Well it is everywhere. Everytime I walk my dog I see kids and families playing cricket. They are playing in the park and in the street. I have never seen anything like it in this country. It just shows that winning is still the key to getting people to play sport, and finally the message may get through to the liberals who took competitive sport off the school curriculum. Hopefully our government will finally get it and start supporting the national teams and sportspeople more.
It gets even better, the ramshackle 6 or so kids who have been using the all weather strip in the local park, today staged a game with about 20 of them playing, they even had an umpire with a notebook! The funniest thing was that the guy who was next in to bat was padded up on the boundary and one of the lads batting had no pads on at all. The over I saw consisted of a couple of beamers, 3 wides and a couple of streaky singles. But at least they aren't using their bikes as the slip fielders anymore!
Freddie, what have you started?
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Pietersen's Problem
Having just watched a highlights show from the Ashes series, it would seem that Pietersen was out and dropped playing exactly the same shot, a drive outside off stump to a very full swinging ball. On the basis that I have spotted this you have to assume that Duncan Fletcher has this one covered. The Pakistan bowlers will definitely have got it logged and they love swinging yorkers, they practically invented them!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Overall Series Stats
By session:
I score it like this:
England 32 sessions
Australia 26 sessions
Which seems a big difference overall, that is 2 days cricket difference. In fact I reckon there is about 1 hours cricket in the overall result. Another 30 runs at Trent Bridge and it was an Australian win, Another 5 overs at Old Trafford and we may have got a result, Edbaston was 1 shot away from being an Aussie win. It could have been 3-2 to the Aussies on that basis and what a travesty that would have been.
Maybe Test match cricket is the true test of two sides and the better team does win, regardless of toss, weather, umpires, crowd, pitches etc etc.
England Batting
Top order 1150
Middle order 1292
Lower order 326
TOTAL 2768
Run Rate 3.6
Australia Batting
Top order 1071
Middle order 942
Lower order 542
TOTAL 2555
Run Rate 3.4
So a measly 213 runs, a session and a half difference on the batting.
I score it like this:
England 32 sessions
Australia 26 sessions
Which seems a big difference overall, that is 2 days cricket difference. In fact I reckon there is about 1 hours cricket in the overall result. Another 30 runs at Trent Bridge and it was an Australian win, Another 5 overs at Old Trafford and we may have got a result, Edbaston was 1 shot away from being an Aussie win. It could have been 3-2 to the Aussies on that basis and what a travesty that would have been.
Maybe Test match cricket is the true test of two sides and the better team does win, regardless of toss, weather, umpires, crowd, pitches etc etc.
England Batting
Top order 1150
Middle order 1292
Lower order 326
TOTAL 2768
Run Rate 3.6
Australia Batting
Top order 1071
Middle order 942
Lower order 542
TOTAL 2555
Run Rate 3.4
So a measly 213 runs, a session and a half difference on the batting.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Here come the jokes...
Well it never takes long does it...
Billy was at school this morning in the outback and the teacher asked all the children what there fathers did for a living. All the typical answers came out, Fireman, Policeman, Salesman, Chippy, Captain of Industry etc, but Billy was being uncharacteristically quiet and so the teacher asked him about his father. "My father is an exotic dancer in a gay club and takes off all his clothes in front of other men. Sometimes if the offer is really good, he'll go out with a man, rent a cheap hotel room and let them sleep with him. "The teacher quickly set the other children some work and took little Billy aside to ask him if that was really true. "No" said Billy, "He plays cricket for Australia but I was just too embarrassed to say."
Love it.
Billy was at school this morning in the outback and the teacher asked all the children what there fathers did for a living. All the typical answers came out, Fireman, Policeman, Salesman, Chippy, Captain of Industry etc, but Billy was being uncharacteristically quiet and so the teacher asked him about his father. "My father is an exotic dancer in a gay club and takes off all his clothes in front of other men. Sometimes if the offer is really good, he'll go out with a man, rent a cheap hotel room and let them sleep with him. "The teacher quickly set the other children some work and took little Billy aside to ask him if that was really true. "No" said Billy, "He plays cricket for Australia but I was just too embarrassed to say."
Love it.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Head to Head: Series Review
Before the Series began I had Australia winning in the following areas:
Openers
Keepers
Middle Order
Spinners
I called it even in the following areas:
Captains
Opening bowlers
Quick bowlers
And the funny thing is I have called all categories except Spinners in Englands favour now the series is over.
Openers
Keepers
Middle Order
Spinners
I called it even in the following areas:
Captains
Opening bowlers
Quick bowlers
And the funny thing is I have called all categories except Spinners in Englands favour now the series is over.
Head to Head: Series Review - Part 4
Opening Bowlers
Pre-Series: "This one will depend on how they both start the series - I would call this one even at this stage."
Pre Series: "Well we've got Freddie and they've got.....is this the edge for England I wonder????"
Post Series: In simple terms Freddie was the difference, the other batsman and bowlers all pretty much cancel each other out. Australia had 3 bowlers who took more than 10 wickets and 4 batsman who made more than 300. England had 4 bowlers and 5 batsman and in both cases that extra man was Flintoff! Case closed.
