3 In The Com Box!

It's all a bit excessive. Why they've gone from the traditional "sparring partner" duo set up of previous summers to this new "menage a trois" arrangement beats me. Maybe they're trying it out like a new mystery ball in the nets, or they've been listening to Rufus Wainwright who, apparently, "thinks three's company." (Buy Want One). Today we had Slats AND Tony Grieg AND Chappelli ALL AT ONCE ruminating on the merits of the leg gully position as employed for the short ball to Justin Langer. Well he's a nuggety little bugger alright and notched up 82 before trying one too many cut shots for 4. "Freddie" Flintoff was the pick of the bowlers from what I saw and the English fielding has come a long way since the days of Phil Tufnell. Damien Martyn, who Kerry O'Keefe on the ABC insisted on calling "Dean Martin," manages to get himself out in ways that are as elegant as his standard strokeplay. Clip off the toes for 4 - effortless. Cut shot over point for another 4 - effortless. Nice little bit of catching practice for first slip - effortless. Now, for that easy stroll back to the Pavilion... For everything else there's Ricky Ponting, who's currently batting like a man who really knows how to bat well. Hope the weather stays fine in Brisbane. Wonder how long they can keep up the threesome in the com box. Though with the "tag team" arrangement they could keep commentating until, well, Armageddon. Imagine that! Heals and Benaud and (guest) giving us a run down on the movements of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as it actually happened!!!