More bad luck for the team, this time the rain resulted in the match being abandoned, and we will have to wait till Tuesday for another go at England. But I can't help being frustrated by this, even if it is a Twenty20 match, the boys just got things going so well and then the rain came down.
The wicket was a strange one. It didn't seem to look that quick a wicket, but the ball was skidding through at quite a speed. Shane Watson and David Warner really showed alot of struggle to time the short ball, and very few hits came close to being smacked out the middle of the bat. The same thing happened though at the beginning of England's innings, especially with Jonathan Trott facing a very pumped up Brett Lee. Trott was finding it mighty tough to get going, and when Brett sent Englands debutant Joe Denly back with a first-ball duck when he failed to time a short bouncer which sailed into Nathan Hauritz' reach, it became clear that most of the batsmen out there would have had to toil a bit to get used to whatever was causing them difficulty to get the timing right.
David Warner did struggle a bit, but he added some very valuable runs at the top of the order to settle things a little bit with Michael Clarke.
Michael Clarke had the best approach by just nudging the singles, while letting Cameron White get in the big shots!
I guess we did have some luck on our side when Cam was dropped on 12 at point, but what a good Twenty20 innings it was from him! Those sixes were powerful and the first two were heaved with such force that the replays were more than welcome to get another look. But the best was that 'flick' off Ryan Sidebottom into the stands by the deep mid-wicket region. Brilliant stuff from Cam with 55 runs with 3 sixes, a four and a strike rate at 152.77 was what we needed. I think Cam has needed a breath of energy into his International career and I hope this has given him some strong confidence to build his way forward. He has been put into some odd positions by the selectors too, so this is such a good opportunity for him to really show the onlookers what he has offered Victoria, only doing so in International colours. Batting him higher up the order will be a very beneficial move for the team, especially with Ricky Ponting out the series picture for the time being.
Michael Clarke, our Skipper in the series, was clever at how he managed his innings. It was not a Twenty20 innings by any means, but it gave the innings a more strategic flow and he showed off how important the cameo role in this form of the game is, and that not every batsman should be going all out to be the hero! Those 27 runs could have been very, very important maybe at a later stage of the innings, but the way we started the bowling off, I think the momentum was very secure on our part.
Brett Lee started off so well! You just sense that frustration and his hunger to just get out there and beat away at the batsmen. He only had one over to vent it, but he made it count! 1 wicket and some excellent variation of pace just started things off so well. Despite the no-ball/free-hit, he executed that delivery to Trott at a slow pace, with some movement and an all Trott could do was edge it along the ground to the slips. Mitchell Johnson then came into the attack, met by a 'friendly' crowd welcome, but had a quick strike-back when he had Ravi Bopara cluelessly nudging at a flighty skidder, only to be caught at 1st slip by Cam White who was standing quite a way back. England's 13th Twenty20 opening pair didn't do too much. But the game wouldn't give the players or spectators anymore, except the grounds staff who had to keep things undercover. The game was abandoned and we will have to see what Tuesday's encounter will result in.
Brett Lee will have to wait for another chance to unleash 4 overs, while Dirk Nannes will be patiently waiting to have his opportunity with the ball in hand.
The selectors are slowly getting the plot of Twenty20 squad selection, but importantly our players maybe getting more in tune with the format.
I do believe it is a format that will hold inconsistencies and that any International team can beat any team on their day. But it should be enjoyed by both the fans and players as an experiential part of this great game.
Maybe on Tuesday we will get a full game of Twenty20 cricket, where I hope the boys take England down to head into the ODI's with a win for our T20 specialists, and some handy momentum into the 50 over games.
30 August 2009
28 August 2009
WARM-UP GAME vs SCOTLAND
Scotland will atleast take away some experience from this match, but it was a good game for the boys, with the NSP maybe scratching their heads a bit now over the David Hussey saga.
David scored his maiden-century in One Day Cricket, and did it in attacking style!
In his innings where he really blazed 111 runs, he hit 5 sixes! I was a bit shocked that he wasn't considered in the final team for the ODI's vs England as he has so much experience in the conditions. Sure, he didn't have a great summer, but I just think he could have added the middle order power we seem to lack and also knowing the condtions relative to the One Day circuit he may have been overlooked too lightly. He add's a dynamic with very useful part-time spin.
No doubt many will say it was only Scotland, but it is still a century to his name, and is an achievement to be proud of. Any game for Australia should never be seen as 'just a game'. Hope there will be more for him! It's great to see himself and Michael play alongside each other.
Adam Voges seemed to have been quite sensational in his innings and has boosted his case and confidence regarding his selections for this series and the Champions Trophy. He scored 72 runs, but 4 sixes and no fours...that's something!
A while ago he was selected for our ODI team for the South African tour, but personal commitments meant Marcus North toured in his place. It's great to see Adam back in the mix, and hopefully he will get more consistent time out there for Australia. I still think that catch he took against the Black Caps was one of the most entertaining boundary takes I have ever seen!
Shane Watson once again made the half-century mark, and did it rather quickly! 68 runs and a strike-rate of 158.13! That's exactly what we need from our openers against England, especially in the upcoming Twenty20's.
I like the fact that the Twenty20 players were given a go out there, but it is a tough one with David Hussey making a century and knowing he won't be in our One Day team. Maybe there could be a drafting in for South Africa? Talk is that Brad Haddin may not make it, so with Tim Paine included it could just open a door from David?
345 is a fine score and the stats indicate our 12th highest, so it's the right way to get going heading into the series!
Was excellent to see Tim Paine contribute some valuable runs at the end, and was not out on 29*. The question still remains regarding where he will bat in the ODI's!
The bowlers all chipped in and Scotland only managed 156, which is a decent effort. Brett Lee marked his return neatly with 2-38 in 9 overs. Great to see Binga back out there, and while he can be an on-off Twenty20 bowler, he can be super in 50 over cricket so I am pleased to see how he made some sort of an impact and I think alot of the frustration is being bottled up for England to deal with!
Shane Watson finished the tail-enders off and walked away from this match with 68 and 3-29, so all in all for Watto it's just fantastic too see him back in the groove with his cricket!
Dirk Nannes, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Hauritz had their costly moments, but hauled it all back in nicely and claimed a wicket each with bowling figures that indicated much better control as they got into their rhythm.
Part-timers Cameron White and David Hussey picked a wicket each, and Cam White also had 3 catches to his name!
There was only 1 ball in the innings, and the extra's tally is not too be poor so the guys must keep it up.
I see when we had a free-hit Cam White dispatched it for six. We need some more of that!
So a good start, and David Hussey rightly so deserved man-of-the-match and can be mighty proud of his performance, especially when you know you will only be playing in the two Twenty20's! Every game for Australia is another opportunity and I think he made perfect use of this one. Maybe the selectors can wangle something to give him some more chances? Sunday will be the first of the Twenty20's, so I expect a very loud and pumped up crowd in Manchester, and I hope our guys are up for the intensity!
Michael Clarke, who is leading our team, will be amped to get some alot more ODI runs behind his name, but most importantly contribute as a leader and ensure he takes that senior role by bashing away against the English bowlers. This series alot will be monitored and every guy will be well aware that with so much ODI cricket ahead, it will be crucial to make this count. And hey, some post-Ashes revenge is what all of us Australian supporter's are up for!
David scored his maiden-century in One Day Cricket, and did it in attacking style!
In his innings where he really blazed 111 runs, he hit 5 sixes! I was a bit shocked that he wasn't considered in the final team for the ODI's vs England as he has so much experience in the conditions. Sure, he didn't have a great summer, but I just think he could have added the middle order power we seem to lack and also knowing the condtions relative to the One Day circuit he may have been overlooked too lightly. He add's a dynamic with very useful part-time spin.
No doubt many will say it was only Scotland, but it is still a century to his name, and is an achievement to be proud of. Any game for Australia should never be seen as 'just a game'. Hope there will be more for him! It's great to see himself and Michael play alongside each other.
Adam Voges seemed to have been quite sensational in his innings and has boosted his case and confidence regarding his selections for this series and the Champions Trophy. He scored 72 runs, but 4 sixes and no fours...that's something!
A while ago he was selected for our ODI team for the South African tour, but personal commitments meant Marcus North toured in his place. It's great to see Adam back in the mix, and hopefully he will get more consistent time out there for Australia. I still think that catch he took against the Black Caps was one of the most entertaining boundary takes I have ever seen!
Shane Watson once again made the half-century mark, and did it rather quickly! 68 runs and a strike-rate of 158.13! That's exactly what we need from our openers against England, especially in the upcoming Twenty20's.
I like the fact that the Twenty20 players were given a go out there, but it is a tough one with David Hussey making a century and knowing he won't be in our One Day team. Maybe there could be a drafting in for South Africa? Talk is that Brad Haddin may not make it, so with Tim Paine included it could just open a door from David?
345 is a fine score and the stats indicate our 12th highest, so it's the right way to get going heading into the series!
Was excellent to see Tim Paine contribute some valuable runs at the end, and was not out on 29*. The question still remains regarding where he will bat in the ODI's!
The bowlers all chipped in and Scotland only managed 156, which is a decent effort. Brett Lee marked his return neatly with 2-38 in 9 overs. Great to see Binga back out there, and while he can be an on-off Twenty20 bowler, he can be super in 50 over cricket so I am pleased to see how he made some sort of an impact and I think alot of the frustration is being bottled up for England to deal with!
Shane Watson finished the tail-enders off and walked away from this match with 68 and 3-29, so all in all for Watto it's just fantastic too see him back in the groove with his cricket!
Dirk Nannes, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Hauritz had their costly moments, but hauled it all back in nicely and claimed a wicket each with bowling figures that indicated much better control as they got into their rhythm.
Part-timers Cameron White and David Hussey picked a wicket each, and Cam White also had 3 catches to his name!
There was only 1 ball in the innings, and the extra's tally is not too be poor so the guys must keep it up.
I see when we had a free-hit Cam White dispatched it for six. We need some more of that!
So a good start, and David Hussey rightly so deserved man-of-the-match and can be mighty proud of his performance, especially when you know you will only be playing in the two Twenty20's! Every game for Australia is another opportunity and I think he made perfect use of this one. Maybe the selectors can wangle something to give him some more chances? Sunday will be the first of the Twenty20's, so I expect a very loud and pumped up crowd in Manchester, and I hope our guys are up for the intensity!
Michael Clarke, who is leading our team, will be amped to get some alot more ODI runs behind his name, but most importantly contribute as a leader and ensure he takes that senior role by bashing away against the English bowlers. This series alot will be monitored and every guy will be well aware that with so much ODI cricket ahead, it will be crucial to make this count. And hey, some post-Ashes revenge is what all of us Australian supporter's are up for!
26 August 2009
THE GREEN & GOLD SQUAD SPOTTER
With the next phase of the tour against England, the Remains ODI series and two Twenty20's are now the focus point.
I have decided to take the time to write a squad spotter regarding our ODI team, and it's important all the critics know this team are also in a rebuilding stage, so it will be another hard-fought series, but I am feeling pretty good about the team, and can't critic the selectors on my part.
The Twenty20 team selected has also been a good strategic move by the NSP.
The pain of the Ashes loss is starting to wear off, but for my article regarding my opinion's and views on the series CLICK HERE or scroll down to the previous article! Be sure to read the comments as there are some excellent bits of input from a lot of the regular chirpers.
Here's the squad spotter for the selected men to wear the Green and Gold for those of you who may not be aware of the team!
ODI squad
Shane Watson:
Watto was given the daunting, almost urgent toss into the top order in the Ashes series. Familiar to him for the Queensland Bulls (while not very successful) but not in International Test cricket, especially in an Ashes series. But he played well, but this will be familiarity to him. Watto opened the batting against Pakistan this year, where he made his second century in some warm conditions, and last year stepped up to the task where he made his debut ton. He contributes strongly, and his style of batting is so well suited to ODI cricket. When he needs to graft he can and when he needs to slaughter the bowling attack, oh boy can he! The recent time in Test cricket will have benefited him for patience. I think the only thing to monitor is whether or not he is bowling fit for 50 over cricket.
Michael Clarke (Stand in Captain/ Vice-Captain):
Michael will have the big responsibility as stand in Captain until Rick Ponting joins the team. His ODI abilities were cemented after the 2007 World Cup where he was fourth in the run-scoring stats and ended averaging 80. He has played some match-winning innings' in recent times, and is able to modify his game quite drastically to suit ODI cricket. A backward-point specialist and lightning quick to get into the action, he is a great asset to the field. Having stated that, his ODI game in recent times has been rather inconsistent and he also had to slot in as an opener in Shaun Marsh' absence in the series against South Africa. Back at number 4 will be his ideal placement in the batting order where he tends to settle better into whatever stage is set for the innings, and with his experience he can alter the course if needed.
Ricky Ponting (Captain):
Punter is Australia's best ODI batsman by a long shot with far more runs than any other player. One may argue that this is due to the young age at which he debuted, and it is a form of the game he was more consistent in. However he has played many, many memorable innings' and can change the course of a match, not to mention has played significant roles in all the World Cup victories he has been apart of. A big score from Punter in the 50 over game usually results in victory. After a busy time in the Ashes series, he will be joining the team later in the series. He has been relatively ineffective recently, but a ton is still looming for him, one he will be desperate to reach.
As for Captaincy, he must go on with Clarke stepping in when needed but for Twenty20 that must be Clarke's domain now.
Michael Hussey:
Huss has had a tough run in Test cricket, but has continued to play his natural game and after endless support to see him get the big ton, it was great to see him reach a century in the final innings of the Ashes. What many forget is that Huss' ODI form is still very good and he has a great ability to turn an innings around the last 5-10 overs. He plays a very similar role to that Michael Bevan played for us back in the day. After the breath of life into Huss' Test game, I really believe he will play a big role for us in this ODI series and has some good momentum. I just never under-estimate his hard work and raw abilities.
Callum Ferguson:
Fergal has been our ODI player find! He's was tested with the Redbacks, where he faced success and then slightly bleaker performances. However some strong performances in the Ford Ranger series gave him the needed call-up last summer. He has only impressed! Fergal is a great bloke and I am proud to see him go about his batting with a cool attitude and just doing what is expected of him with little fuss. He has been our most consistent middle-order batsmen and has not let us down! Of his 13 innings, he has scored 3 fifties, and been stranded twice in the 40's and out once. To convert these to fifty would have been great. Funny enough 41 seems to be his unlucky number! But his career has started off strongly, and I reckon his batting style will work well in England. This is a guy I want around for many years to come!
Tim Paine:
While Graham Manou is a brilliant wicket-keeper (in my honest opinion better than Hads), Tim Paine is more suited to One Day cricket.
Brad Haddin is a good one-day cricketer and since taking on the opening duties it seemed to benefit him. In the Test arena he will have to keep his intensity and consistency behind the stumps with Manou on the prow but Hads is a fine batsman, and this gives him the definite edge! But as for Tim Paine, his inclusion has been a great move by the NSP and as a young 24 year old bloke, he has done well in both first-class and 50over cricket for Tazzie, and if you were concerned about Aussie not having anymore explosive Keeper/Batsman, he has the goods. The great part about Tim is that he has adapted to the opening spot well (he played magnificently in the OD series for Aus A vs Pakistan A) and can bat in the middle-order too. This is a great attribute especially after losing Had's for the series as he has to have surgery now on his finger. If he (Paine) were to debut I am not sure he would be tossed into open immediately, but himself, Voges, Hopes and Clarke are the guys looking to open with Shane Watson.
James Hopes:
'Catfish' has been around a while now. His batting has been on the ascendancy while his bowling hasn't seen too much progression to the average viewer like myself. He has become valuable to the lower-mid order portion of our batting, and showed a lot of courage against the Proteas. His bowling has been costly, and if he is bowling alongside a spinner (like Hauritz) or another medium pacer (Bracken) he can be a really tight support bowler to either and he has the ability to apply pressure with consistent line-and-length and grab the partnership splitting wicket.
Cameron White:
Since making his debut in ODI cricket, 'The Bear' has had little impact. An explosive batsman who really is made for the shorter form of the game, he has yet to prove to onlookers just what he has achieved for Victoria, where is also the State Captain. A useful part-time spinner and flexible in the batting order, his inclusion won't upset too many and I don't see any issues in giving him another chance, this time in England. His Test career didn't amount too much, so I hope his ODI game does.
Mitchell Johnson:
Mitch started out as a young ODI bowler knocking over the stumps of some of the best batsmen in world-cricket. But his name has been elevated purely upon his Test match performances. While he didn't play how we would liked him to during the Ashes, the reality he is still far from his best in One Day cricket and expectations will be far less, hopefully less pressure on him. While he is seen as an expected pick for Test cricket, ODI cricket is a bit of different scenario and his wayward style can prove costly. He can still do damage at the top of the order against the opposition.
Brett Lee:
Brett has to play! I'd be more in favour to see Mitch given a rest while Brett takes the new ball. He has dead-eye accuracy on his day, he has so much experience to offer and after not playing one game in the Ashes, and losing the series, there will be plenty frustration waiting to be unleashed at 150km/h. He will be mighty anxious to get out there and I hope he does get the new ball. He can hit the ball a good few meters too! Bring on the Bing factor!
Nathan Hauritz:
Nathan has done well in the 50 over game. He showed a hell of a lot of guts and courage in the Ashes series, and if the conditions are permitting (hopefully not misread) Ritz' will be more than ready for the challenge. He provided some very useful lower order knocks with Michael Hussey in the away series vs the Proteas so he has the gift to get runs when needed from a lower-order batsman. His defensive tactics (while he doesn't want to be titled 'defensive', fair enough) work well in this form of the game!
Peter Siddle:
I would have preferred for Doug Bollinger to have come in for Sid's purely to give him a rest. But with only 1 ODI to his name, it would be a good challenge for him after the Ashes to now have another bash at the English team. I don't think he will be a guaranteed pick by any means like Mitch, but he'll give it his all as always if given the nod for the 7 match series.
Nathan Bracken:
Bracks is maestro of economical bowling but last summer he struggled for not only consistency, but also variation in challenging his opposition. The Proteas made life difficult for him, and the runs were churning out around 5 an over and his wicket taking dried up a fair bit.
Maybe some time away from the International scene has re-energised his body and hopefully we'll see more attitude and a real fighting display from one of our no.1 bowlers, more respectfully one of the best in One Day cricket! I do expect a lot more achievements from Bracks and he is now a senior player and needs to lead by example, and he can play a massive role for the younger guys coming through. Hope the effectiveness wasn't bashed out in South Africa.
Ben Hilfenhaus:
Hilfy, Hilfy, Hilfy! He only has a handful of ODI's behind his name, but I look forward to seeing him the ODI scene a lot more. I think in these early stages of his career he will be finding some days that he may be getting smashed all around the ground, but there will be many days where his slight deviation in his deliveries, or hopefully the massive swing we saw in his Twenty20 debut, will pester the oppositions top order and may generate a few outside edges, LBW's and even some deflections!
