Having recently purchased my copy of the 2013/14 Ashes 5-0 victory on DVD, I can now relive the moments that saw our boys return the urn. I am now on another high as we have won the limited overs series, currently leading 3-0 with 2 matches remaining. It's been a splendid summer.
Some disturbing news has hit the cricket world, with a proposal from the super powers of cricket (in terms of the financial players) which may see a revamp of the ICC and the gradual destruction of competitive cricket of varied nature. The current model serving cricket is not the best solution, along with fixtures that do little to assist organisations to build demand and hype with supporters, but this recent one could dent the game beyond measure. I am very much about getting all the facts before having a thorough opinion, but here's a link to an article which should explain this recent burst of news.
Jarrod Kimber (Cricket with Balls) has summed up the issue by answering some FAQs. If I find the article, I will add it here.
Massive congrats to mighty Mitchell Johnson on winning the Allan Border Medal for 2014. Sensational achievement in such a short space of time. Well done champ!
Mitchell's Ashes stats:
Batting: 165 runs @ 27.50. HS 64, x1 50
Bowling: 37 wickets @ 13.97. BBI 7/40, BBM 9/103
Michael Clarke seemed set to win it for a record fifth time, but Mitchell's heroic summer earned him the prize. His efforts with ball in hand for all 5 Tests, as well as a defining Ashes innings with the bat in hand at the Gabba with Brad Haddin - who was breathtaking to watch - was enough for him to win the prize. Usually the player who wins the medal does so for all round excellence across formats, but Mitchell's efforts were vital in us winning back the Ashes, and Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game.
Michael Clarke (Test award), George Bailey (ODI award), Aaron Finch (T20 award), Meg Lanning (Women's award), Cam White (State Player award), and Jordan Silk (Young Bradman award) all walked away with recognition for their elite efforts for Australian Cricket.
Well done to them all, but cannot forget their team mates.
Now, the big news is the Test squad announced for the South African tour. With out further to do, below is the squad, fixtures, and some squad analysis.
Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson.
Wed Feb 5 - Sat Feb 8
South African Invitation XI v Australians
Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
Wed Feb 12 - Sun Feb 16
1st Test - South Africa v Australia
SuperSport Park, Centurion
Thu Feb 20 - Mon Feb 24
2nd Test - South Africa v Australia
St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
Sat Mar 1 - Wed Mar 5
3rd Test - South Africa v Australia
Newlands, Cape Town
The only exclusion for our victorious Ashes side is that of George Bailey. I anticipated this and think it was a wise call by John Inverarity's selection panel.
Here's what I wrote about George, shortly before the Ashes was concluded: "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."
A weakness outside of off stump was exposed by James Anderson, and this would have been far too easy for the South African pace attack to both target and further expose. The wickets in South Africa and Australia draw many similarities, so this weakness would have been a concern heading to their turf. He will always have the memory of being a member of a winning side, along with that record of 28 runs off one over against James Anderson (level with the record).
The head scratch comes with the inclusion of Shaun Marsh at Bailey's expense.
I have always viewed Shaun Marsh as a player of high class and a technique tailored to Test cricket. However, this selection was based on limited overs form and, once again, his potential which often doesn't reflect at the elite level. We saw what this did to George Bailey. Test players must be selected on the basis of the form for Test cricket, being the Sheffield Shield contest.
Shaun scored a Test century on debut against Sri Lanka in 2011, and has shown numerous moments of elite composure and ability but, like Mitchell Johnson, he is a confidence player and seems to be his own worst enemy. His Shield form has been poor to say the least and doesn't warrant selection.
He currently sits in position 34 for most runs scored this Shield campaign, with one century from 9 innings, averaging 31.
In contrast, Phillip Hughes was expected to make the tour based on his return to Shield cricket to score runs and earn his place. He currently has 549 runs at 61.00, and this includes his maiden double century of 204. Go figure and never mind this is a man who has somehow found a way to handle the South African attack time and time again.
