“We already know each other pretty well. We’ve played a fair bit against each other and now we’re going to play a little bit more but I like that. There won’t be much we don’t know about England by the end of the summer” – Ricky Ponting announces that the phony war is over and the hostilities have begun.
“This has changed my thoughts on where I am in the side. During the South Africa tour I thought I was becoming a key part of the team and now I don’t feel like that so much, certainly in the one-day team” – now Jimmy’s dangerously near to a case of the yips following the events of the summer so far. At least he can console himself with the fact that he doesn’t fall over very much.
“I think England have a good chance of retaining the Ashes” – Sachin Tendulkar. Thank, you sir. Come again any time.
“Australia will surely be combing the land for a left-arm-spinner” – Andy Bull points to the glaringly obvious attack point for England’s current batting line-up.
“It’s pretty hard not to [think about winning back the Ashes every day] with a big series like this coming around when you need to redeem yourself as a playing group. The reason I play international cricket still is for series like this. Test cricket’s all about Ashes cricket for me” – Ricky Ponting proves it’s not just us.
During the past week or two, with the advent of both the third IPL season and the slightly frustrating First Test in Bangladesh, The Nurdler has found itself with a foot poised over a trap.
“Over the past 18 months or 2 years, there has been one man to whom England have turned every time they need a wicket. That man is Graeme Swann who, much like Monty Panesar did in his early days, has developed an almost cult following amongst England cricket fans” – The Compulsive Hooker wonders why we needed six batsmen against Bangladesh and where our Ashes-winning paceman is coming from.
“I fear a bit for England’s bowling in Australia. We’ve got Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, Graham Onions and Ryan Sidebottom, but beyond that I’m not sure” – Never fear, cricket fans, because Steve Harmison could soon be along to sort that shower out. What a relief!
“It’s a lack of respect for Test cricket. It’s disappointing that the captain of England decides to have a rest from a Test series, I can’t comprehend that… I hope they are not taking Bangladesh too easy because they can be quite strong” – watch out folks, here’s Shane Warne back at his post, fighting the Ashes air war on Ricky Ponting’s behalf. Stand by your beds!
“You don’t have to be close to me, I’d tell a complete stranger that. If you spoke to Ian Botham, he’d love to play Tests tomorrow. However, I’ve retired” – Fred says he’s really not coming back for the Ashes.