The only concern I would have for Hilfy is he is now prone to quite a few no-balls, and with the free hit system well in place and how those potential extra 1-6 runs can make a significant difference if scored, it is something he will need to be aware of so we don't end up screaming in frustration at the tele. I still stand by my belief that he has something really special to offer Australian cricket in the long run.
As for England, the players I am on the watch out for are; Luke Wright, James Anderson, Andrew Strauss, Stuart Broad and Owais Shah.
Another player, Eoin Morgan, is now representing England. I always thought he had a lot to offer Ireland. I'm upset he is playing for England now (any other team would have done), but he deserves the opportunity as he is a good cricketer.
I have decided to take the time to write a squad spotter regarding our ODI team, and it's important all the critics know this team are also in a rebuilding stage, so it will be another hard-fought series, but I am feeling pretty good about the team, and can't critic the selectors on my part.
The Twenty20 team selected has also been a good strategic move by the NSP.
The pain of the Ashes loss is starting to wear off, but for my article regarding my opinion's and views on the series CLICK HERE or scroll down to the previous article! Be sure to read the comments as there are some excellent bits of input from a lot of the regular chirpers.
Here's the squad spotter for the selected men to wear the Green and Gold for those of you who may not be aware of the team!
ODI squad
Shane Watson:
Watto was given the daunting, almost urgent toss into the top order in the Ashes series. Familiar to him for the Queensland Bulls (while not very successful) but not in International Test cricket, especially in an Ashes series. But he played well, but this will be familiarity to him. Watto opened the batting against Pakistan this year, where he made his second century in some warm conditions, and last year stepped up to the task where he made his debut ton. He contributes strongly, and his style of batting is so well suited to ODI cricket. When he needs to graft he can and when he needs to slaughter the bowling attack, oh boy can he! The recent time in Test cricket will have benefited him for patience. I think the only thing to monitor is whether or not he is bowling fit for 50 over cricket.
Michael Clarke (Stand in Captain/ Vice-Captain):
Michael will have the big responsibility as stand in Captain until Rick Ponting joins the team. His ODI abilities were cemented after the 2007 World Cup where he was fourth in the run-scoring stats and ended averaging 80. He has played some match-winning innings' in recent times, and is able to modify his game quite drastically to suit ODI cricket. A backward-point specialist and lightning quick to get into the action, he is a great asset to the field. Having stated that, his ODI game in recent times has been rather inconsistent and he also had to slot in as an opener in Shaun Marsh' absence in the series against South Africa. Back at number 4 will be his ideal placement in the batting order where he tends to settle better into whatever stage is set for the innings, and with his experience he can alter the course if needed.
Ricky Ponting (Captain):
Punter is Australia's best ODI batsman by a long shot with far more runs than any other player. One may argue that this is due to the young age at which he debuted, and it is a form of the game he was more consistent in. However he has played many, many memorable innings' and can change the course of a match, not to mention has played significant roles in all the World Cup victories he has been apart of. A big score from Punter in the 50 over game usually results in victory. After a busy time in the Ashes series, he will be joining the team later in the series. He has been relatively ineffective recently, but a ton is still looming for him, one he will be desperate to reach.
As for Captaincy, he must go on with Clarke stepping in when needed but for Twenty20 that must be Clarke's domain now.
Michael Hussey:
Huss has had a tough run in Test cricket, but has continued to play his natural game and after endless support to see him get the big ton, it was great to see him reach a century in the final innings of the Ashes. What many forget is that Huss' ODI form is still very good and he has a great ability to turn an innings around the last 5-10 overs. He plays a very similar role to that Michael Bevan played for us back in the day. After the breath of life into Huss' Test game, I really believe he will play a big role for us in this ODI series and has some good momentum. I just never under-estimate his hard work and raw abilities.
Callum Ferguson:
Fergal has been our ODI player find! He's was tested with the Redbacks, where he faced success and then slightly bleaker performances. However some strong performances in the Ford Ranger series gave him the needed call-up last summer. He has only impressed! Fergal is a great bloke and I am proud to see him go about his batting with a cool attitude and just doing what is expected of him with little fuss. He has been our most consistent middle-order batsmen and has not let us down! Of his 13 innings, he has scored 3 fifties, and been stranded twice in the 40's and out once. To convert these to fifty would have been great. Funny enough 41 seems to be his unlucky number! But his career has started off strongly, and I reckon his batting style will work well in England. This is a guy I want around for many years to come!
Tim Paine:
While Graham Manou is a brilliant wicket-keeper (in my honest opinion better than Hads), Tim Paine is more suited to One Day cricket.
Brad Haddin is a good one-day cricketer and since taking on the opening duties it seemed to benefit him. In the Test arena he will have to keep his intensity and consistency behind the stumps with Manou on the prow but Hads is a fine batsman, and this gives him the definite edge! But as for Tim Paine, his inclusion has been a great move by the NSP and as a young 24 year old bloke, he has done well in both first-class and 50over cricket for Tazzie, and if you were concerned about Aussie not having anymore explosive Keeper/Batsman, he has the goods. The great part about Tim is that he has adapted to the opening spot well (he played magnificently in the OD series for Aus A vs Pakistan A) and can bat in the middle-order too. This is a great attribute especially after losing Had's for the series as he has to have surgery now on his finger. If he (Paine) were to debut I am not sure he would be tossed into open immediately, but himself, Voges, Hopes and Clarke are the guys looking to open with Shane Watson.
James Hopes:
'Catfish' has been around a while now. His batting has been on the ascendancy while his bowling hasn't seen too much progression to the average viewer like myself. He has become valuable to the lower-mid order portion of our batting, and showed a lot of courage against the Proteas. His bowling has been costly, and if he is bowling alongside a spinner (like Hauritz) or another medium pacer (Bracken) he can be a really tight support bowler to either and he has the ability to apply pressure with consistent line-and-length and grab the partnership splitting wicket.
Cameron White:
Since making his debut in ODI cricket, 'The Bear' has had little impact. An explosive batsman who really is made for the shorter form of the game, he has yet to prove to onlookers just what he has achieved for Victoria, where is also the State Captain. A useful part-time spinner and flexible in the batting order, his inclusion won't upset too many and I don't see any issues in giving him another chance, this time in England. His Test career didn't amount too much, so I hope his ODI game does.
Mitchell Johnson:
Mitch started out as a young ODI bowler knocking over the stumps of some of the best batsmen in world-cricket. But his name has been elevated purely upon his Test match performances. While he didn't play how we would liked him to during the Ashes, the reality he is still far from his best in One Day cricket and expectations will be far less, hopefully less pressure on him. While he is seen as an expected pick for Test cricket, ODI cricket is a bit of different scenario and his wayward style can prove costly. He can still do damage at the top of the order against the opposition.
Brett Lee:
Brett has to play! I'd be more in favour to see Mitch given a rest while Brett takes the new ball. He has dead-eye accuracy on his day, he has so much experience to offer and after not playing one game in the Ashes, and losing the series, there will be plenty frustration waiting to be unleashed at 150km/h. He will be mighty anxious to get out there and I hope he does get the new ball. He can hit the ball a good few meters too! Bring on the Bing factor!
Nathan Hauritz:
Nathan has done well in the 50 over game. He showed a hell of a lot of guts and courage in the Ashes series, and if the conditions are permitting (hopefully not misread) Ritz' will be more than ready for the challenge. He provided some very useful lower order knocks with Michael Hussey in the away series vs the Proteas so he has the gift to get runs when needed from a lower-order batsman. His defensive tactics (while he doesn't want to be titled 'defensive', fair enough) work well in this form of the game!
Peter Siddle:
I would have preferred for Doug Bollinger to have come in for Sid's purely to give him a rest. But with only 1 ODI to his name, it would be a good challenge for him after the Ashes to now have another bash at the English team. I don't think he will be a guaranteed pick by any means like Mitch, but he'll give it his all as always if given the nod for the 7 match series.
Nathan Bracken:
Bracks is maestro of economical bowling but last summer he struggled for not only consistency, but also variation in challenging his opposition. The Proteas made life difficult for him, and the runs were churning out around 5 an over and his wicket taking dried up a fair bit.
Maybe some time away from the International scene has re-energised his body and hopefully we'll see more attitude and a real fighting display from one of our no.1 bowlers, more respectfully one of the best in One Day cricket! I do expect a lot more achievements from Bracks and he is now a senior player and needs to lead by example, and he can play a massive role for the younger guys coming through. Hope the effectiveness wasn't bashed out in South Africa.
Ben Hilfenhaus:
Hilfy, Hilfy, Hilfy! He only has a handful of ODI's behind his name, but I look forward to seeing him the ODI scene a lot more. I think in these early stages of his career he will be finding some days that he may be getting smashed all around the ground, but there will be many days where his slight deviation in his deliveries, or hopefully the massive swing we saw in his Twenty20 debut, will pester the oppositions top order and may generate a few outside edges, LBW's and even some deflections!
The only concern I would have for Hilfy is he is now prone to quite a few no-balls, and with the free hit system well in place and how those potential extra 1-6 runs can make a significant difference if scored, it is something he will need to be aware of so we don't end up screaming in frustration at the tele. I still stand by my belief that he has something really special to offer Australian cricket in the long run.
As for England, the players I am on the watch out for are; Luke Wright, James Anderson, Andrew Strauss, Stuart Broad and Owais Shah.
Another player, Eoin Morgan, is now representing England. I always thought he had a lot to offer Ireland. I'm upset he is playing for England now (any other team would have done), but he deserves the opportunity as he is a good cricketer.
24 August 2009
THE FINAL CHIRPS FOR THE 2009 ASHES
Here is my say regarding the relevant aspects of the Ashes series. It's a long one, and I have taken my time to just read all the various sources out there to get an idea on the media reaction. Later in the week I will be shifting all the focus to the ODI series, and two Twenty20's.
It's disheartening to lose an Ashes series, and no doubt myself and every other Aussie supporter have been left feeling a bit bleak. But I have enough in me, as a good sport, to congratulate England on their Ashes series win.
The Baggy Green were outplayed when it mattered for us to seal the big moments, but it will be a learning experience for the guys and with further experience and personal growth for each cricketer in our team the guys will be able to capture the big moments.
Sealing momentum and not being outplayed when it matters is a big factor the guys have lost, but it's important to remember these aren't the players of the past decade and most of them have not been apart of that era and have only just emerged onto the International scene in these cut-throat contests.
I do see alot of positives but the team will get better, and will get stronger. They are all professional cricketer's who have come through some tough ranks to get to where they are.
'We'll get them next time', is what all of us who are Australian supporters will say, and yes, we will get England next time!
WHERE DID IT GO WRONG?
For this particular test, it's simple. You can carry on about the selectors, the Umpiring at times, Nathan Hauritz and Brett Lee being overlooked and the pitch, but the real reason is this. You cannot be bowled out for 160 runs in the defining Test of an Ashes series. Simple as that!
The deficit was already quite a handful, and our bowler's had a tough task to try an make that deficit seem less daunting would be a big ask after such a poor first innings. Every batsman in our team will be able to admit to this.
On this topic Stuart Broad's bizarre spell where he shredded apart our batting order and claimed 5 wickets, deserves the credit where it's due, as his man of the match award summed up his impact.
As for the series, our inability to seal the big moments for momentum was evident in the 1st Test. This team will learn their ways in functioning as a unit to achieve this, just like the Waugh era managed to do and the early stages of Ricky Ponting's Captaincy, but that 1st Test session, I'm sure you know which one I'm referring too.
I mentioned soon after that that 20th wicket we were unable to grab would come back to haunt us! And it has. It gave England a strange edge ahead of us, even though we had outplayed them in every aspect of that Test. I guess Monty Panesar didn't realise the impact his survival stint would have!
DON'T SACK PUNTER, DON'T PANIC:
Yes it's true. Ricky Ponting is not the greatest Captain in the World or in stature for Australian cricket, but hell, look at what he's had to deal with and what a legend he is for the Baggy Green!
I think it would be safe to say that he has had alot to contend with in his capacity. People say the only reason Ricky is good is because he had a stack of world-class players in his ranks. People tend to overlook the impact his materclass batting has had on Australian cricket. How he came through at such a young age, and how he has seen alot in his time. He took over the Captaincy not only with a strong team, but a team of guys he'd been playing with for many years even before he had the Captaincy. When he was handed the Captaincy he knew his team, he knew the role each guy played, and knew how to deploy their skills.
In his time he had to see not just one or two, but a whole bunch of these heroes of The Baggy Green depart. It's not easy to be one of the few remaining guys from such an era, but Ricky was alot younger than alot of these guys and knew he'd have to brave on. And he has. He has had alot more to deal with than any other Captain in recent times has had to deal with.
At times he didn't use his knowledge to its full extent it would seem. Notably using Marcus North to bowl at the death in that first test as opposed to Ben Hilfenhaus or a bowler with a bit more to prod away at the frailty of Panesar's batting, or Anderson tendency to poke at deliveries shaping across his body. Punter opted for quantity not quality here to get the overs in, and it was a risk that didn't pay off. But I have always seen him as a really strong leader, who accepts responsibility on and off the field, and apparently really takes time out away from the game to boost his younger or less-experienced team mates.
He has alot to deal with in these circumstance and this will make him a stronger character. I think alot of people out there underestimate him, and this team still have plenty time to make a legacy of their own. Punter is a fighter, and a champ!
So why sack Ricky? Why waste time to panic and throw away a guy who may not be the best Skipper, but with little doubt in my mind is the best man for the job right now. Sure, Michael Clarke is our Vice-Captain, and will Captain our ODI team, but Brad Haddin and Simon Katich have led NSW in many encounters, Michael Hussey has had plenty Captaincy duties in his time, and Marcus North is the WA Skipper, but I cannot see any of them in a position to take over Captaincy. Punter must stay longer to ensure this team can work as an ensemble. It's very important.
SHOCK TACTICS?
Shane Watson deserves a pat on the back, while Selectors need a crack over the head! I have to feel a bit sorry for Phillip Hughes. The bloke was boosted to such extremes that any poor performances would toss him into a difficult hole to crawl his way out of. He showed weakness to the short balls, which is nothing that can't be rectified, especially from such a motivated young guy with a good strong mind. I think the panic factor here was real shock and given the circumstances, Shane Watson deserves the credit after being tossed urgently into an International situation where he had no familiarity.
Time for the selectors to seriously think about their opening order tactics and have a contigency plan with a reserve specialist batsman, before throwing out a young guy who they backed with unbreakable confidence only to put in a guy who really wanted to improve his Test career, but had to do so in really intense circumstances.
TOO MUCH TOO LATE!
Michael Hussey is one of my favourite cricketers. Not just for the obvious being his batting (which has seen a major drop in Test cricket) but because he is such a hard working guy. He is tenacious, determined and remains a humble person true to his game. He is a great team mate from what the Australian camp say, and when he is in the groove he is a splendid cricketer to watch.
I stated somewhere along the line when the critics were calling for him to be axed, that he would get a century in the Ashes. I stated this well before the series had even started. I didn't gamble on it coming though in the final innings, at a time that was maybe a touch of magic too late. It turned out to be a career saving innings for Huss in Test cricket, but I am personally very proud of Huss and I managed to see him reach his century live on the Tele. To make a century under all the different variables is quite an achievement.
Just a pity it couldn't have been so much more, that there couldn't have been more, and that a few other guys couldn't have followed in his wake.
It's important not to forget that Huss' ODI game has been consistent and that he has alot to offer Australian cricket, and has given all of us many great memories.
I back each and every one of these guys, and while Huss' input hasn't been anywhere near as valuable as it needed to be, it was a known fact his place in the squad was being questioned, but I will never question his commitment when he puts on tha Baggy Green. The same goes for Ricky Ponting.
ONTO SOME POSITIVES...THE BAGGY GREEN PLAYER OF THE SERIES?
Michael Clarke was consistent and showed eye-opening signs on improvement when I cast my mind back to the 2005 Ashes. There was patience as he was building his innings, tactful skill in playing his shots noticeably late on the delivery, and he was able to compose himself with aggressive tendencies to launch into England's bowlers.
He missed out on an extra century, but made it to the triple figure mark on a couple of occassions. My most enjoyable innings of his to watch was his century at Lords. Sure, we lost the game and it ended up being less valuable, but he played so fluently, and his shot selection was spot on, with some classy off-side play. After managing to take a tour of Lord's when I was in England last year, and seeing that records board in the touring teams' dressing room, it makes me proud to know another Australian cricketer has their name engraved on the historical mount! It all seemed an unfortunate end to such a brilliant tour for Michael.
He stated before the game if he didn't contribute and we lost the game it would all be worthless. I think the tears he showed at the end of the 5th Test summed it up for him. It was great to see in its own way, as it shows how passionate he is to be where he is at, how badly he wanted to see us over the finish line.
I have always believed a sportsman truely proud and committed to his teams cause shows his true emotions when the appropriate moment is there.
Just a pity it couldn't have been tears of celebration for him. Next time though!
THE BOWLER WHO STOOD OUT:
Nathan Hauritz showed guts! A battered finger, he continued to carry on and managed to give some excellent contributions. This was a sign of dedication I won't forget anytime soon, but I need to hand it to two bowlers in particular.
Ben Hilfenhaus followed a similar fate to Michael Clarke. Both of them had a big impact in the first 4 Tests, and really got under the English teams skin. Hilfy showed improvement in each match he played, and his consistency at the top of the bowling stocks proved to be so crucial when Mitchell Johnson was finding it a big struggle to play his game at the other end. Hilfy had Ravi Bopara's number right until he was dropped to make way for Ian Bell to slot in at number 3. While Hilfy didn't generate the swing we expected from him, he showed some positive signs for the future. I look forward to seeing him debut on Australian soil where he emerged as a big talking point for the Tassie Tigers in the Pura Cup, once again know as the Sheffield Shield.
Peter Siddle did what he could. He wore his heart on his sleeve and gave it the usual 100% ambition and fought for each wicket. He has alot to learn, but why be so hard on a guy who only debuted a year ago. I think of India's Ishant Sharma and how he has come along in leaps and bounds.
He took strain in the beginning and seemed little a threat to the opposition.
But with winning and losing experience, he has become a big factor to Indian cricket.
I look back to Sids' debut in India last year, where I was one of the guys who maybe came across a bit harsh on his not so threatening performances and really thought he was tossed into the International mix to soon, but he is paying off to the selectors now, and is starting to feel like he belongs there series by series. Sid Vicious is a nickname rightly earned, as I believe Sid's would have been well suited to the Australian way of cricket in the 90's. Aggressive, tenacious and prepared to go down bruised and battered to get in the batsman's face and ensure that last wicket was taken. It didn't reflect in its entire esence in this Test, but he has the foundations well in place.
Himself and Hilfy have big shoes to fill, and if the team as a whole can start working with synergy and the Selectors will actually give the team the confidence backing needed, it will boost these guys to stake their claim in Australian cricket history.
THE BAGGY GREEN PLAYERS ARE STILL REBUILDING FOLKS:
I may come across as optomistic, and maybe seem to be just another arrogant Australian supporter, but I rightly stand my ground.
