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It feels like a beautiful morning that is transformed in an instant by a sudden squall or rainstorm. The amazing buzz that I had on the second day of the second test has disappeared completely, it's place filled with an empty space; a hole that will be difficult to get rid of for a good month or so yet.

Once again you readers must think that I am some Aussie turncoat - a non-believer in the Baggy Green; a sham! Well, following the line of thinking of my last contribution to this blog, I stand by my sportsman's belief in the thrill of a tight series. I write to you readers with total admiration for 'Punter' and the boys. They have been composed and fiery throughout the series and an obvious unit working together for a common cause. And with Ponting, 'Mr Cricket'(Hussey), Stewart Clarke and the rejuvenated (other) Clarke, we are on fire. The spirit and determination our boys displayed was worthy of the esteemed Green headwear they don with such pride and once again demonstrated that this wonderful sport still embodies the 'essence' of what it means to be Aussie.

The problem is that I am undeniably selfish when the Ashes are involved. Selfish because I just love the spectacle, the thrill of the chase, the battle. Oh yes, let us not pretend that this 'game', which looks so innocent to the outsider, is anything but gladiatorial combat. The protagonists are out for blood and, from the evidence so far demonstrated in this series, our boys are far more hungry.

Which gives the disappointment all that more impact. The cricketing world was so geared up for this competition, so ready for the closest series in years, that anything other than a nail biter in the final test wouldn't suffice. Unfortunately that juncture is where we now find ourselves.

So, as I prepare to head down the South Coast of NSW for 10 days of Christmas fun in the sun, I am frantically thinking of alternative pursuits to the lazy, alcohol and leftover food filled days that I had planned. Sure, I will throw on the box or radio intermittently to see how much we are hammering them, but the thrill will be minimal.

Until next year I suppose!

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