Australia are in control of the 5th Ashes test after day 1 at The Oval, after winning the toss, choosing to bat first on a dry but flat pitch, and then closing the opening day on 307/4. Shane Watson dominated the scoring for Australia, making a magnificent and much needed 176 batting at no.3, which is his first century of the series and his first in test matches since 2010. That should now answer any questions the Australian and English critics had, and secure his place now for the winter, just as I suggested he would in this match.
England started the day with 2 debutants, bringing in Chris Woakes and Simon Kerrigan for Tim Bresnan and Jonny Bairstow. Meanwhile Australia announced their 2 changes 24 hours ahead of the match, with debutant James Faulkner and Mitchell Starc replacing Usman Khawaja and Jackson Bird. Neither of those 2 had a part to play today, with Australia's top 5 doing the damage as England's bowlers, especially the debutants, toiled.
The day started reasonably well for England, with a bit of movement with the new ball, making openers Rogers and Warner uncomfortable. Warner didn't really last long at all, falling in the fifth over to James Anderson for 6. Warner got stuck in the crease and had a drive at Anderson, but he could only find the edge which left a comfortable catch for Matt Prior. Chris Rogers continued to struggle, but Shane Watson looked good as the pair put on 107 for the second wicket, with the big hitting Watson making most of those. He took advantage of some poor, and perhaps nervy opening spells from Woakes, and Kerrigan particularly as started to come up with the goods, now that it is all to late in the series for the tourists.
Chris Rogers was the next to fall for 23 off of 100 balls to his nemesis of the series Graeme Swann, getting a thick edge to Jonathon Trott at slip. Michael Clarke fell shortly afterwards for a hard fought 7, after struggling with the short stuff from Stuart Broad, as James Anderson got one to squeeze through the captain's defences and onto the stumps.
Shane Watson continued to dominate though, and Steven Smith also played well along with him, as Watson made his new test match best and Steven Smith got his 3rd half century of the series, as the England attack struggles for a breakthrough in the evening session. The 2 of them had put on 145 before Watson finally went for 176. Taking on a Broad short ball, Watson could only pick out Kevin Pietersen at deep fine leg, who took an excellent catch diving to his left, to give the hosts the breakthrough they dearly needed. Night-watchman Peter Siddle and Steven Smith saw Australia through to the close on 307/4, Smith not out on 66 and Siddle on 18 not out himself.
It was certainly Australia's day, and England will need quick wickets tomorrow to fight back and then to bat well in their own first innings if they are to win this final test match. Tomorrow should be another good day of Cricket as England look to get back into it.It should be another good day for batting, on what will be a good batting pitch until around late day 3 or day 4 when it will really start to turn for the spinners.
I'll be back tomorrow to see if Australia have continued their domination or if England have got back into it.
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
5th Ashes Test Preview
Wednesday sees the start of the 5th and final Ashes test at The Oval. With the score 3-0 England with only this match to play, this match has become a dead rubber, but there is still plenty to play for as the 2 sides head into this game. One of those things to play for are spots in the team for the return series down under this winter. There are a couple of guys on either side that could stake a claim to start the First test in Brisbane in November.
England have been dealt an injury blow, with Tim Bresnan ruled out for the rest of the summer with a back injury, and with Graham Onions out with a broken finger, Chris Tremlett could have his opportunity to play. Steven Finn, Chris Woakes and left arm spinner Simon Kerrigan are also in the squad, but are outsiders to play ahead of Tremlett who has been in the last 2 Test match squads for the games at OT and Durham.
As for Australia, they have named their team in advance so there will be no guessing from them. The tourists are bringing in left arm fast bowlers James Faulkner (on debut) and Mitchell Starc (in his 3rd test of the series) for Usman Khawaja and Jackson Bird. That means that Faulkner bats at 7 and with Watson still with that niggle he picked up in Durham he will be unlikely to bowl here either, after playing as a batsman only in the 2 day match Vs England Lions last week.
So this is what else we can expect from the 2 teams at The Oval:
England's bowling has 1 question to answer, who replaces Tim Bresnan? While Chris Woakes is a like for like replacement, I don't think that he is good enough to play Test Cricket at this stage. Simon Kerrigan won't play, as England won't want to play 2 spinners in a 4 man attack. Steven Finn was left out after the 1st test and has done nothing since in County Cricket to suggest he should be recalled for this match. That leaves Chris Tremlett, who is definetly favourite to play this final test and has played well in County Cricket since his return from injury, while his figures wouldn't suggest it. Meanwhile, with no real talk of resting players, Anderson, Broad and Swann should retain their places. Broad played fantastically at Durham and got the reward for his hard work in the series. Swann again should have the perfect conditions to shine, a dry pitch is again expected and with 2 left handers to create rough outside right handers off stump as well as the left handers he should have a field day. Meanwhile, James Anderson will be looking to find form, having been a shadow of the man who bowled at Trent Bridge in the last 2 matches.