I support my team through anything. I watch more than cricket as a team sport, and love Rugby Union. This is another team sport, where many teams who are at the top lose key players and find themselves in a rebuilding process. The Wallabies are in a similar phase and by the 2011 World Cup they will have a few seniors gone from the ranks. This has happened to Australian cricket and we can see the impact. But hey, if you watch anything other than cricket you will not be surprised to find that it happens to teams in all sports! Sure, very few teams have had the dominance internationally noticed that Australian cricket has had. But rebuilding means being knocked down a few levels, and gradually building back up with patience and strategic planning to ensure the foundations are strong and the rebuilding pays off.
This is where Australian cricket is at, and with this means a drop in the rankings. This has happened before and will happen again, but all the other 'extremist non-Australian supporters' out there who are all very quick to point fingers and arrogantly state that Australian cricket is going to only continue to plummet are greatly mistaken, and perhaps naive because the same thing will come their way in time and likely don't have that strong a Domestic competition to steer their side in the right direction.
STAND OUT PLAYER FOR ENGLAND:
One individual for England stands out. This is their Skipper Andrew Strauss. He was the one player who was consistent for them, and as an individual stood out when none of this team-mates did. He regularly made it past the fifty mark. I mentioned many times how important it was to break-up the Cook/Strauss partnership, but more and more it became the Strauss factor that carried England through some tough times. He led his team forward.
At Lord's he was flawless in his innings of 160, and England turned out to be victorious on that outing, essentially ending our historial winning reign at Lords Cricket Ground.
LOOKING AHEAD:
While we didn't win the Ashes, and I was very sure we would, it wasn't to be.
I am proud to support the boys in these testing times, and especially proud how the guys continued to show their determination and not lose hope.
But it's time to look ahead.
We have a chance to regroup now for the summer. We have two test series' against The West-Indies in the Frank-Worrell Trophy and also Pakistan. This is a good chance for the team to get back on home soil, fight on and beat these teams to gain the confidence needed to move forward and start getting things back together in the Test format, but to also start getting stronger in phasing towards the next Ashes series.
But we now have a golden opportunity to sort things out in the ODI arena with a frenzy of ODI cricket with the Remains against England, that consist of 7 ODI's and 2 Twenty20's.
After this final leg of the time in England, it's off to South Africa for the ICC Champions Trophy where we are the defending Champions from 2006, and then to wrap it up before the home series against Pakistan and The Windies, it will be time to take on India in India in a 7 match ODI series, and I really can't wait for that one for a number of reasons!
So now it's time to shift my focus away from the Ashes in it's closure, and look into the Remains as they are surely there for the taking!
So from my side, it is an unfortunate ending to the Ashes, but it is great for Test cricket none-the-less.
That's probably all the main chirps from my side regarding the 2009 Ashes, and I'd like to say thanks to all of you guys who have chipped in with your valued say and if you are an English supporter well done, if you are one of the guys on my side...we'll get 'em next time!
Also a big thanks to Chris Stocks from the Metro, London, England and his input here and also his generosity regarding some of the interviews and information he obtained from the Aussie cricketer's at my request.
Check in my links list for his column 'Extra Cover'.
He is an English supporter, but he has some great stuff at his site!
Hope to hear more from you blokes, and hopefully some positive chirps will be typed out from my keyboard as our ODI squad put on the Green and Gold gear and represent us against the old enemy.
Another first time for alot of these guys in such a series, but I will leave this article up for all of you to discuss things, and come Thursday or Friday I will have the Green and Gold squad squad spotter up for review!
It's disheartening to lose an Ashes series, and no doubt myself and every other Aussie supporter have been left feeling a bit bleak. But I have enough in me, as a good sport, to congratulate England on their Ashes series win.
The Baggy Green were outplayed when it mattered for us to seal the big moments, but it will be a learning experience for the guys and with further experience and personal growth for each cricketer in our team the guys will be able to capture the big moments.
Sealing momentum and not being outplayed when it matters is a big factor the guys have lost, but it's important to remember these aren't the players of the past decade and most of them have not been apart of that era and have only just emerged onto the International scene in these cut-throat contests.
I do see alot of positives but the team will get better, and will get stronger. They are all professional cricketer's who have come through some tough ranks to get to where they are.
'We'll get them next time', is what all of us who are Australian supporters will say, and yes, we will get England next time!
WHERE DID IT GO WRONG?
For this particular test, it's simple. You can carry on about the selectors, the Umpiring at times, Nathan Hauritz and Brett Lee being overlooked and the pitch, but the real reason is this. You cannot be bowled out for 160 runs in the defining Test of an Ashes series. Simple as that!
The deficit was already quite a handful, and our bowler's had a tough task to try an make that deficit seem less daunting would be a big ask after such a poor first innings. Every batsman in our team will be able to admit to this.
On this topic Stuart Broad's bizarre spell where he shredded apart our batting order and claimed 5 wickets, deserves the credit where it's due, as his man of the match award summed up his impact.
As for the series, our inability to seal the big moments for momentum was evident in the 1st Test. This team will learn their ways in functioning as a unit to achieve this, just like the Waugh era managed to do and the early stages of Ricky Ponting's Captaincy, but that 1st Test session, I'm sure you know which one I'm referring too.
I mentioned soon after that that 20th wicket we were unable to grab would come back to haunt us! And it has. It gave England a strange edge ahead of us, even though we had outplayed them in every aspect of that Test. I guess Monty Panesar didn't realise the impact his survival stint would have!
DON'T SACK PUNTER, DON'T PANIC:
Yes it's true. Ricky Ponting is not the greatest Captain in the World or in stature for Australian cricket, but hell, look at what he's had to deal with and what a legend he is for the Baggy Green!
I think it would be safe to say that he has had alot to contend with in his capacity. People say the only reason Ricky is good is because he had a stack of world-class players in his ranks. People tend to overlook the impact his materclass batting has had on Australian cricket. How he came through at such a young age, and how he has seen alot in his time. He took over the Captaincy not only with a strong team, but a team of guys he'd been playing with for many years even before he had the Captaincy. When he was handed the Captaincy he knew his team, he knew the role each guy played, and knew how to deploy their skills.
In his time he had to see not just one or two, but a whole bunch of these heroes of The Baggy Green depart. It's not easy to be one of the few remaining guys from such an era, but Ricky was alot younger than alot of these guys and knew he'd have to brave on. And he has. He has had alot more to deal with than any other Captain in recent times has had to deal with.
At times he didn't use his knowledge to its full extent it would seem. Notably using Marcus North to bowl at the death in that first test as opposed to Ben Hilfenhaus or a bowler with a bit more to prod away at the frailty of Panesar's batting, or Anderson tendency to poke at deliveries shaping across his body. Punter opted for quantity not quality here to get the overs in, and it was a risk that didn't pay off. But I have always seen him as a really strong leader, who accepts responsibility on and off the field, and apparently really takes time out away from the game to boost his younger or less-experienced team mates.
He has alot to deal with in these circumstance and this will make him a stronger character. I think alot of people out there underestimate him, and this team still have plenty time to make a legacy of their own. Punter is a fighter, and a champ!
So why sack Ricky? Why waste time to panic and throw away a guy who may not be the best Skipper, but with little doubt in my mind is the best man for the job right now. Sure, Michael Clarke is our Vice-Captain, and will Captain our ODI team, but Brad Haddin and Simon Katich have led NSW in many encounters, Michael Hussey has had plenty Captaincy duties in his time, and Marcus North is the WA Skipper, but I cannot see any of them in a position to take over Captaincy. Punter must stay longer to ensure this team can work as an ensemble. It's very important.
SHOCK TACTICS?
Shane Watson deserves a pat on the back, while Selectors need a crack over the head! I have to feel a bit sorry for Phillip Hughes. The bloke was boosted to such extremes that any poor performances would toss him into a difficult hole to crawl his way out of. He showed weakness to the short balls, which is nothing that can't be rectified, especially from such a motivated young guy with a good strong mind. I think the panic factor here was real shock and given the circumstances, Shane Watson deserves the credit after being tossed urgently into an International situation where he had no familiarity.
Time for the selectors to seriously think about their opening order tactics and have a contigency plan with a reserve specialist batsman, before throwing out a young guy who they backed with unbreakable confidence only to put in a guy who really wanted to improve his Test career, but had to do so in really intense circumstances.
TOO MUCH TOO LATE!
Michael Hussey is one of my favourite cricketers. Not just for the obvious being his batting (which has seen a major drop in Test cricket) but because he is such a hard working guy. He is tenacious, determined and remains a humble person true to his game. He is a great team mate from what the Australian camp say, and when he is in the groove he is a splendid cricketer to watch.
I stated somewhere along the line when the critics were calling for him to be axed, that he would get a century in the Ashes. I stated this well before the series had even started. I didn't gamble on it coming though in the final innings, at a time that was maybe a touch of magic too late. It turned out to be a career saving innings for Huss in Test cricket, but I am personally very proud of Huss and I managed to see him reach his century live on the Tele. To make a century under all the different variables is quite an achievement.
Just a pity it couldn't have been so much more, that there couldn't have been more, and that a few other guys couldn't have followed in his wake.
It's important not to forget that Huss' ODI game has been consistent and that he has alot to offer Australian cricket, and has given all of us many great memories.
I back each and every one of these guys, and while Huss' input hasn't been anywhere near as valuable as it needed to be, it was a known fact his place in the squad was being questioned, but I will never question his commitment when he puts on tha Baggy Green. The same goes for Ricky Ponting.
ONTO SOME POSITIVES...THE BAGGY GREEN PLAYER OF THE SERIES?
Michael Clarke was consistent and showed eye-opening signs on improvement when I cast my mind back to the 2005 Ashes. There was patience as he was building his innings, tactful skill in playing his shots noticeably late on the delivery, and he was able to compose himself with aggressive tendencies to launch into England's bowlers.
He missed out on an extra century, but made it to the triple figure mark on a couple of occassions. My most enjoyable innings of his to watch was his century at Lords. Sure, we lost the game and it ended up being less valuable, but he played so fluently, and his shot selection was spot on, with some classy off-side play. After managing to take a tour of Lord's when I was in England last year, and seeing that records board in the touring teams' dressing room, it makes me proud to know another Australian cricketer has their name engraved on the historical mount! It all seemed an unfortunate end to such a brilliant tour for Michael.
He stated before the game if he didn't contribute and we lost the game it would all be worthless. I think the tears he showed at the end of the 5th Test summed it up for him. It was great to see in its own way, as it shows how passionate he is to be where he is at, how badly he wanted to see us over the finish line.
I have always believed a sportsman truely proud and committed to his teams cause shows his true emotions when the appropriate moment is there.
Just a pity it couldn't have been tears of celebration for him. Next time though!
THE BOWLER WHO STOOD OUT:
Nathan Hauritz showed guts! A battered finger, he continued to carry on and managed to give some excellent contributions. This was a sign of dedication I won't forget anytime soon, but I need to hand it to two bowlers in particular.
Ben Hilfenhaus followed a similar fate to Michael Clarke. Both of them had a big impact in the first 4 Tests, and really got under the English teams skin. Hilfy showed improvement in each match he played, and his consistency at the top of the bowling stocks proved to be so crucial when Mitchell Johnson was finding it a big struggle to play his game at the other end. Hilfy had Ravi Bopara's number right until he was dropped to make way for Ian Bell to slot in at number 3. While Hilfy didn't generate the swing we expected from him, he showed some positive signs for the future. I look forward to seeing him debut on Australian soil where he emerged as a big talking point for the Tassie Tigers in the Pura Cup, once again know as the Sheffield Shield.
Peter Siddle did what he could. He wore his heart on his sleeve and gave it the usual 100% ambition and fought for each wicket. He has alot to learn, but why be so hard on a guy who only debuted a year ago. I think of India's Ishant Sharma and how he has come along in leaps and bounds.
He took strain in the beginning and seemed little a threat to the opposition.
But with winning and losing experience, he has become a big factor to Indian cricket.
I look back to Sids' debut in India last year, where I was one of the guys who maybe came across a bit harsh on his not so threatening performances and really thought he was tossed into the International mix to soon, but he is paying off to the selectors now, and is starting to feel like he belongs there series by series. Sid Vicious is a nickname rightly earned, as I believe Sid's would have been well suited to the Australian way of cricket in the 90's. Aggressive, tenacious and prepared to go down bruised and battered to get in the batsman's face and ensure that last wicket was taken. It didn't reflect in its entire esence in this Test, but he has the foundations well in place.
Himself and Hilfy have big shoes to fill, and if the team as a whole can start working with synergy and the Selectors will actually give the team the confidence backing needed, it will boost these guys to stake their claim in Australian cricket history.
THE BAGGY GREEN PLAYERS ARE STILL REBUILDING FOLKS:
I may come across as optomistic, and maybe seem to be just another arrogant Australian supporter, but I rightly stand my ground.
I support my team through anything. I watch more than cricket as a team sport, and love Rugby Union. This is another team sport, where many teams who are at the top lose key players and find themselves in a rebuilding process. The Wallabies are in a similar phase and by the 2011 World Cup they will have a few seniors gone from the ranks. This has happened to Australian cricket and we can see the impact. But hey, if you watch anything other than cricket you will not be surprised to find that it happens to teams in all sports! Sure, very few teams have had the dominance internationally noticed that Australian cricket has had. But rebuilding means being knocked down a few levels, and gradually building back up with patience and strategic planning to ensure the foundations are strong and the rebuilding pays off.
This is where Australian cricket is at, and with this means a drop in the rankings. This has happened before and will happen again, but all the other 'extremist non-Australian supporters' out there who are all very quick to point fingers and arrogantly state that Australian cricket is going to only continue to plummet are greatly mistaken, and perhaps naive because the same thing will come their way in time and likely don't have that strong a Domestic competition to steer their side in the right direction.
STAND OUT PLAYER FOR ENGLAND:
One individual for England stands out. This is their Skipper Andrew Strauss. He was the one player who was consistent for them, and as an individual stood out when none of this team-mates did. He regularly made it past the fifty mark. I mentioned many times how important it was to break-up the Cook/Strauss partnership, but more and more it became the Strauss factor that carried England through some tough times. He led his team forward.
At Lord's he was flawless in his innings of 160, and England turned out to be victorious on that outing, essentially ending our historial winning reign at Lords Cricket Ground.
LOOKING AHEAD:
While we didn't win the Ashes, and I was very sure we would, it wasn't to be.
I am proud to support the boys in these testing times, and especially proud how the guys continued to show their determination and not lose hope.
But it's time to look ahead.
We have a chance to regroup now for the summer. We have two test series' against The West-Indies in the Frank-Worrell Trophy and also Pakistan. This is a good chance for the team to get back on home soil, fight on and beat these teams to gain the confidence needed to move forward and start getting things back together in the Test format, but to also start getting stronger in phasing towards the next Ashes series.
But we now have a golden opportunity to sort things out in the ODI arena with a frenzy of ODI cricket with the Remains against England, that consist of 7 ODI's and 2 Twenty20's.
After this final leg of the time in England, it's off to South Africa for the ICC Champions Trophy where we are the defending Champions from 2006, and then to wrap it up before the home series against Pakistan and The Windies, it will be time to take on India in India in a 7 match ODI series, and I really can't wait for that one for a number of reasons!
So now it's time to shift my focus away from the Ashes in it's closure, and look into the Remains as they are surely there for the taking!
So from my side, it is an unfortunate ending to the Ashes, but it is great for Test cricket none-the-less.
That's probably all the main chirps from my side regarding the 2009 Ashes, and I'd like to say thanks to all of you guys who have chipped in with your valued say and if you are an English supporter well done, if you are one of the guys on my side...we'll get 'em next time!
Also a big thanks to Chris Stocks from the Metro, London, England and his input here and also his generosity regarding some of the interviews and information he obtained from the Aussie cricketer's at my request.
Check in my links list for his column 'Extra Cover'.
He is an English supporter, but he has some great stuff at his site!
Hope to hear more from you blokes, and hopefully some positive chirps will be typed out from my keyboard as our ODI squad put on the Green and Gold gear and represent us against the old enemy.
Another first time for alot of these guys in such a series, but I will leave this article up for all of you to discuss things, and come Thursday or Friday I will have the Green and Gold squad squad spotter up for review!
THE ASHES 2009 COMES TO A CLOSURE
Congratulations to England and their supporters in regaining the Urn, and winning the 2009 Ashes series.
It has been a series with some quality cricket and plenty tense moments, but after our 1st innings England put us on the back-foot and their momentum was kept alive. So congrats, but we'll get you next time!
The Baggy Green can take a lot out of this series though!
I will post my full article summing up the series as soon as possible.
Thanks to everyone for your comments throughout the series, and hope you enjoyed reading the articles, whether you are a supporter of the Baggy Green, England or even neutral! More for all of you soon.
Losing an Ashes series is a terrible feeling, but after the upcoming article hopefully we can have some good discussions and look forward to a frenzy of ODI cricket.
It has been a series with some quality cricket and plenty tense moments, but after our 1st innings England put us on the back-foot and their momentum was kept alive. So congrats, but we'll get you next time!
The Baggy Green can take a lot out of this series though!
I will post my full article summing up the series as soon as possible.
Thanks to everyone for your comments throughout the series, and hope you enjoyed reading the articles, whether you are a supporter of the Baggy Green, England or even neutral! More for all of you soon.
Losing an Ashes series is a terrible feeling, but after the upcoming article hopefully we can have some good discussions and look forward to a frenzy of ODI cricket.
23 August 2009
A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB, MAYBE TOO HIGH
We don't like losing to England, not one bit. Especially for the second time in England, it makes out to be a very distorted picture.
Sorry I have been away from the article side of this Test. It is not because of the turn of the game, but I have been away from the laptop for some time. But I'm not left with too many chirps. I feel sitting back and supporting the boys all the way to whatever result we may see, is more beneficial than criticising and moaning about the way this Test has shaped.
If I were to identify the obvious issue, you cannot be bowled out for 160 runs in your 1st innings. Supporters can carry on about; 'Where was Nathan Hauritz', 'Why wasn't Brett Lee given a go', etc. The bowler's did what they had to in the 1st innings. It wasn't ideal at times, but England's total was far from daunting. That wild display of bowling from Stuart Broad, where he really mauled his way through our batting line-up, was a turning moment for momentum. Simon Katich had a half-century, Shane Watson managed 34, and then the next scorer was Peter Siddle. The bowling was just really fine bowling, and our batsmen weren't up to the task.
Ricky Ponting implemented some odd-tactics to his field placements and rotation of our bowlers during yesterdays session's, but England were well on their way regardless to a massive lead.
Graeme Swann's surprising innings was a nail in the coffin for any chance of minimising the lead.
However, I really do believe in not losing hope until the final run or wicket is taken.
We made it through the day with no wickets down and 80 runs on the board. This is mighty impressive given the circumstances.
462 runs needed, with 10 wickets. Here is my analysis:
I'm always holding onto any hope possible, so, if Katto and Watto (or alternatively the top 3-4) can minimise the lead by 100 runs, we see the standing of 362 runs, with hopefully 8-10 wickets in hand. The task looks slightly less daunting.
I can't think of anything better than making a world-record here in such an incredible series, one that every Australian supporter follows religiously.
