Australian 1st innings: 7/494 from 127.4 overs
Michael Clarke 161*, David Warner 135, Steven Smith 84, Shane Watson 40
JP Duminy 4-73
South African 1st innings: 287 all out from 82.5 overs
Faf du Plessis 67, Alviro Petersen 53
Mitchell Johnson 4-42, Ryan Harris 3-63, James Pattinson 2-77
Australian 2nd innings: 5/303 dec.David Warner 145, Steven Smith 36*
Kyle Abbott 3-61
South African 2nd innings: 4/71 chasing 511 runs for victory after 41.0 overs
Hashim Amla 40
Mitchell Johnson 2-31, Ryan Harris 1-10
Graeme Smith has announced his retirement. His stats alone are a fine testament to his skill as a batsman and he's been the skipper of his team for a very long time, a world record in fact. Respect. He's helped his team to the number 1 spot in the Test rankings and with that I think it's only fair to wish him all the best in his future ventures playing cricket in the UK and that he leaves behind a decent legacy.
My personal take on Smith is that he was given a great deal of responsibility very young and there was a certain arrogance, sorry, a definite arrogance which seemed to come through in his attitude as a result of this. Overcompensating? Quite likely, as pointed out by Shane Warne years ago. Smith had a tough time against us in this regard.
In the media spotlight he always came across as being rather robotic and quite bland in his personality, which from observing seems to be where, despite his brilliant batting records, he never seemed to get the credibility and immense respect from the South African supporters. The number of times it seemed the media were out to get him is simply numerous, especially with the lack of silverware the team managed to grab when taking on the worlds best. The pressure mounted and the choke tag grew. I found Smith to be a bit of an excuse maker too often, struggling
to just admit poor performances or being outplayed. Again, this
probably goes back to the burden of leadership at a young age post the
Hansie Cronje saga. I wasn't ever a great admirer, but it can't have been easy for the bloke and he did give it his best shot.
This has been one mammoth performance from our boys. After being smashed in our second dig at St. Georges Park on the back of Dale Steyn's reverse-swing frenzy, many expected our boys to bow down and not fight, or just have the Proteas momentum wash over us, given Newland's is a great hunting ground for them. Instead we go into the final day of this epic clash between these two fine sides leading by 440 runs with 6 wickets standing in our way of victory.
AB de Villiers is still there and remains the key wicket, assuming our boys can't knock over his partners. It will take a massive effort for them to not lose this. The South African mentality will be to play for the draw and not likely the win, so expect a strong defensive fort to break down.
Sure, Adelaide 2012 will be spoken of but we had a bowling attack down one man and low on energy on a very, very hot Adelaide day. It was still a fantastic defiance from Faf du Plessis (and de Villiers played a role in that), but the circumstances are completely different this time around in terms of the pitch, weather conditions, and that we have a much better bowling attack with far greater versatility on offer. South Africa have their work cut out for them.
Two key wickets stand out, and that is the two mentioned above, AB and Faf.
However, the challenge awaits our boys tomorrow. From the 1st Ashes Test at the Gabba, a 5-0 win, and now a chance to beat South Africa 2-1, this is the opportunity, this is the day, this is the moment that is ours to take. Our players can then rest up with some incredible cricket behind them, but it's one day to go against a defiant team.
Michael Clarke would have been under immense pressure with the declaration decision. Some may feel he dragged it on, but he wouldn't have done this had he not believed in his bowlers and this would have been a team decision. This is about winning the series after all and a burden not placed upon one mans shoulders.
Was it left too late? Time will tell but with 4 wickets claimed in 41.0 overs, I'd hardly say it was too late. The bowlers backed his decision, gave it their very best and got out there with self-belief instilled in them from the leader. The decision has been made, time to fight for those last 6 wickets.
Personally, we probably could have had a lead of 400 and gunned it, but given South Africa's ability in recent times to take on those targets with a track that could have held up well for their top order (who've now been dismantled) it was a decision Clarke would have considered, hence pushing for over 500 runs.
David Warner was the man of the day though, despite yet another scintillating bowling performance from Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson with the new ball. Onto that in a moment.
David Warner had the best platform. He could play aggressively, play with a definite goal in mind, and as a result he scored 145 runs. This series he has scores of 12, 115, 70, 66, 135, and 145.
That's 543 runs at 90.50 from 6 innings, with 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries. Matthew Hayden's shadow.
