We are a week away from our opening match in the T20 Champions Trophy against West-Indies, where some payback is due after the 10 over game we played against them in 2008 which they convincingly won.
The Ashes talk is subsiding for the time being while the focus shifts on the International frontier to cricket's booming product - yes I referred to Twenty20 as a product - Twenty20 cricket.
The ICC T20 Champions Trophy 2009 is just days away!
The International teams have been overly exposed to the shortest version of the game, and the intensity in this tournament will be alot greater, especially regarding how at the time of the first tournament all of the teams were still getting a feel for the event.
The Australian team, selected by the NSP for the Twenty20 event, was a risky one as well as not very strategically balanced. Having said that, this is the team that will be taking the center stage and I will back the boys none-the-less as with the exception of the past T20 stats backing, our players have enourmous skill variety.
The team is loaded with match-winners in ODI cricket and it will be interesting to see how many of the these guys can step to the frontlines to take on the World's best. Twenty20 has a definite strategic element to it and a very high intensity level, but on the skill front it doesn't separate the World's best from the under dogs but too great if the dominant team is ever so slightly on the back-foot, which gives sides like Bangladesh, Scotland and Ireland a chance to showcase some competitiveness and more importantly the mystery of the unknown.
The guys will be able to get a feel for the Twenty20 format again on the 1st against Bangladesh and the 2nd against the Black Caps in back to back warm-up matches.
I will see what emerges from the Warm-up matches as far as getting a sense of our squad's preparations and abilties as a unit go.
But the main thing I will note is how fantastic I think it is that Womens Cricket is being pushed into the spotlight.
The Southern Stars (Australia's Womens Cricket team) are a very strong team and I am very sure they are in the running's to take the tournaments title.
It is great that both the tournaments will run side by side, and most importantly that the game is becoming accepted amongst Woman and how the game is becoming socially the norm for both genders.
It is also good from an awareness point of view having just had the Womens World Cup in Australia!
I remember playing against a team back in my school days and I had to bat against a female cricketer, who was pretty good looking, who was opening the bowling for her school's boys team!
Now I can honestly say I was more nervous having to defend my wicket against her bowling some decent deliveries, than I have been against some blokes who get their seamers in at 130km/h, which in the greater scheme of things is not that fast.
So I say bring on Womens cricket and let's keep this great game open to all.
As it should be, "LONG LIVE CRICKET"!
Excited still as it's nearly time to see how the guys fine tune their skills in these warm-up games. And this is one Tournament we have to claim!
We play the West-Indies and then Sri-Lanka. Now we thrashed Sri-Lanka back in 2007's T20 tournament by 10 wickets, but every team is on the ascendency in this form of the game so it is not an opening stage to take lightly, especially knowing if you stuff up those two chances you don't progres. Even worse is if you stuff up really badly it can affect your standings!
But I am quite confident in the boys making it through the opening stages, so next Saturday I shall be awake to cheer on the boys as they take on the Windies!!!
For some input on Tim Nielsons behalf with his "Coaches Blog", CLICK HERE and take a look at his chirps and inside views as the Coach.
30 May 2009
26 May 2009
FUTURE TOURS ANNOUNCED 2009/10
At last the tour dates have been released for the summer, and the teams that will be competing against Australia are the West-Indies and Pakistan.
Pakistan have the boxing day fixture and along with three Tests per team there will also be 5 ODI's and T20's.
Not the most exciting of fixtures but after the recent Pakistan series I wouldn't mind playing them again on Australian soil.
Here are the fixtures:
CLICK HERE FOR CRICINFO's LISTING
Pakistan have the boxing day fixture and along with three Tests per team there will also be 5 ODI's and T20's.
Not the most exciting of fixtures but after the recent Pakistan series I wouldn't mind playing them again on Australian soil.
Here are the fixtures:
CLICK HERE FOR CRICINFO's LISTING
25 May 2009
A FEW DAYS BREATHING SPACE!
With the IPL concluded - hopefully for a while now so the event doesn't go on over-drive and tempt fate with International cricket - in what seemed to be a second year success, it is a bit of space now from a cricketing overdose.
The Deccan Chargers won the event, and it was great to see Gilly still has his intensity as an entertaining match-winner and it is refreshing to see Andrew Symonds put in some trademark performances with plenty chirps in the field!
Roy needs to double that intensity for Aussie given our Twenty20 squad for the T20 Champions Trophy will need every bit of input from the T20 specialists and versatile cricketer's.
I hope the teams preparations are going strongly and that the morale in the Camp is at a high with some recent time out from the game and time back with their families and mates.
I will be back with more articles end of the week.
As a kind note to anyone reading this I have a few requests.
I appreciate your interest's in wanting a link on my site to your websites, but I am going to be very specific as to what sites I have on my links page, and please remember this site is dedicated to AUSTRALIAN or International cricketI don't have the time to do write-up's on sites on sites if they aren't related to Australian cricket. With the exception in given circumstances I am more than happy to regularly boost other blokes like myself writing their heart-felt chirps for their teams!
I DONOT do this site for financial gain and do it primarily to show my support to Australian cricket, with my own opinions as well as reader's input to keep the interest diverse in the team. So please, I will no longer be willing to assist companies offering my financial throw-off's unless it is to benefit Australian cricket in some way.
Please respect this, any questions though or enquiries I am content if you wish to send an email to the account in the contact column.
The Deccan Chargers won the event, and it was great to see Gilly still has his intensity as an entertaining match-winner and it is refreshing to see Andrew Symonds put in some trademark performances with plenty chirps in the field!
Roy needs to double that intensity for Aussie given our Twenty20 squad for the T20 Champions Trophy will need every bit of input from the T20 specialists and versatile cricketer's.
I hope the teams preparations are going strongly and that the morale in the Camp is at a high with some recent time out from the game and time back with their families and mates.
I will be back with more articles end of the week.
As a kind note to anyone reading this I have a few requests.
I appreciate your interest's in wanting a link on my site to your websites, but I am going to be very specific as to what sites I have on my links page, and please remember this site is dedicated to AUSTRALIAN or International cricketI don't have the time to do write-up's on sites on sites if they aren't related to Australian cricket. With the exception in given circumstances I am more than happy to regularly boost other blokes like myself writing their heart-felt chirps for their teams!
I DONOT do this site for financial gain and do it primarily to show my support to Australian cricket, with my own opinions as well as reader's input to keep the interest diverse in the team. So please, I will no longer be willing to assist companies offering my financial throw-off's unless it is to benefit Australian cricket in some way.
Please respect this, any questions though or enquiries I am content if you wish to send an email to the account in the contact column.
21 May 2009
THE ASHES NOTES #8
I will be taking a bit of a break from my articles till roughly next week Thursday due to other commitments, but if I can squeeze in a word or more I will be sure to do so.
Australia have begun the Physchological warfare, which in hindsight is a good thing.
Ricky Ponting was very quiet in the build up to the South African series both regarding the home and away series, but more so with the South African leg of the tour. I don't ever see chirping as arrogance, which is what the Waugh era players have often been referred to as. I've never seen it as a problem being highly competitive, out to win and knowing your team inside out. Interesting how since the rather gloomy season we've had I notice the negative tags being thrown around less now. One factor Punter did say that shows his ambition and desire to lead this squad described as a balance between "youth and experience". He also has the obvious to achieve in his Captaincy.
"There's one thing on my cricketing resume that hasn't been achieved yet, and that's being captain of a winning Ashes series in England," Ponting said at the announcement of Australia's 16-man touring squad. "That's something very dear to my heart, and something I'll certainly be speaking to the players about when we arrive - making sure we get over that hurdle."
Punter hasn't had the most prolific of runs lately, and many are now very sure, including Peter Roebuck, that he has probably missed the train to catch up to Sachin Tendulkar's run tally. I really do hope that Punter can find that destructive consistency he can unleash in the middle, and that the hurricane of mass runs he brings into the Ashes will be apart of our 2009 campaign!
Our batsmen have a massive task ahead with the English bowlers finding their synergy.
Chris Stocks, the English sports writer I am going to be doing some article's alongside, sent me an email with the following predictions and analysis regarding the English team for the Ashes 2009:
(CLICK HERE for Chris' Extra Cover column)
Andrew Strauss (captain)
Alastair Cook
Ravi Bopara
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
Matt Prior (wkt)
Andrew Flintoff
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Graham Onions/Monty Panesar (depending on pitch)
Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison are write-offs. Ian Bell could return if they decide to go for an extra batsman but that looks unlikely. There are only five recognised batsmen in that side if you don't include the keeper Prior but Flintoff can bat as you know (he may drop to right though as his batting suffers when he's out), Broad is a fine batsman and can almost be classed as an all-rounder, Swann too can bat, so there's depth in the batting. Also, five bowlers look a must if we want to get 20 wickets.
The mood in the squad is bouyant as well. I ghostwrite Alastair Cook's column for our paper and speaking to him yesterday, I've never known him so upbeat. There's a real togetherness in the camp under Andy Flower ( a major feat after the Pietersen/Peter Moores saga) and a feeling that this group of players can do something special this summer. Time will tell!
It's all pre-Ashes talk for now folks, but the fires will rise soon on English soil as we draw nearer to the next epic encounter of another highly anticipated Ashes series as the Baggy Green will take on the Three Lions.
The IPL draws to a closure this weekend and after that we have a cooling off period before the ICC T20 Champions Trophy, which at this stage is still an unknown affair. That is first on the cards before the Ashes, so the focus shifts.
Australia have begun the Physchological warfare, which in hindsight is a good thing.
Ricky Ponting was very quiet in the build up to the South African series both regarding the home and away series, but more so with the South African leg of the tour. I don't ever see chirping as arrogance, which is what the Waugh era players have often been referred to as. I've never seen it as a problem being highly competitive, out to win and knowing your team inside out. Interesting how since the rather gloomy season we've had I notice the negative tags being thrown around less now. One factor Punter did say that shows his ambition and desire to lead this squad described as a balance between "youth and experience". He also has the obvious to achieve in his Captaincy.
"There's one thing on my cricketing resume that hasn't been achieved yet, and that's being captain of a winning Ashes series in England," Ponting said at the announcement of Australia's 16-man touring squad. "That's something very dear to my heart, and something I'll certainly be speaking to the players about when we arrive - making sure we get over that hurdle."
Punter hasn't had the most prolific of runs lately, and many are now very sure, including Peter Roebuck, that he has probably missed the train to catch up to Sachin Tendulkar's run tally. I really do hope that Punter can find that destructive consistency he can unleash in the middle, and that the hurricane of mass runs he brings into the Ashes will be apart of our 2009 campaign!
Our batsmen have a massive task ahead with the English bowlers finding their synergy.
