A few months ago I think it a was you who suggested England should not, cannot, and will not lose the series 5 zip.

What are you thinking now?

Also what do you have to say to Bell supporters who want Collingwood out of the team still. To me Collingwood offers more determination at the crease and hence more runs. His fielding too is a bonus.

BTW, Bell's score today, a fluent 2.

How many people from either side honestly saw 5-0 though. I saw a 3-0 loss at best for us but i never thought about a whitewash. There had to be a high-scoring draw on a road somewhere. In theory.

Ponts -

Spoke to the Wizard - and here are his pearls of wisdom.

He admits that a few months ago he did suggest that there was no conceivable way England would lose the series 5 - 0. In fact he believed they would successfully defend the Ashes by a margin of 2 - 1. Isn't hindsight a beautiful gift!

Like several million English cricket fans the Wizard is both disheartened and disillusioned at the tame capitulation of a team that has talent but clearly no fight in it.

The Aussies are good - age notwithstanding - another point the Wizard concedes was of his making - nevertheless, the conceivable scoreline of 5 - 0 does not in any way portray the Australian team to be that much superior - they are not - more a reflection of the abject discord and rudderlessness of the England team and the insufferable crap they've had to contend with with a "buddy favouring" coach and Captain - both also devoid of "Plans" to counter a resolute Australian team who were DETERMINED TO WIN. And didn't that show.

England showed no such determination - and for Flintoff to suggest this morning that "we had occasional spells of dominance" is utter crap more suited to a man wearing rose tinted specs.

Australia wanted the Ashes badly enough.
England didn't.
England were too complacent and not match fit and ready.
As such, they were blown away by an Australian side who hit their straps early and stayed dominating throughout.
It's really as simple as that.

A 5 - 0 whitewash would be welcomed now if only to secure Fletchers resignation (or the bullet) and that of Flintoff (as captain) as well.

England have a decent and young enough team to bounce back.

A new coach, a new captain (not Vaughan, unless he is 100 pct fit, some new deserving faces in the team and some serious self believe has to be restored quickly in order to ensure their survival.

The Wizard has spoken.

Thanks Merls.

ANd your thoughts on Collingwood. I think you were one of the rare few that wanted him in the team.

The likes of Dello, JKL and the rest are so keen on Bell, it shites me to tears.

I have never altered my opinion of Collingwood.
He is a dour fighter. A necessary 5 bat IMO. Someone who can glue to and nuture the tail and one who doesn't care much for red ink!

A batsman with limited ability and one who sells his wicket dearly.
A great 'close to the bat' fielder - probably best in the world right now - and solid team man.

Bellhop has a future - I think and would like to believe ... and hopefully will improve.
He must however accept that he was, is and always will be Hawaii's bunny.
The perfect easter bunny - loves to fiddle outside off stump before he gets to 30 on the board - just meat and drink for McGrath!!
Now if they could eradicate that from Bell's portfolio ... and with hawaii a distant memory after Sydney ... who knows, the lad could come good!

You said that Pigeon wouldn't take 15 wickets in the Ashes as I predicted Merlin.
You were wrong. Pigeon has 15 wickets after playing only 4 Tests.

You said that Stuart Clark would not be the best bowler in the series as I predicted Merlin.
Again you were wrong.

You said Adam Gilchrist would not make atleast 1 century as I predicted for the series Merlin.
Again you were wrong
I told you that Steve Harmison was no good in Australia last time he was here and nothing would change this time Merlin.
You carried on arguing over that one Merlin.
I also told you Merlin that Freddie's days of being a superstar in an Ashes series are over due to injuries etc catching up with him.
....Couldn't shut you up Merlin, all you raved on about was how good Freddie was going to be.

I told you Merlin Australia would win the Ashes 3-0
All you did there was throw the toys out of the pram and claim England would beat Australia.

You weren't the most ignorant of Poms Merlin but you did show delusional tendencies and fail to provide logical explanations for your predictions old mate.

Smart arses like you ought to be on Mastermind Roy.
Either that or hired as clairvoyants to predict winners of the Cheltenham Golf Cup, The Grand National, The Derby and the Guineas ...
We could make a fortune, you and I.

Remember this - the belief you had in your team depended upon factors just as much as mine did about the team I support.
Don't pretend otherwise you halfwit - just recognize that, move on and stop acting the smarmy git!

ROFL at Mr Cricket.