But at the same time we need to be realistic of regular patterns this game presents, and this really is a mountain that may be too high to climb.
Everything would need to click into place for victory to become a result, and how epic would it be!
Sadly, our batting fell apart when it needed to be consistent. And sadly we have seen our consistency flawed in capturing the big moments of momentum.
But there are 2 days left, 10 wickets remaining, but the way the wicket has played, it won't make this an easy task, and the fight for a draw is a mighty difficult task too.
A few wicket's fall, England take all and it will be tough grafting.
The only memory I can bring to your attention for some inspiration is when Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer led us to that sensational victory against Pakistan in Hobart a few years back. While we don't have either of them anymore, we have world-class performers in this team, and we'll watch and wait for the result.
After losing to the All Blacks yesterday, I can't say it's the happiest of times for Australian sport, but no one is lifting the Urn yet. But no doubt Strauss and his team-mates are less blured in this image at the moment.
The Baggy Green will keep fighting, never under-estimate us!
Sorry I have been away from the article side of this Test. It is not because of the turn of the game, but I have been away from the laptop for some time. But I'm not left with too many chirps. I feel sitting back and supporting the boys all the way to whatever result we may see, is more beneficial than criticising and moaning about the way this Test has shaped.
If I were to identify the obvious issue, you cannot be bowled out for 160 runs in your 1st innings. Supporters can carry on about; 'Where was Nathan Hauritz', 'Why wasn't Brett Lee given a go', etc. The bowler's did what they had to in the 1st innings. It wasn't ideal at times, but England's total was far from daunting. That wild display of bowling from Stuart Broad, where he really mauled his way through our batting line-up, was a turning moment for momentum. Simon Katich had a half-century, Shane Watson managed 34, and then the next scorer was Peter Siddle. The bowling was just really fine bowling, and our batsmen weren't up to the task.
Ricky Ponting implemented some odd-tactics to his field placements and rotation of our bowlers during yesterdays session's, but England were well on their way regardless to a massive lead.
Graeme Swann's surprising innings was a nail in the coffin for any chance of minimising the lead.
However, I really do believe in not losing hope until the final run or wicket is taken.
We made it through the day with no wickets down and 80 runs on the board. This is mighty impressive given the circumstances.
462 runs needed, with 10 wickets. Here is my analysis:
I'm always holding onto any hope possible, so, if Katto and Watto (or alternatively the top 3-4) can minimise the lead by 100 runs, we see the standing of 362 runs, with hopefully 8-10 wickets in hand. The task looks slightly less daunting.
I can't think of anything better than making a world-record here in such an incredible series, one that every Australian supporter follows religiously.
But at the same time we need to be realistic of regular patterns this game presents, and this really is a mountain that may be too high to climb.
Everything would need to click into place for victory to become a result, and how epic would it be!
Sadly, our batting fell apart when it needed to be consistent. And sadly we have seen our consistency flawed in capturing the big moments of momentum.
But there are 2 days left, 10 wickets remaining, but the way the wicket has played, it won't make this an easy task, and the fight for a draw is a mighty difficult task too.
A few wicket's fall, England take all and it will be tough grafting.
The only memory I can bring to your attention for some inspiration is when Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer led us to that sensational victory against Pakistan in Hobart a few years back. While we don't have either of them anymore, we have world-class performers in this team, and we'll watch and wait for the result.
After losing to the All Blacks yesterday, I can't say it's the happiest of times for Australian sport, but no one is lifting the Urn yet. But no doubt Strauss and his team-mates are less blured in this image at the moment.
The Baggy Green will keep fighting, never under-estimate us!
20 August 2009
CHRIS STOCKS' COLUMN
Just a reminder for all of you to take a look at Chris Stocks' Extra Cover column for the Metro in London, England. CLICK HERE FOR HIS SITE!
He is an English cricket supporter ( for those of you who haven't been following this site for the last month and a bit) I have been in contact with and is at the Oval for the final Test.
He recently had a great Q&A with Stuart Clark and when you can take your browser over to his site to check it out. Plenty there too scout around and read.
He is an English cricket supporter ( for those of you who haven't been following this site for the last month and a bit) I have been in contact with and is at the Oval for the final Test.
He recently had a great Q&A with Stuart Clark and when you can take your browser over to his site to check it out. Plenty there too scout around and read.
Day 1 OF THE 2009 ASHES DECIDER!
What a day of cricket for the 1st day of the 5th Ashes Test.
But the day was rounded off the way I wanted it. A day to the Baggy Green!
England decided to leave Graham Onions out of the squad, with Andrew Flintoff returning, and Jonathan Trott making his debut. Quite a time to make a debut! Australia made no changes, a bold decision regarding the spinner option, but as we neared the game it became increasingly evident the squad would remain unchanged. But they left us guessing for a while!
With the quick break-up of the Strauss and Cook duo, Peter Siddle roared as he captured the wicket of Alastair Cook. Ricky Ponting's reflexes were flashy and the 1st wicket was down!
The discipline by the bowlers was a major key in the performance for the days play. It seemed the only period England really had it well in tact was the first session as Andrew Strauss pressed forward with things once again, and Ian Bell made his promotion in the batting order count. Their hundred run partnership caused some slight concern for Aussie but the boys fought back!
It was after the wicket of Strauss, a faint edge to Brad Haddin off the bowling of Hilfy (another one to his collection), that a rapid change in momentum started.
Peter Siddle then delivered the spell needed, along with two wickets to Mitchell Johnson.
Stuart Clark held his game together really well, what you non-surprisingly expect from Stu, and kept it tight, and stuck to his simple game plan. Line and length, make them play and make them try play with patience!
It worked and the pressure at his end ensured the other guys could fire away. The wickets fell and it even gave Marcus North a gem of a chance to send some valuable balls down the wicket. He managed to get a couple to rip off the wicket, which has deteriorated quite quickly!
Sid's picked up 4 wickets, and another 5for is on the cards for him.
He just seems to do it at the right times doesn't he!
I think Sids' attitude is great for the team, and he embraces his opportunities, evidently seen in just his body language. He shows signs of the Baggy Green bowler's around the early 90's, where there's little doubt he would have fitted into that era quite comfortably. But I am so impressed with Sid's. I thought after his brief time with Victoria, his impact wasn't enough to get an Internatonal call-up.
I support the guys with total dedication (I mean this site keeps ticking along doesn't it!) but I admit I was quite harsh on Sid's early on in his debut stages in India. He proved me wrong at the MCG, and as he hits a quiet patch, he screams his way back into the wicket taking's and his focus becomes targetted on his opposition. Sid Vicious!
Even Mitch was had a great with the dismissal of Matt Prior.
Hostile fast bowling (up at the 150km/h mark) at the body, with variation in the angle, then bang, a slower ball wide of off-stump, lured Prior into the shot and Shane Watson took a dasher above his head at point! Awesome tactic, great cricket!
Highlight had to be the wicket of debutant Trott (who managed 41 runs, and certainly looks capable of International cricket)! Simon Katich you bloody beauty!
That run-out was one of the most spectacular bits of fielding I have ever seen in my time watching the game, similar to something Punter did a while back.
Lightning stuff from Katto at short-leg. Trott pushed it away, thinking it was through Katto latched onto it and was not shy in hurling it back at the stumps, dead eye! He acted with rapid instinct and the ball rocketed to the stumps and Trott was short of his crease. Not how you'd have expected to go out on debut!
That was my highlight of the 1st days play, and of course the wicket's of Strauss and Flintoff due to their reliance to boost the English team.
The only tactic I was a bit confused at was Shane Watson bowling. Marcus North was creating a decent amount of pressure at the other end, and was doing a really fine job.
I'm not saying Watto didn't give it his all (as he always gives it his all), I just feel it was an odd move. I would have opted for Stuart Clark to add some additional pressure at the other end.
We know Stuart wouldn't have taken the new ball which was due in that passage of playso a handful of overs with the older ball would have been good, and Watto doesn't seem to look 'Test bowling fit'. I see he nearly created two chances, but I just think it was an odd choice. I think opting to give Katto a couple overs would have been interesting too, I mean come on, after that run out who knows what he could have pulled off eh! But the wicket fell at the close of play atleast!
So no centurions for England again at the top of the order (I hope it stays that way), and Sids' 4th wicket was a great way to close the day's play with Swann caught behind. He will be looking forward to bowling at our batsmen with the way this wicket is starting to turn out.
We will only know the true state of it once our guys have had a good bat against the English bowlers, but there are still two wickets to get, and we have seen what the English tail enders can do.
If they aren't getting a flow of edgy runs, they are able to sit it out for a decent period of play. Hopefully we'll see some change to this set-up come the morning, as our bowlers stir things up to get those remaining wickets. Most importantly is to get England out well short of that 350 mark, which will be their focal point.
At one point it looked like England were going to be taking the day's play, but the Baggy Green fought back a fine style, and competitive aggression, which I love to see from the guys as that's our brand of cricket, and in such a series it needs to be shown.
Punter stated before this game that you rarely get a chance in your career as an Australian cricket to play in such a crucial game in such a historic series. Every opportunity has to be taken and every moment of play won should be embraced to keep the momentum flowing.
While the team need to perform as a unit (obviously) I would want nothing more than to see our bowler's ultimately lead the way, as this younger bowling attack have had one heck of a journey up to England, and this would be a memorable mark for their careers to progress.
But they have a lot of work left, and this is where it all counts! From their respective opportunities coming to the fore front to get them their Baggy Green caps, to making it into this Test, this is the game where it matters, this is where they have their chance to achieve their own piece of history. Support the guys, it's needed from all parts of the globe!
4 days to go, where it's all or nothing!
But the day was rounded off the way I wanted it. A day to the Baggy Green!
England decided to leave Graham Onions out of the squad, with Andrew Flintoff returning, and Jonathan Trott making his debut. Quite a time to make a debut! Australia made no changes, a bold decision regarding the spinner option, but as we neared the game it became increasingly evident the squad would remain unchanged. But they left us guessing for a while!
With the quick break-up of the Strauss and Cook duo, Peter Siddle roared as he captured the wicket of Alastair Cook. Ricky Ponting's reflexes were flashy and the 1st wicket was down!
The discipline by the bowlers was a major key in the performance for the days play. It seemed the only period England really had it well in tact was the first session as Andrew Strauss pressed forward with things once again, and Ian Bell made his promotion in the batting order count. Their hundred run partnership caused some slight concern for Aussie but the boys fought back!
It was after the wicket of Strauss, a faint edge to Brad Haddin off the bowling of Hilfy (another one to his collection), that a rapid change in momentum started.
Peter Siddle then delivered the spell needed, along with two wickets to Mitchell Johnson.
Stuart Clark held his game together really well, what you non-surprisingly expect from Stu, and kept it tight, and stuck to his simple game plan. Line and length, make them play and make them try play with patience!
It worked and the pressure at his end ensured the other guys could fire away. The wickets fell and it even gave Marcus North a gem of a chance to send some valuable balls down the wicket. He managed to get a couple to rip off the wicket, which has deteriorated quite quickly!
Sid's picked up 4 wickets, and another 5for is on the cards for him.
He just seems to do it at the right times doesn't he!
I think Sids' attitude is great for the team, and he embraces his opportunities, evidently seen in just his body language. He shows signs of the Baggy Green bowler's around the early 90's, where there's little doubt he would have fitted into that era quite comfortably. But I am so impressed with Sid's. I thought after his brief time with Victoria, his impact wasn't enough to get an Internatonal call-up.
I support the guys with total dedication (I mean this site keeps ticking along doesn't it!) but I admit I was quite harsh on Sid's early on in his debut stages in India. He proved me wrong at the MCG, and as he hits a quiet patch, he screams his way back into the wicket taking's and his focus becomes targetted on his opposition. Sid Vicious!
Even Mitch was had a great with the dismissal of Matt Prior.
Hostile fast bowling (up at the 150km/h mark) at the body, with variation in the angle, then bang, a slower ball wide of off-stump, lured Prior into the shot and Shane Watson took a dasher above his head at point! Awesome tactic, great cricket!
Highlight had to be the wicket of debutant Trott (who managed 41 runs, and certainly looks capable of International cricket)! Simon Katich you bloody beauty!
That run-out was one of the most spectacular bits of fielding I have ever seen in my time watching the game, similar to something Punter did a while back.
Lightning stuff from Katto at short-leg. Trott pushed it away, thinking it was through Katto latched onto it and was not shy in hurling it back at the stumps, dead eye! He acted with rapid instinct and the ball rocketed to the stumps and Trott was short of his crease. Not how you'd have expected to go out on debut!
That was my highlight of the 1st days play, and of course the wicket's of Strauss and Flintoff due to their reliance to boost the English team.
The only tactic I was a bit confused at was Shane Watson bowling. Marcus North was creating a decent amount of pressure at the other end, and was doing a really fine job.
I'm not saying Watto didn't give it his all (as he always gives it his all), I just feel it was an odd move. I would have opted for Stuart Clark to add some additional pressure at the other end.
We know Stuart wouldn't have taken the new ball which was due in that passage of playso a handful of overs with the older ball would have been good, and Watto doesn't seem to look 'Test bowling fit'. I see he nearly created two chances, but I just think it was an odd choice. I think opting to give Katto a couple overs would have been interesting too, I mean come on, after that run out who knows what he could have pulled off eh! But the wicket fell at the close of play atleast!
So no centurions for England again at the top of the order (I hope it stays that way), and Sids' 4th wicket was a great way to close the day's play with Swann caught behind. He will be looking forward to bowling at our batsmen with the way this wicket is starting to turn out.
We will only know the true state of it once our guys have had a good bat against the English bowlers, but there are still two wickets to get, and we have seen what the English tail enders can do.
If they aren't getting a flow of edgy runs, they are able to sit it out for a decent period of play. Hopefully we'll see some change to this set-up come the morning, as our bowlers stir things up to get those remaining wickets. Most importantly is to get England out well short of that 350 mark, which will be their focal point.
At one point it looked like England were going to be taking the day's play, but the Baggy Green fought back a fine style, and competitive aggression, which I love to see from the guys as that's our brand of cricket, and in such a series it needs to be shown.
Punter stated before this game that you rarely get a chance in your career as an Australian cricket to play in such a crucial game in such a historic series. Every opportunity has to be taken and every moment of play won should be embraced to keep the momentum flowing.
While the team need to perform as a unit (obviously) I would want nothing more than to see our bowler's ultimately lead the way, as this younger bowling attack have had one heck of a journey up to England, and this would be a memorable mark for their careers to progress.
But they have a lot of work left, and this is where it all counts! From their respective opportunities coming to the fore front to get them their Baggy Green caps, to making it into this Test, this is the game where it matters, this is where they have their chance to achieve their own piece of history. Support the guys, it's needed from all parts of the globe!
4 days to go, where it's all or nothing!
18 August 2009
LET'S WASH AWAY 2005 WITH 2009!
This Ashes series has been given the best possible final Test match to determine who will lift the Urn come the end of the 5th Test at the Oval.
Ricky Ponting has declared that this is possibly the most important Test match of his career.
And rightly so! When Punter performs, it usually has a massive impact upon the rest of the team, and in such a crucial game this is needed.
It would prove alot to the public regarding his leadership with a team who have needed direction as to what is the natural role, discovering their capabilties, which is something most of the team were aware of when Punter took over the Test Captaincy from Steve 'Tugga' Waugh.
Michael Clarke, who is the leading run-scorer of the series quite bluntly stated that if the Baggy Green don't win this game, and if he doesn't make any sort of impact with the bat and the game is not won, being the leading run scorer will be meaningless.
Pup's recent determination to be seen as a strong senior, with leadership capabilities, has been evident in his comments that he throws to the media. The best part is that he knows not only how to back it up when needed, but he knows how to tactfully state his and the team's intentions.
He has played such fantastic cricket, with elegant yet attacking stroke play with better patience and intense focus, which anyone can pick up!
It is difficult to get any clear indication from any corner of the camp as to who will be playing for the Baggy Green.
The reverse-swing talk has begun to stir again, and this will be edging Brett Lee to a definite anxiety attack as he has made it very clear how desperately he wants to play for Australia again.
One of my reader's Baiju, suggested the same attack that played in the 4th Test. This seems a likely tactic, but then the question about Nathan Hauritz pops up. Seeing as both Simon Katich and Marcus North were given a few overs during the practice match against the Lion's may suggest that Ritz' inclusion will be decided upon come a final look at the conditions. This will be a similar scenario for Brett.
Stuart Clark is the guy who seemed to bring the goods to the 4th test that fuelled the bowlers to perform as unit. He intimidated the English top order and his early consistency and break-through is what set the stage for the other bowler's to give it their best. The results stand out. Again I have to mention Stuart's spell during England's second innings. Sure he was smashed all around the ground, but it was done by a fearless Stuart Broad and worry-free Graham Swann.
He was one of the bowler's who greatly drove us to the 5-0 win in the 2006/07 Ashes series, and I just feel it would maybe be a bit foolish to overlook this factor, as well as his obvious recent role which saw England all out for 102 runs.
Ben Hilfenhaus has yet to pick up a 5for, but he has been highly consistent and each game he is just improving with each delivery he sends down the track. I was excited when Hilfy was finally given his Baggy Green, and I have little doubt in my mind he will become a great cricketer. He has the goods to become a bowler who will bring in that stability factor, and most likely get the prize wicket's of the top-order, which Glen McGrath so often did with a couple regular's on his hit-list.
Time to start looking as to who will be Hilfy's mates.
Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson bring in the pace factor, and it would be fantastic to see these two young Australian's lead the team to victory. The two of them, Hilfy included, have had alot to deal with; from big series build-ups, expectations with the McGrath/Warne era still becoming a comparison point, and of course leading the Australian bowling department while veterans Stuart Clark and Brett Lee were burdened by injuries.
With so little information given away, it is difficult to pin-point what the starting XI will be.
All I can say to any Australian supporter is that the chance to not only bury that 2005 Ashes series defeat, but to also see these Baggy Green cricketer's - most of them making their debut in an Ashes series - achieve something spectacular for Australian cricket. After a Test series win in South Africa right after the Proteas historic win in Australia at the MCG boxing day Test, this team are on the verge of making history of their own, and an Ashes win will give this team great confidence moving forward. Best of all is that Ricky Ponting mentioned earlier this year that this is the chance for some of these guys to become legends.
A win at the Oval, well, I am sure you can just imagine...come Monday, we will see who holds the Urn!
Ricky Ponting has declared that this is possibly the most important Test match of his career.
And rightly so! When Punter performs, it usually has a massive impact upon the rest of the team, and in such a crucial game this is needed.
It would prove alot to the public regarding his leadership with a team who have needed direction as to what is the natural role, discovering their capabilties, which is something most of the team were aware of when Punter took over the Test Captaincy from Steve 'Tugga' Waugh.
Michael Clarke, who is the leading run-scorer of the series quite bluntly stated that if the Baggy Green don't win this game, and if he doesn't make any sort of impact with the bat and the game is not won, being the leading run scorer will be meaningless.