Chris Stocks, the English sports writer I am going to be doing some article's alongside, sent me an email with the following predictions and analysis regarding the English team for the Ashes 2009:
(CLICK HERE for Chris' Extra Cover column)
Andrew Strauss (captain)
Alastair Cook
Ravi Bopara
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
Matt Prior (wkt)
Andrew Flintoff
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Graham Onions/Monty Panesar (depending on pitch)
Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison are write-offs. Ian Bell could return if they decide to go for an extra batsman but that looks unlikely. There are only five recognised batsmen in that side if you don't include the keeper Prior but Flintoff can bat as you know (he may drop to right though as his batting suffers when he's out), Broad is a fine batsman and can almost be classed as an all-rounder, Swann too can bat, so there's depth in the batting. Also, five bowlers look a must if we want to get 20 wickets.
The mood in the squad is bouyant as well. I ghostwrite Alastair Cook's column for our paper and speaking to him yesterday, I've never known him so upbeat. There's a real togetherness in the camp under Andy Flower ( a major feat after the Pietersen/Peter Moores saga) and a feeling that this group of players can do something special this summer. Time will tell!
It's all pre-Ashes talk for now folks, but the fires will rise soon on English soil as we draw nearer to the next epic encounter of another highly anticipated Ashes series as the Baggy Green will take on the Three Lions.
The IPL draws to a closure this weekend and after that we have a cooling off period before the ICC T20 Champions Trophy, which at this stage is still an unknown affair. That is first on the cards before the Ashes, so the focus shifts.
19 May 2009
THE AUSTRALIAN 2009 ASHES SQUAD ANNOUNCED!
Here it is, the big news both Australian and English cricket supporters have been waiting for!
The National Selection Panel has announced the 16 man squad that will travel to England for the 2009 Ashes 5-match Test series where Ricky Ponting and his elite Test match colleagues will battle England to retain the historical Ashes Urn after our 5-0 whitewash in 2006/07!
AUSTRALIAN 2009 ASHES TEST SQUAD:
Ricky Ponting (Captain)
Michael Clarke (vc)
Stuart Clark
Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Phillip Hughes
Michael Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Simon Katich
Brett Lee
Graham Manou
Andrew McDonald
Marcus North
Peter Siddle
Shane Watson*
This will be the squad Australian supporters will be backing in their Ashes campaign!
Since 2005 there have been an astonishing 11 players that have retired or do not feature in this selection. Some have had a taste of the Ashes in squad selection before now, or actually been apart of the playing team in a series!
Players like the young and eye-opening Phillip Hughes who has just finished a dominating appearance in the County circuit to get England's supporters nipping, Mitchell Johnson our most rapidly developing Test cricketer with the ball and bat, as well as Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Andrew MacDonald and Marcus North all enter as immediate candidates for a Test appearance in the series with important roles to play!
Other players, such as Michael Hussey and Stuart Clark will make their Ashes debut's on English soil after taking part in the 2006/07 series with Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Brett Lee no strangers to the intensity of an Ashes series home and away!
Simon Katich returns having featured in 2005's Ashes loss in England, where himself and Hughes are our opening guard to face the inform English pace bowlers! Experience and energised youth make them a formidable pair!
Mike Hussey made his impact in first-class cricket in County Cricket to eventually make the Australian side after hard-work and extreme perseveranc. He awaits a huge unaccomplished element of his career!
Ricky Ponting needs little mentioning of as everyone knows he will only be looking at targetting England's players for many, many runs in the Ashes. Punter has fallen victim to a rather inconsistent streak but he is a cricketer who everyone should know brings the best out when needed!
Michael Clarke is our middle order specialist who knows the conditions and has an elegant batting technique to turn around a match situation!
Brad Haddin will take the keeper duties and a reliant role in the middle order batting line-up, with South Australian Graham Manou as his “understudy” and even if he (Manou) doesn't feature in the matches, he will gain experience like Haddin did back in 2005 as Gilchrists cover and will no doubt remember, and has stated, remember the feeling of loss!
Marcus North may be making his Ashes debut, but he is no stranger to the English conditions!
Shane Watson has been selected subject to fitness but his form is cause for little concern after a solid return to Australian colours in his Pakistan ODI campaign recently. Watto provides flexibility to the line-up. I'd imagine his bowling is in doubt but that is little to worry about especially regarding the fact that with Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee, who can both bat at Test level, will be the new ball pair blasting the ball at Englands top order, with Stuart Clark and Ben Hilfenhaus specified experts to swing that ball and make England's Ashes a nightmare! Peter Siddle offers an ambitious dynamic to this bowling attack with all-rounder Andrew MacDonald being given thumbs up by the NSP where he can offer his medium-pacers to tie the batsmen down. Nathan Hauritz will be looking to play a big part on some of the wickets the conditions will present as our full-time spinner!
The NSP has done a fine job in selecting this squad so credit must be given to them at long last on their strategic outlook on the selection and more importantly that this looks like a very well balanced, aggressive team that will ensure that their best efforts are match-winning threats to England in the 2009 Ashes series!
The 8th of July, Sophia Gardens @ Cardiff, is where it will all start folks as the next highly-anticipated Ashes series draws closer!
I am also excited to announce that I will be working with a British sports journalist, Chris Stocks, during the Ashes series.
My site, from an Australian supporters perspective, and Chris' column, from an English supporters perspective, will be tightly aligned to enlighten readers to the different analytical, opinionated chirps we have regarding our teams in this epic Test match event we have long anticipated. Through our sites we will regularly throw readers back on forth for different perspectives on matters relating to the Ashes 2009 series!
Recently Chris wrote an article regarding England's performance against the West-Indies, with player rating's, form and potential to make an impact for the Ashes.
CLICK HERE to access Chris' “Extra Cover” column and feel free to post your comments on his featured articles!
My site has featured short “Ashes notes” on various matters for the Baggy Green over the last few weeks and will continue to do so.
Hope to have your comments and a strong say as we get nearer to the Series as well as throughout the series.
From my side it's nothing but Aussie, Aussie, Aussie all the way mate!
Let's make up that 2005 loss on English soil now!
The National Selection Panel has announced the 16 man squad that will travel to England for the 2009 Ashes 5-match Test series where Ricky Ponting and his elite Test match colleagues will battle England to retain the historical Ashes Urn after our 5-0 whitewash in 2006/07!
AUSTRALIAN 2009 ASHES TEST SQUAD:
Ricky Ponting (Captain)
Michael Clarke (vc)
Stuart Clark
Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Phillip Hughes
Michael Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Simon Katich
Brett Lee
Graham Manou
Andrew McDonald
Marcus North
Peter Siddle
Shane Watson*
This will be the squad Australian supporters will be backing in their Ashes campaign!
Since 2005 there have been an astonishing 11 players that have retired or do not feature in this selection. Some have had a taste of the Ashes in squad selection before now, or actually been apart of the playing team in a series!
Players like the young and eye-opening Phillip Hughes who has just finished a dominating appearance in the County circuit to get England's supporters nipping, Mitchell Johnson our most rapidly developing Test cricketer with the ball and bat, as well as Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Andrew MacDonald and Marcus North all enter as immediate candidates for a Test appearance in the series with important roles to play!
Other players, such as Michael Hussey and Stuart Clark will make their Ashes debut's on English soil after taking part in the 2006/07 series with Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Brett Lee no strangers to the intensity of an Ashes series home and away!
Simon Katich returns having featured in 2005's Ashes loss in England, where himself and Hughes are our opening guard to face the inform English pace bowlers! Experience and energised youth make them a formidable pair!
Mike Hussey made his impact in first-class cricket in County Cricket to eventually make the Australian side after hard-work and extreme perseveranc. He awaits a huge unaccomplished element of his career!
Ricky Ponting needs little mentioning of as everyone knows he will only be looking at targetting England's players for many, many runs in the Ashes. Punter has fallen victim to a rather inconsistent streak but he is a cricketer who everyone should know brings the best out when needed!
Michael Clarke is our middle order specialist who knows the conditions and has an elegant batting technique to turn around a match situation!
Brad Haddin will take the keeper duties and a reliant role in the middle order batting line-up, with South Australian Graham Manou as his “understudy” and even if he (Manou) doesn't feature in the matches, he will gain experience like Haddin did back in 2005 as Gilchrists cover and will no doubt remember, and has stated, remember the feeling of loss!
Marcus North may be making his Ashes debut, but he is no stranger to the English conditions!
Shane Watson has been selected subject to fitness but his form is cause for little concern after a solid return to Australian colours in his Pakistan ODI campaign recently. Watto provides flexibility to the line-up. I'd imagine his bowling is in doubt but that is little to worry about especially regarding the fact that with Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee, who can both bat at Test level, will be the new ball pair blasting the ball at Englands top order, with Stuart Clark and Ben Hilfenhaus specified experts to swing that ball and make England's Ashes a nightmare! Peter Siddle offers an ambitious dynamic to this bowling attack with all-rounder Andrew MacDonald being given thumbs up by the NSP where he can offer his medium-pacers to tie the batsmen down. Nathan Hauritz will be looking to play a big part on some of the wickets the conditions will present as our full-time spinner!
The NSP has done a fine job in selecting this squad so credit must be given to them at long last on their strategic outlook on the selection and more importantly that this looks like a very well balanced, aggressive team that will ensure that their best efforts are match-winning threats to England in the 2009 Ashes series!
The 8th of July, Sophia Gardens @ Cardiff, is where it will all start folks as the next highly-anticipated Ashes series draws closer!
I am also excited to announce that I will be working with a British sports journalist, Chris Stocks, during the Ashes series.
My site, from an Australian supporters perspective, and Chris' column, from an English supporters perspective, will be tightly aligned to enlighten readers to the different analytical, opinionated chirps we have regarding our teams in this epic Test match event we have long anticipated. Through our sites we will regularly throw readers back on forth for different perspectives on matters relating to the Ashes 2009 series!
Recently Chris wrote an article regarding England's performance against the West-Indies, with player rating's, form and potential to make an impact for the Ashes.
CLICK HERE to access Chris' “Extra Cover” column and feel free to post your comments on his featured articles!
My site has featured short “Ashes notes” on various matters for the Baggy Green over the last few weeks and will continue to do so.
Hope to have your comments and a strong say as we get nearer to the Series as well as throughout the series.
From my side it's nothing but Aussie, Aussie, Aussie all the way mate!
Let's make up that 2005 loss on English soil now!
T20 CHAMPIONS TROPHY NOTES #2
I see Brad Hodge is giving the NSP the middle stump after hitting another fifty in T20 cricket, this time for the Kolkata Knightriders with 71* not out.
I guess it is a tough selection route any way you look at it for test, ODI or Twenty20 cricket for Australia at the moment but sometimes a bit of logic does dictate!
With the Ashes directly after this tournament I have noticed a number of people on forums and through general conversation feel slightly dissatisfied with the squad selected for the second staging of the ICC Twenty20 Champions Trophy.
I am not dissatisfied but I do feel the team could have been more strategically balanced.