That's a phenomenal effort. Just look at those stats, but better yet, I hope you've actually watched his batting. He's been brutal. Yes, he's had luck, but that's not his problem, it's South Africa's problem their fielding standards were lowered and they've paid a hefty fine. Over and above that, David Warner came under fire before this Test match for his public statements which I backed him on, mostly because I can't stand robotic cricketers. He has followed up with 2 centuries. Doesn't get bolder.
His effort alone was enough to steer us into a strong position, but contributions from Steven Smith and Alex Doolan ensured we made it a dominant position.
The Proteas were hit hard without Dale Steyn, similar to our issues in 2011 and 2012 with numerous bowling issues, but it has perhaps been good for them going forward to see the effectiveness of their bowlers without the Phalaborwa Express in the team.
With Graeme Smith now retired as well, and Jacques Kallis only played limited overs international cricketer (and Mark Boucher gone too) they have some serious gaps to fill, and their bowling looks like the area to be effected when Dale Steyn is not around. I shared my view on Morne Morkel on day 2, but whether or not Steyn was there or not, David Warner was explosive and was in a demolition mood that few bowlers could have stopped.
It's now all about our bowlers. The batsmen have completed their tour, their fielding hands now become their focus, our bowlers have the task set. Our batsmen have given them more than enough to work with and limited their pressure with consistent 1st and 2nd innings performances, something which has been inconsistent, as a contradiction of sorts.
Ryan Harris is set to go under the knife after this series for a knee-operation. Reality is, I am treating this Test as if it may be the last time I witness him playing for the Baggy Greens. Knee-ops carry intense rehabilitation and who knows when he may return to cricket, and how the replacement bowlers will stack up. He's one of my favourite bowlers to watch and to see him so wired and strong this Test to give his best, I am just embracing it. He's a champ and keeps on going, despite the physical pain he must be suffering.
Before this Test he admitted to feeling low on confidence, but like David Warner he has delivered on the field to back his public opinion. To celebrate, he reached 100 Test wickets. He deserves it and so much more.
Well done Ryano, proud of you!
Mighty Mitch, well, I almost feel I need to be copying and pasting at the moment. Here it is in short.
This series (forget the Ashes) 21 wickets at 15.28 with 2 5-fers and a 10 wicket haul in a Test.
He has broken Graeme Smith's hand twice and really troubled the soon to be retired South African skipper. He ended his final Test innings with a fast and furious short pitched delivery, snatched by Alex Doolan at short leg.
He then bowled Dean Elgar with what is the ball of the series for me, competing with Ryan Harris' delivery to remove Hashim Amla on day 3. Similar deliveries, fast and a thrill to watch and hear the stump mics pick up the timber falling over.
James Pattinson ended the day for us on the perfect note, as he trapped Hashim Amla LBW. It was the big fish to go to stumps and to have 4 wickets down was great. To see our young gun pick up a vital wicket was even better and despite Amla's review he was foxed by the inward movement of the track from Jamo.
One day to go, 6 wickets to get. Come on the Baggy Greens, so close!
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Showing posts with label James Pattinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Pattinson. Show all posts
04 March 2014
18 July 2013
The Ashes 2nd Test, day 1, Lord’s
The Ashes 2nd Test, day 1, Lord’s:
England 1st innings: 7/289 from 89.0 overs
Steven Smith 3-18 , Ryan Harris 3-43 , Shane Watson 1- 41
Ian Bell 109, Jonny Bairstow 67, Jonathan Trott 58
The first Test brought us a roller-coaster ride of ultimate Test cricket, with many twists and turns, blood pressure levels rising and heart rates pulsating along with it. It gave us all an idea that the Australian fighting spirit was back, and while England still stand as the firm favourites for obvious reason, we knew this game could prove to be another thrilling contest. Day one of the second Test was by no means as intense as Trent Bridge, but it was still a hard fought day for both sides.
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| Ryan Harris back in Test cricket gear © Getty Images |
I have had nothing but positive things to write about Harris over the last few years and injury has mostly been his only downfall. As pointed out by Michael Vaughn, he would put Harris right up there with James Anderson and Dale Steyn (South Africa) but his 13 Tests could have been so much more had his body been better equipped for Test cricket. I am proud his performance was noticeable at Lord’s.
His dismissal of Joe Root was a classic Harris delivery; pitched at a fuller length with the slightest movement and then sharp skid off the track, backed by healthy pace. The LBW decision was a tight one though as Root appeared to get bat on the ball at the same time as the ball rocketed into his front pad, but an examination revealed the umpire’s decision was set to stand as there was enough to suggest pad first.
