The Ashes - The POLL

[Withdean Wanderer]

Who's Going to win then?

Just over 24 hours until the ASHES start.

Suddenly we are FRETTING over the fitness of IAN BELL. Who'd have thought that after the last series!!

 

[B.M.F]

A draw which is all we need

 

[Basil Fawlty]

I'm positive that we'll retain down under. COME ON ENGLAND!

 

[Withdean Wanderer]

I LOVE the optimism of the last night NSCers.

Although I still think we're going to lose, I am much more positive about our prospects of a draw now, having read all the 'experts' opinions in all the publications that have come out in the last fortnight or so.

The suprise MAN to help us:

 

[Basil Fawlty]

I LOVE the optimism of the last night NSCers.

Although I still think we're going to lose, I am much more positive about our prospects of a draw now, having read all the 'experts' opinions in all the publications that have come out in the last fortnight or so.

The suprise MAN to help us:

If Anderson doesn't stop trying to injure our specialist batsmen that is.

 

[jonny.rainbow]

Drawn series.

 

[Withdean Wanderer]

If Anderson doesn't stop trying to injure our specialist batsmen that is.

That was quite funny for once Kev.

"specialist batsmen"

 

[fatbadger]

Australia, unfortunately. Stil, won't stop me feeling the pain of defeat as keenly as I would have done had I thought we were going to do it.

 

[Withdean Wanderer]

Mark, you won't be laying into Belly when my bet comes off

I was only joking though. I've come around to quite liking Bell, in the same way as...well, everyone else is! (The Owen Hargreaves equivalent me thinks!).

Although I did see that Ed Joyce is likely to play if he doesn't make it. Oooerr!

 

[SussexSpur]

Reckon we'll scrape a drawn, yet exciting, series.

 

[Withdean Wanderer]

Interesting to compare with what people thought last time....

http://www.northstandchat.biz/showthread.php?s=&threadid=51893

 

[pasty]

Draw the series and bring the Ashes home

 

[RM-Taylor]

Australia

To be honest I don't like cricket.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Jimmy Anderson & the spinner (Monty PLEASE) are going to be the keys to be honest. Last time Jones came from nowhere really to be our best bowler - he had been 4th seamer before the Ashes. We need Anderson or Monty to step up to the plate & become real wicket takers this series. Maybe, and only maybe, will we then have a chance of drawing or (dare I say it) winning this series.

Watson being out is a bonus. Australia's bowling attack isn't as frightening as it could be. McGrath is going to struggle to last, Warne's always a threat, Lee is fast but never takes the wickets he should do, and the Ozzies don't know who the 4th seamer will be

 

[1066gull]

I'm positive that we'll retain down under. COME ON ENGLAND!

You were also positive England would win the World Cup.

 

[n1 gull]

Jimmy Anderson & the spinner (Monty PLEASE) are going to be the keys to be honest. Last time Jones came from nowhere really to be our best bowler - he had been 4th seamer before the Ashes. We need Anderson or Monty to step up to the plate & become real wicket takers this series. Maybe, and only maybe, will we then have a chance of drawing or (dare I say it) winning this series.

Watson being out is a bonus. Australia's bowling attack isn't as frightening as it could be. McGrath is going to struggle to last, Warne's always a threat, Lee is fast but never takes the wickets he should do, and the Ozzies don't know who the 4th seamer will be

I totally agree about Anderson and Monty stepping up. I think they will, I've actually got loads of confidence in Anderson, unfortunately I think the batsmen will target Monty.

I still think Monty should play in front of Giles, but Brisbane apparently isn't any good for spinners, so I hope people don't get on Montys back, when he doesn't get 5 wickets.

What's the atmosphere like in Australia Stumpy? As its pretty bloody mental here, although being in the middle of the night is a right bummer

 

[Stumpy Tim]

What's the atmosphere like in Australia Stumpy? As its pretty bloody mental here, although being in the middle of the night is a right bummer

It's beginning to kick off, but I think it will really hit fever pitch if it's a close series when the tests come to Melbourne & Sydney (4th & 5th tests). As it is, I am taking an early lunch on friday, and having the afternoon in the pub tomorrow... bring it on!

 

[Bluejuice]

I'm less optimistic than I was last time, but then I still thought we'd lose so what do I know?

Stumpy Tim is right, it's all about the new boys coming to the fore. It's hit or miss time.

No Vaughan or Simon Jones however are MASSIVE losses which is why I still think the convicts will be taking the urn back.

As long as we see some good cricket along the way I'll be happy