Australia won the toss and decided to bat.
Australian 1st innings: 3/331 from 88.0 overs
David Warner 135, Michael Clarke 92*, Steven Smith 50*
This series has come down to the final Test at 1-1, and it's now on with us in a strong position. The 1st Test saw us dominate the Proteas on the back of Mitchell Johnson's brutal bowling efforts and their lack of preparation to combat us. However, they hit back on a flat batting track at Port Elizabeth. Despite fighting efforts from David Warner and Chris Rogers (107), Dale Steyn produced a beautiful, but deadly, spell of reverse swing bowling to roll us as we saw Durham last year.
South Africa had the momentum, but our never give in, always play for the win attitude was essential taking to the field and winning the toss was the first small victory. The final clash is at Newland's, a lovely ground.
I was at the 47 all out match in 2011 and I am pleased to write that if that were to occur this game it would seem it is likely to happen to South Africa rather than us, but we'll have to see how our bowlers go.
I felt the selection decisions to bring back in Shane Watson over Shaun Marsh, and young gun James Pattinson over Peter Siddle two smart moves. I wrote my view on Shaun Marsh during the last article and if Shane Watson is ready to bowl, use him! As for Siddle, his role when not taking wickets is to build the pressure from his end and he just hasn't been able to do it too effectively this series. As a result, with high dependency on Mitch, and Ryan Harris taking a while to find his stride, it was best to bring in a guy with a touch of extra pace and fresh on energy. Tough to leave out Peter Siddle, but the decision was bold, much to the disappointment of his Newland's fans who always chant, "Siddle is a wanker".
On the back of his century, Chris Rogers took on Dale Steyn and scored 8 runs of his first over. It was a strong statement made and David Warner followed in pursuit.
Rogers has such a tight game plan that it is inevitable that he will find good runs for us in any series, but the second innings continues to be his ideal platform.
David Warner's century was splendid and just a statement of authority out in the middle. He was fined a portion of his match fee due to a statement accusing AB de Villiers of roughing up the ball with his gloves. It's not the first time Davey has made a statement in the media against the teams wishes and slightly over the top, but it seems to be a game risk he is willing to take. It inspires him and fires him up and, as Mark Nicholas put it, it's almost the same tactic a boxer uses before a big fight. It seems to keep working for him.
Did I support David Warner's view before this game? Well, yes, seeing he scored a century, I also like the renegade, and now has a Test run this series with the following stats: 12, 115, 70, 66, 135.
He also has 874 runs for the 2013/14 season at 66.54, leading the charts.
Here's what I put on Facebook regarding his media ordeal: "Davey Warner has come out with the public comments again and has now ruffled the feathers of the easily aggravated (sensitive) South African supporters and support staff. Not sure how/if it has since been taken out of context?
Granted, I never like the dynamic of accusing players of dodgy tactics (especially ball tampering) but I like the way Davey plays the media and creates a bit of buzz. I often like the renegade in a sportsman.
So whatever, I honestly don't care what he says, or what he says in the future - just get runs to back yourself, which he's been doing. If anything I don't mind if he says some seriously inappropriate things either. I am seriously over robotic sportsmen and corporate folk too scared of upsetting the financial Gods.
Bring on the 3rd Test. Davey, be ready for some abuse at Newland's brother."
His century itself was loaded with confidence, self-belief and strong stroke play. He has had plenty of luck this series, but this innings was very strong come both his straight and cross bat shots, with his timing being a joy to watch. Even just a basic punch gets backed with almighty power to rocket to the boundary. His balance helped massively too. One also can't forget his running between the wickets during the 65 run opening stand with Rogers. Powerful running, with explosive take offs from the crease eager for more.
Rogers was dismissed for 25, but a very well played 25 which deserved more. His shots through the off side were well composed and compact. I liked the comparison to Justin Langer. Being a former WA player it is even more valid a point raised by Nicholas and Kepler Wessels in commentary. Keen to get some comparative footage.
Come Davey's century, a victory against the South African's and their media, it was quite standalone with Alex Doolan only contributing 20 at number 3 - who did play some very expressive shots though, favouring the pull shot which led to his downfall. A pity as he's always so patient.
Michael Clarke was in his own battle during Davey's moment of monumental success. Even beyond a century, he continued to play at the same pace and I particularly liked his six into the South Eastern stand off the bowling of JP Duminy. He took a liking to Kyle Abbott square on the offside, regularly outplaying Graeme Smith's tactical plans.
Michael Clarke had to face a brutal spell from Morne Morkel, who took over duty from Dale Steyn. Immediately Smith had his men around Clarke and they were ready for the short ball pay off. It went on for a long time, a life time for Clarkey. Mentally it was brutal given he is a bit low on confidence, trying to find his class again and he took a number of hits to the body. He was going for the evasive action tactic and not willing to play the ball, which made him look very uncomfortable. One into the forearm, another to the side of the neck, painful and lethal. It's scary to face that kind of bowling and he looked uncharacteristically out of his depth. Come a return of confidence he will be fine, but it was hard going.
However, despite the new look Morne Morkel's efforts, Clarkey faced up to it and now finds himself 8 runs short of a century, eying another at Newland's Cricket Ground. Well done Michael, that wasn't easy going for him given his lack of confidence against the bowling but he survived. It was hostile backed by the crowd. No doubt this will be a focus come his practice.
Should he get his 27th Test century, it won't be one of his best based on executing his batting skills (a diverse range at that) but rather one based on a fighting spirit to bring himself out of a pit and bring the runs for his team as they fight for a massive win.
Ladies and gentlemen, stay tuned for Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson.
The wicket has been dismissed by a number of South African supporters as flat and lifeless. Judging by their very own Morne Morkel, I disagree that while it is flat, it is not lifeless. There was plenty of bounce in this track and Morkel was quick, menacing, but due to a possible lack of tactic upon execution, was not effective - given his lack of bowling on a good length too.
Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson should take note of this. With Jamo we gain an extra 10km/h in a bowler, and this track could keep these two men well entertained. Ryan Harris seems amped and ready to go, so if he can be accurate it will just help out Mitch and Jamo to double the efforts Morkel displayed. Keep in mind Morkel didn't have Dale Steyn at the other end due to a hammy injury in the 41st over, so it would have affected his output a fair bit.
South Africa also don't have a quality spinner to turn to like we do. Newland's isn't a renowned spinners deck but there is always something to be gained from a good spinner, be it changing the game tempo, directly affecting a players rhythm, or finding enough turn to just keep a batsman concentrating.
Steven Smith has reached fifty, and is having a good series too as he continues to blossom as a batsman series in, series out. He's going well, but he has yet another fantastic opportunity to showcase his turnaround as a cricketer. It seems Smithy is loaded with chances to play significant innings in recent times. Again, I draw a comparison to Steve Waugh. Incredible given how poor Smithy's start was to his career, no thanks to the former Australian selectors.
The plan now will be to reach 400 runs, then 450. It obviously will be the plan. If we can get to this landmark, it will really put the counter-attack into perspective. South Africa still need to have a bat, obviously, but until then I won't get into too many forecasts. Reality is this start is perfect for us to push for a big score (with a few good batsmen to follow) and continually believe we can win this match.
All the best to Michael Clarke tomorrow and well done to Davey Warner. I enjoyed that innings. Up the Baggy Greens.
Verdict: Day 1 comfortably goes to us.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
Showing posts with label Chris Rogers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Rogers. Show all posts
01 March 2014
15 February 2014
South Africa versus Australia, 1st Test, day 4
Australian 1st innings: 397 all out
Shaun Marsh 148, Steven Smith 100
Dale Steyn 4-78
South African 1st innings: 206 all out
AB de Villiers 52*
Mitchell Johnson 7-68, Nathan Lyon 2-38
Australian 2nd innings: 4/290 declared
David Warner 115, Alex Doolan 89, Shaun Marsh 44
South African 2nd innings: 200 all out (Target 482)
AB de Villiers 48
Mitchell Johnson 5-59, Ryan Harris 2-35
Mitchell Johnson started the Ashes series with 205 wickets from 51 Tests.
After this Test he now has 254 wickets from 57 Tests, 49 wickets added to the collection. This Test match he has taken a career-best 12 wickets, a phenomenal achievement and done so against the number one ranked side. It was all too easy against England? I think the hard answers were smashed into the grills of the pessimists as Mitchell Johnson delivered another scary spell against the Proteas, the most fearsome since the 90s. Remember it, embrace it!
It was no surprise these scintillating performances with the ball earned Mitch the Man of the Match award (the 9th award in his Test career). Of his last 6 Tests he has claimed the award four times.
The spells were frightening, devastating, and more than enough to put Mitchell Johnson into the ranks as one of the most fearsome bowlers in the history of the game. I hope viewers realise what they saw this summer and in this game against South Africa. It rarely comes along and when it does it should be engraved into your memory banks. This game reminded me of his spell at Kingsmead, Durban, 2009. Initially that is. Well done Mitch.
Besides Mitch, the difference was evident. Our batsmen showed that gritty determination on display during the Ashes. The result was three centurions at Centurion (Shaun Marsh 148, Steven Smith 100, David Warner 115), a debutant who held his nerve superbly (Alex Doolan 27, 89), a bowling unit who presented synergy amongst some minor fatigue, and fielding standards carried on from where they were raised to the highest of benchmarks over the Australian summer.
Chris Rogers will be the one man who will feel disappointed with his output. He never looked settled and struggled to showcase the patience and caution he usually displays to see off the new ball. It was uncharacteristic and I hope to see a stronger performance from him.
The day started off though with the Proteas batsmen surely knowing they'd have a rough time out there. Variable bounce, good pace off the track, and a bowling attack ready for the kill.
Morne Morkel was terrific with the ball as the day began, but simply demonstrated to Michael Clarke what the track had to offer for day 4 and lead to a very quick declaration. Shaun Marsh didn't add to his overnight score of 44, but his simple prod at the ball to get caught behind indicated there was little intention to go out to claim more runs to the already monstrous lead. With Morkel's demo done, Clarkey called for the declaration and the proceedings began for The Baggy Greens to take the win, draw first blood of the 3-match Test series.
It didn't take long. Alviro Petersen has been playing away from his body, a trigger movement to his leg stump, and Mitchell Johnson hasn't let him settle. His dismissal was inevitable with this technique, very well analysed by Shaun Pollock in the commentary box versus the way AB de Villiers handled himself.
Alex Doolan had a brilliant debut. Besides his composure of day 3, his catches taken at short leg were freakish to say the least. The most bizarre factor was the way he actually got his hands into a position to take the catches. It didn't just seem to be pure reflex, but someone with freakish reflexes who instinctively went for the catch. Simon Katich was very good in the position, as was the original player I watched under the helmet - David Boon. Alex Doolan has quickly taken a likening to the role and helped Mitch grab two wickets, the big one of Graeme Smith and then JP Duminy.