In a not too dissimilar way, you remind me of Jay Patel. A commbative, aggressive, belligerent and at times insulting forumming style that actually has some truth to it.

quote:

Originally posted by County Player:
How many people from either side honestly saw 5-0 though. I saw a 3-0 loss at best for us but i never thought about a whitewash. There had to be a high-scoring draw on a road somewhere. In theory.

Mr Glen McGrath (tgm) foretold you all before the series started. Bow down to tgm. For he is one win away from immortality. A awe even higher than warney!!!!!!!! 5-0!

quote:

Originally posted by RedDuster:
In fact he believed they would successfully defend the Ashes by a margin of 2 - 1.

Is this Karti?

Perish the thought Jonno.

I have always said that the 2005 Ashes were a fluke. 5-0 was my scoreline for this one.

quote:

Originally posted by Honiyan:
I have always said that the 2005 Ashes were a fluke. 5-0 was my scoreline for this one.

Lags - you're back!
I thought you had packed it all in having planned on emigrate Saff of the Thames to be nearer to your bosom buddy Rampsarse - he of Come Dancing (not batting) fame.

quote:

Originally posted by RedDuster:

quote:

Originally posted by Honiyan:
I have always said that the 2005 Ashes were a fluke. 5-0 was my scoreline for this one.

Lags - you're back!
I thought you had packed it all in having planned on emigrate Saff of the Thames to be nearer to your bosom buddy Rampsarse - he of Come Dancing (not batting) fame.

You should be glad matey. Who said that I was going somewhere then? Maybe it was a hacker? Or maybe you had a bad dream?

quote:

Originally posted by RedDuster:
Perish the thought Jonno.

Sounds like him

Now, now Jonno....
Don't go there ... there's a nice chap.

Yo, Merlitheran, did you have good Chrimbo?

quote:

Originally posted by Honiyan:
You should be glad matey. Who said that I was going somewhere then? Maybe it was a hacker? Or maybe you had a bad dream?

You did.
Can't be arsed to dig the post out ... anyway not worth the candle.
So how's Ramps?
Did you vote for your friend?
How many phone calls at £1 per call did you make personally to ensure his winning Come Prancing?!

quote:

Originally posted by RedDuster:
Smart arses like you ought to be on Mastermind Roy.
Either that or hired as clairvoyants to predict winners of the Cheltenham Golf Cup, The Grand National, The Derby and the Guineas ...
We could make a fortune, you and I.

Remember this - the belief you had in your team depended upon factors just as much as mine did about the team I support.
Don't pretend otherwise you halfwit - just recognize that, move on and stop acting the smarmy git!

Exactly what reasons did you have to think England would retain the Ashes Merlin?
Did you think it was a good sign England lost in Pakistan?
Or was it the draw against the weakest Indian team in years that convinced you?

Wait a moment , I know. You think the fact that England couldn't beat Sri Lanka at home was a good sign?
Come on Merlin, you were clutching at straws and livin in denial.
Everybody could see that Pakistan had a 'pop gun bowling attack' when they toured England so that win mean't nothing like I said at the time
Hey Merlin, tell us about Ed Joyce

Is he as good as Kevin Pietersen? lol

quote:

Originally posted by Honiyan:
Yo, Merlitheran, did you have good Chrimbo?

Great time mate - just very p1ssed off at the capitulation down under.
Embarrassing, irritating, disillusioned .. angry ...
But otherwise - tip top !
You ?

Anything for cricket Mr Merlitheran.

quote:

Originally posted by Honiyan:
Anything for cricket Mr Merlitheran.

Sporting ....
Even if you did vote for that Slurrey traitor.

quote:

Originally posted by RedDuster:

quote:

Originally posted by Honiyan:
Yo, Merlitheran, did you have good Chrimbo?

Great time mate - just very p1ssed off at the capitulation down under.
Embarrassing, irritating, disillusioned .. angry ...
But otherwise - tip top !
You ?

A good one thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by RedDuster:

quote:

Originally posted by Honiyan:
Anything for cricket Mr Merlitheran.

Sporting ....
Even if you did vote for that Slurrey traitor.

I voted for cricket and the dancing. JUsat like I did for Mr Gough.

quote:

Originally posted by Pontoon:
ROFL at Mr Cricket.

In a not too dissimilar way, you remind me of Jay Patel. A commbative, aggressive, belligerent and at times insulting forumming style that actually has some truth to it.

I put him on my ignore list months and months ago but had completely forgotten about him! I thought maybe he'd stopped posting. I love that ignore button. Time to add 15Degrees_of_Grace I think.