Okay, is anyone at all interested in this farce of a Cricket series???

As soon as they decided many months ago to schedule it AFTER the Ashes Series, I thought there was a BIG chance that decision could come back to bite the ICC.

I know the old theory about having to beat the number one team both at home AND away before you take their crown, and I know that the rankings say Australia's still on top, but Australia are clearly NOT the best team in the world right now on form. England are.

If Australia aren't beaten easily by the World XI, I will want to know why, because on the form they displayed in England, they shouldn't even get close.

Have to agree with you Sportz. The World XI should be able to knock the snot out of our Aussie team at the moment. I think I need a bit of a break from racing today, and will watch the cricket instead. Here's the teams as of this morning:

Australia:
ADAM GILCHRIST
SIMON KATICH
RICKY PONTING
DAMIEN MARTYN
MICHAEL HUSSEY
MICHAEL CLARKE
SHANE WATSON
ANDREW SYMONDS
CAMERON WHITE
BRETT LEE
GLENN McGRATH
NATHAN BRACKEN
Sub: unnamed

World XI:
VIRENDER SEHWAG
KUMAR SANGAKKARA
RAHUL DRAVID
JACQUES KALLIS
BRIAN LARA
KEVIN PIETERSEN
ANDREW FLINTOFF
SHAUN POLLOCK
DANIEL VETTORI
MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN
SHOAIB AKHTAR
Sub: SHAHID AFRIDI

IASbet: Aussies 2.10 vs World 1.77
Centrebet: Aussies 2.10 vs World 1.72
STAB: Aussies 2.15 vs World 1.63

Should be interesting to see how the new 3rd umpire rule change will work out. The 3rd umpire can be called upon to review "everything," though they'll not have access to Hawk-eye. I'm a little curious if the field umpires will be honest with themselves enough to call for the 3rd umpire if they're unsure about an LBW decision. I'm looking forward to seeing how Symonds plays today given his NatWest man of the series performance a few months ago, and it will be interesting to see how Cameron White handles his first appearance in the Australian side. Like I said, I don't think the Aussies will win, but I'll be cheering them on nonetheless.

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!

__________________
...time held me green and dying, though I sang in my chains like the sea. - Dylan Thomas

world 11 _$1.77
Should be illegal to be such a price
australia look like getting 245-250 RUNS
NOT ENOUGH BY A LONG WAY
CHEERS

I just love it when Brett Lee goes the tonk! Never underestimate the Aussies, I think they're still in with a good chance.

Well, I have to say that the more I looked at the teams chosen for today's game, the more I thought that Australia might actually have a chance. Didn't think it would go as it has though.

again the bookies have the last laugh
not at my expense though
Oh by the way did I tell you about my mate having $1000 on the grandfinal
total points over 42.5
he thought he was GONNNNNNNEEEEE then up comes todd peyton with the very late try to kick him home PHEWW
Cheers