Despite the loss in the circuits status, it has proved to be highly valuable to Australian Test cricketers.
Phillip Hughes has just logged in another century for Middlesex against Leicestershire. I won't be following with rest of the match in Cricinfo now, but he is currently on 116*.
This follows scores of: 118 and 65* in his first match against Glamorgan, and then also 74 against Scotland in a limited overs match for Middlesex.
So the strategy seems to be working well for our young opener in his preparations for his next appearance for Australia, being the 2009 Ashes series.
Brett Lee has made hints towards a brief county stint, while heavily targetting T20 cricket as his domain to make rapid progression in competitive environments. He will join our squad in the UAE with a possibility of making an appearance in the one Twenty20 match against Pakistan.
While Stuart Clark's appearance with our squad has been an important return on experience and his own benefits playing for Australia, he did make a note that the County opportunity may have been more beneficial in his competitive approach to the Ashes as well as getting more time in matches in the conditions. I was pleased that he did note he was proud to play for Australia at any given time in his career. I just think with the rotation policy we are using in this current ODI series with our bowlers, affects the amount of matchplay and the format in which he is aiming to return too for the better impression.
I think the NSP just want to see his body is coping alright.
I am doing a fair bit of scouting on the English Camp, and with Phillip Hughes in England it gives a chance to do extra observing, but I did notice for the 1st Test against the Windies England have decided to leave out a few seniors. Instead they are tossing in a few unknowns with the hope that they will be able to make their Ashes loss this year look less miserable.
Andrew Flintoff is in some doubt for an Ashes campaign after messing up his ankle again and having to miss the current Test series. Freddie is a good sport and a funny character, but I have yet to see him do anything spectacular to be of a threat over the last 2 years atleast. You just never know with Freddie!
29 April 2009
3rd ODI: CAPTAIN CLARKE SETS IT UP!
Sorry for the lack of writing as of late. Been very ill and other priorities have been needing attention. I did write up my views of the last ODI and despite the issues with the Saeed Ajmal doosra (another issue regarding "illegal" bowling) the series' spirit has been positive, and refreshening.
I think we can consider ourselves fortunate to escape a second loss, but most importantly I acknowledge another fantastic performance from our bowlers!
Not surprisingly it was the slower bowlers who did the damage on a wicket I actually expected to be more beneficial to the batsmen.
Taking a 2-1 lead has been a relief seeing how inconsistencies are still lurking in our setup. Having said that, it is fair enough to note this is not our strongest side especially with players resting and members of the old-tribe returning, but despite that I believe in each player's ability in this Australian squad to give strong contributions.
Starting off with the toss going in our favour, James Hopes' run-out started a bit of a concern. Catfish is suited to take on the pace attack but his run-out ended a chance to carry on where he left off, especially after the flyer himself and Hads got off to. Catfish is improving so much and it is a very important role he is filling!
Michael Clarke has had some problems with his ODI game but with leadership comes great responsibility, and in the last two games he really has shown his true colours in playing disciplined innings'.
He made a patiently crafted 66 runs and having got out in the powerplay to a deceiving slower ball, his continuation would have boosted the total. His straight drives are on-display again - similar class to Haddin's drives regarding right hander's - and great to see his elegant batting back in the ODI game.
Callum Ferguson has been the real find for us regarding limited overs cricket. He missed out on another fifty – for the third time I think – but his anchor role alonside Michael Clarke was a great setup to a score for our bowlers to try defend. Ferguson has some obvious areas to work on (short ball's, lofted slogging) but his contributions are similar to Michael Hussey in the middle order.Nathan Hauritz gave a cameo but a total of 197 is not much to talk about.
So once again the bowlers take the credit for getting us out of the losing booth.
That start from the Pakistan openers was really impressive and it seemed they were setting up the road for a 2-1 standing for Pakistan, but as was probably expected their batting does look a lot weaker on paper. I am well aware of Younus Kahn's abilities with the bat, also after his cricket with the Redbacks, but their needs to be more from their top 5, excluding Afridi who is a real go-to guy for them.
Nathan Hauritz and Michael Clarke were the match winners for us in the end, but it was backed by a much better display in the field! Andrew Symonds chipped in well with his 10 overs, but where we were most effective was the back-to-back wickets. It was a pity Roy didn't get the chance to smash the Pakistan bowlers around the park!
That was a flaw in our cricket against the Proteas, with wickets falling in regular intervals so that was definitly the momentum setter. From there it was some sensational fielding and excellent enthusiasm that gave us the victory, which really was there for the taking from the way the innings began.
Nathan Bracken is still struggling, but his comeback was really effective in making sure the runs went dry for Pakistan. The wickets were inevitable from an inexperienced lower order with the batting. Stuart Clark was swift in getting the last wicket, with Ben Hilfenhaus keeping leading well from the front again! Yes, our bowling is with out a doubt our strength and getting us out of some tight situations.
Nathan Hauritz' cricket is improving with the extra exposure to International cricket after a long time in the shadows, but I am pleased to see the faith their selectors are showing in him, as well as his determination to provide runs with the bat too!
Brad Haddin's wicket-keeping was once again really sharp, consistent and that throw at the end of the innings was outstanding! His enthusiasm is noticeable even after a long summer! A keeper's contribution is so important so I am pleased with his standards back to the level that enabled him to much such a big step-up in replacing Adam Gilchrist.
I can honestly say that I am really pleased with the squad we have and the options we have for selection.
The major problem is inconsistency, and I am confident if the guys can find ways to improve the consistency, which was a bigger reason for our many victories in limited overs cricket.
Michael Clarke seems to be handling the Captaincy a lot better and it's great to see the team all contributing to the on-field decisions! A bit of a break now till the next match which will be played on Friday, and the only element I'd like too see improve – taking into account everything else staying as is on the positives – would be the batting. Glad Clarkey has another fifty behind his name.
Responsibility can do great things when the chips are down!
And Tony Greig...please cough mate, you sound like Darth Vader.
I think we can consider ourselves fortunate to escape a second loss, but most importantly I acknowledge another fantastic performance from our bowlers!
Not surprisingly it was the slower bowlers who did the damage on a wicket I actually expected to be more beneficial to the batsmen.
Taking a 2-1 lead has been a relief seeing how inconsistencies are still lurking in our setup. Having said that, it is fair enough to note this is not our strongest side especially with players resting and members of the old-tribe returning, but despite that I believe in each player's ability in this Australian squad to give strong contributions.
Starting off with the toss going in our favour, James Hopes' run-out started a bit of a concern. Catfish is suited to take on the pace attack but his run-out ended a chance to carry on where he left off, especially after the flyer himself and Hads got off to. Catfish is improving so much and it is a very important role he is filling!
Michael Clarke has had some problems with his ODI game but with leadership comes great responsibility, and in the last two games he really has shown his true colours in playing disciplined innings'.
He made a patiently crafted 66 runs and having got out in the powerplay to a deceiving slower ball, his continuation would have boosted the total. His straight drives are on-display again - similar class to Haddin's drives regarding right hander's - and great to see his elegant batting back in the ODI game.
Callum Ferguson has been the real find for us regarding limited overs cricket. He missed out on another fifty – for the third time I think – but his anchor role alonside Michael Clarke was a great setup to a score for our bowlers to try defend. Ferguson has some obvious areas to work on (short ball's, lofted slogging) but his contributions are similar to Michael Hussey in the middle order.Nathan Hauritz gave a cameo but a total of 197 is not much to talk about.
So once again the bowlers take the credit for getting us out of the losing booth.
That start from the Pakistan openers was really impressive and it seemed they were setting up the road for a 2-1 standing for Pakistan, but as was probably expected their batting does look a lot weaker on paper. I am well aware of Younus Kahn's abilities with the bat, also after his cricket with the Redbacks, but their needs to be more from their top 5, excluding Afridi who is a real go-to guy for them.
Nathan Hauritz and Michael Clarke were the match winners for us in the end, but it was backed by a much better display in the field! Andrew Symonds chipped in well with his 10 overs, but where we were most effective was the back-to-back wickets. It was a pity Roy didn't get the chance to smash the Pakistan bowlers around the park!
That was a flaw in our cricket against the Proteas, with wickets falling in regular intervals so that was definitly the momentum setter. From there it was some sensational fielding and excellent enthusiasm that gave us the victory, which really was there for the taking from the way the innings began.
Nathan Bracken is still struggling, but his comeback was really effective in making sure the runs went dry for Pakistan. The wickets were inevitable from an inexperienced lower order with the batting. Stuart Clark was swift in getting the last wicket, with Ben Hilfenhaus keeping leading well from the front again! Yes, our bowling is with out a doubt our strength and getting us out of some tight situations.
Nathan Hauritz' cricket is improving with the extra exposure to International cricket after a long time in the shadows, but I am pleased to see the faith their selectors are showing in him, as well as his determination to provide runs with the bat too!
Brad Haddin's wicket-keeping was once again really sharp, consistent and that throw at the end of the innings was outstanding! His enthusiasm is noticeable even after a long summer! A keeper's contribution is so important so I am pleased with his standards back to the level that enabled him to much such a big step-up in replacing Adam Gilchrist.
I can honestly say that I am really pleased with the squad we have and the options we have for selection.
The major problem is inconsistency, and I am confident if the guys can find ways to improve the consistency, which was a bigger reason for our many victories in limited overs cricket.
Michael Clarke seems to be handling the Captaincy a lot better and it's great to see the team all contributing to the on-field decisions! A bit of a break now till the next match which will be played on Friday, and the only element I'd like too see improve – taking into account everything else staying as is on the positives – would be the batting. Glad Clarkey has another fifty behind his name.
Responsibility can do great things when the chips are down!
And Tony Greig...please cough mate, you sound like Darth Vader.
25 April 2009
2nd ODI: ROY RETURNS TO VICTORY
First thing I will note is the great spirit in which these two sides are conducting the cricket! Competitive, tactical, plenty harmless sledging and great crowd's giving the atmosphere a buzz no matter what the game situation!
Secondly the good news that we have won the 2nd ODI with a much better, more notable Australian brand of cricket!
Pakistan won a very good toss, and although I have felt their batting is no doubt going to be their weakness, Salman Butt and Younis Kahn certainly turned on the blaze as the fours were never shy for the Pakistani's. A quick outfield assisted very little in some of the powerful hitting shown, but it was evident that silly shot selection and not controlling the matches passages of play was their downfall to only reach 207! It was a similar display to which we had played against The Proteas. One or two partnerships created in desperate moments to get on top of the situation only to give it away, and usually with two to three quick wickets in succession.
Our bowler's did another fantastic job. Nathan Hauritz held his cool well and provided a needed 3 wicket haul. His role will be important to give him match time, build his confidence to give us that option in the ODI game as we did with Brad Hogg, who ended up being a really useful weapon in our attack. Nathan Bracken was wicketless again but he is keeping those runs dry again! Ben Laughlin really had a tough time. He did get a key breakthrough for us of Younis' wicket, but the inexperience probably got the better of him, but needs to learn, and I do feel it was the right choice to give him match experience. A little upset Stuart Clark wasn't playing, but gave Doug Bollinger a chance to also give himself a chance at ODI cricket. Like Nathan Bracken, he kept the run flow dry and also generated some early swing. Andrew Symonds wrapped is up with two wickets and some really good ground fielding. Although it must be said, as Michael Clarke pointed out, our fielding standards need to picked up. That aside, the bowling is looking alot better.
Shaoib Ahktar played a really sensational role with the bat! Just capitalising on where Mr. Boom Boom Afridi left off. We really need to get him out early, a bit like Herschelle Gibbs...probably just get himself out most of the time!
James Hopes is just giving it his best! He picked up 2 wickets, although on the expensive side, but once again made valuable runs to further his boost as our potential 'go to' all-rounder. Catfish made 48 (again) and at last we got to see him at the top of the order. When he last opened he seemed low on confidence and his game was a bit unknown to the situations, but since his outstanding performances, in my opinion, he adapted quickly to the situation and has shown he can control both the new and old ball when he faces the attack. Pity he couldn't get those 2 runs!
Shane Watson's 30 was a very solid innings. He didn't rush it, paced it out well, and in fact this is something all our batsmen did! Patience, building partnerships, reading the game situation, play for the victory as a unit and importantly handling the spinner concerns with noticeable improvement!
Seems Tim Nielson and his team analysts are doing their job alot better, most importantly our middle order! After Watto's effective partnership with Catfish, it really had paved the foundation to take this game. Michael Clarke played a Captain's role! He has struggled with his ODI game and the runs have been tough to make, but he played the ideal role last night, just assisting Roy in knocking off those runs. While Pup played the ball around and kept in survival mode, Roy decided to make his return count for us! It was fantastic to have him back! Clean cut, a good attitude, apart of the team and hungry for runs it was a very refreshing 58 runs he made! His strike-rate was just below 100, but like the other's the plan was to just keep out there and get the runs, take on the spinners and get the victory.
Callum Ferguson played a neat cameo to steer us home.
Although he didn't bat for long, Brad Haddin's wicketkeeping standards are really playing a big role in our performances. One hiccup yesterday was a chance of a runout at the end where he fumbled it, but upon further inspection it seemed the batsman would have made his ground anyway. But his catches were awesome and the energy is alot better. A wicketkeeper is a crucial element to the fielding and I am glad to see Hads' keeping at the benchmarking position again!
1-1 in the 5 match ODI series! Much better cricket from the guys and pleased to see some synergy effects out there again. Still plenty too see where they can improve but the important thing is every guy on this tour seems ambitious and determined to be out there playing for Australia.
Secondly the good news that we have won the 2nd ODI with a much better, more notable Australian brand of cricket!
Pakistan won a very good toss, and although I have felt their batting is no doubt going to be their weakness, Salman Butt and Younis Kahn certainly turned on the blaze as the fours were never shy for the Pakistani's. A quick outfield assisted very little in some of the powerful hitting shown, but it was evident that silly shot selection and not controlling the matches passages of play was their downfall to only reach 207! It was a similar display to which we had played against The Proteas. One or two partnerships created in desperate moments to get on top of the situation only to give it away, and usually with two to three quick wickets in succession.
Our bowler's did another fantastic job. Nathan Hauritz held his cool well and provided a needed 3 wicket haul. His role will be important to give him match time, build his confidence to give us that option in the ODI game as we did with Brad Hogg, who ended up being a really useful weapon in our attack. Nathan Bracken was wicketless again but he is keeping those runs dry again! Ben Laughlin really had a tough time. He did get a key breakthrough for us of Younis' wicket, but the inexperience probably got the better of him, but needs to learn, and I do feel it was the right choice to give him match experience. A little upset Stuart Clark wasn't playing, but gave Doug Bollinger a chance to also give himself a chance at ODI cricket. Like Nathan Bracken, he kept the run flow dry and also generated some early swing. Andrew Symonds wrapped is up with two wickets and some really good ground fielding. Although it must be said, as Michael Clarke pointed out, our fielding standards need to picked up. That aside, the bowling is looking alot better.
