It will be raining fours and sixes with a thunderous atmosphere at the MCG in less than 24 hours time!
Don’t worry, summer weather conditions are predicted for Melbourne!
Yes, T20 action! Possibly one of the most exciting products in the sports market at the moment, most definitely in the cricket world for the fans!
Ricky Ponting and his squad take on T20 ICC champions India.
Ponting has stated that his side are ready to take on India!
James Sutherland (CEO Cricket Australia) stated it would probably be a full house at the MCG with an action packed display of T20 cricket!
I believe the hype has been great for cricket to attract supporters to both International and domestic cricket and no doubt that tomorrow will be a huge encounter! Big names, upcoming stars, high expectations and the desire to see exciting cricket!
This is the first T20 taking place on Australian soil against the Indians!
I believe it will be a match with tension and strong hunger for victory just as intense as the Semi-final in Durban, South Africa in last years Twenty20 ICC Champions trophy, which India won by 15 runs.
I am very glad to see Australia taking a more serious approach to this format, as it is a huge attraction and while it is more appealing to the crowds players need to be on top of their game to ensure the entertainment factor is fulfilled, that is what the customer wants!
Australia has a well-balanced side for tomorrow’s game.
Strong batsman, disciplined bowlers (so important in T20) and some of the worlds best fieldsman…yes, I believe Aussie have their best opportunity ahead of them to take the challenge to the Indians! Also looking forward to seeing David Hussey in the mix. Be great if he can send a couple out the stadium along with Symonds, Ponting and Gilchrist.
But we will see soon!
As for the Commonwealth Bank Series, the squad looks as tight as always and a unit that can destroy any opposition!
We will have to play highly competitive cricket though but I have no doubt we will be taking a slot in the final. We look ahead and seek to conquer, Gilly in his final series for Aussie has a lot to fight for and team moral will be on a high, and after all there’s a trophy waiting to be held up, as always we are ‘hungry for it’!
Here’s the Squad for the Commonwealth Bank Series starting on Sunday, Twenty20 squad in previous post!
The Commonwealth Bank Series Squad is:
Ricky Ponting (captain) - TAS, 33
Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain) - WA, 36
Nathan Bracken - NSW, 30
Stuart Clark - NSW, 32
Michael Clarke - NSW, 26
Brad Haddin - NSW, 30
Matthew Hayden - QLD, 36
Brad Hogg - WA, 36
James Hopes - QLD, 29
Michael Hussey - WA, 32
Mitchell Johnson - QLD, 26
Brett Lee - NSW, 31
Andrew Symonds - QLD, 32
* See fixtures for Commonwealth Bank Series in Januaries archives.
31 January 2008
30 January 2008
AUSSIE T20 SQUAD ANNOUNCED…& SOME CHIRPS!
Two stories edging into the Aussie Cricket camp, the first being that Shaun Tait, Australian fast bowler, has ‘quit’ cricket Indefinitely due to emotional and physical reasons.
Continual injury and added pressure representing Australian cricket can have it’s emotional impact and Shaun has made a very honourable decision to step away from his game to try rehabilitate himself.
I never regarded Tait as a test bowler but in the ODI format he was great at getting the key wickets when needed and his World Cup campaign last year justifies this. However maybe he makes a comeback in the not to distant future but we move on and there's no doubt there are plenty guys in the nets that can do the job in his absence.
Secondly, Harbhajan Singh’s match ban and case was dropped but a 50% fine of his match fee was the judge’s verdict.
So the ODI tour goes on and I won’t say anymore regarding the matter to avoid an essay on my part.
But the exciting news for Australian and Indian cricket fans is Fridays Twenty20 bash at the MCG!!
Sure to be an epic and fast paced (literally we hope…Binger!) contest.
Hopefully no controversy when we beat India arises…just take that one with a pinch of salt chaps!
The 13 man squad is a slightly modified one to that that played the Black Caps in Decembers contest at the WACA with Luke Pomersbach, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson excluded. Johnson is being rested for the Commonwealth Bank series.
Ricky Ponting steps in taking the captaincy and Michael Clarke takes on the Vice Captaincy, with Ben Hilfenhaus and David Hussey (Michael Hussey’s brother) making the team! It’s great to see David Hussey getting the call up to represent Australia; his stats for Victoria have been quite brilliant!
