Today we could either be holding onto our record streak at Lord's, or be making history with this run-chase ahead of us!
As I mentioned yesterday, luck hasn't been in our favour, but that continued when Michael Hussey was given out when he whacked the bottom of his bat onto the Lord's surface. With the ball spinning away from him, lured into the drive, the Umpire sent Huss on his way, which was the third duff call for us in this crucial innings.
However, there is a game at stake, and we need to focus on the thing going for us!
Michael Clarke has now made a debut century in an English Ashes series. He was younger in 2005, less-patient and ambitious. Now he is a leader, patient, mature in his 5-day game, and his century yesterday was fine display with lavish off-drives, cover-drives and nudged singles where possible!
He is currently 125* not out, and he backed his words yesterday in believing the chance of winning this Test is there!
Brad Haddin (80*) played an impressively well balanced innings, with his usual shot selections but with a major amount of focus on the job at hand. He gave few chances and once again himself and Pup have dug us out of a hole. They bat very well together, and these partnerships go a way back now!
They have given us the best possible chance to win this Test match!
Some might say we are dillusional, but 209 is needed. Knock of 100 odd runs, and it looks less daunting. We still Mitchell Johnson to bat, and he will be eager for an opportunity like this. And Nathan Hauritz and Peter Siddle would give it their best shot to ensure we cross the finishing line!
It could happen, and rest-assured, Pup will be more focused on getting us over that finish line, than knowing his name is on the visiting teams Centurion record board!
I am not going to jump to any conclusions, but today we will see history on the table with pride at the most intense level from both teams!
Pup and Had's face their most intense Test battle yet, and with Freddie Flintoff (injury aside) bowling really, really well and Graham Swann offering some valuable spin at the other end, England's bowling line-up will not be too worried...yet.
A great day's Test cricket ahead, but this current partnership is where it all rests.
Who said Test cricket was a boring game?
2 comments:
hey buddy
hope you are doing well. I was waiting for your new post. Anyway, it seems like history has been made and the record is broken. well, I wouldn't worry about it too much. The main thing is the series is still open.
There were very few positives that came out from this match as far as Australia is concerned. Hilfy has been consistent throughout and has picked up wickets with intelligent spells. Hauritz felt pressured but came out as a champ in both games. I still feel he is not attacking enough for test cricket. Apart from hilfy, the bowling has been absolutely poor. Mitch needs to be rested. They need to get in Clark or Lee (if fit). They can't afford to have the Indian/SA series issues with out of form players. The batting has been decent though and the 1st inning slump really cost the Australians though. I still feel batting isn't a big issue. I'm sure Hughes will be right sooner or later. I hope he is because they have no other specialist opener, which really pisses me off. Gosh! don't get me started on the selection.
Feels like I've been repeating myself alot lately. We've been discussing these same issues for so long, ian.
I cheered and I cheered but to no avail!
Think the main thing for me is that Hauritz needs to know what is expected of him and then given the freedom to bowl to it.
Is he going to bowl a side out and take a fifer on a regular basis? I don't think so - but then Ponting can't expect him to.
If they do think he has what it takes then he has to be given the fields to do so.
Look at Swann and Paul Harris from South Africa have matured into integral parts of their team offerings. Neither is going to set the world alight but they have the ability to fill a role in the side and when they know what is expected of them they can deliver.
If they don't think he has what it takes then give the ball to Clarke or Lee and just have Katich and Michael Clarke turning their arms over for some variety...
Post a Comment