The major cause for concern was the fact that most of these players are likely to be apart of the Ashes squad which opens the worrying factor of injury to the players.
The other is that this is a similar team that we played in the 2007 tournament, where had it not been for some epic work from Matthew Hayden following his 2007 World Cup campaign, I honestly doubt that we would have even made it to the semi's, which even then we marginally made it.
Haydos is also dominating the IPL 2009 in the run stats.
I am not one to pessimistic and I am a really proud supporter of each member of the team representing Australia in any format, even if as a supporter I have my reservations regarding their selection.
However this is an very clear observation I reckon most of you would not disagree with me upon and the supporter's who mentioned the above mentioned "issues"!
Twenty20 is a format that needs be looked at as a separate entity at this point in time with Australia still developing their side.
With the exception of David Warner and David Hussey, where are the other proven specialists or players who have tackled this format of the game better than others?
Cameron White, Brad Hodge, Lee Carseldine...even giving Callum Ferguson, Ryan Harris, Phillip Hughes, Doug Bollinger and Shaun Tait a run would have been a possibility!
Dirk Nannes (who is the IPL) will be representing Netherlands so he was a right off.
But once again with a few of those players in possible Ashes selection criteria it comes back to the risk of injury and points fingers at excessive work-load and format switching, which is more so on the ICC's side of the court.
I reckon the side going over is the side we need to focus on and with out being overly analytical realise all these guys can contribute to a winning team!
Statistically speaking Ricky Ponting has been on a landslide in Twenty20 cricket and Michael Clarke has yet to provide any gifted performances for the format.
These two are in our leadership group and essential in our Ashes and ODI campaigns.
Their presence does add a boost factor and let's just hope they are ready to step up. Both are aware of that hunger to win tournament's where Australia's name is yet to be engraved into the Trophy base!
I hope Punter is taking this tournament's preparations seriously for the team, which Brad Haddin did back-up a few weeks ago, and that just for the few days of the tournament that the player's can focus on Twenty20 for that time frame with the Ashes out the picture if possible because as a supporter I really want us to win this tournament!
Maybe the NSP was looking at Cost saving for Cricket Australia?
I don't know how travel management works but it would be cheaper to haul 80% of the Ashes team over the tournament and then send them to the designated places for matches.
Stats aside THIS TEAM CAN go all the way!
There are plenty match-winners in the team, moderate balances between bat and ball and if the boys click early in this contest we do stand a good chance in raising that Trophy and taking the title from India.
I guess it is a tough selection route any way you look at it for test, ODI or Twenty20 cricket for Australia at the moment but sometimes a bit of logic does dictate!
With the Ashes directly after this tournament I have noticed a number of people on forums and through general conversation feel slightly dissatisfied with the squad selected for the second staging of the ICC Twenty20 Champions Trophy.
I am not dissatisfied but I do feel the team could have been more strategically balanced.
The major cause for concern was the fact that most of these players are likely to be apart of the Ashes squad which opens the worrying factor of injury to the players.
The other is that this is a similar team that we played in the 2007 tournament, where had it not been for some epic work from Matthew Hayden following his 2007 World Cup campaign, I honestly doubt that we would have even made it to the semi's, which even then we marginally made it.
Haydos is also dominating the IPL 2009 in the run stats.
I am not one to pessimistic and I am a really proud supporter of each member of the team representing Australia in any format, even if as a supporter I have my reservations regarding their selection.
However this is an very clear observation I reckon most of you would not disagree with me upon and the supporter's who mentioned the above mentioned "issues"!
Twenty20 is a format that needs be looked at as a separate entity at this point in time with Australia still developing their side.
With the exception of David Warner and David Hussey, where are the other proven specialists or players who have tackled this format of the game better than others?
Cameron White, Brad Hodge, Lee Carseldine...even giving Callum Ferguson, Ryan Harris, Phillip Hughes, Doug Bollinger and Shaun Tait a run would have been a possibility!
Dirk Nannes (who is the IPL) will be representing Netherlands so he was a right off.
But once again with a few of those players in possible Ashes selection criteria it comes back to the risk of injury and points fingers at excessive work-load and format switching, which is more so on the ICC's side of the court.
I reckon the side going over is the side we need to focus on and with out being overly analytical realise all these guys can contribute to a winning team!
Statistically speaking Ricky Ponting has been on a landslide in Twenty20 cricket and Michael Clarke has yet to provide any gifted performances for the format.
These two are in our leadership group and essential in our Ashes and ODI campaigns.
Their presence does add a boost factor and let's just hope they are ready to step up. Both are aware of that hunger to win tournament's where Australia's name is yet to be engraved into the Trophy base!
I hope Punter is taking this tournament's preparations seriously for the team, which Brad Haddin did back-up a few weeks ago, and that just for the few days of the tournament that the player's can focus on Twenty20 for that time frame with the Ashes out the picture if possible because as a supporter I really want us to win this tournament!
Maybe the NSP was looking at Cost saving for Cricket Australia?
I don't know how travel management works but it would be cheaper to haul 80% of the Ashes team over the tournament and then send them to the designated places for matches.
Stats aside THIS TEAM CAN go all the way!
There are plenty match-winners in the team, moderate balances between bat and ball and if the boys click early in this contest we do stand a good chance in raising that Trophy and taking the title from India.
18 May 2009
THE ASHES NOTES #7
* See previous post for earlier Ashes chirps!
Had a quick peek at Cricinfo after my last article before stepping away from my writing for the day only to find a neat article by Alex Brown who has a PREDICTED Ashes squad in his article!
Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vice-capt), Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Graham Manou, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson.
It is a very realistic line-up to what we may be presented with and well predicted!
The only possible modifications I can see will be Manou and Hodge (given his rough time with selection) missing out with MacDonald and Symond's coming into the line-up.
Hauritz most certainly has the full-time spinner slot with so many part-timers.
If I had to make the logical call it would be wise to leave Brad Hodge in that line-up due to his versatility in the batting line-up, knowledge of the English conditions and his strong form in first-class and Test cricket.
Manou can gain alot as a member of the squad as Haddin did in 2005 as Gilchrist's cover, but if he missed the call-up it would be between Roy and MacDonald most definitly. One is coming off a good Test run with notable improvement whereas the other is highly experienced in English conditions and is a reputed match-winner but has been on the inconsistency bench. It's a tough call!
Had a quick peek at Cricinfo after my last article before stepping away from my writing for the day only to find a neat article by Alex Brown who has a PREDICTED Ashes squad in his article!
Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vice-capt), Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Graham Manou, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson.
It is a very realistic line-up to what we may be presented with and well predicted!
The only possible modifications I can see will be Manou and Hodge (given his rough time with selection) missing out with MacDonald and Symond's coming into the line-up.
Hauritz most certainly has the full-time spinner slot with so many part-timers.
If I had to make the logical call it would be wise to leave Brad Hodge in that line-up due to his versatility in the batting line-up, knowledge of the English conditions and his strong form in first-class and Test cricket.
Manou can gain alot as a member of the squad as Haddin did in 2005 as Gilchrist's cover, but if he missed the call-up it would be between Roy and MacDonald most definitly. One is coming off a good Test run with notable improvement whereas the other is highly experienced in English conditions and is a reputed match-winner but has been on the inconsistency bench. It's a tough call!
THE ASHES NOTES # 6
Although it is not in the 4 day form of the game, but Phillip Hughes has lodged in some needed form in the One Day form of the game after posting 119, including 12 fours 2 sixes and a healthy strike-rate. His team-mates haven't been looking to solid in shorter form of the game but it is pleasing to see when he gets going that he builds his innings with aggression!
I am not overly sure on the duration left on Hughes' stay in England for Middlesex, but I do feel he has accomplished - from a supporter's perspective - what we were expecting him to achieve. He is the leading run-scorer in the circuit for first-class cricket and has no doubt gained some crucial experience regarding the conditions.
A bloke to watch out for is Eoin Morgan who is in Hughes' squad.
He represented Ireland at the 2007 World Cup but I had no idea he had transferred permantly to the English circuit. He has been pretty impressive in the One Day game and I noticed he is apart of England's Twenty20 squad, so I am sure he is someone to watch out for lurking his way into England's 50 over team to follow after the Ashes!
England are doing a fine job against the Windies.
Some intensity in their camp, notably from their batsman, is paving the way to series victory to make up after their scratchy campaign in the Windies territory.
I don't rate the Windies bowling attack, although I would like to think they are all improving series by series. England's top order hasn't really failed in laying down a good foundation for the middle order, which is an area for Mitch and the boys to be analysing. I'm not phased by their team, but it is still important to look into the strengths and how their selector's are possibly planning the squad make-up!
Andrew MacDonald recently stated openly that he is nervous about the Ashes Squad Announcement next week Wednesday. I noticed on Tele he is with the Delhi Daredevils squad at the IPL and is yet to play.
Despite Marcus North's century of 117 in the 1st Test at The Wanderers, he didn't play a much bigger role after that.
However, Marcus' experience has been a huge injection of county cricket so that will go well in his favour for selection purposes along with his part-time bowling. MacDonald played a good role in the Newlands Test, despite us losing it, and was valuable with the ball in the Kingsmead Test.
If anything the two of them have actually transferred a fair amount confidence to selectors who will have to take selection of Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds for the Ashes squad very seriously.
They (Watto and Roy) will most definitly be in the ODI squad to follow after the Ashes, but the Ashes squad is where the focus is at.
I think Andrew MacDonald summed up the situation quite well in this statement:
"Every game you play makes you feel a little more settled," McDonald said. "It does take a while to find your feet. The group we took to South Africa was fantastic and gelled well, so that made it a bit easier. I think with winning those Tests [against South Africa] it helped me to find my feet a bit quicker than it might have otherwise.
"But I'm not really sure how it [Ashes selection] will go. I don't really know what the conditions will be like in England - I've played a bit of league cricket there - and they could come into it. I suppose anyone in that 25-man contract list can put forward a strong case for Ashes selection. Shane showed in the last one-day series that he can bat in the top six, and Symonds has obviously been a consistent performer over a long period of time. There aren't any four- or five-day games between now and when they select the squad. I suppose there's not a lot I can do about it now."
What do you think?
I am not overly sure on the duration left on Hughes' stay in England for Middlesex, but I do feel he has accomplished - from a supporter's perspective - what we were expecting him to achieve. He is the leading run-scorer in the circuit for first-class cricket and has no doubt gained some crucial experience regarding the conditions.
A bloke to watch out for is Eoin Morgan who is in Hughes' squad.
He represented Ireland at the 2007 World Cup but I had no idea he had transferred permantly to the English circuit. He has been pretty impressive in the One Day game and I noticed he is apart of England's Twenty20 squad, so I am sure he is someone to watch out for lurking his way into England's 50 over team to follow after the Ashes!
England are doing a fine job against the Windies.