The KFC Twenty20 International squad is:
Ricky Ponting (captain) – TAS, 33
Michael Clarke (vice-captain) – NSW, 26
Adam Gilchrist – WA, 36
Nathan Bracken – NSW, 30
Ben Hilfenhaus – TAS, 24
Brad Hodge – VIC, 33
James Hopes – QLD, 29
David Hussey – VIC, 30
Michael Hussey – WA, 32
Brett Lee – NSW, 31
Ashley Noffke – QLD, 30
Andrew Symonds – QLD, 32
Adam Voges – WA, 28
Squad announced on Cricket Australia’s site.
I shall announce the squad for the Commonwealth Banks Series tomorrow amongst a few Baggy Blogger views for Fridays T20 encounter!
Mr. Sreesanth will be regretting his no fear comments very soon, lucky for him it isn’t Haydos and Roy in that squad!
Isn’t psychological warfare fun eh!
* See fixtures in Januaries blog archive.
Continual injury and added pressure representing Australian cricket can have it’s emotional impact and Shaun has made a very honourable decision to step away from his game to try rehabilitate himself.
I never regarded Tait as a test bowler but in the ODI format he was great at getting the key wickets when needed and his World Cup campaign last year justifies this. However maybe he makes a comeback in the not to distant future but we move on and there's no doubt there are plenty guys in the nets that can do the job in his absence.
Secondly, Harbhajan Singh’s match ban and case was dropped but a 50% fine of his match fee was the judge’s verdict.
So the ODI tour goes on and I won’t say anymore regarding the matter to avoid an essay on my part.
But the exciting news for Australian and Indian cricket fans is Fridays Twenty20 bash at the MCG!!
Sure to be an epic and fast paced (literally we hope…Binger!) contest.
Hopefully no controversy when we beat India arises…just take that one with a pinch of salt chaps!
The 13 man squad is a slightly modified one to that that played the Black Caps in Decembers contest at the WACA with Luke Pomersbach, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson excluded. Johnson is being rested for the Commonwealth Bank series.
Ricky Ponting steps in taking the captaincy and Michael Clarke takes on the Vice Captaincy, with Ben Hilfenhaus and David Hussey (Michael Hussey’s brother) making the team! It’s great to see David Hussey getting the call up to represent Australia; his stats for Victoria have been quite brilliant!
The KFC Twenty20 International squad is:
Ricky Ponting (captain) – TAS, 33
Michael Clarke (vice-captain) – NSW, 26
Adam Gilchrist – WA, 36
Nathan Bracken – NSW, 30
Ben Hilfenhaus – TAS, 24
Brad Hodge – VIC, 33
James Hopes – QLD, 29
David Hussey – VIC, 30
Michael Hussey – WA, 32
Brett Lee – NSW, 31
Ashley Noffke – QLD, 30
Andrew Symonds – QLD, 32
Adam Voges – WA, 28
Squad announced on Cricket Australia’s site.
I shall announce the squad for the Commonwealth Banks Series tomorrow amongst a few Baggy Blogger views for Fridays T20 encounter!
Mr. Sreesanth will be regretting his no fear comments very soon, lucky for him it isn’t Haydos and Roy in that squad!
Isn’t psychological warfare fun eh!
* See fixtures in Januaries blog archive.
28 January 2008
THE BAGGY GREEN WIN ‘BORDER-GAVASKAR TROPHY’
A Destructive innings by Virender Sewag (151) has given the 4th and final test of the 4 Test series the result of draw.
With the rest of the Indian top of order not posting solid runs around him, Sewag held his own and stuck it out denying us the chance of a run chase.
Congrats to Binger (Brett Lee) on his man-of-the-series award, more firework displays shown by him with his phenomenal pace bowling!
So The Baggy Green win the ‘Border-Gavaskar Trophy’ series 2-1 and retain the trophy with the Adelaide test resulting in a draw.
My highlight of this test was seeing the masters of the game displaying some quality batting and posting some solid scores. Even the surprises that bounced at us were very entertaining innings’ from lower order batsman from both sides.
