Pom v Aussie, part 6

An hour and a half to go until the start of the second Test, time to resume the friendly rivalry on this blog between Patrick Kidd, of The Times, and Scott Heinrich, of Fox Sports Australia. Much to discuss about a fascinating series.

From Patrick Kidd
To Scott Heinrich

Well Scott, here we are again. Weren't we doing a Test analysis only a day or two ago? Wait a sec, we were! How the world has changed since the first Test: World War 3 almost broke out between our countries over a fat physio, Ricky Ponting has (willingly or not) been cast as either Mother Theresa or the biggest hypocrite since Geoff Boycott told Kevin Pietersen to be play more for the team - depending on which side of the world you live on - and Andrew Flintoff is embarking on a four-date farewell concert that won't overshadow the rest of the Ashes for England, oh no.

Look, I think I've upset some of your countrymen by suggesting in a blog post that we could and should get under Ponting's skin a bit this series. I realise that will probably be counter-productive. Unlike many Australians, his skin is pretty thick - and he doesn't feel the need to have a go at our Queen as often as some of you down there do - so I guess me suggesting he is one Gary Pratt appearance away from losing it was pretty desperate. Trouble is, we need to clutch at straws here. Australia showed in the first Test that they are a bit better than we thought and we showed that we are a bit worse than you thought. Hopefully this second Test will be more even. But what a great finish to the first one! And can't we both admit that the reason everyone has got so het up about it is because nothing beats the Ashes for sheer drama. We need this sort of game. Good on Monty and Jimmy. If only the rest of our batsmen can follow their lead at Lord's.

From Scott Heinrich
To Patrick Kidd

There's no denying interest in this series has increased ten-fold. It was pretty hot anyway (well, it is the Ashes), but a grandstand finish and a bit of niggle will do it every time. I guess there's getting under someone's skin - and there's getting under someone's skin. Ponting didn't lose it at all on day five in Cardiff over Strauss's time wasting; he objected to it in his capacity as captain and answered questions honestly in the post-match presser. He probably welcomed the furore - the result wasn't affected and it took some heat off his uninspired captaincy on the final evening.

Not really sure how he can be called a hypocrite, though. Ponting's no saint and not to everyone's tastes, granted, but I can't recall a time he's employed those kind of tactics. It's not something Ponting will stress over, however. He wouldn't have to think too hard to imagine the reaction in Blighty had it been he and Australia, instead of Strauss and England, pulling the same swifty in the same situation. He would be branded a cheat and a scoundrel, but as he's the one objecting to it, well, he's just a whinging hypocrite. Ho-hum. But Punter would never stoop so low as to knock Queen Lizzie or the monarchy. In mean, why would he? They're so meaningful and relevant. But Australians thin-skinned, Patrick? How could you? The mere suggestion has hurt me deeply.

A big pat on the back for Freddie. He's been a real tiger and the only England player in the past 20 years I'd wished was Australian (well, Darren Gough gets a special mention here). I wonder what effect his retirement will have on England, firstly at Lord's and then for the remainder of the series. Australia should be unchanged, but looking forward to England's team selection. Would love to see more from England's lethal spin combo (and we thought Hauritz was bad!), but am expecting the MCC members to dine on a bit of Harm and Onions.

From Patrick Kidd
To Scott Heinrich

Sticking very briefly - and Lord how I wish we could move on - to the subject of whether Australia would ever use those glove and physio tactics. I wonder if that is because they are almost never in the situation of having to scrap to save a Test match? Any draws you get are normally weather-related. Old Trafford '05 aside, I can't think of a game when Australia have needed to occupy the crease to save the match. And even in that game it was a question of batting out overs rather than time. You either win heavily or, very rarely, lose heavily. Oh well, I'm delighted this series has finally got some competitive spirit in it as for the first four days at Cardiff it was looking very flat. Roll on Lord's. Any chance you can select Justin Langer and let us hit him a few times as that really geed the crowd up four years ago.

Come, come. Freddie the only Englishman you wished was Aussie? What about Big Kev? Sure, it would stick in the throat to have a South African in the side, but wouldn't you love to have someone with his 'up-and-at'em' approach to batting? I think we need to show you what we are capable of. Our spinners, agreed, did not perform at Cardiff, where they bowled a little too quickly and without guile. But both Panesar and Swann have good records at Lord's - I imagine Swann will be the only one selected - and maybe the happy memories will help them. Speaking of memories of Lord's, though. Ponting's top score there is 42. I fear he may be about to remedy that big time.

From Scott Heinrich
To Patrick Kidd

Fair point. If and when Australia are in that position, and should Ponting behave like that, I will be first in the queue to condemn him as a hypocrite. But, you're right, it's already ancient history, and there is the small matter of the second Test starting rather soon. It will be fascinating to see how Ponting responds at Lord's, both with the bat and with the brain. If Harmison plays, there's no doubt he'll have Punter jumping and shuffling in his crease early on. It will be a battle worth watching. I'd prefer it if Langer stayed retired. I can't stand the sight of blood.

Nope, I'm afraid you can have KP all to yourselves. Not sure what a South African would do to team harmony, and, in any case, we're pretty well stocked with 'up-and-at-em' players. Plus, one of the great things about Pietersen is watching him play for the other team. He's great value; a soap opera unto himself. I wonder if he and Mitchell Johnson will front up for another toe-to-toe. Now that, along with a tight Test at Lord's, would make for compelling viewing.

Comments

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And it was Warne's sheer chutzpah which lay behind the blatant time-wasting that helped save Australia the game on the last two days. Batting on Monday he was involved in the most intensive gardening since the demise of Percy Thrower, hoping bad light would bring an early close. No blame attaches to him for trying it on, though some sticks to the umpires for letting him get away with it.

Steve Bucknor warns Australia for time wasting, England v Australia, 3rd Test, Old Trafford, August 14, 2005

And still Ponting is not a hypocrite?

[Dom]

someone gonna point out to ponting that one hand one bounce doesn't count.