Some intensity in their camp, notably from their batsman, is paving the way to series victory to make up after their scratchy campaign in the Windies territory.
I don't rate the Windies bowling attack, although I would like to think they are all improving series by series. England's top order hasn't really failed in laying down a good foundation for the middle order, which is an area for Mitch and the boys to be analysing. I'm not phased by their team, but it is still important to look into the strengths and how their selector's are possibly planning the squad make-up!
Andrew MacDonald recently stated openly that he is nervous about the Ashes Squad Announcement next week Wednesday. I noticed on Tele he is with the Delhi Daredevils squad at the IPL and is yet to play.
Despite Marcus North's century of 117 in the 1st Test at The Wanderers, he didn't play a much bigger role after that.
However, Marcus' experience has been a huge injection of county cricket so that will go well in his favour for selection purposes along with his part-time bowling. MacDonald played a good role in the Newlands Test, despite us losing it, and was valuable with the ball in the Kingsmead Test.
If anything the two of them have actually transferred a fair amount confidence to selectors who will have to take selection of Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds for the Ashes squad very seriously.
They (Watto and Roy) will most definitly be in the ODI squad to follow after the Ashes, but the Ashes squad is where the focus is at.
I think Andrew MacDonald summed up the situation quite well in this statement:
"Every game you play makes you feel a little more settled," McDonald said. "It does take a while to find your feet. The group we took to South Africa was fantastic and gelled well, so that made it a bit easier. I think with winning those Tests [against South Africa] it helped me to find my feet a bit quicker than it might have otherwise.
"But I'm not really sure how it [Ashes selection] will go. I don't really know what the conditions will be like in England - I've played a bit of league cricket there - and they could come into it. I suppose anyone in that 25-man contract list can put forward a strong case for Ashes selection. Shane showed in the last one-day series that he can bat in the top six, and Symonds has obviously been a consistent performer over a long period of time. There aren't any four- or five-day games between now and when they select the squad. I suppose there's not a lot I can do about it now."
What do you think?
14 May 2009
CRICKET AUSTRALIA MEN'S CONTRACTS 2009/10
With the Ashes squad announcement next Wednesday, further news today was Cricket Australia's official contract list.
Here are the players who will be on the contract list for the 2009/10 season:
* Indicates new contract holders
Doug Bollinger (NSW)
Nathan Bracken (NSW)
Stuart Clark (NSW)
Michael Clarke (NSW)
* Callum Ferguson (SA)
Brad Haddin (NSW)
Nathan Hauritz (NSW)
Ben Hilfenhaus (Tas)
Brad Hodge (Vic)
James Hopes (Qld)
* Phillip Hughes (NSW)
David Hussey (Vic)
Michael Hussey (WA)
Mitchell Johnson (WA)
Simon Katich (NSW)
Brett Lee (NSW)
* Graham Manou (SA)
Shaun Marsh (WA)
* Andrew McDonald (Vic)
* Marcus North (WA)
Ricky Ponting (Tas)
* Peter Siddle (Vic)
Andrew Symonds (Qld)
Shane Watson (NSW)
Cameron White (Vic)
NSW (10), Qld (2), SA (2), Tas (2), Vic (5), WA (4)
A very good looking contract list, so kudo's but let's hope the players who are actually selected will represent Australia in a particular format as opposed to having a contract on a piece of paper and nothing more than some Domestic cricket.
6 new entrants on the list, all of whom deserve their break.
Graham Manou is the only player who has not represented Australia on that list. Recently I wrote a bit about him. Out of the Aussie keepers he has vast experience in Australian conditions and has been a good performer for the Redbacks. Brad Haddin was often in the contract list, although not playing huge amounts of cricket but he was very often there on tour in the background and playing the back-up keeper in case Adam Gilchrist took a bad one. The other's you know about.
Cameron White, Andrew Symonds and Brad Hodge retain their place on the contractor's role. Cam White hasn't had the best of season's but he is a cricketer that can play some match winning innings'. Roy keeps his place, backed by slight glimpses of form in the ODI series against Pakistan and some handy contributions in his brief appearances against the Proteas. He is also playing well in the IPL contest.
Brad Hodge is the one that surprises me! I am fond of Hodgey and believe he is a very skilled cricket player. He is having a run in the IPL, but sometime back I wrote an article regarding his status in the side and how I viewed him as a "Baggy green in the scrapyard".
Now the NSP and Cricket Australia stated contract holder's are selected by:
- Player form over the past 12 months;
- Likelihood of Australian selection over the next 12 months taking into account who Australia plays, balance of the side and the need to ensure the future development of the Test and limited overs teams.
So according to this Hodgey was often overlooked but it seems his selection is purely on the second point. But good news is it seems he is still in the plans so let's hope we see some good rotation with these brilliant cricketer's who will be representing Australia in either form's of the game.
I am extremely pleased about Callum Ferguson being awarded a contract. His will be on the basis for the 2011 World Cup development, but the more he learns at International level the better! He is to me the ODI player find of the summer, while Phillip Hughes is our Test player find of the summer.
Player's who have just emerged into top performers are the excellent Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus is learning well too in Test cricket.
This is a balanced set-up with youth, experience and ambition with bowlers, batsmen, keepers and all-rounders. Now we just see how the NSP utilises it.
Player's like David Warner, Shaun Tait (who lost his contract on the basis of constant injury) and Ben Laughlin are not contract holder's but are obviously still candidates for International selection, so don't be all worked up seeing Warner not in that list! All of these guys are young in experience and have time on their side to prove their skills further.
Player's who have been removed from the list are:
Matthew Hayden and Stuart MacGill (retired), while Beau Casson (who I do see as unfortunate), Phil Jaques, Ashley Noffke, Shaun Tait and Adam Voges are not the contract list either.
Phil Jaques is also unlucky as I think he did a really solid job for Australia after his emergence again in 2007. But I'd imagine he is on that back-up non-contracted list with Hughes and Katto doing such a fine job for us.
So there you have it! Now we wait upon the Ashes selection!
Here are the players who will be on the contract list for the 2009/10 season:
* Indicates new contract holders
Doug Bollinger (NSW)
Nathan Bracken (NSW)
Stuart Clark (NSW)
Michael Clarke (NSW)
* Callum Ferguson (SA)
Brad Haddin (NSW)
Nathan Hauritz (NSW)
Ben Hilfenhaus (Tas)
Brad Hodge (Vic)
James Hopes (Qld)
* Phillip Hughes (NSW)
David Hussey (Vic)
Michael Hussey (WA)
Mitchell Johnson (WA)
Simon Katich (NSW)
Brett Lee (NSW)
* Graham Manou (SA)
Shaun Marsh (WA)
* Andrew McDonald (Vic)
* Marcus North (WA)
Ricky Ponting (Tas)
* Peter Siddle (Vic)
Andrew Symonds (Qld)
Shane Watson (NSW)
Cameron White (Vic)
NSW (10), Qld (2), SA (2), Tas (2), Vic (5), WA (4)
A very good looking contract list, so kudo's but let's hope the players who are actually selected will represent Australia in a particular format as opposed to having a contract on a piece of paper and nothing more than some Domestic cricket.
6 new entrants on the list, all of whom deserve their break.
Graham Manou is the only player who has not represented Australia on that list. Recently I wrote a bit about him. Out of the Aussie keepers he has vast experience in Australian conditions and has been a good performer for the Redbacks. Brad Haddin was often in the contract list, although not playing huge amounts of cricket but he was very often there on tour in the background and playing the back-up keeper in case Adam Gilchrist took a bad one. The other's you know about.
Cameron White, Andrew Symonds and Brad Hodge retain their place on the contractor's role. Cam White hasn't had the best of season's but he is a cricketer that can play some match winning innings'. Roy keeps his place, backed by slight glimpses of form in the ODI series against Pakistan and some handy contributions in his brief appearances against the Proteas. He is also playing well in the IPL contest.
Brad Hodge is the one that surprises me! I am fond of Hodgey and believe he is a very skilled cricket player. He is having a run in the IPL, but sometime back I wrote an article regarding his status in the side and how I viewed him as a "Baggy green in the scrapyard".
Now the NSP and Cricket Australia stated contract holder's are selected by:
- Player form over the past 12 months;
- Likelihood of Australian selection over the next 12 months taking into account who Australia plays, balance of the side and the need to ensure the future development of the Test and limited overs teams.
So according to this Hodgey was often overlooked but it seems his selection is purely on the second point. But good news is it seems he is still in the plans so let's hope we see some good rotation with these brilliant cricketer's who will be representing Australia in either form's of the game.
I am extremely pleased about Callum Ferguson being awarded a contract. His will be on the basis for the 2011 World Cup development, but the more he learns at International level the better! He is to me the ODI player find of the summer, while Phillip Hughes is our Test player find of the summer.
Player's who have just emerged into top performers are the excellent Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus is learning well too in Test cricket.
This is a balanced set-up with youth, experience and ambition with bowlers, batsmen, keepers and all-rounders. Now we just see how the NSP utilises it.
Player's like David Warner, Shaun Tait (who lost his contract on the basis of constant injury) and Ben Laughlin are not contract holder's but are obviously still candidates for International selection, so don't be all worked up seeing Warner not in that list! All of these guys are young in experience and have time on their side to prove their skills further.
Player's who have been removed from the list are:
Matthew Hayden and Stuart MacGill (retired), while Beau Casson (who I do see as unfortunate), Phil Jaques, Ashley Noffke, Shaun Tait and Adam Voges are not the contract list either.
Phil Jaques is also unlucky as I think he did a really solid job for Australia after his emergence again in 2007. But I'd imagine he is on that back-up non-contracted list with Hughes and Katto doing such a fine job for us.
So there you have it! Now we wait upon the Ashes selection!
13 May 2009
THE ASHES NOTES #5
We are even closer to the Squad announcement than initially mentioned.
I found out, according the Cricket Australia's official site that the squad announcment for the 2009 Ashes will be announced on:
Wednesday May 20th at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The announcement will go out on Cricket Australia's site (www.cricket.com.au) but I am sure in no time it will be viral on every cricketing or sport's related site you can come across, especially in England!
It is an exciting announcement to wait upon, but also the questions arise of whether the NSP will be bold yet tactful in the squad like selection of the South African tour, or will it based on favouritism and reputation which resulted in some tough seasonal lows to accept?
Other news is that there will be no Referral system used in the Ashes 2009 series.
This is good news as I would be happier to accept this system in such a massive series if the resources were in place with total effectiveness and efficiency, well comparing it to previous usage and notable flaws.
The system has its definite place, but for the Ashes series let's keep it down to an Umpires judgement!
I found out, according the Cricket Australia's official site that the squad announcment for the 2009 Ashes will be announced on:
Wednesday May 20th at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The announcement will go out on Cricket Australia's site (www.cricket.com.au) but I am sure in no time it will be viral on every cricketing or sport's related site you can come across, especially in England!