Even Marcus North may have seemed a brighter option, while not long term he leads the Shield run scorers list. Don't forget this man scored a century against South Africa on debut at the Wanderers on the same tour where Hughesy scored back to back centuries at Kingsmead, Durban.
All in all, Marsh is the type of player that if he gets into his stride he can genuinely control any bowling attack, but his current form does not suggest this is a likely mindset he has right now. ODI form cannot justify this. Having written this, I know what he is capable of, most of us do and he is now in the side so we just have to hope that should he get a game (probably at number 3, moving Watson down to 6) he will put invaluable runs on the board for us to better our chances of winning this series.
Alex Doolan has been on the radar for some time. This is a long term look from the selectors and previous Shield seasons have showcased the man is a fine batsman. This campaign he has been well below his best but it hasn't affected the confidence in his skills from the selectors. At present he is the 17th highest run scorer in the campaign with 391 runs at 39.10.
These two players will have a chance to showcase against the South African Invitational, before the three match series gets underway.
Chris Rogers will partner David Warner at the top of the order. This is Davey's first Test tour to South Africa, while Chris Rogers has never even been to the country before so it is a first for him.
Michael Clarke was in the early stages of his sublime run of form when we last toured South Africa in 2011. I was at that weird match at Newland's where he scored 151 runs in our 1st innings, only to see us bowled out for 47 runs in the 2nd innings, as well as South Africa been bounced for 98 runs in their 1st innings. It was the best I'd seen Clarkey bat, but it was in vain. He changes Ashes fortune, time to do it again this time.
Steven Smith is on this tour to assist Clarkey in the middle order. Stevo came of age at the WACA and he's become a fine young cricketer, courtesy of the current selection panel giving him time away from international duty to define his role. Similar to Steve Waugh's story in some ways.
Our bowlers from the Ashes will all make the tour.
Mitchell Johnson may very well be the danger man for this tour, with Graeme Smith having the ambulance on standby, but Ryan Harris is the bowler I tip to be our key player tactically. His menacing swing and precision is perfect for South Africa conditions. He can best mirror Dale Steyn, so this series is definitely one where people will salivate come the contest of the fast bowlers. This is the contest that world cricket should care about!
Ryano also cast aside IPL duties to get his knee operation complete, which he's delayed so he can make this tour. Sacrifice at it's best. What a true champion.
Mitchell was so low on confidence on his last tour to South Africa, quite a contrast to his brutal tour there is 2009 where he took 16 wickets at 25.00, including the destruction of Graeme Smith's hand (round 2) and Jacques Kallis' jaw. In 2011 his run up was weak, and he was just not in it. Another reason to be so proud of his return to our side thinking back to those dark days.
Peter Siddle will be greeted by the chants of "Siddle is a wanker". The Newland's crowd in 2011 did substitute the word "wanker" with the word "anchor" in 2011 as they'd grown fond of Sids attitude. That is what Sids need to be though, the anchor of this bowling attack. He needs to play the anchor role, but no doubt the chants will return with the word "wanker" if he bowls well.
James Pattinson returns to the team. He looks very inspired at the moment and quite aggressive. The South African's don't like an aggressive Australian cricketer and there's a few of them in our team. JP is one of the main guns in this regard, so he will be eager to get out there. I hope he stirs with them.
I am also excited about Jackson Bird's inclusion. His Big Bash stint for the Stars has been brilliant, but what's most notable is his consistency come line and length, ability to bang in a short ball with a troublesome angle for the batsmen to stand up to, but best of all is he looks fit and ready to play. I think an attack of Johnson, Harris and Bird is very exciting.
Nathan Lyon remains the spinner of choice and rightly so. South Africa is the not the desired place for a spin bowler to perform, but it serves a purpose. Lyon is now a spin bowler rising to a higher quality of standard than when he first toured there with the 2011 squad. The South African attack is not one usually tipped to be the best against spin - with the exception of AB de Villiers. Lyon may have a decent role to play.
