Alex

That's because the pitches dry out quickly because of the good drainage, which was especially evident late in the summer last time. The good drainage is a money issue as it gets play started much quicker after rain breaks than in years gone by. It's the difference between an abandonment and full refunds or enough play so that isn't necessary (particularly for one day and T/20 games). No conspiracy imo.

Was it that Polish Nick 'character'?

Aye, City wouldn't pay it so we bought him for £6.5m instead of £6m or something like that to cover it.

Incidentally, didn't Terry Christian used to do it occasionally? James Whale did it before Robson.

Talk about rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous

Used to get this kid from our school called Brian ringing up reporting UFO sightings. The fuckwit lived about two miles from the end of the runway at Newcastle Airport by sheer coincidence. Genuinely amazed the little ginger freak (not you, CT) is still doing his thing.

All I'm saying is the pitch hasn't necessarily been doctored (which I think is what you were inferring, without actually saying as much). That theory is predicated on deliberately producing lifeless pitches which negates Australia's quicks. The problem with that is that even a drawn series would see them retain The Ashes so pitches less likely to get results doesn't favour England anyway. It doesn't fit in with our recent approach to games eirher. And it's not like you can change the nature of a pitch much since the previous test, i.e. look for a draw here after winning the first one. There hasn't been enough time. Not a great cricket wicket but I doubt we'd be moaning if we'd won the toss.

Often different pitches at different times in the season though.

Used to play that all the time when he was selling sofas.

Aye, Stevie.

Lee? Does anyone proofread your copy before it goes to press? Yes, I do.

Can't we all get along? As Rodney King said. Or was it Blaydon?

Remember when The Queen Mother died with massive debts? The Queen (i.e. the taxpayer) paid it off. It was all down to her lavish lifestyle. Amongst other things she had this castle / stately home that was fully staffed the year round despite being used for her shit parties for cuntish lickspittles about twice a year. That alone cost millions. This was all spun in the press as being a jolly funny way for an old lady to behave.

I love watching him bat. Reminds me of Gower at times, who was one of my heroes as a kid.

Think it was Mark Butcher saying because he's not the finished article as a spinner he'll give you the odd four ball anyway. Whereas he's probably more comfortable when people take him on because he's played so much T20 and one day stuff. Delighted for him like as he seems such a nice, humble lad.

Biggest stunt he's pulled since trying to convince everyone (including himself) that he's straight.

Btw, this looks mint: Mel the bulldog

I liked the first one but I wouldn't envisage a sequel being worth it. I love a bit of Family Guy like.

Whereabouts in Scotchland, Stevie?

Wtf? Because an omelette is so much hassle

Loved his fight against Lucien Bute (who was rated as the best in the division at that time): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6PveuxgeA8

There's a tribute to Carl Froch available as a podcast: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06447q4 Was on Radio 5 last night. Think he's been quite underrated as a fighter and should go down as one of the best boxers we've produced in the last couple of decades. Not a stylist but always entertaining with his all action style. Absolutely tough as fuck too. What a chin! Edit: starts about 5 mins in.

Kneel before exalted cyclops, pet