Flintoff again...>

[Ernest]

After the first two sessions Australia are - 217 for 3 (52.0 overs)

S J Harmison12.02 52

M J Hoggard9.02 42

J M Anderson11.03 55

These three have nothing to choose between them, Harmison has been poor, but has come back a little, also similer econ rates.

A Flintoff.13.0 24 02

A F Giles7.02 23

Flintoff and Giles the pick of the bowlers - not the best bowling show.

Australia as I go to bed 132-3, hoping for about 5 for 320 when i log back on.

[greg]

Hoggard and Anderson bowled ok in their opening spells which Harmison certainly didn't.At least he has pulled his economy rate back a little.

Need to make better use of the 2nd new ball though.

[greg]

How nice the Aussie fans are,making up a song about Brett Lee killing Flintoff with a bouncer.

To the tune of Bohemian Rhapsody

Brett Lee just killed a man
Bwled a ball around his head
Hit his temple
Now he's dead

Freddie,Your time has come
Your ashes urn was here but now it's blown away.


That is disgraceful and not on but anything goes it would seem.

I await the England fans reply apart McGrath's wife with a heavy heart.

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by greg

To the tune of Bohemian Rhapsody [...] disgraceful and not on but anything goes it would seem.

Freddie Mercury is unlikely to complain... and let's face it... compared to the way second rate rappers and dance acts defile other great songs... this lyricist's efforts come pretty low in the list of crimes against art :-)

[Ernest]

I think Rachaels right on this greg, Dance Trance and Rap have spoiled many a good song, incding "Another one bites the dust", I doubt the Aussie's were thinking of Freddie Mercury in any case.

[Mr Hutt]

Seriously though what a player Flintoff is... the way he bowled today when everything was falling all around him i found it incredible.. in fact when he took Haydens wicket.. i was up off my sofa.. both hands in the air celebrating.. that guy is truly inspirational.


Now that my praising rant is complete.. since KP can bat and bowls better spin than Giles... his was turning way more than giles (dont deny this i saw it) is he the new hope of the England (have to be multitaskers) bowling attack

[SixandOut]

I've got to admit I was a little shocked at points... when the cameras did close ups of people fielding on the boundary, Hoggard, Harmison etc... you can see in the crowd the sheer number of Australians who cup their hands around their mouths and reel of words and words of what presumably is abuse.

I know it's sledging. I know it happens. We all knew it was going to be like this. But my experience of it in England was never quite so, I don't know, "in yer face". Maybe I'm outrageously naive, but the fielder literally couldn't walk 10 yards to either side without 5 different supporters heckling them.

It'll be interested to see how they put up with it.