Ponting wary of improved England..>

[Ernest]

Well some are writing Englands chances of beating Australia in the summer as poor.
Not Ponting, he is more realistic.

Originally Posted by Ponting

But this England side have a different feel to them. They have a bit of a winning habit and winning culture which they haven't had for a while.

And in all humility he is right, England are a MUCH inproved side.
Now this is interesting

Originally Posted by Ponting

Once we hit England we're very confident that if we've got everyone fit and we play somewhere near our best that we're going to be very competitive right through that series

Ponting is not saying even if all his players are fit, Australia will win the ashes, no he says Australia will be "very competative"

Originally Posted by Flemming

England are going to have to play extremely well," said Fleming, who captained New Zealand to a 3-0 series defeat in England last summer

Well he is right,it will be a tough series,

Originally Posted by Flemming

It's about playing the game under the least amount of pressure and you'll win it

Well England know pressure, they put themselves under enough pressure, some England games are nail biteing stuff.
Flemming agrees

Originally Posted by Flemming

England always play under a huge amount of pressure. Australia are used to dealing with it and they just roll on. If England start well, then they're in with a sniff.

Wonder what he means, we know England play under a lot of pressure, but like Australia, they must be able to deal with pressure as well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/4393065.stm

So lads do you agree with ponting, he don't get much wrong, it would seem at least he thinks England are in with a chance, and makes the bookies odds of 1-2 on Australia look a bit silly, my inerpitation anyway.

[Beny]

Ohh come on Ern! You don't think he's playing to the media a bit. Ponting Knows England are going to be a walk in the park.

[Leafy Seadragon]

Ern, name one series where Ponting (or Gilchrist) has said that the Aussies will win prior to the series. Name one series that he (or Gilchrist) has lost as captain. He's the captain of a national side and needs to pay appropriate respect to the capabilities of the opposition. If memory serves, he was even more circumspect prior to the Sri Lankan series in SL, which finished in a 3-0 whitewash. I would accept a similar result happily.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Beny

Ohh come on Ern! You don't think he's playing to the media a bit. Ponting Knows England are going to be a walk in the park.

Originally Posted by Leafy Seadragon 43361

Ern, name one series where Ponting (or Gilchrist) has said that the Aussies will win prior to the series.

Well I am shocked, don't know what to say, you mean Ponting is full of spin? he would be better as leader of New Labour, now they win with spin .

[Leafy Seadragon]

More a salesman than a politician. You need to get bums on seats for the 2nd test after the mauling in the first. "No, no, really England do have a chance. Honest...Um... remember Headingly in '81. Um...Two world wars, one world cup...er no that was the Germans. It could rain for three days & England could force a draw...maybe...Come on guys, help me out here..."

In a slightly more serious light, the days of chest-beating predictions went out when fast bowlers had hairy chests and weren't afraid to show it. These days, its more professional and prudent to recognise that at a test level, most teams have the players with the skills to win matches.

[Beny]

LOL ... I heard recently that the English have begun selling 4th day tickets. The arrogance!

[lindas legs]

Looks like Ponting wasn't such a bad judge after all.Fancy selling those fourth day tickets for a walk in the park.

[Teatime FatCat]

Oh, I am sooooo enjoying reading these posts from earlier in the year. I'm laughing so much, I may have to change my underwear - again.

[acker]

Originally Posted by Teatime FatCat

Oh, I am sooooo enjoying reading these posts from earlier in the year. I'm laughing so much, I may have to change my underwear - again.

I just bought my cat a new type of kitty litter; I'll try to find the box and let you know the brand. Then you will be able to experience the joy of continualy being able to deficate in the same spot while reflecting on the ashes glory and need not worry about disposing or washing your sullied underwear.

[Teatime FatCat]

I do not use Kitty Litter, I use next-doors garden. However, rest assured that my thoughts are constantly on ashes glory whilst doing my 'business'!