- Aussies scored 2890 runs - England scored 2630
- Aussies took 82 wickets - England took 69
- Aussies scored 8 centuries - England scored 2
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
It's a funny old game
I thought these stats made for interesting reading:
Hooray for the Ashes
By Tom Mallows
The last time I wrote for this blog it was in the wake of a morale sapping defeat at Headingley and I have to admit I feared the worst when the Ashes bandwagon moved to the Oval for the final hurrah.
I have never claimed to be an expert in England team selection and a good job I didn’t as my predictions for the final test were completely wrong! I thought Bell would be out with Key in at number three. As it was Bell was promoted to three (a case of no one else around?) with Jonathan Trott coming in for his debut instead of the struggling Bopara.
Trott is, of course, South African but we were kindly informed before the test that he wouldn’t be good enough for the South African batting line up so they obviously aren’t missing out!
A test debut in a deciding Ashes clash is a big ask for any player so for Trott to do as well as he did is credit to his temperament and ability. With Pietersen on his way back England’s batting line up suddenly looks more robust. However Collingwood and Bell must be looking over their shoulder, I expect Bopara to return to the fold at some point making it a safe England cricket bet that one, or both of them, will have to make way.
The Aussies, ever graceful in defeat, seemed to think the pitch had been doctored to force a result. Well ‘doctored’ is a strong word, after all no one knew the outcome of the toss so it wouldn’t be in the groundman’s interest to create a dodgy wicket that would deteriorate after day one. Plus all the doctored claims on Friday night, after the Aussies were skittled out for 160, were made to look a little silly when England comfortably massed a lead of more than 550 the following day.
The deciding factor in this test, indeed this series, was that England won the crucial sessions and took full advantage when they were on top. Yes Australia had more century makers and more wicket takers but what’s the use of amassing over 600 runs, like at Cardiff, if they can’t bowl the other side out?
The Saturday afternoon at Lord’s and the Friday at the Oval proved decisive in swinging those tests in England’s direction. But given a draw would have been good enough to retain the Ashes for Australia the contribution of Anderson and Panesar on that dramatic afternoon in Cardiff should not be overstated.
Overall it was a contest between two average sides – this wasn’t the Aussie side of McGrath/Warne/Langer fame.
But considering the mess England found themselves in, with the West Indies at the start of the year, the turn around is remarkable. They do not, of course, want to lose focus like in 2005 - we don’t want another 5-0 whitewash down under.
But that’s for the future, for now I’m going to savour the moment as we once more have that famous little urn back in our possession.
The last time I wrote for this blog it was in the wake of a morale sapping defeat at Headingley and I have to admit I feared the worst when the Ashes bandwagon moved to the Oval for the final hurrah.
I have never claimed to be an expert in England team selection and a good job I didn’t as my predictions for the final test were completely wrong! I thought Bell would be out with Key in at number three. As it was Bell was promoted to three (a case of no one else around?) with Jonathan Trott coming in for his debut instead of the struggling Bopara.
Trott is, of course, South African but we were kindly informed before the test that he wouldn’t be good enough for the South African batting line up so they obviously aren’t missing out!
A test debut in a deciding Ashes clash is a big ask for any player so for Trott to do as well as he did is credit to his temperament and ability. With Pietersen on his way back England’s batting line up suddenly looks more robust. However Collingwood and Bell must be looking over their shoulder, I expect Bopara to return to the fold at some point making it a safe England cricket bet that one, or both of them, will have to make way.
The Aussies, ever graceful in defeat, seemed to think the pitch had been doctored to force a result. Well ‘doctored’ is a strong word, after all no one knew the outcome of the toss so it wouldn’t be in the groundman’s interest to create a dodgy wicket that would deteriorate after day one. Plus all the doctored claims on Friday night, after the Aussies were skittled out for 160, were made to look a little silly when England comfortably massed a lead of more than 550 the following day.
The deciding factor in this test, indeed this series, was that England won the crucial sessions and took full advantage when they were on top. Yes Australia had more century makers and more wicket takers but what’s the use of amassing over 600 runs, like at Cardiff, if they can’t bowl the other side out?
