C is for ...

C is for classic.

Aussies love a good prank (hit the link for article) and considering all the mind games that surrounded the start of this Ashes series, the Bison (Mitch Marsh - because his head is as big as a bison's) got journalists a beauty! An as far as a group of people to get - well played young man.

C is also for catches and Cam Green. Another gem taken by the world's tallest gully fielder. If he fielded in a closer position on the offside, opposition batters would find it difficult to score on that whole half of the ground. I honestly don't understand the allegations of cheating that are circling on social media. If you catch the ball with more than one finger on the underside of the ball, and the back of your hand touches the ground - even if the ball touches blades of grass through your fingers - it's a catch. And if anyone that has played cricket above village level wants to disagree, please leave a comment, your name, address and what job your dad does.

While mentioning a Kindergarten Cop reference, "Copping a spray" also fits into today's theme. Ollie Robinson giving The Pro a spray after bowling him from a shot that was perhaps too expansive given the Aussies were still in deficit. I think Ollie needs a nickname - rather than pick on his name, I think it's more Australian to focus on one small detail and not let him forget it, to the point of bullying and mental disintegration - so from now, he will be referred to as "Bracelet", because he wears a charming gold bracelet.

The Pro is one of the nicer guys in world cricket, and I don't know everything, but I'm pretty confident that when Bracelet comes out to bat, he could get a bit of C in return - chin music! Unfortunately send offs have been part of the game since Dr. W G Grace. However back then, when the good doctor was dismissed, he would stand his stumps back up and fire an insult at the bowler and instruct them to continue bowling.

Day 3 was unfortunately interrupted with just 38 overs of play possible due to the Sydney like weather hanging over Birmingham. The Pro was dismissed for an excellent 141 - though his dismissal left a lot to be desired, particularly to a bracelet wearing pie chucker. However, without Tall Tony Stark in the team to deposit a few Dukes onto the A38, the Aussie tail was a little dismal and the Green Caps were dismissed with a 7 run deficit on the first innings.

Then it was England's turn to bat again. The second innings began in a less frenetic fashion and then the rain came. The falling of "sky beers" as the Australian Lawn Lovers Association (ALLA) provided an opportunity for my fellow debutant, Coach Ron McDon, to tell his bowlers that their line and length was less than desirable (JL would have cursed them out) and they responded. Two quick ones to remove D#$%it and Spider, and the Poms were reeling. Then the rain that gave the Aussies a chance to regroup, become the block to further progress.

Day 4 looks to be a day of opportunity for one of the teams.

JT