Mitchell's damage of the day was that of his wicket taking. However, physical intimidation included smashing a bouncer into Hashim Amla's grill, first ball which nearly took his helmet straight off.
Ryan McClaren had ducked and weaved quite well until he ducked into a fast ball back of a length from Mitch. It bashed into the side of his head and drew blood from his ear. The battle is exciting, but it is a bit sickening when something like that happens. Even the bowler who executes the pain doesn't like it, but that is the game and that is the job of the intimidator. Cricket is a tough game and a red ball coming at you around 150km/h is terrifying.
After the break, McClaren was dismissed shortly after and would have been quite pleased to get off the ground and ease the pounding in his head. Hope he recovers okay.
Vernon Philander took a delivery onto his finger, then his bat broke.
Mitchell's job was done with another 5 wickets in the bag. Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle finished proceedings. Both of them have done a grand job this Test, nothing too flash or overly effective, but that effectiveness has come from tight bowling with little pressure release from their duties. Both looked a little down on energy but I still have high expectations of these two experienced campaigners.
Sids was able to vary the seam and get variable bounce off the track, especially with fuller paced bowling, while Ryano was like a metronome. This output gave him the reward of Hashim Amla's wicket. Craig McDermott's 101 plan.
The victory came in good time, with the boys having one day extra to rest their bodies, clear their minds and prepare for a quick turnaround before the Test down in Port Elizabeth.
Since South Africa's readmission into sports only one Test has been played in PE, St George's Park, which we won. Mark Waugh took the Man of the Match award after a century which ensured we were able to squeeze out a victory by 2 wickets. I remember it very well.
It's a good vibe when games get played at St. George's. Usually there's a band belting out some regular anthems and it should make the atmosphere at the smaller ground a good advertisement in a big clash for both sides. We look to take the series, South Africa look to stay alive.
So, it the next venue has some history in our favour as the boys will fight hard to go 2-0 up and claim another Test series in South Africa. Newland's hasn't been a good hunting ground for us, but we ended South Africa's good run at Centurion and have gained momentum to go 1-0 up.
Tough work ahead still in my opinion and I hope our bowlers rest up well to be ready to do it all again on Thursday.
Verdict: Proud to write we took each day of this Test. Very happy.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
Shaun Marsh 148, Steven Smith 100
Dale Steyn 4-78
South African 1st innings: 206 all out
AB de Villiers 52*
Mitchell Johnson 7-68, Nathan Lyon 2-38
Australian 2nd innings: 4/290 declared
David Warner 115, Alex Doolan 89, Shaun Marsh 44
South African 2nd innings: 200 all out (Target 482)
AB de Villiers 48
Mitchell Johnson 5-59, Ryan Harris 2-35
Mitchell Johnson started the Ashes series with 205 wickets from 51 Tests.
After this Test he now has 254 wickets from 57 Tests, 49 wickets added to the collection. This Test match he has taken a career-best 12 wickets, a phenomenal achievement and done so against the number one ranked side. It was all too easy against England? I think the hard answers were smashed into the grills of the pessimists as Mitchell Johnson delivered another scary spell against the Proteas, the most fearsome since the 90s. Remember it, embrace it!
It was no surprise these scintillating performances with the ball earned Mitch the Man of the Match award (the 9th award in his Test career). Of his last 6 Tests he has claimed the award four times.
The spells were frightening, devastating, and more than enough to put Mitchell Johnson into the ranks as one of the most fearsome bowlers in the history of the game. I hope viewers realise what they saw this summer and in this game against South Africa. It rarely comes along and when it does it should be engraved into your memory banks. This game reminded me of his spell at Kingsmead, Durban, 2009. Initially that is. Well done Mitch.
Besides Mitch, the difference was evident. Our batsmen showed that gritty determination on display during the Ashes. The result was three centurions at Centurion (Shaun Marsh 148, Steven Smith 100, David Warner 115), a debutant who held his nerve superbly (Alex Doolan 27, 89), a bowling unit who presented synergy amongst some minor fatigue, and fielding standards carried on from where they were raised to the highest of benchmarks over the Australian summer.
Chris Rogers will be the one man who will feel disappointed with his output. He never looked settled and struggled to showcase the patience and caution he usually displays to see off the new ball. It was uncharacteristic and I hope to see a stronger performance from him.
The day started off though with the Proteas batsmen surely knowing they'd have a rough time out there. Variable bounce, good pace off the track, and a bowling attack ready for the kill.
Morne Morkel was terrific with the ball as the day began, but simply demonstrated to Michael Clarke what the track had to offer for day 4 and lead to a very quick declaration. Shaun Marsh didn't add to his overnight score of 44, but his simple prod at the ball to get caught behind indicated there was little intention to go out to claim more runs to the already monstrous lead. With Morkel's demo done, Clarkey called for the declaration and the proceedings began for The Baggy Greens to take the win, draw first blood of the 3-match Test series.
It didn't take long. Alviro Petersen has been playing away from his body, a trigger movement to his leg stump, and Mitchell Johnson hasn't let him settle. His dismissal was inevitable with this technique, very well analysed by Shaun Pollock in the commentary box versus the way AB de Villiers handled himself.
Alex Doolan had a brilliant debut. Besides his composure of day 3, his catches taken at short leg were freakish to say the least. The most bizarre factor was the way he actually got his hands into a position to take the catches. It didn't just seem to be pure reflex, but someone with freakish reflexes who instinctively went for the catch. Simon Katich was very good in the position, as was the original player I watched under the helmet - David Boon. Alex Doolan has quickly taken a likening to the role and helped Mitch grab two wickets, the big one of Graeme Smith and then JP Duminy.
Mitchell's damage of the day was that of his wicket taking. However, physical intimidation included smashing a bouncer into Hashim Amla's grill, first ball which nearly took his helmet straight off.
Ryan McClaren had ducked and weaved quite well until he ducked into a fast ball back of a length from Mitch. It bashed into the side of his head and drew blood from his ear. The battle is exciting, but it is a bit sickening when something like that happens. Even the bowler who executes the pain doesn't like it, but that is the game and that is the job of the intimidator. Cricket is a tough game and a red ball coming at you around 150km/h is terrifying.
After the break, McClaren was dismissed shortly after and would have been quite pleased to get off the ground and ease the pounding in his head. Hope he recovers okay.
Vernon Philander took a delivery onto his finger, then his bat broke.
Mitchell's job was done with another 5 wickets in the bag. Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle finished proceedings. Both of them have done a grand job this Test, nothing too flash or overly effective, but that effectiveness has come from tight bowling with little pressure release from their duties. Both looked a little down on energy but I still have high expectations of these two experienced campaigners.
Sids was able to vary the seam and get variable bounce off the track, especially with fuller paced bowling, while Ryano was like a metronome. This output gave him the reward of Hashim Amla's wicket. Craig McDermott's 101 plan.
The victory came in good time, with the boys having one day extra to rest their bodies, clear their minds and prepare for a quick turnaround before the Test down in Port Elizabeth.
Since South Africa's readmission into sports only one Test has been played in PE, St George's Park, which we won. Mark Waugh took the Man of the Match award after a century which ensured we were able to squeeze out a victory by 2 wickets. I remember it very well.
It's a good vibe when games get played at St. George's. Usually there's a band belting out some regular anthems and it should make the atmosphere at the smaller ground a good advertisement in a big clash for both sides. We look to take the series, South Africa look to stay alive.
So, it the next venue has some history in our favour as the boys will fight hard to go 2-0 up and claim another Test series in South Africa. Newland's hasn't been a good hunting ground for us, but we ended South Africa's good run at Centurion and have gained momentum to go 1-0 up.
Tough work ahead still in my opinion and I hope our bowlers rest up well to be ready to do it all again on Thursday.
Verdict: Proud to write we took each day of this Test. Very happy.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
03 January 2014
The Ashes: 5th Test, day 2
The McGrath Foundation Pink Test.
England won the toss and elected to field first. We lead by 311 runs with 6 wickets in tact, three days play to go.
Australia 1st innings: 326 all out from 76 overs
Steven Smith 115, Brad Haddin 75, Shane Watson 43
Ben Stoked 6-99
England 1st innings: 155 all out from 58.5 overs
Ben Stokes 47
Peter Siddle 3-23, Mitchell Johnson 3-33, Ryan Harris 3-36
Australia 2nd innings: 4/140 off 30.0
Chris Rogers 73*, George Bailey 20*
James Anderson 2-36
Plays: With a lead of 311 and England probably fortunate to have not been bowled out for substantially less, it's looking like the gates are open for us to go in for the kill and finish this Ashes series 5-0.
It took only two deliveries into the morning session to have our second wicket, the big one of Alastair Cook to Ryan Harris, misjudging an attempted LBW. 2-8.
Then James Anderson, who offered some resistance as the night watchman, flashed at a wider delivery and the catch was pouched by Michael Clarke off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson. 3-14.
Mighty Mitch also needs just 1 wicket to level the highest number of wickets taken by an Australian fast bowler in a 5-match Ashes series.
Three runs later England lost Kevin Pietersen, taken down by Ryan Harris with Shane Watson taking a catch from a length ball which jumped a bit on KP. 4-17.
Six runs later Ian Bell - England's real dangerman - was dismissed with a ball that did nip away a touch but with no footwork Bell looked cramped in the shot and England lost their fifth wicket. 5-23.
Some resistance came after the collapse briefly summarised above. It was fortunate for England that Ben Stokes was able to keep going for the sake of them not being bowled out for less than one hundred runs, as he found support from Bairstow and debutant Gary Ballance. Ballance took a ferocious bouncer from Mitchell Johnson into the helmet and didn't seem to fully compose himself thereafter. A tough initiation.
We perhaps played the game a bit too fast paced as Stuart Broad had a bit of a hit out, deciding to go down with a fight this Ashes contest. I would have liked to have seen Michael Clarke just pull the game back a bit and slow down the action, which would have hopefully snuffed England's late innings momentum.
Fortunately, we had them all out for 155 runs and the lead was secured. A healthy lead at that.
England's average 1st innings total this Ashes series has been 194 runs. It tells a tale.
We've also had a pattern throughout this series. If you have been following this Ashes series on the site you will now know of it.
This time around, our top order failed in 2nd innings circumstances where they have prevailed. This final innings of the Ashes series, it went as follows.
David Warner was dismissed for 16 runs, giving him 32 runs for the match.
His Ashes tally though comes in at 523 runs, an average of 58.11. HS 124, x2 50s and x2 100s.