It is an exciting announcement to wait upon, but also the questions arise of whether the NSP will be bold yet tactful in the squad like selection of the South African tour, or will it based on favouritism and reputation which resulted in some tough seasonal lows to accept?
Other news is that there will be no Referral system used in the Ashes 2009 series.
This is good news as I would be happier to accept this system in such a massive series if the resources were in place with total effectiveness and efficiency, well comparing it to previous usage and notable flaws.
The system has its definite place, but for the Ashes series let's keep it down to an Umpires judgement!
THE FAKE IPL PLAYER?
Now while I do prefer to keep this site related to Australian cricket I can't resist sharing this one with you guys! Let me build it up a bit.
The IPL is a bizarre event that has controversry, spotlight, glamour and a commercially driven feel. It is these major features that has put it on the map.
At the same time it is a chance at giving Domestic level cricketer's a taste of the more intense cricketing arena!
My view, as I have often mentioned, is that the tournament needs to be moderated as the "novelty" factor is a fragile one that can lose its catch quickly! Already in India I see ratings for the Television viewing have dropped dramatically.
Twenty20 on it's own has caused issues amongst the the other two forms of the game as well instead of promoting them further, and the IPL's lucrative calling is a case that could burden International ambitions of players.
But, having said all this I am enjoying the very competitive standings on the points table.
So, onto the main deal here!
An English cricket supporter who is a cricket journalist I am in contact with, Chris Stocks, who I will be attempting to align our articles with for the 2009 Ashes, sent me a very interesting link to a site that has attracted a bit of controversy in itself.
"The Fake IPL player" is what the blog goes by. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BLOG.
All I know is this player claims to be a member of the Kolkata Knight Riders who have had a miserable tournament.
The "fake" tag in the blog title would make you think that it is purely a bloke having a poke at the tournament using the Internet to gather major online buzz.
Very sure many are hoping it is a player.
Visit Chris' site as he has got a good run-down of what this blogger seems to be all about! CLICK HERE FOR CHRIS STOCKS' BLOG SITE.
The IPL is a bizarre event that has controversry, spotlight, glamour and a commercially driven feel. It is these major features that has put it on the map.
At the same time it is a chance at giving Domestic level cricketer's a taste of the more intense cricketing arena!
My view, as I have often mentioned, is that the tournament needs to be moderated as the "novelty" factor is a fragile one that can lose its catch quickly! Already in India I see ratings for the Television viewing have dropped dramatically.
Twenty20 on it's own has caused issues amongst the the other two forms of the game as well instead of promoting them further, and the IPL's lucrative calling is a case that could burden International ambitions of players.
But, having said all this I am enjoying the very competitive standings on the points table.
So, onto the main deal here!
An English cricket supporter who is a cricket journalist I am in contact with, Chris Stocks, who I will be attempting to align our articles with for the 2009 Ashes, sent me a very interesting link to a site that has attracted a bit of controversy in itself.
"The Fake IPL player" is what the blog goes by. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BLOG.
All I know is this player claims to be a member of the Kolkata Knight Riders who have had a miserable tournament.
The "fake" tag in the blog title would make you think that it is purely a bloke having a poke at the tournament using the Internet to gather major online buzz.
Very sure many are hoping it is a player.
Visit Chris' site as he has got a good run-down of what this blogger seems to be all about! CLICK HERE FOR CHRIS STOCKS' BLOG SITE.
10 May 2009
T20 CHAMPIONS TROPHY NOTES #1
It seems there is a fair bit of readership and interest hitting my site recently! Pleased to see 'The Baggy Green, Chirps & Quick Singles' seeing a bit more recognition.
Recently you may have seen my notes regarding the Ashes 2009.
Seeing as we have another big attraction for International cricket approaching - and also seeing how we are not definite favourites to win the event at present - I will be having a notes section too for ICC Twenty20 Champions Trophy 2009.
The reason I do not refer to this as a World Cup is that I believe that title should only go towards the major event in ODI cricket every 4 years.
Like we have the ICC 50 overs Champions Trophy every 2 years, with the exception of the recent one postponed, I see this T20 event as the byte size version of that event. So don't be confused when I refer to it as the "T20 Champions Trophy".
Great news is that Andrew Symonds found some form in the shorter version of the game after smashing 60 runs from 36 balls, and was not out too! Good on ya Roy!
The other night against Pakistan Roy was rather unfortunate to get a first-ball LBW. Roy is a match-winner despite his off-field issues which I think need to be put to rest now. I don't know about his status regarding Ashes selection but in ODI and T20 cricket he is still an explosive force!
Brett Lee also bowled another fine spell, this time for the Kings XI Punjub, as well as getting a couple runs. So two members of the old-tribe are redeeming themselves. Binga is bowling very strategically too!
Last news I picked up was regarding Brad Haddin tipping a T20 turn around from the squad. With the IPL on tele it gives plenty analytical footage, but more importantly this squad needs to learn a gameplan in this format that works. Squad selection contributes a big part of our hiccups, but I do feel this side selected could go all the way but it will be a very competitive series!
Hads stated our performance in the tournament he expects to be "first class".
According to a cricinfo source he stated the following. Hads has had a fair to say lately and I do like his confident approach to statements, while also not harping on about utter nonsense.
"The bottom line is that Australia goes away to every tournament hoping to win it," Haddin said in the Sun-Herald. "We will prepare now for a solely Twenty20 tournament and I'll be very surprised if our results aren't first class. It's a World Cup event and it's always at the top of the agenda for any Australian cricket team to win a World Cup."
Good to see seeing Matthew Hayden leading the IPL run scorers stats. Only down side is that Haydos aint exactly going to be with us on this event. David Warner, time for you to rise to the challenge mate!
Recently you may have seen my notes regarding the Ashes 2009.
Seeing as we have another big attraction for International cricket approaching - and also seeing how we are not definite favourites to win the event at present - I will be having a notes section too for ICC Twenty20 Champions Trophy 2009.
The reason I do not refer to this as a World Cup is that I believe that title should only go towards the major event in ODI cricket every 4 years.
Like we have the ICC 50 overs Champions Trophy every 2 years, with the exception of the recent one postponed, I see this T20 event as the byte size version of that event. So don't be confused when I refer to it as the "T20 Champions Trophy".
Great news is that Andrew Symonds found some form in the shorter version of the game after smashing 60 runs from 36 balls, and was not out too! Good on ya Roy!
The other night against Pakistan Roy was rather unfortunate to get a first-ball LBW. Roy is a match-winner despite his off-field issues which I think need to be put to rest now. I don't know about his status regarding Ashes selection but in ODI and T20 cricket he is still an explosive force!
Brett Lee also bowled another fine spell, this time for the Kings XI Punjub, as well as getting a couple runs. So two members of the old-tribe are redeeming themselves. Binga is bowling very strategically too!
Last news I picked up was regarding Brad Haddin tipping a T20 turn around from the squad. With the IPL on tele it gives plenty analytical footage, but more importantly this squad needs to learn a gameplan in this format that works. Squad selection contributes a big part of our hiccups, but I do feel this side selected could go all the way but it will be a very competitive series!
Hads stated our performance in the tournament he expects to be "first class".
According to a cricinfo source he stated the following. Hads has had a fair to say lately and I do like his confident approach to statements, while also not harping on about utter nonsense.
"The bottom line is that Australia goes away to every tournament hoping to win it," Haddin said in the Sun-Herald. "We will prepare now for a solely Twenty20 tournament and I'll be very surprised if our results aren't first class. It's a World Cup event and it's always at the top of the agenda for any Australian cricket team to win a World Cup."
Good to see seeing Matthew Hayden leading the IPL run scorers stats. Only down side is that Haydos aint exactly going to be with us on this event. David Warner, time for you to rise to the challenge mate!
09 May 2009
THE ASHES NOTES #4
What a pity! Although don't be surprised if he gets close to it again rather soon!
Phillip Hughes fell 5 short of a double ton, and 3 short to equal his previous best of 198* for New South Wales!
In his 3 matches he leads the Divison 2 run scorers with 517 runs, 3 hundreds/ 1 fifty and an average of 172.33!
He's making us proud and although one could argue that the County circuit has lost its reputation over time, it does produce competitive cricketer's in the division's and battling through the variety on pitches and conditions faced is beneficial to any cricketer from the Southern Hemisphere. Hughes has put himself on a wise path in his Ashes preparations, and is proving to be someone who can just watch the ball like a Hawk and execute with split second sniper abilities with the willow in hand.
I am also excited to see how Michael Hussey will handle his 1st Ashes in England as this is the place where he amassed plenty hundred's and runs to that first-class stat counter, ideally moulding his reputation.
He may have been struggling for form, which I place excessive work-load as a huge factor for this, but with less expectations upon him I think we are looking at a big bounce back from Huss.
The bowling question came up from an avid follower of my site, Jawad.
He pointed out the bowling stock question with the pace attack balance.
Ben Hilfenhaus or Peter Siddle? Let's look at it from this angle.
Brett Lee (fitness the major judge of selection) will most likely be up there with the new ball alongside the ever impressive Mitchell Johnson. A right and left combination, one with the old tricks and the other with new tricks up his sleeve each Test series he plays. Then we have Stuart Clark, who was in good rhythym in the ODI series against Pakistan but we all know his forte is Test cricket! So that leaves the void for Peter Siddle or Ben Hilfenhaus. We may see an additional name to that list being Andrew MacDonald or Shane Watson. Siddle has proven alot to us over the summer and has shown some strength in limited overs cricket. Hilfy would be competing with his most likely counter-part, Stuart Clark, for medium-paced swing bowling tha can jump at you from back of a length. My opinion! Conditions and pitch analyses come the eve of each Test will be the deciding factor I'd think.
On the talk of who will bowl, who will play, I think we all have increasing anticipation to this Ashes. England have beaten the Windies by 10 wickets through a very well disciplined bowling attack with some new additions, with damage don by the medium-pacer Onions, which will have Hilfy and Clark licking their lips at the prospect. The NSP (National selection panel) of Cricket Australia has baffled us over the last season.
Favouritism, contradiction, extensive work-loads, unjustified selections, yeah we have had it all.
So don't be surprised if come the selection's later this month that you end up pulling at your hair, but seeing the step they took when selecting the squad for the VB tour of South Africa for the 3 Test matches this year - which was a successful and exciting campaign of fresh talent - with consistent and strong performers, and ideal competitors for places, I think we can expect a very exciting selection rather.
I will be pondering my ideal 15 man squad selection for the Ashes campaign.
I am excited for this years Ashes, so should all of you!
We have a very epic build-up with plenty questions to be answered in this addition to this historical event in Test cricket!
Phillip Hughes fell 5 short of a double ton, and 3 short to equal his previous best of 198* for New South Wales!