The Middle Order
Pre Series: "This could be where this series is won and lost, across the board in all other categories it works out pretty evenly. I fear that the Australians may have the edge here."
Post Series: Hats off to England again here, the middle order put together 1292 runs compared to Australia's 942. This is the biggest difference in the batting and was indeed, as predicted, where the ashes was won. Martyn and Bell failed to impress for both teams. Clarke and Pietersen played well overall, Jones out scored Gilchrist and Freddie did the same to Katich. Australia did not have the dominance they needed in this area in the end, that has to be mostly down to Adam Gilchrist who will be disappointed with hiw own batting.
Pre-Series: "This one will depend on how they both start the series - I would call this one even at this stage."
Post Series: This all changed half way through when Gillespie was dumped by the Aussie selectors through poor performance. That was absolutely correct as he was dreadful. And of course McGrath missed two tests through injury. Interestingly neither Hoggard and Harmison were not the best England bowlers in the end, they weighed in with 33 wickets in all. McGrath and Gillespie took 22. Just through their fitness and performance this one goes to the England boys - just.
The All RoundersPre Series: "Well we've got Freddie and they've got.....is this the edge for England I wonder????"
Post Series: In simple terms Freddie was the difference, the other batsman and bowlers all pretty much cancel each other out. Australia had 3 bowlers who took more than 10 wickets and 4 batsman who made more than 300. England had 4 bowlers and 5 batsman and in both cases that extra man was Flintoff! Case closed.
The Middle Order
Pre Series: "This could be where this series is won and lost, across the board in all other categories it works out pretty evenly. I fear that the Australians may have the edge here."
Post Series: Hats off to England again here, the middle order put together 1292 runs compared to Australia's 942. This is the biggest difference in the batting and was indeed, as predicted, where the ashes was won. Martyn and Bell failed to impress for both teams. Clarke and Pietersen played well overall, Jones out scored Gilchrist and Freddie did the same to Katich. Australia did not have the dominance they needed in this area in the end, that has to be mostly down to Adam Gilchrist who will be disappointed with hiw own batting.
Head to Head: Series Review - Part 3
The Keepers
Pre Series: "Geraint Jones has come on a treat and is a key part of the England set up, unfortunately it is not enough, Gilchrist is one of the best players in the world and wins this one easily for the Aussies."
Post Series: Adam Gilchrist must be gutted on this one, Jones outscored him by 229 runs to 181. Gilchrist was worked out by England's superb planning and suffered at every turn, not making 1 50 in the whole series. Credit must go to Duncan Fletcher here. But also Hoggard and Flintoff for picking him up with great bowling, and as Luke referenced, "Gilchrist does not get out lbw"... he does now! Jones was rightly criticised for dropping catches and some shoddy work but I think England must persevere here, he could be a huge asset in years to come.
The Quicks
Pre Series: "They could both do a good job but both sets of batsman will enjoy themselves with these guys dishing up pace on hard wickets in the sunshine. I am guessing they will be as ineffective as each other."
Post Series: Simon Jones turned out to be one of England's key man with the ball, he was used as a strike bowler to great effect time and time again. His consistent movement both ways had the Aussies struggling in the key Tests at Old Trafford and Trent Bridge. Injury did for him in the end, his old problem. I am going to call this one even though but not because of "ineffectiveness" but because of excellence, Brett Lee was the find of the Tour for the Aussies, he has matured into a brilliant, gutsy performer and if he had been a bit luckier he may have got a few more wickets. He was expensive but made up for it with some great batting displays at vital times.
Pre Series: "Geraint Jones has come on a treat and is a key part of the England set up, unfortunately it is not enough, Gilchrist is one of the best players in the world and wins this one easily for the Aussies."
Post Series: Adam Gilchrist must be gutted on this one, Jones outscored him by 229 runs to 181. Gilchrist was worked out by England's superb planning and suffered at every turn, not making 1 50 in the whole series. Credit must go to Duncan Fletcher here. But also Hoggard and Flintoff for picking him up with great bowling, and as Luke referenced, "Gilchrist does not get out lbw"... he does now! Jones was rightly criticised for dropping catches and some shoddy work but I think England must persevere here, he could be a huge asset in years to come.
The Quicks
Pre Series: "They could both do a good job but both sets of batsman will enjoy themselves with these guys dishing up pace on hard wickets in the sunshine. I am guessing they will be as ineffective as each other."
Post Series: Simon Jones turned out to be one of England's key man with the ball, he was used as a strike bowler to great effect time and time again. His consistent movement both ways had the Aussies struggling in the key Tests at Old Trafford and Trent Bridge. Injury did for him in the end, his old problem. I am going to call this one even though but not because of "ineffectiveness" but because of excellence, Brett Lee was the find of the Tour for the Aussies, he has matured into a brilliant, gutsy performer and if he had been a bit luckier he may have got a few more wickets. He was expensive but made up for it with some great batting displays at vital times.
