Thanksgiving: Turkey, cranberry sauce and CRICKET?!?!

England's cricketers don't have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
I stayed up late last night, listening to an unauthorized, Indian audio commentary (?!) of the first day of the first Test of the Ashes series -- the Australia versus England cricket rivalry that makes the Giants versus the Dodgers seem like hormonally charged, teenage lovebirds.
In short, the bitter series dates back to the 19th century and at its worst has triggered diplomatic crisis talks between the two governments (that was back in the 1930s, when England's "bodyline" tactics involved slowing the Australian's offensive prowess by bowling at their heads).
Last night's first day (it was daytime in Brisbane) was tame by comparison.
England's bowlers simply couldn't take any wickets ("get anyone out," for us Yanks).
The score was Australia 177-2 when I finally went to bed, and the Indian commentators were remarking about how easily the Aussies were scoring runs.
The easy run rate continued while I slept: The score at the close of the first day (of a four- or five-day match) stands at Australia 346-3. An innings generally ends when 10 batsmen are out. With only three wickets taken (three outs), England have a long way to go.
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody! You too, England, you're gonna need some happiness after this mess.