I was relieved to see Ricky ‘Punter’ Ponting (140) lay into a hard-working century and Michael Clarke (118) keeping his tally ticking in his young career.
An entertaining series with great cricket and plenty (maybe too much) controversy has proven that Test match cricket is still an attractive product and that Australian test match cricket is still alive and followed with interest and regarded as the true essence of the game!
I am very proud of my team’s victory in the series and also of our levelling of previous skipper, Steve Waugh’s record of 16-on-the-trot.
Records are made to be broken so watch out, 17 is our next target!
Congratulations to the Indian side in really trying to give us a challenge and that they sure did, proving to be very tough competition.
Good too see a team taking us on with determination and watch such masters of the game in their side perform with both bat and ball!
So…Friday we lay aside the Baggy Green caps and bring out our colours.
Yes, Twenty 20 cricket and One Day Cricket are the feast for next month AND a bit!
Friday will be a big one with a kick off of Twenty 20 action for the start of the Commonwealth Triangular with Sri-Lanka joining India in taking us on!
The Indian side are the biggest challenge in Twenty20 cricket at the moment so it should be quite a contest.
However, the 50 over format may well see India bring in that aggressive attitude they tried against us in last years ODI series in India.
With a new breed of players in the ranks it will be an interesting progression for them as young skipper MS Dhoni takes on the captaincy role.
I don’t feel the Sri-Lankan’s can apply that same approach but I always like to see Mahela Jayawardene and his team in action.
Will be quite the contest! * See fixtures below this post.
ADAM GILCHRIST TEST MATCH FAREWELL
Gilly departed from Test Match cricket today and placed his Baggy Green Cap on histories shelf.
Was great to see the respect from the fans, his teammates, the Indian cricket side and also seeing his wife, Mel, and their children at the post-match presentation.
One more battle awaits Gilly before he puts that bat aside, and that is too show his quality, tenacity and the fear he strikes in opponents as a batsman in the upcoming ODI series…victory to Australia will be the war won for Gilchrist in this encounter!
Here are his Test Match Stats proving why he will be remembered as one of Crickets greatest entertainers: (courtesy of Cricinfo)
TEST MATCH STATS: (BATTING & FIELDING)
Team Role: Wicketkeeper & Lower middle order
Batting style: Left handed
Matches: 96
Innings: 137
NO: 20
Runs: 5570
HS: 204*
Average: 47.60
BF: 6796
SR: 81.95
100: 17
50: 26
4s: 677
6s: 100
Ct: 379
St: 37
Total Dismissals: 416
NOTES:
Most sixes hit in Test Match Cricket (100)
Most dismissals in Test Match Cricket (416)
With the rest of the Indian top of order not posting solid runs around him, Sewag held his own and stuck it out denying us the chance of a run chase.
Congrats to Binger (Brett Lee) on his man-of-the-series award, more firework displays shown by him with his phenomenal pace bowling!
So The Baggy Green win the ‘Border-Gavaskar Trophy’ series 2-1 and retain the trophy with the Adelaide test resulting in a draw.
My highlight of this test was seeing the masters of the game displaying some quality batting and posting some solid scores. Even the surprises that bounced at us were very entertaining innings’ from lower order batsman from both sides.
I was relieved to see Ricky ‘Punter’ Ponting (140) lay into a hard-working century and Michael Clarke (118) keeping his tally ticking in his young career.
An entertaining series with great cricket and plenty (maybe too much) controversy has proven that Test match cricket is still an attractive product and that Australian test match cricket is still alive and followed with interest and regarded as the true essence of the game!
I am very proud of my team’s victory in the series and also of our levelling of previous skipper, Steve Waugh’s record of 16-on-the-trot.
Records are made to be broken so watch out, 17 is our next target!
Congratulations to the Indian side in really trying to give us a challenge and that they sure did, proving to be very tough competition.
Good too see a team taking us on with determination and watch such masters of the game in their side perform with both bat and ball!
So…Friday we lay aside the Baggy Green caps and bring out our colours.
Yes, Twenty 20 cricket and One Day Cricket are the feast for next month AND a bit!
Friday will be a big one with a kick off of Twenty 20 action for the start of the Commonwealth Triangular with Sri-Lanka joining India in taking us on!