Head to Head: Series Review - Part 2
The Spinners
Pre Series: "I will surprise some people here, but I think this is much closer than it looks. I am going to call this even, on the basis that Giles will get more runs with the bat than Warne."
Post Series: Well, you have to say that overall both of these guys over performed, Giles batted well scoring the vital runs at Trent Bridge and he bowled much better than the Aussies thought, their manager fingered him as the weak link in England's attack and he was certainly not that. But hats off to Shane Warne he was absolutely brilliant, far from being even - Warne bowled out of his skin, batted well [at times] but most importantly was Australia's rock, when all else was going wrong Warne was on hand to bowl, advise or encourage. His sportsmanship was top drawer and he was pushed to the physical limits, bowling 250 overs! His figures of 40 for 797 are incredible. That is like bowling for a whole Test match, bowling out both teams twice from both ends!! Awesome. He is by far and away Australia's star man.
Pre Series: "I will surprise some people here, but I think this is much closer than it looks. I am going to call this even, on the basis that Giles will get more runs with the bat than Warne."
Post Series: Well, you have to say that overall both of these guys over performed, Giles batted well scoring the vital runs at Trent Bridge and he bowled much better than the Aussies thought, their manager fingered him as the weak link in England's attack and he was certainly not that. But hats off to Shane Warne he was absolutely brilliant, far from being even - Warne bowled out of his skin, batted well [at times] but most importantly was Australia's rock, when all else was going wrong Warne was on hand to bowl, advise or encourage. His sportsmanship was top drawer and he was pushed to the physical limits, bowling 250 overs! His figures of 40 for 797 are incredible. That is like bowling for a whole Test match, bowling out both teams twice from both ends!! Awesome. He is by far and away Australia's star man.
Head to Head: Series Review - Part 1
At the beginning of the Series I did an analysis of the players against their opposite numbers, it is only reasonable to go back and look at this in light of the resulting performances:
The Captains [No 3s]
Pre Series : "My view would be that these guys are extremely evenly matched. They both weigh in regularly with runs at 3 or 4 and have great cricketing brains. Vaughan has been able to show an agressive style on England's winning run and has not been found wanting in his decision making on the field. Although Ponting is no Steve Waugh he has certainly been around the block and will have learnt a lot from the players around him. I would have to call this one a tie."
Post Series: Vaughan has to take this for his excellent captaincy throughout, with Ponting out of his comfort zone at times with some poor decisions. Ponting did weigh in with more runs but he was often under extreme pressure. Ponting also let the pressure tell at Trent Bridge with his outburst and subsequent fine. Although to credit him, both he and his players were tremendously gracious and generous in defeat.
The Openers
The Captains [No 3s]
Pre Series : "My view would be that these guys are extremely evenly matched. They both weigh in regularly with runs at 3 or 4 and have great cricketing brains. Vaughan has been able to show an agressive style on England's winning run and has not been found wanting in his decision making on the field. Although Ponting is no Steve Waugh he has certainly been around the block and will have learnt a lot from the players around him. I would have to call this one a tie."
Post Series: Vaughan has to take this for his excellent captaincy throughout, with Ponting out of his comfort zone at times with some poor decisions. Ponting did weigh in with more runs but he was often under extreme pressure. Ponting also let the pressure tell at Trent Bridge with his outburst and subsequent fine. Although to credit him, both he and his players were tremendously gracious and generous in defeat.
The Openers
Pre Series: "I give Australia the edge here as I expect Hayden out perform Trescothick."
Post Series: England all the way here, they made good starts repeatedly and up until the Oval Hayden had totally underperformed, he will be lucky to keep his place in the team. Tres batted beautifully and without Pietersen's heroics at the Oval would have been the series' top scorer, he didn't make a ton but averaged 43. Strauss turned his game around brilliantly despite pressure from all the Aussie bowlers at one time or another. I can not give Langer the edge here because of this intelligent approach and hard work that was clearly going in between Tests against Merlyn [Englands spin bowler simulator]. Strauss and Tres also excelled in the field where the Aussie boys were fairly anonymous. On paper the England openers outscored their couterparts by 824 runs to 712.
The Pietersen Phenomenon
From a very small survey of people I have spoken to my belief was upheld that before his 158 at the Oval Kevin Pietersen had not made his mark in this series. Luke has said below that he was one of England's disappointments and I wrongly [corrected later] accused him of being under pressure in the batting line up.
But lo and behold he was the series' top scorer! He scored nearly 500 runs at an average of over 50.
So why did we all think he had failed to live up to his billing?
I think the issue was two fold, and you have to ignore the last innings at the Oval for this to stack. For one thing despite his volume runs he didn't really stick around too long, certainly no more than one session in nearly all his innings. He also scored half of his runs in the first two test. He failed at Old Trafford which was probably the most watched Test and of course was being generally rounded for his Teflon hands and lack of catching.
Without the Oval innings he would have scored the same runs as Vaughan so could not have been criticised out of hand but the bottom line is he did get the 158 and good luck to him. But conversely if Vaughan had not got the 166 his place would have been in question!!