James Faulkner and Shane Watson stack up as our all-rounders and unless Watto is injured, James will likely be the drinks man for the 1st Test. Watto still needs to showcase better consistency to cement his spot for a while longer and we desperately need him to do so this tour. He was hit and miss in the Ashes, but we need the best of Watto this tour. It will make a massive impact on the series.
Brad Haddin gets the nod as keeper of choice. Two years ago I would not have imagined this to be the case, so that is just terrific for Hads that he still has so much to offer us. His ability to initiate rescue missions of late to our 1st innings inconsistencies was urn saving, but he can't do it all the time. In 2011 at Newland's he charged down the track when our team was in trouble. We were bowled out for 47 runs and it's a dismissal many of us just haven't been able to forget.
This is a firm reminder our batsmen need to find ways to believe in themselves to handle the 1st innings pressures in the top of the order. They can.
Other than that, it's now just a case of counting down the days. More build up analysis and opinions to follow. For now, enjoy the final two ODIs. I will be at the Australia Day ODI. Still quite surreal.
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20 January 2014
04 January 2014
We win the Ashes 5-0
The McGrath Foundation Pink Test.
It's been a tough journey but on this day, 5 January 2014, we have finally won the Ashes 5-0, completing the task by winning at the SCG by 281 runs. Yep, 5-0!
The team song was sung right after the win, no care in the world from the boys, just pure delight and joy to win back the urn and create some history.
Ryan "Ryano" Harris claims a 5fer, Chris "Bucky" Rogers scored his 3rd Test century, and our team remained unchanged and united for the whole series.
And some muppets said our boy Bucky was "too old".
Extremely proud right now and will hang onto this moment and the emotions for many years to come. Well done to the Baggy Greens, the team, the coaching staff and, of course, the supporters who have stuck by the team through thick and thin. It makes it feel that bit better.
"Australia, you f****n' beauty!"(*The video clip above of the team song was not uploaded by me)
Australian batsmen:
1 - David Warner: 523 runs @ 58.11. HS 124, x2 100s, x2 50s.
2 - Brad Haddin: 493 runs @ 61.62. HS 118, x1 100, x5 50s
3 - Chris Rogers: 463 runs @ 46.30, HS 119, x2 100s, x3 50s
4 - Michael Clarke: 363 runs @40.33. HS 148, x2 100s
5 - Shane Watson: 345 runs @ 38.33. HS 103. x1 100, x2 50s
6 - Steven Smith: 327 runs @ 40.87. HS 115. x2 100s
7 - George Bailey: 183 runs @ 26.14. HS 53, x1 50
8 - Mitchell Johnson: 165 runs @ 27.50. HS 64, x1 50
9 - Ryan Harris: 117 runs @ 23.40. HS 55*, x1 50
Australian bowlers:
1 - Mitchell Johnson: 37 wickets @ 13.97. BBI 7/40, BBM 9/103
2 - Ryan Harris: 22 wickets @ 19.31. BBI 5/25, BBM 8/61
3 - Nathan Lyon: 19 wickets @ 29.36. BBI 5/50, BBM 6-117
4 - Peter Siddle: 16 wickets @ 24.12. BBI 4/57. BBM 5/91
5 - Shane Watson: 4 wickets @ 30.50. BBI 1/0. BBM 2/87
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
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 |
| Photo: Cricket Australia Facebook Page |
The team song was sung right after the win, no care in the world from the boys, just pure delight and joy to win back the urn and create some history.
Ryan "Ryano" Harris claims a 5fer, Chris "Bucky" Rogers scored his 3rd Test century, and our team remained unchanged and united for the whole series.
And some muppets said our boy Bucky was "too old".
Extremely proud right now and will hang onto this moment and the emotions for many years to come. Well done to the Baggy Greens, the team, the coaching staff and, of course, the supporters who have stuck by the team through thick and thin. It makes it feel that bit better.