Shaoib Ahktar played a really sensational role with the bat! Just capitalising on where Mr. Boom Boom Afridi left off. We really need to get him out early, a bit like Herschelle Gibbs...probably just get himself out most of the time!
James Hopes is just giving it his best! He picked up 2 wickets, although on the expensive side, but once again made valuable runs to further his boost as our potential 'go to' all-rounder. Catfish made 48 (again) and at last we got to see him at the top of the order. When he last opened he seemed low on confidence and his game was a bit unknown to the situations, but since his outstanding performances, in my opinion, he adapted quickly to the situation and has shown he can control both the new and old ball when he faces the attack. Pity he couldn't get those 2 runs!
Shane Watson's 30 was a very solid innings. He didn't rush it, paced it out well, and in fact this is something all our batsmen did! Patience, building partnerships, reading the game situation, play for the victory as a unit and importantly handling the spinner concerns with noticeable improvement!
Seems Tim Nielson and his team analysts are doing their job alot better, most importantly our middle order! After Watto's effective partnership with Catfish, it really had paved the foundation to take this game. Michael Clarke played a Captain's role! He has struggled with his ODI game and the runs have been tough to make, but he played the ideal role last night, just assisting Roy in knocking off those runs. While Pup played the ball around and kept in survival mode, Roy decided to make his return count for us! It was fantastic to have him back! Clean cut, a good attitude, apart of the team and hungry for runs it was a very refreshing 58 runs he made! His strike-rate was just below 100, but like the other's the plan was to just keep out there and get the runs, take on the spinners and get the victory.
Callum Ferguson played a neat cameo to steer us home.
Although he didn't bat for long, Brad Haddin's wicketkeeping standards are really playing a big role in our performances. One hiccup yesterday was a chance of a runout at the end where he fumbled it, but upon further inspection it seemed the batsman would have made his ground anyway. But his catches were awesome and the energy is alot better. A wicketkeeper is a crucial element to the fielding and I am glad to see Hads' keeping at the benchmarking position again!
1-1 in the 5 match ODI series! Much better cricket from the guys and pleased to see some synergy effects out there again. Still plenty too see where they can improve but the important thing is every guy on this tour seems ambitious and determined to be out there playing for Australia.
23 April 2009
THE ASHES NOTES # 1
I will be writing these short notes in the build up too the 2009 Ashes in England.
As our players of the ODI squad continue their work against Pakistan in Dubai with the 2nd ODI a few hours away, members of our probable Ashes squad are either braving the heat in that contest, taking part in the IPL in South Africa, putting their feet up at home for a rest after a long summer, or if you are Phillip Hughes, you are gaining experience in the land of the warzone for the Ashes.
Having recently written an article (CLICK HERE) regarding his vision and simple plan in his Ashes preps, you will be glad to know if you are an Australian supporter - or aren't a fan of the English cricket team - that Phillip (or Boofa by nickname) has made a century in his first innings for Middlesex, in his first cricketing outing in First-class cricket to England!
At the close of play on Day 2 he was 100* not out, with two days to still get some time out there. That is some really great news regarding our young talent!
Keep going Phillip, you making us proud!
Back to the anticipation how our guys will perform in the 2nd ODI against Pakistan.
As our players of the ODI squad continue their work against Pakistan in Dubai with the 2nd ODI a few hours away, members of our probable Ashes squad are either braving the heat in that contest, taking part in the IPL in South Africa, putting their feet up at home for a rest after a long summer, or if you are Phillip Hughes, you are gaining experience in the land of the warzone for the Ashes.
Having recently written an article (CLICK HERE) regarding his vision and simple plan in his Ashes preps, you will be glad to know if you are an Australian supporter - or aren't a fan of the English cricket team - that Phillip (or Boofa by nickname) has made a century in his first innings for Middlesex, in his first cricketing outing in First-class cricket to England!
At the close of play on Day 2 he was 100* not out, with two days to still get some time out there. That is some really great news regarding our young talent!
Keep going Phillip, you making us proud!
Back to the anticipation how our guys will perform in the 2nd ODI against Pakistan.
1st ODI: THE SPIN SENDS THE RUNS TO THE BIN
There is an important highlight to mention.
Our batsmen have lost their focus and abilities when handling spin bowlers!
After such a strong start yesterday, the way things fell apart out there it was actually a little difficult to kind of absorb until. I'm feeling the effects the loss today. But, it isn't all doom and gloom folks. There were positives and I am glad Michael Clarke who is our Skipper for the series, admitted to no excuses and is ready to fix yesterday's issues!
Was great to have Shaun Marsh back, but that was short-lived and frustratingly we lose another opening batsman (again) and Marcus North has had to make his way over to replace Shaun. He pulled his hamstring against the Black Caps last year and at 25 years of age the frustrations continue as the hammy injury returned.
Northy is a good candidate under the circumstance as he was in South Africa throughout the ODI's but only played in the first two Tests, but should he play this time his abilities stand him in strong stead for a call up, alongside David Hussey who is equally matched to Northy.
Brad Haddin continues to impress. It seems when Hads is given more responsibility he actually plays a really dominant brand of cricket. His batting to me personally has always shown immaculate strokeplay and a good balance between aggressive and intelligent, but adrenaline and expectations seem to be Hads' shortfall. Notably the Gilchrist pressure, but the responsibility is good for him and although he needed to carry on yesterday, the form continues to be there. His wicketkeeping was also fantastic, reflecting his true standards and those epic leaps! Hope he holds the standard throughout, and he has also had a long summer so it's a chance for a big push before a bit of a breather.
Shane Watson showed little rustiness with the bat in hand for the 50 over game (he played some Sheffield cricket for QLD as a batsman this season) and him and Hads put together a good stand. I like Watto's attitude and the way he isn't shy to provoke a bowler with a bit of a verbal encounter, and backs it up with some clean hitting. He got out to a very good bit of bowling from Afridi, but he's got some good one's awaiting him. From there on, well, very dissapointing, at times embarassing, but the guys have no choice but to show up tomorrow and play the spinner's. No excuses anymore, just use the feet, mess with their plans and play the Australian way. Every guy in this side has excellent abilities. There is no excuse to go down to Pakistan in the form that we are World Champions at. But before I get onto the bowling, how about James 'Catfish' Hopes! He has really made the step up with his batting and continues to improve. His bowling was superb, his variation was smart, he bowled to his field and importantly - like he did at Newlands - he stepped up when needed and was left stranded on 48*. Who knows, with more wicket's in hand Catfish was in-line for that maiden ton? But the middle-order collapse was tough to grasp, especially having Andrew 'Roy' Symonds back in the squad.
The bowlers were great! The wicket seems to offer better assistance to the medium pace/spin bowlers. And as luck would have it, we don't have any real speedsters on this tour, so having the bowling line-up we have is very beneficial! Stuart Clark's return is a needed one, and deserved more than 1 wicket. He is a great bowler, can generate slight deviation in his swing tactics, but his consistency along with Nathan Bracken, makes the two of them a class pair. Pity Bracks wasn't amongst the wicket grabbers, but he got that ability to choke the batsmen back in his game!
As mentioned James Hopes was excellent, and Ben Hilfenhaus struggled a bit in his return to ODI cricket, but offered good support and a break-through up front.
Nathan Hauritz is going to be an important part of this ODI side and I hope he can get some more wicket's behind his name because from the outside looking in, he does try hard!
Nathan didn't have the best of games and probably could have taken a page from the Afridi/Ajmal book with the way they just kept making our guys play outside of off-stump.
Now that display from Afridi was impressive and 6 wicket's always deserves a hat-off to the occassion, but I hope too not see this onslaught from the slow bowlers for the rest of the series. If anything Ajmal was the bloke who really impressed me with his deceptive deliveries and clever variation and exploitation of the conditions. Pakistan may have a very promising candidate for the future. I honestly didnot know much of him till this match. Great for Pakistan cricket but we need to get on top of their tactics quickly and get in the games!
It was also a great win for Pakistan supporters, to see their heroes again and have a win after a very frustrating period in time for them after what happened recently.
Our bowling was excellent, don't doubt that for a second folks, but the batting was poor, and often this once off blow to the order is what stirs a switch in intensity.
Whether both North and Hussey play will be interesting, but I am sure we can expect some bowling from Roy, Michael Clarke or as mentioned Northy or David.
Not long till the 2nd part of this series, so let's hope for a quick turnaround. Interesting start though to the series. Another note is that the stadium is a very impressive one. I quite like it.
Our batsmen have lost their focus and abilities when handling spin bowlers!
After such a strong start yesterday, the way things fell apart out there it was actually a little difficult to kind of absorb until. I'm feeling the effects the loss today. But, it isn't all doom and gloom folks. There were positives and I am glad Michael Clarke who is our Skipper for the series, admitted to no excuses and is ready to fix yesterday's issues!
Was great to have Shaun Marsh back, but that was short-lived and frustratingly we lose another opening batsman (again) and Marcus North has had to make his way over to replace Shaun. He pulled his hamstring against the Black Caps last year and at 25 years of age the frustrations continue as the hammy injury returned.
Northy is a good candidate under the circumstance as he was in South Africa throughout the ODI's but only played in the first two Tests, but should he play this time his abilities stand him in strong stead for a call up, alongside David Hussey who is equally matched to Northy.
Brad Haddin continues to impress. It seems when Hads is given more responsibility he actually plays a really dominant brand of cricket. His batting to me personally has always shown immaculate strokeplay and a good balance between aggressive and intelligent, but adrenaline and expectations seem to be Hads' shortfall. Notably the Gilchrist pressure, but the responsibility is good for him and although he needed to carry on yesterday, the form continues to be there. His wicketkeeping was also fantastic, reflecting his true standards and those epic leaps! Hope he holds the standard throughout, and he has also had a long summer so it's a chance for a big push before a bit of a breather.
Shane Watson showed little rustiness with the bat in hand for the 50 over game (he played some Sheffield cricket for QLD as a batsman this season) and him and Hads put together a good stand. I like Watto's attitude and the way he isn't shy to provoke a bowler with a bit of a verbal encounter, and backs it up with some clean hitting. He got out to a very good bit of bowling from Afridi, but he's got some good one's awaiting him. From there on, well, very dissapointing, at times embarassing, but the guys have no choice but to show up tomorrow and play the spinner's. No excuses anymore, just use the feet, mess with their plans and play the Australian way. Every guy in this side has excellent abilities. There is no excuse to go down to Pakistan in the form that we are World Champions at. But before I get onto the bowling, how about James 'Catfish' Hopes! He has really made the step up with his batting and continues to improve. His bowling was superb, his variation was smart, he bowled to his field and importantly - like he did at Newlands - he stepped up when needed and was left stranded on 48*. Who knows, with more wicket's in hand Catfish was in-line for that maiden ton? But the middle-order collapse was tough to grasp, especially having Andrew 'Roy' Symonds back in the squad.
The bowlers were great! The wicket seems to offer better assistance to the medium pace/spin bowlers. And as luck would have it, we don't have any real speedsters on this tour, so having the bowling line-up we have is very beneficial! Stuart Clark's return is a needed one, and deserved more than 1 wicket. He is a great bowler, can generate slight deviation in his swing tactics, but his consistency along with Nathan Bracken, makes the two of them a class pair. Pity Bracks wasn't amongst the wicket grabbers, but he got that ability to choke the batsmen back in his game!
As mentioned James Hopes was excellent, and Ben Hilfenhaus struggled a bit in his return to ODI cricket, but offered good support and a break-through up front.
Nathan Hauritz is going to be an important part of this ODI side and I hope he can get some more wicket's behind his name because from the outside looking in, he does try hard!
Nathan didn't have the best of games and probably could have taken a page from the Afridi/Ajmal book with the way they just kept making our guys play outside of off-stump.
Now that display from Afridi was impressive and 6 wicket's always deserves a hat-off to the occassion, but I hope too not see this onslaught from the slow bowlers for the rest of the series. If anything Ajmal was the bloke who really impressed me with his deceptive deliveries and clever variation and exploitation of the conditions. Pakistan may have a very promising candidate for the future. I honestly didnot know much of him till this match. Great for Pakistan cricket but we need to get on top of their tactics quickly and get in the games!
It was also a great win for Pakistan supporters, to see their heroes again and have a win after a very frustrating period in time for them after what happened recently.
Our bowling was excellent, don't doubt that for a second folks, but the batting was poor, and often this once off blow to the order is what stirs a switch in intensity.
Whether both North and Hussey play will be interesting, but I am sure we can expect some bowling from Roy, Michael Clarke or as mentioned Northy or David.
Not long till the 2nd part of this series, so let's hope for a quick turnaround. Interesting start though to the series. Another note is that the stadium is a very impressive one. I quite like it.
21 April 2009
LOCAL TO LORDS WINNERS!
* PREVIOUS ARTICLE ON PHILLIP HUGHES' GLIMPSE TO THE ASHES AS WELL AS THE AUS vs PROTEAS SUMMARY
A while back I assisted a company Splendid Communications (thanks for the Baggy Reds) in promoting the Johnny Walker " LOCAL TO LORDS" campaign where two Aussie cricket fanatics will travel their way to England for the Ashes Test at Lords Cricket Ground, and while doing so teach the game of cricket to locals of the countries they pass through. Here is the latest from the competition:
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Two adventurers, nine countries, 80 days, a cricket bat and ball Melbourne boys set for global cricketing adventure
Following a major three-month search scouring cricket grounds and clubs, four Test matches and pubs and towns across five Australian states, two Melbourne lads have been selected from 300 entrants to embark on the Johnnie Walker Local to Lord’s cricketing adventure.
The two successful candidates, Rick Liston, 24, and Josh Ogilvie, 28, both from Healesville, Victoria will fly to Singapore later this month where they will begin their overland expedition, taking cricket to the locals through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China, Mongolia and Russia before arriving in London for the npower Ashes Series 2009.
Fox Sports presenter, Brendon Julian, one of the judges for the contest remarked that the two were the clear winners from the start.
“Their entry showed their skill for cricket as well as a clear spirit of adventure, along with a willingness and passion for the sport to be able to share their knowledge around the world. Their creativity and charisma topped off the decision that these were the guys for this adventure.”
Mike Hussey, who supported the contest, commented; “When these guys walk onto Lord’s cricket ground, they’ll have travelled nearly 17,000 kilometres, and taken cricket through more countries than I ever have. I’d love to shake their hand.”
Aude Parichot, Marketing Manager, Johnnie Walker Australia, said:
“These two have exactly what we were seeking for this Local to Lord’s challenge: the ability to start a cricket match with anyone, anywhere, and savvy finger on the pulse attitude. We are delighted to be able to help these boys realise their dream – they are stars in the making.”
The duo will be tasked with documenting their cricketing adventures as they travel, and sharing their experiences via blogs and forums, photography and video.
