Hip-hip-hooray! It's a holi-holiday! Warney is retiring and McGrath's on the way out too. For only 2 tests more will we have to put up with the main 2 reasons that it took 17 years to regain the ashes, and only 13 months to lose them again. Whoever replaces them couldn't be half as good. So far the name mentioned most as Warney's replacement is Dan Cullen who was one of Somerset's overseas players last year and was rubbish. Nothing to fear there. Ditto Cameron White, Nathan Hauritz, Stuart McGill etc etc.
At last something to look forward too. 2009 Ashes series in England - they're coming home, coming home, Ashes coming home.
It's good to be back in Melbourne again - it's just as I remembered it. Laid back, cool, friendly. Chock full of bars, restaurants etc. Always something going on. Great to ride the trams again too. I've just been out to Geelong to collect our tickets for the test match - a 50 minute train ride into the countryside. Everything looks very brown. The drought is pretty hard here and the bush fires are making the air hazy. If you could send some of the UK's rain out here I know it would be really appreciated.
We're staying right in the centre of Melbourne so really handy for the MCG and going out in the evening. Not sure yet whether there are any plans for Christmas day - somehow it doesnt feel very Christmassy when the temperature is in the 30s. Maybe a picnic on the beach perhaps. Depends on the weather as it can change fast here. Last time we were here it was overcast & dull so we'll play it by ear.
We've met up with Mark Tuton, who's staying with us here in Melbourne. He picked us up at the airport in his hire car, where I also ran into one of my Shrivenham CC colleagues, James Crowder, who is out here for the Ashes too. So we were able to give him a lift into the city centre.
Not got much planned before Boxing day but hope to see the Ashes urn as missed it in Perth. Moz & Tutes are going to the Neighbours set for a tour. The depths some will stoop to.................