We're not home yet as we have to win atleast every contest from here and not lose any other. I believe we can win the Boxing Day test match which would put my 2-1 prediction on top, but this feeling of victory can be dismissed quickly but I'm not going to get too ahead as I'm feeling so damn good right now. To be on the winning side again is very refreshing. Yes!
To roll England for 187 and 123 indicates our bowlers were the match winners, but where our fielding has been terrible this series, all the basic things I observed in the 1st two tests that were out of place were quickly pulled back up to the elite standard. The catches were taken (some terrific ones), the energy in the field was inspiring and our bowlers kept it simple but backed each other so well. Short ball attacks, patience by hitting a good line and length, control of the swing and a very verbal bunch of bowlers, it was a turn around.
Ryan Harris bowled with high energy and walked away with 6-47 which sealed the deal for us and Mitchell's spell of 6-38 started things off for us. Mitch displayed his X factor as he also played a crucial innings on Day 1 to score 62 runs on the back of Michael Hussey's 61.
Mitchell's rest paid off and to hear the crowd right behind him was important. That is something Mitch needs and as that confidence returned you could sense England were realising they were facing a man that they had not faced. Mitch on his day is a devastating cricketer for the opposition and he proved it.
Man-of-the-match with figures of 9-82 (6-38/ 3-44) and a long awaited return with the bat to score 62 runs. He lead the way and if he is playing well, every team member feels the wave.
Ryan Harris wrapped things up bowling back off a length and that wicket when Matt Prior fell was a crucial moment and Huss of course took one hell of a catch at gully too as he charged in some snatch the catch. When he bowled fuller, it was more a surprise than anything as he bowled Anderson and had Bell LBW.
Mitchell had 1 more wicket when he bowled Swann while Hilfy had his contribution on Day 3 where he bowled a tight spell of bowling and removed Pietersen. It opened the door for our two spearhead bowlers to win the match.
They closed up shop alot quicker than I expected, not that I'm complaining. It was needed because we've definitely seen the bowlers struggle to wrap up tail-enders.
A last mention is for Michael Hussey. I had a say about Watto on Day 2 but Huss has been incredible. It really is astonishing how he turned things around for himself but he's been epic, absolutely epic. We all knew the ODI cricketer was in a good place and it seems he has, after many battles, been able to implement the tactical aggression into his test game and it's working. You just have to see the power he puts into his cross bat shots and confidence as he almost glides on his feet to the ball to play those cover drives. 61 and 116, what more you want from him under the circumstances where our top order hasn't been at all convincing. Well done Huss!
Leading run-scorer of the 2010/11 Ashes thus far and two centuries to his name.
His batting looks better than ever and please may it continue till the end of Sydney.
Ahead of Boxing Day, the potential side will be dicussed with Phillip Hughes looking well out of it (very unfortunate cause I was excited for his return), what of Punter's finger injury and what about the top order? Hopefully Punter makes the MCG game (finger fractured) but most importantly hopefully we see our Skipper get some runs, same for Pup.
For now, look and the positives and if you are a supporter of the Baggy Green, enjoy the victory. 1-1, series is level, for now!
Also, I have no issues having Mark Taylor in the commentary seat for every exciting moment that happens. Watching some footage of the other days play, classic Tubby!
Ryan Harris gets the big wicket of Ian Bell and charges down the track on his way to a spell to wrap up the WACA test.
© Getty Images, Courtesy of Cricinfo.com
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4 comments:
It takes a lot for a South African to get excited about an Aussie win but WooHoo! I now have some drinking money... thanks Huss!
Good article again. Huss is like some sort of superman at present. But Clarke and Punter, if he plays, MUST pick up the slack soon as Huss will inevitably fail at some point this series.
Harris is very useful, another wicket-taker, I hope he stays fit.
Young Smithy looks good in the slips. Better than Marcus North anyway.
Johnson getting that swing in the first innings is so important as it is going to make the English batsmen much more uncertain about him now. Especially as they were saying they knew he couldn't swing it so they didn't have to play at the balls slanting across them. Very interesting match.
What a win!
Smith is a classy fielder, but yeah, he needs to show further growth with the bat. He's still a young man.
Lou, thanks for your continued contribution. Means alot and you are now the most valued reader haha.
You are very wise to say that. Huss will have a blunder at some stage (surely) so the other guys HAVE TO step up to the challenge now. If our batting performs, it's simple. We will win. But too much pressure on our bowlers a) isn't fair (although cricket ain't fair) b) They can't be expected to bail us out.
Won't forget the bowling performances, and who knows, maybe Huss' sublime excellence is back for his last stand?
Lou is absolutely right, our batting was generally ordinary. The Muss is worshipped by superman, but has his moments. He only just saved himself for the Ashes squad, remember? Imagine where we would be now if he hadn't been picked?
It's time for others to get their shit together and start batting as well. We have relied on Mussey too often over the last year.
Mitch and Harris were stunning as well; Mitch loves that WACA pitch (and who could blame him) as the English saw first hand. Mention has to go to Watson as well. If only he could get past the 90s!!
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