Quote:
Originally posted by Lanesra:
quote:
Originally posted by Davros:
In our case it won't be 18 years between victories though - just 24 months to live through  .
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I have no idea what you are basing this opinion on Davros. It can only be blind hope!
Let's talk seriously for a minute mate!
1) We have a young, settled and focused side. Your team has a number of players who are either coming to the end of their careers or past their best. I haven't seen much in the way of young talent coming through. You are almost totally reliant on Warne, with McGrath giving some support. We have four fast bowlers who can bowl you out twice, in addition there is such variety in the bowlers that they can take advantage of all conditios. We have the world's best all rounder. Our batting is not centred on any one player. In the past Australia have targetted the likes of Atherton or Hussain, in this team however there is no obvious star. If Trescothick doesn't do it Strauss will, if not it will be Flintoff, or Vaughn or Pietersen; and we bat well down the order with all of the tail enders able to get a score when necessary.
2) Although on the surface the series appears to have been tight we were on top in all four games after Lords and if the rain hadn't affected Old Trafford we would have won 3-1. I daresay you will point to the weather affecting the Oval test but in the long run it may well have saved you from another defeat.
3) Your captaincy is in disarray. Ponting has been clearly out thought and out fought by Vaughn. A calamatous decision to insert England at Edgbaston followed by defensive fields and tactics shows a captain unsure of his players. Warne has shown open dissent on the field (at Edgbaston)and appears to be making most of the decisions.
4) You have lost that "air of invincibility" that has carried Australia though the past 16 years. We know we can beat you, you know we can beat you. In the past England would have crumbled in matches like those at Tren Bridge and The Oval. This team has buckled but never cracked, that experience will carry them forward. The team spirit that Fletcher and Vaughn have engendered is clearly seen.
All in all we have far more to look forward to that you.
BTW - I was in my local last night having a celebratory pint and a number of people asked me "have you spoken to Dave?". I had no idea you had made such an impact on them!
D [/QUOTE]Now for the biggie - time to tackle the Dublin Grocer, or as I like to think of him - Blind Freddie
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Yes, let's talk seriously now mate [img]smile.gif[/img] .
1)As Mikey Vaughan stated quite openly, Australia remain the benchmark for other teams to try and attain. There was no false modesty to his claim - he wants his side to be every bit as good as our is, and he has things moving in the right direction. Your 4 fast bowlers are an excellent postion to have - countries would give their eye teeth to have an allrounder like Freddie. But they won't match teams on the subcontinent or down under if they aren't adequately supported by a spinner who can bowl through the heat of the day and be effective. Thus far, Ashleigh dear has not proven to me that he is the man that can meet those requirements. Our batsmen treated your attack to lightly - that happened in India a while back and we lost a series - it won't happen next time.
2)On top in all 4 tests after Lords. Of dearie me - you have been at the gin again haven't you [img]smile.gif[/img] . A couple of things went your way in case you hadn't noticed - like batting first in all 4 tests (yes, we will shoot Ricky for the first one). Now in Edgbaston you built a fantastic position - and saw it whittled away to the point that for the last 10 minutes or so we became the favourites to win it. A shonky decision got you over he line. At old Trafford you were on top on the last day because we elected (as Aussie teams usually do) to try and chase the target. Your Mr Vaughan could have won that test if he had the balls to declare about an hour earlier - but that might have opened up all results. A draw was the deserved result of his timidity, but congrats to Punter and Warnie for trying to swing the result our way in the last session. Lets give credit for Trent Bridge - the game you did dominate - at this stage the run of winning the toss just seemed inevitable. Even then you got a huge case of the staggers with victory in sight, and he target didn't need to be much more than 130 to reverse the result. And at the Oval - after watching the first 3 days I can only say that the light conditions on the 3rd day saved your bacon. A stirring partnership from Badger and the King on the last day to save the match, but dominate - not likley pal - you must be watchin through them rose coloured glasses.
3) You're takin the piss - Ricky will be in the job the next time I come over and visit the Wheatsheaf - just you wait and see.
4) Air of invincibility - no worries mate - that will just shake a few players to go outand earn their victories rather than sitting and waiting for the opposition to crack open like England chasing a target of 130.
I am glad that I made so much of an impact on the boys down at the pub. Tell them I said hello, and that I am going to win the manager of the month in February
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Cheers
[ 09-13-2005, 08:08 AM: Message edited by: Davros ]