Pup's recent determination to be seen as a strong senior, with leadership capabilities, has been evident in his comments that he throws to the media. The best part is that he knows not only how to back it up when needed, but he knows how to tactfully state his and the team's intentions.
He has played such fantastic cricket, with elegant yet attacking stroke play with better patience and intense focus, which anyone can pick up!
It is difficult to get any clear indication from any corner of the camp as to who will be playing for the Baggy Green.
The reverse-swing talk has begun to stir again, and this will be edging Brett Lee to a definite anxiety attack as he has made it very clear how desperately he wants to play for Australia again.
One of my reader's Baiju, suggested the same attack that played in the 4th Test. This seems a likely tactic, but then the question about Nathan Hauritz pops up. Seeing as both Simon Katich and Marcus North were given a few overs during the practice match against the Lion's may suggest that Ritz' inclusion will be decided upon come a final look at the conditions. This will be a similar scenario for Brett.
Stuart Clark is the guy who seemed to bring the goods to the 4th test that fuelled the bowlers to perform as unit. He intimidated the English top order and his early consistency and break-through is what set the stage for the other bowler's to give it their best. The results stand out. Again I have to mention Stuart's spell during England's second innings. Sure he was smashed all around the ground, but it was done by a fearless Stuart Broad and worry-free Graham Swann.
He was one of the bowler's who greatly drove us to the 5-0 win in the 2006/07 Ashes series, and I just feel it would maybe be a bit foolish to overlook this factor, as well as his obvious recent role which saw England all out for 102 runs.
Ben Hilfenhaus has yet to pick up a 5for, but he has been highly consistent and each game he is just improving with each delivery he sends down the track. I was excited when Hilfy was finally given his Baggy Green, and I have little doubt in my mind he will become a great cricketer. He has the goods to become a bowler who will bring in that stability factor, and most likely get the prize wicket's of the top-order, which Glen McGrath so often did with a couple regular's on his hit-list.
Time to start looking as to who will be Hilfy's mates.
Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson bring in the pace factor, and it would be fantastic to see these two young Australian's lead the team to victory. The two of them, Hilfy included, have had alot to deal with; from big series build-ups, expectations with the McGrath/Warne era still becoming a comparison point, and of course leading the Australian bowling department while veterans Stuart Clark and Brett Lee were burdened by injuries.
With so little information given away, it is difficult to pin-point what the starting XI will be.
All I can say to any Australian supporter is that the chance to not only bury that 2005 Ashes series defeat, but to also see these Baggy Green cricketer's - most of them making their debut in an Ashes series - achieve something spectacular for Australian cricket. After a Test series win in South Africa right after the Proteas historic win in Australia at the MCG boxing day Test, this team are on the verge of making history of their own, and an Ashes win will give this team great confidence moving forward. Best of all is that Ricky Ponting mentioned earlier this year that this is the chance for some of these guys to become legends.
A win at the Oval, well, I am sure you can just imagine...come Monday, we will see who holds the Urn!
16 August 2009
DECISIONS TO BE MADE FOR THE 5th TEST
A victory to the Baggy Green against the English Lions has only toughened the situation for the selectors as we come closer to the final Test of the 2009 Ashes, where the Urn will find it's resting place till the next encounter.
The Baggy Green won by 103 runs, with stand out performances. Yes, it may be a practice match, but every game in an Ashes series is a game that counts and I see no reason for this game to be treated differently. The only thing to note with a two day game is that valuable time in both batting and bowling must be allocated.
Queensland Bulls keeper, Chris Hartley, got his chance to play for the squad. With Brad Haddin needing his fitness to be at the most ultimate level, and Graham Manou needing to watch out for his own good, Hartley was given the nod to play for the team. He is over to get stuck into some Domestic cricket and the timing served well in order to rest Hads and Graham.
He has 4 catches to round up his experience behind the stumps with the Australian squad.
Batting first with a squad stacked up with bowlers, it was pretty straight forward stuff from the boys.
Simon Katich had a short stay, but I won't read into this one too much as with patience and knowledge of 5 days of cricket ahead of him, Katto can apply himself to any Test match scenario. More importantly was Shane Watson keeping his runs ablaze! Watto made a fourth consecutive fifty, this time painfully falling 5 runs short of a century. With 15 fours and a six, it was a break in play that ended up cutting his concentration short. Watto has recently expressed his desire to make a Test match century, and the way he is gunning it I wouldn't put it out of the equation.
After Phillip Hughes was given the nod to take some time away from the game and work on some noted short-ball flaws, Watto had to step into open. While he can open (notably in ODI cricket) and is versatile, his Test stats weren't great and the concern of not taking a 'specialist' opener as a back-up quickly alerted the selectors. Watto has stepped in comfortably, has stood up to the opening spells from the English bowlers seeing the ball wear down but playing a natural attacking innings.
Ricky Ponting made 45 runs, which is all he needs at the moment. I did read that his innings started off a bit scratchy with an edge to the slips, but managed to pull his game together and with Watto, again, built a neat partnership.
Michael Hussey made a good imprint on the innings with 65 (again) but the supporter's will be more aware of Huss' need to get these runs in the Test. Even when Huss has gotten himself into a good position he has given it away. I am still wandering whether Huss is creating a bit too much pressure upon himself? I can't see how he has lost any of his classy skill. But what I can see is alot of frustration in his game, but I will continue to back a bloke who has been such a standout batsman for Ausralia.
Besides Nathan Hauritz, who was unbeaten on 34*, there were no other contributions worth digging into for discussion.
I think it would be better to wait for the 5th Test to commence, as Michael Clarke (our most solid batsman at the moment) and Brad Haddin were not apart of the recent match, and while he didn't make a big impression on this game, Marcus North is settled into a good groove.
The bowling is where the focus will be on.
Brett Lee has once again delivered the goods in a practive match, and settled the attack with figures of 3.37 off 16 overs. Sensational, but will it be enough for Binga to get the call-up for the 5th Test. He's had a tough wait up until now after an emotionally upsetting injury set his chances of an early Ashes appearance.
With such an impact in the early stages of the innings, it will have selectors contemplating Stuart Clark and Lee.
But this is a tough position. Ben Hilfenhaus has been terrific and our strongest performer, undoubtedly our most consistent, needs to play and being given a rest will make his selection evidently given.
Therefore Peter Siddle is the guy who once again will be put to the test, with Clark and Binga.
If Sid's were too be overlooked, Stuart Clark would be selected. Stuart makes such an impact on the team when he is selected, and just his presence is hassling enough to the opposition! Sure, his second spell in the 4th Test wasn't great, but under what circumstances?
Nathan Hauritz played well and has boosted his chances, but will the selectors opt for a specialist spinner over the part-time spinners? Marcus North and Katto picked up a wicket each, which would have been done to monitor the part-time candidates duo.
At the same time Brett Lee gives the batting option too, which puts him up against Mitchell Johnson. Mitch had a great 4th Test and found some form and confidence. I cannot see the selectors passing him off for Binga. He gives us that extra strength in the batting order in testing times.
Sid's may have picked up a 5 wicket haul to push his case, but is it enough when looking at the experience of Clark and continual intensity displayed by Binga as he fights his way to get that new ball?
Looking at all the above, the selectors have to take into consideration:
Experience, recent performances, capable performances, team strategy, squad capabilities from 1-11, injury risks.
There are some serious decisions to be made for the 5th Test!
I have always been in favour in balancing experience with fresh blood, and this is applicable to both the batting and bowling departments.
The bowling department is a very difficult set-up to try and configure for such an epic encounter, but it is a decision that won't be taken lightly.
My gut feeling is that Hauritz will not be included, while Hilfy, Mitch, Sid's and Lee get the call up.
As brilliant as I rate Stuart Clark and it seems many have also forgotten the destructive platform he founded to break away England's batting fort's in the 4th Test, one simply has to look at his history with the team, and his position has always been a fifty-fifty. And the times when he was most certainly needed, injury was there to affect those chances!
The Selectors need to get it right, but whatever the team talk is and the determined plans set for the English team, we won't have any feed on this until match day.
So, it's simply open for discussion.
Here's a tough one for all of you.
If you guys were given the chance to make the decision for the Baggy Green squad for the 5th Test, who would be your starting 11?
The Baggy Green won by 103 runs, with stand out performances. Yes, it may be a practice match, but every game in an Ashes series is a game that counts and I see no reason for this game to be treated differently. The only thing to note with a two day game is that valuable time in both batting and bowling must be allocated.
Queensland Bulls keeper, Chris Hartley, got his chance to play for the squad. With Brad Haddin needing his fitness to be at the most ultimate level, and Graham Manou needing to watch out for his own good, Hartley was given the nod to play for the team. He is over to get stuck into some Domestic cricket and the timing served well in order to rest Hads and Graham.
He has 4 catches to round up his experience behind the stumps with the Australian squad.
Batting first with a squad stacked up with bowlers, it was pretty straight forward stuff from the boys.
Simon Katich had a short stay, but I won't read into this one too much as with patience and knowledge of 5 days of cricket ahead of him, Katto can apply himself to any Test match scenario. More importantly was Shane Watson keeping his runs ablaze! Watto made a fourth consecutive fifty, this time painfully falling 5 runs short of a century. With 15 fours and a six, it was a break in play that ended up cutting his concentration short. Watto has recently expressed his desire to make a Test match century, and the way he is gunning it I wouldn't put it out of the equation.
After Phillip Hughes was given the nod to take some time away from the game and work on some noted short-ball flaws, Watto had to step into open. While he can open (notably in ODI cricket) and is versatile, his Test stats weren't great and the concern of not taking a 'specialist' opener as a back-up quickly alerted the selectors. Watto has stepped in comfortably, has stood up to the opening spells from the English bowlers seeing the ball wear down but playing a natural attacking innings.
Ricky Ponting made 45 runs, which is all he needs at the moment. I did read that his innings started off a bit scratchy with an edge to the slips, but managed to pull his game together and with Watto, again, built a neat partnership.
Michael Hussey made a good imprint on the innings with 65 (again) but the supporter's will be more aware of Huss' need to get these runs in the Test. Even when Huss has gotten himself into a good position he has given it away. I am still wandering whether Huss is creating a bit too much pressure upon himself? I can't see how he has lost any of his classy skill. But what I can see is alot of frustration in his game, but I will continue to back a bloke who has been such a standout batsman for Ausralia.
Besides Nathan Hauritz, who was unbeaten on 34*, there were no other contributions worth digging into for discussion.
I think it would be better to wait for the 5th Test to commence, as Michael Clarke (our most solid batsman at the moment) and Brad Haddin were not apart of the recent match, and while he didn't make a big impression on this game, Marcus North is settled into a good groove.
The bowling is where the focus will be on.
Brett Lee has once again delivered the goods in a practive match, and settled the attack with figures of 3.37 off 16 overs. Sensational, but will it be enough for Binga to get the call-up for the 5th Test. He's had a tough wait up until now after an emotionally upsetting injury set his chances of an early Ashes appearance.
With such an impact in the early stages of the innings, it will have selectors contemplating Stuart Clark and Lee.
But this is a tough position. Ben Hilfenhaus has been terrific and our strongest performer, undoubtedly our most consistent, needs to play and being given a rest will make his selection evidently given.
Therefore Peter Siddle is the guy who once again will be put to the test, with Clark and Binga.
If Sid's were too be overlooked, Stuart Clark would be selected. Stuart makes such an impact on the team when he is selected, and just his presence is hassling enough to the opposition! Sure, his second spell in the 4th Test wasn't great, but under what circumstances?
Nathan Hauritz played well and has boosted his chances, but will the selectors opt for a specialist spinner over the part-time spinners? Marcus North and Katto picked up a wicket each, which would have been done to monitor the part-time candidates duo.
At the same time Brett Lee gives the batting option too, which puts him up against Mitchell Johnson. Mitch had a great 4th Test and found some form and confidence. I cannot see the selectors passing him off for Binga. He gives us that extra strength in the batting order in testing times.
Sid's may have picked up a 5 wicket haul to push his case, but is it enough when looking at the experience of Clark and continual intensity displayed by Binga as he fights his way to get that new ball?
Looking at all the above, the selectors have to take into consideration:
Experience, recent performances, capable performances, team strategy, squad capabilities from 1-11, injury risks.
There are some serious decisions to be made for the 5th Test!
I have always been in favour in balancing experience with fresh blood, and this is applicable to both the batting and bowling departments.
The bowling department is a very difficult set-up to try and configure for such an epic encounter, but it is a decision that won't be taken lightly.
My gut feeling is that Hauritz will not be included, while Hilfy, Mitch, Sid's and Lee get the call up.
As brilliant as I rate Stuart Clark and it seems many have also forgotten the destructive platform he founded to break away England's batting fort's in the 4th Test, one simply has to look at his history with the team, and his position has always been a fifty-fifty. And the times when he was most certainly needed, injury was there to affect those chances!
The Selectors need to get it right, but whatever the team talk is and the determined plans set for the English team, we won't have any feed on this until match day.
So, it's simply open for discussion.
Here's a tough one for all of you.
If you guys were given the chance to make the decision for the Baggy Green squad for the 5th Test, who would be your starting 11?
13 August 2009
JAMES ANDERSON IS KELLY JONES!
* FOR ODI & T20 SQUAD TO PLAY ENGLAND, SEE PREVIOUS ARTICLE
For a bit of a laugh! I'm an avid listener of the Stereophonics, and after watching a DVD or two of their music and then some of the Ashes, I can't help but laugh when I see James Anderson and how much he looks like Kelly Jones, lead vocalist/guitarist of the Stereophonics.
One thing is that Jones is Welsh, giving him better credibility.
Also on a musical Welsh note Katherine Jenkins is Welsh (she sang at the Opening Day of The Ashes in Cardiff), and with little doubt in my mind she is the sexiest classical vocalist out there. On another note Stuart Broad....is Tin Tin?
For a bit of a laugh! I'm an avid listener of the Stereophonics, and after watching a DVD or two of their music and then some of the Ashes, I can't help but laugh when I see James Anderson and how much he looks like Kelly Jones, lead vocalist/guitarist of the Stereophonics.
One thing is that Jones is Welsh, giving him better credibility.
Also on a musical Welsh note Katherine Jenkins is Welsh (she sang at the Opening Day of The Ashes in Cardiff), and with little doubt in my mind she is the sexiest classical vocalist out there. On another note Stuart Broad....is Tin Tin?
11 August 2009
THE GREEN & GOLD ODI & T20 SQUAD'S ANNOUNCED
* FOR THE ASHES 4th TEST CHIRPS & STATISTIC'S SEE PREVIOUS POST!
The Squad's to play in ODI's and T20's against England have been announced by the NSP.
The reason I call this leg of the series The Remains, is due to the fact it is the last remaining scraps of cricket before the curtains close against England till we meet again on other shores.
It looks okay, although the only two player's I am partially curious about not being in there are Doug Bollinger and David Hussey for the ODI's.
Having thought a bit harder about David Hussey's situation, he has been playing County cricket in England, but he didn't have the most spectacular series against The Proteas in South Africa. However with a long Domestic summer ahead and series' against the Windies and Pakistan, he'll have plenty chances with the Vic's to get his Green and Gold Cap back on. The good news is he will feature in the Twenty20 game. Perhaps himself and Brad Hodge are likely runners for the games in Australia, although my battle to push Hodge's case should probably be put to rest, as the Selectors have clearly given him two fingers after issuing him another CA Contract likely to be worthless.
Doug Bollinger was excellent in the UAE and played brilliantly for Australia A against Pakistan A in Brisbane. I find it hard to believe why he has been left out. I would have rather seen Peter Siddle given a rest before the very busy upcoming schedule, with the ICC Champions Trophy to follow these ODI's, then off to India for another One Day series which only seems like it was last week, and then the Australian summer fixtures.
Twenty20 squad:
David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (capt), Callum Ferguson, David Hussey, Adam Voges, Brad Haddin, Cameron White, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Dirk Nannes.
Good to see the NSP taking Twenty20 Internationals seriously, with a team that looks a bit more like a T20 squad. Blokes highly worthy of mention:
David Warner, 'The Pitbull': Yeah you know him although he hasn't done too much in recent times. But as 'the Pitbull' gets stuck into the English bowlers, he'll have plenty to feast on. He had a bit of a bash in the English T20 circuit so I am sure he has been doing some homework.
Adam Voges is now a married man and has another chance to play for Australia after missing out on his last call-up. He may not look a strong bloke but he can hit out if needed, and his fielding isn't short of worthy entertainment too. Remember the catch against the Black Caps?
Cameron White is the Vic's Skipper, and Bear gets another chance after he lucked out against the Proteas. A Twenty20 natural, who didn't play in the IPL despite having extended time in South Africa to represent Bangalore (their loss), and I hope to see him impose his rated brand of cricket for Australia that he gives his State team.
Dirk Nannes is a wise choice, and glad we may not lose him just yet to the Netherlands. A Skier with some major skill away from cricket, I hope he grabs this opportunity strongly. He can skid the ball through, similar to Bollinger, but can generate quick, effective bounce. He did a neat job in the 2009 ICC T20 Champions Trophy for the Netherland's in the English conditions.
Also, why does it seem Victoria produce most of the Twenty20 maestro's?
Warnie will tell you it's because all Victorians are strong lad's, strong physically and strong at heart, unlike those New South Wales boys.
The Remains ODI squad:
Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin, Tim Paine, James Hopes, Cameron White, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus.
Tim Paine is the only unfamiliar player in this team, and got his call-up after his efforts for Australia A against Pakistan A. The young Tasmanian keeper is an explosive batsman, and taking him on tour is a positive move. He is a similar age as to when Brad Haddin and Adam Gilchrist were given there lure into International One Day cricket, so this is a good move by the NSP, not too mention he has similar attributes as a keeper/batsman . With Brad as Vice-Captain I am not too sure if Tim will make his debut, but if an extra batsman is needed due to any circumstances he will be easily slotted in there. I am excited by the young talent starting to burst through at the right time!
Glad to see Callum Ferguson's name on that squad card once again, and Cameron White too. Cameron White probably grabbed his place ahead of David Hussey, while James 'Catfish' Hopes is still in the picture after a good series against the Proteas this year. Only change that may have been worthwhile would be Bollinger for Siddle, and that is really to rest Sid's as there is serious risk in overplaying these young guys, especially one as ambitious and fired up as Sid's. Douggie will have another chance though. Then again Warnie would give you his legit reason too for the Victorian wood chopper over the New South Wales left-arm quickie.
Ricky Ponting is listed there, but it is reported that he will only join the team towards to later stages of the ODI's. Michael Clarke will lead as Captain, while Brad Haddin will stand in as Vice-Captain.
The Squad's to play in ODI's and T20's against England have been announced by the NSP.
The reason I call this leg of the series The Remains, is due to the fact it is the last remaining scraps of cricket before the curtains close against England till we meet again on other shores.
It looks okay, although the only two player's I am partially curious about not being in there are Doug Bollinger and David Hussey for the ODI's.