Key Man: As mentioned Jonathon Trott is in need of runs and will want to play his part in the last test of the series, he showed small signs of improvement at Durham, and I feel he will kick on here and score plenty of runs. With the Test being played at the scene of his first Test and Ashes hundred on debut, it bring back some great memories for him.
As for the bowlers, five front line bowlers will be able to share the workload at The Oval, with Mitchell Starc returning and James Faulkner making his debut, with Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris and spinner Nathan Lyon holding retaining their places. Bowling hasn't been Australia's problem in the series, and with these 5 at The Oval it shouldn't be once again. Lyon will have a key role to play in the 2nd innings in the field, on a dry pitch, he should have plenty of rough to play with. Ryan Harris bowled lots of overs at Durham, and may have been rested here, but with 5 front line bowlers he won't have to bowl as much as has had to in previous matches. Both Harris and Siddle have bowled well so far, Harris taking 20 wickets in just 3 matches so far and Siddle on 17 wickets, following a poor match at Durham. As for Mitchell Starc he will be looking to play really well as he eyes an extended run in the team, rather than playing every other Test, and not being able to get any rhythm or form over a series of matches. Finally, James Faulkner will be looking to make an impression on debut, and play well enough to get a spot in the first Test of the return series in November. It should be an interesting game for these bowlers, and Australia will hope that they can do the job.
Key Man: Shane Watson has to pull his finger out in this match, and put in with a big score to help his team. Watson has failed on several occasions during the tour, with only 1 half-century in the series. Without his bowling to distract him in this match, hopefully he can focus on what needs to be done with bat in hand, and answer all of the questions that his Australian critics have of him.
Well, I expect that this match will be another good contest on a dry pitch that will be quite flat to start with, with turn for the spinners later on. England will look to rub the Australian noses in it with a 4-0 victory in the series. Meanwhile, Australia will want to salvage a consolation win and take some positives going into the winter. Whatever happens it should be a good match, and one I look forward to watch unfold over the next 5 days.
England have been dealt an injury blow, with Tim Bresnan ruled out for the rest of the summer with a back injury, and with Graham Onions out with a broken finger, Chris Tremlett could have his opportunity to play. Steven Finn, Chris Woakes and left arm spinner Simon Kerrigan are also in the squad, but are outsiders to play ahead of Tremlett who has been in the last 2 Test match squads for the games at OT and Durham.
As for Australia, they have named their team in advance so there will be no guessing from them. The tourists are bringing in left arm fast bowlers James Faulkner (on debut) and Mitchell Starc (in his 3rd test of the series) for Usman Khawaja and Jackson Bird. That means that Faulkner bats at 7 and with Watson still with that niggle he picked up in Durham he will be unlikely to bowl here either, after playing as a batsman only in the 2 day match Vs England Lions last week.
So this is what else we can expect from the 2 teams at The Oval:
England
England are chasing a 4-0 series victory, and with an unchanged batting line-up once again, it gives the under firing likes of Alastair Cook, Jonathon Trott, Matt Prior and Jonny Bairstow an opportunity to find some form and score runs. Cook and Trott especially will be England's main concerns, but I and many others have the feeling that runs are just around the corner for those 2. I think that Cook could well score runs now, with less pressure on him with the series won. Trott has his technical issues to resolve, but he looked better in the last test and runs aren't far away for him. Meanwhile, England won't be too worried about Bairstow, as he's a decent young player who will come good with investment, or Prior who's wicket keeping makes up for his lack of runs. However, Joe Root could do with a decent score, because other than his 180 he hasn't made another half century. There are a few questions for him still to answer, and a decent half century at The Oval will answer those nicely.England's bowling has 1 question to answer, who replaces Tim Bresnan? While Chris Woakes is a like for like replacement, I don't think that he is good enough to play Test Cricket at this stage. Simon Kerrigan won't play, as England won't want to play 2 spinners in a 4 man attack. Steven Finn was left out after the 1st test and has done nothing since in County Cricket to suggest he should be recalled for this match. That leaves Chris Tremlett, who is definetly favourite to play this final test and has played well in County Cricket since his return from injury, while his figures wouldn't suggest it. Meanwhile, with no real talk of resting players, Anderson, Broad and Swann should retain their places. Broad played fantastically at Durham and got the reward for his hard work in the series. Swann again should have the perfect conditions to shine, a dry pitch is again expected and with 2 left handers to create rough outside right handers off stump as well as the left handers he should have a field day. Meanwhile, James Anderson will be looking to find form, having been a shadow of the man who bowled at Trent Bridge in the last 2 matches.