Supporters will be able to follow Rick and Josh’s journey on the ‘Johnnie Walker Australia’ Facebook page where there will be regular blog posts, video and image uploads from their adventure.
Follow their adventure! It's amazing what this great game can do!
A while back I assisted a company Splendid Communications (thanks for the Baggy Reds) in promoting the Johnny Walker " LOCAL TO LORDS" campaign where two Aussie cricket fanatics will travel their way to England for the Ashes Test at Lords Cricket Ground, and while doing so teach the game of cricket to locals of the countries they pass through. Here is the latest from the competition:
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Two adventurers, nine countries, 80 days, a cricket bat and ball Melbourne boys set for global cricketing adventure
Following a major three-month search scouring cricket grounds and clubs, four Test matches and pubs and towns across five Australian states, two Melbourne lads have been selected from 300 entrants to embark on the Johnnie Walker Local to Lord’s cricketing adventure.
The two successful candidates, Rick Liston, 24, and Josh Ogilvie, 28, both from Healesville, Victoria will fly to Singapore later this month where they will begin their overland expedition, taking cricket to the locals through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China, Mongolia and Russia before arriving in London for the npower Ashes Series 2009.
Fox Sports presenter, Brendon Julian, one of the judges for the contest remarked that the two were the clear winners from the start.
“Their entry showed their skill for cricket as well as a clear spirit of adventure, along with a willingness and passion for the sport to be able to share their knowledge around the world. Their creativity and charisma topped off the decision that these were the guys for this adventure.”
Mike Hussey, who supported the contest, commented; “When these guys walk onto Lord’s cricket ground, they’ll have travelled nearly 17,000 kilometres, and taken cricket through more countries than I ever have. I’d love to shake their hand.”
Aude Parichot, Marketing Manager, Johnnie Walker Australia, said:
“These two have exactly what we were seeking for this Local to Lord’s challenge: the ability to start a cricket match with anyone, anywhere, and savvy finger on the pulse attitude. We are delighted to be able to help these boys realise their dream – they are stars in the making.”
The duo will be tasked with documenting their cricketing adventures as they travel, and sharing their experiences via blogs and forums, photography and video.
Supporters will be able to follow Rick and Josh’s journey on the ‘Johnnie Walker Australia’ Facebook page where there will be regular blog posts, video and image uploads from their adventure.
Follow their adventure! It's amazing what this great game can do!
19 April 2009
PHILLIP HUGHES: A GLIMPSE BEFORE THE ASHES
* SUMMARY OF THE ODI SERIES vs THE PROTEAS IN PREVIOUS ARTICLE!
I grow increasingly fonder of Phillip Hughes' attitude towards his cricket, and I am really impressed by his maturity for Australian cricket at such a young age!
Having been on the quiet side of the media for the last few weeks since returning back to New South Wales, Phillip has come out with a few things to state in his Ashes preps. The big things seem to phase him very little, and his outlook on the game is refreshing and all about getting the job done and moving on. As he stated himself regarding his achievements in South Africa; "I knew it was going to be tough. But at the end of the day it was only one game of cricket, I'm not one to drop pressure on myself. Now the biggest thing is I want to keep going and keep enjoying this."
And who better than Steve Waugh to get advice from regarding the English turf for the 2009 Ashes! According to an article Phillip stated the following:
"At the Steve Waugh night I spoke to Steve Waugh about England," Hughes said. "Definitely before I go there I'll be getting around and talking to a few guys like Justin Langer and guys that've had success in all the conditions all around the world.
It's a big one because England is very different conditions.
The advice from Steve was more to keep enjoying it and be yourself. He said it's different conditions but the longer you're there you'll get to know them pretty well."
So, the 6 week stint with Middlesex could prove to be very valuable to Hughes, and back-up the Australian top order in entering conditions most of them have been away from for a long time. The time playing with Middlesex against some quality opposition bowlers, who will have vast knowledge of the conditions, will prove to give Hughes a good crack in the county circuit and hopefully plenty runs.
Not to phased in not being apart of the present ODI squad’s has given him a chance to really get some more experience behind his name in the longer form of the game and a chance in another new environment in order to be ready for Australia come the 2009 Ashes.
Expectations are often the virus in many cricketer’s overnight form-slumps, but with the cool-headed approach he takes into his game, I can only see one person creating issues within Phillip’s game, and that is none other than himself!
Steve Waugh had a tough start to his Australian career, notably in a time of rebuilding their side under Allan Border’s leadership. The situation of the current team somewhat reflects that era. Waugh was given endless backing and belief by his team-mates and selection panels, but more than once he was his own worse enemy.
Over-expectations, confidence problems and internal mind games were a big cause for his issues preventing any consistent developments in his batting. It wasn’t until the Ashes 1989 where things took off, and Steve Waugh would become one of the biggest names in World Cricket and one of the most notable cricketers who mastered mental toughness.
Steve Waugh is one of the Australian batsmen Hughes can turn too to get better prep-talks before his career takes a new step. But as he mentioned, Steve Waugh’s main outlook seemed to be extreme-perseverance and love of the game for the challenges presented.
Phillip Hughes’ story has been an exciting one so far, and many are not only looking forward to seeing how his individual efforts take off in the Ashes, but most importantly many want to see how the Australian team perform in the ‘Ponting Era’, as Waugh did in the ‘Border Era’ in the Ashes 20 years ago!
Ricky Ponting will be aware of the pressure and reminding from the media of the failures in 2005, but one would be expecting big runs from Punter very soon, and no where would be better than an Ashes fight back in England to heal those scars of 2005! Punter is still a world-class cricketer who has plenty to accomplish!
Michael Hussey will make his first appearance for Australia in Test cricket in England, where he was prolific in his first-class career playing in the County circuit, where the endless runs gave him the eventual call-up to Australia’s Test squad and his story is an inspiring one.
Simon Katich and Michael Clarke can put behind some of their darker memories of the 2005 Ashes with their brilliant Test cricket abilities, and have the chance of leading their team-mates to a new defining result with the fresher Australian Test unit, who have had up until now positive results. Mitchell Johnson may have the chance to lead the bowling attack if Brett Lee doesn’t make the call-up, Peter Siddle may get another crack with his burning ambition, and Stuart Clark and Ben Hilfenhaus could be the sultans of swing in the English conditions and be a great threat!
Who else will make the trip? That’s the NSP’s challenge over the next few weeks. But Hughes is no doubt at the forefront in a very exciting time for Australian cricket!
From the defining “bat-off” between himself and Phil Jaques (who also held the top order with high promise) he mashed through the Tasmanian bowlers to get the call-up for the job - after Matthew Hayden’s retirement - soon after the Allan Border Medal Awards, where he won the Young Bradman cricketer of the year.
From there it has been even more of a rollercoaster, which included a Test debut in the critical series for the team. But then a horrible fourth ball duck quickly gave a worry to the dream entrance. Walking away as the Proteas celebrated, people who were unaware of his feats for NSW began to question Phillip’s ability with the sudden dive into International cricket against the second best Test playing nation.
The difficulties continued as he faced a fast bowling assault from the Proteas pace attack in the second innings. Nasty short balls, rapid inswingers and plenty chirping was enough to wake any young batsman up to the realities of bowler’s letting-rip at them to crush their youthful careers in a flash to ensure their longevity and reputation stay intact! Hughes carved out an important 75 runs to ensure his bowling comrades could keep the Proteas wrapped up.
The second Test was a memory to be hold! Back to back centuries on a good Kingsmead wicket paved the way for Phillip to becoming the youngest batsman to make two centuries in each inning’s of a Test! And how well did he do it!
The unorthodox, aggressive manner in which he conducts his cricket is exciting and gripping to watch. It’s that refreshing presence that makes Hughes an asset to the top-order, almost giving another dynamic to young Australian’s making their way forward! It is a fitting style for a tough bloke who was playing rugby league in rural New South Wales tackling players towering his stature (which is admirable considering his short appearance at the crease) and a workaholic as a youngster staying out till the sunset hitting balls with the cricket bat and then eating and sleeping the game. No doubt like any young cricket enthusiast it involved dreams of the real deal!
That style he has developed - and is still going to see plenty maturity in the years to come - was promoted as he slog swept Paul Harris for two consecutive sixes to bring up his debut Test hundred. The Proteas were baffled as the next innings he paced his to 160 runs. This time he swatted a ball wide of off stump to send it over backward point to the boundary for four. Phillip Hughes had made an early statement!
Newlands saw a more down-to-earth result with 33 and 32 in the last Test of the series. While the last Test wasn’t a great way for Aussie to end their Test series in South Africa, it had been a very successful commencement to his career.
An average 69.16, with 2 centuries and a fifty, as well as 60.64 in first-class cricket for New South Wales, there is little to fault him on at present. The risk that creeps in for any cricketer, who is level headed and humble at heart, is the over-expectations from supporters and opposition alike.
How he combats that, I am sure he will justify it well, but with the Ashes 2009 coming up I am confident the interest will be extraordinary in the series!
It is a challenge awaiting every Australian Test cricketer who will play in it, but as for Phillip Hughes that is his next objective. And if his attitude is anything to go by and his commitment to the task at hand, it should be a very successful campaign for him, and strengthen the future of Australia’s batting.
As for the One Day arena, at 20 years of age he has time on his side before attempting to wangle his way into those ranks at the top! But the main thing is that for now he has made many Australian supporters very proud in a time of change!
Sources:
http://content.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/399191.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/enter-the-boy-from-the-bush-1644830.html
I grow increasingly fonder of Phillip Hughes' attitude towards his cricket, and I am really impressed by his maturity for Australian cricket at such a young age!
Having been on the quiet side of the media for the last few weeks since returning back to New South Wales, Phillip has come out with a few things to state in his Ashes preps. The big things seem to phase him very little, and his outlook on the game is refreshing and all about getting the job done and moving on. As he stated himself regarding his achievements in South Africa; "I knew it was going to be tough. But at the end of the day it was only one game of cricket, I'm not one to drop pressure on myself. Now the biggest thing is I want to keep going and keep enjoying this."
And who better than Steve Waugh to get advice from regarding the English turf for the 2009 Ashes! According to an article Phillip stated the following:
"At the Steve Waugh night I spoke to Steve Waugh about England," Hughes said. "Definitely before I go there I'll be getting around and talking to a few guys like Justin Langer and guys that've had success in all the conditions all around the world.
It's a big one because England is very different conditions.
The advice from Steve was more to keep enjoying it and be yourself. He said it's different conditions but the longer you're there you'll get to know them pretty well."
So, the 6 week stint with Middlesex could prove to be very valuable to Hughes, and back-up the Australian top order in entering conditions most of them have been away from for a long time. The time playing with Middlesex against some quality opposition bowlers, who will have vast knowledge of the conditions, will prove to give Hughes a good crack in the county circuit and hopefully plenty runs.
Not to phased in not being apart of the present ODI squad’s has given him a chance to really get some more experience behind his name in the longer form of the game and a chance in another new environment in order to be ready for Australia come the 2009 Ashes.
Expectations are often the virus in many cricketer’s overnight form-slumps, but with the cool-headed approach he takes into his game, I can only see one person creating issues within Phillip’s game, and that is none other than himself!
Steve Waugh had a tough start to his Australian career, notably in a time of rebuilding their side under Allan Border’s leadership. The situation of the current team somewhat reflects that era. Waugh was given endless backing and belief by his team-mates and selection panels, but more than once he was his own worse enemy.
Over-expectations, confidence problems and internal mind games were a big cause for his issues preventing any consistent developments in his batting. It wasn’t until the Ashes 1989 where things took off, and Steve Waugh would become one of the biggest names in World Cricket and one of the most notable cricketers who mastered mental toughness.
Steve Waugh is one of the Australian batsmen Hughes can turn too to get better prep-talks before his career takes a new step. But as he mentioned, Steve Waugh’s main outlook seemed to be extreme-perseverance and love of the game for the challenges presented.
Phillip Hughes’ story has been an exciting one so far, and many are not only looking forward to seeing how his individual efforts take off in the Ashes, but most importantly many want to see how the Australian team perform in the ‘Ponting Era’, as Waugh did in the ‘Border Era’ in the Ashes 20 years ago!
Ricky Ponting will be aware of the pressure and reminding from the media of the failures in 2005, but one would be expecting big runs from Punter very soon, and no where would be better than an Ashes fight back in England to heal those scars of 2005! Punter is still a world-class cricketer who has plenty to accomplish!
Michael Hussey will make his first appearance for Australia in Test cricket in England, where he was prolific in his first-class career playing in the County circuit, where the endless runs gave him the eventual call-up to Australia’s Test squad and his story is an inspiring one.
Simon Katich and Michael Clarke can put behind some of their darker memories of the 2005 Ashes with their brilliant Test cricket abilities, and have the chance of leading their team-mates to a new defining result with the fresher Australian Test unit, who have had up until now positive results. Mitchell Johnson may have the chance to lead the bowling attack if Brett Lee doesn’t make the call-up, Peter Siddle may get another crack with his burning ambition, and Stuart Clark and Ben Hilfenhaus could be the sultans of swing in the English conditions and be a great threat!
Who else will make the trip? That’s the NSP’s challenge over the next few weeks. But Hughes is no doubt at the forefront in a very exciting time for Australian cricket!
From the defining “bat-off” between himself and Phil Jaques (who also held the top order with high promise) he mashed through the Tasmanian bowlers to get the call-up for the job - after Matthew Hayden’s retirement - soon after the Allan Border Medal Awards, where he won the Young Bradman cricketer of the year.
From there it has been even more of a rollercoaster, which included a Test debut in the critical series for the team. But then a horrible fourth ball duck quickly gave a worry to the dream entrance. Walking away as the Proteas celebrated, people who were unaware of his feats for NSW began to question Phillip’s ability with the sudden dive into International cricket against the second best Test playing nation.
The difficulties continued as he faced a fast bowling assault from the Proteas pace attack in the second innings. Nasty short balls, rapid inswingers and plenty chirping was enough to wake any young batsman up to the realities of bowler’s letting-rip at them to crush their youthful careers in a flash to ensure their longevity and reputation stay intact! Hughes carved out an important 75 runs to ensure his bowling comrades could keep the Proteas wrapped up.
The second Test was a memory to be hold! Back to back centuries on a good Kingsmead wicket paved the way for Phillip to becoming the youngest batsman to make two centuries in each inning’s of a Test! And how well did he do it!
The unorthodox, aggressive manner in which he conducts his cricket is exciting and gripping to watch. It’s that refreshing presence that makes Hughes an asset to the top-order, almost giving another dynamic to young Australian’s making their way forward! It is a fitting style for a tough bloke who was playing rugby league in rural New South Wales tackling players towering his stature (which is admirable considering his short appearance at the crease) and a workaholic as a youngster staying out till the sunset hitting balls with the cricket bat and then eating and sleeping the game. No doubt like any young cricket enthusiast it involved dreams of the real deal!