The Indian side are the biggest challenge in Twenty20 cricket at the moment so it should be quite a contest.
However, the 50 over format may well see India bring in that aggressive attitude they tried against us in last years ODI series in India.
With a new breed of players in the ranks it will be an interesting progression for them as young skipper MS Dhoni takes on the captaincy role.
I don’t feel the Sri-Lankan’s can apply that same approach but I always like to see Mahela Jayawardene and his team in action.
Will be quite the contest! * See fixtures below this post.
ADAM GILCHRIST TEST MATCH FAREWELL
Gilly departed from Test Match cricket today and placed his Baggy Green Cap on histories shelf.
Was great to see the respect from the fans, his teammates, the Indian cricket side and also seeing his wife, Mel, and their children at the post-match presentation.
One more battle awaits Gilly before he puts that bat aside, and that is too show his quality, tenacity and the fear he strikes in opponents as a batsman in the upcoming ODI series…victory to Australia will be the war won for Gilchrist in this encounter!
Here are his Test Match Stats proving why he will be remembered as one of Crickets greatest entertainers: (courtesy of Cricinfo)
TEST MATCH STATS: (BATTING & FIELDING)
Team Role: Wicketkeeper & Lower middle order
Batting style: Left handed
Matches: 96
Innings: 137
NO: 20
Runs: 5570
HS: 204*
Average: 47.60
BF: 6796
SR: 81.95
100: 17
50: 26
4s: 677
6s: 100
Ct: 379
St: 37
Total Dismissals: 416
NOTES:
Most sixes hit in Test Match Cricket (100)
Most dismissals in Test Match Cricket (416)
FIXTURES FOR UPCOMING SERIES
DATE MATCH VENUE FORMAT
FEBRUARY 08
Fri 1 Australia vs India MCG, Melbourne - Twenty20 (D/N)
Sun 3 Australia vs India GABBA, Brisbane - ODI (D/N)
Tue 5 India vs Sri-Lanka GABBA, Brisbane - ODI (D/N)
Fri 8 Australia vs Sri-Lanka SCG, Sydney - ODI (D/N)
Sun10 Australia vs India MCG, Melbourne - ODI (D/N)
Tue 12 India vs Sri-Lanka Manuka Oval, Canberra - ODI
Fri 15 Australia vs Sri-Lanka WACA, Perth - ODI (D/N)
Sun 17 Australia vs India Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - ODI (D/N)
Tue 19 India vs Sri-Lanka Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - ODI (D/N)
Fri 22 Australia vs Sri-Lanka MCG, Melbourne - ODI (D/N)
Sun 24 Australia vs India SCG, Sydney - ODI (D/N)
Tue 26 India vs Sri-Lanka Bellerive Oval, Hobart - ODI (D/N)
Fri 29 Australia vs Sri-Lanka MCG, Melbourne - ODI (D/N)
MARCH 08
Sun 2 TBC vs TBC, SCG, Sydney - ODI - 1st Final
Tue 4 TBC vs TBC, GABBA, Brisbane - ODI (D/N) - 2nd "
Fri 7 TBC vs TBC, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - ODI (D/N) - 3rd "
FEBRUARY 08
Fri 1 Australia vs India MCG, Melbourne - Twenty20 (D/N)
Sun 3 Australia vs India GABBA, Brisbane - ODI (D/N)
Tue 5 India vs Sri-Lanka GABBA, Brisbane - ODI (D/N)
Fri 8 Australia vs Sri-Lanka SCG, Sydney - ODI (D/N)
Sun10 Australia vs India MCG, Melbourne - ODI (D/N)
Tue 12 India vs Sri-Lanka Manuka Oval, Canberra - ODI
Fri 15 Australia vs Sri-Lanka WACA, Perth - ODI (D/N)
Sun 17 Australia vs India Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - ODI (D/N)
Tue 19 India vs Sri-Lanka Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - ODI (D/N)
Fri 22 Australia vs Sri-Lanka MCG, Melbourne - ODI (D/N)
Sun 24 Australia vs India SCG, Sydney - ODI (D/N)
Tue 26 India vs Sri-Lanka Bellerive Oval, Hobart - ODI (D/N)
Fri 29 Australia vs Sri-Lanka MCG, Melbourne - ODI (D/N)
MARCH 08
Sun 2 TBC vs TBC, SCG, Sydney - ODI - 1st Final
Tue 4 TBC vs TBC, GABBA, Brisbane - ODI (D/N) - 2nd "
Fri 7 TBC vs TBC, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - ODI (D/N) - 3rd "
26 January 2008
STUMPS ON DAY 3 AND GILLY STUMPS US!