Key Man: As mentioned Jonathon Trott is in need of runs and will want to play his part in the last test of the series, he showed small signs of improvement at Durham, and I feel he will kick on here and score plenty of runs. With the Test being played at the scene of his first Test and Ashes hundred on debut, it bring back some great memories for him.
Australia
The tourists have no selection issues for me to debate, having already picked their team. Batting wise, the top order will now need to score more than ever with the batting line-up being slightly weaker. Rogers is playing well right now, and Warner has found some form in the Test matches that he ahs played. Shane Watson could do with some runs desperately before this tour is over, having not really made a big score in the 4 previous tests, the pressure on him is mounting further and further by the match. Steven Smith should be fine, he's had a couple of half-centuries but would like another one in this game, however his place for the winter side should be secure. Michael Clarke has probably been the best batsman and would like to end the tour on a high, but his big hundred at Old Trafford has insured, he pulled his weight in the batting line-up in the series.As for the bowlers, five front line bowlers will be able to share the workload at The Oval, with Mitchell Starc returning and James Faulkner making his debut, with Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris and spinner Nathan Lyon holding retaining their places. Bowling hasn't been Australia's problem in the series, and with these 5 at The Oval it shouldn't be once again. Lyon will have a key role to play in the 2nd innings in the field, on a dry pitch, he should have plenty of rough to play with. Ryan Harris bowled lots of overs at Durham, and may have been rested here, but with 5 front line bowlers he won't have to bowl as much as has had to in previous matches. Both Harris and Siddle have bowled well so far, Harris taking 20 wickets in just 3 matches so far and Siddle on 17 wickets, following a poor match at Durham. As for Mitchell Starc he will be looking to play really well as he eyes an extended run in the team, rather than playing every other Test, and not being able to get any rhythm or form over a series of matches. Finally, James Faulkner will be looking to make an impression on debut, and play well enough to get a spot in the first Test of the return series in November. It should be an interesting game for these bowlers, and Australia will hope that they can do the job.
Key Man: Shane Watson has to pull his finger out in this match, and put in with a big score to help his team. Watson has failed on several occasions during the tour, with only 1 half-century in the series. Without his bowling to distract him in this match, hopefully he can focus on what needs to be done with bat in hand, and answer all of the questions that his Australian critics have of him.
Well, I expect that this match will be another good contest on a dry pitch that will be quite flat to start with, with turn for the spinners later on. England will look to rub the Australian noses in it with a 4-0 victory in the series. Meanwhile, Australia will want to salvage a consolation win and take some positives going into the winter. Whatever happens it should be a good match, and one I look forward to watch unfold over the next 5 days.
Monday, 19 August 2013
England fight hard on slow scoring 3rd day
England fought hard making just 215 runs in 98.3 overs, as Australia could only take 4 wickets on a fairly slow and dull 3rd day at The Oval.
The day started fairly well for England with Root and Cook putting on their first 50 partnership of the series. They'd got to 68 together when, on 25, Cook had a flash outside off-stump, edging a Ryan Harris delivery to Brad Haddin. So yet another low score for Cook and he might not have another Test innings this summer of any length. Joe Root wasn't at his fluent best, but he dug in and played fairly nicely in making his half-century. He'd got to 68 when top edged a sweep to Watson at short fine leg to give Lyon his first wicket, leaving England on 118/2. Trott was next to go for 40, but he was trapped LBW by Mitchell Starc just before Tea.
After Tea, Pietersen and Bell carried on slowly making a 31 run partnership in around 20 overs. Pietersen had just got to his half-century when he edged a Mitchell Starc delivery to Shane Watson in the slips for 50. Ian Bell and debutant Chris Woakes saw England to the close without any further event really. Bell finishing on 29 not out and Woakes on 15 not out, having hit his first ball in Test Cricket for 4. England closed then on 247/4, still 245 runs behind.
With rain around tomorrow possibly, it looks like this match is slowly heading for a draw with 2 days to go, so long as England get the 46 more they need to avoid the follow on. I just hope for a slightly more eventful day tomorrow. I'll be back tomorrow night to round up the fourth day's play.
The day started fairly well for England with Root and Cook putting on their first 50 partnership of the series. They'd got to 68 together when, on 25, Cook had a flash outside off-stump, edging a Ryan Harris delivery to Brad Haddin. So yet another low score for Cook and he might not have another Test innings this summer of any length. Joe Root wasn't at his fluent best, but he dug in and played fairly nicely in making his half-century. He'd got to 68 when top edged a sweep to Watson at short fine leg to give Lyon his first wicket, leaving England on 118/2. Trott was next to go for 40, but he was trapped LBW by Mitchell Starc just before Tea.