Harris also removed Kevin Pietersen with a classic new ball delivery to the right hand batsman. Pietersen poked at a fuller ball just outside of off stump, found the faintest of edges and Brad Haddin claimed the catch. It was a huge scalp for Harris.
Harris’ third wicket for the day was a well executed tactical move, as Michael Clarke himself showed greater analysis of the game in comparison to a poor tactical game at Trent Bridge. Jonathan Trott looked solid as ever coming in at number three. He was imposing, as a number three should be. With ease and grace he found the boundary and the scoreboard didn’t seem to hassle him. When Ian Bell (who scored a second century of the series) joined him high on confidence, they looked set to pull the game right back into England’s favour as they appeared to show the type of application on a good batting track the other batsmen failed to showcase.
However, Harris has troubled Trott before lunch with shorter deliveries and with the partnership on 99, Harris dug another one in short. Trott did pick it up but seemed to play it half-heatedly, top edging a pull shot lacking control. Usman Khawaja (in for Ed Cowan) took the catch at deep mid-wicket.
As refreshing as it is to see Harris, I get the strong feeling each and every one of our bowlers will be in and out of the side. Darren Lehmann will strive to select the best XI for each game, but conditions and player fitness will play a role. Harris has to be managed so carefully that Jackson Bird is more than likely to have a crack at the English batsmen. It’s just good to have Harris out there right now.
Shane Watson had been another tactical move from Clarke. Amusingly it could have been seen as a way to dismiss Mickey Arthur’s “confidential” claims leaked from his lawsuit against Cricket Australia that Watson is a “cancer” in the side. However, Clarke's gamble to use his "internal nemesis" (as the media would love to make it out as) paid off as Shane Watson pitched a delivery on off stump, had it swing back into Alastair Cook and the LBW was given after a long scream for the wicket. The typical dismissal every right arm bowler wants to secure against the left handed top order batsman.
Along with Watson’s early promotion, Harris’ tactical execution, and a wiser usage of the DRS (we still have our two reviews in tact), Clarke had another moment later in the day but I’ll address that shortly.
Ian Bell looked as if he was resuming on the same day he scored his century at Trent Bridge. Still strong square of the wicket, he was a bit more versatile with his shot selection and he brought up a back-to-back century, his third now against Australia. He had taken advantage of the Lord’s batting surface on a very hot day in London.
There was fortune for Bell though that his partner hung around as long as he did. Peter Siddle bowled alright but his blunder came when he bowled Jonny Bairstow, a player who hasn’t looked to be too dominant this series. Despite bowling Bairstow early in his innings (21 runs), the no-ball review was called for by the umpires and it showed that Peter Siddle had overstepped the crease and the decision was reversed. It was a huge blow and not the first time Siddle has had this fate brought upon him. Most modern day fast bowlers push that front line way too much and Siddle has paid the price far too often now and hopefully it won't be too heavy a penalty against us. It was a pity as he had earned that wicket. Bairstow has looked an easy victim for getting bowled in either lacking balance or not playing the ball in the right position, as clearly seen in previous innings against New Zealand.
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| Steven Smith celebrates © Getty Images |
It may have come a bit late and Clarke may be criticised for it, but the move brought us three wickets and there was no certainty Smith would have had the impact he did.
Smith ended up with 3-18, claiming the huge wicket of Bell, then Bairstow and lastly Matt Prior. The result is that England’s tail is at the crease, although Tim Bresnan is no walkover with the willow. It was a dramatic passage of play and the type of events England played out like clockwork at Trent Bridge.
Leg breaks and flippers saw Smith cause chaos and it will be a huge confidence booster for him. Michael Clarke was active in the slips off his bowling to grab a catch, while Haddin gave Smith his third.
Smith’s performance has given us momentum and even though England have runs on the board, the morning session is going to be massive for us. Three wickets remain before our batsmen have another challenge to face. England will eye 350 as the safety zone for them given our batting history over the last couple of years. They will always fancy their chances until our top order steps up. Our plan will be simple. Get those three wickets for as few runs as possible.
On a side note, James Pattinson could have easily been substituted by Jackson Bird for this Test but was given a fair go after putting in some good work at Trent Bridge – his batting aside in the second dig.
However, it was a tough initiation for Pattinson as he struggled to build pressure and was far too often wayward down leg-side to the right hand batsmen in particular. This definitely makes the omission of Mitchell Starc valid, who has less control than that of Pattinson and finds much more natural swing. It would have been a rough day at the office for Brad Haddin had both played. Hopefully Pattinson absorbed everything he experienced so he can fire alongside his bowling mates soon enough.
