Robert Merkel . I commented to a frenid that someone needs to explain to the Aussie batsmen that they are playing Test Cricket not Twenty20. On Boxing Day they wielded the willow as if they were swatting mosquitoes. My frenid responded with the following revealing statistics: all but two of our team represent Australia in Twenty20 but only two of the England team are in their Twenty20 squad.Since Twenty20 has burst onto the scene the 50 Over/One day format is under a cloud but I see a role for each version, even though I think Twenty20 is entertainment rather than sport. Firstly, the one dayers should be re-badged as Fifty50 as the existing name(s) is stodgy. What I envisage is that players could work their way up from Sheffield Shield to Twenty20 as the first rung on the international ladder, then to Fifty50 when they start to mature a bit more and then finally to Test Cricket in their mid to late 20s.This proposal should re-dress the problem that has been evident over the past few seasons, namely that Sheffield Shield is no longer sufficient preparation for young players to transition to a professional career. Shield with its negligible crowds lacks the shock and awe of playing before a large crowd. Twenty20 would expose players to the big stage and the rigours of playing in the professional arena. Fifty50 would provide the maturing player with a game and mindset that more closely resembles Test Cricket with its requirement for a better technique, judgment, patience and a deep understanding of the game.As things stand, I’d sack some of the selectors and coaches before I’d sack the players. Cricket’s gate-keepers have been left flat-footed by the introduction of Twenty20 and the increasing influence of the Cricket entrepreneurs. The same thing happened with the introduction of the so-called pyjama game but that has evolved into a satisfying format and still has much to offer. All forms could prosper. Other sports have diversified into shorter and longer forms. The ACB needs to re-assess how it develops and nurtures its upcoming players. A well defined career path is essential for players in this day and age.

He is no more than a club level keeper. Cannot keep to spinners. Comes good with the bat some times. The job should go to a specialist keeper who will not miss stumpings, take all catches .

Prior has proved himself to be an outstanding keeper/batsman but not yet answered all the questions of his keeping. His keeping foibles have been well documented and deservedly so - his arrogance engenders a dislike and it should have been expected that many wanted to see him fail. Has he proved himself since his reselection? A couple of innings maketh not a superstar and certainly not when his primary role is that of keeper. Watch this space - valid questions still remain over his ability behind the stumps. Questions that can only be answered over the course of time. As for the hate/hate relationship that Ponting is forced to endure at the hands of english supporters that would be best served to take their despicable attitude to the nearest football ground, I can only ask - why? What has Ponting done to engender such contempt from the english? His post match speech after his team failed at Lords was that of graciousness and congratulations in defeat. He deserves better treatment

In the 2007 test series v India. All the players signed autographs except one Matt Prior, who just rushed past the autograph hunters. Such legends as Tendulkar, Ganguly, Kumble etc all signed yet he of a handful of tests was too important to do so. No wonder the downfall was so appreciated

I think the problem with English cricket is somewhat similar to the one haunting indian cricket for ages now, adulation leads to complacency very often. Talented players like Prior play their heart out but soon after fade into oblivion. I think they should preserve them and groom them on and off the field.

Lets hope that Prior fixes England's keeper problem, which is persisting for quite some time now.

I am actually a supporter of the underdog, as most Australians are. I found it quite boring to watch Australia smash England endlessly and even loved watching England win in 2005. When Goughy was winning the dead rubber in Melbourne in 1998, I was jumping for joy at his awesome attack. I always love to see NZ do well against anyone and England do well against Australia. When Australia play any other team I am behind them all the way.

Not, somewhat crucially given the last few days, at Lord's, Mack! (Ave of 18-ish.)What a silly thing to say. This is the story of English cricket for a very long period of time day in, day out, in general.

I was just pointing out that Ponting has a sustained record over 13 years and although he is now 'human' through his team departing, he has the distinction of being 2,200 runs ahead of the best England has produced. He is a grump, no debates there and the Aussies are pretty ugly at times but it worked. Yes they are beatable and I am glad about that.

One small correction, Mike: I wouldn't say Prior scored "very few runs" in Sri Lanka. In fact, he scored 165 @ 41, including a very good 63 in the first Test that nearly helped secure a draw.

Ricky ponting of the past year and 3/4 has become grumpy and has a stricking resemblance to george w bush.However england muSt stop there over reliance on flintoff.and straus please dont bowl freddy to the ground before the series is over

I LOVE Ricky Ponting.

If you can't admire his brilliant batting and fielding, consider what strength of character was required to defeat his personal demons and become the legendary cricketer he is today. He's a colossus of the modern game and the avatar of Australian cricket; but I don't fear and despise him like his counterpart Steve Waugh. The scar on his right cheekbone will always remind me of 2005. I think Ponting, exceptional though he is, is beatable; there is no moral advantage on either side of his relationship with the England fans. It's also amusing and rather endearing to see a modern Australian captain so easily irritated by mild forms of gamesmanship (as long as it's the opposition practicing them.)

The jeering and the catcalls are friendly, I think. It's the crowd ribbing an old mate. Listen to the generous applause he got at the presentations at Lord's this afternoon for his thoughts on the game - gracious, dignified stuff - and tell me the English despise him.

[Mike: I didn't think they were friendly at all. One of the stewards said to me that he didn't have anything against Ponting and in fact quite liked him, but everyone else I talked with during the match spoke of him with hatred or sneering contempt. The applause at his remarks during he presentation was at least in part the crowd congratulating themselves at having obviously got under his skin and right up his nose.]