After Tea, Pietersen and Bell carried on slowly making a 31 run partnership in around 20 overs. Pietersen had just got to his half-century when he edged a Mitchell Starc delivery to Shane Watson in the slips for 50. Ian Bell and debutant Chris Woakes saw England to the close without any further event really. Bell finishing on 29 not out and Woakes on 15 not out, having hit his first ball in Test Cricket for 4. England closed then on 247/4, still 245 runs behind.
With rain around tomorrow possibly, it looks like this match is slowly heading for a draw with 2 days to go, so long as England get the 46 more they need to avoid the follow on. I just hope for a slightly more eventful day tomorrow. I'll be back tomorrow night to round up the fourth day's play.
Friday, 16 August 2013
English T20 Final's Day: Who'll walk off with the prize?
Tomorrow is final's day of the Friend's Life twenty 20 tournament which will be held Edgbaston. The four sides battling for the trophy are defending champions Hampshire, Surrey, Northants and Essex.
So what can we look forward to in Birmingham then:
Semi-finals:
Essex Vs Northants (11am BST)
Hampshire Vs Surrey (2.30pm BST)
Final (6.45pm BST)
So this is what we can expect from the final 4:
They reached the quarter-finals as one of the two best 3rd placed sides, after Middlesex lost their final match by 9 runs against Hampshire. They then thrashed Notts in the quarter's by 47 runs after a Shaun Tait hat-trick and a Ten Doeschate half-century. They could be some of the key men if Essex are to be crowned champions.
Key Man: Graham Napier could have a big say for Essex, a great exponent of both swing and reverse swing and a class act at the end of the innings with ball and bat in hand. While he hasn't shown to much of his big hitting in the tournament so far, he can turn a decent total into a massive one, and pick up a few wickets at a decent economy rate to turn things Essex's way again.
Predicted Finish: This is a very bold punt but I think they'll be the Winners
Azharullah has taken vital wickets for them, while Cameron White's big hitting will be vital for their chances. They are probably the underdogs, and to be honest I think they will just fall short on this occasion.
Key Man: Big hitting Cameron White will be vital to their chances tomorrow, he has made some big runs for them this year and Is very experienced in the One Day and T20 formats, if he fires there's no reason that they shouldn't win.
Predicted Finish: Semi-Finals on this occasion.
Hampshire got to final's day in convincing fashion, losing just as single match as they comfortably finished top of the South Group.
Key Man: Michael Carberry does a great job of setting the tone in the powerplay with his big hitting and if he does so tomorrow, he could well take the game away from Hampshire's opponents in the blink of an eye.
Predicted Finish: Finalists but just unable to regain the coveted crown, still the YB40 title is well within their grasp too as the One Day kings are dominating again.
Surrey made finals day finishing 2nd in the South Group with 3 wins from their final 3 group games. They then beat much fancied Somerset fairly comfortably in the quarter-finals.
Key Man: Jade Dernbach's death bowling will be vital for Surrey's chances, if it doesn't come off, then Surrey's batting line-up could have plenty of work to do.
Predicted Finish: Thrashed by Hampshire in the Semi-Final's.
Whoever wins tomorrow it will be sure to be a classic day, in what is my favourite day of the year. Really looking forward to this one, lot's of excitement to be had as well including the mascot race!
I'll be back some time on Sunday to give you my round-up of Final's day from Edgbaston. See you then.
So what can we look forward to in Birmingham then:
Semi-finals:
Essex Vs Northants (11am BST)
Hampshire Vs Surrey (2.30pm BST)
Final (6.45pm BST)
So this is what we can expect from the final 4:
ESSEX
Essex are probably the least likely to win this tournament, yet I fancy them to do it. They've had a fairly inconsistent season, but with a bit of confidence and hard work behind them they can achieve anything and have had a pretty decent season in all formats. While they have reached finals day before, they've never made it to the final so that would be unchartered territory.They reached the quarter-finals as one of the two best 3rd placed sides, after Middlesex lost their final match by 9 runs against Hampshire. They then thrashed Notts in the quarter's by 47 runs after a Shaun Tait hat-trick and a Ten Doeschate half-century. They could be some of the key men if Essex are to be crowned champions.
Key Man: Graham Napier could have a big say for Essex, a great exponent of both swing and reverse swing and a class act at the end of the innings with ball and bat in hand. While he hasn't shown to much of his big hitting in the tournament so far, he can turn a decent total into a massive one, and pick up a few wickets at a decent economy rate to turn things Essex's way again.
