel in you to get so far. Having said that, John Howard is an arsehole, fullstop.period.

Come on, pg. Tell everyone that the "swimmer" was Ian Thorpe.......

Has anyone told Sparky? He seems to disagree with most on this board!

T4E, where's your logic for that?

He's also putting his faith in Emerton, as Bert seems to figure more highly than Jansen. Is that great to?

American, I'd be a little circumspect about the "democratic" Kuwaitis giving money. Afterall, $500 mil is but chicken feed in respect to the amount of money that the US got them from the kickout of Saddam. A bit like me giving a taxi driver a $5.00 tip

Make it the 1997 vintage please, Ozziej

How's this for selective editing?

I have been mild mannered for far too long. You guys were sucked in and conned. Whilst you blokes were concentrating on winning the Ashes (not the world crown, BTW) WE, yes WE Aussies won two, that's TWO World Crowns. Always two steps behind. Even Ozziej was drinking our plonk. Paul, got to agree with you, the cricket players are more articulate and accommodating of a bit of banter. I remember going to the New Years day one dayer in 2001 (I think) at the Bradman Oval in Bowral, between England and an Aussie XI. Mike Whitney was fielding at long on, close to the boundary. He chased a ball that eventually went for four. I bellowed out to him, "If you can't do better than that, it's back to Fleetwood for you." Absolutely died laughing he did.

It will be a hard ask, but if the Aussies can get them out before tea, then they'll have a go. Gilchrist and Clarke to open.

I can't watch, it's all too tense, I can't go to bed, 'cause I'll be playing the game in my head. (OOh that ryhmes) I can't believe that it has come down to the last day of the last test. Does anyone reckon it's been planned? edit:Got to log off now, cause the last time I did we took a wicket.

Indeed, Kamy, whatever the result of this game, the whole series has been tremendous. Just the kind of series that cricket needed. BTW, Kamy, are you nervous too

Too right Shaddy, Bing is very inconsistent. When he's on song, he's just about unplayable. It just doesn't happen enough. edit: got to admit to being very nervous. Can't watch all the game, keep coming here to see if I can change their luck. Keep going for a drop of wine every now and then......... thank god for lunch.

Lee's last over was just tremendous. Peitersen didn't know where he was. Two more wickets, get England out an hour before tea, put Gilchrist as an opener and the Aussies have a chance. Still think that England have the upper hand. The missed catch by Warne may prove to be the "catch that dropped the ashes".

Bellemy, I'll say it. Two more wickets and it will be a very interesting game. Got to admit that England are still way in front, but you never know what will happen with Warne and McGrath.

Who gives a bugger about the cricket, we're into Triathlon now, do keep up

I will bow to your greater knowledge of cricket and the intimate connections you have with the England dressing room. If you took the time to think about what I said, you would understand that England are NOT playing their usual (winning) game. Warne is playing his usual game, he's not doing much different from any other game, it's the English approach that's really getting the wickets. e.g. Pieterson, Vaughn. On that same track on another day, he'd have been flogged all over the park. Finally, you worry about the Aussies when Warne does retire, not before.

At the moment, England look as they are playing for a draw. The worst possible thing they could do. At the start of the innings they played the way they had done in the previous tests. They are undoing the great start by playing negatively. Warney is bowling well, but not that well to give them the wobblies. Nerves, perhaps?

3 fer

Nice one AS, I always think of England being "up there". Seriously, the ashes will be travelling down here shortly. Have to laugh at the Lillie is a boor jibe. He's the first person any, yes any, team turns to when a fast bowler has a problem with technique.

Funnily enough, the "Ashes" ( the real thing) will be down under later this year

I thought Marsh's contract had ended. Either way, he's highly thought of in cricketing circles as he's just been appointed to a position coaching international umpires and coaches. pg, let's get rid of the Billy Bowdens who only umpire for their own quirky reasons. I have to admit that there is a lot of pressure on them, showing replays, slow mo's etc. but some of the gaffs in this series have been woeful.