That style he has developed - and is still going to see plenty maturity in the years to come - was promoted as he slog swept Paul Harris for two consecutive sixes to bring up his debut Test hundred. The Proteas were baffled as the next innings he paced his to 160 runs. This time he swatted a ball wide of off stump to send it over backward point to the boundary for four. Phillip Hughes had made an early statement!
Newlands saw a more down-to-earth result with 33 and 32 in the last Test of the series. While the last Test wasn’t a great way for Aussie to end their Test series in South Africa, it had been a very successful commencement to his career.
An average 69.16, with 2 centuries and a fifty, as well as 60.64 in first-class cricket for New South Wales, there is little to fault him on at present. The risk that creeps in for any cricketer, who is level headed and humble at heart, is the over-expectations from supporters and opposition alike.
How he combats that, I am sure he will justify it well, but with the Ashes 2009 coming up I am confident the interest will be extraordinary in the series!
It is a challenge awaiting every Australian Test cricketer who will play in it, but as for Phillip Hughes that is his next objective. And if his attitude is anything to go by and his commitment to the task at hand, it should be a very successful campaign for him, and strengthen the future of Australia’s batting.
As for the One Day arena, at 20 years of age he has time on his side before attempting to wangle his way into those ranks at the top! But the main thing is that for now he has made many Australian supporters very proud in a time of change!
Sources:
http://content.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/399191.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/enter-the-boy-from-the-bush-1644830.html
18 April 2009
THE CLASH OF THE GIANTS SERIES IS OVER
It all started last year in December! Can you believe it!
It's come and gone, and it really has been alot of cricket to absorb, stay awake to watch, keep your blood pressure at ease, give your vocals a day or two to recover, but more importantly there has been alot of incredible cricketing moments to remember and some emerging cricketers of the future!
Last nights match ended a long, tiring tour for both teams, and as Ricky Ponting asked for the guys managed to end this series with a win.
The 47 run victory ensured we moved ahead of India on the ODI rankings back to second place, and with the Pakistan ODI's not too far away it gives the players who will be playing in that series, just a bit of really boostful momentum.
The top order got it right last night, from numbers 1-4, and it was started perfectly again by Brad Haddin (62) and Michael Clarke (66).
In India in 2007 they played a crucial role in the 1st ODI together, and had proven they complemented each other well. They did not start things off well together, but in the last two matches have amassed back to back 100 run partnerships.
While Clarke is better suited to the middle order, Brad has proven alot with the bat.
At one point I thought we were in for a total of 439! Dream on, but it was still a terrific start, with boundaries launched over mid-wicket with Had's powerful slog drives, and Pup's usage of his hands to follow through with his shots in the gaps.
Had's smashed 1 six and 7 fours, while Pup glided away 10 fours to end off with a healthy strike-rate. Some fine ODI form has returned for Michael!
With the foundation set, Ricky Ponting (40) gave indication he was in tune for a big score, after another nervous start to his innings. Our Skipper and Callum Ferguson (41) were brilliant in keeping the runs flowing and ensuring a partnership of value was founded. Callum stepped up again and really deserves alot more time with the ODI squad. A good bloke and a useful approach in the middle stages of the game. He has shown his ability to handle pressure and take control of a game in a stealth like manner. A player who deserves to keep at it for our team!
The middle order failed on this encounter, but Mike Hussey recovered his inning's so well!
Many people are quick to doubt Huss when he is in a bit of a rut, but never under estimate him!
He got a golden chance after a bit of a shaky start, and then being dropped by AB deVilliers. I don't think he could believe it. But he capitalised on the chance and alongside Man-of-the-match, Nathan Hauritz, they steered us too reach 303.
It has been a long time since we saw the three figures indicating that landmark!
Huss played his strokes freely and wisely to ensure runs never ran dry. Glad he could end of a good note, pity it was one short of a fifty though!
But how about Nathan Hauritz! He did it with Huss in Kingsmead and last night they did it again. Nathan hit 24 runs, including a four and a six too show the value of a tail ender's contribution. The two put on a fifty-run partnership which really was an entertaining passage of play.
The Proteas started off well before Graeme Smith gave his wicket away again in the same fasion as the last match. But Herschelle Gibbs and Jaques Kallis were very strong and aggressive again. I really thought we were in for the thriller we expected. Gibbs had his luck on his side, which included a very frustrating miss-chance of a run-out by Brad Haddin. By Brad's standards it was a given, but he made up for it with clean catching with 3 catches and a run-out.
Gibbs managed 82 before Nathan Hauritz got the big wicket of the man you can never rule out.
Kallis played very well for his 64 I thought. He has definitly shown his indication to hang around for a lot longer, but Nathan Bracken fought back last night too get some well needed confidence.
2-54 were his stats, and the wickets were all big ones.
Mitchell Johnson was on the costly side, but ended with 3 wickets, and fittingly took the final wicket. It has been a long time since I saw a cricketer have such a heavy work load, and play so well for his team with improvement and extreme importance with both bat and ball! Top work Mitchy!
Ben Laughlin deservedly got the chance to play again. His bowling showed signs of that X-factor of swing and good seam bowling, but how about THAT CATCH!!!
A crucial moment of the game, that all but sealed the deal to ensure we didn't go 4-1 down.
Albie Morkel smacked one up high heading towards the mid wicket boundary for six. Out of nowhere the tall figure of Laughlin sprung into the screen's focus to take a leaping catch with perfect timing, and excellent control to keep in the field of play, and take a screamer I'd put alongside Adam Voges' catch as a classic.
So 3-2 was the result for the Proteas.
They outplayed our guys who were very inconsistent in their performances, but I am still proud of them none-the-less.
I look forward to moving onto new opposition and seeing some of the "old-tribe" back in action!!
As for Punter, Huss and Mitch, I hope their rest proves to be a beneficial one before they return back to our team as crucial team players, but as for the other guys, they still have some unfinished business to take care of in the UAE.
Thanks to Marc (SACS) for his input here at the site, and also for having his articles up on his site from a Proteas supporters perspective. Been good chatting to him and meeting other fanatics of this brilliant game. Safe to say he can be pleased with the results. Will hear more from him when Aussie and The Proteas maybe meet in the ICC T20 Champions Trophy?
The final standings for this series.
IN AUSTRALIA
Tests: The Proteas won 2-1
First loss in Aus in a Test series for an unmentionable period of time with very close contests!
ODI's: The Proteas won 4-1
Ouch! Inconsistency crepped into our ranks and we gave away golden chances.
T20's: Australia won 2-0
IN SOUTH AFRICA
Tests: Australia won 2-1
The mirror effect started & we saw young Phillip Hughes explode onto the scene to fill Matty Hayden's shoes. "The Ponting era" begins.
ODI's: The Proteas won 3-2
A good start and end, but the inconsistencies plagued our other 3 games.
T20's: The Proteas won 2-0
TESTS: AU (3) PROTEAS (3)
ODI's: AU (3) PROTEAS (7)
T20's: AU (2) PROTEAS (2)
I'll be taking a breather for now, but will have an article up soon enough as always.
It's come and gone, and it really has been alot of cricket to absorb, stay awake to watch, keep your blood pressure at ease, give your vocals a day or two to recover, but more importantly there has been alot of incredible cricketing moments to remember and some emerging cricketers of the future!
Last nights match ended a long, tiring tour for both teams, and as Ricky Ponting asked for the guys managed to end this series with a win.
The 47 run victory ensured we moved ahead of India on the ODI rankings back to second place, and with the Pakistan ODI's not too far away it gives the players who will be playing in that series, just a bit of really boostful momentum.
The top order got it right last night, from numbers 1-4, and it was started perfectly again by Brad Haddin (62) and Michael Clarke (66).
In India in 2007 they played a crucial role in the 1st ODI together, and had proven they complemented each other well. They did not start things off well together, but in the last two matches have amassed back to back 100 run partnerships.
While Clarke is better suited to the middle order, Brad has proven alot with the bat.
At one point I thought we were in for a total of 439! Dream on, but it was still a terrific start, with boundaries launched over mid-wicket with Had's powerful slog drives, and Pup's usage of his hands to follow through with his shots in the gaps.
Had's smashed 1 six and 7 fours, while Pup glided away 10 fours to end off with a healthy strike-rate. Some fine ODI form has returned for Michael!
With the foundation set, Ricky Ponting (40) gave indication he was in tune for a big score, after another nervous start to his innings. Our Skipper and Callum Ferguson (41) were brilliant in keeping the runs flowing and ensuring a partnership of value was founded. Callum stepped up again and really deserves alot more time with the ODI squad. A good bloke and a useful approach in the middle stages of the game. He has shown his ability to handle pressure and take control of a game in a stealth like manner. A player who deserves to keep at it for our team!
The middle order failed on this encounter, but Mike Hussey recovered his inning's so well!
Many people are quick to doubt Huss when he is in a bit of a rut, but never under estimate him!
He got a golden chance after a bit of a shaky start, and then being dropped by AB deVilliers. I don't think he could believe it. But he capitalised on the chance and alongside Man-of-the-match, Nathan Hauritz, they steered us too reach 303.
It has been a long time since we saw the three figures indicating that landmark!
Huss played his strokes freely and wisely to ensure runs never ran dry. Glad he could end of a good note, pity it was one short of a fifty though!
But how about Nathan Hauritz! He did it with Huss in Kingsmead and last night they did it again. Nathan hit 24 runs, including a four and a six too show the value of a tail ender's contribution. The two put on a fifty-run partnership which really was an entertaining passage of play.
The Proteas started off well before Graeme Smith gave his wicket away again in the same fasion as the last match. But Herschelle Gibbs and Jaques Kallis were very strong and aggressive again. I really thought we were in for the thriller we expected. Gibbs had his luck on his side, which included a very frustrating miss-chance of a run-out by Brad Haddin. By Brad's standards it was a given, but he made up for it with clean catching with 3 catches and a run-out.
Gibbs managed 82 before Nathan Hauritz got the big wicket of the man you can never rule out.
Kallis played very well for his 64 I thought. He has definitly shown his indication to hang around for a lot longer, but Nathan Bracken fought back last night too get some well needed confidence.
2-54 were his stats, and the wickets were all big ones.
Mitchell Johnson was on the costly side, but ended with 3 wickets, and fittingly took the final wicket. It has been a long time since I saw a cricketer have such a heavy work load, and play so well for his team with improvement and extreme importance with both bat and ball! Top work Mitchy!
Ben Laughlin deservedly got the chance to play again. His bowling showed signs of that X-factor of swing and good seam bowling, but how about THAT CATCH!!!
A crucial moment of the game, that all but sealed the deal to ensure we didn't go 4-1 down.
Albie Morkel smacked one up high heading towards the mid wicket boundary for six. Out of nowhere the tall figure of Laughlin sprung into the screen's focus to take a leaping catch with perfect timing, and excellent control to keep in the field of play, and take a screamer I'd put alongside Adam Voges' catch as a classic.
So 3-2 was the result for the Proteas.
They outplayed our guys who were very inconsistent in their performances, but I am still proud of them none-the-less.
I look forward to moving onto new opposition and seeing some of the "old-tribe" back in action!!
As for Punter, Huss and Mitch, I hope their rest proves to be a beneficial one before they return back to our team as crucial team players, but as for the other guys, they still have some unfinished business to take care of in the UAE.
Thanks to Marc (SACS) for his input here at the site, and also for having his articles up on his site from a Proteas supporters perspective. Been good chatting to him and meeting other fanatics of this brilliant game. Safe to say he can be pleased with the results. Will hear more from him when Aussie and The Proteas maybe meet in the ICC T20 Champions Trophy?
The final standings for this series.
IN AUSTRALIA
Tests: The Proteas won 2-1
First loss in Aus in a Test series for an unmentionable period of time with very close contests!
ODI's: The Proteas won 4-1
Ouch! Inconsistency crepped into our ranks and we gave away golden chances.
T20's: Australia won 2-0
IN SOUTH AFRICA
Tests: Australia won 2-1
The mirror effect started & we saw young Phillip Hughes explode onto the scene to fill Matty Hayden's shoes. "The Ponting era" begins.
ODI's: The Proteas won 3-2
A good start and end, but the inconsistencies plagued our other 3 games.
T20's: The Proteas won 2-0
TESTS: AU (3) PROTEAS (3)
ODI's: AU (3) PROTEAS (7)
T20's: AU (2) PROTEAS (2)
I'll be taking a breather for now, but will have an article up soon enough as always.
17 April 2009
IPL ARTICLE on Cricscene
I have an article regarding this years IPL up on my other site Cricscene.
Check it out and have a read. CLICK HERE to access the site.
Check it out and have a read. CLICK HERE to access the site.
5th ODI PREVIEW
I'm looking forward to this final contest between AU and the Proteas.
It has been a very long summer of Test, ODI and T20 cricket.
In Australia we had slightly more entertaining, jam-packed cricket from beginning till end.
For the South African leg of the tour it has been one-sided contests in the ODI results, so every one is hoping for a thriller from the New Wanderers Stadium, aka "the Bullring".
Australia won the Test series, with much better performances, and a balanced side, that with more experience could be a dominant force. But as for the ODI's, with key players absent and seniors having more responsibility, the only match we saw the possible strength's was at Kingsmead. From then on it has been better cricket from the Proteas, and a very scattered show from Aussie in terms of consistency and stepping up at the right passages of play.
The way it stands is the Proteas have their number 1 ICC ranking, while AU need to win this match in order to climb back ahead of India, as we currently sit in third place.
3-2 also wouldn't be as painful a statistic as 4-1!
But, I still hope it is an exciting match.
Stuart Clark flew out recently, but unfortunately we have to wait till the ODI's against Pakistan in the UAE to see Stewie back in action. While the talk is that he has performed well in the nets, Ben Laughlin has been picked as the more preferred candidate to take bowling duties.
I was a bit disapointed Ben didn't get a chance in all the ODI's, especially the last game at St.Georges Park, but selection dilemnas aren't anything new to us supporters eh!
I am still confident that a solid contribution from the top order will seal victory, but the guys are going to have to play a very, very good game of cricket to take this final ODI, where the Proteas will be expected to win it.
Nathan Bracken will have to quickly rediscover his status as the "bowling economy Guru", and the bowlers need to operate as a unit. That performance as St.George's was quite a bizarre bowling display where very little went right.
It will be very pleasing to see Ricky Ponting, and especially Mike Hussey too get big scores, not only from a confidence perspective, but also just to see two of our finest batsmen get some runs behind their names and ideally be apart of a victory. Huss did it in Kingsmead, and Punter showed better signs in his batting last ODI.
Wouldn't mind seeing David Hussey get well settled in and show the South African supporter's a bit of his Victorian credibility with the willow in hand!
For some reason I feel James Hopes will be in for a good bowling performance, and that Brad Haddin has another good score looming.