Which bowlers will Clarke gamble on tomorrow for those wickets? It will be another big day of cricket ahead and England will be livid with their performance.
Verdict: Day one goes to Australia after
clinching it away from England courtesy of Steven Smith’s 3-18.
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14 July 2013
The Ashes 1st Test, day 5, Trent Bridge
The Ashes 1st Test, day 5, Trent Bridge:
England 1st innings: 215 all out from 59 overs
Peter Siddle 5-50, James Pattinson 3-69, Mitchell Starc 2-54
Jonathan Trott 48, Jonny Bairstow 37
Australia 1st innings: 280 all out from 64.5 overs
Ashton Agar 98, Phillip Hughes 81*, Steven Smith 53
James Anderson 5-85, Graeme Swann 2-60
England 2nd innings: 375 all out from 149.5 overs
Mitchell Starc 3-81, Peter Siddle 3-85, Ashton Agar 2-82
Ian Bell 109, Stuart Broad 65, Kevin Pietersen 64
Australia 2nd innings: 296 all out from 110.5 overs
Brad Haddin 71, Chris Rogers 52, Shane Watson 46, James Pattinson 25*
James Anderson 5-73, Stuart Broad 2-54, Graeme Swann 2-105
Match situation: England won by 14 runs and lead 1-0.
When Brad Haddin found a tickle of an edge to give an exhausted James Anderson his tenth wicket of the match, I knew it was out before Alastair Cook tactically asked for one of his referrals. Aleem Dar, who has had a well below the bar time officiating the game, was the umpire to reverse the edge he did not detect. It was so faint there was doubt but I knew it was out and I became numb, my heart still pounding. Haddin seemed ready to plan how to grab the final 14 runs, but it was the softest dismissal to end his valiant effort.
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| Haddin & Pattinson. Well done boys, be proud! © Getty Images |
From being dubbed the underdogs of the series, we gave England plenty of grey hairs and it is certainly a series that is alive. They have the momentum as the more experienced side but there's only that element of collective experience really separating the teams. The home ground advantage is obviously massive for them.
This game was unfortunately been affected by controversy, but this has a major role in the world of cricket. Sadly it comes down to three things.
Firstly, Michael Clarke had a poor game tactically and admitted to this in an emotional post-match presentation. He totally misused our referrals and we paid the price as a result.
Secondly, Stuart Broad not walking left a bitterness about the game knowing those runs he ended up scoring after actually being out flipped the outcome of the game. Having written that, I did write after the incident that he was not expected to walk.
That brings me to the third point and that was Aleem Dar being brought into the spotlight for his officiating. Umpires regularly check for no-balls with dismissals and a lot of the time the bowlers are way behind the lines. It is precautionary. Why couldn’t Dar have used his initiative, common sense with theobvious ball deviation off Broad’s bat and reaction of our team and referred it beyond the simple parameters of DRS? An umpire has this grounding and he could have checked he didn’t make a blunder.
It’s all history now and will forever be associated to this game but there were plenty of outstanding performances from both sides and this should not be dampened by any means.
Starting the day trailing by 137 runs with only four wickets in the bag, the fact we got within 14 runs and survived for 39.5 overs is staggering and I am very proud.
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| Haddin's determination brought 71 runs & nearly a victory. |
I am not going to elaborate much more on the game as my previous posts for each day have been written with clarity and an unbiased approach. However, I will state I am proud of the way we fought so hard in this game and while I am broken and totally shattered to lose to England, we have hope and four Tests to fight back. As a supporter I will be right back and ready for Lord’s to cheer on The Baggy Greens loudly and proudly!
What I do foresee come Lord’s is that Ed Cowan is unlikely to be in the starting XI, so Usman Khawaja – while not a miracle maker – will likely make way into the side as a younger, more versatile player. I have expressed my views on Cowan’s cricket numerous times via the site and unfortunately my optimism for his turnaround just seems too far removed from what this team needs and where they’re headed. It’s nothing that is meant to sound nasty or personal. That is not how I write.
I have supported Ed and will continue to do so where needs be, but there’s better candidates than him and he’s been played out of his opening role and he was put under a fair bit of pressure to be the number three batsman. He was also ill during the match, so that must be added. Should he play I really hope he gets loads of runs to help us, but I think the selectors will overlook him.
