The Final Act at The Oval
At the awards ceremony, both sides scrambled to celebrate in the most restrained manner. A welcome glimpse into the more competitive competition. England won the trophy after losing an innings.…
Reaction: day two at the Oval
Are dubious England just hungover? Does Australia's dominance reflect their "infallible" emancipation of the mind? Or does this game reveal the real dynamic between the teams? It's a mix of…
Reaction: day one at the Oval
foreword The Embers win and the fifth Test at the Oval is dead glue. In a way, Lord Copper. In fact, there's a lot at stake. Big questions and nuances…
Comments Thread: Day One at The Oval
There is something special about the oval test race. Lord's is good but a little stuffy. The Oval, on the other hand, is a great arena for everyone - the…
Ashes diary: knocked over by a Gus
Let me pick a newswire from Ashes aftermath that has generally been ignored. Forgive me if the Being Outside Cricket boys have already gnashed their teeth. I've written a lot…
The Ashes: It Really Is So Strange
Gray series usually marks the end of a cycle. One team scratches its head; the other triumphs and plans for world domination. However, this Ashes series is a little different.…
Despite, not because
England would not have won the Ashes if Kevin Peterson hadn't been sacked without cause. Alastair Cook is the greatest captain in Test history. Paul Downton is a rare visionary…
Truth and reconciliation
Posted a total of 3 times today, and then upvoted, dissatisfied and re-posted. Every time I get derailed by the same issue - I'm not telling the truth. Enough is…
Ding Dong – Bell Leads England To Victory
Well, we did. We fucking did it. When Australia's lead increased to 120, I started to worry. But Birmingham master Ian Bell sent us home. I am really happy. I'm…
Beaten, Bruised and Brutalised
Crickets are a drug - a bad drug. After two years of crap, Cardiff was the high point we sorely needed. I snorted. But God sent me back to Earth.…