Shane Watson scored 52 runs for the Test, only adding 9 to the scoreboard before edging behind.
He has not finished this Ashes series with enough to make him our definite, nor long term, number 3 solution heading to South Africa. There were glimpses of the talent on display we know Watson possesses. He ends our Ashes campaign with 345 runs at 38.33. HS 103.
Michael Clarke had a quiet SCG Test. He's still piled on the runs this Ashes series, but by his standards of the last 24 months this was very, very reserved on his part. He only scored 16 runs this Test, but brought in a collection of 363 runs, at 40.33. He went beyond a half-century twice and, on both these occasions, advanced to a century. He top scored for us (at present) with 148 runs.
Steven Smith was a centurion in the 1st innings, a wonderful innings to watch which I reported on yesterday. He did his job then for us then and there, helping Brad Haddin initiate a rescue mission. Today he only scored 7 runs. He ends his Ashes series on a high with the bat scoring 327 runs, at 40.87. This includes x2 centuries, a similar trend to Michael Clarke.
Chris Rogers is still at the crease and played with plenty of positive intent towards stumps, instead of going into a sort of lock down mode. He just embraced the moment with a big lead in the bag. I would love to see Bucky score a century in this Test, to just crush any remaining personal doubts he may still harbor.
George Bailey, possibly playing his last Test innings, evidently enjoying himself just found the gaps, worked the ball away, lived on the edge but survived to stumps. He has 20* runs and tomorrow could be a memorable one for him if he just gives hit his best. He has little to lose. He is in our ODI team as a regular member, has now been a member of a winning Ashes campaign, and did manage a half-century in Adelaide.
Sure, he hasn't delivered enough in his personal capacity, but he was involved in the teams win, and here he has a chance to help us advance the lead, ease the pressure off our bowlers, and also maybe give himself a lifeline before the South African tour.
Our bowlers were the victorious ones today and the collection of three wickets to each of our fast bowlers, and a wicket to our spin bowler Nathan Lyon, who really did a fantastic job, just summed up their confidence and ability to work in partnerships.
Verdict: The assessment of our depth is very hard to tell at present looking to the future. Our batting has been frail in the top order, but this cannot overcloud the fact every one in our top order has scored a century and has made an impact on this Ashes series. Consistency is the key. We've seen it with our bowlers, but not with our batsmen. However, when the batsmen have delivered it's been bloody fantastic.
Against South Africa we will need more out of them on the basis of consistency, but the signs are there and fortunately we also have younger men, such as Steven Smith, David Warner and Nathan Lyon, bringing the goods to the level of Test cricket.
The challenges are ahead to not only get back the number 1 spot, but also knowing that inevitably this current line-up is not a long term fixture. It may be enough though to push for this objective of number one status and just help the selectors line up the correct recruitment's going forward. I am staying positive, while embracing the now. We've waited a long time for a performance like this.
Three days to go still, a lead over 300 runs in place, and 6 wickets in tact for us. Plenty to smile about right now and 5-0 definitely awaits us with the right discipline and tactical execution. England have probably checked out. Come on Australia!
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
England won the toss and elected to field first. We lead by 311 runs with 6 wickets in tact, three days play to go.
Australia 1st innings: 326 all out from 76 overs
Steven Smith 115, Brad Haddin 75, Shane Watson 43
Ben Stoked 6-99
England 1st innings: 155 all out from 58.5 overs
Ben Stokes 47
Peter Siddle 3-23, Mitchell Johnson 3-33, Ryan Harris 3-36
Australia 2nd innings: 4/140 off 30.0
Chris Rogers 73*, George Bailey 20*
James Anderson 2-36
Plays: With a lead of 311 and England probably fortunate to have not been bowled out for substantially less, it's looking like the gates are open for us to go in for the kill and finish this Ashes series 5-0.
It took only two deliveries into the morning session to have our second wicket, the big one of Alastair Cook to Ryan Harris, misjudging an attempted LBW. 2-8.
Then James Anderson, who offered some resistance as the night watchman, flashed at a wider delivery and the catch was pouched by Michael Clarke off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson. 3-14.
Mighty Mitch also needs just 1 wicket to level the highest number of wickets taken by an Australian fast bowler in a 5-match Ashes series.
Three runs later England lost Kevin Pietersen, taken down by Ryan Harris with Shane Watson taking a catch from a length ball which jumped a bit on KP. 4-17.
Six runs later Ian Bell - England's real dangerman - was dismissed with a ball that did nip away a touch but with no footwork Bell looked cramped in the shot and England lost their fifth wicket. 5-23.
Some resistance came after the collapse briefly summarised above. It was fortunate for England that Ben Stokes was able to keep going for the sake of them not being bowled out for less than one hundred runs, as he found support from Bairstow and debutant Gary Ballance. Ballance took a ferocious bouncer from Mitchell Johnson into the helmet and didn't seem to fully compose himself thereafter. A tough initiation.
We perhaps played the game a bit too fast paced as Stuart Broad had a bit of a hit out, deciding to go down with a fight this Ashes contest. I would have liked to have seen Michael Clarke just pull the game back a bit and slow down the action, which would have hopefully snuffed England's late innings momentum.
Fortunately, we had them all out for 155 runs and the lead was secured. A healthy lead at that.
England's average 1st innings total this Ashes series has been 194 runs. It tells a tale.
We've also had a pattern throughout this series. If you have been following this Ashes series on the site you will now know of it.
This time around, our top order failed in 2nd innings circumstances where they have prevailed. This final innings of the Ashes series, it went as follows.
David Warner was dismissed for 16 runs, giving him 32 runs for the match.
His Ashes tally though comes in at 523 runs, an average of 58.11. HS 124, x2 50s and x2 100s.
Shane Watson scored 52 runs for the Test, only adding 9 to the scoreboard before edging behind.
He has not finished this Ashes series with enough to make him our definite, nor long term, number 3 solution heading to South Africa. There were glimpses of the talent on display we know Watson possesses. He ends our Ashes campaign with 345 runs at 38.33. HS 103.
Michael Clarke had a quiet SCG Test. He's still piled on the runs this Ashes series, but by his standards of the last 24 months this was very, very reserved on his part. He only scored 16 runs this Test, but brought in a collection of 363 runs, at 40.33. He went beyond a half-century twice and, on both these occasions, advanced to a century. He top scored for us (at present) with 148 runs.
Steven Smith was a centurion in the 1st innings, a wonderful innings to watch which I reported on yesterday. He did his job then for us then and there, helping Brad Haddin initiate a rescue mission. Today he only scored 7 runs. He ends his Ashes series on a high with the bat scoring 327 runs, at 40.87. This includes x2 centuries, a similar trend to Michael Clarke.
Chris Rogers is still at the crease and played with plenty of positive intent towards stumps, instead of going into a sort of lock down mode. He just embraced the moment with a big lead in the bag. I would love to see Bucky score a century in this Test, to just crush any remaining personal doubts he may still harbor.
George Bailey, possibly playing his last Test innings, evidently enjoying himself just found the gaps, worked the ball away, lived on the edge but survived to stumps. He has 20* runs and tomorrow could be a memorable one for him if he just gives hit his best. He has little to lose. He is in our ODI team as a regular member, has now been a member of a winning Ashes campaign, and did manage a half-century in Adelaide.
Sure, he hasn't delivered enough in his personal capacity, but he was involved in the teams win, and here he has a chance to help us advance the lead, ease the pressure off our bowlers, and also maybe give himself a lifeline before the South African tour.
Our bowlers were the victorious ones today and the collection of three wickets to each of our fast bowlers, and a wicket to our spin bowler Nathan Lyon, who really did a fantastic job, just summed up their confidence and ability to work in partnerships.
Verdict: The assessment of our depth is very hard to tell at present looking to the future. Our batting has been frail in the top order, but this cannot overcloud the fact every one in our top order has scored a century and has made an impact on this Ashes series. Consistency is the key. We've seen it with our bowlers, but not with our batsmen. However, when the batsmen have delivered it's been bloody fantastic.
Against South Africa we will need more out of them on the basis of consistency, but the signs are there and fortunately we also have younger men, such as Steven Smith, David Warner and Nathan Lyon, bringing the goods to the level of Test cricket.
The challenges are ahead to not only get back the number 1 spot, but also knowing that inevitably this current line-up is not a long term fixture. It may be enough though to push for this objective of number one status and just help the selectors line up the correct recruitment's going forward. I am staying positive, while embracing the now. We've waited a long time for a performance like this.
Three days to go still, a lead over 300 runs in place, and 6 wickets in tact for us. Plenty to smile about right now and 5-0 definitely awaits us with the right discipline and tactical execution. England have probably checked out. Come on Australia!
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
29 December 2013
The Ashes, 4th Test, day 4
Reports for day 1, day 2, and day 3.
Result: Australia lead the Ashes 4-0 in dominant style.
England 1st Innings: 255 all out from 100 overs overs
Kevin Pietersen 71, Michael Carberry 38
Ryan Harris 2-47, Mitchell Johnson 5-63, Shane Watson 1-11
Australia 1st innings: 204 all out from 82.2 overs
Brad Haddin 65, Chris Rogers 61,
Stuart Broad 3-45, James Anderson 4-67
England 2nd innings: 179 all out from 61 overs
Alastair Cook 51, Kevin Pietersen 49
Nathan Lyon 5-50, Mitchell Johnson 3-25
Australia 2nd innings: (Target 231) 2/231
Chris Rogers 116, Shane Watson 83*
Plays: England set us a challenge after taking the 1st innings lead. We accepted the challenge and we have conquered it in historic style to win by 8 wickets at the MCG. Rising up the rankings again with the win and now the whitewash of 5-0 is a reality. It's now about pushing our ICC points to the max to prepare for the South African tour.
Yesterday I wrote of a 2nd innings trend (Shane Watson especially), where we get solid runs from our specialist batsmen, after 1st innings woes which has seen Brad Haddin rescue us 1st innings in, 1st innings out, but we recovered in gigantic style.
Live the moment, celebrate a brilliant Test victory. Feel the pride!
On a fun note, we were 2/222 at 2:22 pm. Just imagine if Richie Benaud had been in the commentary box? Classic. It was good to hear Bill Lawry back behind the mic.
Chris Rogers resumed the day with David Warner, who was dismissed after they'd past a stand of 64. That was England's only moment of joy as Shane Watson came on out to partner Bucky Rogers and they ensured we not only came within sight of victory, but pulled off a match winning effort to bring in 136 runs, leaving little work for Michael Clarke.
Rogers was not given Man of the Match, which is a bit unfortunate given his performances have been invaluable, but this is a team sport and Mitchell Johnson, who was awarded Man of the Match, acknowledged Rogers' efforts and stated he deserved it. It shows the good sportsmanship element of Mitchell's character. Well done.
