The Ashes 2009

after watching swan bowl out ponting there is something might seem trival but to me is quite important. Atherton talked about Ponting being booed to the wicket, what I dont understand is why does sky not show the batsmen walking up to the wicket? i know it is for the purpose of revenue from adverts but I feel that the batsmen walking up to the wicket waiting to face his first delivery is very much an integral part of the game, and for me it is great theatre like a gladiator walking into the ring.

There are plenty of other opportunities for sky to cut to adverts and I feel that sky have missed the spirit of cricket by failing to do this, and makes you long for the days when the bbc used to show test cricket.

A further point is that there are certain events which the bbc list as protected crown jewels of sport, eg wimbledon, us masters, fa cup final etc. Why on earth are the ashes not listed under that catergory?

The BBC aren't too bothered about Test cricket as it takes too much time out of the schedules. Apparently they may be asking for the finals of the World Cup one-day comps to be protected.

(02-08-2009 17:56 )setter1000 Wrote:  A further point is that there are certain events which the bbc list as protected crown jewels of sport, eg wimbledon, us masters, fa cup final etc. Why on earth are the ashes not listed under that catergory?

They used to be, but the ECB fought very hard to have Test matches demoted from the crown jewels A-list, which protects live coverage, down to the B-list that covers only highlights.

(02-08-2009 19:15 )admin Wrote:  

(02-08-2009 17:56 )setter1000 Wrote:  A further point is that there are certain events which the bbc list as protected crown jewels of sport, eg wimbledon, us masters, fa cup final etc. Why on earth are the ashes not listed under that catergory?

They used to be, but the ECB fought very hard to have Test matches demoted from the crown jewels A-list, which protects live coverage, down to the B-list that covers only highlights.

I should have known that the ECB would be behind it. Test match cricket is losing its appeal because they have sold out to sky. When you see events on terrestial television you naturally get drawn to it, kids watch it and want to play. Other people watch it on tv and think my god that looks like a great day out. By selling out to sky that positive domino effect will be greatly reduced. If wimbledon had the same attitude as the ECB and sold out to sky I am extremly confidant that wimbledon would be barely half the event and spectacle, in 5-10 years time as it is today.

3rd Test Edgbaston

Australia 1st innings 263 all out 70.4 overs

England 1st innings 376 all out 93.3 overs

Australia 2nd innings 375/5 112.2 overs

Result

Match Drawn

England are 50-4 after winning the toss and batting first. Oh dear!

Looks like 1-1 heading to The Oval.

England all out for 102.

Australia 1st innings 196/4 off 47 overs

australia now all out 445