Q: What is the difference between an Australian batsman and Cinderella?

A: Cinderella knew when to leave the ball

From Simon Hughes’ blog at TWC.

I just could not resist posting it.

Mostly because England are losing from Australia like they did not trash them during the Ashes. Which they did, big time.

the Aussies should have 18 counties, 460 pros, loads of Kolpaks who will never play for their country, 160 Twenty20 games a season and travel the length of the country between games. That is clearly way to do it.

via ASHES 2011: Bumbles Ashes view.

gin soak | Flickr | by-nc-nd

Paul Collingwood’s international career will be over very soon I’m afraid.

I hope he can keep playing for the ODI- and T20-sides for some time coming, but if he keeps batting like this, I do not see that happening.

And because of his poor batting form, we probably won’t miss him at all.

New players will come in, and Collingwood’s typical role as Brigadier Block is no longer in high demand for this England side. His grit seems to have rubbed of on his teammates and they can do without him.

His catching and bowling aided England in winning this series, but no batsman can keep his place in the side on just those qualities.

But even though I don’t believe England will miss him, I still feel sad, because he has been a great player to have around for England over the last few years.

Check out these posts from King Cricket and Edward Craig on what made him so good – and so likeable.

I know the Ashes are supposed to be all about who has possession of the little urn, but retaining them isn’t half as good as an series victory in Australia.

The Ashes are save, but the real price is up for grabs for this England side.

Here’s hoping they will make it happen.

South Africa – my second favorite team - are playing good cricket and watching them against India is enjoyable.

England’s travails – my number one favorite team – are slowly becoming a distant memory.

Right now, I can hardly remember how that obnoxious Johnson ran through the England side. Can’t wait for the cry baby to return to his spraying old self.

I really can’t stand Johnson.

Australian selectors are dreaming of a fairytale. That of the Mystery Spinner of Oz.

An man unknown to all, who suddenly appears from nowhere and mesmerises batsmen with his bowling.

Running through sides with magical deliveries, leaving the opposition clueless and winning back the Ashes for Oz.

And they live happily ever after.

The once in a million years type of bowler.

And you know what, The Mystery Spinner of Oz is not a fairytale at all. He is real.

A link to an article that has got absolutely nothing to do with cricket. All it has going for it is the word ‘spinners’ in the headline.

This must be how Australian selectors pick their sides.

This is just simply hilarious

If only I could come up with stuff like this, instead, all credits go to sportreview.net.nz. Go visit!

If we can turn up tomorrow [..]

Graeme Swann, via ESPN Cricinfo. Odd.

Was he planning on drinking heavily? Or is this an English expression I’m not familiar with?

I do hope he turns up. It looked like he enjoyed bowling on that surface and he’ll probably get some more wickets to put England up 1-0.

Not that they are wrong, are they?