Mitchell Starc gave us some key wickets and would have gained incredible experience in this Test, but I do have a gut feeling he will miss out on the Lord’s Test as off all the bowlers he seemed to struggle the most to control the swing, manage his line and wasn’t able to build enough pressure. Starc is a fine young bowler and I do believe he could be a big impact player at Lord’s, however with the slope at the ground if he struggles to control his line and length he will be easy pickings and Brad Haddin’s life will be made a living hell. His selection or omission will be tactical, but hard to write him off. Should Starc not play, Ryan Harris or Jackson Bird, who are both natural swing bowlers, seem to be strongly in contention.
Positives were there, no doubts there! Peter Siddle proved me wrong with a five wicket haul in England's first dig and he gave it his very best out there. Chris Rogers, while seeing it as half a job done in his eyes, scored his maiden half-century and looked the part facing the new ball. Steven Smith and Phillip Hughes failed in the second innings when it truly mattered most but they contributed in our first innings with strong signs that they’ve really matured as players. A small victory for us in that regard, a big one for Hughes in particular after 2009.
The biggest positive was Ashton Agar. Sure, he broke a few records with the bat in hand as he scored an incredible 98 runs in our first innings, a massive achievement in the context of our run chase, but he put on a fair show with the ball and could have had three wickets in England’s second dig. He looked good when I saw him play for Western Australia. He looked sensational out there representing the Baggy Greens with the bat and ball. Couldn’t have been expected to repeat his heroics in the run chase but he has made an entrance into the elite level.
We have a few days to recover before the Lord’s Test. England have taken first blood and history would show that in this position our modern era side cannot make a comeback when losing an opening clash. However, this run chase spawned a return of the old Australian spirit. It was a side shedding skin and showing England we are not pushovers and we will not go down without a fight. This is our battle too and we can regain the urn. With Darren Lehmann there I picked up a different energy, mostly amongst the newer players or our players who are naturally fierce, hard faced Australian cricketers.
Part two begins on Thursday. We’re still in this. It will be tough but we’re in it fanatics.
Come on Australia!
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01 September 2012
Michael Clarke in the spotlight for the ICC Awards
I will be doing a write-up of the current ODI series against Pakistan come the end of the action as to get a good overview with the overall performance from both sides. A convincing win by Pakistan last night has created a tense final encounter which will be eagerly awaited.
For quick chirps and the brief match overviews, check out the Baggy Green Blog Facebook page, as well as my personal Twitter account if you'd like to chat about the games.
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The 2012 ICC Awards are upon us and we have another year with limited Australian cricketers in the mix but the good news is that a few players have been acknowledged for their performances and have been nominated. That is always something to be proud of.
Our captain Michael Clarke is in the spotlight after a sensational year for us, not only with his batting performances, but also his transition to full time captain and his overall leadership which has been outstanding and actually very inspiring.
As a result of his leadership and attacking tactical mind he has been named captain of the ICC Test Team of the Year. Congrats must be given to Dale Steyn being selected for the unofficial side 5 years in a row.
ICC Test Team of the Year 2011-12:
Alastair Cook, Hashim Amla, Kumar Sangakkara, Jacques Kallis, Michael Clarke (capt), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Matt Prior (wk), Stuart Broad, Saeed Ajmal, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, AB de Villiers (12th man)
Clarkey has also been nominated for ICC Test and ICC Cricketer of the Year, having stacked up 1,355 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 58.91. This includes that glorious triple century against India at the SCG and a double century at the Adelaide Oval. Overall this includes 5 centuries. Remarkable performance leading his side.
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| Taken by Ryan Pierse/ Getty Images |
I don't think Philander will take it. Despite his phenomenal figures for a medium paced bowler in his short career span, the other contestants have also performed in other forms of the game with exceptional class which will boost their credibility.
Clarkey also scored 759 runs at an average of 50.60 during the nomination period with a century in 19 ODIs. Sangakarra has good stats to his name but has played 37 ODIs while Hashim Amla has only played 8 and scored 419 runs at 52.37.
We lacked nominees for ODI and T20 cricket but James Pattinson has been for ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year. Exciting news for Jamo and I reckon he's in with a good chance but it's hard to overlook Sunil Narine, who has added a neat X factor to the West Indian side, especially in limited overs cricket.
Alyssa Healy and Lisa Sthalekar have been nominated for ICC Women's T20 Cricketer of the Year.
The Awards will take place on 15 September, just before the ICC World T20 begins in Sri Lanka.
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26 August 2012
The Australian cricket schedule is under way
The wait is over and Australian cricket is ready to speed off for a season that will be one with high intensity and mighty challenges ahead in all forms of the game. The state season is also just around the corner with an earlier start due in order to acommodate the Big Bash League later this year (SMH - Usain Bolt for the Melbourne Stars?).