In his 3 matches he leads the Divison 2 run scorers with 517 runs, 3 hundreds/ 1 fifty and an average of 172.33!
He's making us proud and although one could argue that the County circuit has lost its reputation over time, it does produce competitive cricketer's in the division's and battling through the variety on pitches and conditions faced is beneficial to any cricketer from the Southern Hemisphere. Hughes has put himself on a wise path in his Ashes preparations, and is proving to be someone who can just watch the ball like a Hawk and execute with split second sniper abilities with the willow in hand.
I am also excited to see how Michael Hussey will handle his 1st Ashes in England as this is the place where he amassed plenty hundred's and runs to that first-class stat counter, ideally moulding his reputation.
He may have been struggling for form, which I place excessive work-load as a huge factor for this, but with less expectations upon him I think we are looking at a big bounce back from Huss.
The bowling question came up from an avid follower of my site, Jawad.
He pointed out the bowling stock question with the pace attack balance.
Ben Hilfenhaus or Peter Siddle? Let's look at it from this angle.
Brett Lee (fitness the major judge of selection) will most likely be up there with the new ball alongside the ever impressive Mitchell Johnson. A right and left combination, one with the old tricks and the other with new tricks up his sleeve each Test series he plays. Then we have Stuart Clark, who was in good rhythym in the ODI series against Pakistan but we all know his forte is Test cricket! So that leaves the void for Peter Siddle or Ben Hilfenhaus. We may see an additional name to that list being Andrew MacDonald or Shane Watson. Siddle has proven alot to us over the summer and has shown some strength in limited overs cricket. Hilfy would be competing with his most likely counter-part, Stuart Clark, for medium-paced swing bowling tha can jump at you from back of a length. My opinion! Conditions and pitch analyses come the eve of each Test will be the deciding factor I'd think.
On the talk of who will bowl, who will play, I think we all have increasing anticipation to this Ashes. England have beaten the Windies by 10 wickets through a very well disciplined bowling attack with some new additions, with damage don by the medium-pacer Onions, which will have Hilfy and Clark licking their lips at the prospect. The NSP (National selection panel) of Cricket Australia has baffled us over the last season.
Favouritism, contradiction, extensive work-loads, unjustified selections, yeah we have had it all.
So don't be surprised if come the selection's later this month that you end up pulling at your hair, but seeing the step they took when selecting the squad for the VB tour of South Africa for the 3 Test matches this year - which was a successful and exciting campaign of fresh talent - with consistent and strong performers, and ideal competitors for places, I think we can expect a very exciting selection rather.
I will be pondering my ideal 15 man squad selection for the Ashes campaign.
I am excited for this years Ashes, so should all of you!
We have a very epic build-up with plenty questions to be answered in this addition to this historical event in Test cricket!
08 May 2009
THE ASHES NOTES #3
* FOR MY VIEWS ON THE T20 vs PAKISTAN YESTERDAY SEE PREVIOUS ARTICLE POST!
Squad Announcement for the Ashes tour will be on the 24th of March. As for Media announcement, I imagine the 24th or 25th!
Phillip Hughes alongside his Middlesex team-mates have had a torrid time in List A cricket. However in First-class cricket, or 4 day cricket the format that matters in form and Ashes preparations, he is doing a fantastic job.
Phillip has logged in another century and is currently on 134* not out.This follows a string of high scores and importantly ensuring the confidence is there and his form is stable with the willow! Keep it up Boofa!
The talk of back-up wicket-keepers has recently come up.
Now we all know Luke Ronchi has been axed from WA, although he is at the IPL for the Mumbai Indians. So, the issue arising is that if there was the call for cover for Brad Haddin who would it be?
Now I would be inclined to back Graham Manou, not only cause he's a Redback but because there is a great deal of experience with the right form from the State season. The other contenders the media are tapping into are Chris Hartley (QLD) and Matthew Wade (VIC). Hartley was a real competitor with his Sheffield stats, whereas Wade has youth well on his side at 21. All of them can bat which is a plus but when you look back on a candidate like Hads as Gilchrist's understudy, there was a great deal of runs and a very consistent average for NSW. You would be thinking that the next emergent would take on the Ian Healy role. Heals was a magnificent keeper with the ability to knock a couple very handy contributions lower down the order. Time will tell on this one, but my impression is the NSP will worry about that should injury occur to Hads only on tour which is unlikely.
Both Michael Hussey and Phillip Hughes are capable at wicket-keeping.
Issues regarding the T20 squad members for the T20 Champions Trophy 2009 have been raised regarding key players who are most definitly to take part in the Ashes.
Former Coach of the Waugh and Ponting regime John Buchanan has stated wisely that without T20 specialist's it raises a risk for players like Punter, Huss and Mitch ahead of the Ashes which will be a long, gruelling campaign even after a break after such a long summer! The NSP back themselves on this one it seems.
Although talk of Warnie, Gilly and Haydos back in the mix?
Can't say I'm onboard with that one from a reality point of view, more importantly the process in which to make squad selection possible. It also doesn't boost much confidence in our current options does it! Interesting idea, but similar to the talk of Shane Warne returning for this years Ashes. It's hype!
Lastly, England's batsmen surprisingly managed over 350 in the first innings in the 1st Test at Lords against the Windies. However, their bowlers seem to be making a statement as they cleaned the Windies out for under 150 and now in the 2nd innings still trailing, are two wickets down! Broad, Anderson and a new bloke Onions were all the damage makers.
Our batting was a huge part of our 2005 Ashes miseries so let's hope our analysts are doing their homework and watching out for any swing tactics...most importantly that our batsmen are hungry for consistency in making runs!
It's getting nearer!
Squad Announcement for the Ashes tour will be on the 24th of March. As for Media announcement, I imagine the 24th or 25th!
Phillip Hughes alongside his Middlesex team-mates have had a torrid time in List A cricket. However in First-class cricket, or 4 day cricket the format that matters in form and Ashes preparations, he is doing a fantastic job.
Phillip has logged in another century and is currently on 134* not out.This follows a string of high scores and importantly ensuring the confidence is there and his form is stable with the willow! Keep it up Boofa!
The talk of back-up wicket-keepers has recently come up.
Now we all know Luke Ronchi has been axed from WA, although he is at the IPL for the Mumbai Indians. So, the issue arising is that if there was the call for cover for Brad Haddin who would it be?
Now I would be inclined to back Graham Manou, not only cause he's a Redback but because there is a great deal of experience with the right form from the State season. The other contenders the media are tapping into are Chris Hartley (QLD) and Matthew Wade (VIC). Hartley was a real competitor with his Sheffield stats, whereas Wade has youth well on his side at 21. All of them can bat which is a plus but when you look back on a candidate like Hads as Gilchrist's understudy, there was a great deal of runs and a very consistent average for NSW. You would be thinking that the next emergent would take on the Ian Healy role. Heals was a magnificent keeper with the ability to knock a couple very handy contributions lower down the order. Time will tell on this one, but my impression is the NSP will worry about that should injury occur to Hads only on tour which is unlikely.
Both Michael Hussey and Phillip Hughes are capable at wicket-keeping.
Issues regarding the T20 squad members for the T20 Champions Trophy 2009 have been raised regarding key players who are most definitly to take part in the Ashes.
Former Coach of the Waugh and Ponting regime John Buchanan has stated wisely that without T20 specialist's it raises a risk for players like Punter, Huss and Mitch ahead of the Ashes which will be a long, gruelling campaign even after a break after such a long summer! The NSP back themselves on this one it seems.
Although talk of Warnie, Gilly and Haydos back in the mix?
Can't say I'm onboard with that one from a reality point of view, more importantly the process in which to make squad selection possible. It also doesn't boost much confidence in our current options does it! Interesting idea, but similar to the talk of Shane Warne returning for this years Ashes. It's hype!
Lastly, England's batsmen surprisingly managed over 350 in the first innings in the 1st Test at Lords against the Windies. However, their bowlers seem to be making a statement as they cleaned the Windies out for under 150 and now in the 2nd innings still trailing, are two wickets down! Broad, Anderson and a new bloke Onions were all the damage makers.
Our batting was a huge part of our 2005 Ashes miseries so let's hope our analysts are doing their homework and watching out for any swing tactics...most importantly that our batsmen are hungry for consistency in making runs!
It's getting nearer!
T20 vs PAKISTAN...LET'S MOVE ALONG
In honesty I didn't build up much hype on this match if you look back. That was really upon the fact I feel when it comes to Twenty20 and squad selection we really are a long way off still.
I enjoyed the pre-match build up I watched before the game with some good discussions, but after that wasn't much to really take to heart.
Shane Watson (33) got us off to a flyer. Watto was cracking the ball to all sides of the field before falling to a shocker LBW decision surprisingly given by Aleem Dar of all Umpires. Watto unsurprisingly expressed his frustration and anger at the decision. Some blokes just need to remember the art of lip-reading is not that challenging on certain expletives. Truth is I'd also be that gutted if I was going along that well following a century in ODI cricket and being given LBW off a thick inside edge! Brad Haddin tried to graft away, managing 24, before a skied ball to the long on boundary.
The rest of the tale goes like this. Umar Gul took a wicket (that "wicket" of Watto's) in his first over off the first ball, followed by Shahid Afridi taking two wickets in his first two deliveries.
Umar Gul's figures were really impressive of 4/9!
There was no rescue mission from there on. 109 all out set an easy task for Pakistan.
After such a flying start it was dissapointing to see the boys go so cheaply.
Brett Lee (who did look quite natural and comfortable in his bowling) and Ben Hilfenhaus delivered well with the ball, and Binga had a chance go down first ball of the innings to Marcus North at first slip. There were a few tense moments and having Pakistan reeling at 2-23 according to the stats it seems Kamran Akmal, like Watto, followed his century in the 5th ODI with a match-winning innings of 59* and 3 sixes. That was the game.
I am obviously upset we didn't win the game, but I don't mind stating that I think the victories Pakistan have managed in this series will do alot for their supporters around the globe!
The T20 Champions Trophy 2009 is going to be a tough one for our guys to get into, especially with a squad lacking T20 specialist's and putting at risk various candidates for the Ashes 2009 campaign. Safe to say we are not favourites for this years tournament but atleast there is still a squad selected with match winning players, just need the synergy! Of course I still back 'em!
A rather easy going series with very little hype, but it was played in the right spirit of the game and also the UAE received a nice dosage of cricket for the time being. I am sure we will be seeing plenty more games broadcast from there in the future.
I enjoyed the pre-match build up I watched before the game with some good discussions, but after that wasn't much to really take to heart.
Shane Watson (33) got us off to a flyer. Watto was cracking the ball to all sides of the field before falling to a shocker LBW decision surprisingly given by Aleem Dar of all Umpires. Watto unsurprisingly expressed his frustration and anger at the decision. Some blokes just need to remember the art of lip-reading is not that challenging on certain expletives. Truth is I'd also be that gutted if I was going along that well following a century in ODI cricket and being given LBW off a thick inside edge! Brad Haddin tried to graft away, managing 24, before a skied ball to the long on boundary.