I can't say I have been right about too much lately, but my IPL Dream League team will be of better indication as far as my forecasts go!
Here is the squad to clash the Proteas in the final ODI:
Brad Haddin (Wk),
Michael Clarke,
Ricky Ponting (Capt),
David Hussey,
Michael Hussey,
Callum Ferguson,
James Hopes,
Mitchell Johnson,
Nathan Hauritz,
Nathan Bracken,
Ben Laughlin.
After the match, a handful of the Australian players will make their way over to the UAE after this series.
At present it is fair to say most cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting tomorrow's IPL commencing at Newlands cricket ground, after the tour was switched from India to South Africa for security reasons.
The IPL's second installment will be closely followed.
It has been a very long summer of Test, ODI and T20 cricket.
In Australia we had slightly more entertaining, jam-packed cricket from beginning till end.
For the South African leg of the tour it has been one-sided contests in the ODI results, so every one is hoping for a thriller from the New Wanderers Stadium, aka "the Bullring".
Australia won the Test series, with much better performances, and a balanced side, that with more experience could be a dominant force. But as for the ODI's, with key players absent and seniors having more responsibility, the only match we saw the possible strength's was at Kingsmead. From then on it has been better cricket from the Proteas, and a very scattered show from Aussie in terms of consistency and stepping up at the right passages of play.
The way it stands is the Proteas have their number 1 ICC ranking, while AU need to win this match in order to climb back ahead of India, as we currently sit in third place.
3-2 also wouldn't be as painful a statistic as 4-1!
But, I still hope it is an exciting match.
Stuart Clark flew out recently, but unfortunately we have to wait till the ODI's against Pakistan in the UAE to see Stewie back in action. While the talk is that he has performed well in the nets, Ben Laughlin has been picked as the more preferred candidate to take bowling duties.
I was a bit disapointed Ben didn't get a chance in all the ODI's, especially the last game at St.Georges Park, but selection dilemnas aren't anything new to us supporters eh!
I am still confident that a solid contribution from the top order will seal victory, but the guys are going to have to play a very, very good game of cricket to take this final ODI, where the Proteas will be expected to win it.
Nathan Bracken will have to quickly rediscover his status as the "bowling economy Guru", and the bowlers need to operate as a unit. That performance as St.George's was quite a bizarre bowling display where very little went right.
It will be very pleasing to see Ricky Ponting, and especially Mike Hussey too get big scores, not only from a confidence perspective, but also just to see two of our finest batsmen get some runs behind their names and ideally be apart of a victory. Huss did it in Kingsmead, and Punter showed better signs in his batting last ODI.
Wouldn't mind seeing David Hussey get well settled in and show the South African supporter's a bit of his Victorian credibility with the willow in hand!
For some reason I feel James Hopes will be in for a good bowling performance, and that Brad Haddin has another good score looming.
I can't say I have been right about too much lately, but my IPL Dream League team will be of better indication as far as my forecasts go!
Here is the squad to clash the Proteas in the final ODI:
Brad Haddin (Wk),
Michael Clarke,
Ricky Ponting (Capt),
David Hussey,
Michael Hussey,
Callum Ferguson,
James Hopes,
Mitchell Johnson,
Nathan Hauritz,
Nathan Bracken,
Ben Laughlin.
After the match, a handful of the Australian players will make their way over to the UAE after this series.
At present it is fair to say most cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting tomorrow's IPL commencing at Newlands cricket ground, after the tour was switched from India to South Africa for security reasons.
The IPL's second installment will be closely followed.
15 April 2009
BOTHA'S BOWLING ACTION REPORTED
At last there is a chance that my questioning over his action will prove parcially legit.
After the 4th ODI, the officiating Umpires (Brian Jerling, Rudi Koertzen, and Asoka de Silva) reported Johan Botha's bowling action, something that happened not too long ago.
Botha worked hard at correcting his action, but it has become very evident his action gets more "chucker" evident as he gets more and more momentum. I have mentioned a few times that his quicker deliveries (usually yorker length) did not look legal in terms of the bowling arm angle. His slower deliveries look alot better, but those faster deliveries never looked correct.
If his action is found guilty, he will be suspended immediatly, again. But for now he is allowed to play International cricket.
Surely the bowling coaches could have spotted the obvious variation in his elbow action from watching video analysis footage and assisted him in correcting it?
Pity on a South African's supporter's perspective, for I'm sure many see him as the answer to the missing link in the Proteas line-up for a reliable spinner.
However, from my perspective I am glad it has been reported and I'm sure that he can sort it out and keep his action in a legal, and professional parameter.
The tests will only commence after this series, so it will be interesting to see how Johan Botha goes about his game on Friday.
Friday is the final match of this series and I am looking forward to it being concluded as it has stretched out too long for many it seems.
After the 4th ODI, the officiating Umpires (Brian Jerling, Rudi Koertzen, and Asoka de Silva) reported Johan Botha's bowling action, something that happened not too long ago.
Botha worked hard at correcting his action, but it has become very evident his action gets more "chucker" evident as he gets more and more momentum. I have mentioned a few times that his quicker deliveries (usually yorker length) did not look legal in terms of the bowling arm angle. His slower deliveries look alot better, but those faster deliveries never looked correct.
If his action is found guilty, he will be suspended immediatly, again. But for now he is allowed to play International cricket.
Surely the bowling coaches could have spotted the obvious variation in his elbow action from watching video analysis footage and assisted him in correcting it?
Pity on a South African's supporter's perspective, for I'm sure many see him as the answer to the missing link in the Proteas line-up for a reliable spinner.
However, from my perspective I am glad it has been reported and I'm sure that he can sort it out and keep his action in a legal, and professional parameter.
The tests will only commence after this series, so it will be interesting to see how Johan Botha goes about his game on Friday.
Friday is the final match of this series and I am looking forward to it being concluded as it has stretched out too long for many it seems.
14 April 2009
4th ODI: LET'S END ON A HIGH NOTE
Simply the best thing to make amends for this second ODI series loss, would be to see if the guys can take the 5th ODI at the Wanderers.
I would be lying to you if I said I'd come to terms with this series loss, but I haven't.
At the same time I think most of us feel a bit like the players maybe? Tired of the same opposition and a long summer tour, and for me a different venue against a different opposition seems refreshing for the cricket senses, speaking of the Pakistan ODI series.
Still got a few things to comment about regarding the 4th ODI though.
Another toss to Punter, but the decision to bat first? Maybe a bit of worry after the way things went at Centurion last weekend?
Very unlike to Punter to opt for that sort of fallback, so I am left to agree that he had a tactic with the new ball upfront for some early knocks, see what sort of total would be on the cards to give the batsmen a focal point seeing as though it has been the more notable weakness in our team, and give ourselves a chance for a run chase in an average total capacity.
Sadly, the toss backfired, and the result was a loss by 61 runs!
Looking at the bowling stats, I can't say there was too much to point out in terms of excellence. Nathan Bracken is having a rough time keeping the runs dry, and just as an observation it seems his length is all over the place, as opposed to the ball pitch meter that would indicate his usual consistency in both line and length. Luckily he will be apart of the Pakistan tour so it will be a great opportunity (not forgetting the 5th ODI should he play) for him to try get back that X factor.
Mitchell Johnson was looking tired, but still bowled his heart-out but the 2 wickets he picked up had little affect on the middle order unfortunately as by that stage Herschelle Gibbs (110) and AB deVilliers had run-away with some ferocious batting.
JP Duminy had a couple of life lines and close calls, but it didn't stop him reaching 40 runs which, along with Mark Boucher's 29, ultimately took the game away from us in the last 5 overs, as it had done in Newlands, just with a bigger knock.
317 was going to be really tough to chase down, and despite my belief that if our top order made runs in each game we would win, I would have been more inclined to favour this belief of mine had we batted first in this match.
Still total credit needs to be given to Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin for their 129 opening partnership!
Brad is really meant to be at the top of the ODI line-up (I'd rather see Shane Watson in around 4 or 5 when he returns) and he really gave us the best possible chance! He hit 78 off just 61 deliveries, and as always when he gets going, the style in which he went about it was aggressive with a text book strokeplay method! It's great to watch Hads when he launches at the opposition, but like he did at the MCG when he made 94, I'd have to say the time and manner in which he got out wasn't needed. The adrenaline kicks so the desire to get the runs in slogger style all takes over, but ideally Hads had the chance to make a ton there, and with his eye in so well he just had to stay there while Michael Clarke continued to play around him as he'd done.
That middle session with the spinners/slower bowlers was a crucial passage of play where we haven't been successful, but given the state of the game and required rate, he got out at a bad time. But that can't even overshadow his responsibility and execution at the top of the order he showed to give us a sniff of victory! Top stuff Hads!
Michael Clarke got out as he did at Newlands by not reading the line correctly (if I remember clearly in the Tests to Paul Harris he got out once or twice in a similar way) but his innings was the right type to assist Haddin to get the start off to a flyer.
Ricky Ponting (53) finally got in the runs and really tried his best in that powerplay to give us a chance, but his job wasn't made easy! Callum Ferguson was promoted up the order, which WAS a wise move and David Hussey was dropped down to have a big hitter at a latter stage. The plan didn't go off, which will happen many times, and it left us too much to do as the required rate crept up and up. After such a solid start it was quite frustrating that we were left too much to do!
Mike Hussey was out LBW again, third time! Gutted!
I am surprised at this Roelof van der Merwe bloke, because I can't see anything special in his bowling, but the damage was done.
James Hopes (31) has really stepped up his batting. He was left with a bit too much to do too, kind of where Andrew Symonds or someone to that hitting extent would have proven valuable. Once again, the Proteas had succeeded in the middle session of play with their slower stocks.
Punter really did fire at Dale Steyn, and my hopes were quickly lifted, but when he launched that pull shot straight to Albie Morkel, I got the feeling that it was almost a thriller robbed!
The hesitation from Ricky before the long walk off showed exactly that, that if he launched for another 2 overs, that we were in with a chance!
So, the Proteas win the series, and while I am not going to be too quick to title them as the best ODI team (as our brand of cricket has been far from it's best to give total indication) but they do deserve that number 1 ranking. . . for the time being!
The workload and stretch of the series' has become a talking point, and while the guys are professional sportsmen and this is part of the job, workload will take its affect soon enough.
This is why I think it has been a good move by Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa too set up individual Test and ODI tours, as opposed to them being seen as one tour.
Looking at our seniors, Mike Hussey has another chance at the Wanderers before he gets a deserved break after a long and very trying summer. Huss still has the ability to dominate (we saw it at Kingsmead) but in order to ensure he is ready for the Ashes, a break for now is the best thing. No doubt Punter is in the same boat and his rest will give the team, mostly Michael Clarke, a chance to take on more intensive leadership duties.
Understandably too Mitch will also have a rest now after one of the most intense and demanding workloads I have seen from a fast bowler/ emerging all-rounder in all a long time!
He has become the player who Ponting spoke of before the Test series, where he mentioned this was the chance for a bowler to step up and make a name for themself! Mitch is not only most likely the best fast bowler in World cricket at the moment, but is also a very convincing batsman in Test cricket!
With heavy workloads and frustrations a few guys have had to work with, a bit of a breather away from the game in a more relaxed environment is the best decision, before coming back with intensity for the Ashes, or T20 Champions Trophy, if they are apart of it.
I've had my say on this one, but I am still looking forward to the 5th ODI where Punter has stated on Cricinfo, "We'd like to finish the tour on a high, so hopefully there'll be a bit of character in the team when the guys pitch up on Friday."
* Hope to have an article, unrelated to this ODI series up soon.
I would be lying to you if I said I'd come to terms with this series loss, but I haven't.
At the same time I think most of us feel a bit like the players maybe? Tired of the same opposition and a long summer tour, and for me a different venue against a different opposition seems refreshing for the cricket senses, speaking of the Pakistan ODI series.
Still got a few things to comment about regarding the 4th ODI though.
Another toss to Punter, but the decision to bat first? Maybe a bit of worry after the way things went at Centurion last weekend?
Very unlike to Punter to opt for that sort of fallback, so I am left to agree that he had a tactic with the new ball upfront for some early knocks, see what sort of total would be on the cards to give the batsmen a focal point seeing as though it has been the more notable weakness in our team, and give ourselves a chance for a run chase in an average total capacity.
Sadly, the toss backfired, and the result was a loss by 61 runs!
Looking at the bowling stats, I can't say there was too much to point out in terms of excellence. Nathan Bracken is having a rough time keeping the runs dry, and just as an observation it seems his length is all over the place, as opposed to the ball pitch meter that would indicate his usual consistency in both line and length. Luckily he will be apart of the Pakistan tour so it will be a great opportunity (not forgetting the 5th ODI should he play) for him to try get back that X factor.
Mitchell Johnson was looking tired, but still bowled his heart-out but the 2 wickets he picked up had little affect on the middle order unfortunately as by that stage Herschelle Gibbs (110) and AB deVilliers had run-away with some ferocious batting.
JP Duminy had a couple of life lines and close calls, but it didn't stop him reaching 40 runs which, along with Mark Boucher's 29, ultimately took the game away from us in the last 5 overs, as it had done in Newlands, just with a bigger knock.
317 was going to be really tough to chase down, and despite my belief that if our top order made runs in each game we would win, I would have been more inclined to favour this belief of mine had we batted first in this match.
Still total credit needs to be given to Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin for their 129 opening partnership!
Brad is really meant to be at the top of the ODI line-up (I'd rather see Shane Watson in around 4 or 5 when he returns) and he really gave us the best possible chance! He hit 78 off just 61 deliveries, and as always when he gets going, the style in which he went about it was aggressive with a text book strokeplay method! It's great to watch Hads when he launches at the opposition, but like he did at the MCG when he made 94, I'd have to say the time and manner in which he got out wasn't needed. The adrenaline kicks so the desire to get the runs in slogger style all takes over, but ideally Hads had the chance to make a ton there, and with his eye in so well he just had to stay there while Michael Clarke continued to play around him as he'd done.
That middle session with the spinners/slower bowlers was a crucial passage of play where we haven't been successful, but given the state of the game and required rate, he got out at a bad time. But that can't even overshadow his responsibility and execution at the top of the order he showed to give us a sniff of victory! Top stuff Hads!
Michael Clarke got out as he did at Newlands by not reading the line correctly (if I remember clearly in the Tests to Paul Harris he got out once or twice in a similar way) but his innings was the right type to assist Haddin to get the start off to a flyer.
Ricky Ponting (53) finally got in the runs and really tried his best in that powerplay to give us a chance, but his job wasn't made easy! Callum Ferguson was promoted up the order, which WAS a wise move and David Hussey was dropped down to have a big hitter at a latter stage. The plan didn't go off, which will happen many times, and it left us too much to do as the required rate crept up and up. After such a solid start it was quite frustrating that we were left too much to do!