"Australia, you f****n' beauty!"(*The video clip above of the team song was not uploaded by me)
Australian batsmen:
1 - David Warner: 523 runs @ 58.11. HS 124, x2 100s, x2 50s.
2 - Brad Haddin: 493 runs @ 61.62. HS 118, x1 100, x5 50s
3 - Chris Rogers: 463 runs @ 46.30, HS 119, x2 100s, x3 50s
4 - Michael Clarke: 363 runs @40.33. HS 148, x2 100s
5 - Shane Watson: 345 runs @ 38.33. HS 103. x1 100, x2 50s
6 - Steven Smith: 327 runs @ 40.87. HS 115. x2 100s
7 - George Bailey: 183 runs @ 26.14. HS 53, x1 50
8 - Mitchell Johnson: 165 runs @ 27.50. HS 64, x1 50
9 - Ryan Harris: 117 runs @ 23.40. HS 55*, x1 50
Australian bowlers:
1 - Mitchell Johnson: 37 wickets @ 13.97. BBI 7/40, BBM 9/103
2 - Ryan Harris: 22 wickets @ 19.31. BBI 5/25, BBM 8/61
3 - Nathan Lyon: 19 wickets @ 29.36. BBI 5/50, BBM 6-117
4 - Peter Siddle: 16 wickets @ 24.12. BBI 4/57. BBM 5/91
5 - Shane Watson: 4 wickets @ 30.50. BBI 1/0. BBM 2/87
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.
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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
The Ashes: 5th Test, day 1
The McGrath Foundation Pink Test.
England won the toss and elected to field first. They trail us by 318 runs with 9 wickets in tact.
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: 1/8 from 6.0 overs
Mitchell Johnson 1-3
Plays: The best pattern followed heading into this Test was an unchanged starting XI. That is real unity for you and uplifting to see some tired bodies just keep fighting for the team to be out there.
A pattern was identified this Ashes series and this slightly different pattern continues. This pattern, or trend, sees our top order struggle for runs in the 1st innings, with our middle order (notably Brad Haddin) bailing us out.
Our bowlers then stand up and deliver aggressive spurts of bowling to rattle England. Our batsmen then come in with a strong standing and manage to see our top order put big runs on the board - taking the pressure off the middle order. The lead ends up being relatively secure in place, or the game turns to our favour after this occurs.
As written in an article covering day 3 of the 4th Test, "Brad's fight to keep our 1st innings a float is a trend that has been apparent this series, a reason he is my Man of the Series right now, despite Mitchell Johnson's unreal performances.
However, as outstandingly pointed out by Brydon Coverdale (ESPN Cricinfo) if we look back to Newland's 2011, we didn't have the saving graces of Hads that day as we were rolled for 47. He can't do it all the time but thank our lucky Southern Cross he was able to bail us out again."
Thanking our lucky Southern Stars, Hads brought the goods to his home ground and entertained. So did Steven Smith though!
There has been a rumor surfacing that Hads will retire after this Test. Perhaps, it is a great time for him to bow out on an almighty high. We've won the Ashes, he's been sensational, and he can leave the game with little scrutiny from the media. However, with a tough tour to South Africa, he may be eager to help this team fight to number one. He may hang on, along with Ryan Harris and skipper Michael Clarke.
Before a quick look into the outstanding input from the two New South Wales representatives, David Warner brought up his 500th run for the series. He was hitting the ball crisply and confidently before Stuart Broad rattled his stumps. With one innings left in this Ashes series, he has a tally of 507 runs at 63.37.
Brad Haddin finds himself with a mighty fine collection of runs for a man coming in at number 7.
465 runs at 66.42 with 5 half-centuries and a century. This has come from just 6 innings and when you consider the manner and pressure with which he's earned this return it's not only outstanding but also very inspiring. On top of this his wicket keeping has been world class and he's been the real difference between the sides. He just stands out as my Player of the Series right now. We may not have the urn if it weren't for his rescue missions. He deserved a century today but fell 25 runs short with a soft dismissal.
