The Ashes Summer 2017-2018

maccamax wrote: max manewer wrote: maccamax wrote:    Steven Peter Devereux Smith (born 2 June 1989).   Write it down .     AUSTRALIA'S Best batsman EVER. Saved again by Smith.     Mary can put the knickers back on now . Wotz his average ? As we speak ? Well over 60 ..     Bradman was near 100 in different times but assisted by circumstances of the Cricket worlds hit in WW2.    Bradman wasn't popular over his " fibrositis " claims, for not serving in WW2.        His miracle recovery to return to cricket after "welching" on his Active service duties.

Trump deferred 4 times for "plantar fasciitis", managed to play tennis and golf though

Has the advent of helmets seen an increase in batting averages ?

Also not much in the way of good bowlers for most of his career, would it be so easy against the West Indies of old ?

The batting average of the top bracket of players has not shown much change over the years, though, despite all the changes in the game. 50-60 over a lot of innings, is about where they sit. Bradman in another world.

max manewer wrote: What happened away from the sporting field, of course, should not influence perceptions of sporting ability.

I would have scored an average of over 100 against England during the blitz of London.
In the late 1940's England were still processing and de radicalising
POW's.     Cricket couldn't be a priority.
Bradman was OK .    He didn't know a war was on until Bill O'Reilly told him in 1946.

I'm not any kind of cricket tragic, but it is puzzling that the balance between bat and ball, has stayed so steady, over a century or more, as attested by batting and bowling averages. The modern bats have a larger "sweet spot", but the athleticism of fielders may have counter-acted that to some extent. You don't see over weight players today, that would not have been able to make the catch, or limit the runs.

max manewer wrote: I'm not any kind of cricket tragic, but it is puzzling that the balance between bat and ball, has stayed so steady, over a century or more, as attested by batting and bowling averages. The modern bats have a larger "sweet spot", but the athleticism of fielders may have counter-acted that to some extent. You don't see over weight players today, that would not have been able to make the catch, or limit the runs.

I'm of little know how too Max.      > Many things come into the differences of time .    . Even Religion had a big bearing back in time. O'Reilly & Bradman weren't the best of friends .. one a Mason the other catholic.      People wouldn't believe how fanatical people were in those days.
But on the more recent facts .    Smith is good . His Fiance was interviewed yesterday.    What an impressive young Lady
After 6 years they are going strong and she is so supportive & proud . They have come through his Test progress since day 1.     Behind success is a good woman.
   Lyons demise may be from one under him.

Passing Through wrote: Whale wrote: Watched a documentary on the Ashes last night, had comments from various ex test players Australian and English. One of them was Shane Warne, a very unattractive sight, big head, o'weight, skin like the surface of the moon Wonder how he attract the stunning birs, must be the tricks he does with balls Not so much his ball tweaks, but an oversized bat, if you believe those who discuss such things in social media. The odd reference has been made to it on the NINE cricket coverage over time

he is an ok commentator on cricket. but is genuinely up himself.

tubbs is the most likeable and good to learn stuff from.

im surprised at the crap levelled at ian chappell. yeah, he talks about "back in my day" alot. but he is very informative and everything he says is educational and means something. zero fluff. i think he might be one of those guys who if you get to know him..,you either like him or hate him. no in between. but based on his commentary, he is great listening.

It is sad the way some modern cricketers have accumulated a fortune from the game, where those of their father's generation, with similar ability, got little more than the cheers of the crowd. How it must grate.

Declared 7:562

Tim Paine 3 off 26, he is pathetic as O"Hara.

Pitch is deteriorating as quickly as a discussion on SSM ... this will be over today - 3 zip!

Dr E wrote: Pitch is deteriorating as quickly as a discussion on SSM ... this will be over today - 3 zip!

Brudder_A wrote: We do get the declaration at 662/9 and Paine for all its worth is left on 49 not out!

The draw is now shortened to $3.40.... England $200
A wicket just fell but why didn't Smith declare 100 runs ago.

maccamax wrote: Brudder_A wrote: We do get the declaration at 662/9 and Paine for all its worth is left on 49 not out! The draw is now shortened to $3.40.... England $200 A wicket just fell but why didn't Smith declare 100 runs ago.

POMs didn't learn anything in the field for 2 days....

Resistance is futile.

I guess they want to spend all day Monday in the Pub.