THIRD DAY STUMPS AND GILLY CALLS IT A DAY:
Day 3 of the Adelaide Test has been both a good, yet sad one on Australia day for cricket fans.
The good note is with Hayden (103) blasting another sensational century and Ponting (79 not out) and Jaques (60) getting their half centuries, it has kept us in this test after India’s mammoth first innings total.
Still trailing by 204 runs I still have the utmost belief in our side!
Glad to see my predictions are on the stumps!
Hayden, striking a century driven by his solid game plans against the Indian bowling attack, has not only made a statement why he is our Test opener but also joins the Elite 30 centuries or more club with Ponting, S.Waugh, Lara, Tendulkar (who added another on Day 2) and Gavaskar.
Adam Gilchrist became the leading wicketkeeper in Test Match dismissals and this test has seen some great batting, good bowling with many surprises!
One of those surprises is a sad one as Adam ‘Gilly’ Gilchrist has announced his retirement from all forms of the game.
He announced on Saturday night, "It is with great pride and happiness that I make the decision to retire from Test and one-day cricket".
"I've come to this decision after much thought and discussion with those most important to me." (see more at www.cricket.com.au)
A bomb drop after Gilly stated on Day 2 that he wasn’t going to let media influence his decision & wasn’t thinking of retirement, however I reckon it has been a pending decision and a very personal one for a long time and media attatchment came at a coincidental time.
Retiring must be a daunting thing for a cricketer, as Steve Waugh wrote in his Autobiography 'OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE', "There is nothing like it, the excitement of the unknown. Once it seduces you, you're hooked for life".
For certain a player like Gilchrist will find extreme relevance in that! Any great will!
Gilly has done many of us proud!
I can say he is a true sportsman, with great talent, great personality and a role-model for young cricketers!
Indeed he is one of the most entertaining cricketers of all time!
So this is his final stand in Tests and the Commonwealth Triangular series his final in ODI, Twenty20 format. That is against India & Sri-Lanka.
I may have to hold back the floodgates in Gilly's final career innings but I respect his decision 100% and it’s been an honour to see such a great cricketer…watch out for a century in his final ODI innings and an Aussie victory! As for Brad Haddin…watch this space!
Fixtures and 4th Test Baggy Blogger views will be up on Monday!
Day 3 of the Adelaide Test has been both a good, yet sad one on Australia day for cricket fans.
The good note is with Hayden (103) blasting another sensational century and Ponting (79 not out) and Jaques (60) getting their half centuries, it has kept us in this test after India’s mammoth first innings total.
Still trailing by 204 runs I still have the utmost belief in our side!
Glad to see my predictions are on the stumps!
Hayden, striking a century driven by his solid game plans against the Indian bowling attack, has not only made a statement why he is our Test opener but also joins the Elite 30 centuries or more club with Ponting, S.Waugh, Lara, Tendulkar (who added another on Day 2) and Gavaskar.
Adam Gilchrist became the leading wicketkeeper in Test Match dismissals and this test has seen some great batting, good bowling with many surprises!
One of those surprises is a sad one as Adam ‘Gilly’ Gilchrist has announced his retirement from all forms of the game.
He announced on Saturday night, "It is with great pride and happiness that I make the decision to retire from Test and one-day cricket".
"I've come to this decision after much thought and discussion with those most important to me." (see more at www.cricket.com.au)
A bomb drop after Gilly stated on Day 2 that he wasn’t going to let media influence his decision & wasn’t thinking of retirement, however I reckon it has been a pending decision and a very personal one for a long time and media attatchment came at a coincidental time.