Steven Smith was able to carry on though. After the WACA innings, I wrote that was Smithy's coming of age, the defining innings of his career. He delivered today with his second century of this Ashes campaign, and don't forget his maiden century in England at The Oval.
Today at the SCG though it was 115 runs, invaluable runs. He moves to 320 runs for the series and, as a result, he went ahead of Kevin Pietersen which means the top six run scorers this series have been our Australian boys. Domination!
The freedom which he played with is what really struck me today, especially after Hads departed.
We were 5/97 and somehow these two guys were able to put us into a mighty strong position by stumps with fearless cricket - a brand of cricket we lost until the return of Darren Lehman. Both played their aggressive strokes, Hads preffering the leg side, while Smithy put away some glorious cover drives with a tighter technique than his slightly "floppy" technique of the past. This was just a sign of confidence and self-belief. Just terrific, boys.
Smithy's century came with a six on 93, followed by another to go beyond 100. An example of good footwork and a thriving challenge against spin bowlers, which we got to see glimpses of in India. Nearly a year later we see the progress. Just after, instead of ducking into his shell he took full advantage of a full toss and dispatched it for six with a powerful pull stroke. A century for Steven Smith when the team needed it, as he did so at the WACA with Brad Haddin.
Ryan Harris played a good knock to score 22 runs, which helped Smithy keep our fight going. Ryano got some big shots of his own in there.
Earlier in the day though Shane Watson made another start but got out before the lunch break. Concentration? Who knows but the frustration of Watson continues, a man with immense talent but just unable to keep in the game when the opportunity of definition presents. The likelihood of him bringing some big runs in the 2nd innings is high.
George Bailey will feel not pressure but probably a bit of sadness with his own performances, not the teams of course.
He knew this was an opportunity to hang onto making his debut at a later stage of his career. It was through limited overs cricket he earned it (why many said he was lucky), but he hasn't been able to deliver enough for the team with the blade in hand. This shouldn't take away the fact he has been a member of a winning team and played a role for us in the field. Just sad he wasn't able to give much more earlier on. It's okay, he still has another innings to try and enjoy and just live for moment. Keep going Georgey!
With our last wicket falling, Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris kept the English openers on their toes and we got the breakthrough. Great tactics implemented from Michael Clarke, but Mitch bowled to the plan and it came off with Nathan Lyon taking a wonderful catch at leg slip. The crowd went mad!
Mark Taylor nearly lost his mind in the commentary box when the catch was snatched, waxing lyrical about Nathan Lyon summer.
That wicket of Michael Carberry gives Mitch 32 wickets for the series. Unreal stuff, but very real he could break some more records.
He needs just 3 wickets to claim the most wickets for an Australian fast bowler in a 5-match Ashes series.
He needs 6 wickets to break the record for the most wickets by an Australian bowler in any 5 match Test series. Record was set in 1910-11. Back our left-arm fast bowling bringer of destruction tomorrow.
Verdict: At 5/97 is wasn't looking like our opening day but going over 300 runs and an English wicket in the bag, it would have to be our day given their struggles this tour. Oddly enough I didn't worry, which I something I do a fair bit of, despite the optimism you read right here at the Baggy Green Supporters Blog.
It's been a remarkable turnaround for our boys looking back 10 months ago.
5-0 is now a very possible outcome after the performances from Hads and Smithy. However, as written here many, many times, cricket is a game that presents many sudden and dramatic twists and turns. Given England's confidence, or lack thereof (throw in three debutants) if we have a cracking opening session tomorrow (any by Mitchell's watch) it will be bloody hard for them to comeback at all. That is quite obvious, as is the possibility of the trend to emerge which, if it does, will be the end of England to see us go 5-0 up.
Still plenty of cricket to soak up. 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
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England won the toss and elected to field first. They trail us by 318 runs with 9 wickets in tact.
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: 1/8 from 6.0 overs
Mitchell Johnson 1-3
Plays: The best pattern followed heading into this Test was an unchanged starting XI. That is real unity for you and uplifting to see some tired bodies just keep fighting for the team to be out there.