Having thought a bit harder about David Hussey's situation, he has been playing County cricket in England, but he didn't have the most spectacular series against The Proteas in South Africa. However with a long Domestic summer ahead and series' against the Windies and Pakistan, he'll have plenty chances with the Vic's to get his Green and Gold Cap back on. The good news is he will feature in the Twenty20 game. Perhaps himself and Brad Hodge are likely runners for the games in Australia, although my battle to push Hodge's case should probably be put to rest, as the Selectors have clearly given him two fingers after issuing him another CA Contract likely to be worthless.
Doug Bollinger was excellent in the UAE and played brilliantly for Australia A against Pakistan A in Brisbane. I find it hard to believe why he has been left out. I would have rather seen Peter Siddle given a rest before the very busy upcoming schedule, with the ICC Champions Trophy to follow these ODI's, then off to India for another One Day series which only seems like it was last week, and then the Australian summer fixtures.
Twenty20 squad:
David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (capt), Callum Ferguson, David Hussey, Adam Voges, Brad Haddin, Cameron White, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Dirk Nannes.
Good to see the NSP taking Twenty20 Internationals seriously, with a team that looks a bit more like a T20 squad. Blokes highly worthy of mention:
David Warner, 'The Pitbull': Yeah you know him although he hasn't done too much in recent times. But as 'the Pitbull' gets stuck into the English bowlers, he'll have plenty to feast on. He had a bit of a bash in the English T20 circuit so I am sure he has been doing some homework.
Adam Voges is now a married man and has another chance to play for Australia after missing out on his last call-up. He may not look a strong bloke but he can hit out if needed, and his fielding isn't short of worthy entertainment too. Remember the catch against the Black Caps?
Cameron White is the Vic's Skipper, and Bear gets another chance after he lucked out against the Proteas. A Twenty20 natural, who didn't play in the IPL despite having extended time in South Africa to represent Bangalore (their loss), and I hope to see him impose his rated brand of cricket for Australia that he gives his State team.
Dirk Nannes is a wise choice, and glad we may not lose him just yet to the Netherlands. A Skier with some major skill away from cricket, I hope he grabs this opportunity strongly. He can skid the ball through, similar to Bollinger, but can generate quick, effective bounce. He did a neat job in the 2009 ICC T20 Champions Trophy for the Netherland's in the English conditions.
Also, why does it seem Victoria produce most of the Twenty20 maestro's?
Warnie will tell you it's because all Victorians are strong lad's, strong physically and strong at heart, unlike those New South Wales boys.
The Remains ODI squad:
Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin, Tim Paine, James Hopes, Cameron White, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus.
Tim Paine is the only unfamiliar player in this team, and got his call-up after his efforts for Australia A against Pakistan A. The young Tasmanian keeper is an explosive batsman, and taking him on tour is a positive move. He is a similar age as to when Brad Haddin and Adam Gilchrist were given there lure into International One Day cricket, so this is a good move by the NSP, not too mention he has similar attributes as a keeper/batsman . With Brad as Vice-Captain I am not too sure if Tim will make his debut, but if an extra batsman is needed due to any circumstances he will be easily slotted in there. I am excited by the young talent starting to burst through at the right time!
Glad to see Callum Ferguson's name on that squad card once again, and Cameron White too. Cameron White probably grabbed his place ahead of David Hussey, while James 'Catfish' Hopes is still in the picture after a good series against the Proteas this year. Only change that may have been worthwhile would be Bollinger for Siddle, and that is really to rest Sid's as there is serious risk in overplaying these young guys, especially one as ambitious and fired up as Sid's. Douggie will have another chance though. Then again Warnie would give you his legit reason too for the Victorian wood chopper over the New South Wales left-arm quickie.
Ricky Ponting is listed there, but it is reported that he will only join the team towards to later stages of the ODI's. Michael Clarke will lead as Captain, while Brad Haddin will stand in as Vice-Captain.
10 August 2009
THE ASHES: STATISTICAL CHIRPS AT 1-1
The Ashes has neared a crucial standing for both teams and all cricket fanatics, or Ashes enthusiasts, where it has come down to the final Test at the Oval.
This has been the injection of excitement Test cricket has needed. Now all the ECB has to do is lower the prices of tickets for test matches and for all the formats of the game to be regulated by the ICC, but I really see this Ashes series as a major turning point for Test cricket.
The IPL, while having it's benefits and the advantages I see it creating, has shown the risk the event runs at 'cheapening' cricket and switching traditional passion for the game into a Superbowl like parade. With the obvious desire for the IPL and Twenty20 cricket to move forward as a recognised sector of cricket, it has become even more important for the ICC to address the quality of cricket being produced and matches set out for fan's across the globe to follow.
This topic can be left aside for another day, but I'd like to focus this article on where the series stands and have a quick look at the standout player's.
But this series has been a roller coaster ride for Australian and English cricket supporter's and I cannot see people being deflated should The Baggy Green win the Ashes.
Sure, if it were the McGrath/Warne era of player's involved then yes, it would deflate a lot of follower's around the world.
But with the “Ponting Era” displaying a very different Australian team, who have endured many high's and low's following the 2007 ICC T20 Champions Trophy, it would be seen as more of an achievement for Australian cricket than previous critics' lines of, “another win to the Ricky Ponting and his bloody Australian's”.
This is actually a major factor as to why so much interest has been shown in this Ashes series, seeing how this team who really started out their journey at the SCG in the 3rd Test against The Protea's earlier this year and seeing how they would match up to England in their territory.
The stage has been set for one epic final Test match of the 2009 Ashes.
The Baggy Green had an unbelievable win in the 4th Test at Headingly where the game was done in two days and a bit. With an entertaining 8th wicket partnership between Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, it kept the game on for a bit longer to the relief of some English supporter's believing it would all go up in flames. They really claimed the spotlight in that session!
It's safe to say the bowler's got a bit carried away in trying to create one too many chances for the last 5 wicket's, and keeping it too line and length probably would have done the trick, which Ben Hilfenhaus and Mitchell Johnson managed to do, but atleast the crowd got some entertainment on a day where we all expected it to be done and dusted in a matter of overs.
The English lower order knew they also had a licence to have a bit of fun. So I don't think reading into Stuart Clark or Peter Siddle's bowling is needed given the circumstances. Just look at their impact on the 1st innings and nothing further needs to be said regarding the 4th Test. It was fitting for Mitchell Johnson to pick up the final scalp, claim a 5for and head to the Oval with one more chance to reposition himself as Australia's front line bowling fear factor. It was very enouraging to see Mitch find his feet and look a much happier and more confident cricketer.
I guess it was a situation of perform and focus on the game, or take a break and clear the mind. Mitch chose the right option as most of the issues that seemed to be burdening his game subsided from the public eye. At the same time I was hoping Hilfy would be the one to get his five wicket haul! One more Test to fight for it.
At this point of the series the Baggy Green have dominated the series with the bat and ball, but haven't been able to fully dominate pressure cooker situations.
In time experience for this developing side will take shape to manage such situations, but the statistics as to who leads the way definitely reflects the various individual efforts of the players.
The top run-scorers of the tournament stand as follows.
- Michael Clarke (AU); 6 innings, 445 runs, H/S 136, Average 89.00
- Marcus North (AU); 6 innings, 349 runs, H/S 125*, Average 69.80
- Andrew Strauss (ENG); 7 innings, 344 runs, H/S 161, Average 49.14
- Ricky Ponting (AU); 6 innings, 311 runs, H/S 150, Average 51.83
- Simon Katich (AU); 6 innings, 248 runs, H/S 122, Average 41.33
- Brad Haddin (AU); 4 innings, 243 runs, H/S 121, Average 60.75
- Matt Prior (ENG); 7 innings, 239 runs, H/S 61, Average 39.83
- Paul Collingwood (ENG); 7 innings, 225 runs, H/S 74, Average 32.14
- Alastair Cook (ENG); 7 innings, 203 runs, H/S 95, Average 29.00
- Andrew Flintoff (ENG); 5 innings, 171 runs, H/S 74, Average 42.75
Michael Clarke has been terrific, and continues to show (within the last 18 months or so) how he has matured as a cricketer with more responsibility and has taken a keener interest in leadership duties. His stats reflect his efforts and the vows to bury the 2005 batting skeletons. An observation shows he is not pushing at the ball as much, is waiting late on the swing and confident to play his shots aggressively, while maintaining his quick footwork to the operating spinners.
5 of Australia's top order comfortably sitting in the top ranks there, while only Andrew Strauss and middle-order Keeper/Batsman Prior are in any sound position.
The bowler's have had to work hard for their wicket's in this Ashes series, as both teams have had to toil quite hard for 20 wickets. Ben Hilfenhaus has been the standout of all the bowler's and has silently gone about his business, and after coming into the series as nothing more than one of the blokes from the South African Test series, he has become quite a tough customer for the English.
He is showing such a competitive attitude out there and even the most casual onlookers with this Ashes series would agree he has improved drastically.
For England it isn't as poor as their batting is reflected in the stats:
The bowlers listed have claimed 10 wickets or more:
- Ben Hilfenhaus (AU) 4 matches, 18 wickets, BBF 4/60, Average 26.38
- Peter Siddle (AU) 4 matches, 16 wickets, BBF 5/21, Average 29.50
- Mitchell Johnson (AU) 4 matches, 16 wickets, BBF 5/69, Average 32.62
- Stuart Broad (ENG) 4 matches, 12 wickets, BBF 6/91, Average 36.33
- James Anderson (ENG) 4 matches, 12 wickets, BBF 5/80, Average 38.91
- Graham Onions (ENG) 3 matches, 10 wickets, BBF 4/58, Average 30.30
- Nathan Hauritz (AU) 3 matches, 10 wickets, BBF 3/63, Average 32.10
I have mentioned several times that the tail-enders have really made a mark on the series, showing not only how much better tail-enders have become over the years, but also how crucial it can be to an innings in the most desperate of circumstances.
Cast your mind back to Michael Hussey and Glen McGrath against the Proteas in 2005/06! Remember JP Duminy and Dale Steyn's defining role in the Boxing day Test of 2008?
Think of the frustration's the Indian's lower-order gave Australia during the 2008 Border-Gavaskar series in India.
Here are some stats reflecting England's tail-enders efforts, and comparing the top to middle orders vs the lower orders.
England's tail-order vs their top order:
Tail (wickets 7-10) = 651 runs (967 runs from 6-10)
Top order (wickets 1-6) = 1513.
This is not a bad effort from England's tail order, who have contributed 651 valuable runs, where England's top order have given nothing too spectacular.
The Baggy Green however have amassed 2026 runs with the top order (Wickets 1-6) and what has been the major difference between them and England's top order?
513 runs folks!
Speaking of partnerships, it is interesting but known that Marcus North and Michael Clarke have thrice made centurion stands together of 185, 152 and 143 in this 2009 Ashes series.
Brad Haddin has also clocked in with either Clarke or North in big partnerships. Haddin/North 200, Haddin/Clarke 185. Gives Brad Haddin some extra venom to his batting baring in mind he is batting at 7th, and already has 243 runs having missed 1 match.
A bit of a break before the 5th Test at the Oval, so I am sure England will be monitoring Andrew Flintoff closely and all parties concerned waiting with baited breath for a green light to see Freddy in one last appearance.
Their batting will need serious assessment as Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook can only do so much.
As for The Baggy Green, the momentum is tremendous with player's peaking at the perfect time. The major factor that the selectors will be looking at will be the bowler's needed to get the job done, with Nathan Hauritz likely coming into serious consideration.
Feel free to debate this one, but I will wait for the eve of the match to see what word gets around.
Time for your quick singles to be picked up, here at the Baggy Green, Chirps and Quick Singles.
Over the next few days toss in a comment or send an email to me (in the sidebar you can find it):
What's been some your most memorable moments of this Ashes series?
Anything interesting you have noted regarding the teams, the series, the fans, the interest?
What would be your ideal scenario for the 5th Test? Etc.
As always a big thanks to all you blokes who share your chirps at the site!
One way for supporter's of the Baggy Green and this great game to voice themselves.
This has been the injection of excitement Test cricket has needed. Now all the ECB has to do is lower the prices of tickets for test matches and for all the formats of the game to be regulated by the ICC, but I really see this Ashes series as a major turning point for Test cricket.
The IPL, while having it's benefits and the advantages I see it creating, has shown the risk the event runs at 'cheapening' cricket and switching traditional passion for the game into a Superbowl like parade. With the obvious desire for the IPL and Twenty20 cricket to move forward as a recognised sector of cricket, it has become even more important for the ICC to address the quality of cricket being produced and matches set out for fan's across the globe to follow.
This topic can be left aside for another day, but I'd like to focus this article on where the series stands and have a quick look at the standout player's.
But this series has been a roller coaster ride for Australian and English cricket supporter's and I cannot see people being deflated should The Baggy Green win the Ashes.
Sure, if it were the McGrath/Warne era of player's involved then yes, it would deflate a lot of follower's around the world.
But with the “Ponting Era” displaying a very different Australian team, who have endured many high's and low's following the 2007 ICC T20 Champions Trophy, it would be seen as more of an achievement for Australian cricket than previous critics' lines of, “another win to the Ricky Ponting and his bloody Australian's”.
This is actually a major factor as to why so much interest has been shown in this Ashes series, seeing how this team who really started out their journey at the SCG in the 3rd Test against The Protea's earlier this year and seeing how they would match up to England in their territory.
The stage has been set for one epic final Test match of the 2009 Ashes.
The Baggy Green had an unbelievable win in the 4th Test at Headingly where the game was done in two days and a bit. With an entertaining 8th wicket partnership between Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, it kept the game on for a bit longer to the relief of some English supporter's believing it would all go up in flames. They really claimed the spotlight in that session!
It's safe to say the bowler's got a bit carried away in trying to create one too many chances for the last 5 wicket's, and keeping it too line and length probably would have done the trick, which Ben Hilfenhaus and Mitchell Johnson managed to do, but atleast the crowd got some entertainment on a day where we all expected it to be done and dusted in a matter of overs.
The English lower order knew they also had a licence to have a bit of fun. So I don't think reading into Stuart Clark or Peter Siddle's bowling is needed given the circumstances. Just look at their impact on the 1st innings and nothing further needs to be said regarding the 4th Test. It was fitting for Mitchell Johnson to pick up the final scalp, claim a 5for and head to the Oval with one more chance to reposition himself as Australia's front line bowling fear factor. It was very enouraging to see Mitch find his feet and look a much happier and more confident cricketer.
I guess it was a situation of perform and focus on the game, or take a break and clear the mind. Mitch chose the right option as most of the issues that seemed to be burdening his game subsided from the public eye. At the same time I was hoping Hilfy would be the one to get his five wicket haul! One more Test to fight for it.
At this point of the series the Baggy Green have dominated the series with the bat and ball, but haven't been able to fully dominate pressure cooker situations.
In time experience for this developing side will take shape to manage such situations, but the statistics as to who leads the way definitely reflects the various individual efforts of the players.
The top run-scorers of the tournament stand as follows.
- Michael Clarke (AU); 6 innings, 445 runs, H/S 136, Average 89.00
- Marcus North (AU); 6 innings, 349 runs, H/S 125*, Average 69.80
- Andrew Strauss (ENG); 7 innings, 344 runs, H/S 161, Average 49.14
- Ricky Ponting (AU); 6 innings, 311 runs, H/S 150, Average 51.83
- Simon Katich (AU); 6 innings, 248 runs, H/S 122, Average 41.33
- Brad Haddin (AU); 4 innings, 243 runs, H/S 121, Average 60.75
- Matt Prior (ENG); 7 innings, 239 runs, H/S 61, Average 39.83
- Paul Collingwood (ENG); 7 innings, 225 runs, H/S 74, Average 32.14
- Alastair Cook (ENG); 7 innings, 203 runs, H/S 95, Average 29.00
- Andrew Flintoff (ENG); 5 innings, 171 runs, H/S 74, Average 42.75
Michael Clarke has been terrific, and continues to show (within the last 18 months or so) how he has matured as a cricketer with more responsibility and has taken a keener interest in leadership duties. His stats reflect his efforts and the vows to bury the 2005 batting skeletons. An observation shows he is not pushing at the ball as much, is waiting late on the swing and confident to play his shots aggressively, while maintaining his quick footwork to the operating spinners.
5 of Australia's top order comfortably sitting in the top ranks there, while only Andrew Strauss and middle-order Keeper/Batsman Prior are in any sound position.
The bowler's have had to work hard for their wicket's in this Ashes series, as both teams have had to toil quite hard for 20 wickets. Ben Hilfenhaus has been the standout of all the bowler's and has silently gone about his business, and after coming into the series as nothing more than one of the blokes from the South African Test series, he has become quite a tough customer for the English.
He is showing such a competitive attitude out there and even the most casual onlookers with this Ashes series would agree he has improved drastically.
For England it isn't as poor as their batting is reflected in the stats:
The bowlers listed have claimed 10 wickets or more:
- Ben Hilfenhaus (AU) 4 matches, 18 wickets, BBF 4/60, Average 26.38
- Peter Siddle (AU) 4 matches, 16 wickets, BBF 5/21, Average 29.50
- Mitchell Johnson (AU) 4 matches, 16 wickets, BBF 5/69, Average 32.62
- Stuart Broad (ENG) 4 matches, 12 wickets, BBF 6/91, Average 36.33
- James Anderson (ENG) 4 matches, 12 wickets, BBF 5/80, Average 38.91
- Graham Onions (ENG) 3 matches, 10 wickets, BBF 4/58, Average 30.30
- Nathan Hauritz (AU) 3 matches, 10 wickets, BBF 3/63, Average 32.10
I have mentioned several times that the tail-enders have really made a mark on the series, showing not only how much better tail-enders have become over the years, but also how crucial it can be to an innings in the most desperate of circumstances.
Cast your mind back to Michael Hussey and Glen McGrath against the Proteas in 2005/06! Remember JP Duminy and Dale Steyn's defining role in the Boxing day Test of 2008?
Think of the frustration's the Indian's lower-order gave Australia during the 2008 Border-Gavaskar series in India.
Here are some stats reflecting England's tail-enders efforts, and comparing the top to middle orders vs the lower orders.
England's tail-order vs their top order:
Tail (wickets 7-10) = 651 runs (967 runs from 6-10)
Top order (wickets 1-6) = 1513.
This is not a bad effort from England's tail order, who have contributed 651 valuable runs, where England's top order have given nothing too spectacular.
The Baggy Green however have amassed 2026 runs with the top order (Wickets 1-6) and what has been the major difference between them and England's top order?
513 runs folks!
Speaking of partnerships, it is interesting but known that Marcus North and Michael Clarke have thrice made centurion stands together of 185, 152 and 143 in this 2009 Ashes series.
Brad Haddin has also clocked in with either Clarke or North in big partnerships. Haddin/North 200, Haddin/Clarke 185. Gives Brad Haddin some extra venom to his batting baring in mind he is batting at 7th, and already has 243 runs having missed 1 match.
A bit of a break before the 5th Test at the Oval, so I am sure England will be monitoring Andrew Flintoff closely and all parties concerned waiting with baited breath for a green light to see Freddy in one last appearance.
Their batting will need serious assessment as Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook can only do so much.