Retiring must be a daunting thing for a cricketer, as Steve Waugh wrote in his Autobiography 'OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE', "There is nothing like it, the excitement of the unknown. Once it seduces you, you're hooked for life".
For certain a player like Gilchrist will find extreme relevance in that! Any great will!
Gilly has done many of us proud!
I can say he is a true sportsman, with great talent, great personality and a role-model for young cricketers!
Indeed he is one of the most entertaining cricketers of all time!
So this is his final stand in Tests and the Commonwealth Triangular series his final in ODI, Twenty20 format. That is against India & Sri-Lanka.
I may have to hold back the floodgates in Gilly's final career innings but I respect his decision 100% and it’s been an honour to see such a great cricketer…watch out for a century in his final ODI innings and an Aussie victory! As for Brad Haddin…watch this space!
Fixtures and 4th Test Baggy Blogger views will be up on Monday!
22 January 2008
LOOKING AHEAD TO ADELAIDE:
The final test of the series approaches, the results standing 2-1 to the Baggy Green.
This series has had it all; excitement, anticipation, controversy (plenty of it) and good cricket.
So here are my views looking ahead to Adelaide.
The great news is that Matthew Hayden is stepping back in to fulfil his duties at the top of the order. As I mentioned in my previous entry I highly rate Haydos as he is a player who knows his game inside out and rarely fails in his duties as a batsman…and a fielder on that note!
My feeling regarding the wicket is we may see a wicket with similar characteristics as the SCG.
Fairly relative geographically and historically, but I am not giving a live pitch report so we will have to see what the ground staff have dished up for us!
Should the selectors modify the side I’d seriously consider the man known as ‘Barney’ or ‘Hoggy’…yes, Brad Hogg!
He will be an important addition and whilst Pup & Roy (M.Clarke & A.Symonds) contribute with their spin blowing, a full time spinner will be a worthy addition and Hoggy brings in that extra depth also as a reliable lower order batsman. His knock at the MCG was sensational! This wicket may favour the modified bowling attack.
So Haydos and Hoggy are the two replacements I’d make and see them step in and Shaun Tait along with Chris Rogers taking over the drinks.
We may see some psychological warfare in the next few days but Day 1, on the pitch, of this 4th Test is where it counts!
My forecast from the sides:
India will be stepping in with confidence and a pumped up seam attack, and the senior players are most likely on their final Australian Test Tour so they will be playing with a fighting spirit.
Australia will be hungrier to win with destruction and will be taking in experience and synergy, and that’s team depth as the key, one that hasn’t failed them much in the past!
Ponting stated on Cricket Australia, "I know you'll see us come out in this game very aggressive and very positive and really try to force the issue in the game."
I hope the selectors get it right!
Should be a ferocious and tyrannical encounter that I reckon is to be some of the best cricket in this series….time to start the next 16-On-The-Trot streak eh!
THE BAGGY BLOGGERS XI (4th Test @ The Adelaide Oval)
Ricky Ponting (Captain)
Adam Gilchrist (Vice Captain)
Matthew Hayden
Phil Jaques
Michael Hussey
Andrew Symonds
Michael Clarke
Brad Hogg
Brett Lee
Mitchell Johnson
Stuart Clarke
This series has had it all; excitement, anticipation, controversy (plenty of it) and good cricket.
So here are my views looking ahead to Adelaide.
The great news is that Matthew Hayden is stepping back in to fulfil his duties at the top of the order. As I mentioned in my previous entry I highly rate Haydos as he is a player who knows his game inside out and rarely fails in his duties as a batsman…and a fielder on that note!
My feeling regarding the wicket is we may see a wicket with similar characteristics as the SCG.
Fairly relative geographically and historically, but I am not giving a live pitch report so we will have to see what the ground staff have dished up for us!
Should the selectors modify the side I’d seriously consider the man known as ‘Barney’ or ‘Hoggy’…yes, Brad Hogg!
He will be an important addition and whilst Pup & Roy (M.Clarke & A.Symonds) contribute with their spin blowing, a full time spinner will be a worthy addition and Hoggy brings in that extra depth also as a reliable lower order batsman. His knock at the MCG was sensational! This wicket may favour the modified bowling attack.
So Haydos and Hoggy are the two replacements I’d make and see them step in and Shaun Tait along with Chris Rogers taking over the drinks.