Predicted Finish: This is a very bold punt but I think they'll be the Winners
NORTHANTS
Northants may not be the richest or most attractive county side, but they still know how to get the job done. They topped the Midlands/Wales/West group quite comfortably, and have only lost 2 matches on the way to finals day. They've had a good season in the 4 day format and have the chance to pick up multiple pieces of silverware this season.Azharullah has taken vital wickets for them, while Cameron White's big hitting will be vital for their chances. They are probably the underdogs, and to be honest I think they will just fall short on this occasion.
Key Man: Big hitting Cameron White will be vital to their chances tomorrow, he has made some big runs for them this year and Is very experienced in the One Day and T20 formats, if he fires there's no reason that they shouldn't win.
Predicted Finish: Semi-Finals on this occasion.
HAMPSHIRE
The defending champions will be the huge favourites to regain their title and why shouldn't they be? They have a quality batting line-up that goes fairly deep as well. Carberry is a big hitter along with Jimmy Adams and Sean Ervine. A middle order match winner to in the form of Neil McKenzie. In the bowling stakes they have the quality death bowling of Chris Wood to match the classy spin of Danny Briggs, who will one day replace Graeme Swann in the ODI and T20I teams for England.Hampshire got to final's day in convincing fashion, losing just as single match as they comfortably finished top of the South Group.
Key Man: Michael Carberry does a great job of setting the tone in the powerplay with his big hitting and if he does so tomorrow, he could well take the game away from Hampshire's opponents in the blink of an eye.
Predicted Finish: Finalists but just unable to regain the coveted crown, still the YB40 title is well within their grasp too as the One Day kings are dominating again.
SURREY
Surrey are probably one of the weakest batting sides in the semi-finals, with their batting performances hinging on Jason Roy and keeper-batsman Steven Davies. Their bowling is much stronger with the likes of Azhar Mahmood, Jade Dernbach, Jon Lewis and the possibility of Chris Tremlett should the ECB let him play, I expect that they will though. However, captain and spinner Gareth Batty is suspended for 2 games following an altercation with Peter Trego in the quarter's.Surrey made finals day finishing 2nd in the South Group with 3 wins from their final 3 group games. They then beat much fancied Somerset fairly comfortably in the quarter-finals.
Key Man: Jade Dernbach's death bowling will be vital for Surrey's chances, if it doesn't come off, then Surrey's batting line-up could have plenty of work to do.
Predicted Finish: Thrashed by Hampshire in the Semi-Final's.
Whoever wins tomorrow it will be sure to be a classic day, in what is my favourite day of the year. Really looking forward to this one, lot's of excitement to be had as well including the mascot race!
I'll be back some time on Sunday to give you my round-up of Final's day from Edgbaston. See you then.
Monday, 12 August 2013
Broad heroics give England Test and series victory
Stuart Broad put in a magnificent spell on the 4th and eventually final evening in Durham as, England beat Australia by 74 runs to win the 4th test match and take a 3-0 lead in the Ashes series with just 1 to play at The Oval. Stuart Broad finished with 6-50 in the second innings and 11 wickets in the match, as England took 9 wickets in a lengthy final session of the day.
England started the day fairly poorly with Bell and Prior falling in consecutive balls, as Harris got one to bounce and the other to keep low as he got both players out bowled. Bell was out for 113, while Prior fell first ball for 0. Stuart Broad didn't hang around long either as he got a fantastic bouncer from Ryan Harris which Broad gloved up in the air for Steve Smith to take an easy catch. Swann and Bresnan steadied the ship as they put on 42 for the ninth wicket, before Bresnan gave Harris a simple caught and bowled, as he went for 45. The last man to fall was James Anderson for 0, as he got a little feather to Haddin from a Lyon ball that turned and bounced. Graeme Swann finished 30 not out as England set Australia 299 runs to win the test match.
Australia started well as the opening pair of Rogers and Warner were very positive in their approach, and the England seamer's bowled a bit too short at them, and they took their opportunities to score. The pair had put on 109 for the first wicket before Graeme Swann made the vital breakthrough. He got Rogers to edge one to Trott at slip, as Rogers had to go for 49 as England got the first wicket just before tea.
