Journos, past players, beware

I have never figured out the reason why past players must speak out on the eve of every important series. Do they want to sell their opinion for some easy money? If so, why must they be critical? There's a new generation of Neil Harveys. What do they gain by making a correct prediction? Even more relevantly, how would they look after being proven wrong?

Why have they suddenly become so quiet now?

Greg Ritchie - what were you thinking, Fat Cat, if anything?
Dennis Lillee - has quickly become a rent-a-quote.
John Benaud - was sure proven wrong.
Mike Selvey - author of the most outwardly vulgar article I have ever read. I used to read his articles with interest (during Ashes 2005), but after this article and a similarly repulsive one on the great Glenn McGrath, I have lost complete respect for his journalism.

A bit of egg on face? I think so.

The jinx

Australia regained the Ashes. I played a vital role by backing England to win.

Of course they were always going to win - because I backed them to have a shocker.