Mitch took 8 wickets for the match (a series tally of 31 at 14.32), but I feel the majority of the fans wanted Chris to have his moment. The team stands united though and that is what matters. No one can take that century and what it means away from him.
The 2nd innings total is definitely a special one for Rogers after his 1st innings effort came undone with an uncharacteristic shot after a hell of a lot of hard work. While the wickets tumbled, he stayed true to his game of patience, caution and classy shot execution. He threw it away and this would have only burdened his mind after he has been vocal in the media that he has not felt settled in the opening spot.
Having made these comments, he used that pressure to step up and deliver a century I will remember for many, many years to come. We needed a centurion and he delivered, we needed an opener to build a solid foundation, he delivered. We needed experience in a challenging setting, and although he doesn't have the international experience - as such - he has immense experience in different scenarios across a First Class career raking in more than 20,000 runs.
That experience shone through and our man, who was scorned as being "too old" by clueless supporters, showed that a quality batsman is better than a flashy upcoming hipster. The result was a century at his now home ground (once the WACA), the MCG, and we went 4-0 up. He now has 333 runs at 41.62. He averages more than 40 for the calendar year.
He had some luck in his innings, but that is required in the game of Test cricket. Michael Hussey always noted it. It's how you cash in on that luck though.
Shane Watson will feel a bit on edge still given his runs keep coming in the 2nd innings, but having written this, his input has counted massively towards our current standing at 4-0. He was able to play aggressively and after David Warner departed, England still had a chance but Watto was able to do what Warner would have done. The result was an unbeaten half-century with little fuss.
Michael Clarke was able to pass 8,000 Test runs. An outstanding achievement and one I am proud to have followed from run number 1 in India.
Another player to pass 8,000 Test runs was England's skipper, Alastair Cook. On a note of Cook, I feel his pain and the pressure. It was there for Ricky Ponting, there for Michael Clarke not long ago (despite his individual performances being the best of the group), and I felt strong supporting them both through the criticism.
Cook will be taking a pounding from the media, verbal abuse from the blinker fanatics, and his achievements for England as a Test cricketer will be quickly forgotten. It is the unfair vulture like culture of the media. He has had a bleak series, and while he may not seem to inspire his troops he was given a chance, was involved as skipper in a winning Ashes campaign, and he was the man chosen for the job.
I am glad we have thumped England, but I will always have an empathetic outlook and Cook will take constructive criticism, but there will be harsh words too. The true supporters come to light in dark times.
For this reason I am super excited to be 4-0 up and having proudly supported my team through the lows. I brought out my critical views and I did vent my frustration, no doubts there, but I still saw the positives and believed we would not only win the Ashes but also find a sense on unity under better leadership and selection consistencies.
It was a remarkable Test match win after being down and now winning convincingly.
Again, we were better in the field, better in attitude, and hungry to win with confidence. England had nothing and it reflected. After yesterdays collapse it was all over for England. This is a special achievement, epic history for our side, so it's vital to embrace the emotions and enjoy the ride. More battles ahead but this must be celebrated.
My closing note is that Shane Watson and Ryan Harris may miss the Sydney Test with injury niggles. Doug Bollinger will likely come in for Ryano, where he made his debut against South Africa 2008, but the man to replace Shane Watson will be a tough decision. I will keep my view aside on this until the news is confirmed whether he will or won't play.
Verdict: After bringing down the axe on England yesterday, it was our game to win and a massive opportunity to cement our status as a team on the mend. These messages need to go out with a Test series against the current number one team around the corner, and this was the style to do it in.
In England we were unlucky as, besides the Lord's Test, there wasn't much between the sides, but we couldn't secure those key moments. This time around we have found ways to win those moments and claim the winning edge, we have a unified team, match winners performing with experience, and the results show.
Despite the great team effort, the standout players were Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Shane Watson, and mighty Mitchell Johnson for this clash.
We lead 4-0. I love it. I love this team and I am really proud.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
Result: Australia lead the Ashes 4-0 in dominant style.
England 1st Innings: 255 all out from 100 overs overs
Kevin Pietersen 71, Michael Carberry 38
Ryan Harris 2-47, Mitchell Johnson 5-63, Shane Watson 1-11
Australia 1st innings: 204 all out from 82.2 overs
Brad Haddin 65, Chris Rogers 61,
Stuart Broad 3-45, James Anderson 4-67
England 2nd innings: 179 all out from 61 overs
Alastair Cook 51, Kevin Pietersen 49
Nathan Lyon 5-50, Mitchell Johnson 3-25
Australia 2nd innings: (Target 231) 2/231
Chris Rogers 116, Shane Watson 83*
Plays: England set us a challenge after taking the 1st innings lead. We accepted the challenge and we have conquered it in historic style to win by 8 wickets at the MCG. Rising up the rankings again with the win and now the whitewash of 5-0 is a reality. It's now about pushing our ICC points to the max to prepare for the South African tour.
Yesterday I wrote of a 2nd innings trend (Shane Watson especially), where we get solid runs from our specialist batsmen, after 1st innings woes which has seen Brad Haddin rescue us 1st innings in, 1st innings out, but we recovered in gigantic style.
Live the moment, celebrate a brilliant Test victory. Feel the pride!
On a fun note, we were 2/222 at 2:22 pm. Just imagine if Richie Benaud had been in the commentary box? Classic. It was good to hear Bill Lawry back behind the mic.
Chris Rogers resumed the day with David Warner, who was dismissed after they'd past a stand of 64. That was England's only moment of joy as Shane Watson came on out to partner Bucky Rogers and they ensured we not only came within sight of victory, but pulled off a match winning effort to bring in 136 runs, leaving little work for Michael Clarke.
Rogers was not given Man of the Match, which is a bit unfortunate given his performances have been invaluable, but this is a team sport and Mitchell Johnson, who was awarded Man of the Match, acknowledged Rogers' efforts and stated he deserved it. It shows the good sportsmanship element of Mitchell's character. Well done.
Mitch took 8 wickets for the match (a series tally of 31 at 14.32), but I feel the majority of the fans wanted Chris to have his moment. The team stands united though and that is what matters. No one can take that century and what it means away from him.
The 2nd innings total is definitely a special one for Rogers after his 1st innings effort came undone with an uncharacteristic shot after a hell of a lot of hard work. While the wickets tumbled, he stayed true to his game of patience, caution and classy shot execution. He threw it away and this would have only burdened his mind after he has been vocal in the media that he has not felt settled in the opening spot.
Having made these comments, he used that pressure to step up and deliver a century I will remember for many, many years to come. We needed a centurion and he delivered, we needed an opener to build a solid foundation, he delivered. We needed experience in a challenging setting, and although he doesn't have the international experience - as such - he has immense experience in different scenarios across a First Class career raking in more than 20,000 runs.
That experience shone through and our man, who was scorned as being "too old" by clueless supporters, showed that a quality batsman is better than a flashy upcoming hipster. The result was a century at his now home ground (once the WACA), the MCG, and we went 4-0 up. He now has 333 runs at 41.62. He averages more than 40 for the calendar year.
He had some luck in his innings, but that is required in the game of Test cricket. Michael Hussey always noted it. It's how you cash in on that luck though.
Shane Watson will feel a bit on edge still given his runs keep coming in the 2nd innings, but having written this, his input has counted massively towards our current standing at 4-0. He was able to play aggressively and after David Warner departed, England still had a chance but Watto was able to do what Warner would have done. The result was an unbeaten half-century with little fuss.
Michael Clarke was able to pass 8,000 Test runs. An outstanding achievement and one I am proud to have followed from run number 1 in India.
Another player to pass 8,000 Test runs was England's skipper, Alastair Cook. On a note of Cook, I feel his pain and the pressure. It was there for Ricky Ponting, there for Michael Clarke not long ago (despite his individual performances being the best of the group), and I felt strong supporting them both through the criticism.
Cook will be taking a pounding from the media, verbal abuse from the blinker fanatics, and his achievements for England as a Test cricketer will be quickly forgotten. It is the unfair vulture like culture of the media. He has had a bleak series, and while he may not seem to inspire his troops he was given a chance, was involved as skipper in a winning Ashes campaign, and he was the man chosen for the job.
I am glad we have thumped England, but I will always have an empathetic outlook and Cook will take constructive criticism, but there will be harsh words too. The true supporters come to light in dark times.
For this reason I am super excited to be 4-0 up and having proudly supported my team through the lows. I brought out my critical views and I did vent my frustration, no doubts there, but I still saw the positives and believed we would not only win the Ashes but also find a sense on unity under better leadership and selection consistencies.
It was a remarkable Test match win after being down and now winning convincingly.
Again, we were better in the field, better in attitude, and hungry to win with confidence. England had nothing and it reflected. After yesterdays collapse it was all over for England. This is a special achievement, epic history for our side, so it's vital to embrace the emotions and enjoy the ride. More battles ahead but this must be celebrated.
My closing note is that Shane Watson and Ryan Harris may miss the Sydney Test with injury niggles. Doug Bollinger will likely come in for Ryano, where he made his debut against South Africa 2008, but the man to replace Shane Watson will be a tough decision. I will keep my view aside on this until the news is confirmed whether he will or won't play.
Verdict: After bringing down the axe on England yesterday, it was our game to win and a massive opportunity to cement our status as a team on the mend. These messages need to go out with a Test series against the current number one team around the corner, and this was the style to do it in.
In England we were unlucky as, besides the Lord's Test, there wasn't much between the sides, but we couldn't secure those key moments. This time around we have found ways to win those moments and claim the winning edge, we have a unified team, match winners performing with experience, and the results show.
Despite the great team effort, the standout players were Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Shane Watson, and mighty Mitchell Johnson for this clash.
We lead 4-0. I love it. I love this team and I am really proud.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
27 December 2013
The Ashes, 4th Test, day 2
England 1st Innings: 255 all out from 100 overs overs
Kevin Pietersen 71, Michael Carberry 38
Ryan Harris 2-47, Mitchell Johnson 5-63, Shane Watson 1-11
Australia 1st innings: 9/164 from 73.3 overs
Chris Rogers 61, Brad Haddin 43*
Stuart Broad 3-30, James Anderson 3-50
Plays: Just a quick recap of the action today. I haven't had a highly analytical look at the way each moment played out, but I have seen enough to know our discipline was far from adequate and we saw quality players gift away their wickets.
This Test has definitely been a battle of who can be the most patient of batsmen and work for their runs. As far as I am concerned only Chris Rogers and Brad Haddin have been those worthy of this, and this doesn't hide the fact we are trailing England by 91 runs with just 1 wicket in tact.