After tea, thinks turned around big style for England. Firstly, Swann took his second scalp, that of Khawaja LBW for 21. Then 21 runs later, Tim Bresnan got the next key wicket, that of Dave Warner for 71, as Bresnan got one to bounce and catch Warner's edge, Prior doing the rest. Then wickets fell at regular intervals as Stuart Broad another classic spell. First he got one to seam away from Michael Clarke, knocking back his off-stump, dismissing the captain for 21. Steve Smith was next, trying to hook but just gloving it onto his stump. This left Australia 175/5, still needing 124 to win with 5 wickets left. When Watson was removed LBW to Bresnan for 2, it looked like that would be it for Australia. Broad struck again to remove Haddin LBW for 4, to leave Australia 7 down with the last recognised batsman gone. Harris was the next to go for 11 LBW to the relentless Stuart Broad who had now taken 4 wickets in an amazing spell. Nathan Lyon was Broad's fifth victim of the innings, as Broad knocked out his leg-stump, reducing Australia to 211/9 needing the final pair to put on 88 for the victory. After taking the extra half an hour it was fitting that Stuart Broad took the final wicket, and he did the honours as Peter Siddle chipped one up for James Anderson to take a simple catch, sparking scenes of joy and celebration among the England players and backroom staff.
What a fantastic test match that was. Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers starred for Australia and proved that they are a competitive side once again. Meanwhile, Ian Bell and Stuart Broad were top dogs for England as they showed that they have the edge on their bitter rivals.
The final test should be just as competitive an affair, though meaningless in the context of the series. I'll be back to preview that one in a weeks time.
Before that I will have a preview of my favourite day of the year. The English domestic T20 final's day involving Essex, Northants, Surrey and Hampshire at Edgbaston. See you then.
England started the day fairly poorly with Bell and Prior falling in consecutive balls, as Harris got one to bounce and the other to keep low as he got both players out bowled. Bell was out for 113, while Prior fell first ball for 0. Stuart Broad didn't hang around long either as he got a fantastic bouncer from Ryan Harris which Broad gloved up in the air for Steve Smith to take an easy catch. Swann and Bresnan steadied the ship as they put on 42 for the ninth wicket, before Bresnan gave Harris a simple caught and bowled, as he went for 45. The last man to fall was James Anderson for 0, as he got a little feather to Haddin from a Lyon ball that turned and bounced. Graeme Swann finished 30 not out as England set Australia 299 runs to win the test match.
Australia started well as the opening pair of Rogers and Warner were very positive in their approach, and the England seamer's bowled a bit too short at them, and they took their opportunities to score. The pair had put on 109 for the first wicket before Graeme Swann made the vital breakthrough. He got Rogers to edge one to Trott at slip, as Rogers had to go for 49 as England got the first wicket just before tea.
After tea, thinks turned around big style for England. Firstly, Swann took his second scalp, that of Khawaja LBW for 21. Then 21 runs later, Tim Bresnan got the next key wicket, that of Dave Warner for 71, as Bresnan got one to bounce and catch Warner's edge, Prior doing the rest. Then wickets fell at regular intervals as Stuart Broad another classic spell. First he got one to seam away from Michael Clarke, knocking back his off-stump, dismissing the captain for 21. Steve Smith was next, trying to hook but just gloving it onto his stump. This left Australia 175/5, still needing 124 to win with 5 wickets left. When Watson was removed LBW to Bresnan for 2, it looked like that would be it for Australia. Broad struck again to remove Haddin LBW for 4, to leave Australia 7 down with the last recognised batsman gone. Harris was the next to go for 11 LBW to the relentless Stuart Broad who had now taken 4 wickets in an amazing spell. Nathan Lyon was Broad's fifth victim of the innings, as Broad knocked out his leg-stump, reducing Australia to 211/9 needing the final pair to put on 88 for the victory. After taking the extra half an hour it was fitting that Stuart Broad took the final wicket, and he did the honours as Peter Siddle chipped one up for James Anderson to take a simple catch, sparking scenes of joy and celebration among the England players and backroom staff.
What a fantastic test match that was. Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers starred for Australia and proved that they are a competitive side once again. Meanwhile, Ian Bell and Stuart Broad were top dogs for England as they showed that they have the edge on their bitter rivals.
The final test should be just as competitive an affair, though meaningless in the context of the series. I'll be back to preview that one in a weeks time.
Before that I will have a preview of my favourite day of the year. The English domestic T20 final's day involving Essex, Northants, Surrey and Hampshire at Edgbaston. See you then.
Sunday, 11 August 2013
England fight back on thrid day
England fought back well on day 3 of the 4th Test match, taking the last 5 Australian wickets fairly cheaply as they could only manage a 1st innings lead of 32, before England built a lead of 202 with 5 2nd innings wickets still in hand. On a pitch that should deteriorate on days 4 and 5 that is a healthy lead, and has made England slight favourites to win this Test match now.
