Howzaat!

I must say that my understanding of cricket matches is limited to memories of forming part of a backyard team each summer school holidays.
This exchange in The Australian 's First Byte between Ashes tragics tickled both fancy and memory.

• 27 August 2009

After 24 hours of careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that the reason why Australia lost the Ashes was because England made more runs.

Tom Rundell
Warana, Qld

• 28 August 2009

Sadly for Tom Rundell (First Byte, 27/8), here's the basic truth of the matter. Australia lost the Ashes because England won more Test matches. Overall, England managed a meagre 2869 runs, while Australia scored a mammoth 2886. And, to rub more salt into our wounds, England lost a staggering 84 wickets in achieving its tally, while Australia lost just 71.

Col Shephard
Yamba, NSW