Thanks Cricket 24x7

Well, Jagadish invited me over here to comment on the Ashes Matches - it's been fun, thanks very much for that.

I hope I've managed to give a different perspective on things and not gloat too much in what has been a very enjoyable "cleansing of the dissapointment of 2005" for me and most of us downunder.

Normally, we do like to see a closer competition and in the past, the public here has bored fairly early on in the summer, of Australia's domination.

Things were different this time. The public's hunger for a complete smashing of the poms was palpable and I think reflected in Australia's ability to shake that dead rubber syndrome they've suffered from in past series.

This too was motivated by the retirements of Warne, Langer, McGrath and to a lesser extent Martyn. Of course these guys will be sorely missed. It remains to be seen just how far the side slips as a result. Of course a slip is unavoidable - we're losing probably the greatest bowling combination ever - the odds of seeing better in my lifetime are slim - the odds of seeing that, for Australia even slimmer I guess - so we have indeed been lucky to witness it haven't we.

From here, it's on to the World Cup and plenty of ODI's in the coming months, and I look forward to a big competition against India next summer.

Keep in touch and by all means, add STUmpcam to your favourties and keep the comments (favourable or not) flowing in...cheers.

Stu.

Labels: ashes, ashes 2006, australia, england, guest blogger