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As a person that has never played cricket, I found the first two tests pretty riveting and I’m really looking forward to the next one. Two things that are annoying, one is that the press seemed to be more interested in the on field antics rather than a great contest. We all know the kohliflower is an arrogant boofhead, so stop giving his antics air time. The other was having to switch radio stations. Go to PR and there was Karl Langdon calling the footy and over to Auntie to listen to batshit boring Nannes. Other than that, two great games that gave test cricket a real boost.

I think the two matches in the current series have shown why Test cricket remains the pinnacle, so I'm glad you've enjoyed them, 58shark.
Personally, I prefer the ABC commentary to 6PR because I like the end-of-over analysis on Aunty, whereas 882 has to cross to an advertisement (which gives me the absolute irrits).
I quite like Dirk Nannes and his dry, almost cynical sense of humour.
Of the other ABC special comments men, I like Ed Cowan's left-field insights, particularly in relation to the controversial Kohliflower (if I can pinch your nickname for Virat, 58shark) catch, while Mitch Johnson provided a good technical appraisal of fast bowling on an up-and-down wicket.
Being a boy from the bush who grew up with the ABC cricket and footy calls, I'll take them ahead of pick-and-choose PR any day.

The series is wonderfully poised at 1-1 going into the Boxing day test. Both teams have excellent bowling attacks and unreliable batting line ups. Spinners have made the difference in both tests,Ashwin in Adelaide and Lyon in Perth. India will be fervently hoping that Ashwin is fit and it appears they may fly over Hardik Pandya to strengthen the batting and provide the 5th bowling option. Australias only decision would appear to be whether to replace Handscomb with Mitch Marsh. If Mitch gets the nod it may be worth promoting Paine to 6 and bat Marsh at 7. This would take the pressure off him somewhat and he may be able to relax and play his natural game not having to take the mantle of a "specialist batsman".
A big tick to the Perth Stadium for the atmosphere and the pitch that was provided. It is a wonderful place to watch sport.

This is very exciting as it could be the first time since 1936-7 that Australia has actually won a test series coming from behind. I am tipping 2-1 to Australia, lyon bowlling them to victory in Sydney.

only just caught up with this post. A couple of things from Me

Tim Payne is a very good gloveman, and his batting average is not to bad. Someone wrote he has played for 13 years and only has 1 hundred. I think we all forget he missed six or seven seasons with his 13 finger operations. If Dirk Nannes didn't bust up his finger in a charity match years ago would Haddin have got his stint?

Finch will stay opener for this series, he is just keeping the spot warm for Bancroft. In Bancroft and Harris they will have two young openers that can bat at the top of the order for the next 8 - 10 years. I can not see Warner playing test cricket again for Australia.

Khawaja is the best option at three and should stay there when Smith comes back. Interestingly in this series the Indian quicks have gone around the wicket to him, which has squeezed him up on the off side. He plays well through point like most left handers and has not had the chance this series due to bowling tactics. He looked better in the second innings at Perth and will continue to do so.

Tim Payne is the best option as Captain for this side, and he will likely get the opportunity to hang onto this role for a while. Smith needs to be back for 12 months before he can take on a captain roll, and by then if the side is playing well and winning a few games he will have a few years in the role.

I loved the way he stood upto the Indians, played their mind games and did it in a very humble way. There were some classic sledges about surely you cant like him, and even the one from Harris encouraging Pant to hit him a catch on the last ball of day 4 so they could go out clubbing and he could set him up with some young aussie girls that were gold and the correct way to sledge or banter in my books.

Great summation ph.

Archie Duda...I fully agree with your view on the ABC. They are the pinnacle of cricket coverage. As said, only problem with them is that I can't handle Dirk Nannes.

Interesting article (if somewhat parochial) from ABC News online today:

www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-19/how-perth...eting-venue/10632468

One thing that stood out for me:

......... the overall attendance (81,104) was a record for an Australia vs India Test in Perth.

jackspratt wrote: Interesting article (if somewhat parochial) from ABC News online today:

www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-19/how-perth...eting-venue/10632468

One thing that stood out for me:

......... the overall attendance (81,104) was a record for an Australia vs India Test in Perth.

Jack our net aggregate of 81,000 will be beaten on day1 of boxing day.But theres no way the Mcg can produce our wicket. But the Mcg wicket has been playing tricks so far in this shield season.

premiership hangover wrote: only just caught up with this post. A couple of things from Me

Tim Payne is a very good gloveman, and his batting average is not to bad. Someone wrote he has played for 13 years and only has 1 hundred. I think we all forget he missed six or seven seasons with his 13 finger operations. If Dirk Nannes didn't bust up his finger in a charity match years ago would Haddin have got his stint?

Finch will stay opener for this series, he is just keeping the spot warm for Bancroft. In Bancroft and Harris they will have two young openers that can bat at the top of the order for the next 8 - 10 years. I can not see Warner playing test cricket again for Australia.

Khawaja is the best option at three and should stay there when Smith comes back. Interestingly in this series the Indian quicks have gone around the wicket to him, which has squeezed him up on the off side. He plays well through point like most left handers and has not had the chance this series due to bowling tactics. He looked better in the second innings at Perth and will continue to do so.

Tim Payne is the best option as Captain for this side, and he will likely get the opportunity to hang onto this role for a while. Smith needs to be back for 12 months before he can take on a captain roll, and by then if the side is playing well and winning a few games he will have a few years in the role.

I loved the way he stood upto the Indians, played their mind games and did it in a very humble way. There were some classic sledges about surely you cant like him, and even the one from Harris encouraging Pant to hit him a catch on the last ball of day 4 so they could go out clubbing and he could set him up with some young aussie girls that were gold and the correct way to sledge or banter in my books.

PH what happens late Feb next year when Smudger Smith comes back.Whos captain I'm a current fan of our captain.

58shark wrote: Great summation ph.

Archie Duda...I fully agree with your view on the ABC. They are the pinnacle of cricket coverage. As said, only problem with them is that I can't handle Dirk Nannes.

Fair point, 58shark, Dirk Nannes is certainly not everybody's cup of tea.
Re the ABC, my favourite ball-by-ball commentator is Jim Maxwell.
Jim's autobiography The Sounds of the Summer is a very good read.
One of the funniest parts described how veteran ABC cricket caller Alan McGilvray used to call Maxwell into his hotel/motel room for a prayer meeting each morning before they went to the ground.
The "prayer meeting" comprised a few beers quickly knocked back to lubricate the voice for a long day's commentary.