Pietersen has to bat at 4 going forwards with Bell demoted to 5 until his form picks up.
But lo and behold he was the series' top scorer! He scored nearly 500 runs at an average of over 50.
So why did we all think he had failed to live up to his billing?
I think the issue was two fold, and you have to ignore the last innings at the Oval for this to stack. For one thing despite his volume runs he didn't really stick around too long, certainly no more than one session in nearly all his innings. He also scored half of his runs in the first two test. He failed at Old Trafford which was probably the most watched Test and of course was being generally rounded for his Teflon hands and lack of catching.
Without the Oval innings he would have scored the same runs as Vaughan so could not have been criticised out of hand but the bottom line is he did get the 158 and good luck to him. But conversely if Vaughan had not got the 166 his place would have been in question!!
Pietersen has to bat at 4 going forwards with Bell demoted to 5 until his form picks up.
England's Champagne Moments
Obviously there were key moments when England won matches but here are a few of the moments when England supporters would have drawn breath and ruminated on the phenomenon that is now England cricket. There were certain points when individual players did something a bit special which made you realise that we are now playing cricket on another level...
Pietersen's 6 off Shane Warne at Lords
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Now that does not happen very often! And from an England player, this was a big reminder to the established England players that they had to get their game together against Warne. Pietersen was the catalyst to this new found confidence and strategy which was key to England's victory in the series.
Harmison's slower ball to Clarke at Edgbaston
-------------------------------------------------------------
Harmison did not have a great series with the pitches not suited to his usual style but he caused problems and certainly unsettled the Aussies allowing other bowlers like Jones to exploit. But the slower ball to Clarke with the last ball on Saturday night set up the victory but was also executed to such perfection that it established Harmison as a bowler with guile and precision. My personal feeling is that he failed to deliver that variation enough overall but hopefully something to work on in future.
Getting Adam Gilchrist was always the line that had to be crossed by England in every Australian innings and this catch was absolutely sensational, like Collingwood's catch of Hayden in the one dayers it left you speechless. The Strauss catch was absolutely fundamental to the Aussies following on and it gets better and better every time you watch it.
Flintoff's 18 over spell - 5 for 38 at the Oval
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For the shear endurance and determination this is not a moment as such but a sustained spell of brilliance from a fast bowler. I cant remember a feat of physical excellence of this nature in any sport. It totally turned the game and gave England the chance of the draw and the series win. To have the Aussies scoring at 2 an over and hemorrhaging wickets was superb, a marvel to behold and an example to team mates which must never be forgotten.
Pietersen's 6 off Shane Warne at Lords
----------------------------------------------------
Now that does not happen very often! And from an England player, this was a big reminder to the established England players that they had to get their game together against Warne. Pietersen was the catalyst to this new found confidence and strategy which was key to England's victory in the series.
Harmison's slower ball to Clarke at Edgbaston
-------------------------------------------------------------
Harmison did not have a great series with the pitches not suited to his usual style but he caused problems and certainly unsettled the Aussies allowing other bowlers like Jones to exploit. But the slower ball to Clarke with the last ball on Saturday night set up the victory but was also executed to such perfection that it established Harmison as a bowler with guile and precision. My personal feeling is that he failed to deliver that variation enough overall but hopefully something to work on in future.
Vaughan bowled off a no ball by McGrath at Old Trafford
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I didn't think Vaughan had a great series with the bat but when your in luck you have to fill your boots. He was clean bowled by Glenn McGrath and to his relief it was a no ball. He went to score 166 and set up a match winning position for England.
Strauss's catch off Gilchrist at Trent Bridge
-------------------------------------------------------------Getting Adam Gilchrist was always the line that had to be crossed by England in every Australian innings and this catch was absolutely sensational, like Collingwood's catch of Hayden in the one dayers it left you speechless. The Strauss catch was absolutely fundamental to the Aussies following on and it gets better and better every time you watch it.
Flintoff's 18 over spell - 5 for 38 at the Oval
-------------------------------------------------------------
For the shear endurance and determination this is not a moment as such but a sustained spell of brilliance from a fast bowler. I cant remember a feat of physical excellence of this nature in any sport. It totally turned the game and gave England the chance of the draw and the series win. To have the Aussies scoring at 2 an over and hemorrhaging wickets was superb, a marvel to behold and an example to team mates which must never be forgotten.
Oval Stats
Result: DRAW
Run Rate
Much closer which determined the draw in the end.
England run rate 3.6
Australia run rate 3.4
Runs
England Top Order 262
Australia Top Order 278 [only 1 innings]
England Middle Order 269
Australia Middle Order 59 [only 1 innings]
England Tail End 143
Australia Tail End 7 [only 1 innings]
All very skewed due to the nature of the match, Aussie openers finally bothered to show up!
Best Bowling
Warne 12-246
Flintoff 5-78
Ludicrous performance from Warne, he totally carried the Aussie attack.
Key Men
Pitersen: a timely innings which guaranteed his place in the winter tour, oh yes and it won the ashes for England.
Warne: mental, thankfully last time we have to face him in England.