A pattern was identified this Ashes series and this slightly different pattern continues. This pattern, or trend, sees our top order struggle for runs in the 1st innings, with our middle order (notably Brad Haddin) bailing us out.
Our bowlers then stand up and deliver aggressive spurts of bowling to rattle England. Our batsmen then come in with a strong standing and manage to see our top order put big runs on the board - taking the pressure off the middle order. The lead ends up being relatively secure in place, or the game turns to our favour after this occurs.
As written in an article covering day 3 of the 4th Test, "Brad's fight to keep our 1st innings a float is a trend that has been apparent this series, a reason he is my Man of the Series right now, despite Mitchell Johnson's unreal performances.
However, as outstandingly pointed out by Brydon Coverdale (ESPN Cricinfo) if we look back to Newland's 2011, we didn't have the saving graces of Hads that day as we were rolled for 47. He can't do it all the time but thank our lucky Southern Cross he was able to bail us out again."
Thanking our lucky Southern Stars, Hads brought the goods to his home ground and entertained. So did Steven Smith though!
There has been a rumor surfacing that Hads will retire after this Test. Perhaps, it is a great time for him to bow out on an almighty high. We've won the Ashes, he's been sensational, and he can leave the game with little scrutiny from the media. However, with a tough tour to South Africa, he may be eager to help this team fight to number one. He may hang on, along with Ryan Harris and skipper Michael Clarke.
Before a quick look into the outstanding input from the two New South Wales representatives, David Warner brought up his 500th run for the series. He was hitting the ball crisply and confidently before Stuart Broad rattled his stumps. With one innings left in this Ashes series, he has a tally of 507 runs at 63.37.
Brad Haddin finds himself with a mighty fine collection of runs for a man coming in at number 7.
465 runs at 66.42 with 5 half-centuries and a century. This has come from just 6 innings and when you consider the manner and pressure with which he's earned this return it's not only outstanding but also very inspiring. On top of this his wicket keeping has been world class and he's been the real difference between the sides. He just stands out as my Player of the Series right now. We may not have the urn if it weren't for his rescue missions. He deserved a century today but fell 25 runs short with a soft dismissal.
Steven Smith was able to carry on though. After the WACA innings, I wrote that was Smithy's coming of age, the defining innings of his career. He delivered today with his second century of this Ashes campaign, and don't forget his maiden century in England at The Oval.
Today at the SCG though it was 115 runs, invaluable runs. He moves to 320 runs for the series and, as a result, he went ahead of Kevin Pietersen which means the top six run scorers this series have been our Australian boys. Domination!
The freedom which he played with is what really struck me today, especially after Hads departed.
We were 5/97 and somehow these two guys were able to put us into a mighty strong position by stumps with fearless cricket - a brand of cricket we lost until the return of Darren Lehman. Both played their aggressive strokes, Hads preffering the leg side, while Smithy put away some glorious cover drives with a tighter technique than his slightly "floppy" technique of the past. This was just a sign of confidence and self-belief. Just terrific, boys.
Smithy's century came with a six on 93, followed by another to go beyond 100. An example of good footwork and a thriving challenge against spin bowlers, which we got to see glimpses of in India. Nearly a year later we see the progress. Just after, instead of ducking into his shell he took full advantage of a full toss and dispatched it for six with a powerful pull stroke. A century for Steven Smith when the team needed it, as he did so at the WACA with Brad Haddin.
Ryan Harris played a good knock to score 22 runs, which helped Smithy keep our fight going. Ryano got some big shots of his own in there.
Earlier in the day though Shane Watson made another start but got out before the lunch break. Concentration? Who knows but the frustration of Watson continues, a man with immense talent but just unable to keep in the game when the opportunity of definition presents. The likelihood of him bringing some big runs in the 2nd innings is high.
George Bailey will feel not pressure but probably a bit of sadness with his own performances, not the teams of course.
