Ashes Post Mortem.

AussieCorey said...
Randy another nice blog mate, but lets be fairdinkum here,last time you guys were here you were thumped 5-0.
Even your travelling fans were cheering for the Aussies by the end of it. My prediction for this series is 4-1 to our guys. The 1 being a token gesture because you blokes atually thought you could beat us on home soil and we will have felt sorry for you, it's the Australian Way! Plus we don't lose at home mate.
So far to say that if you guys win, I will fly over there and walk nude through Piccadilly Circus with the English Flag draped around my shoulders!
Let the battle begin
Quote AussieCorey:23 November 2010 12:58.

Will AussieCorey deliver on his pledge?

The problem with predictions are that they have a nasty habit of turning round and biting you right on the arse.
Back in November I posted my predictions on the forthcoming Ashes series and my hope to make £500.00.
Sadly I failed in that quest, however I still made a profit, a tidy +£52.50 pts to be precise.
The selections that delivered were the 1st test draw(25pts @ 14/5) and the England series win(30pts @ 7/4).
My fancy of Jonathan Trott as top England bat, went close finishing a respectable second to run machine Cookie Monster, who amazingly had the series of a lifetime with his 766 runs.
Seems somewhat incredible now that some so called experts were calling for his head before this tour!
Top Man and future Captain Cook, I applaud you.
My fancy of Broad or Swann for top England bowler went west with Broad's injury, but Swanny went well with 15 wickets however the ever more reliable Jimmy Anderson, a man who couldn't bowl in Aussie conditions,took the honours with a very impressive haul of 24. A certain ghost has been firmly laid to rest.
Top Aussie Bat prediction of Captain Ricky Ponting was way off the mark as sadly Punter was never ever at the races!
My 2-1 England series prediction was close but sadly no cigar. Even on the final, final day, I had a glimmer of a result, hoping beyond hope that some Aussie may do a Cook or Trott and bat for hours. Failing that it would piss down all day and wash out the final day's play.
To be truthful, either scenario would have been a true injustice, such was England's dominance and I think even 3-1 flattered Australia.
My great Aussie mate, posted his comments in response to that November blog and his blind faith has to be admired, however making statements, such as "If you guys win, I will walk nude in Piccadilly Circus with an English flag draped around my shouders!" are just pure quality and will lead to a lifetime of ribbing.
I have sent him a nice memento so he will never forget his bold statements, hopefully it won't be filed in the bin!
All in all it was a great Ashes series and the fact England were so far ahead makes it even sweeter, however it wasn't long ago when English cricket was as dire as the Aussies are now.
So whilst we revel in the glory, lets not too carried away, it's the English way!
Enjoy
Randy.

ASHES BANTER.....& MAKING A MONKEY! Tues 23rd November,2010.

Three Wise Men, Messrs Gatting, Hughes & Emburey.

After a stellar cricketing week, I am all fired up for the forthcoming Ashes battle and the banter that comes from having great mates in the land of Oz. Also I love punting on the series and the aim is to make a monkey, £500.00 to you, if you're not too familiar with South London chat!
With the Brisbane Test fast approaching I have finalised my punts and have put my money down. Hopefully a few of these can hit the jackpot.
Back to last week first though, a late invite from fellow Seveno cricketer, Clive Kirk, to attend a dinner in the historic Lord's Long Room was too good a one to turn down, despite the missus rolling her eyes! Another night on p**s, were here exact remarks.
A great evening was had, chaired by Simon "The Analyst" Hughes and with cricket legends Mike Gatting & John Emburey as guest speakers.
We got a great insight into the last successful tour, Down Under, from ex-skipper Mike Gatting and last man to lead a victorious England Ashes team there. It was even suggested he was thinking of food when Shane Warne's wonder ball did for him.
The following night was Seveno Cricket Club's awards night. It wasn't quite as prestigious an affair as the Lord's do, but the upstairs of The Phoenix in Denmark Hill was still a pleasant enough setting and no less enjoyable.
No cricketing awards for yours truly, but the book "The Art Of Captaincy," by Mike Brearley for quote of the year was gratefully accepted.
All of this, though was just warm up to the main event, The Ashes.
The banter with my Australian pals, has been a bit one-sided at the moment, there's not much coming back, telling me their confidence is very low.
The best I've had so far is,"We don't lose at home to you bums!"thanks Corey, for that bit of insight.
I am looking forward to the forthcoming, battle on the Internet, nearly as much as being awake at silly hours watching the action live.
Anyway, back to making some money.
The following predictions and reasons are a great way of making watching the matches more enjoyable, or painful depending how they are going. However, as the ads go, "It matters more when you've got money on it."

So here goes

First Test
Neither team is going to fancy getting off to a loss and a very tight affair is the forecast. Whoever wins the toss will probably bat first and try and rack up a big score, putting their opponents under huge pressure, thus forcing a rearguard action.
I fancy the draw at 14-5 with William Hills.
Stake 25pts

Correct Score
I fancy a couple of draws in this closely fought series, especially as there may even be a few wet days. This means three results to share and I can't see either team winning 3-0, so a 2-1 looks the right call. I think that this England team is the most prepared team to head south in recent times and look a well oiled machine to me. Even the peripheral players have been putting in decent performances. So for me its England, just.
England 2-1 at 10-1 with Corals.
Stake 20pts

Top Aussie Bat
Ricky Ponting is not going to want to go down in history, as losing three Ashes series. I fancy him to bat as if his life depends on it. With so many injuries and selection issues, he looks like the only top order batsman who will definitely play all five tests.
7-2 with william Hills looks fair.
Stake 30pts

Top England Bat
Ian Bell looks good value, but with Jonathan Trott coming in at three and very apt at batting for long periods of time, I like his odds of 9-2 with Ladbrokes.
He has shown great grit & determination in making some big scores in Test Cricket and is even respected by the Aussies, no mean feat in itself.
Stake 20pts

Top England Bowler
I like Stuart Broad's odds of 7-2 generally (4-1 with Victor Chandler's). He has wound the Aussies up and will probably play in all five tests as the main strike bowler and can take his wickets in clusters. Graeme Swann is worth a saver at 5-4 too, as you can get your stake back from your Broad bet, if he takes bundles of wickets.
Stake 10pts each Broad/Swann.

Series Betting
England at a best priced 7-4, looks a good call, as you'll still make a profit on the series bet if they win the series but not 2-1.
Stake 30pts.

So there you have it, hopefully some of these calls can hit the mark and make a profit, or more likely, they'll make a monkey out of me.

Let Battle Commence.

Yours

Randy.