Chris Rogers will be livid with himself. I use that word a lot but you could sense it. He threw away another start, having showcased good, quality batting, with patience and caution. His shot to leave the MCG field was a shocker by his standards and he tossed away an opportunity on his home ground to make a massive impression, and of course aid the team.
Having said that, he did what few others batsmen have done this Test, make runs like a Test batsman. I don't include Kevin Pietersen as he was dropped twice playing with an aggressive intent and lacked that spoken of discipline in a confident manner. He was far from confident out there. His dismissal against mighty Mitchell Johnson summed up what is going on his head mind.
So, Chris Rogers did the work but didn't complete the job. He does stand out though as a lonely man on the scorecard, but luckily for us one man has arrived to play his part too.
Brad Haddin has contributed runs once again and done so in a time of need. He's bailed us out a few times this series, as our batting does remain the weaker dynamic of this team. Not weak, just the most inconsistent but way better than where we were a while back. He is still at the crease on 43* and while he used a review successfully to not be given out LBW to Monty Panesar, he looked good from what I have seen. I always admire his shot execution. One of the best in the business. With him at the crease and no doubt not lacking confidence in his batting partner, Nathan Lyon, we could quite possibly minimise that lead.
This optimism doesn't disguise the fact we have thrown away an advantage, something we have not done often this Test. And no, I don't disagree with the toss now as today had nothing to do with that. It was a lack of discipline. David Warner I felt just played the way he does and got out. Some days it won't come off as we'd like. He'll strike back.
Shane Watson needs 1st innings contributions. It's starting to get beyond seriously frustrating - and it's clearly possible. He showcases his skills but it just never quite reaches the heights it should, or comes to the show when things are seriously on the line - in Test cricket that is. His shot was another Watson dismissal at a time where the break was near and maybe a switch went off up top. Real pity for Watto after Perth.
Michael Clarke misjudged a delivery that swung in, something that was reminiscent of the 2005 Ashes series, as pointed out by ESPN Cricinfo's commentary.
George Bailey will, unfortunately, have to feel the pressure now with under performing at the elite level. The media will latch onto him, despite the proud fact we have regained the urn and he was a part of that effort. His shot though was not one a batsman should be showcasing new to the crease, but he was selected on an ODI basis so too an extent I don't see reason to bad mouth him. It is inevitable though he will be given a rough time about it as it was a golden chance for him to step up. It wasn't the first time though the English bowlers have also grinded and worked him over. The selectors will have to consider their options, mostly on the basis of their selection for Georgey.
Other than that, it's going to be some hard work for us to claw back into this one, but a fresh day brings fresh chances and opportunities.
Mitchell Johnson was the man of the day though as he claimed his third 5-fer of the series. He's just been brutal and a good rest saw him return to the MCG and he killed the English tail enders, plus KP. It was just another display of memorable fast bowling, which sees Mitch further gain the ground to stick it to the Barmy Army and the media, who snuffed him. Well done Mitch on another incredible performance. Just brilliant! Hard to write another bit of compliments for the man, as he's doing it game in, game out.
Verdict: After Mitchell's performance it's sad I have to write that England have taken the day with a lead just under 100 and three days play to go. They have confidence issues still so I see plenty of chances for us to still win this match. It was England's day though and our batting was the downfall, dampening the otherwise spectacular effort from Mitchell Johnson.
It was inevitable we would have a bad day at the office and this was it. If anything, it's kind of exciting seeing England ahead of us now as we have a wonderful opportunity to really fight back into this match, despite having the urn. Yep, we got the urn!
Lastly, Piers Morgan...you deserved that barrage of fast bowling served to you by Brett "Binga" Lee! Alastair Cook was probably the man who enjoyed it most.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
Kevin Pietersen 71, Michael Carberry 38
Ryan Harris 2-47, Mitchell Johnson 5-63, Shane Watson 1-11
Australia 1st innings: 9/164 from 73.3 overs
Chris Rogers 61, Brad Haddin 43*
Stuart Broad 3-30, James Anderson 3-50
Plays: Just a quick recap of the action today. I haven't had a highly analytical look at the way each moment played out, but I have seen enough to know our discipline was far from adequate and we saw quality players gift away their wickets.
This Test has definitely been a battle of who can be the most patient of batsmen and work for their runs. As far as I am concerned only Chris Rogers and Brad Haddin have been those worthy of this, and this doesn't hide the fact we are trailing England by 91 runs with just 1 wicket in tact.
Chris Rogers will be livid with himself. I use that word a lot but you could sense it. He threw away another start, having showcased good, quality batting, with patience and caution. His shot to leave the MCG field was a shocker by his standards and he tossed away an opportunity on his home ground to make a massive impression, and of course aid the team.
Having said that, he did what few others batsmen have done this Test, make runs like a Test batsman. I don't include Kevin Pietersen as he was dropped twice playing with an aggressive intent and lacked that spoken of discipline in a confident manner. He was far from confident out there. His dismissal against mighty Mitchell Johnson summed up what is going on his head mind.
So, Chris Rogers did the work but didn't complete the job. He does stand out though as a lonely man on the scorecard, but luckily for us one man has arrived to play his part too.
Brad Haddin has contributed runs once again and done so in a time of need. He's bailed us out a few times this series, as our batting does remain the weaker dynamic of this team. Not weak, just the most inconsistent but way better than where we were a while back. He is still at the crease on 43* and while he used a review successfully to not be given out LBW to Monty Panesar, he looked good from what I have seen. I always admire his shot execution. One of the best in the business. With him at the crease and no doubt not lacking confidence in his batting partner, Nathan Lyon, we could quite possibly minimise that lead.
This optimism doesn't disguise the fact we have thrown away an advantage, something we have not done often this Test. And no, I don't disagree with the toss now as today had nothing to do with that. It was a lack of discipline. David Warner I felt just played the way he does and got out. Some days it won't come off as we'd like. He'll strike back.
Shane Watson needs 1st innings contributions. It's starting to get beyond seriously frustrating - and it's clearly possible. He showcases his skills but it just never quite reaches the heights it should, or comes to the show when things are seriously on the line - in Test cricket that is. His shot was another Watson dismissal at a time where the break was near and maybe a switch went off up top. Real pity for Watto after Perth.
Michael Clarke misjudged a delivery that swung in, something that was reminiscent of the 2005 Ashes series, as pointed out by ESPN Cricinfo's commentary.
George Bailey will, unfortunately, have to feel the pressure now with under performing at the elite level. The media will latch onto him, despite the proud fact we have regained the urn and he was a part of that effort. His shot though was not one a batsman should be showcasing new to the crease, but he was selected on an ODI basis so too an extent I don't see reason to bad mouth him. It is inevitable though he will be given a rough time about it as it was a golden chance for him to step up. It wasn't the first time though the English bowlers have also grinded and worked him over. The selectors will have to consider their options, mostly on the basis of their selection for Georgey.
Other than that, it's going to be some hard work for us to claw back into this one, but a fresh day brings fresh chances and opportunities.
Mitchell Johnson was the man of the day though as he claimed his third 5-fer of the series. He's just been brutal and a good rest saw him return to the MCG and he killed the English tail enders, plus KP. It was just another display of memorable fast bowling, which sees Mitch further gain the ground to stick it to the Barmy Army and the media, who snuffed him. Well done Mitch on another incredible performance. Just brilliant! Hard to write another bit of compliments for the man, as he's doing it game in, game out.
Verdict: After Mitchell's performance it's sad I have to write that England have taken the day with a lead just under 100 and three days play to go. They have confidence issues still so I see plenty of chances for us to still win this match. It was England's day though and our batting was the downfall, dampening the otherwise spectacular effort from Mitchell Johnson.
It was inevitable we would have a bad day at the office and this was it. If anything, it's kind of exciting seeing England ahead of us now as we have a wonderful opportunity to really fight back into this match, despite having the urn. Yep, we got the urn!
Lastly, Piers Morgan...you deserved that barrage of fast bowling served to you by Brett "Binga" Lee! Alastair Cook was probably the man who enjoyed it most.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
18 December 2013
The Baggy Green team that regained the urn
I wrote many times that we would win the Ashes. I noted that if our batting clicked into place we would win as it would give our bowlers consistent opportunities to defend totals of competitive substance, rather than defend totals in desperate attempts to stay in the game. Consistency was a key, as was self-belief, balancing experience and upcoming players. Fortunately, this time around it occurred and it proved the theory, finally. However, having stated this I will also be honest that I did go into this Ashes series with few expectations, reserving this execution of a winning recipe to be handled by our team day by day. No expectations creates a better platform for a team with a new coach reigniting the concept of pride and fun for the players and supporters. I kept this in mind and now in hindsight I am glad I took this approach with my writing in the build up to this series.
Here is my article looking at the team that has led us to an Ashes victory in 2013. More discussion via the Facebook page.
I had zero objections with this side heading into the Ashes. I wanted an unchanged unit because, as the word "unit" intends, unity comes from consistent selection policies. This was followed and as a result this team is the most united Australian team in many years. Even before we took that final wicket to bring the urn back (although not officially form Lord's) there was a strong sense of unity amongst the team. It's so uplifting.
Mitchell Johnson (23 wickets at 15.47, BBI 7-40, BBM 9-103/ 147 runs at 49.00, HS 64) has been praised for his performances. It seems as if he is the only man in this team though. I think this is both unfair and hypocritical on the media's behalf. Mitch has been treated like trash from the media in particular in the past. The way it's being portrayed by them (the media) one would think his efforts, while absolutely remarkable and rare to witness (Brisbane & Adelaide), were the only occurrence of excellence this Ashes series.
I am so proud of Mitch. I cannot emphasise this enough. There is no shame on my part that a few years back I wrote an article that the gap between his best (match winning) and worst was too great for the harsh nature of Test cricket. He is a confidence player and in a team environment with constant change and high expectation on him to show up like the star player, game in game out, was unfair and harsh upon his character. It was not enough to develop him. Limited overs cricket was a much better platform for him to rebuild his confidence for two reasons.
Firstly, it is a form of the game that is not as harsh a reality as Test cricket, allowing shorter bursts and erratic bowling spells to still produce erratic results. This came to light during Mitchell's IPL stints then his tour to India a few months ago.
Secondly, it would give him chance to still be a member of the Australian Cricket team and also allow him time to balance limited overs duty with State duty to rebuild his confidence across a variety of formats and realign both his focus and objectives. This was to return as a Test cricketer with performances to back his return and of course win an Ashes series to put away all that criticism and degrading he had to endure.
The time away from the game at the elite level was the best thing for him and now we see Mitchell Johnson, confident, refreshed, focused, settled, but most importantly backed by both a united team and bowling attack. The leadership is strong and Mitch is thriving. The environment is better able to accommodate his bowling nature. The results say it all. Welcome back mighty Mitch!