The first game against Afghanistan for the UAE tour was a victory and this was to be expected. I was only able to get a re-cap from Cricinfo.com this morning and read a few bulletins. Seems that the Afghans put up some resistance with their batting and made a game of it but looking at our score it would seem that a win was really optimistic.
This game also gave clear indication that our boys are in for a testing series against Pakistan and batting will not be easy, notably due to the sluggish tracks which Pakistan will definitely turn to spin - particularly to target our top order - and the unbelievable heat in humidity which makes batting extremely draining and the bowlers will be tested for fitness and stamina. Michael Clarke will need to be smart with his rotation for both tactical and safety reasons.
There were plenty of positives looking at the feedback.
I am proud to see Michael Clarke stamped down some authority with the number 3 role and this innings was driven by the class of our skipper, which we saw come to the forefront in 2007. Straight drives, brilliant footwork and bat speed against the spinners and cautious control within the state of the game. He managed to score 75 runs and will head into the ODI series with confidence within his own game and his leadership.
Matt Wade scored his highest ODI total but his struggles were noted. He struggled for rhythm, something we saw against England, and the conditions hammered him, but you can't blame him in this regard!
All in all, he put runs on the board and would have learnt a substantial amount in a 131 run partnership with Clarkey.
With Brad Haddin making a comeback and Tim Paine also working on his return this is an important series for Matt to show he's learning and adapting to the different conditions he's been exposed to in a short time frame.
Michael Hussey was assertive and scored 49 runs from 37 deliveries. Good signs ahead of the ICC WorldT20 and a welcomed return for our middle order maestro. Pakistan know what he's capable of!
The bowlers were made to work hard but it was the fast bowlers who got us over the finish line in the end. Mitchell Starc is continually building a strong profile in limited overs cricket for us as he took 4-47 with top order wickets.
James Pattinson has an opportunity to find a role as the dealer of new ball duties with Brett Lee now retired. I have always likened his attitude to that of Binga's when he was a young man starting out for Australia and his figures suggest that he held his own out there with 3-46. Like Starc, this is a passage of learning.
Mitchell Johnson was the man called on the break up Afghanistan's most threatening partnership and things ended well for Mitch which is really pleasing given his ODI recall in England was a bit of a nightmare. I still value him in ODI cricket and his figures were 2-34 at just 3.77 runs per over.
The victory came with a wicket to Xavier Doherty as Australia claimed victory by 66 runs. It's a first victory on the board and the first step towards winning this series and regaining some pride after the fall in the UK.
Australia u19 lose the title to India:
On a slightly low note, the Australian u19s lost to India in the ICC u19 World Cup final in Australia.
It was a high scoring encounter and another lack of a top order partnership from our batsmen left the hard work to our middle order batsmen. India passed our total of 225 with 14 deliveries to spare, so it was a comfortable victory in some regards.
Spare a thought though for skipper Will Bosisto. In my opinion I have been impressed by his conduct and leadership of the side throughout this tournament. He's worked with his team in a balanced manner and the stats would also indicate this as most of our victories came as a result of a balanced team effort, as opposed to individual's saving the day.
Bosisto also held his own with his batting as he was unbeaten - playing an assertive, patient role in rescuing the side on a few occasions - with 87* runs. He scored 276 runs from 6 innings in the tournament, at an average of 276 runs owed to the fact he was only dismissed once and this was a run out during the semi final against South Africa. Definitely put himself on the map as a player for the future.
The young Western Australian, Cameron Bancroft, showcased his skills with a century and a fifty during the tournament. He had a dismal start to his career with WA in first class cricket last season but all these guys are just young men new to the step up in intensity with professional cricket. These two performances from him the series will hopefully change his mind set as he heads into the cricket season.
I was also impressed by Travis Head who should see himself find plenty of opportunities for the Redbacks this season, especially if he performs as he did against England during the tournament.
Plenty of positives witnessed with the younger players coming through the system and even though only a handful of these blokes will find a career within the game of cricket, we've seen many outstanding cricketers come through the system having represented the Australian u19 side. It's always exciting to watch the journey of these players to see who will one day play for Australia at the elite level.
Names like Bosisto, Bancroft, Patterson, Turner and Head may very well be headliner names in the distant future. It all begins in tournaments like these.
For the series stats, you can read up on it all at ESPN Cricinfo.com, the source of all cricketing stats and facts.
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