Mike Hussey was out LBW again, third time! Gutted!
I am surprised at this Roelof van der Merwe bloke, because I can't see anything special in his bowling, but the damage was done.
James Hopes (31) has really stepped up his batting. He was left with a bit too much to do too, kind of where Andrew Symonds or someone to that hitting extent would have proven valuable. Once again, the Proteas had succeeded in the middle session of play with their slower stocks.
Punter really did fire at Dale Steyn, and my hopes were quickly lifted, but when he launched that pull shot straight to Albie Morkel, I got the feeling that it was almost a thriller robbed!
The hesitation from Ricky before the long walk off showed exactly that, that if he launched for another 2 overs, that we were in with a chance!
So, the Proteas win the series, and while I am not going to be too quick to title them as the best ODI team (as our brand of cricket has been far from it's best to give total indication) but they do deserve that number 1 ranking. . . for the time being!
The workload and stretch of the series' has become a talking point, and while the guys are professional sportsmen and this is part of the job, workload will take its affect soon enough.
This is why I think it has been a good move by Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa too set up individual Test and ODI tours, as opposed to them being seen as one tour.
Looking at our seniors, Mike Hussey has another chance at the Wanderers before he gets a deserved break after a long and very trying summer. Huss still has the ability to dominate (we saw it at Kingsmead) but in order to ensure he is ready for the Ashes, a break for now is the best thing. No doubt Punter is in the same boat and his rest will give the team, mostly Michael Clarke, a chance to take on more intensive leadership duties.
Understandably too Mitch will also have a rest now after one of the most intense and demanding workloads I have seen from a fast bowler/ emerging all-rounder in all a long time!
He has become the player who Ponting spoke of before the Test series, where he mentioned this was the chance for a bowler to step up and make a name for themself! Mitch is not only most likely the best fast bowler in World cricket at the moment, but is also a very convincing batsman in Test cricket!
With heavy workloads and frustrations a few guys have had to work with, a bit of a breather away from the game in a more relaxed environment is the best decision, before coming back with intensity for the Ashes, or T20 Champions Trophy, if they are apart of it.
I've had my say on this one, but I am still looking forward to the 5th ODI where Punter has stated on Cricinfo, "We'd like to finish the tour on a high, so hopefully there'll be a bit of character in the team when the guys pitch up on Friday."
* Hope to have an article, unrelated to this ODI series up soon.
09 April 2009
3rd ODI: 25 RUNS OFF COURSE
As mentioned previously, winning the toss at Newlands in an ODI is crucial, as most of the time batting first is the ideal way to go. Plenty evening dew, a slow outfield and wicket, maybe a bit of swing with a breeze...yeah, bat first!
But Punter finally ended his toss winning streak, and Graeme Smith had the chance to get things up and running for the 3rd ODI. Before I carry on, I am most upset my 4-1 prediction is now at end, so I will be routing for 2-2 to go to the Wanderers, and Aussie to win it!
Mitchell Johnson was once again superb with the bowling, and I cannot believe how he just keeps going! Either endless overs in test cricket, long sessions with the bat in hand, lots of work in the ODI arena, and even as an acting runner for an injured Brett Geeves. Yeah, Mitch has it all going for himself. 4/34 in 10 overs were his figures, which is terrific stuff. I still cannot believe at times his emergence in his abilities in such a short space of time. Now he is bringing his ODI game together!
Unfortunately no-one else could provide the economic input we needed.
Nathan Bracken was looking a bit better out there, and it is safe to say he is just not quite on the ball game at the moment, but with 2 ODI's to go, I will never rule the economic bowling Guru out at all!
I was surprised as Brett Geeves inclusion over Ben Laughlin, and while I wasn't by any means all low over it, I just find it a pity Brett didn't have the ultimate game given the chance. With a possible injury Ben faces another definite possibility out there again which is a good thing.
It is easy to point out where the Proteas got momentum with their batting.
The Jaques Kallis (70) and AB deVilliers (80) partnership gave their middle order a perfect platform to settle down and make a defendable total. They found the gaps, and especially during the slow bowler period in the 25th over roughly (if memory serves) it seemed that they had managed to work the singles around quite comfortably, therefore rotating strike.
A couple hit and giggle, powerful striking innings' from Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel assisted in pushing onto 289, a highly competitive total.
A few of us have spoken of the weakened armour at the top of the order. Sure we don't have Shaun Marsh or Shane Watson, but I can't say it was down to poor shot selection, just a very frantic moment for Brad Haddin who was run out on 15! I am still convinced that Brad is capable at holding his own at the top of the order, but a run that wasn't on, and wasn't really needed at that stage, resulted in the momentum quickly swaying in the Proteas favour. Punter had three lifelines (two drop catches and an embarrassing misattempt at a run out on the Proteas behalf) but 20 was all he managed, so the anticipation for that ODI ton continues! A bit of a soft dismissal too on his part, but it was to Johan Botha who, sorry to all his supporters, has a bowling action I am still not at all convinced by. But will save that argument for when he gets another wicket.
Pup did look a lot more in the game. I have mentioned that there seems to be some distraction with him as an onlooker observing, but he really did look more in it. He was playing his strokes, running hard, but could only blame himself on getting out to a very erratic shot at a stage where ticking the scoreboard would have most likely got us home, and that I am certain about, as we only came 25 short!
David Hussey tried but looked to creep back into his complacency shell, and instead of launching with his aggressive intentions, rather pushed it up like a chip with a pitching wedge. I was hoping for some of his big hitting!
But I feel totally gutted for Michael Hussey. Huss is one of my favourite cricketers and just think he is of such value to Australian cricket. He has been having a tough time out there this season, and after his super knock in the first ODI, the LBW decisions have gotten him trapped two games in a row. I just sensed his total disbelief and disapointment.
DON'T GIVE UP HUSS! Keep at it, play your natural game which you have mastered, and the runs will happen consistently, you are to great a cricketer!
Fatigue and mental exhaustion seems apparent for a number of the players, so the guys taking a break after this series rightly deserve it!
But I have to as always give credit where due, and that is too South Australia's finest Callum Ferguson and James 'Catfish' Hopes! While his bowling wasn't spot on, and neither was Cal's fielding, their batting was brilliant, and they set the stage to show that we were in with a definite chance in this match, and had there been top order stability (which is our key to winning the next 2 matches!) 289 would have been even closer a finish than expected!
They did exactly what Kallis and deVilliers had done earlier in the match. Pushing the ball around the gaps, running hard, playing the bad ball with aggression, and ensuring they were giving the lower order something to play with.
We ended up being well behind the rate, but to come 25 short, it may be a loss, but batting 2nd at Newlands under floodlight, was by no means a poor attempt.
Callum lodged his best ODI score, and is averaging a nifty 60.00 in 7 innings, and Hopes got his 2nd fifty. Well done to them for their efforts, but was a little to much for Mitchell and Brett to do out there, but another positive is that Brett opened his batting account!
So, not the result any Australian cricket supporter hoped for, but we have two matches to go, and this day game at St.George's Park is a golden opportunity - where we won last time there against the Proteas in a day game - to get to level ground and ensure that like in 2006, we are in for a down the the wire final match.
Come on Aussie, come on!
So in short, the top order still need that consistency which is currently off the radar, and it's important they give our middle order something to work with, and something for our bowlers to defend, if we are to regain that no.1 rank and silence the Proteas.
But Punter finally ended his toss winning streak, and Graeme Smith had the chance to get things up and running for the 3rd ODI. Before I carry on, I am most upset my 4-1 prediction is now at end, so I will be routing for 2-2 to go to the Wanderers, and Aussie to win it!
Mitchell Johnson was once again superb with the bowling, and I cannot believe how he just keeps going! Either endless overs in test cricket, long sessions with the bat in hand, lots of work in the ODI arena, and even as an acting runner for an injured Brett Geeves. Yeah, Mitch has it all going for himself. 4/34 in 10 overs were his figures, which is terrific stuff. I still cannot believe at times his emergence in his abilities in such a short space of time. Now he is bringing his ODI game together!
Unfortunately no-one else could provide the economic input we needed.
Nathan Bracken was looking a bit better out there, and it is safe to say he is just not quite on the ball game at the moment, but with 2 ODI's to go, I will never rule the economic bowling Guru out at all!
I was surprised as Brett Geeves inclusion over Ben Laughlin, and while I wasn't by any means all low over it, I just find it a pity Brett didn't have the ultimate game given the chance. With a possible injury Ben faces another definite possibility out there again which is a good thing.
It is easy to point out where the Proteas got momentum with their batting.
The Jaques Kallis (70) and AB deVilliers (80) partnership gave their middle order a perfect platform to settle down and make a defendable total. They found the gaps, and especially during the slow bowler period in the 25th over roughly (if memory serves) it seemed that they had managed to work the singles around quite comfortably, therefore rotating strike.
A couple hit and giggle, powerful striking innings' from Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel assisted in pushing onto 289, a highly competitive total.
A few of us have spoken of the weakened armour at the top of the order. Sure we don't have Shaun Marsh or Shane Watson, but I can't say it was down to poor shot selection, just a very frantic moment for Brad Haddin who was run out on 15! I am still convinced that Brad is capable at holding his own at the top of the order, but a run that wasn't on, and wasn't really needed at that stage, resulted in the momentum quickly swaying in the Proteas favour. Punter had three lifelines (two drop catches and an embarrassing misattempt at a run out on the Proteas behalf) but 20 was all he managed, so the anticipation for that ODI ton continues! A bit of a soft dismissal too on his part, but it was to Johan Botha who, sorry to all his supporters, has a bowling action I am still not at all convinced by. But will save that argument for when he gets another wicket.
Pup did look a lot more in the game. I have mentioned that there seems to be some distraction with him as an onlooker observing, but he really did look more in it. He was playing his strokes, running hard, but could only blame himself on getting out to a very erratic shot at a stage where ticking the scoreboard would have most likely got us home, and that I am certain about, as we only came 25 short!
David Hussey tried but looked to creep back into his complacency shell, and instead of launching with his aggressive intentions, rather pushed it up like a chip with a pitching wedge. I was hoping for some of his big hitting!
But I feel totally gutted for Michael Hussey. Huss is one of my favourite cricketers and just think he is of such value to Australian cricket. He has been having a tough time out there this season, and after his super knock in the first ODI, the LBW decisions have gotten him trapped two games in a row. I just sensed his total disbelief and disapointment.
DON'T GIVE UP HUSS! Keep at it, play your natural game which you have mastered, and the runs will happen consistently, you are to great a cricketer!
Fatigue and mental exhaustion seems apparent for a number of the players, so the guys taking a break after this series rightly deserve it!
But I have to as always give credit where due, and that is too South Australia's finest Callum Ferguson and James 'Catfish' Hopes! While his bowling wasn't spot on, and neither was Cal's fielding, their batting was brilliant, and they set the stage to show that we were in with a definite chance in this match, and had there been top order stability (which is our key to winning the next 2 matches!) 289 would have been even closer a finish than expected!
They did exactly what Kallis and deVilliers had done earlier in the match. Pushing the ball around the gaps, running hard, playing the bad ball with aggression, and ensuring they were giving the lower order something to play with.
We ended up being well behind the rate, but to come 25 short, it may be a loss, but batting 2nd at Newlands under floodlight, was by no means a poor attempt.
Callum lodged his best ODI score, and is averaging a nifty 60.00 in 7 innings, and Hopes got his 2nd fifty. Well done to them for their efforts, but was a little to much for Mitchell and Brett to do out there, but another positive is that Brett opened his batting account!
So, not the result any Australian cricket supporter hoped for, but we have two matches to go, and this day game at St.George's Park is a golden opportunity - where we won last time there against the Proteas in a day game - to get to level ground and ensure that like in 2006, we are in for a down the the wire final match.
Come on Aussie, come on!
So in short, the top order still need that consistency which is currently off the radar, and it's important they give our middle order something to work with, and something for our bowlers to defend, if we are to regain that no.1 rank and silence the Proteas.
08 April 2009
SQUAD FOR PAKISTAN ODI's ANNOUNCED
Australian squad to play Pakistan (CLICK HERE for the fixtures)
Michael Clarke (Capt) (Batman)
Brad Haddin (Wk), (Batsman/Keeper)
Nathan Bracken, (Bowler)
Callum Ferguson, (Batsman)
Brett Geeves, (Bowler)
Nathan Hauritz, (Bowler)
Ben Hilfenhaus, (Bowler)
James Hopes, (All-rounder)
David Hussey, (Batsman)
Ben Laughlin, (Bowler)
Brett Lee, (All-rounder)
Shaun Marsh, (Batsman)
Andrew Symonds, (Batsman)
Shane Watson (Selected as a batsman)
Shaun Marsh and Brett Lee are in the squad, but are still being monitored regarding their fitness levels. One could say this is a rough draft of a side while a few players, notably Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting, are rested up after a very long summer! Binga has a chance, along with Roy and Watto to see how their fitness levels and form in T20 cricket goes for them in the IPL! Watto is in for now as a specialist batsman. It will be interesting to see how the opening will work. If Brad Haddin performs in the next 3 ODI's, which I'm sure he will, Marsh will probably open and Watto will have a mid-order strike. At the same time, Marsh and Watto were quite solid against the West-Indies last year as an opening duo!
Overall, will be interesting to see how members of the 'old-tribe' perform given a great opportunity in neutral territory against Pakistan. Hope the series is an issue free contest too given all the recent issues I needn't go into.
Also a little surprised at David Warner, or even Phil Hughes not given a shot out there, but they have plenty time and Phil has an important Ashes series to keep focused on, which I can't believe is only a few months down the line!
As for tomorrow's 3rd ODI!
It is an important match to give that real momentum to clasp 1 victory short of a series win for either side...more importantly my 4-1 prediction for Aus!
Newlands ODI games between these two teams would suggest bat first, get the runs on the board and execute the bowling with runs to defend!
I am still confident that if our top order perform we will be taking this match, especially given the chance to bat first. Although it would be safe to say that batting first hasn't been all that glamourous for us in recent months, notably due to inconsistency from the top order! Complacency against the SA quicks had better not creep into the scheme of things.
One of the worse things for me is the Proteas winning matches against Aus, given my obvious disliking of their team, with the exception of Hashim Amla and AB deVilliers. Sorry Marc!
Ricky and co. have had a few days to counter attack Centurion's issue, which I believe was a once off, and both teams will be rectifying plenty errors and hoping to wrap up this ODI series as quickly and consistently as possible!
