Needing more than 200 to win with one wicket left Southee, a valient young Kiwi making his test debut decided to go out in style. Taking on Panesar (who’d bowled 17 maidens from 30 something overs and taken 6 wickets) Southee put away his bat and got out his seven iron.

He bludgeoned the fasted fifty ever by a Kiwi in 29 balls blasting Panesar for six repeatedly and hitting Anderson quite literally out of the ground. When Broad was bought on he hit him for two sixes in an over and continued on to hit a grand total 9 sixes – more than any Kiwi or Englishmen in history! All this from a 19 year old, test-debutant bowler.

Sadly the rabbit at the other end left him stranded on 77 not out (with 54 in sixes alone) from 40 balls. A herioc and quite frankly almost “British” failure.

Gentlemen let that be a lesson to us all. If you’re going down, go down guns blazing, and bring the bastards down with you. Southee, we salute you.

How weird is that?

Well Happy Birthday Liv – enjoy your fish ‘n’ chips tonight. Welcome to the 28 year olds club.
WARNING: You may experience loss of hair, increased appetite and weight gain.

And Happy Birthday Orlando Tyrrel. Welcome to this planet – enjoy your stay.
Congratulations to Tan and Geoff and a special mention to Dr Michelle Brockbank for her medical expertise during the birth.

yes there is a party now. just arranged it in the last hour.

Jul, I am getting Sonic and Mario at the Olympics tomorrow! Bwah ha ha ha ha.

I suggest we eat a Double Whopper, play Wii and go bowling.

There is no party in the evening, that’s canceled (it never existed actually) but my sister is coming over. We can pick her up in Chi after bowling and then I’ll drop you back on my way back here.

Most amusing post oh great Dodman!

I confess to enjoying a couple of the vices mentioned in your extended article. The special springy sticks – I loved my budgo-delight springy sticks and became a four legged beast whilst traversing the Pyranees – make use of your arms, I say, why not? Also I have been known to spare my feet getting rubbed raw and covered in soil, dust and sand by ensuring that while sandal clad, that they had the protection of socks. Personally I think black socks are acceptable in these situations whereas white socks are unacceptable in any situation. I accept that I may be in a minority of one but in my defense I can also claim to be the only person amongst us who has any feeling in my feet – everyone else’s consisting of elephant leather.

It’s been cold, damp and dark here so please appreciate you blessed position in the overall scheme of things. Happy Christmas to all