As for The Baggy Green, the momentum is tremendous with player's peaking at the perfect time. The major factor that the selectors will be looking at will be the bowler's needed to get the job done, with Nathan Hauritz likely coming into serious consideration.
Feel free to debate this one, but I will wait for the eve of the match to see what word gets around.
Time for your quick singles to be picked up, here at the Baggy Green, Chirps and Quick Singles.
Over the next few days toss in a comment or send an email to me (in the sidebar you can find it):
What's been some your most memorable moments of this Ashes series?
Anything interesting you have noted regarding the teams, the series, the fans, the interest?
What would be your ideal scenario for the 5th Test? Etc.
As always a big thanks to all you blokes who share your chirps at the site!
One way for supporter's of the Baggy Green and this great game to voice themselves.
09 August 2009
5 WICKETS FROM VICTORY!
England's chances to win the Ashes in the 4th is all but over. The Baggy Green are just 5 wickets away from victory with a massive lead in tact to take the Ashes down to the 5th test.
It could have been 4 wickets, but Marcus North (the Centurion) was unable to latch onto a catch at slip off Mitchell Johnson's bowling on the last ball of the day.
Michael Clarke (93) and Marcus North (110) once again built a formiddable partnership and well and truely through England out of the game. Pup landed short of a century being caught on the crease LBW as he tried to reach a third century in the Ashes. After he went on last time to make a century, and Marcus North fell short, the roles reversed and cricket revealed its mysterious side once again.
Pup held is momentum throughout the innings, which gave Marcus North the time needed to build his innings at his own pace knowing the runs were adding up.
In another solid paternship with Mitchell Johnson, followed by a really entertaining innings from tail-ender Stuart Clark, Marcus brought his innings up in fine style with great support from his lower-order team mates. Similar to Phillip Hughes' century in South Africa, Marcus heaved a slog sweep to the deep mid-on boundary, charged down the wicket raising his bat and victoriously declaring, "You beauty"! A terrific innings, really holding true to Test cricket.
Stuart Clark deserves the pat on the back with his quickfire innings, where he effortlessly smashed 3 sixes, including two in an over off Stuart Broad. At the same time Stuart Broad also managed to pick up his career best with 6 wickets, but the lack of celebration was understandable.
Marcus North has an interesting style of batting which he hasn't changed taking his batting to the elite level. He almost whips the bat with his shots and his height which allows him to get on top of short pitched deliveries, as well as the power he generate with Text book cover drives, holds him in a strong position for our middle-order. He has promised to aim for consistency, and so far he is holding true to that.
Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss started off strongly against a pressuring open spell from Peter Siddle, and most English supporters probably felt relief sensing the day would close with 10 wickets in hand. Not to be, as Ben Hilfnehaus struck to fateful blows as he dismissed Strauss and Ravi Bopara in two balls, and wasn't that far off from a hat-trick! But the damage continued as Mitchell Johnson marked his comeback taking 3 wickets in a mighty impressive closing spell for the day. The delivery that would have no doubt restored endless belief in Mitchell's bowling was the delivery to dismiss Cook. Fully pitched, late swing away from the left hander, just catching the edge of the bat, and taken low by Brad Haddin. The big wicket was taken, and England's lower order have a tough task ahead in what may be over with in 1 session of play.
After enormous expectation as the Ashes approached and then personal issues off the field came into context, Mitchell Johnson had alot to deal with, and his performances have been far from convincing. While Mitchell seemed to need a break to clear his mind, the lower totals posted by England, eased the pressure in the bowlers, and his bowling spell to close Day 2 was his best this Ashes series and I have little doubt this may have been the confidence Mitch needed, so supporters can declare, 'He's back!'
Only the third day, so no pressure on the bowler's with the lead still massive, and plenty time to knock away the remaining wickets.
This will be an eye opener to England, knowing how risky it is to go in one specialist batsman short and not performing under the circumstances.
It can happen to any team, but the way it looks England stand the realistic chance in being dismissed close to 100 runs again in their 2nd innings.
This has been a performance the Baggy Green can be proud of and if this is the sign of things to come, the 5th Test will be a thrilling encounter where England will have to raise their game quickly as Australian momentum builds.
Which Australian bowler will deliver the crushing blow? If Mitchell Johnson's performance was anything to go by, it seems Mitch is in-line for it!
It could have been 4 wickets, but Marcus North (the Centurion) was unable to latch onto a catch at slip off Mitchell Johnson's bowling on the last ball of the day.
Michael Clarke (93) and Marcus North (110) once again built a formiddable partnership and well and truely through England out of the game. Pup landed short of a century being caught on the crease LBW as he tried to reach a third century in the Ashes. After he went on last time to make a century, and Marcus North fell short, the roles reversed and cricket revealed its mysterious side once again.
Pup held is momentum throughout the innings, which gave Marcus North the time needed to build his innings at his own pace knowing the runs were adding up.
In another solid paternship with Mitchell Johnson, followed by a really entertaining innings from tail-ender Stuart Clark, Marcus brought his innings up in fine style with great support from his lower-order team mates. Similar to Phillip Hughes' century in South Africa, Marcus heaved a slog sweep to the deep mid-on boundary, charged down the wicket raising his bat and victoriously declaring, "You beauty"! A terrific innings, really holding true to Test cricket.
Stuart Clark deserves the pat on the back with his quickfire innings, where he effortlessly smashed 3 sixes, including two in an over off Stuart Broad. At the same time Stuart Broad also managed to pick up his career best with 6 wickets, but the lack of celebration was understandable.
Marcus North has an interesting style of batting which he hasn't changed taking his batting to the elite level. He almost whips the bat with his shots and his height which allows him to get on top of short pitched deliveries, as well as the power he generate with Text book cover drives, holds him in a strong position for our middle-order. He has promised to aim for consistency, and so far he is holding true to that.
Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss started off strongly against a pressuring open spell from Peter Siddle, and most English supporters probably felt relief sensing the day would close with 10 wickets in hand. Not to be, as Ben Hilfnehaus struck to fateful blows as he dismissed Strauss and Ravi Bopara in two balls, and wasn't that far off from a hat-trick! But the damage continued as Mitchell Johnson marked his comeback taking 3 wickets in a mighty impressive closing spell for the day. The delivery that would have no doubt restored endless belief in Mitchell's bowling was the delivery to dismiss Cook. Fully pitched, late swing away from the left hander, just catching the edge of the bat, and taken low by Brad Haddin. The big wicket was taken, and England's lower order have a tough task ahead in what may be over with in 1 session of play.
After enormous expectation as the Ashes approached and then personal issues off the field came into context, Mitchell Johnson had alot to deal with, and his performances have been far from convincing. While Mitchell seemed to need a break to clear his mind, the lower totals posted by England, eased the pressure in the bowlers, and his bowling spell to close Day 2 was his best this Ashes series and I have little doubt this may have been the confidence Mitch needed, so supporters can declare, 'He's back!'
Only the third day, so no pressure on the bowler's with the lead still massive, and plenty time to knock away the remaining wickets.
This will be an eye opener to England, knowing how risky it is to go in one specialist batsman short and not performing under the circumstances.
It can happen to any team, but the way it looks England stand the realistic chance in being dismissed close to 100 runs again in their 2nd innings.
This has been a performance the Baggy Green can be proud of and if this is the sign of things to come, the 5th Test will be a thrilling encounter where England will have to raise their game quickly as Australian momentum builds.
Which Australian bowler will deliver the crushing blow? If Mitchell Johnson's performance was anything to go by, it seems Mitch is in-line for it!
08 August 2009
FEROCIOUS BOWLING LEADS THE WAY!
What a day of cricket it was! I can't believe the pace at which this game has moved along at.
Only Day1 and the lead is already 96 runs, with 6 wickets in the tank, and the team have given themselves the best possible chance to win this Ashes series, atleast give ourselves a fighting chance. Should the game fall in favour of The Baggy Green, it will set this series up for one major climatic ending, and give Test cricket the breath of life it needs.
Now for my views on Day's play.
Peter Siddle did something the bowler's have been highly ineffective to achieve. That is to sweep away the tail-enders, in a series where the tail-enders have prevailed.
Sid's was in-line for facing time out with Brett Lee's possible return, and it seemed unlikely for Nathan Hauritz to not make the cut, but history indicated it wasn't a necessity.
While Siddle's figures of 5-21 were outstanding, and his vicious spell using the wicket to bang the ball in hard resulted in his 2nd 5for, Stuart Clark started the onslaught and marked his return!
After his brilliance in the 2006/07 Ashes, many were expecting him to be a feature in each Test. After frustration on the side-lines, and never ending practice to prove himself worthy of a Test recall, the selectors finally put the light bulb on.
At the most critical point of the English inning's Stuart had racked up figures of 3-7, his typical standards, but what a comeback!
Everyone chipped in, and the fielding was a standard that I have not seen in a long time. There were some sharp catches, spectacular catches, and the short-ball tactic was highly effective. 102 all out, what a way to give Australia a fighting chance!
The batting started with a wobble, with Simon Katich surprisingly being sent back to Pavillion for a duck. Speaking of Ducks, James Anderson continued his duckless run, but in an effort to steal the quick single to continue his 54 run innings Duckless run he strained himself which may be an issue for England. With Flintoff already out, it's the last thing England need.
Shane Watson (51) rolled onwards with his third fifty, and while he was unable to capitalise on his starts (a bit like Michael Hussey's situation) he has stepped up really well at the top of the order. Ricky Ponting (78) continued the dominant record he holds at Headingly. He was on the money with the pull-shots, and anything short was given the treatment deserved. Once in the groove the off-side play strenghtened and he was all-round prolific. The LBW's were England's key to give themselves something worthy for the day's play. Punter, Watto and Michael Hussey fell to well pitched deliveries that swung viciously to end their batting for the Day.
An interesting yet humourous stat, is that Watto and Punter's partnership was a bigger stand than England's innings. Truth is it can happen to any team!
Michael Clarke will be fighting for a third century this series, and Marcus North will take his time like he usually does in building a stand for himself.
But there is still lots of cricket ahead, and still alot to play for.
England's short-ball tactics were ineffective, but when they pitched it up the damage was done. So what will they plan for the 2nd days play, and how will Clarke and North counter-attack it?
The series gets tenser and tenser, but the Baggy Green are quite comfortably in control.
Only Day1 and the lead is already 96 runs, with 6 wickets in the tank, and the team have given themselves the best possible chance to win this Ashes series, atleast give ourselves a fighting chance. Should the game fall in favour of The Baggy Green, it will set this series up for one major climatic ending, and give Test cricket the breath of life it needs.
Now for my views on Day's play.
Peter Siddle did something the bowler's have been highly ineffective to achieve. That is to sweep away the tail-enders, in a series where the tail-enders have prevailed.
Sid's was in-line for facing time out with Brett Lee's possible return, and it seemed unlikely for Nathan Hauritz to not make the cut, but history indicated it wasn't a necessity.
While Siddle's figures of 5-21 were outstanding, and his vicious spell using the wicket to bang the ball in hard resulted in his 2nd 5for, Stuart Clark started the onslaught and marked his return!
After his brilliance in the 2006/07 Ashes, many were expecting him to be a feature in each Test. After frustration on the side-lines, and never ending practice to prove himself worthy of a Test recall, the selectors finally put the light bulb on.
At the most critical point of the English inning's Stuart had racked up figures of 3-7, his typical standards, but what a comeback!
Everyone chipped in, and the fielding was a standard that I have not seen in a long time. There were some sharp catches, spectacular catches, and the short-ball tactic was highly effective. 102 all out, what a way to give Australia a fighting chance!
The batting started with a wobble, with Simon Katich surprisingly being sent back to Pavillion for a duck. Speaking of Ducks, James Anderson continued his duckless run, but in an effort to steal the quick single to continue his 54 run innings Duckless run he strained himself which may be an issue for England. With Flintoff already out, it's the last thing England need.
Shane Watson (51) rolled onwards with his third fifty, and while he was unable to capitalise on his starts (a bit like Michael Hussey's situation) he has stepped up really well at the top of the order. Ricky Ponting (78) continued the dominant record he holds at Headingly. He was on the money with the pull-shots, and anything short was given the treatment deserved. Once in the groove the off-side play strenghtened and he was all-round prolific. The LBW's were England's key to give themselves something worthy for the day's play. Punter, Watto and Michael Hussey fell to well pitched deliveries that swung viciously to end their batting for the Day.
An interesting yet humourous stat, is that Watto and Punter's partnership was a bigger stand than England's innings. Truth is it can happen to any team!
Michael Clarke will be fighting for a third century this series, and Marcus North will take his time like he usually does in building a stand for himself.
But there is still lots of cricket ahead, and still alot to play for.
England's short-ball tactics were ineffective, but when they pitched it up the damage was done. So what will they plan for the 2nd days play, and how will Clarke and North counter-attack it?
The series gets tenser and tenser, but the Baggy Green are quite comfortably in control.
06 August 2009
TALK IS CHEAP, LET'S GET OUT THERE AND WIN!
Shane Watson stated it too the point.
"We need to raise the intensity... We've been able to do it for a period of time, but we haven't been able to do it consistently, to keep it going for the whole five days. That's something we know we need to achieve to win this series."
The hunger to win the Ashes is now a realistic situation where the Baggy Green are hunting for victory by any means possible, and with gloomy weather to dampen our efforts in tasting a victory in this 4th Test, it will be very difficult now.
That 20th wicket we couldn't grab in that 1st Test has come back to haunt us as the Ashes nears closure.
The big question's for Australia are: Who will play, and who can play?
I know that if the team can work as a unit with both the batting and bowling departments, victory is there.
One pattern I have picked up is that when our batting is poor, it exposes our bowling attack, and the results are far from pleasing. However, when our batsmen find their feet and they can wear that ball down with endless cracks against the willow, our position is 9 times out of 10, dominant.
The main issue with our bowling has been the inability to provide pressure from both ends. Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson provided sensational pressure on the 4th day of the 3rd Test. It enabled Graham Swann and Stuart Broad too play their natural game and rattle our top order. Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting fell into the trap but our Middle-order pulled off some needed heroics to save ourselves from a second loss.
So the main thing that will be addressed is how can pressure be applied at both end's of the wicket.
Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle have been in the hot seat with Brett Lee and Stuart Clark coming into contention for the 4th Test.
Judging by some of the statements I have picked up, Peter Siddle looks likely to miss out on the final two Test's to make way for Brett or Stuart.
Shane Watson was very firm that he reckon's Brett needs a practice game before attempting a comeback in the 4th Test. I would like to argue with this, but Watto is the most experienced of players with injury hassles and the risks and precautions that need to be taken. There is also one day till the 4th Test, so no practive matches.
So, with this in mind Stuart Clark looks like his call-up is waiting, and this will be a great inclusion to our team with Stuart in the bowling ranks.
While Brett did bluntly state he is '100% ready to go', and that onlookers believe his net sessions were mighty impressive, the situation is that the risk of including him and a niggle occuring, will throw him off and put us in a risky spot with one less bowler midway through a Test.
After seeing footage of the Lions warm-up match, Brett would have been a demon against the English in this series. Wasn't to be though.
Makes me wonder, with all the ongoing injuries too the players, what the heck are the trainers, fitness and physio staff doing to these guys? Or is too much cricket? It's frustrating stuff!
So Clark in for Siddle? One thing for certain is that Nathan Hauritz must play. Simple as that, we need the spinner option for the Test, which will be more effective if our pace and seam bowlers can nail the pressure as a three man attack.
The other question is 'Haddin or Manou'?
Graham Manou played fantastically well in his debut Keeper duties. His gloves work was clean, quick and agile. He played a natural game under the circumstances of a last minute call-up to debut, and his second innings, while brief, looked promising.
The bloke can bat, and I wouldn't underestimate him too much with racing away to a half-century if needed.
Brad's injury is a slightly serious situation, and his loss affects the batting (no banter upon Manou's abilities intended here) as he has the tendency to steer things well on track. This may seem a bold statement, but there is no reason Brad Haddin couldn't be in this side as purely a middle order batsman.
Although Graham's keeping was a touch cleaner than Hads' keeping has been of recent times. Keeping at Lord's is apparently a tough job, Prior had a rough time himself so the bye's given at Lord's can be understandable.
Had's did manage to get some solid training done accoring to the media articles, and some injections always do the trick, but quite responsibly he did state that that was one session, and at the height of match intensity you have to keep it going for a another 4 days. So, it is a race for recovery there.
In the English camp there is worry over Andrew Flintoff's injury, but I am not too worried if Freddy can't hack another two Tests. The talk is that if Flintoff fails and the weather clears, we will win the Ashes.
It would be a fitting end to Flintoff's test career which has been continually plagued by injuries, which indicate his career stats are not truely reflective upon his raw abilities.
So Phillip Hughes will likely miss out again as it seems Michael Clarke's side strain is nothing too serious, and I guess the real waiting game starts as to whether Clark or Lee come into the side, whether Haddin is ready for a comeback, or lastly whether there will be any changes after the last Test? Change is needed with the standing of things, and just getting some fresh players in there, with experience in their favour, will be beneficial.
Slightly off topic from the Test level, I found a nice interview with Callum Ferguson regarding the ICC Champions Trophy to be played in South Africa in September. (INTERVIEW LINK AT THE END OF ARTICLE)
Australia are the holder's of the 2006 title, and the reschduling away from Pakistan has pushed the event by a year.
For the Australian one-day players, it will be a return to grounds they competed on not too long ago.
Think of David Hussey, should he be selected. It will be his 3rd time too play cricket in South Africa this year where he participated in the One Day series against the Proteas, The IPL and then the ICC Champions Trophy.
It will be a good event. It's a short event, in the 50 over version, quite rightly titled 'the mini World Cup'!
Fergal is one of my favourite upcoming Australian cricketer's and I just see enormous strength in his contributions to Australian cricket.
He has gone about his work so calmly and consistently, that he has rarely not made some kind of impact on our performances since his call-up against the Black caps.
CLICK HERE to be directed to the interview, and enjoy.
SOURCES used, Cricinfo.com
"We need to raise the intensity... We've been able to do it for a period of time, but we haven't been able to do it consistently, to keep it going for the whole five days. That's something we know we need to achieve to win this series."
The hunger to win the Ashes is now a realistic situation where the Baggy Green are hunting for victory by any means possible, and with gloomy weather to dampen our efforts in tasting a victory in this 4th Test, it will be very difficult now.
That 20th wicket we couldn't grab in that 1st Test has come back to haunt us as the Ashes nears closure.
The big question's for Australia are: Who will play, and who can play?
I know that if the team can work as a unit with both the batting and bowling departments, victory is there.
One pattern I have picked up is that when our batting is poor, it exposes our bowling attack, and the results are far from pleasing. However, when our batsmen find their feet and they can wear that ball down with endless cracks against the willow, our position is 9 times out of 10, dominant.
The main issue with our bowling has been the inability to provide pressure from both ends. Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson provided sensational pressure on the 4th day of the 3rd Test. It enabled Graham Swann and Stuart Broad too play their natural game and rattle our top order. Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting fell into the trap but our Middle-order pulled off some needed heroics to save ourselves from a second loss.
So the main thing that will be addressed is how can pressure be applied at both end's of the wicket.
Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle have been in the hot seat with Brett Lee and Stuart Clark coming into contention for the 4th Test.
Judging by some of the statements I have picked up, Peter Siddle looks likely to miss out on the final two Test's to make way for Brett or Stuart.
Shane Watson was very firm that he reckon's Brett needs a practice game before attempting a comeback in the 4th Test. I would like to argue with this, but Watto is the most experienced of players with injury hassles and the risks and precautions that need to be taken. There is also one day till the 4th Test, so no practive matches.
So, with this in mind Stuart Clark looks like his call-up is waiting, and this will be a great inclusion to our team with Stuart in the bowling ranks.
While Brett did bluntly state he is '100% ready to go', and that onlookers believe his net sessions were mighty impressive, the situation is that the risk of including him and a niggle occuring, will throw him off and put us in a risky spot with one less bowler midway through a Test.
After seeing footage of the Lions warm-up match, Brett would have been a demon against the English in this series. Wasn't to be though.
Makes me wonder, with all the ongoing injuries too the players, what the heck are the trainers, fitness and physio staff doing to these guys? Or is too much cricket? It's frustrating stuff!
So Clark in for Siddle? One thing for certain is that Nathan Hauritz must play. Simple as that, we need the spinner option for the Test, which will be more effective if our pace and seam bowlers can nail the pressure as a three man attack.
The other question is 'Haddin or Manou'?
Graham Manou played fantastically well in his debut Keeper duties. His gloves work was clean, quick and agile. He played a natural game under the circumstances of a last minute call-up to debut, and his second innings, while brief, looked promising.
The bloke can bat, and I wouldn't underestimate him too much with racing away to a half-century if needed.
Brad's injury is a slightly serious situation, and his loss affects the batting (no banter upon Manou's abilities intended here) as he has the tendency to steer things well on track. This may seem a bold statement, but there is no reason Brad Haddin couldn't be in this side as purely a middle order batsman.
Although Graham's keeping was a touch cleaner than Hads' keeping has been of recent times. Keeping at Lord's is apparently a tough job, Prior had a rough time himself so the bye's given at Lord's can be understandable.
Had's did manage to get some solid training done accoring to the media articles, and some injections always do the trick, but quite responsibly he did state that that was one session, and at the height of match intensity you have to keep it going for a another 4 days. So, it is a race for recovery there.
In the English camp there is worry over Andrew Flintoff's injury, but I am not too worried if Freddy can't hack another two Tests. The talk is that if Flintoff fails and the weather clears, we will win the Ashes.
It would be a fitting end to Flintoff's test career which has been continually plagued by injuries, which indicate his career stats are not truely reflective upon his raw abilities.
So Phillip Hughes will likely miss out again as it seems Michael Clarke's side strain is nothing too serious, and I guess the real waiting game starts as to whether Clark or Lee come into the side, whether Haddin is ready for a comeback, or lastly whether there will be any changes after the last Test? Change is needed with the standing of things, and just getting some fresh players in there, with experience in their favour, will be beneficial.
Slightly off topic from the Test level, I found a nice interview with Callum Ferguson regarding the ICC Champions Trophy to be played in South Africa in September. (INTERVIEW LINK AT THE END OF ARTICLE)
Australia are the holder's of the 2006 title, and the reschduling away from Pakistan has pushed the event by a year.
For the Australian one-day players, it will be a return to grounds they competed on not too long ago.
Think of David Hussey, should he be selected. It will be his 3rd time too play cricket in South Africa this year where he participated in the One Day series against the Proteas, The IPL and then the ICC Champions Trophy.
It will be a good event. It's a short event, in the 50 over version, quite rightly titled 'the mini World Cup'!
Fergal is one of my favourite upcoming Australian cricketer's and I just see enormous strength in his contributions to Australian cricket.
He has gone about his work so calmly and consistently, that he has rarely not made some kind of impact on our performances since his call-up against the Black caps.
CLICK HERE to be directed to the interview, and enjoy.
SOURCES used, Cricinfo.com
03 August 2009
Day 5, 3rd Test: ASHES HOPES ARE STILL ALIVE!
If this had ended up being a full 5 days of play, it may have been another massive encounter in this 2009 Ashes series!
While this was not the greatest of results any Australian supporter would want, the good news is we are still in the series, and in with a fighting chance to win this series.
It won't be easy though, but it can be done.
I strongly believe England were very confident that they had a chance to take this Test on Day 5, but with some determination by Michael Hussey, Shane Watson, a terrific Marcus North and ever-improving Michael Clarke, the momentum may have just been snatched to lead the boys into the 4th Test.
Firstly I think Ben Hilfenhaus deserves the credit for his bowling, which will be overshadow by Pup and Marcus' fantastic partnership.
Hilfy's story has been a patient one. Ok, now it's no Michael Hussey story (similarly Marcus North too in time frame) but he has had plenty time sitting on the sides looking on since his debut season for Tasmania, which caused immediate interest in his bowling, including Tassie senior Ricky Ponting.
Hilfy was often present in the squad at various matches, but had the drink's man duties for a couple of season's.
He won the Young Bradman Cricketer of the year award a few years back at the Allan Border medal award in 2007, and continued to perform strongly at the top of the Domestic bowling ranks. Wickets and promising Australian squad selection's followed, lining him up for a few T20 appearances and in recent times his ODI career got off to a start. But all the talk was centered around his Pura Cup/Sheffield Shield performances, which were edging the hopes towards a Baggy Green cap, ultimately debuting in Test cricket for Australia.
In the 3rd Test against The Proteas at the SCG (Sydney), Doug Bollinger was given the cap and made his debut, after a friendly contest in the media had tipped Hilfy to get the nod ahead of Douggie. There's little doubt in my mind Bollinger will be apart of the ODI squad to take on England after the Ashes, but Hilfy has got the Test attributes for the Australian team to move ahead.
His Test call up came against the Proteas at the Wanderers, and since then it has been a quiet, yet effective progression for him. His average of 38.05 is nothing special, but after reaching his best figures in this recent Test match, where our bowlers as a unit have lacked the synergy needed with the series at a critical state, Hilfy has continued to perform consistently, almost in his own world.
He may not be getting 5 wicket hauls, and 8 wickets per game, but he can tie the batsmen up, and keep at it for long periods of time! When he does get a wicket it is always a spectacle and thus far each wicket has seemed a result of genuinely well executed seam bowling. Those 20 wickets in his fresh career are well deserved!
It's great to see Hilfy get so well settled, but with 2 Test's to go I really hope to alot more from this powerful Tasmanian.
With Mitchell Johnson looking better it is encouraging, but as my one reader, Sylvester, pointed out, if this were a three-match series, it would have proven to be a highly ineffective performance from Mitch, and the ongoing verbals between himself and English players may have shown a few dents in the armour. But I feel a clean sheet after a much better performance will surely set Mitch up for two more chances to prove the critics wrong. It has been disheartening to see him really struggle in this series, but his lack of impact has shown how it has affected the team, and how important Mitch has become for our side. I am sure that many are hoping Brett Lee will be able to get the fitness approval to make an appearance in the 4th Test, where we will need as much firepower as we can in order to take on the English who lead this series 1-0. With two chances left, where two wins are needed, it would be a great time for Brett to make an appearance, and heal some of those possible scars from 2005. This is a wait and see matter, but with himself and Stuart Clark well in the running's for the 4th test, I just get the feeling that the 4th test will see a change or two with our bowling ranks. Not too much though, as playing with the formula could be a risk too many.
Peter Siddle looks the most likely bowler to make way for Brett or Stuart, but Sids' efforts mustn't be overlooked if this is the case. He has given his total energy and the ambition he shows is very encouraging for upcoming Australian cricketer's. Sid's is unlikely to be a front-line mass wicket taker any time soon, but I feel his role will be similar to a Merve Hughes, and the more time in the middle to face more opponents, and create more enemies will strengthen his development as a frontline bowler. But with the Ashes at stake, it may be Sid's who makes way for one of our more experienced players.
Shane Watson bagged two half-centuries and looked very comfortable opening the batting. Throwing him in a pressure situation has worked, and it was a major relief to see him work his way through the English bowlers with total control and not afraid to play his shots. As an ODI opener, Watto has taken his opportunity and will be in-line for another. I do feel sorry for Phillip Hughes and I really do believe his playing wasn't as down and out as many perceive it to be, but I am also sure that by ommitting him from this Test it may have saved his confidence, as another failure may have deepened some worry with his game. Mitchell Johnson has his batting as a strength to add to his growing stature as a bowler, but as a bowler the failure is less evident as opposed to a batsman, where fifty to one hundred is the only safe zone.
So, under the circumstances Watto did a fine job, and for the first time in a while Simon Katich didn't make a fifty plus.
Michael Hussey was dismissed first ball in the 1st innings in a way that we have already seen in this series so far, but it was very encouraging to see Huss manage 64 runs in a situation that had mounting pressure upon him from a personal point of view and a team perspective. He showed little fault out there, and the inning's was built around powerful strokeplay as 52 of his 64 runs came in boundaries! I have always had plenty belief is Huss' batting, so I have little doubt (despite the last few months' rollercoaster ride for him) he has a ton awaiting him. He needs it and I know his supporter's want to see it, and miss the three-figures next to the name 'Hussey'.
Marcus North deserved a century. Simple as that. He has frustrated with his inconsistency, but when he gets going, his unique style of batting, with elegant whipping to the legside and heaving cover drives (where he throws everything at it) can prove to be decisive in an innings where we often rely on middle order heroics due to top order failure. He showed plenty aggression in a stage of his innings which was very un-Marcus like, but it ended up being his downfall to a great catch by James Anderson, but his 96 runs was impressive none-the-less and he really played well in a situation that Tested him!
Michael Clarke did make his 12th century in Test cricket, and has shown how he is maturing as a player and is much better in the English conditions, but he had luck on his side. In the nineties a delivery from Stuart Broad brushed his off-stump and the bails didn't dislodge, and even better was after being caught on 96, Rudi Koertzen spotted the front-foot no-ball, and Pup had another chance.
He made his century with a cracking boundary, and that was that. He raised his helmet, reached the milestone, but their was little more for both teams to fight for.
One conclusion is that 96 nearly became the new 87, and we had some luck at last!
Great batting from Pup, and his partnership with Marcus North was the highest partnership for Australia in an Ashes series for the 5th wicket at Edgebaston. The previous record was held by the Waugh brothers, dating back to 1993.
Pup also played his 50th Test, and this century is very fitting!
Shane Watson became the first right handed batsman to open for Australia in Test cricket since Michael Slater, dating back to 2001.
Unless you been sleeping the last 5 days, you will know Ricky Ponting is now the leading run scorer in test cricket for Australia having overtaken Allan Border's record that has been standing for the last 15 years! AB was a classy character, a pioneer of the Australian way of cricket, and Punter deserves the respect from all Australian supporters in achieving this record, in a much sooner time than AB did. While this achievement has been overshadowed with being 1-0 down and an ineffective batting display from Punter, it is a brilliant achievement. It places him at the most elite level, and he will now be chipping the runs off to pass Brian Lara's record. Punter is now the 3rd Highest run-scorer in Test cricket's history, with Sachin Tendulkar quite comfortably leading the way.
A funnier stat is that James Anderson has not been dismissed for a duck in 53 innings! That is quite a record, and I have to hand it to Jimmy, as it really is an awesome record to have! I wonder now whether we can start his duck run?
Stats as well as my player and performance analysis aside, the next 2 Tests will be eagerly watched by many, and for Australia the standing's are hopeful that it hasn't become 2-0 to England. The chances to take this Ashes series 2-1 are here.
How fitting would 2-1 be after 2005!
While this was not the greatest of results any Australian supporter would want, the good news is we are still in the series, and in with a fighting chance to win this series.
It won't be easy though, but it can be done.
I strongly believe England were very confident that they had a chance to take this Test on Day 5, but with some determination by Michael Hussey, Shane Watson, a terrific Marcus North and ever-improving Michael Clarke, the momentum may have just been snatched to lead the boys into the 4th Test.
Firstly I think Ben Hilfenhaus deserves the credit for his bowling, which will be overshadow by Pup and Marcus' fantastic partnership.
Hilfy's story has been a patient one. Ok, now it's no Michael Hussey story (similarly Marcus North too in time frame) but he has had plenty time sitting on the sides looking on since his debut season for Tasmania, which caused immediate interest in his bowling, including Tassie senior Ricky Ponting.
Hilfy was often present in the squad at various matches, but had the drink's man duties for a couple of season's.
He won the Young Bradman Cricketer of the year award a few years back at the Allan Border medal award in 2007, and continued to perform strongly at the top of the Domestic bowling ranks. Wickets and promising Australian squad selection's followed, lining him up for a few T20 appearances and in recent times his ODI career got off to a start. But all the talk was centered around his Pura Cup/Sheffield Shield performances, which were edging the hopes towards a Baggy Green cap, ultimately debuting in Test cricket for Australia.
In the 3rd Test against The Proteas at the SCG (Sydney), Doug Bollinger was given the cap and made his debut, after a friendly contest in the media had tipped Hilfy to get the nod ahead of Douggie. There's little doubt in my mind Bollinger will be apart of the ODI squad to take on England after the Ashes, but Hilfy has got the Test attributes for the Australian team to move ahead.
His Test call up came against the Proteas at the Wanderers, and since then it has been a quiet, yet effective progression for him. His average of 38.05 is nothing special, but after reaching his best figures in this recent Test match, where our bowlers as a unit have lacked the synergy needed with the series at a critical state, Hilfy has continued to perform consistently, almost in his own world.
He may not be getting 5 wicket hauls, and 8 wickets per game, but he can tie the batsmen up, and keep at it for long periods of time! When he does get a wicket it is always a spectacle and thus far each wicket has seemed a result of genuinely well executed seam bowling. Those 20 wickets in his fresh career are well deserved!
It's great to see Hilfy get so well settled, but with 2 Test's to go I really hope to alot more from this powerful Tasmanian.
With Mitchell Johnson looking better it is encouraging, but as my one reader, Sylvester, pointed out, if this were a three-match series, it would have proven to be a highly ineffective performance from Mitch, and the ongoing verbals between himself and English players may have shown a few dents in the armour. But I feel a clean sheet after a much better performance will surely set Mitch up for two more chances to prove the critics wrong. It has been disheartening to see him really struggle in this series, but his lack of impact has shown how it has affected the team, and how important Mitch has become for our side. I am sure that many are hoping Brett Lee will be able to get the fitness approval to make an appearance in the 4th Test, where we will need as much firepower as we can in order to take on the English who lead this series 1-0. With two chances left, where two wins are needed, it would be a great time for Brett to make an appearance, and heal some of those possible scars from 2005. This is a wait and see matter, but with himself and Stuart Clark well in the running's for the 4th test, I just get the feeling that the 4th test will see a change or two with our bowling ranks. Not too much though, as playing with the formula could be a risk too many.
Peter Siddle looks the most likely bowler to make way for Brett or Stuart, but Sids' efforts mustn't be overlooked if this is the case. He has given his total energy and the ambition he shows is very encouraging for upcoming Australian cricketer's. Sid's is unlikely to be a front-line mass wicket taker any time soon, but I feel his role will be similar to a Merve Hughes, and the more time in the middle to face more opponents, and create more enemies will strengthen his development as a frontline bowler. But with the Ashes at stake, it may be Sid's who makes way for one of our more experienced players.
Shane Watson bagged two half-centuries and looked very comfortable opening the batting. Throwing him in a pressure situation has worked, and it was a major relief to see him work his way through the English bowlers with total control and not afraid to play his shots. As an ODI opener, Watto has taken his opportunity and will be in-line for another. I do feel sorry for Phillip Hughes and I really do believe his playing wasn't as down and out as many perceive it to be, but I am also sure that by ommitting him from this Test it may have saved his confidence, as another failure may have deepened some worry with his game. Mitchell Johnson has his batting as a strength to add to his growing stature as a bowler, but as a bowler the failure is less evident as opposed to a batsman, where fifty to one hundred is the only safe zone.
So, under the circumstances Watto did a fine job, and for the first time in a while Simon Katich didn't make a fifty plus.
Michael Hussey was dismissed first ball in the 1st innings in a way that we have already seen in this series so far, but it was very encouraging to see Huss manage 64 runs in a situation that had mounting pressure upon him from a personal point of view and a team perspective. He showed little fault out there, and the inning's was built around powerful strokeplay as 52 of his 64 runs came in boundaries! I have always had plenty belief is Huss' batting, so I have little doubt (despite the last few months' rollercoaster ride for him) he has a ton awaiting him. He needs it and I know his supporter's want to see it, and miss the three-figures next to the name 'Hussey'.
Marcus North deserved a century. Simple as that. He has frustrated with his inconsistency, but when he gets going, his unique style of batting, with elegant whipping to the legside and heaving cover drives (where he throws everything at it) can prove to be decisive in an innings where we often rely on middle order heroics due to top order failure. He showed plenty aggression in a stage of his innings which was very un-Marcus like, but it ended up being his downfall to a great catch by James Anderson, but his 96 runs was impressive none-the-less and he really played well in a situation that Tested him!
Michael Clarke did make his 12th century in Test cricket, and has shown how he is maturing as a player and is much better in the English conditions, but he had luck on his side. In the nineties a delivery from Stuart Broad brushed his off-stump and the bails didn't dislodge, and even better was after being caught on 96, Rudi Koertzen spotted the front-foot no-ball, and Pup had another chance.
He made his century with a cracking boundary, and that was that. He raised his helmet, reached the milestone, but their was little more for both teams to fight for.
One conclusion is that 96 nearly became the new 87, and we had some luck at last!
Great batting from Pup, and his partnership with Marcus North was the highest partnership for Australia in an Ashes series for the 5th wicket at Edgebaston. The previous record was held by the Waugh brothers, dating back to 1993.
Pup also played his 50th Test, and this century is very fitting!
Shane Watson became the first right handed batsman to open for Australia in Test cricket since Michael Slater, dating back to 2001.
Unless you been sleeping the last 5 days, you will know Ricky Ponting is now the leading run scorer in test cricket for Australia having overtaken Allan Border's record that has been standing for the last 15 years! AB was a classy character, a pioneer of the Australian way of cricket, and Punter deserves the respect from all Australian supporters in achieving this record, in a much sooner time than AB did. While this achievement has been overshadowed with being 1-0 down and an ineffective batting display from Punter, it is a brilliant achievement. It places him at the most elite level, and he will now be chipping the runs off to pass Brian Lara's record. Punter is now the 3rd Highest run-scorer in Test cricket's history, with Sachin Tendulkar quite comfortably leading the way.
A funnier stat is that James Anderson has not been dismissed for a duck in 53 innings! That is quite a record, and I have to hand it to Jimmy, as it really is an awesome record to have! I wonder now whether we can start his duck run?
Stats as well as my player and performance analysis aside, the next 2 Tests will be eagerly watched by many, and for Australia the standing's are hopeful that it hasn't become 2-0 to England. The chances to take this Ashes series 2-1 are here.
How fitting would 2-1 be after 2005!
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