Michael Clarke (Capt) (Batman)
Brad Haddin (Wk), (Batsman/Keeper)
Nathan Bracken, (Bowler)
Callum Ferguson, (Batsman)
Brett Geeves, (Bowler)
Nathan Hauritz, (Bowler)
Ben Hilfenhaus, (Bowler)
James Hopes, (All-rounder)
David Hussey, (Batsman)
Ben Laughlin, (Bowler)
Brett Lee, (All-rounder)
Shaun Marsh, (Batsman)
Andrew Symonds, (Batsman)
Shane Watson (Selected as a batsman)
Shaun Marsh and Brett Lee are in the squad, but are still being monitored regarding their fitness levels. One could say this is a rough draft of a side while a few players, notably Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting, are rested up after a very long summer! Binga has a chance, along with Roy and Watto to see how their fitness levels and form in T20 cricket goes for them in the IPL! Watto is in for now as a specialist batsman. It will be interesting to see how the opening will work. If Brad Haddin performs in the next 3 ODI's, which I'm sure he will, Marsh will probably open and Watto will have a mid-order strike. At the same time, Marsh and Watto were quite solid against the West-Indies last year as an opening duo!
Overall, will be interesting to see how members of the 'old-tribe' perform given a great opportunity in neutral territory against Pakistan. Hope the series is an issue free contest too given all the recent issues I needn't go into.
Also a little surprised at David Warner, or even Phil Hughes not given a shot out there, but they have plenty time and Phil has an important Ashes series to keep focused on, which I can't believe is only a few months down the line!
As for tomorrow's 3rd ODI!
It is an important match to give that real momentum to clasp 1 victory short of a series win for either side...more importantly my 4-1 prediction for Aus!
Newlands ODI games between these two teams would suggest bat first, get the runs on the board and execute the bowling with runs to defend!
I am still confident that if our top order perform we will be taking this match, especially given the chance to bat first. Although it would be safe to say that batting first hasn't been all that glamourous for us in recent months, notably due to inconsistency from the top order! Complacency against the SA quicks had better not creep into the scheme of things.
One of the worse things for me is the Proteas winning matches against Aus, given my obvious disliking of their team, with the exception of Hashim Amla and AB deVilliers. Sorry Marc!
Ricky and co. have had a few days to counter attack Centurion's issue, which I believe was a once off, and both teams will be rectifying plenty errors and hoping to wrap up this ODI series as quickly and consistently as possible!
06 April 2009
THAT WAS BAD!
According the Ricky Ponting those were his few words to describe the match at Centurion Park!
Ouch! After such a massive win on Friday, it really was quite hard to comprehend the drastic turnaround, notably that our top order was yet again to blame for a defeat. This was a regular feature in the Commonwealth Bank series' against both The Proteas and The Black Caps.
I think the match was decided at 5/19. Now I am not the type of bloke who will stop supporting my team even against the odd's, even if my optimism at times seems far fetched and maybe sends me into a pessimistic pit, but I still felt there was a chance to give 200 a shot, but clearly not. 131, disgraceful! Kudos to Cal Ferfuson who has yet to give in a shocker out there. Like Peter Siddle, he is young, highly ambitious, and showed great maturity out there under the circumstances. Had it not been for Callum's 50, and Mitchell Johnson's 30, it would have been a very bleak total, one that would have been similar to that of 2006's shocker at Newlands!
Last time Aussie played at Centurion against the Proteas in the 2006 series, the Proteas won it. History repeats itself two matches in a row, just with unbelievable contrast! But how the hell can it turn around so drastically? Ricky, what is going on mate! Instead of saying 'hopefully the team that won at Kingsmead will turn up', rather say 'The team that won at Kingsmead will turn up!' Come on guys!
The Proteas bowlers up front with the new ball were on song from ball one! As near perfect as the bowling was, I still blame the top order for lacking patience, stamina and getting out to grade cricket strokes. Two balls of Wayne Parnells were quite impressive. Notably the two to dismiss Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey, both LBW's. Dale Steyn was left to just clean up the tail and usually does it with ease.
Low scoring totals often end up being thrillers, but after Herschelle Gibbs dismissal early on, Smith and Kallis just led the team within reach. Mitchell Johnson bowled really well, but fatigue, and most likely just a fair share of having stuff all to work with out there, in terms of runs to play with. Nathan Bracken is still struggling to find his rhthym, but I'm sure he'll tap into it soon.
The bright side is that I am still very confident in my 4-1 to Australia prediction. So, there was the one loss! Now time to play like professionals and time for the top order to put in some valuable runs.
I am still not happy with Michael Clarke opening the batting, but it seems this is the way it will stay. White, Hopes, North or Hussey (Mike) would be the possibilities.
So Newlands is the next stop! Well, I can't say Newlands has been the home to many highlights for Australia in recent times. The T20 loss to Zimbabwe, the recent Test loss, the embarrassing loss to the Proteas back in 2006.
If anything the Tests are where the hopes lay! But if 4-1 is to happen, this game will be the key match to execute! After Newlands it will be Port Elizabeth, where the last time these two teams met, Australia won that match. So, with Newlands the toss is crucial. Back in 2001 when Australia won the ODI then in a three match series, we batted first and Damian Martyn led the way. When The Proteas opened the batting last time, they won.
So it would seem that batting first at Newlands is a very important aspect in an ODI match, especially with evening dew.
Weather Forecast for Thursday's game at present is good for play!
To me, this is a very big match. Middle of the series, both teams in all sorts of form, could be tense!
As for Ricky Ponting! I think it's time for some Allan Border mentality like he applied against Englands Captain David Gouwer in the Ashes. Give away nothing, go in with the competitive edge, and get all over the Proteas when they are out there. It can be done.
I am still thinking about the T20 squad though for the Champions Trophy, but nothing to write about as of yet.
Punter will make a big score this series, it's just got to happen, especially knowing himself that he needs it. More importantly our team needs it. One bad performance doesn't equate to another. A step up is what I think we can expect from the guys, and The Proteas to come out swinging.
Ouch! After such a massive win on Friday, it really was quite hard to comprehend the drastic turnaround, notably that our top order was yet again to blame for a defeat. This was a regular feature in the Commonwealth Bank series' against both The Proteas and The Black Caps.
I think the match was decided at 5/19. Now I am not the type of bloke who will stop supporting my team even against the odd's, even if my optimism at times seems far fetched and maybe sends me into a pessimistic pit, but I still felt there was a chance to give 200 a shot, but clearly not. 131, disgraceful! Kudos to Cal Ferfuson who has yet to give in a shocker out there. Like Peter Siddle, he is young, highly ambitious, and showed great maturity out there under the circumstances. Had it not been for Callum's 50, and Mitchell Johnson's 30, it would have been a very bleak total, one that would have been similar to that of 2006's shocker at Newlands!
Last time Aussie played at Centurion against the Proteas in the 2006 series, the Proteas won it. History repeats itself two matches in a row, just with unbelievable contrast! But how the hell can it turn around so drastically? Ricky, what is going on mate! Instead of saying 'hopefully the team that won at Kingsmead will turn up', rather say 'The team that won at Kingsmead will turn up!' Come on guys!
The Proteas bowlers up front with the new ball were on song from ball one! As near perfect as the bowling was, I still blame the top order for lacking patience, stamina and getting out to grade cricket strokes. Two balls of Wayne Parnells were quite impressive. Notably the two to dismiss Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey, both LBW's. Dale Steyn was left to just clean up the tail and usually does it with ease.
Low scoring totals often end up being thrillers, but after Herschelle Gibbs dismissal early on, Smith and Kallis just led the team within reach. Mitchell Johnson bowled really well, but fatigue, and most likely just a fair share of having stuff all to work with out there, in terms of runs to play with. Nathan Bracken is still struggling to find his rhthym, but I'm sure he'll tap into it soon.
The bright side is that I am still very confident in my 4-1 to Australia prediction. So, there was the one loss! Now time to play like professionals and time for the top order to put in some valuable runs.
I am still not happy with Michael Clarke opening the batting, but it seems this is the way it will stay. White, Hopes, North or Hussey (Mike) would be the possibilities.
So Newlands is the next stop! Well, I can't say Newlands has been the home to many highlights for Australia in recent times. The T20 loss to Zimbabwe, the recent Test loss, the embarrassing loss to the Proteas back in 2006.
If anything the Tests are where the hopes lay! But if 4-1 is to happen, this game will be the key match to execute! After Newlands it will be Port Elizabeth, where the last time these two teams met, Australia won that match. So, with Newlands the toss is crucial. Back in 2001 when Australia won the ODI then in a three match series, we batted first and Damian Martyn led the way. When The Proteas opened the batting last time, they won.
So it would seem that batting first at Newlands is a very important aspect in an ODI match, especially with evening dew.
Weather Forecast for Thursday's game at present is good for play!
To me, this is a very big match. Middle of the series, both teams in all sorts of form, could be tense!
As for Ricky Ponting! I think it's time for some Allan Border mentality like he applied against Englands Captain David Gouwer in the Ashes. Give away nothing, go in with the competitive edge, and get all over the Proteas when they are out there. It can be done.
I am still thinking about the T20 squad though for the Champions Trophy, but nothing to write about as of yet.
Punter will make a big score this series, it's just got to happen, especially knowing himself that he needs it. More importantly our team needs it. One bad performance doesn't equate to another. A step up is what I think we can expect from the guys, and The Proteas to come out swinging.
04 April 2009
HUSS DOMINATES KINGSMEAD!
The first ODI has been taken in a record breaking fasion, as The Proteas suffered their worst defeat - Australia's best victory - against Australia in ODI cricket.
A victory by 141 runs gives AU a 1-0 lead in the five match ODI series.
Last time the teams met at Durban, Sahara Park Kingsmead, Australia won in a very close encounter. The Proteas had a good momentum going at the start with Graeme Smith (returning from another encounter with Mitchell Johnson) and Herschelle Gibbs in a strong partnership, but once that was broken, little resistance occurred.
I wasn't pleased with the Brad Haddin/Michael Clarke opening pair.
Brad - who I want to see opening each match - hit 53 runs leading from the front, including an awesome smack down the ground for six off a free-hit, but I was worried about Clarke at the top with him. Clarke is better suited at four or five, and personally I just don't feel he is our best candidate for top spot.
Shaun Marsh and Shane Watson's abscence doesn't help matters at all.
Clarke has proven better things in the middle order when he has a game plan to work with. He was in and out in a flash.
Haddin was solid, and I do believe he is meant for the top spot, but was run-out, along with David Hussey, in situations with poor communication and misunderstanding. This resulted in two cheap wickets!
Ricky Ponting looked like he was ready for a big innings! He fell for 37, but I did enjoy seeing signs of our Captain working the ball around and being alot more confident off the front foot, looking less complacent and more assertive! Credit to Albie Morkel on the catch he took to remove Punter. The back must be a bit sore today I reckon after reaching so high for that catch at mid-on!
With four wickets down, enter the Huss factor! Mike Hussey has been struggling for form in Test cricket (averaging around 22 in six tests!) but strangely in ODI cricket, he hasn't looked in bad form at all! Against the Black Caps he was terrific and last night it made me very happy to see Mike get the confidence up and play a mighty fine, middle order, ODI innings. Always reminds me of Michael Bevan when Huss gets going in ODI cricket with those energetic quick singles, and panel beating smacks to the deep mid wicket, mid-on region! Huss ended up making 83* NOT OUT, and staying to the end ensured we had a total that we could be proud of, after our rather bleak ODI season thus far. I hope to see more from Huss because I love watching him bat in ODI cricket. Elegance blended with strategic aggression.
Cal Ferguson (25), the only South Australia representative, chipped in with another helpful ODI innings to his stats and ensured an important partnership between him and Huss gave James Hopes (38) a chance to get better runs to his all-rounder status. I often worry about James Hopes in pressure situations, but he looked more patient yesterday and waited for the deliveries, as opposed to premeditated shots, which funny enough was the way he set himself up for his dismissal.
Mitchell Johnson just went up again in my books, as he walked after unnoticeably edging a ball to Mark Boucher. A half-hearted appeal went up, but Mitch walked immediatly. Good sportsmanship goes a long way! Hashim Amla did the same later in the night.
Lastly it was Nathan Hauritz, who starred with Huss in the victory.
He came in, probably doubted by many with his ability with the bat (remember the SCG test and his little cameo?), and made a crucial contribution in a 43 run partnership with Huss. He made 20* including 3 fours.
Always great to see our tail-enders play with confidence and making runs more often than not, a bit like India in Test cricket.
286 in 50 overs was the chase!
Hashim Amla, as I mentioned, walked after a faint edge behind, and I will not forget that moment of good sportsmanship. While I do believe if the Umpire says no, you donot have to walk as it is the Umpires decision that counts, but if you as a player would rather walk, I admire that.
Gibbs and Smith blasted their 70-odd run partnership stand in trademark fasion. Gibbs I tend to worry about more when he is defensive because error is less-likely to occur, but when he gets all aggressive and attacking, I don't worry because I know he will get himself out. Michael Clarke brought back his fielding standards and took a quick relfex catch to his lower right to send Herschelle back. Graeme Smith did bring up his 50, although he and Gibbs had some luck early in their innings' with Umpire fault, but it was an example of a Captain leading but no-one following in his wake. AB deVilliers got a touch of bad luck with an LBW decision, but I felt little for him after the two doses of bad luck served to us earlier in the innings.
From there it was a downfall for the Proteas with Nathan Hauritz (4/29) finally getting a bowl after nearly two months of waterboy duties! His control and consistency was really a pleasure to watch and no doubt in my mind the time on the sidelines has been best for him to get his game into order again. The ball of the night for me was the stumping of Albie Morkel! Our part-time spinners generate the slightest bit of turn, but not enough to cause a deviation threat. Hauritz though is a specialst spinner and also was the FR Cup bowler of the season! In Australia he was struggling for control and consistency in the ODI's, which he has regained, and Albie probably assumed a ball to come perfectly onto his bat, instead a sharp off-breaker beat his bat, and Haddin finished it off. Haddin is also keeping better to his preferred standards! Mike Hussey picked up two catches in the evening to seal Man-of-the-match, and Hauritz was well supported from Mitchell Johnson (2/24) who also had a gem of a ball to remove Johan Botha. A ball that nipped up at him with extreme pace, bounced off the glove and the catch was taken by Mike Hussey at slip. Great to watch!
James Hopes looks alot better in ODI cricket as opposed to T20 cricket, and managed to end up with clean stats of 2/24! Good work Catfish!
Nathan Bracken was economically uncharacteristic but his 1 wicket started the innings off well!
Ben Laughlin (1/28) picked up his first wicket removing Dale Steyn off a typical lower order shot, and fittingly ended the match with a catch at deep mid-off to give Hauritz his 4th wicket and sealing victory.
I have to comment on the commentators. Besides their dull tone, their negativity is quite amussing! Darryl Cullinan and Robin Jackman make a fine pair of pessimists and if you are a Proteas supporter they must do wonders for your mood as you watch your team get thumped, while you sit in your living room at home! Highlight for me was moaning about JP Duminy at slip, even though he had just taken a catch there and why AB deVilliers wasn't there! Hmmm, let's think? Maybe it is because AB is a backward point expert, a damn fast runner able to cut off quick singles and is a good thrower at the stumps...that seems right eh?!
