St Jim

What's that got to do with anything?. The thread doesn't say "Ex Saints Eleven in the Liebherr era"

It was a very surprising team selction by the Aussies. Dropping their allrounder for a batsman (given Watson was already not in the team) only left them with 3 pace bowlers and a spinner on a traditionally pace freindly wicket (since 2008 in the 6 tests at TB, pace has averaged 25.76 with spin going for 62.33) that was a showing to be a green-top. Given they had to win at TB this was a shocking decision that they'd drop a bowling option, and even more so because Stark's fitness was in doubt. The second Marsh was dropped for Marsh England won the Ashes. Personally if I'd been a selector, I'd have selected Siddle for Lyon (the pitch & conditions would have suited Siddle, and Smith could have bowled the odd over of spin if required). This would have given them a decent 4 man pace attack with Marsh as a good 5th pace option. I'd have also brought in Watson for Voges (yes I know Watson is 5h1t but he would have been a very useful part time 6th pace bowler in those conditions and you could guarnatee he'd have got 30 runs before throwing his wicket and a review away, that's over twice as much as top scorer, Extras scored in the first innings). My biggest worry is that England have been made to look good by the shocking performance and team selection of the Aussies. Let's hope for similar conditions at the Oval and similar performances. 4-1 has a nice sound to it

Interesting addition, completely out of the blue. Must be following Stoke's example - stocking up on players who have won the Champions League.

Thanks for the updates Guan 2.0 & Monk. Fingers crossed on this one.

This was me today at work................... http://www.theshovel.com.au/2015/08/07/english-guy-at-work-about-to-become-unbearable/

http://www.theshovel.com.au/2015/08/07/catastrophic-spelling-error-sees-australian-croquet-team-take-to-field-in-4th-test/

Good god, I feel for Burnham residents if those lot were heading there. Burnham has a decent area (I grew up not far from there)

I quote "Fratton Park, as you've never seen it before" ain't that the truth. This video is far far from reality - where's the fat pipes, where's TCWTB, where's the dilapidated & distressed stands, why is there actually grass on the pitch, where's the toothless inbreds and most importantly where's the old dear in the mobility scooter?

He was 19 when he played for Preston. He turned 20 on the 2nd May 1995, after his loan spell at Preston ended (he retunred to United 30 days prior to his 20th birthday).

I'm going to enjoy heading into work on Monday. Will have to perfect my smug face. Bell rode his luck with being dropped by Clarke and Lyth just doesn't look up to it (not sure who's best placed to push Lyth for an opening spot. Personally I'd like to see Carberry). Will be interesting to see who they replace Anderson with. Surely they'll have to replace like for like, a tidy tight bowler with the ability to swing the ball both ways. I've heard about Craig Overton, can anyone tell me if he's a good prospect?

Agree with this. Also I think Liverpool will be stronger and will take 5th pushing Spurs down to 6th, in other words going backwards. If Pouch doesn't have them seriously challenging for a Champs league spot Pouch could be gone.

And lets not forget Telfer, people were underwhelmed with him and was critisised throughout his time here but IMO he did a bloody good job, never failed us and always did what was asked of him by Strachan

Seriously, there's just no helping some people!

Holy craq, I didn't think the amount of bed-wetting fannies could have got worse than last summer. It really us quite embarrassing.

17th?

More Shane Watson p155takes (please Australia, don't drop him!!!) Wich I'd seen this one before the first test....... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5CvNwrhsbc

Nope, didn't catch a word of that.

Super ride by Froome and well supported by his team. When Porte moves to a team where he will be the team leader, watch out for him. He'll be a threat to Froome. The way he rode for him and still had the legs to get past Quintana shows his pedigree. Going to be interesting to see how Sky take their tactics, whether they will be content in defending the lead or whether Froome will attack again and try to put daylight between the rest of the field. Also will be interesting to see how the other teams now play the game.

This is a new low! I seriosly am shocked and embarrassed to be associated................................................ ................................not with the Toby transfer but with the Apline-esq meltdown on here. Seriously guys, go to the fridge and grab a can of 'toughen the **** up'. S*** happens & players will sign for who ever pays them the most. Have we not learnt anything from the past 5/6 years, particularly offseason last year.

Can't help think that we (and Clyne for that matter) were holding out to see if other clubs (i.e. ManUre) came in, then the bidding war would up the price. Hasn't happened, we know he's in his last year so we took what we could get. As much as if irks me that it's Liverpool, I wish him all the best. He did 3 seasons with us and was fantastic in that time. We've certainly made good money on him and lets not forget he's not replaceable (it was only 18 months ago people were saying Chambers was better).

Don't know if that is really Grealish but if it is there's surely no contest between them. Grealish will have ruined his career by the age of 22.

Judging by his current from he certainly is.

Of course but it's relative to the quilaity of the teams and the sqaud. Grealish from what I have seen is pretty average but to replace him villa only have 5h1te in the squad, yet JWP could be replaced by a number of good players. Grealish is all media hype and I recall JWP looking very good on his prem debut against City.