We may see some psychological warfare in the next few days but Day 1, on the pitch, of this 4th Test is where it counts!
My forecast from the sides:
India will be stepping in with confidence and a pumped up seam attack, and the senior players are most likely on their final Australian Test Tour so they will be playing with a fighting spirit.
Australia will be hungrier to win with destruction and will be taking in experience and synergy, and that’s team depth as the key, one that hasn’t failed them much in the past!
Ponting stated on Cricket Australia, "I know you'll see us come out in this game very aggressive and very positive and really try to force the issue in the game."
I hope the selectors get it right!
Should be a ferocious and tyrannical encounter that I reckon is to be some of the best cricket in this series….time to start the next 16-On-The-Trot streak eh!
THE BAGGY BLOGGERS XI (4th Test @ The Adelaide Oval)
Ricky Ponting (Captain)
Adam Gilchrist (Vice Captain)
Matthew Hayden
Phil Jaques
Michael Hussey
Andrew Symonds
Michael Clarke
Brad Hogg
Brett Lee
Mitchell Johnson
Stuart Clarke
20 January 2008
17-OFF-THE-TROT
One short of the record for the Baggy Green...how do I feel as a supporter? Upset certainly as that record smelt highly possible, but I am very proud of Ricky & the guys.
To achieve 16 consecutive victories in test match cricket is still a brilliant achievement, something that will be in the record books & furthermore one I am proud to have witnessed over the last few years...Steve Waugh and his team set a high standard and the fact the team who have been under Ricky's captaincy have met that standard is sensational.
Now is the time the critics will be pointing fingers! Well it's simple to see the logical aspect, and that is that the Indian bowlers did a top-class job in that first innings to put us on the back seat.
However, if I were to share my opinion regarding the loss it'd be most probably be what you all figured.
Pup's (Michael Clarke) drop catch when Rahul Dravid was in the early stages of his innings on Day 1 was a catch by Clarke's standards should have been taken with his eyes closed. Dravid played on to 93...but I never point fingers at a player as every cricketer at International level has seen a sitter hit the turf. That was a definite turning point in momentum.
Without Haydo's (Matthew Hayden) at the top order it certainly put Chris Rogers in a pressure cooker situation. Hayden rarely fails in his duties and he's a player who works hard, plays hard and knows his game inside out. That experience is always valuable in such a test match. I am by no means critisicing Rogers as I was very excited to see him debut at his home ground but Hayden is one of those blokes who is essential in any format and that Hammy injury was unfortunate. Hopefully Rogers gets a better shot soon.
The poor first innings just intensified matters and by our 2nd innings it's safe to say India had the momentum after our openers departed early.
The dismissals were very ODI styled & I reckon the 17 on the trot concept was in each players mind and may have been added pressure.
Pup did well for his 81 and had he stuck it out longer who knows what may have happened but credit has to go Mitchell Johnson and Stu Clark on their efforts with the bat in fighting till the end. Mitch hit his debut Test 50 and Stu played well for his 30 odd knock.
Please remember these are my opinions.
If you want to see a positive...the critics will realise we aren't invincible & it's a game of cricket...last time I checked you win some, you lose some.
We can be proud of our team and looking ahead which is always a key to Aussie success...it's still a long summer ahead and there's one more test in Adelaide vs the Indians.
Well done to Ricky and the boys for their top-class cricket and to the Indian team...they have been the one's to snuff out our test streak on two occassions so we will be fighting harder against them.
I'd like your opinions regarding the test and the summer ahead.
I will post the fixtures for what's left of the season this week.
To achieve 16 consecutive victories in test match cricket is still a brilliant achievement, something that will be in the record books & furthermore one I am proud to have witnessed over the last few years...Steve Waugh and his team set a high standard and the fact the team who have been under Ricky's captaincy have met that standard is sensational.
Now is the time the critics will be pointing fingers! Well it's simple to see the logical aspect, and that is that the Indian bowlers did a top-class job in that first innings to put us on the back seat.
However, if I were to share my opinion regarding the loss it'd be most probably be what you all figured.