Anyways, crap commentators aside, victory is victory, and it was in fine style at long last and I am still gambling on a 4-1 victory to Australia, assuming the batsmen keep doing their job!
Next game is tomorrow at Supersport Park, Centurion in a day match.
A victory by 141 runs gives AU a 1-0 lead in the five match ODI series.
Last time the teams met at Durban, Sahara Park Kingsmead, Australia won in a very close encounter. The Proteas had a good momentum going at the start with Graeme Smith (returning from another encounter with Mitchell Johnson) and Herschelle Gibbs in a strong partnership, but once that was broken, little resistance occurred.
I wasn't pleased with the Brad Haddin/Michael Clarke opening pair.
Brad - who I want to see opening each match - hit 53 runs leading from the front, including an awesome smack down the ground for six off a free-hit, but I was worried about Clarke at the top with him. Clarke is better suited at four or five, and personally I just don't feel he is our best candidate for top spot.
Shaun Marsh and Shane Watson's abscence doesn't help matters at all.
Clarke has proven better things in the middle order when he has a game plan to work with. He was in and out in a flash.
Haddin was solid, and I do believe he is meant for the top spot, but was run-out, along with David Hussey, in situations with poor communication and misunderstanding. This resulted in two cheap wickets!
Ricky Ponting looked like he was ready for a big innings! He fell for 37, but I did enjoy seeing signs of our Captain working the ball around and being alot more confident off the front foot, looking less complacent and more assertive! Credit to Albie Morkel on the catch he took to remove Punter. The back must be a bit sore today I reckon after reaching so high for that catch at mid-on!
With four wickets down, enter the Huss factor! Mike Hussey has been struggling for form in Test cricket (averaging around 22 in six tests!) but strangely in ODI cricket, he hasn't looked in bad form at all! Against the Black Caps he was terrific and last night it made me very happy to see Mike get the confidence up and play a mighty fine, middle order, ODI innings. Always reminds me of Michael Bevan when Huss gets going in ODI cricket with those energetic quick singles, and panel beating smacks to the deep mid wicket, mid-on region! Huss ended up making 83* NOT OUT, and staying to the end ensured we had a total that we could be proud of, after our rather bleak ODI season thus far. I hope to see more from Huss because I love watching him bat in ODI cricket. Elegance blended with strategic aggression.
Cal Ferguson (25), the only South Australia representative, chipped in with another helpful ODI innings to his stats and ensured an important partnership between him and Huss gave James Hopes (38) a chance to get better runs to his all-rounder status. I often worry about James Hopes in pressure situations, but he looked more patient yesterday and waited for the deliveries, as opposed to premeditated shots, which funny enough was the way he set himself up for his dismissal.
Mitchell Johnson just went up again in my books, as he walked after unnoticeably edging a ball to Mark Boucher. A half-hearted appeal went up, but Mitch walked immediatly. Good sportsmanship goes a long way! Hashim Amla did the same later in the night.
Lastly it was Nathan Hauritz, who starred with Huss in the victory.
He came in, probably doubted by many with his ability with the bat (remember the SCG test and his little cameo?), and made a crucial contribution in a 43 run partnership with Huss. He made 20* including 3 fours.
Always great to see our tail-enders play with confidence and making runs more often than not, a bit like India in Test cricket.
286 in 50 overs was the chase!
Hashim Amla, as I mentioned, walked after a faint edge behind, and I will not forget that moment of good sportsmanship. While I do believe if the Umpire says no, you donot have to walk as it is the Umpires decision that counts, but if you as a player would rather walk, I admire that.
Gibbs and Smith blasted their 70-odd run partnership stand in trademark fasion. Gibbs I tend to worry about more when he is defensive because error is less-likely to occur, but when he gets all aggressive and attacking, I don't worry because I know he will get himself out. Michael Clarke brought back his fielding standards and took a quick relfex catch to his lower right to send Herschelle back. Graeme Smith did bring up his 50, although he and Gibbs had some luck early in their innings' with Umpire fault, but it was an example of a Captain leading but no-one following in his wake. AB deVilliers got a touch of bad luck with an LBW decision, but I felt little for him after the two doses of bad luck served to us earlier in the innings.
From there it was a downfall for the Proteas with Nathan Hauritz (4/29) finally getting a bowl after nearly two months of waterboy duties! His control and consistency was really a pleasure to watch and no doubt in my mind the time on the sidelines has been best for him to get his game into order again. The ball of the night for me was the stumping of Albie Morkel! Our part-time spinners generate the slightest bit of turn, but not enough to cause a deviation threat. Hauritz though is a specialst spinner and also was the FR Cup bowler of the season! In Australia he was struggling for control and consistency in the ODI's, which he has regained, and Albie probably assumed a ball to come perfectly onto his bat, instead a sharp off-breaker beat his bat, and Haddin finished it off. Haddin is also keeping better to his preferred standards! Mike Hussey picked up two catches in the evening to seal Man-of-the-match, and Hauritz was well supported from Mitchell Johnson (2/24) who also had a gem of a ball to remove Johan Botha. A ball that nipped up at him with extreme pace, bounced off the glove and the catch was taken by Mike Hussey at slip. Great to watch!
James Hopes looks alot better in ODI cricket as opposed to T20 cricket, and managed to end up with clean stats of 2/24! Good work Catfish!
Nathan Bracken was economically uncharacteristic but his 1 wicket started the innings off well!
Ben Laughlin (1/28) picked up his first wicket removing Dale Steyn off a typical lower order shot, and fittingly ended the match with a catch at deep mid-off to give Hauritz his 4th wicket and sealing victory.
I have to comment on the commentators. Besides their dull tone, their negativity is quite amussing! Darryl Cullinan and Robin Jackman make a fine pair of pessimists and if you are a Proteas supporter they must do wonders for your mood as you watch your team get thumped, while you sit in your living room at home! Highlight for me was moaning about JP Duminy at slip, even though he had just taken a catch there and why AB deVilliers wasn't there! Hmmm, let's think? Maybe it is because AB is a backward point expert, a damn fast runner able to cut off quick singles and is a good thrower at the stumps...that seems right eh?!
Anyways, crap commentators aside, victory is victory, and it was in fine style at long last and I am still gambling on a 4-1 victory to Australia, assuming the batsmen keep doing their job!
Next game is tomorrow at Supersport Park, Centurion in a day match.
03 April 2009
T20 PRELIMINARY SQUAD ANNOUNCED
* FOR 1st ODI PREVIEW SEE PREVIOUS POST!
I will not divuldge too much into the 30 candidates selected for the T20 squad, of which 15 will make the trip to England, but there are some very promising, strong T20 cricketers in this line-up who can bring valuable abilities to the team!
This selection must be a strategic manoeuvre as opposed to who has done Australian cricket proud in other forms of the game in the past.
A bit of news is that Michael Hussey is likely to rest himself after this series, so he will NOT play in the IPL or the Pakistan ODI series in the UAE.
As a result, it opens the door for Australia's 'old timers'; Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Brad Hodge..., to make an entrance again.
All of them have been drafted in the NSP's prelim squad for the T20 Champions Trophy.
Official squad to be announced at a later stage:
(I will draft my ideas on this squad soon enough)
Nathan Bracken, NSW
Michael Clarke, NSW
Callum Ferguson, SA
Brett Geeves, TAS
Brad Haddin, NSW
Ryan Harris, QLD
Shane Harwood, VIC
Nathan Hauritz, NSW
Aaron Heal, WA
Moises Henriques, NSW
Ben Hilfenhaus, TAS
Brad Hodge, VIC
James Hopes, QLD
David Hussey, VIC
Michael Hussey, WA
Mitchell Johnson, WA
Jason Krejza, TAS
Ben Laughlin, QLD
Brett Lee, NSW
Graham Manou, SA
Shaun Marsh, WA
Ricky Ponting, TAS
Rob Quiney, VIC
Peter Siddle, VIC
Andrew Symonds, QLD
Shaun Tait, SA
Adam Voges, WA
David Warner, NSW
Shane Watson, QLD
Cameron White, VIC
NSW (7), VIC (6), SA (3), WA (5), QLD (5), TAS (4)
I will not divuldge too much into the 30 candidates selected for the T20 squad, of which 15 will make the trip to England, but there are some very promising, strong T20 cricketers in this line-up who can bring valuable abilities to the team!
This selection must be a strategic manoeuvre as opposed to who has done Australian cricket proud in other forms of the game in the past.
A bit of news is that Michael Hussey is likely to rest himself after this series, so he will NOT play in the IPL or the Pakistan ODI series in the UAE.
As a result, it opens the door for Australia's 'old timers'; Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Brad Hodge..., to make an entrance again.
All of them have been drafted in the NSP's prelim squad for the T20 Champions Trophy.
Official squad to be announced at a later stage:
(I will draft my ideas on this squad soon enough)
Nathan Bracken, NSW
Michael Clarke, NSW
Callum Ferguson, SA
Brett Geeves, TAS
Brad Haddin, NSW
Ryan Harris, QLD
Shane Harwood, VIC
Nathan Hauritz, NSW
Aaron Heal, WA
Moises Henriques, NSW
Ben Hilfenhaus, TAS
Brad Hodge, VIC
James Hopes, QLD
David Hussey, VIC
Michael Hussey, WA
Mitchell Johnson, WA
Jason Krejza, TAS
Ben Laughlin, QLD
Brett Lee, NSW
Graham Manou, SA
Shaun Marsh, WA
Ricky Ponting, TAS
Rob Quiney, VIC
Peter Siddle, VIC
Andrew Symonds, QLD
Shaun Tait, SA
Adam Voges, WA
David Warner, NSW
Shane Watson, QLD
Cameron White, VIC
NSW (7), VIC (6), SA (3), WA (5), QLD (5), TAS (4)
02 April 2009
1st ODI PREVIEW (Durban)
This is my 200th article post on this site, and pleased it is on the eve of the ODI series!
No major news to chirp about within Australian cricket, besides the fact that the squad announcement for the T20 Champions Trophy is to be announced very soon, so I am hoping for a fresh, enthusiastic 15 man squad to head over to England for the tournament and knock India off their title.
As for the present, the plan of action will be to win this series in an effort to reclaim the number 1 ranking in ODI cricket and leave the Proteas shores with some regained credibility.
The freakish element of victory would be to win 4-1 to complete a pattern to mirror the results in all forms of the game from the Australian home series.
But here's a quick preview for the 1st ODI between Aus and the Proteas, which is to be played at Sahara Park Kingsmead, Durban. The weather forecast looks to be in favour for play to occur!
Should be a good contest between bat and ball!
Last time the teams met here in an ODI was back in 2006 in the highly intense, nail-biting series, which the Proteas won 3-2 as they grabbed that unbelievable 438 match!
Australia won the ODI played in Durban in that series, which was an essential game to win in order to stand a chance of still claiming the series. It was a tense ending, where Stuart Clark and Mick Lewis managed to survive as the 10th wicket stand to ensure a victory was just reached! Stuart made 16 runs in that match, while it would be Mick Lewis' last memorable performance for Australia.
It was an unconvincing victory in the end, but it kept the series alive.
This time around we commence the series in Durban!
In order to win this series, I place a heavy amount of responsibility upon our top order with the bat.
Our bowlers haven't been by any means on top-form in the ODI game, but our batting has been unbelievably inconsistent! We managed to see better signs in the Test matches, but the ODI's are a one chance only domain, and this places even bigger responsibility on the batsmen to ensure they play consistently, and give our bowlers something to work with. If the batting plays out positively, on wickets that are a batsman's calling, I can see alot going well for Australia in this series.
If not, the Proteas will have their eyes on the kill again!
I would like to see Brad Haddin open the batting, but who will partner him?
I am not sure, but my guess is a toss up between Cal Ferguson, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke (please no!) or maybe Marcus North to give him a chance, but that is a slim chance.
Here is the squad:
Ricky Ponting (C),
Michael Clarke (VC),
Nathan Bracken,
Callum Ferguson,
Brett Geeves,
Brad Haddin (W/K),
Nathan Hauritz,
James Hopes,
David Hussey,
Michael Hussey,
Mitchell Johnson,
Ben Laughlin,
Marcus North,
Cameron White
* FACT: Of the present Australian squad, only 5 members were apart of the ODI squad in 2006, while for the Proteas they had six of their currently selected team for the first 2 ODI's.
The Australian players were; Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson.
No major news to chirp about within Australian cricket, besides the fact that the squad announcement for the T20 Champions Trophy is to be announced very soon, so I am hoping for a fresh, enthusiastic 15 man squad to head over to England for the tournament and knock India off their title.
As for the present, the plan of action will be to win this series in an effort to reclaim the number 1 ranking in ODI cricket and leave the Proteas shores with some regained credibility.
The freakish element of victory would be to win 4-1 to complete a pattern to mirror the results in all forms of the game from the Australian home series.
But here's a quick preview for the 1st ODI between Aus and the Proteas, which is to be played at Sahara Park Kingsmead, Durban. The weather forecast looks to be in favour for play to occur!
Should be a good contest between bat and ball!
Last time the teams met here in an ODI was back in 2006 in the highly intense, nail-biting series, which the Proteas won 3-2 as they grabbed that unbelievable 438 match!
Australia won the ODI played in Durban in that series, which was an essential game to win in order to stand a chance of still claiming the series. It was a tense ending, where Stuart Clark and Mick Lewis managed to survive as the 10th wicket stand to ensure a victory was just reached! Stuart made 16 runs in that match, while it would be Mick Lewis' last memorable performance for Australia.
It was an unconvincing victory in the end, but it kept the series alive.
This time around we commence the series in Durban!
In order to win this series, I place a heavy amount of responsibility upon our top order with the bat.
Our bowlers haven't been by any means on top-form in the ODI game, but our batting has been unbelievably inconsistent! We managed to see better signs in the Test matches, but the ODI's are a one chance only domain, and this places even bigger responsibility on the batsmen to ensure they play consistently, and give our bowlers something to work with. If the batting plays out positively, on wickets that are a batsman's calling, I can see alot going well for Australia in this series.
If not, the Proteas will have their eyes on the kill again!
I would like to see Brad Haddin open the batting, but who will partner him?
I am not sure, but my guess is a toss up between Cal Ferguson, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke (please no!) or maybe Marcus North to give him a chance, but that is a slim chance.
Here is the squad:
Ricky Ponting (C),
Michael Clarke (VC),
Nathan Bracken,
Callum Ferguson,
Brett Geeves,
Brad Haddin (W/K),
Nathan Hauritz,
James Hopes,
David Hussey,
Michael Hussey,
Mitchell Johnson,
Ben Laughlin,
Marcus North,
Cameron White
* FACT: Of the present Australian squad, only 5 members were apart of the ODI squad in 2006, while for the Proteas they had six of their currently selected team for the first 2 ODI's.
The Australian players were; Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson.
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