Despite this return, Mitch was backed by a consistent bowling unit consisting of Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson and Nathan Lyon. Their input made Mitchell's performances possible and they all played a massive role in the result that sees us 3-0 up. That is why I find it unfair to put it all on Mitch, which also creates unfair expectation on him - a reason that led to his initial fall from great (media) heights. Time for people to get some perspective on what is a team sport and what was a bloody special team effort it has been!
Ryan Harris (12 wickets at 23.58/ 76 runs at 38.00, HS 55*) suffers through grueling body aches and the fear he could break down at any point. He still continues to take his catches, dive in the field, save boundaries, train hard, and above all do his primary job which is to charge in and bowl a ball around 140 - 145 km/h with swing. He hasn't been red hot but he's contributed, notably removing Alastair Cook for a golden duck at the WACA in England's 2nd innings. Cook was coming off a well fought half-century in the 1st innings and Ryano ensured the most beautiful delivery ended his contribution for the Test. It was massive.
Peter Siddle (11 wickets at 22.09) gets criticised, at times justifiably, for his lack of variation. Where he makes up for the tricks of the trade, is a burning ambition to succeed and unrivaled passion to play for the Baggy Greens.
When a track is dead, he finds something out of nothing on many decks and is able to bowl a line that probes and attacks a batsman whether they decide to defend or attack. He keeps coming at you and in times when the opportunities look slim he can pull out enough energy to pick the troops back up.
There is evidence that in times when desperately needed he hasn't been able to put in significant performances, but for Siddle to succeed you need bowlers around him with good pace, natural variation and a strong understanding of their duties. This is why he may appear the leader of the pack with a younger bowling unit, but they lack the experience and understanding Mitchell and Ryano have. With these factors he can play with greater significance. A few years back the combination with Ryano and Ben Hilfenhaus against India further proved this theory of mine.
He is a work horse and teams need those men. We have Siddle and this man was able to work over Kevin Pietersen - England's danger man - to the point where we have contained KP and the English critics want him gone. He has also rattled Matt Prior and these bunnies essentially add to the psychological demolition of the opposition. Personal battles but successful to come back to the concept of synergy. Sids is a big player and it's hard to not select him on this basis.
Nathan Lyon (10 wickets at 31.40) was only ever going to succeed through consistent selection. The more he bowls the better he gets, the more pitches he plays on, the more it forces him to look at his abilities (or enhance them). He initiated the collapse of England's batsmen yesterday and as a result we won the Ashes quicker than anticipated heading into the lunch break. It was a passage of play that may have defined him, just as Steve Smith's century in the 1st innings was a coming of age, the innings that has ultimately become his career defining moment.
Nathan took a 5fer on debut. He has struggled too, don't get me wrong. Many felt he didn't deliver when needed, but he has always been the right man for the job and until you've played as a spinner in multiple conditions against the best of the best, along with a winning team, it is a bloody tough initiation. He has come out on top and John Inverarity and his panel deserve the respect for this. We lacked consistency from the awful Hilditch regime and we have had this with the one position we were lost on. The spin bowler.
To add to Nathan's success as a spinner, a solid wicket keeper is needed. Enter Brad Haddin (15 catches, 325 runs at 65.00, HS 118, x1 century & x3 fifties from 5 innings) who, like Mitchell, was facing a high hill to return.
Matt Wade deserved his opportunities for us, I have no doubt about it. He had ticked all the boxes to make the Australian side and entered the mix at a time when Brad was going through a horrible time off the field which brought his game into a state of demise. His standards were low and it was not his time. Every player has a period of pain and this was his - sadly with personal matters as well which he fought through strongly for his family. That was the ultimate victory for Brad. Forget cricket.
Yet, when Matt Wade started to show chinks in his armor and Tim Paine still on the mend after his finger injury, Brad reawakened and raised the benchmark higher than his standards have been in years. The result was a keeper/batsman of an elite standards. Forget Adam Gilchrist, what you have seen here is a performance that most teams would give anything for from their keeper. Brad has delivered and he saw the opportunity for a return and made it count big time.
His keeping to Nathan Lyon's bowling was brilliant, with a technique Ian Healy waxed lyrical about from the outset. This has aided Nathan's output immensely and for this Hads must be added to the reward we have seen from our spinner. It is also a reason why Hads is, at present, my stand out player of the series.
His batting has been Michael Hussey like. He has stepped up when the team was in desperate need of a big innings and he's crushed England's winning edge, which in previous years would have not materialised. He's executed rescue missions and shown belief in our lower order.
A century at the Adelaide Oval, a near miss in Brisbane, performances in every other innings and then his partnership with Steven Smith in the 1st innings of the WACA Test. It all points to invaluable input with the bat from our keeper. England have not had this and it's been another huge difference between the teams.
Brad Haddin has been sensational and enhanced other players performances. Synergy once again.
Our batting has been hit and miss at times (a few small collapses requiring some remedy) but consistent in the fact that every single batsman, including newbie George Bailey, has stepped up as opposed to just Michael Clarke, which has been the case for too long.
David Warner (457 runs at 91.40, x2 centuries, HS 124) has become the top order destroyer we have missed since Matthew Hayden. He will have his blue patches but his cockiness has been most appreciated and his self-belief nothing but extraordinary when consider what this man went through off the field in recent months. It's been a personal relationship off the field that has helped him through this dark passage in his career and now look. It's a great sporting story.
He's been brutal with the bat and has now bagged two centuries, along with some high class fielding standards - another major difference between the two sides. Catches win matches but they also separate teams in terms of standards. Mike Young is back in the mix and his impact has been noticed.
Chris Rogers (156 runs at 26.00, 4 catches) hasn't scored a century but I don't care. I called for his selection in 2009, as I did now in 2013 before the English Ashes series. We needed to stick with him and once again the selectors have done so. He is the ideal partner for David Warner at the crease. He has experience, a well grounded game, and is able to quite likely put the right advice and encouragement into David Warner's mind in the battle zone.
I said I had few expectations heading into this series but right now I do have expectations of Chris to deliver big time in the final two Tests. I see a place for him in this team while Phillip Hughes continues to dominate the State field, and young batsmen like Nic Maddinson, Joe Burns, and Jordan Silk fine tune their craft for a while longer.
Chris, like Ryan Harris and Brad Haddin, realised that this was his final chance to quite likely be a member of a winning Ashes series. Ryano and Hads have endured one too many and now they have it. This was evident in the emotion Ryano displayed during the post-match celebration as his voice cracked and he held back the tears of relief. A raw moment in this harsh but great game.
Michael Clarke (331 runs at 55.16, x2 centuries), well, not much to write on this front as I have blurted it all before. He is our best batsman, recently winning the 2013 ICC Cricketer and Test Player of the Year awards.
He has executed his tactics well, rotated his bowlers on song, and he's used his referrals far better than the previous series with the DRS. Up until the match was won, Clarkey was the only player to have experienced a winning Ashes series. Now he is the leader of a winning Ashes campaign and he can be mighty proud of that coming in his 100th Test match.
Steven Smith (186 runs at 37.20, HS 111, 5 catches) had his coming of age with his century in the 3rd Test. He turned his public profile around in England, improving his reputation as a middle order batsman, specialist fielder and part-time spin bowler, as opposed to the variety of tags given to him upon his early Test appearances which did him more damage than good. He was all over the place as to what role he should play but once again, thanks to the selection panel and some brilliant performances from Steven for New South Wales, his position has been clarified.
He put in the performances at State level, which followed an Ashes campaign where we saw his drastic turnaround in his indentity as an Australian cricketer. It is still a very long road ahead for him and time is well on his side to become a solid Australian batsman. Below is what I had to write regarding his century of 111 runs.
It was about Steven Smith's century though which saw him roar in triumph to see his team through to stumps. A man given his Baggy Green too soon with an undefined role, has stepped back and crafted his own game over time. He is now becoming a Test batsman.
Well done youngster, well done!
The innings, from what I have analysed, was a mature one, seeing him leave many deliveries that needn't be played or were simply too tempting to nudge, and then picking the right ones to blaze away with no complacency. He didn't deliver in a dull moment, he did so when we seriously needed it. His pitch map tells a tale too, how many deliveries on a good length were simply dot balls. Patience folks, patience.
This was a massive moment, alive and fuming, demanding Smith to be the master and control it. He needed to secure it and he did so. This is about winning back the Ashes and in the past these small victories in these passages of play have not been present - or have come too late. This is day 1 against an English team low on confidence. This century could prove to be something very significant.
Then there is George Bailey (136 runs at 34.00, HS 53, 6 catches). Put into the team on the basis of limited overs form in India where he lead the side and dominated with the bat. It was a strange selection basis given his first class stats didn't quite stack up but he does have experience, and a good characteristic is he always has a smile on his face, loves his cricket and tries his best.
He took his catches for us, tried to play aggressive cricket - the brand the team is publicly promoting - and even found himself smashing James Anderson around the WACA to level with Brian Lara's most runs scored off an over in Test cricket - 28 runs.
Then finally there's Shane Watson (200 runs at 33.33, x1 100, x1 50, HS 103, 3 wickets) who found himself under fire for once again making starts and not converting or finding ways to gift away his wicket. Fortunately for Watto's confidence he was delivering maiden overs for us (35% of his overs have been maidens with an economy rate of 2.73) and has found ways to build pressure from his end just taking pace of the ball to keep the batsmen in no mans land, while also scrapping 3 wickets.
His batting came out with the desired result. A century with some big powerful shots. Although we were well ahead of England we still needed something else on the back of David Warner's ton, an innings that would crush England's presence on the field. Watto's innings did so and it was a spectacle to behold.
Shane Watson does have a poor conversion rate, he's never lived up to the potential that he definitely possesses and he knows it. Unfortunately, he has endured injury issues since his teenage years which has affected him but, as Brett Lee did so, he has found ways to reinvent himself and come back time and time again. That takes serious mental toughness. He finally has experienced winning as Ashes series and delivered when the team needed him too. Some may say one occasion too few, but I also say better late than never on the cricket field.
Watto is also one of the most respectful players come the supporters. Always taking time to talk to them, greet them, listen to them and play his role off the field with those who show up to back the team. This has always made me wish him all the success possible for our team. He's shown up in the Ashes and that is what has counted most.
After all I have written above, essential the differences between the sides is easily noticed in short:
- we had a bowling unit with more pace,
- we had a strike bowler high on confidence,
- a bowling unit with enough variation (well mentored by Craig McDermott),
- a wicket keeper showcasing elite standards who helped enhance our spin bowlers output
- our top order found centurions (7 versus England's 1 - Ben Stokes)
- we held our catches and had unbelievable intensity in the field versus England
- and of course this aggressive brand of cricket was backed by home support on home turf.