The day started with Graeme Swann taking the last two recognised batsmen, just before the second new ball. First he had Brad Haddin trapped LBW for 13, and then Chris Rogers got a little bit of a glove to a delivery that then ballooned up off of the pad, as Matt Prior took a diving catch in in what would have been a short leg position. James Anderson then got Peter Siddle to edge one, with the second new ball - Alastair Cook taking the catch at slip. At this stage Australia were only 7 ahead with 2 wickets left, but Ryan Harris made some valuable lower order runs to add another 25 runs to Australia's lead. Nathan Lyon was then given out LBW to James Anderson for 4, but Hawkeye showed the ball would have missed leg stump by some distance. The last man to go was Ryan Harris, again LBW, although Tony Hill didn't give it despite being clear, to give Stuart Broad another 5 wicket haul. Australia had a slender 32 run first innings advantage, far from their high hopes at the days start.
England got off to a poor start, as Joe Root got an unplayable delivery from Ryan Harris, that took out his off-stump as he went for 2 with England still 15 behind. The hosts had a lead of just 10 when the second wicket fell, Alastair Cook having a flash outside and getting the edge to Haddin. Only 7 more runs were added before Trott fell for 23, gloving a short ball to Haddin, who took a spectacular catch to dismiss England's No.3. Kevin Pietersen was playing much more controlled Cricket, along with Ian Bell as the pair were going rather nicely and put on a partnership of 106. Pietersen was the next to go, once again to Lyon, as he tried to turn a ball outside off-stump to mid wicket, but only getting a leading edge that went to Rogers at cover. Pietersen gone for 44 with England's lead at 123 runs, still a difficult position as Jonny Bairstow came in. He played quite fluently with Bell, who was again on top form and had taken on the spinner well and dealt with the short ball nicely too. He'd put on 66 with Bell, England's form player, before he got a thin edge off of Nathan Lyon that was again well taken by Brad Haddin, who is having a fine series with the gloves.
England then bought Tim Bresnan in as night watchman for Prior and he survived the rest of the day with Bell, who bought up what was another magnificent hundred. He finishes not out on 105 with Bresnan not out on 4, and England ahead by 202 with Prior, Broad, Swann and Anderson still to come. Anything more than 270 will be a tough chase for Australia, more than 300 would be very tough, especially if the sun doesn't shine for the Australian's, making it a seamer's paradise, just as their first innings was to start with.
Tomorrow could well be another decisive day in this series, and another exciting one for the spectators. I am thoroughly looking forward to the next 2 days of Test Cricket and i'm really looking forward to commenting on them afterwards. I fully expect England to head towards victory tomorrow, but anything can happen in a day of Ashes Cricket.
The day started with Graeme Swann taking the last two recognised batsmen, just before the second new ball. First he had Brad Haddin trapped LBW for 13, and then Chris Rogers got a little bit of a glove to a delivery that then ballooned up off of the pad, as Matt Prior took a diving catch in in what would have been a short leg position. James Anderson then got Peter Siddle to edge one, with the second new ball - Alastair Cook taking the catch at slip. At this stage Australia were only 7 ahead with 2 wickets left, but Ryan Harris made some valuable lower order runs to add another 25 runs to Australia's lead. Nathan Lyon was then given out LBW to James Anderson for 4, but Hawkeye showed the ball would have missed leg stump by some distance. The last man to go was Ryan Harris, again LBW, although Tony Hill didn't give it despite being clear, to give Stuart Broad another 5 wicket haul. Australia had a slender 32 run first innings advantage, far from their high hopes at the days start.
England got off to a poor start, as Joe Root got an unplayable delivery from Ryan Harris, that took out his off-stump as he went for 2 with England still 15 behind. The hosts had a lead of just 10 when the second wicket fell, Alastair Cook having a flash outside and getting the edge to Haddin. Only 7 more runs were added before Trott fell for 23, gloving a short ball to Haddin, who took a spectacular catch to dismiss England's No.3. Kevin Pietersen was playing much more controlled Cricket, along with Ian Bell as the pair were going rather nicely and put on a partnership of 106. Pietersen was the next to go, once again to Lyon, as he tried to turn a ball outside off-stump to mid wicket, but only getting a leading edge that went to Rogers at cover. Pietersen gone for 44 with England's lead at 123 runs, still a difficult position as Jonny Bairstow came in. He played quite fluently with Bell, who was again on top form and had taken on the spinner well and dealt with the short ball nicely too. He'd put on 66 with Bell, England's form player, before he got a thin edge off of Nathan Lyon that was again well taken by Brad Haddin, who is having a fine series with the gloves.
England then bought Tim Bresnan in as night watchman for Prior and he survived the rest of the day with Bell, who bought up what was another magnificent hundred. He finishes not out on 105 with Bresnan not out on 4, and England ahead by 202 with Prior, Broad, Swann and Anderson still to come. Anything more than 270 will be a tough chase for Australia, more than 300 would be very tough, especially if the sun doesn't shine for the Australian's, making it a seamer's paradise, just as their first innings was to start with.