He knew this was an opportunity to hang onto making his debut at a later stage of his career. It was through limited overs cricket he earned it (why many said he was lucky), but he hasn't been able to deliver enough for the team with the blade in hand. This shouldn't take away the fact he has been a member of a winning team and played a role for us in the field. Just sad he wasn't able to give much more earlier on. It's okay, he still has another innings to try and enjoy and just live for moment. Keep going Georgey!
With our last wicket falling, Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris kept the English openers on their toes and we got the breakthrough. Great tactics implemented from Michael Clarke, but Mitch bowled to the plan and it came off with Nathan Lyon taking a wonderful catch at leg slip. The crowd went mad!
Mark Taylor nearly lost his mind in the commentary box when the catch was snatched, waxing lyrical about Nathan Lyon summer.
That wicket of Michael Carberry gives Mitch 32 wickets for the series. Unreal stuff, but very real he could break some more records.
He needs just 3 wickets to claim the most wickets for an Australian fast bowler in a 5-match Ashes series.
He needs 6 wickets to break the record for the most wickets by an Australian bowler in any 5 match Test series. Record was set in 1910-11. Back our left-arm fast bowling bringer of destruction tomorrow.
Verdict: At 5/97 is wasn't looking like our opening day but going over 300 runs and an English wicket in the bag, it would have to be our day given their struggles this tour. Oddly enough I didn't worry, which I something I do a fair bit of, despite the optimism you read right here at the Baggy Green Supporters Blog.
It's been a remarkable turnaround for our boys looking back 10 months ago.
5-0 is now a very possible outcome after the performances from Hads and Smithy. However, as written here many, many times, cricket is a game that presents many sudden and dramatic twists and turns. Given England's confidence, or lack thereof (throw in three debutants) if we have a cracking opening session tomorrow (any by Mitchell's watch) it will be bloody hard for them to comeback at all. That is quite obvious, as is the possibility of the trend to emerge which, if it does, will be the end of England to see us go 5-0 up.
Still plenty of cricket to soak up. 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
01 January 2014
Competition time at The Baggy Green Blog #1
The second competition will be announced at a later date, but for now here is the first giveaway. Regrettably, this competition is only eligible to people with a valid delivery address in Australia or New Zealand due to customs regulations and delivery costs. One entry per person.
The Competition
Predict which Australian batsman will score the most runs this Carlton 5-match home ODI series against England, as well as how many runs you reckon he will score.
Australian ODI squad: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey, Brad Haddin (wk), Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty.
Competition closes on 11 January 2014, one day before the 1st ODI. No late entries accepted!
The series concludes on 26 January 2014. Winner will be announced the following day.
To win your player will need to score the most runs, and your run estimate will help against other contestants who voted the same player. Obviously if no one votes for the actual player who scores the most, it will be the closest vote to the player with the most.
How to enter? Example. Ian from Adelaide, Australia.
Michael Clarke: 297 runs.
> Please email your name, country, and prediction to Baggygreenblog@gmail.com before Sunday 12 January 2014.
> Email subject: Competition entry
Prizes: The winner will receive a copy of Michael Hussey's "Behind the Baggy Green" DVD, as well as "Australia's Wonder Years", a 2-disc Ashes DVD set - courtesy of Roadshow Entertainment. Screenshots alongside page.
The winner will be announced via Facebook and contacted via email after the series concludes, and given 5 days to reply with their name and full postage details.
If there is no response with in that time frame, then the runner-up will be awarded the prize.
*Disclaimer: Competition is only eligible to people with a valid delivery address in Australia or New Zealand due to customs regulations and delivery costs.
The Baggy Green Blog has the right to refuse a return of the prizes. The prizes may not be exchanged. Any inconvenience, false information, or incorrect details presented by contestants or prize winner/s may result in their entry being made null and void at the discretion of The Baggy Green Supporters Blog. All in all, just play fair. This competition is also not directly affiliated with any other organisation/s.
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
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