We still have two Tests to play, followed by a series against South Africa, in South Africa. This means that even though this is a special feeling to have regained the urn and one to embrace, there is a hell of a lot of hard work ahead for the players and the supporters and we shouldn't get too far ahead. This game can change very quickly.
They (the team) need our support to continue through the highs and the lows. They know the battle goes on and that for now the focus is 5-0 and a continual push for consistency as come the series against South Africa, we may have the urn but they have the number one Test ranking, something we dearly want. More about this come the eve of that series, but for now it is just wonderful to see my team united and playing positive cricket.
When one man has a tough day, another man is fighting his hardest to have a beauty of a day. And best of all is that man who has the tough day is getting the support from his team mates and the coach, Darren Lehman. We, as the supporters, need to back them all and let's just hope that concept of unity continues to grow. It's great to have the winning edge again, embrace it and enjoy it.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
15 December 2013
The Ashes, 3rd Test, day 3
The Ashes, 3rd Test, day 3, Perth
Australia won the toss and elected to bat and lead by 369 runs with 7 wickets in hand, 2 days play remaining.
AUS 1st innings: 385 all out from 103.3 overs.
Steven Smith 111*, David Warner 60, Brad Haddin 55, Mitchell Johnson 39.
Stuart Broad 3-100, James Anderson 2-60
ENG 1st innings: 251 all out after 88.0 overs
Alastair Cook 72, Michael Carberry 43
Ryan Harris 3-48, Peter Siddle 3-36, Mitchell Johnson 2-62
AUS 2nd innings: 3/253 from 70.0 overs
David Warner 112, Chris Rogers 54, Shane Watson 29*
Verdict: We are so close to regaining the urn, so close to winning this Test, and so close for me personally to celebrate something I have continued to back and believe we could achieve. Despite all the lows and torrid times endured, I have supported this team through it all and it feels so damn good right now to feel this unity. Two more days of this Test remain though. Forget the previous performances for now as the next two days of Test cricket for Australia will be the most important we have seen for years.
After today's performance, we rolled England in the morning, securing a lead just over 150 runs and have now advanced it to 369 runs with 7 wickets in hand. We are in a dominant position and if we play our cards right tomorrow to systematically bring down the axe on what little confidence England have left (one bowler down), our bowlers should have enough to work with, hopefully backed by our fielding standards, which have been the ultimate difference between us and England. We took the day and we're in a position that needs to be owned. Come on Australia, we're right behind you boys!
Play: The English innings was wrapped up way quicker than I anticipated. Due to work commitments I had to settle for highlights, but I was keeping an eye on things on my mobile. In 20 overs we removed their final 6 wickets for just 71 runs. That's an elite performance to ensure a dominant hold on the match.
Danger man Ian Bell was at the crease with the rather animated all-rounder Ben Stokes. Fortunately, Ryan Harris was well on truly in good enough shape to give it his all today amongst his usual niggles.
He trapped Ian Bell LBW, despite the initial decision going in Bell's favour. Michael Clarke had a review up his sleeve and used it wisely. The result was a huge wicket and we then pushed hard for the final 5 wickets.
Peter Siddle's wicket of Kevin Pietersen yesterday was one of the key moments in the series thus far. It was massive and Siddle's celebration said it all. However, removing Ian Bell so early opened the gates for us to get in there and slaughter the English tail. There was some resistance though but not without some damage.
Mitchell Johnson has had a quiet Test with the ball, but this second innings could be a scary one for England. He has broken Graeme Smith's hand twice, as well as giving Jacques Kallis' some chin music. Today he added Stuart Broad to his list as he suffered a serious blow to his foot, which resulted in his dismissal, a plumb LBW.
Broad went for x-rays and it showed up "something" according to him, which means he is in doubt for the Boxing Day Test and will take no further part in England's bowling display. Mitch may have not been brutal with his wicket tally but he has possibly knocked England's best competitor in this series out of the contest. Huge loss for England and in many ways for both sets of supporters in this Ashes clash.
Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan showed some fight, but our pacemen were up for the battle. Shane Watson regained his maiden over knack and assisted in building up some well needed pressure to early in the day. The job was done and we had England in position to bat them out of the match.
What followed was our highest opening stand this series, boosted by a healthy lead. Chris Rogers was the anchor, David Warner the attacker and this resulted in a stand of 157 runs.
England though, once again, screwed up in the field, particularly Matt Prior. Prior's confidence is as good as shot. As I wrote last Test, every player goes through this patch but Prior's keeping is now being affected and it will take a lot to come back from this. His dismissal today was a sign how we were all over him like a fatal rash. An aggressive attempt to get free resulted in his wicket, and his chances to stump David Warner were manageable by his notable standards. It was just another hard day under the Perth sun after that.
David Warner brought up his second century of this Ashes series and his 5th Test century, his second in Perth where he now averages 78.80 with 2 centuries and 1 half-century and a total of 394 runs.
It was another admirable moment to see him leap in the air and celebrate that century, just showcasing what a true athlete he is and how mentally strong he is right now. To comeback after all the drama of this year, it's been nothing but sensational for our master blaster.
His innings was vital for us in terms of both time and strategy. We needed quick runs. Sure, we aren't under immense pressure, but against a team that is naturally defensive in tactic, we may need some time to work for those final 10 wickets, despite the WACA track cracking up immensely. Buck Rogers played with caution and focus, while Warner bashed what he could do secure the momentum for us. It provided a fast advancement on our lead but also sunk England's heads that little bit more. With Stuart Broad out of the mix it was even more painful.
Warner dealt in boundaries, hitting 17 fours (68 runs) and two sixes (12) runs during his innings of 112 runs. He took a particular liking to Graeme Swann, and even brought a shade of arrogance into his innings as he selectively worked his shots against what Swann could dish up. Too wide, he'd let it go and walk away seeming almost disgusted with what the English spinner was dishing out. Then when it was in the slot or somewhat a challenge, he'd dive right into it and deliver.
It was almost as if Adam Gilchrist's batting spirit of 2006/07 was alive and well with David Warner at the WACA.
Rogers brought his half-century up with a beautiful cover drive and deserved it. He threw away his wicket in the 1st innings having shown limited signs of discomfort. He did his job today and raised his bat as he left the ground, rightly so! I do believe he was rattled with that ball which crashed into his rib cage which he took like a solider. That would have been bloody sore, but he composed himself and stayed out there a bit longer before carving one to Michael Carberry. His job was done and I reckon he was mentally checked out after that delivery hit him.
Shane Watson has managed to see his innings through until stumps and with Watto out there we could easily hit the 400 run lead quite quickly tomorrow for day 4. You would think that passing 415 is a confidence point at the WACA (South Africa did it in 2008 against us) but tomorrow will be mind games galore.
Watto is currently partnered by Steven Smith, the centurion of the 1st innings, who may have played the biggest role in this match. What they do tomorrow will likely determine the pace of what is left in this game.
Earlier Michael Clarke had come on out to the middle in the 2nd innings of his 100th Test, but managed just 23 before being bowled. Scores of 24 and 23 is certainly not what a player of statistical obsession would look back on fondly, but it means nothing. This is about a Test win, an Ashes win in what just happens to be Clarkey's 100th Test.
Fortunately for us, the other boys have stood up and delivered on a rare occasion when Clarkey hasn't. This needed to happen and to see young guns David Warner and Steven Smith do so, with some fight from veterans Brad Haddin, Chris Rogers, and now Shane Watson, is just so inspiring.
We have the lead, we have the wickets, we have the time, and we have the bowlers. It's all in our favour right now and with the winning edge - something we can relate to at long last - these final passages of play need to be claimed stand as the final challenge to regain the urn. As I always write, still lots of cricket to be played, but one would have to feel this is the best chance possible for us to come out victorious, get the urn back...and for life just to make sense once again.
The boys need to just stay disciplined and united, but they will be hungry for this - hungrier than any die hard Baggy Green solider like myself for this win. Lets take it session by session.
Goal one tomorrow will certainly be to find those 31 runs to hit the 400 run lead mark. When the declaration comes, that is up to Michael Clarke.
COME ON AUSTRALIA!
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
Australia won the toss and elected to bat and lead by 369 runs with 7 wickets in hand, 2 days play remaining.
AUS 1st innings: 385 all out from 103.3 overs.
Steven Smith 111*, David Warner 60, Brad Haddin 55, Mitchell Johnson 39.
Stuart Broad 3-100, James Anderson 2-60
ENG 1st innings: 251 all out after 88.0 overs
Alastair Cook 72, Michael Carberry 43
Ryan Harris 3-48, Peter Siddle 3-36, Mitchell Johnson 2-62
AUS 2nd innings: 3/253 from 70.0 overs
David Warner 112, Chris Rogers 54, Shane Watson 29*
Verdict: We are so close to regaining the urn, so close to winning this Test, and so close for me personally to celebrate something I have continued to back and believe we could achieve. Despite all the lows and torrid times endured, I have supported this team through it all and it feels so damn good right now to feel this unity. Two more days of this Test remain though. Forget the previous performances for now as the next two days of Test cricket for Australia will be the most important we have seen for years.
After today's performance, we rolled England in the morning, securing a lead just over 150 runs and have now advanced it to 369 runs with 7 wickets in hand. We are in a dominant position and if we play our cards right tomorrow to systematically bring down the axe on what little confidence England have left (one bowler down), our bowlers should have enough to work with, hopefully backed by our fielding standards, which have been the ultimate difference between us and England. We took the day and we're in a position that needs to be owned. Come on Australia, we're right behind you boys!
Play: The English innings was wrapped up way quicker than I anticipated. Due to work commitments I had to settle for highlights, but I was keeping an eye on things on my mobile. In 20 overs we removed their final 6 wickets for just 71 runs. That's an elite performance to ensure a dominant hold on the match.
Danger man Ian Bell was at the crease with the rather animated all-rounder Ben Stokes. Fortunately, Ryan Harris was well on truly in good enough shape to give it his all today amongst his usual niggles.
He trapped Ian Bell LBW, despite the initial decision going in Bell's favour. Michael Clarke had a review up his sleeve and used it wisely. The result was a huge wicket and we then pushed hard for the final 5 wickets.
Peter Siddle's wicket of Kevin Pietersen yesterday was one of the key moments in the series thus far. It was massive and Siddle's celebration said it all. However, removing Ian Bell so early opened the gates for us to get in there and slaughter the English tail. There was some resistance though but not without some damage.