The rest of the tale goes like this. Umar Gul took a wicket (that "wicket" of Watto's) in his first over off the first ball, followed by Shahid Afridi taking two wickets in his first two deliveries.
Umar Gul's figures were really impressive of 4/9!
There was no rescue mission from there on. 109 all out set an easy task for Pakistan.
After such a flying start it was dissapointing to see the boys go so cheaply.
Brett Lee (who did look quite natural and comfortable in his bowling) and Ben Hilfenhaus delivered well with the ball, and Binga had a chance go down first ball of the innings to Marcus North at first slip. There were a few tense moments and having Pakistan reeling at 2-23 according to the stats it seems Kamran Akmal, like Watto, followed his century in the 5th ODI with a match-winning innings of 59* and 3 sixes. That was the game.
I am obviously upset we didn't win the game, but I don't mind stating that I think the victories Pakistan have managed in this series will do alot for their supporters around the globe!
The T20 Champions Trophy 2009 is going to be a tough one for our guys to get into, especially with a squad lacking T20 specialist's and putting at risk various candidates for the Ashes 2009 campaign. Safe to say we are not favourites for this years tournament but atleast there is still a squad selected with match winning players, just need the synergy! Of course I still back 'em!
A rather easy going series with very little hype, but it was played in the right spirit of the game and also the UAE received a nice dosage of cricket for the time being. I am sure we will be seeing plenty more games broadcast from there in the future.
06 May 2009
T20 AUSTRALIAN SQUAD FOR ICC T20 TROPHY 2009
AUSTRALIAN T20 ICC WORLD CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2009 SQUAD:
Ricky Ponting (capt),
Michael Clarke,
Nathan Bracken,
Brad Haddin,
Nathan Hauritz,
Ben Hilfenhaus,
James Hopes,
Michael Hussey,
David Hussey,
Mitchell Johnson,
Brett Lee,
Peter Siddle,
Andrew Symonds,
David Warner,
Shane Watson.
It is not a weak squad, but I do worry that their may be hints of favouritism in this squad selection. It's all good for the NSP too state Brett Lee's inclusion is a risky one worth taking, but all Binga is getting his call-up upon is his name and not any form as of recent. Being the master of pace as he is and his given performances in 2007's tournament I reckon Binga could play a very crucial role for us, but I can't help feel a bit for Callum Ferguson.
He isn't a slogger but having his solid form and strokeplay abilities in the middle order provides a very secure run-getter in crisis time, whereas Michael Hussey, who plays a similar ODI role, is very consistent and capable of smashing his way to a quick fifty plus. I do Fergal is not overlooked and is apart of our ODI team for the England ODI series...if not I will have a fair bit to say regarding the NSP!
Brad Hodge is probably a bit unlucky too have missed out. He represented Australia in a handful of games in the 2007 tournament and despite some mega knocks for Victoria he has been overlooked too. I find Hodge's story an unlucky one, and I hope Callum Ferguson doesn't meet the same judgement.
David Hussey is a versatile pick for his big hitting and spin bowling, but he will need some rapid consistency in this form of the game. Main thing is he is highly capable. I'd imagine he has been picked ahead of Cameron White due to Cameron's struggle's when he has had the chances, although his inclusion could have been a beneficial one in having a young big hitter who really is a T20 cricketer.
Our bowling attack is a good one I feel. It is balanced, youth meets experience, and while T20 cricket is a batsman's game, I feel our bowlers have a big job to play for our at most times nowadays inconsistent batsmen. I like Peter Siddle's inclusion!
Big hitters! Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, David Hussey and David Warner will be the men to watch from the stands with your hard-hats on!
Punter has proven to struggle with his T20 game, with the exception of that 98* against England in 2005.
I expect the experienced Brad Haddin, Huss and Michael Clarke too get amongst the hitting too! James Hopes and Nathan Hauritz are very good inclusions I think!
I don't believe we go into this tournament as favourites to win it, but we definitly go into it as a threat, and emerging one in the second wave of this ICC tournament.
I can also see this side winning, but that's just me, although it is frustrating we couldn't take two or three more players along!
Although it is a little less than a month away I think this tournament will attrack alot more hype than 2007's with the rapid impact of T20 cricket alongside the IPL's current coverage creating the interest and fascination with International representatives.
Australia will play Pakistan in a T20 tomorrow in Dubai before concluding that series. The teams have met once in T20 cricket and Pakistan won it at the Wanderers in 2007.
After this series a break from the game will be a good one while some of our squad will make their way back to the IPL tournament for the final stages!
Ricky Ponting (capt),
Michael Clarke,
Nathan Bracken,
Brad Haddin,
Nathan Hauritz,
Ben Hilfenhaus,
James Hopes,
Michael Hussey,
David Hussey,
Mitchell Johnson,
Brett Lee,
Peter Siddle,
Andrew Symonds,
David Warner,
Shane Watson.
It is not a weak squad, but I do worry that their may be hints of favouritism in this squad selection. It's all good for the NSP too state Brett Lee's inclusion is a risky one worth taking, but all Binga is getting his call-up upon is his name and not any form as of recent. Being the master of pace as he is and his given performances in 2007's tournament I reckon Binga could play a very crucial role for us, but I can't help feel a bit for Callum Ferguson.
He isn't a slogger but having his solid form and strokeplay abilities in the middle order provides a very secure run-getter in crisis time, whereas Michael Hussey, who plays a similar ODI role, is very consistent and capable of smashing his way to a quick fifty plus. I do Fergal is not overlooked and is apart of our ODI team for the England ODI series...if not I will have a fair bit to say regarding the NSP!
Brad Hodge is probably a bit unlucky too have missed out. He represented Australia in a handful of games in the 2007 tournament and despite some mega knocks for Victoria he has been overlooked too. I find Hodge's story an unlucky one, and I hope Callum Ferguson doesn't meet the same judgement.
David Hussey is a versatile pick for his big hitting and spin bowling, but he will need some rapid consistency in this form of the game. Main thing is he is highly capable. I'd imagine he has been picked ahead of Cameron White due to Cameron's struggle's when he has had the chances, although his inclusion could have been a beneficial one in having a young big hitter who really is a T20 cricketer.
Our bowling attack is a good one I feel. It is balanced, youth meets experience, and while T20 cricket is a batsman's game, I feel our bowlers have a big job to play for our at most times nowadays inconsistent batsmen. I like Peter Siddle's inclusion!
Big hitters! Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, David Hussey and David Warner will be the men to watch from the stands with your hard-hats on!
Punter has proven to struggle with his T20 game, with the exception of that 98* against England in 2005.
I expect the experienced Brad Haddin, Huss and Michael Clarke too get amongst the hitting too! James Hopes and Nathan Hauritz are very good inclusions I think!
I don't believe we go into this tournament as favourites to win it, but we definitly go into it as a threat, and emerging one in the second wave of this ICC tournament.
I can also see this side winning, but that's just me, although it is frustrating we couldn't take two or three more players along!
Although it is a little less than a month away I think this tournament will attrack alot more hype than 2007's with the rapid impact of T20 cricket alongside the IPL's current coverage creating the interest and fascination with International representatives.
Australia will play Pakistan in a T20 tomorrow in Dubai before concluding that series. The teams have met once in T20 cricket and Pakistan won it at the Wanderers in 2007.
After this series a break from the game will be a good one while some of our squad will make their way back to the IPL tournament for the final stages!
04 May 2009
5th ODI REVIEW AND SOME NEWS
Our tradition continues in dead-rubber contests, and that is that we usually don't win them.
Having the series in the bag, Pakistani batsmen Kamran Kahn and Misbah-ul-Haq built a terrific partnership of 198 runs to get their side a 2nd victory in the series.
Similar to Shane Watson and Michael Clarke the other night, it was only at the end of the series we saw the batting step up from both sides.
Brad Haddin (36), who will Captain our side in the Twenty20 against Pakistan, started off showing his intent to attack the bowlers and make some fast, hopefully masses of runs. Racing away with Shane Watson the two made a 50 run stand within the first handful of overs, but in an attempt to continue his aggressive batting Hads got caught at mid-off.
Shane Watson then steadied himself and capitalised on where he left off last match as he made his second ODI century. His first century was against the West-Indies last year, so it is great on his return series that Watto could post another! With only 6 fours and 2 sixes, it was an innings of patience as he clubbed away the bad balls and neatly worked singles of the better ones. His 116, alongside another brilliant middle order knock from Redback Callum Ferguson (41* not out) gave us a total of 250.
Callum Ferguson is now averaging just short of 50 in his fresh ODI career, and has been unfortunate to miss out on I think atleast 4 or 5 fifties thus far.
Good work Fergal.
A decision to rest Nathan Bracken and Stuart Clark gave the younger bowlers a chance in the middle. It was testing times after having Pakistan at 3/56, but from then on the fours came regularly and the general fatigue of some of our players started to show quite evidently.
The slower bowlers took a bit of beating, but Nathan Hauritz was really good yet again with 2/44 in his 10 overs! Besides James Hopes, who has proven himself this summer with the bat especially, all the bowlers went over 5 on over.
In short, Pakistan can take some pride out of this victory and their supporters have something to smile about! Just proud of the boys that they won this Chapal series and some new momentum can sweep through the players involved.
Michael Clarke will return home and Brad Haddin will stay on to Captain the side in the remaining Twenty20 match on the 7th.
Hads deserves a break more than anyone!
Since the West Indies series, excluding his broken thumb issues which gave Luke Ronchi a shot in the ODI's, Hads has been in every match and has spent a considerable amount of time in the middle.
If anything it has been very beneficial for him to get well aquainted with his role in the Australian team and as he has progressed so has his responsibility, and it is excellent to see how he has stepped up with that extra workload. A break will be best for Hads who has started to consistently maintain his high Keeping standards after at times a bit of an nervous start behind the stumps.
After this week is through the guys will be off until the 1st of June for the warm-up matches of the Twenty20 World Champions Trophy.
Not too long after that the Ashes 2009 will be very close to commencement. Closer to the Ashes I will give the Baggy Green, Chirps & Quick Singles an Ashes themed title poster.
I will be looking forward to the squad selection for the big clash!
On the note of squad selection, Brad Hodge has been really good in his IPL campaign for the Kolkata Knightriders. Now Hodgey may not been every ones favourite but I have always been quite a supporter of his. He had a really horrible ODI series against India in 2007 and despite some excellent performances for Aussie, he has often lucked out due to selection preferences. I do find the NSP's reasons for ommitting him as a result of age a bit of a rubbish reason, considering a bloke like Shane Harwood is given a chance along with a few others on par with Hodgeys age, but he is a top performer for the Vics and I think it would be good to have him in our T20 squad.
