The Ashes: Adelaide.

[sussexpob]

You misread my sly attempt at a convict joke as a slight on Melbourne. Never been, I am sure its nice. I shared a house years ago from someone from St Kilda, she was boring as hell and said it was a wonderful city; it put me off. Maybe next time I shouldnt quote Irish folk songs to make the point.....

[KipperJohn]

I know what you mean bfl. Our youngest has lived and worked in Melbourne since 2004

What did he do? Steal Trevelyan's corn too?

Specialist in corporate governance and company secretary of Australia’s largest bank.

Melbourne is a wonderful city and special place for us, though we’re obviously biased!

[GarlicJam]

You misread my sly attempt at a convict joke as a slight on Melbourne. Never been, I am sure its nice. I shared a house years ago from someone from St Kilda, she was boring as hell and said it was a wonderful city; it put me off. Maybe next time I shouldnt quote Irish folk songs to make the point.....

ah, I got the convict reference, but thought you were being cleverer than that.


Haven't you been everywhere?!?

It's not a spectacular city like Sydney, Cape Town or San Fran, but has plenty of style and substance. Obviously to Australians, there is a constant Sydney vs Melbourne rivalry. My line is that Sydney is a city to visit, Melbourne is a city to live. I lived there for about 8 years all up, in 3 different spells, many years ago. I think the place has improved dramatically since then.

and they do/support/put on/promote sport incredibly well.


Never been to Aus at all?

[alfie]

You misread my sly attempt at a convict joke as a slight on Melbourne. Never been, I am sure its nice. I shared a house years ago from someone from St Kilda, she was boring as hell and said it was a wonderful city; it put me off. Maybe next time I shouldnt quote Irish folk songs to make the point.....

I liked your convict joke , sussex. But as a long time resident of Melbourne (indeed , St Kilda) I have to say there are many worse places to live. Sydney , now : a nice place to visit but you wouldn't want to live there

Edit I now see garlic feels the same...

[Toby F]

You misread my sly attempt at a convict joke as a slight on Melbourne. Never been, I am sure its nice. I shared a house years ago from someone from St Kilda, she was boring as hell and said it was a wonderful city; it put me off. Maybe next time I shouldnt quote Irish folk songs to make the point.....

I liked your convict joke , sussex. But as a long time resident of Melbourne (indeed , St Kilda) I have to say there are many worse places to live. Sydney , now : a nice place to visit but you wouldn't want to live there

Edit I now see garlic feels the same...

The best thing about Melbourne is the lack of Sydneysiders.

[KipperJohn]

I believe Melbourne has been voted ‘the world’s most liveable city’ several times. Not sure I could afford it mind you!

[bigfluffylemon]

It's usually about this point that both Sydneysiders and Melburnians put aside their differences, and start bashing every other Australian city. Especially Canberra. Hell, everybody bashes Canberra. Except me - I rate it Australia's best kept secret (although in all honesty, it's not got much to entice tourists. I'd say it's a nice place to live, but you wouldn't want to visit. And we were just named 3rd best city in the world by Lonely Planet, much to the amusement/chagrin of every other city in Aus )

[GarlicJam]

whereabouts in St Kilda did you live, Alf? I was in Alma Road.

[bigfluffylemon]

But back to the cricket...

We're off again. There seems to be a bit of optimism around the England journos, but let's face it, England are really up against it here.

Apparently cricviz gives England an 18% chance of avoiding defeat - 9% win, 9% draw. I'm surprised it's even that high. It'll be interesting to see what it would say if Australia were bowled out within the session for a lead of under 320 (I say 'would say', because I doubt that'll actually happen).

[meninblue]

Nice over by Jimmy. But those 2 runs given will just add up like 4 runs.England have to be very frugal in whatever overs they bowl today.

[meninblue]

Good over from Broad as well. England bowlers have bowled a good line and length in these 3 overs.

[meninblue]

Lyon's couple of 4's and doubles in the Broad over takes the lead to 283.

Jimmy strikes. Lyon offers a simple catch to Broad. Night watchman dismissed. In-form Shaun Marsh comes to bat.

[meninblue]

Jimmy strikes. Peter is dismissed. Not an impressive footwork, trying to copy Steven Smith.

290/6.

[bigfluffylemon]

And there are those that doubt Anderson's value overseas still.

75-6, and the sniff is still there. Just. Curse you England for giving us some hope.

[meninblue]

303/6.