Mitchell Johnson has had a quiet Test with the ball, but this second innings could be a scary one for England. He has broken Graeme Smith's hand twice, as well as giving Jacques Kallis' some chin music. Today he added Stuart Broad to his list as he suffered a serious blow to his foot, which resulted in his dismissal, a plumb LBW.
Broad went for x-rays and it showed up "something" according to him, which means he is in doubt for the Boxing Day Test and will take no further part in England's bowling display. Mitch may have not been brutal with his wicket tally but he has possibly knocked England's best competitor in this series out of the contest. Huge loss for England and in many ways for both sets of supporters in this Ashes clash.
Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan showed some fight, but our pacemen were up for the battle. Shane Watson regained his maiden over knack and assisted in building up some well needed pressure to early in the day. The job was done and we had England in position to bat them out of the match.
What followed was our highest opening stand this series, boosted by a healthy lead. Chris Rogers was the anchor, David Warner the attacker and this resulted in a stand of 157 runs.
England though, once again, screwed up in the field, particularly Matt Prior. Prior's confidence is as good as shot. As I wrote last Test, every player goes through this patch but Prior's keeping is now being affected and it will take a lot to come back from this. His dismissal today was a sign how we were all over him like a fatal rash. An aggressive attempt to get free resulted in his wicket, and his chances to stump David Warner were manageable by his notable standards. It was just another hard day under the Perth sun after that.
David Warner brought up his second century of this Ashes series and his 5th Test century, his second in Perth where he now averages 78.80 with 2 centuries and 1 half-century and a total of 394 runs.
It was another admirable moment to see him leap in the air and celebrate that century, just showcasing what a true athlete he is and how mentally strong he is right now. To comeback after all the drama of this year, it's been nothing but sensational for our master blaster.
His innings was vital for us in terms of both time and strategy. We needed quick runs. Sure, we aren't under immense pressure, but against a team that is naturally defensive in tactic, we may need some time to work for those final 10 wickets, despite the WACA track cracking up immensely. Buck Rogers played with caution and focus, while Warner bashed what he could do secure the momentum for us. It provided a fast advancement on our lead but also sunk England's heads that little bit more. With Stuart Broad out of the mix it was even more painful.
Warner dealt in boundaries, hitting 17 fours (68 runs) and two sixes (12) runs during his innings of 112 runs. He took a particular liking to Graeme Swann, and even brought a shade of arrogance into his innings as he selectively worked his shots against what Swann could dish up. Too wide, he'd let it go and walk away seeming almost disgusted with what the English spinner was dishing out. Then when it was in the slot or somewhat a challenge, he'd dive right into it and deliver.
It was almost as if Adam Gilchrist's batting spirit of 2006/07 was alive and well with David Warner at the WACA.
Rogers brought his half-century up with a beautiful cover drive and deserved it. He threw away his wicket in the 1st innings having shown limited signs of discomfort. He did his job today and raised his bat as he left the ground, rightly so! I do believe he was rattled with that ball which crashed into his rib cage which he took like a solider. That would have been bloody sore, but he composed himself and stayed out there a bit longer before carving one to Michael Carberry. His job was done and I reckon he was mentally checked out after that delivery hit him.
Shane Watson has managed to see his innings through until stumps and with Watto out there we could easily hit the 400 run lead quite quickly tomorrow for day 4. You would think that passing 415 is a confidence point at the WACA (South Africa did it in 2008 against us) but tomorrow will be mind games galore.
Watto is currently partnered by Steven Smith, the centurion of the 1st innings, who may have played the biggest role in this match. What they do tomorrow will likely determine the pace of what is left in this game.
Earlier Michael Clarke had come on out to the middle in the 2nd innings of his 100th Test, but managed just 23 before being bowled. Scores of 24 and 23 is certainly not what a player of statistical obsession would look back on fondly, but it means nothing. This is about a Test win, an Ashes win in what just happens to be Clarkey's 100th Test.
Fortunately for us, the other boys have stood up and delivered on a rare occasion when Clarkey hasn't. This needed to happen and to see young guns David Warner and Steven Smith do so, with some fight from veterans Brad Haddin, Chris Rogers, and now Shane Watson, is just so inspiring.
We have the lead, we have the wickets, we have the time, and we have the bowlers. It's all in our favour right now and with the winning edge - something we can relate to at long last - these final passages of play need to be claimed stand as the final challenge to regain the urn. As I always write, still lots of cricket to be played, but one would have to feel this is the best chance possible for us to come out victorious, get the urn back...and for life just to make sense once again.
The boys need to just stay disciplined and united, but they will be hungry for this - hungrier than any die hard Baggy Green solider like myself for this win. Lets take it session by session.
Goal one tomorrow will certainly be to find those 31 runs to hit the 400 run lead mark. When the declaration comes, that is up to Michael Clarke.
COME ON AUSTRALIA!
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
05 December 2013
The Ashes: 2nd Test, day 1
It was awesome to watch the cricket today with my wife, my Baggy Green soliders Sylvester and Stapo, as well as my brilliant mates with Waving The Flag. We had a delayed start at the historical first game at the new ground due to rain but we got a full day of cricket in the end. Not epic cricket by any means but still special for me to finally see Australia playing an Ashes Test match.
More images to come of the ground to add onto our redevelopment progress photos, but it was incredible seeing the walkway over the River Torrens opened up and so many people walking towards to new Southern Stand entrance. It was a great atmosphere, along with the Barmy Army antics too.
To also finally experience a live day of Ashes cricket, since watching my first one on the television in 1994/5 as a youngster was surreal.
2nd Test, Adelaide Oval
Australia won the toss and elected to bat (leading the series 1-0)
Australia 1st innings: 5/273 from 91.0 overs
Chris Rogers 72, George Bailey 53, Shane Watson 51, Michael Clarke 48*, Brad Haddin 7*
Stuart Broad 2-63
Verdict: The cricket was topsy turvy and I say England just took the day. If they'd taken their chances on offer it would have been a worrying scorecard, but by the same token we totally gifted them three wickets, those of Watto (51), Warner (29) and Bailey (53). They didn't have to work for them.
We saw three half-centurions, all of whom were set for a big innings on a track they'd adapted too, especially Rogers who was batting beautifully alongside a very relaxed Shane Watson, who used his feet considerably well to the spinners. Frustrating to say the least they didn't march on but it was still good from a series perspective they put runs on the board. Can always be worse.
Before this match Shane Watson and Chris Rogers knew they would be under the spotlight to register a good knock to contribute to the side. Rogers is stable and guaranteed to perform at regular intervals this series, while Watson's issues remain his inability to capitalise on solid starts and really play to his ultimate potential in Test gear. Rogers got close but Watson's dismissal was just gifted to James Anderson and ruined what had been a very relaxed and well composed innings for him.
We still have captain courageous at the crease. Yes, Michael Clarke is unbeaten on 48* and has played with caution and a certain steadiness. He had his life line but luck is needed in this game. His gritty determination is essential right now!
Brad Haddin is with him and is lucky to still be there after Michael Carberry dropped a sitter - and he is one of England's best fielders. So he needs to go on from here. Haddin just playing his natural way I guess, which is either scary or exhilarating.
England's need to ban Matt Prior from DRS input is quite serious now as they lost two referrals. However, with the ICC's new "DRS top-up" law they claimed back one after 80 overs, only to lose one again when they chanced one with Brad Haddin which was clearly too high for an LBW decision. Their loss. Tactically DRS needs to still be played with caution.
5/273 and if we can get to 400 it will be a positive turnaround and no reason why we can't mow on. 450 to 500 is what many would tip as the expected score on this track batting first. Well, we still have 5 wickets in hand and England still have to bat so lets see what day 2 presents.
We have two experienced men at the crease - one who loves the Adelaide Oval. Mitch Johnson is still to come, as well as Harris, Siddle and Lyon who can all hold their own. We're still in this but to be fair England probably slightly ahead having claimed George Bailey's wicket just before stumps.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
More images to come of the ground to add onto our redevelopment progress photos, but it was incredible seeing the walkway over the River Torrens opened up and so many people walking towards to new Southern Stand entrance. It was a great atmosphere, along with the Barmy Army antics too.
To also finally experience a live day of Ashes cricket, since watching my first one on the television in 1994/5 as a youngster was surreal.
 |
| The scoreboard reflecting the days play & attendance for day 1. (Photo: Ian Reid) |
2nd Test, Adelaide Oval
Australia won the toss and elected to bat (leading the series 1-0)
Australia 1st innings: 5/273 from 91.0 overs
Chris Rogers 72, George Bailey 53, Shane Watson 51, Michael Clarke 48*, Brad Haddin 7*
Stuart Broad 2-63
Verdict: The cricket was topsy turvy and I say England just took the day. If they'd taken their chances on offer it would have been a worrying scorecard, but by the same token we totally gifted them three wickets, those of Watto (51), Warner (29) and Bailey (53). They didn't have to work for them.
We saw three half-centurions, all of whom were set for a big innings on a track they'd adapted too, especially Rogers who was batting beautifully alongside a very relaxed Shane Watson, who used his feet considerably well to the spinners. Frustrating to say the least they didn't march on but it was still good from a series perspective they put runs on the board. Can always be worse.
Before this match Shane Watson and Chris Rogers knew they would be under the spotlight to register a good knock to contribute to the side. Rogers is stable and guaranteed to perform at regular intervals this series, while Watson's issues remain his inability to capitalise on solid starts and really play to his ultimate potential in Test gear. Rogers got close but Watson's dismissal was just gifted to James Anderson and ruined what had been a very relaxed and well composed innings for him.
We still have captain courageous at the crease. Yes, Michael Clarke is unbeaten on 48* and has played with caution and a certain steadiness. He had his life line but luck is needed in this game. His gritty determination is essential right now!
Brad Haddin is with him and is lucky to still be there after Michael Carberry dropped a sitter - and he is one of England's best fielders. So he needs to go on from here. Haddin just playing his natural way I guess, which is either scary or exhilarating.
England's need to ban Matt Prior from DRS input is quite serious now as they lost two referrals. However, with the ICC's new "DRS top-up" law they claimed back one after 80 overs, only to lose one again when they chanced one with Brad Haddin which was clearly too high for an LBW decision. Their loss. Tactically DRS needs to still be played with caution.
5/273 and if we can get to 400 it will be a positive turnaround and no reason why we can't mow on. 450 to 500 is what many would tip as the expected score on this track batting first. Well, we still have 5 wickets in hand and England still have to bat so lets see what day 2 presents.
We have two experienced men at the crease - one who loves the Adelaide Oval. Mitch Johnson is still to come, as well as Harris, Siddle and Lyon who can all hold their own. We're still in this but to be fair England probably slightly ahead having claimed George Bailey's wicket just before stumps.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)