The Aussie's are all playing really well in the IPL with Haydos and Gilly, our ODI opening maestro's, right up there in the top run-scorers with Hodgey.
I just hope the 15 players picked for the T20 Champions Trophy are the best for the job, more importantly that those who head off to the Ashes campaign don't break down from additional workloads!
Ricky Ponting will also remain our Skipper till the 2011 World Cup and the NSP has backed this decision. I am pleased with the player rotation policies, but what would be better is logical and beneficial ODI and Test series' played in moderation so we don't get swamped with endless cricket, with players who are on their last legs struggling to perform and as a result a lower quality of cricket.
All I am saying is it can happen.
It has given Michael Clarke a chance to get a feel for more Captaincy duties and is seeing this as learning experience rather than a toss into the deep end. He made the following statement regarding this (source: Cricinfo);
"Let me make clear, our captain's back home and we can't wait to have him back," he said. "He's a fantastic leader and I'm stoked that he's happy to give me these chances, give me these opportunities to get involved and learn as much as I can."
Having the series in the bag, Pakistani batsmen Kamran Kahn and Misbah-ul-Haq built a terrific partnership of 198 runs to get their side a 2nd victory in the series.
Similar to Shane Watson and Michael Clarke the other night, it was only at the end of the series we saw the batting step up from both sides.
Brad Haddin (36), who will Captain our side in the Twenty20 against Pakistan, started off showing his intent to attack the bowlers and make some fast, hopefully masses of runs. Racing away with Shane Watson the two made a 50 run stand within the first handful of overs, but in an attempt to continue his aggressive batting Hads got caught at mid-off.
Shane Watson then steadied himself and capitalised on where he left off last match as he made his second ODI century. His first century was against the West-Indies last year, so it is great on his return series that Watto could post another! With only 6 fours and 2 sixes, it was an innings of patience as he clubbed away the bad balls and neatly worked singles of the better ones. His 116, alongside another brilliant middle order knock from Redback Callum Ferguson (41* not out) gave us a total of 250.
Callum Ferguson is now averaging just short of 50 in his fresh ODI career, and has been unfortunate to miss out on I think atleast 4 or 5 fifties thus far.
Good work Fergal.
A decision to rest Nathan Bracken and Stuart Clark gave the younger bowlers a chance in the middle. It was testing times after having Pakistan at 3/56, but from then on the fours came regularly and the general fatigue of some of our players started to show quite evidently.
The slower bowlers took a bit of beating, but Nathan Hauritz was really good yet again with 2/44 in his 10 overs! Besides James Hopes, who has proven himself this summer with the bat especially, all the bowlers went over 5 on over.
In short, Pakistan can take some pride out of this victory and their supporters have something to smile about! Just proud of the boys that they won this Chapal series and some new momentum can sweep through the players involved.
Michael Clarke will return home and Brad Haddin will stay on to Captain the side in the remaining Twenty20 match on the 7th.
Hads deserves a break more than anyone!
Since the West Indies series, excluding his broken thumb issues which gave Luke Ronchi a shot in the ODI's, Hads has been in every match and has spent a considerable amount of time in the middle.
If anything it has been very beneficial for him to get well aquainted with his role in the Australian team and as he has progressed so has his responsibility, and it is excellent to see how he has stepped up with that extra workload. A break will be best for Hads who has started to consistently maintain his high Keeping standards after at times a bit of an nervous start behind the stumps.
After this week is through the guys will be off until the 1st of June for the warm-up matches of the Twenty20 World Champions Trophy.
Not too long after that the Ashes 2009 will be very close to commencement. Closer to the Ashes I will give the Baggy Green, Chirps & Quick Singles an Ashes themed title poster.
I will be looking forward to the squad selection for the big clash!
On the note of squad selection, Brad Hodge has been really good in his IPL campaign for the Kolkata Knightriders. Now Hodgey may not been every ones favourite but I have always been quite a supporter of his. He had a really horrible ODI series against India in 2007 and despite some excellent performances for Aussie, he has often lucked out due to selection preferences. I do find the NSP's reasons for ommitting him as a result of age a bit of a rubbish reason, considering a bloke like Shane Harwood is given a chance along with a few others on par with Hodgeys age, but he is a top performer for the Vics and I think it would be good to have him in our T20 squad.
The Aussie's are all playing really well in the IPL with Haydos and Gilly, our ODI opening maestro's, right up there in the top run-scorers with Hodgey.
I just hope the 15 players picked for the T20 Champions Trophy are the best for the job, more importantly that those who head off to the Ashes campaign don't break down from additional workloads!
Ricky Ponting will also remain our Skipper till the 2011 World Cup and the NSP has backed this decision. I am pleased with the player rotation policies, but what would be better is logical and beneficial ODI and Test series' played in moderation so we don't get swamped with endless cricket, with players who are on their last legs struggling to perform and as a result a lower quality of cricket.
All I am saying is it can happen.
It has given Michael Clarke a chance to get a feel for more Captaincy duties and is seeing this as learning experience rather than a toss into the deep end. He made the following statement regarding this (source: Cricinfo);
"Let me make clear, our captain's back home and we can't wait to have him back," he said. "He's a fantastic leader and I'm stoked that he's happy to give me these chances, give me these opportunities to get involved and learn as much as I can."
02 May 2009
4th ODI: A TEAM EFFORT SEALS THE SERIES
It's our first series win in One Day cricket since playing Bangladesh in Darwin last year! It's a relief, but the better sign was that the team effort came at the correct time, to not only seal the series but more importantly have an all-round effort with both the bat and ball!
It was a very slow scoring match from both teams, and the contest bat and ball proved to be fairly entertaining, especially from the Pakistan spinners, but better footwork and correctional work after that 1st ODI loss seemed to make a big difference.
What was better was that our seamers played a more defining role in once again working through the Pakistan batting order.
Doug Bollinger, in his 2nd ODI managed a 5 for, and that comes after a very impressive 1st ODI where he showed controlled swing and a cool attitude.
His figures were 5-35 and the patient waiting on the sidelines has paid off.
Nathan Bracken was in the wicket taking at last with a tidy 2-31. Bracks has been able more consistently hold his line and length and manage his ability to drain runs for the opposition.
Stuart Clark, Nathan Hauritz and Michael Clarke all chipped in with a wicket.
A tidy performance which should give excellent momentum.
I am also impressed by the young talent of Ahmed Shehzad! After a terrible run-out mix up in his first game, he has turned it around and just fallen short of fifty.
At 17 he holds great promise at the top of the order.
Even better than some good batting was seeing an Australian batsman reach three figures in ODI cricket! Michael Clarke seems to be a bit annoying to many regarding his odd inconsistency! He will make a grouping of fifties with the odd hundred, usually in match winning situations, and all of a sudden look like lost soul in the middle. He has taken well to his Captaincy responsibilities and his raw talent are awesome to watch when he is in form! I just find his batting a pleasure too watch and I rate his driving of the ball as one of the best in world cricket. He is brilliant off the front-foot and his attacking attitude is showing through in the more needed situations. He ended up on 100* not out, with 14 fours and alot of determination and focus in getting the job done in a patiently assertive innings. Top work Skipper!
Shane Watson cannot be forgotten in his role!
After being 2 wickets down with 3 on the board, things looked bleak! Alongside Michael Clarke was Watto who played an uncharacteristically slow innings which was great to see regarding the way he read the match situation and just made sure he partnered Pup till we made it too the safe zone.
Opening the batting with James Hopes dropping down the order, Watto resumed his opening status and his 85* not out reflected the frustration and annoyance having been in and out of the Australian team for so long! But he has been sure to overcome that and as a specialist batsman he did the job!
The two put on a 197 run partnership to get the job done.
Australia lead the series 3-1 with one game remaining and then a Twenty20 to just add to the overload we have already with the IPL currently on tele.
One interesting development in Cricket Australia to also note, especially regarding different performances over teh summer, is the 2009/10 contract list that needs to be renewed!I already have a great idea of who should and should not be on that list so I hope CA do a good job in ensuring the right players are contracted and that they are actually used and don't become a waste of talent with fresh contracts and no International cricket.
I look forward to the announcement as well as the T20 squad announcement which I imagine isn't too far away!
It was a very slow scoring match from both teams, and the contest bat and ball proved to be fairly entertaining, especially from the Pakistan spinners, but better footwork and correctional work after that 1st ODI loss seemed to make a big difference.
What was better was that our seamers played a more defining role in once again working through the Pakistan batting order.
Doug Bollinger, in his 2nd ODI managed a 5 for, and that comes after a very impressive 1st ODI where he showed controlled swing and a cool attitude.
His figures were 5-35 and the patient waiting on the sidelines has paid off.
Nathan Bracken was in the wicket taking at last with a tidy 2-31. Bracks has been able more consistently hold his line and length and manage his ability to drain runs for the opposition.
Stuart Clark, Nathan Hauritz and Michael Clarke all chipped in with a wicket.
A tidy performance which should give excellent momentum.
I am also impressed by the young talent of Ahmed Shehzad! After a terrible run-out mix up in his first game, he has turned it around and just fallen short of fifty.
At 17 he holds great promise at the top of the order.
Even better than some good batting was seeing an Australian batsman reach three figures in ODI cricket! Michael Clarke seems to be a bit annoying to many regarding his odd inconsistency! He will make a grouping of fifties with the odd hundred, usually in match winning situations, and all of a sudden look like lost soul in the middle. He has taken well to his Captaincy responsibilities and his raw talent are awesome to watch when he is in form! I just find his batting a pleasure too watch and I rate his driving of the ball as one of the best in world cricket. He is brilliant off the front-foot and his attacking attitude is showing through in the more needed situations. He ended up on 100* not out, with 14 fours and alot of determination and focus in getting the job done in a patiently assertive innings. Top work Skipper!
Shane Watson cannot be forgotten in his role!
After being 2 wickets down with 3 on the board, things looked bleak! Alongside Michael Clarke was Watto who played an uncharacteristically slow innings which was great to see regarding the way he read the match situation and just made sure he partnered Pup till we made it too the safe zone.
Opening the batting with James Hopes dropping down the order, Watto resumed his opening status and his 85* not out reflected the frustration and annoyance having been in and out of the Australian team for so long! But he has been sure to overcome that and as a specialist batsman he did the job!
The two put on a 197 run partnership to get the job done.
Australia lead the series 3-1 with one game remaining and then a Twenty20 to just add to the overload we have already with the IPL currently on tele.
One interesting development in Cricket Australia to also note, especially regarding different performances over teh summer, is the 2009/10 contract list that needs to be renewed!I already have a great idea of who should and should not be on that list so I hope CA do a good job in ensuring the right players are contracted and that they are actually used and don't become a waste of talent with fresh contracts and no International cricket.
I look forward to the announcement as well as the T20 squad announcement which I imagine isn't too far away!
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