Flintoff: 18 over straight, 5 for 38, absolutely staggering physical performance which was a marvel to behold.
Strauss: good knock in the first innings.
Aussie openers: about time really.
Run Rate
Much closer which determined the draw in the end.
England run rate 3.6
Australia run rate 3.4
Runs
England Top Order 262
Australia Top Order 278 [only 1 innings]
England Middle Order 269
Australia Middle Order 59 [only 1 innings]
England Tail End 143
Australia Tail End 7 [only 1 innings]
All very skewed due to the nature of the match, Aussie openers finally bothered to show up!
Best Bowling
Warne 12-246
Flintoff 5-78
Ludicrous performance from Warne, he totally carried the Aussie attack.
Key Men
Pitersen: a timely innings which guaranteed his place in the winter tour, oh yes and it won the ashes for England.
Warne: mental, thankfully last time we have to face him in England.
Flintoff: 18 over straight, 5 for 38, absolutely staggering physical performance which was a marvel to behold.
Strauss: good knock in the first innings.
Aussie openers: about time really.
Trent Bridge Stats
Run Rate
This was closer, interestingly Australia's run rate is identical to Old Trafford.
England run rate 3.9
Australia run rate 3.5
Runs
England Top Order 208
Australia Top Order 170
England Middle Order 290
Australia Middle Order 248
England Tail End 57
Australia Tail End 149
Top and middle order will be disappointed here, the Aussie tail nearly scored more than the top order!
Individual Contributions
The England bowlers were excellent with bat and ball, with everyone weighing in after Jones was injured, Warne and Lee were both excellent as well. Ironically the individual contribution most remembered will go to Gary Pratt for running out Ricky Ponting.
Best Bowling
Jones 5-44 [one innings]
Warne 8-133
Key Men
Hoggard:bowled well with 3 quick wickets in the first innings and picked up Gilchrist in the second
Flintoff: 100+ runs which set up the lead and 3 key wickets.
Warne: he produced a horrible spell as far as England were concerned in the second innings.
Lee: Annoying with big runs from the tail end and real passion in his bowling.
Strauss: brilliant catch to dismiss Gilchrist in the first innings.
This was closer, interestingly Australia's run rate is identical to Old Trafford.
England run rate 3.9
Australia run rate 3.5
Runs
England Top Order 208
Australia Top Order 170
England Middle Order 290
Australia Middle Order 248
England Tail End 57
Australia Tail End 149
Top and middle order will be disappointed here, the Aussie tail nearly scored more than the top order!
Individual Contributions
The England bowlers were excellent with bat and ball, with everyone weighing in after Jones was injured, Warne and Lee were both excellent as well. Ironically the individual contribution most remembered will go to Gary Pratt for running out Ricky Ponting.
Best Bowling
Jones 5-44 [one innings]
Warne 8-133
Key Men
Hoggard:bowled well with 3 quick wickets in the first innings and picked up Gilchrist in the second
Flintoff: 100+ runs which set up the lead and 3 key wickets.
Warne: he produced a horrible spell as far as England were concerned in the second innings.
Lee: Annoying with big runs from the tail end and real passion in his bowling.
Strauss: brilliant catch to dismiss Gilchrist in the first innings.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Just in case you are new to Cricket...
It is not always like this!
The last few years have been excellent and England really have scraped home in this series, it is a fabulous achievement and I am thrilled to have witnessed it. It will take a while to sink in and more comments will follow...
The last few years have been excellent and England really have scraped home in this series, it is a fabulous achievement and I am thrilled to have witnessed it. It will take a while to sink in and more comments will follow...
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Oval Day 4 Review
There is absolutely no question about it - over the 5 matches England's bowling attack has been better that Australia's. It has outperformed the Aussies at practically every turn.
The batting has been about even I reckon but today's performance of Freddie Flintoff was probably his best of the Summer. What a cricketer, he inspired the whole team with one spell of 18 overs, what a feat of fitness, strength, guile, skill and sheer patriotism! He took 5-38 at an incredible 2 an over. He was passing the bat time and time again and had a whole host of close calls as well as the wickets. Ably supported by Matt Hoggard he destroyed the Aussies today.
The game is still finely poised and can still can go either way, the England victory is impossible, the draw looks the favourite but an Aussie win is by no means out of the question as long as Shane Warne has a breath in his body. He for one will take most imspiration from Flintoff's performance. The standard of play is getting higher and higher and could all come to an incredible climax tomorrow, but me? I'm hoping for it to go out with a whimper and England get a draw in the rain.
The batting has been about even I reckon but today's performance of Freddie Flintoff was probably his best of the Summer. What a cricketer, he inspired the whole team with one spell of 18 overs, what a feat of fitness, strength, guile, skill and sheer patriotism! He took 5-38 at an incredible 2 an over. He was passing the bat time and time again and had a whole host of close calls as well as the wickets. Ably supported by Matt Hoggard he destroyed the Aussies today.
