The Ashes Build Up Thread

[Shaka]

Originally Posted by Teatime FatCat

However, I think we will show something to the ragged-arsed Aussie ex-players, commentators and fans who (as usual) arrogantly assume that this will be a one-sided 5-0 whitewash. A load of cobblers say I, I'll bet you my last custard-creams to your ropey old Tim-Tams that you are all going to unpleasantly surprised down there in Upsidedownland!

(Rant over, you'll still win!)

Nice spot of ranting there TT, but I think Aussies are very much aware of England's improvement, a lot of their cricketers write cricket columns for English newspapers and they've been looking forward to this for some time now. I think they very much know they have a tough battle on their hands. Australia are definitely beatable, but I still think they will have too much for England. Harmisons and Jones's are all very well but you just can't match up against a bowling line up of Mcgrath, Gillespie and Kasprowicz (watch out for him, he's very useful!). Then there's a certain Shane Warne of course. The batting is pretty evenly matched, although Hayden didn't look as dominant as we have come to expect against Pakistan recently. I reckon England will have to wait till the next Ashes to get the urn back. Sorry, but that's how I see it.

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

I vote England, even though I except that Australia will rightly be the favorites to win. However, I also feel this is the first Ashes in many years we can expect to be competative and that England have a chance to win, even if it would require things to go England's way on many fronts. I am, at heart, an optimistic person, so I will hope for the best!! 2 - 1 to England, I say!

I have a proposal Kirsty. We have a 50 pound bet on who wins the series, the loser having to donate that amount to this forum and no further posts until it is paid. Care to take me up on this wager?

[Paoli]

That's a fair bet. Wonder how you'll be able to control that person, who I presume will be Kirsty, not posting. Ban her??

[Seamer]

Paoli - i know these English optimists are just talking it up and deep down they know England are no chance. (Ernest and Kirsty come to mind) so i put this proposal just to see how serious they really are in regards to there predictions. Notice no reply. I doubt anyone will take me up on this bet so the enforcing side of it probably won't matter. I am seriously thinking of starting up a Ashes betting thread to all ENG/AUS members who have 300+ posts. It will be an honor system and payments made can be confirmed by a PM to Mike.
Doubt there will be any takers though so i probably won't bother. The offer is still open to Kirsty though

[Kirsty Harris]

Well, Seamer, first of all, I have been at work most of the last 48 hours.

Secondly, while I am not adverse to a small wager, £50 is certainly beyond anything I would be willing to bet - £5 has always been my betting limit on the rare occassions I have placed a wager.

Some time ago, however, I did place a small bet on Giles picking up more wickets than Warne in the Ashes, due to very favourable odds.

[Occasional Fan]

I looked at the bet you were kindly offering, Seamer, and it seems to be:

England lose - Kirsty loses fifty quid
England win - Kirsty wins nothing

And you're surprised she didn't take you up?

Mate, if you want to run a book, you need to set your odds in such a way as to attract the punters!

[Leafy Seadragon]

I'm not surprised Kirsty's not interested. Given how conservative my English mates have gotten over cricket bets with me in the last decade, anything less than odds off 5/1 against a 5-0 Oz sweep wouldn't see them touch it. I've even got one that wants odds of a single bottle of beer against a carton (24 beers) for the series. Now if I could just find another 23 English mates willing to take the same bet, my wins would total a carton. Geez, if it wasn't for the rugby world cup, they would have stopped betting with me all together...

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

I looked at the bet you were kindly offering, Seamer, and it seems to be:

England lose - Kirsty loses fifty quid
England win - Kirsty wins nothing

And you're surprised she didn't take you up?

Mate, if you want to run a book, you need to set your odds in such a way as to attract the punters!

OF, If an English member (or whoever) predicts an English win, then odds should not be needed. A few members have constantly predicted an English victory, but i reckon it is all talk and deep down they don't really believe what they are posting. 10 quid is nothing and it is easy to bet that amount (I donate that amount on a quarterly basis without betting) but 50 quid - now that is realy putting your money where your mouth is. I confidently predict an Aussie victory and 50 pounds is proof of my confidence.
Apart from a draw the winner is this forum and it will need every cent after the working out the bandwidth gets during the series. Care for a little wager?

[Seamer]

Kirsty, a little wager would be fun. I have opened a new threat for you and anyone else that cares to have a friendly wager with me
ASHES - Care to put your money where your mouth is

[Occasional Fan]

Originally Posted by Seamer

Care for a little wager?

You'll see I'm already in, mate. But that's not a bet in the true sense of the word. When I bet, I am normally looking to win something - and Ladbrokes are currently offering better odds than you are! Presently Aussies 2/1 ON; England 3/1; Drawn series 4/1. Better odds undoubtedly available from other bookies, based on comments made in this site in the past.