Pup's (Michael Clarke) drop catch when Rahul Dravid was in the early stages of his innings on Day 1 was a catch by Clarke's standards should have been taken with his eyes closed. Dravid played on to 93...but I never point fingers at a player as every cricketer at International level has seen a sitter hit the turf. That was a definite turning point in momentum.
Without Haydo's (Matthew Hayden) at the top order it certainly put Chris Rogers in a pressure cooker situation. Hayden rarely fails in his duties and he's a player who works hard, plays hard and knows his game inside out. That experience is always valuable in such a test match. I am by no means critisicing Rogers as I was very excited to see him debut at his home ground but Hayden is one of those blokes who is essential in any format and that Hammy injury was unfortunate. Hopefully Rogers gets a better shot soon.
The poor first innings just intensified matters and by our 2nd innings it's safe to say India had the momentum after our openers departed early.
The dismissals were very ODI styled & I reckon the 17 on the trot concept was in each players mind and may have been added pressure.
Pup did well for his 81 and had he stuck it out longer who knows what may have happened but credit has to go Mitchell Johnson and Stu Clark on their efforts with the bat in fighting till the end. Mitch hit his debut Test 50 and Stu played well for his 30 odd knock.
Please remember these are my opinions.
If you want to see a positive...the critics will realise we aren't invincible & it's a game of cricket...last time I checked you win some, you lose some.
We can be proud of our team and looking ahead which is always a key to Aussie success...it's still a long summer ahead and there's one more test in Adelaide vs the Indians.
Well done to Ricky and the boys for their top-class cricket and to the Indian team...they have been the one's to snuff out our test streak on two occassions so we will be fighting harder against them.
I'd like your opinions regarding the test and the summer ahead.
I will post the fixtures for what's left of the season this week.
17 January 2008
The First Over Commences!
Welcome to an Australian cricket team blog!
As I type Australia are into the 3rd day of the Third test against India @ the WACA.
A challenging task ahead for Aus if they are to secure a victory for that record of 17-on-the-trot.
Will it happen? That will depend on India and their brilliant usage of the Perth wicket for their pace attack or, for Aus, a solid and well founded top order performance, which didn't prevail in the 1st innings. If Aus can do that and nail that target we will be seeing that test record! I'm confident!
Seeing as this is the start of my Blog I will explain it's outreach.
Dedicated to the players representing the Baggy Green and Australian cricket supporters, its purpose is simple:
* To review what's happening in the Australian cricket camp & Cricket Australia;
* My opinions regarding matches, opponents, players, cricketing situations and
The business and Marketing approach by Cricket Australia and cricket organisations alike.
Being a suppoter of the Baggy Green this blog is (hence it's name) fundamentally all about Australian International Cricket.
I will be posting with a good sportsmanship like nature & constructive articles so I'd appreciate comments in the same manner to posts please...however constructive opinions are always welcome.
Hope you enjoy my blog and I look forward to your comments...if this blog picks up over time it'd be great to get some interaction.
Posts will be done and a weekly or eventful basis!
That's the over mate!
As I type Australia are into the 3rd day of the Third test against India @ the WACA.
A challenging task ahead for Aus if they are to secure a victory for that record of 17-on-the-trot.
Will it happen? That will depend on India and their brilliant usage of the Perth wicket for their pace attack or, for Aus, a solid and well founded top order performance, which didn't prevail in the 1st innings. If Aus can do that and nail that target we will be seeing that test record! I'm confident!
Seeing as this is the start of my Blog I will explain it's outreach.
Dedicated to the players representing the Baggy Green and Australian cricket supporters, its purpose is simple:
* To review what's happening in the Australian cricket camp & Cricket Australia;
* My opinions regarding matches, opponents, players, cricketing situations and
The business and Marketing approach by Cricket Australia and cricket organisations alike.
Being a suppoter of the Baggy Green this blog is (hence it's name) fundamentally all about Australian International Cricket.
I will be posting with a good sportsmanship like nature & constructive articles so I'd appreciate comments in the same manner to posts please...however constructive opinions are always welcome.
Hope you enjoy my blog and I look forward to your comments...if this blog picks up over time it'd be great to get some interaction.
Posts will be done and a weekly or eventful basis!
That's the over mate!
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