The game is still finely poised and can still can go either way, the England victory is impossible, the draw looks the favourite but an Aussie win is by no means out of the question as long as Shane Warne has a breath in his body. He for one will take most imspiration from Flintoff's performance. The standard of play is getting higher and higher and could all come to an incredible climax tomorrow, but me? I'm hoping for it to go out with a whimper and England get a draw in the rain.
Unbelievable...
England have a first innings lead!!!!!!
That is utterly incredible, another massive performance from Freddie with the ball. I'm afraid the conditions look way too friendly though and I am afraid it is all in vain. I'm glad I am not at the Oval, at least I can turn the telly off if it gets nasty - which it will!
That is utterly incredible, another massive performance from Freddie with the ball. I'm afraid the conditions look way too friendly though and I am afraid it is all in vain. I'm glad I am not at the Oval, at least I can turn the telly off if it gets nasty - which it will!
Saturday, September 10, 2005
AUSTRALIA WIN ASHES 2-2
I thought I would try it on for size, as it is [more or less] my prediction for the series, I actually said 1-1. Not sure how the Aussie press will take this one but England must see it as a springboard and a measure of how far they have come.
Shane Warne will yet again be the stand out cricketer with an incredible display and records falling all over the place. He fully deserves the plaudits but there wont be many Englishmen shedding a tear that this is probably his last tour to our shores.
Next time the Aussies come here they will certainly be without Warne, McGrath, Gillespie, Kasprowicz, Hayden and Langer. I would also expect them to come without Ponting, as this is the beginning of the end for him, Michael Clarke will replace him as he looks too uncannily like Steve Waugh in the way he plays, and Brett Lee will be the main strike bowler.
Shane Warne will yet again be the stand out cricketer with an incredible display and records falling all over the place. He fully deserves the plaudits but there wont be many Englishmen shedding a tear that this is probably his last tour to our shores.
Next time the Aussies come here they will certainly be without Warne, McGrath, Gillespie, Kasprowicz, Hayden and Langer. I would also expect them to come without Ponting, as this is the beginning of the end for him, Michael Clarke will replace him as he looks too uncannily like Steve Waugh in the way he plays, and Brett Lee will be the main strike bowler.
Oval Day 2/3: The Weather is the winner...
Well, it is for the moment, and England will be hoping it comes to their rescue. There is an inevitability to this one that England will end up batting on the last day and trying to survive against Shane Warne. Australia will only need to bat once the way they are playing and that will be the difference.
The pitch was made for Steve Harmison but for one reason or another he has been ineffective, although not alone in the England attack which has been impotent.
I have watched some of today's play and without sounding like sour grapes Billy Bowden appears to have decided that he is not going to give England anything else before he goes home. That is the big problem with having an umpire standing throughout a series, he may try and even out decisions made in other games as he goes which is unfortunate [for England] to say the least. Langer was absolutely plumb lbw to the first ball of the day and Ponting was clearly bat pad to Giles shortly before today's close.
The pitch was made for Steve Harmison but for one reason or another he has been ineffective, although not alone in the England attack which has been impotent.
I have watched some of today's play and without sounding like sour grapes Billy Bowden appears to have decided that he is not going to give England anything else before he goes home. That is the big problem with having an umpire standing throughout a series, he may try and even out decisions made in other games as he goes which is unfortunate [for England] to say the least. Langer was absolutely plumb lbw to the first ball of the day and Ponting was clearly bat pad to Giles shortly before today's close.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Oval Day 1 Review: Advantage Australia
Well its a long time since I have said that, in fact since the first test at Lords there has not been one whole day where the Aussies have taken the honours. They comfortable one two of the sessions with some much better bowling and some shoddy batting from England.
If this match is not affected by weather this is a good position for the Aussies as they could build a big lead and make England bat on Monday which is not ideal. If England's batters performace was nervous we have to hope that the bowlers are in better shape mentally as they now have a real challenge on their hands.
Whatever the Aussies say they are under pressure here and one or two are playing for their places in the team, and Ricky Ponting must be included in that, some of his decision making under pressure has been poor. If a number of batters dont get runs they will be under severe pressure back home.
Talking of which, huge question marks have appeared over Bell in the England batting line up, a few of our younger players should be getting prepared for the call.
If this match is not affected by weather this is a good position for the Aussies as they could build a big lead and make England bat on Monday which is not ideal. If England's batters performace was nervous we have to hope that the bowlers are in better shape mentally as they now have a real challenge on their hands.
Whatever the Aussies say they are under pressure here and one or two are playing for their places in the team, and Ricky Ponting must be included in that, some of his decision making under pressure has been poor. If a number of batters dont get runs they will be under severe pressure back home.
Talking of which, huge question marks have appeared over Bell in the England batting line up, a few of our younger players should be getting prepared for the call.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Collingwood gets the nod...
I think this is the right call in the end, OK I am changing my mind back again!
If Harmison and Flintoff bowl well and Collingwood holds some cathes we will probably pick up a few extra wickets anyway. I am guessing he will bat at 8 which give us a great chance to put some runs on the board with the middle order.