Tomorrow could well be another decisive day in this series, and another exciting one for the spectators. I am thoroughly looking forward to the next 2 days of Test Cricket and i'm really looking forward to commenting on them afterwards. I fully expect England to head towards victory tomorrow, but anything can happen in a day of Ashes Cricket.
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Chris Rogers keeps Australia ahead on day 2
Chris Rogers maiden test match century kept Australia on top after the second day at Durham. Australia were in some trouble before him and Shane Watson came together and put on 129 for the fifth wicket. Australia closed on 222/5 just 16 runs behind England, with still 5 first innings wickets in hand. Stuart Broad kept England in the game early on, taking 4 wickets on the day, but James Anderson was well below his best, perhaps supporting evidence that he should have been rested ahead of a tough winter schedule. Conditions on day 2 would have been much more favourable for Graham Onions, supporting the case that he should have played in his home test instead.
The day started with Australia taking the final England wicket, without the hosts adding another run to the score, Jackson Bird knocking James Anderson's stumps over in the second over of the day. Conditions at the start of the second day were much more seam friendly, with the ball moving around much more off of the pitch. England started well getting the wicket of David Warner, Stuart Broad getting one to come back in at Warner's stumps with the left hander unsure whether to play or leave, as his off-stump was knocked over. Usman Khawaja was the next to go for 0, getting a bottom edge that just carried through to Prior. Broad's magical spell continued as he took his 3rd wicket, that of the skipper Michael Clarke. Clarke had a big drive at a Broad delivery outside the off-stump, but only getting an edge that went to Alastair Cook at first slip.
Just after lunch Steven Smith, got a thin edge off of Tim Bresnan, that went to Prior, giving England their fourth wicket, leaving the tourists 76/4. Shane Watson and Chris Rogers rebuilt for Australia, seeing off a very tricky period of play before they put on a very handy partnership of 129 for Australia. Shane Watson had got his first half-century of the series, getting to 68 before he Prior made a fantastic catch down the leg-side, to give Stuart Broad his fourth wicket and England the vital breakthrough. Chris Rogers then got to his century after some very nervous moments on 96 against Graeme Swann, before he swept the off-spinner for 4, much to the relief of himself and all of the Australians in the crowd and on the Australian dressing room balcony. He was on 101* and Brad Haddin on 12* as bad light brought the day to a premature close, with Australia now only 16 runs behind England's 1st innings total.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the first hour will once again be crucial, with new ball only 5.2 overs away. England will want to get Rogers and Haddin early and then clean up the tail, before they cause any major damage. Meanwhile, Australia will want to pass England's total early and build a lead of around 100 runs, which would be a very substantial one on this pitch I feel, if they could get there.
It should be another gripping day of Ashes Cricket, and one that will be key in deciding the winner of this test match. I look forward to reporting on it tomorrow.
The day started with Australia taking the final England wicket, without the hosts adding another run to the score, Jackson Bird knocking James Anderson's stumps over in the second over of the day. Conditions at the start of the second day were much more seam friendly, with the ball moving around much more off of the pitch. England started well getting the wicket of David Warner, Stuart Broad getting one to come back in at Warner's stumps with the left hander unsure whether to play or leave, as his off-stump was knocked over. Usman Khawaja was the next to go for 0, getting a bottom edge that just carried through to Prior. Broad's magical spell continued as he took his 3rd wicket, that of the skipper Michael Clarke. Clarke had a big drive at a Broad delivery outside the off-stump, but only getting an edge that went to Alastair Cook at first slip.
Just after lunch Steven Smith, got a thin edge off of Tim Bresnan, that went to Prior, giving England their fourth wicket, leaving the tourists 76/4. Shane Watson and Chris Rogers rebuilt for Australia, seeing off a very tricky period of play before they put on a very handy partnership of 129 for Australia. Shane Watson had got his first half-century of the series, getting to 68 before he Prior made a fantastic catch down the leg-side, to give Stuart Broad his fourth wicket and England the vital breakthrough. Chris Rogers then got to his century after some very nervous moments on 96 against Graeme Swann, before he swept the off-spinner for 4, much to the relief of himself and all of the Australians in the crowd and on the Australian dressing room balcony. He was on 101* and Brad Haddin on 12* as bad light brought the day to a premature close, with Australia now only 16 runs behind England's 1st innings total.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the first hour will once again be crucial, with new ball only 5.2 overs away. England will want to get Rogers and Haddin early and then clean up the tail, before they cause any major damage. Meanwhile, Australia will want to pass England's total early and build a lead of around 100 runs, which would be a very substantial one on this pitch I feel, if they could get there.
It should be another gripping day of Ashes Cricket, and one that will be key in deciding the winner of this test match. I look forward to reporting on it tomorrow.
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