So this is it. This is the time we see just how far we've come as a team.We walk out at the Gabba tonight arguably in better shape than we were in during summer 2005. Some say Michael Vaughn's and Simon Jones' absence will make a huge difference, but who knows and frankly if we're to prove that we're now world beaters we need to be able to do it without key players. We will always have injuries and the test of a great team is having players who can step up and make a significant contribution.
I'm not going to make predictions. Mainly because I think it's just too close to call. My one hope is that the English player's hold their nerve. If the frail psyche's of Harmison, Mahmood and Bell can hold up when the bullets start flying we're in for an absolute stormer of a series again. I for one can't wait.
A short speech for those boys out in brisbane that's close to my heart and I feel is appropriate at this time:
Act IV Henry V
''This story shall the good man teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remember'd; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed Shall think themselves accursed they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks, That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.''
Ok so it'd be nice if the Ashes could have started on October 25th and the Australian's were French but heh it'll do.
Let battle commence.
8 comments:
Snap - I also mentioned Harmison, Mahmood and Bell.
Six: I have no idea what you're talking about here. Is someone going in front of a firing squad?
Cherry, yes just like a firing squad...This is England and we are playing our great Enemy in Australia. Cricket is the name of the war.
Starting tonight UK time.
So a lot of us, this side of the pond, will be heavy eyed tomorrow.
As long as we don't have a heavy heart. I'm already praying.
You lot are going to be unbearable for the next few weeks !
Well said. I'm going to bed with my dab radio.
Oh my God, is there a more horrible sound than screaming Aussies bashing our boys?
Did you sleep Ja? I feel like a dead duck this morning.
Rupe, I had to sleep at some stage because of work in the morning so I listened to the first hour and it was enough to predict the pattern of the remaining overs of the day. I hope (as do we all) it's a more positive performance on day 2. I also hope you got your sleep back somehow ;)
This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
Blimey Mummy and Daddy Heath had their wits about them!
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