If Harmison and Flintoff bowl well and Collingwood holds some cathes we will probably pick up a few extra wickets anyway. I am guessing he will bat at 8 which give us a great chance to put some runs on the board with the middle order.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Oval Preview
I am desperately trying to get up for this one but when i think about it I just get nervous, in the kind of way I used to with the old England, the ones that get beaten.
I am convinced we will see a big backlash from the Aussies and lets be honest, noone would be really surprised. I think we have one hope and that is that Steve Harmison comes to the party tomorrow and shows what he is made of. He got 9 wickets last year at the Oval and we need the same again.
The jury is still out on whether Anderson or Collingwood play and I am leaning towards Anderson now, slight change of mind there [see previous post]. The toss and the weather will probably decide it ultimately but Australia have Warne and McGrath back, and that can't be underestimated. The tension continues.
I am convinced we will see a big backlash from the Aussies and lets be honest, noone would be really surprised. I think we have one hope and that is that Steve Harmison comes to the party tomorrow and shows what he is made of. He got 9 wickets last year at the Oval and we need the same again.
The jury is still out on whether Anderson or Collingwood play and I am leaning towards Anderson now, slight change of mind there [see previous post]. The toss and the weather will probably decide it ultimately but Australia have Warne and McGrath back, and that can't be underestimated. The tension continues.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
The Twelfth man...
Lots of controversy around this issue at the moment. Whether it is England picking the best fielders in the country as their sub fielders, well we are at home, it is our perogative. Or the influence of the crowd on the opposition players.
I read criticism from Gilchrist of the crowd booing their 'world champion' players. And a piece in the Independent criticising the behaviour of the crowd [and Duncan Fletcher] waving the Aussies goodbye as they leave the field. I first encountered this pathetic attitude at Lords and it is why I wont go there again to watch England. There is no place in the modern game for England supporters to clap when Aussies score runs or get to milestones. How do you think that makes our players feel?
We are there to see England win and to help them do so. The crowd has played a vital part in the England team's success in the last few years and long may it continue. Michael Vaughan has thanked the crowd after England victory and that is because he knows we are helping.
Most of the barracking we give the Aussies is 'tongue in cheek' but is absolutely part of the game and must be encouraged. If it means they get to the wicket and lob their first ball to point [Shane Warne] after being roundly booed please find me an Englishmen [player or supporter]who would complain.
The term 'whingeing Aussies' comes to mind! Sound familiar?
I read criticism from Gilchrist of the crowd booing their 'world champion' players. And a piece in the Independent criticising the behaviour of the crowd [and Duncan Fletcher] waving the Aussies goodbye as they leave the field. I first encountered this pathetic attitude at Lords and it is why I wont go there again to watch England. There is no place in the modern game for England supporters to clap when Aussies score runs or get to milestones. How do you think that makes our players feel?
We are there to see England win and to help them do so. The crowd has played a vital part in the England team's success in the last few years and long may it continue. Michael Vaughan has thanked the crowd after England victory and that is because he knows we are helping.
Most of the barracking we give the Aussies is 'tongue in cheek' but is absolutely part of the game and must be encouraged. If it means they get to the wicket and lob their first ball to point [Shane Warne] after being roundly booed please find me an Englishmen [player or supporter]who would complain.
The term 'whingeing Aussies' comes to mind! Sound familiar?
And now the Oval...
My overwhelming feeling about the Oval is that Australia will win in what was their traditional manner. For some reason they have not been able to exert pressure in this series, since Lords, but they certainly remembered how to do it on Sunday.
I would expect to see Shane Warne bowling from the 10th over at the Oval with men all around the bat. Warne and Lee have been the only Aussies to establish any credibility from this series and it has been a pleasure to see them at their best.
England's hopes rely on recovering some composure and being able to field an unchanged side. If they cant play Jones then I would bring in Collingwood to strengthen the batting and hope for the draw with a bit of bad light thrown in for good measure.
I expect to see the Aussies in full flow at the Oval and I fear England may be a little short of stamina to keep up the level of play we have seen. The Old Trafford test will become even more significant if the series is drawn, but make no mistake England have already won this battle by being in the position they are in. We have grown as a team and as a force in world cricket.
We have given every other Test playing nation a glimmer of hope and tipped the scales against Australia for the next few years. We may even have ended the careers of a few of their players [Hayden & Gillespie] which is a stark contrast to the last decade where many Aussies made their reputations at the expense of England.
I would expect to see Shane Warne bowling from the 10th over at the Oval with men all around the bat. Warne and Lee have been the only Aussies to establish any credibility from this series and it has been a pleasure to see them at their best.
England's hopes rely on recovering some composure and being able to field an unchanged side. If they cant play Jones then I would bring in Collingwood to strengthen the batting and hope for the draw with a bit of bad light thrown in for good measure.
I expect to see the Aussies in full flow at the Oval and I fear England may be a little short of stamina to keep up the level of play we have seen. The Old Trafford test will become even more significant if the series is drawn, but make no mistake England have already won this battle by being in the position they are in. We have grown as a team and as a force in world cricket.
