Travelling with the Barmy Army has taken it a step further. On Christmas Day, we had to queue for our barbeque (a good move as it turned out because we avoided a torrential downpour), then for our 4th Test match tickets, then for our “free” shirts and hats. On New Year’s Day, we had to go to the Coogee Oval where the Barmy Army was playing against the Fanatics in a charity match. This was the place where we could collect our 5th Test tickets, so we had to queue once again. The patience and resilience shown by all was truly wonderful to behold.

In between, we queued to get a good place to see the New Year fireworks at Sydney Harbour, and we have since queued for many other things. Now we’re about to get the bus to Sydney airport for the long journey home, with an overnight stop in Beijing - more queues await no doubt.

Bye for now.

Today, Saturday, we went on a wine tasting trip to the Yarra Valley region, one of the main wine producing areas in Victoria state. Very interesting it was too: the first winery visit included a token look at some of the plant for producing wine and a quick explanation of the process before the wine tasting began; the second stop included a well organised hot buffet meal before the wine tasting, whilst the third and fourth stops just went straight to the wine tasting. Perhaps a true reflection of Australia - direct and to the point!

Arriving back in Melbourne on schedule at 4 pm, we just had time to catch a City Circle tram and get to the Melbourne Museum so we could see The Ashes. Yes, the real Ashes are part of a touring exhibit of Australia and are in Melbourne until 7th January. But for all the fuss over them, the ceramic urn supposedly containing the ashes of a cricket bail is so small - no more than 3 inches high. Mind you, it was good to see them and it makes you feel proud to think that we’re lending them to Australia for another 2 years or so (though they will return to England next month and stay there).

Still cheering long after the game was over, the Barmy Army fans don’t seem to know the meaning of the word “defeat”.

Last night’s brief ray of hope when England had Australia reeling at 371 for 7 was as brief as the Melbourne sunshine has been all week. With Symonds out for 150-odd, Warne duly hit a quick 40 this morning, and then England had to bat again. Strauss and Cook survived a rather nervous start and were getting into their stride when Cook was out for 20, quickly followed by Bell and Pietersen. A quick flurry from Collingwood and an aggressive 25 from Flintoff only flattered to deceive. The best England performance of the day was Read’s 26 not out, and Monte Panesar’s 14.

I tell a lie - the best England performance was from the Barmy Army, singing their heads off long after the game was over, and out-singing the Australian fans throughout the game, despite the weather and the inevitable result. Hats off to the Barmy Army, then - if only the players could perform to the same standard!

Near the end of the day’s play, the sun did appear, and the cold wind dropped for the first time in 5 days. Until then it was a case of “Melbourne: nice city - shame about the weather”. Now it’s a very pleasant place to spend some time. More later.

Alex at the MCG

Originally uploaded by Al the Tog.

Pic of Alex outside the MCG as the Barmy Army cheerleader was passing.

You’d never have thought England had just been “tonked” by Australia in less than 3 days.

Still, we’re not here for the weather, are we? We’re here for the cricket. And it was like watching a match at Old Trafford on a cold and wet summer’s day. Sorry, didn’t mean to mention the weather again so soon! England are playing up to their usual standard - 159 all out, with Australia on 372 for 7 at the end of the second day!

Never mind, we’ve recovered from the 40-hour journey now, and enjoying seeing Melbourne, with its rich variety of ethnic restaurants and excellent integrated transport system. The hotel is very convenient, being about 15 minutes walk from the ground, and has good facilities, including a gym, pool, sauna and hot tub.

That’s all for now - hopefully more soon, and some pictures with any luck.

So, does this make it a miracle? Perhaps not, but it’s a pretty good outcome, all the same.

It’s disappointing, yes, but not any great surprise. What would be a surprise is for Barmy Army Travel to persuade Air China to reissue Big Bro’s ticket to Big Al. One little miracle is all we need, Lord.