We have given every other Test playing nation a glimmer of hope and tipped the scales against Australia for the next few years. We may even have ended the careers of a few of their players [Hayden & Gillespie] which is a stark contrast to the last decade where many Aussies made their reputations at the expense of England.
Deja Vu
My second experience of live Test cricket was a trip to Lords to see England v West Indies around 2000. England has managed to create a potentially winning position of needing 186 in the last innings, bear in mind the first three innings were finished in the first two days, with history being made on the Friday when all 4 innings were played. It was a luicrously tense affair with England winning by 3 wickets and the crowd cheering every single run.
Jim and I were there, much like Sunday at Trent Bridge, absolutely bricking it! We had agreed on the way to the ground all those years ago that if England had won it would be the start of the new era. And here we are seeing them do the same to the Aussies that we did to the Windies to begin this incredible revival in England's cricket fortunes.
These two matches feel like the book ends of a brilliant 5 years and is testament to Duncan Fletcher, Nasser Hussein, central contracts, Michael Vaughan [who played at Lords that day] and of course Freddie Flintoff.
Thank you all.
Jim and I were there, much like Sunday at Trent Bridge, absolutely bricking it! We had agreed on the way to the ground all those years ago that if England had won it would be the start of the new era. And here we are seeing them do the same to the Aussies that we did to the Windies to begin this incredible revival in England's cricket fortunes.
These two matches feel like the book ends of a brilliant 5 years and is testament to Duncan Fletcher, Nasser Hussein, central contracts, Michael Vaughan [who played at Lords that day] and of course Freddie Flintoff.
Thank you all.
Trent Bridge Review
Apologies for not reviewing each day as it came along but the excitement [alcohol] of going to the Test with a couple of my best friends took over, and I have since been in recovery after having my nerves shredded by the England batting in the second innings.
It was another epic, of course, which had another ridiculous ending that was too much to bear. I have some key thoughts from this game which I will summarise and will try and elaborate as time allows.
My feelings after day 1 were that England had been slightly fortunate not to lose a couple more wickets which would have been disastrous. The second day wholly belonged to England with a brilliant batting display and a superb bowling stint which set up the win.
Day 3 was all about the follow-on, and I am proud to say I was there the day that we asked the Aussies to do so, with Simon Jones again the difference between the teams. Michael Vaughan's decision was an easy one with the conditions as they were and talk of bad weather on Monday. Psychologically it was entirely correct, even if we had drawn the match due to weather it would have been a huge blow.
Without Jones England toiled but still picked up key wickets as they have all series. There may have been a few dodgy lbws but that is indicative of Trent Bridge, it happens every year no matter who the umpires are. I think the missed chances and close calls even out the bad ones though if you look closely.
The morning session on Sunday was tense and hard fought, with England strangling the Aussies to just 48 runs. That is where the game was won, although some of the newbies to Test cricket found it tedious it was enthralling and exactly what England needed. It set up the afternoon collapse and the manageable target of 128. Jim, sitting next to me, had already said that 150 would be too many. I would almost have preferred to see a larger total so we approached it properly but instead we were presented with another nail bighter!
Hats off to Giles and Hoggard, they were excellent in the end. And as Ashley always says, England win the tight ones and thanks to him we did.
It will be great to watch the DVD of this series later in the year and reflect on the overall improvement in the England team but right now we are on a rollercoaster with no idea how it will end. The only thing we know is that England are 2-1 up with one to play and cannot loose the series. Incredible.
It was another epic, of course, which had another ridiculous ending that was too much to bear. I have some key thoughts from this game which I will summarise and will try and elaborate as time allows.
My feelings after day 1 were that England had been slightly fortunate not to lose a couple more wickets which would have been disastrous. The second day wholly belonged to England with a brilliant batting display and a superb bowling stint which set up the win.
Day 3 was all about the follow-on, and I am proud to say I was there the day that we asked the Aussies to do so, with Simon Jones again the difference between the teams. Michael Vaughan's decision was an easy one with the conditions as they were and talk of bad weather on Monday. Psychologically it was entirely correct, even if we had drawn the match due to weather it would have been a huge blow.
Without Jones England toiled but still picked up key wickets as they have all series. There may have been a few dodgy lbws but that is indicative of Trent Bridge, it happens every year no matter who the umpires are. I think the missed chances and close calls even out the bad ones though if you look closely.
The morning session on Sunday was tense and hard fought, with England strangling the Aussies to just 48 runs. That is where the game was won, although some of the newbies to Test cricket found it tedious it was enthralling and exactly what England needed. It set up the afternoon collapse and the manageable target of 128. Jim, sitting next to me, had already said that 150 would be too many. I would almost have preferred to see a larger total so we approached it properly but instead we were presented with another nail bighter!
Hats off to Giles and Hoggard, they were excellent in the end. And as Ashley always says, England win the tight ones and thanks to him we did.
It will be great to watch the DVD of this series later in the year and reflect on the overall improvement in the England team but right now we are on a rollercoaster with no idea how it will end. The only thing we know is that England are 2-1 up with one to play and cannot loose the series. Incredible.
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