The Saturday afternoon at Lord’s and the Friday at the Oval proved decisive in swinging those tests in England’s direction. But given a draw would have been good enough to retain the Ashes for Australia the contribution of Anderson and Panesar on that dramatic afternoon in Cardiff should not be overstated.
Overall it was a contest between two average sides – this wasn’t the Aussie side of McGrath/Warne/Langer fame.
But considering the mess England found themselves in, with the West Indies at the start of the year, the turn around is remarkable. They do not, of course, want to lose focus like in 2005 - we don’t want another 5-0 whitewash down under.
But that’s for the future, for now I’m going to savour the moment as we once more have that famous little urn back in our possession.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Ashes Day 4
At the time of writing South Africa B has the Australians on the back foot with Mike Hussey (107*) and Brad Haddin (33*) chasing another 226 runs for victory with only Mitchell Johnson to come after them.
I thought the South Africans put together a pretty accomplished performance with:
Bugger I see that the South African Strauss has just caught Haddin pushing the English one step closer to winning the Ashes...
I thought the South Africans put together a pretty accomplished performance with:
- Andrew Strauss contributing 133 runs in the match
- Jonathan Trott contributing 160 runs
Bugger I see that the South African Strauss has just caught Haddin pushing the English one step closer to winning the Ashes...
Friday, August 21, 2009
Ashes Day 2 notes
Well England appear to have come back from the death to put Australia on the rack courtesy of some top quality bowling from Stuart Broad.
I'll partially take back my comment yesterday about the Poms not looking like they wanted to win it - Broad seems to have lit a bit of a fire underneath them and his first spell of 5-16 simply wrecked the Aussie lineup and it was some top quality fast bowling.
Yeah the English cause was helped a bit with some tight decisions but when the ball is in your court you run with it.
I was a little surprised that more wasn't made of the 37 and 18 contributed by Broad and Swann at the end of the English innings. I think those two scores could prove vital on a pitch which is going down fast.
Having said that, the Aussies don't look they have given up either and they've knocked over three quick wickets leaving the South African batters the job of securing an Ashes winning total.
It could be a humdinger of a weekend for these two sides - let's see who comes out on top!
I'll partially take back my comment yesterday about the Poms not looking like they wanted to win it - Broad seems to have lit a bit of a fire underneath them and his first spell of 5-16 simply wrecked the Aussie lineup and it was some top quality fast bowling.
Yeah the English cause was helped a bit with some tight decisions but when the ball is in your court you run with it.
I was a little surprised that more wasn't made of the 37 and 18 contributed by Broad and Swann at the end of the English innings. I think those two scores could prove vital on a pitch which is going down fast.
Having said that, the Aussies don't look they have given up either and they've knocked over three quick wickets leaving the South African batters the job of securing an Ashes winning total.
It could be a humdinger of a weekend for these two sides - let's see who comes out on top!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Ashes Day 1 musings...
A solid enough performance from the South African B side (AKA England) today against the Aussies but I get the sense that they are batting for / will be content with a draw?
I thought Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus were the pick of the bowlers which is quite ironic considering that 8 months ago I was slating Siddle and not exactly complimentary of Hilfenhaus. This Ashes tour seems to have been a really important stepping stone for Hilfy in that he now knows what is expected of him.
As much as I would like to see the South Africans trump the Aussies to win the Ashes I don't think that they have the desire to win it which is disappointing considering the spirit they showed in the second test match.
Other thoughts
I thought Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus were the pick of the bowlers which is quite ironic considering that 8 months ago I was slating Siddle and not exactly complimentary of Hilfenhaus. This Ashes tour seems to have been a really important stepping stone for Hilfy in that he now knows what is expected of him.
As much as I would like to see the South Africans trump the Aussies to win the Ashes I don't think that they have the desire to win it which is disappointing considering the spirit they showed in the second test match.
Other thoughts
- I was obviously being a bit tongue-in-cheek around the "South African B" side nickname for England but surely it is a sign when Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss, Matt Prior and now Jonathan Trott are likely to make-up the England batting line-up for the forseeable future - where exactly is the ENGLISH talent coming through?
- I wasn't joking when I said that in 10 years time Bangladesh cricket would have surpassed the English in test rankings.
- On the subject of Bangladesh, I see that they have thumped Zimbabwe comfortably in an ODI series and I say good for them. Beating the current Zimbabwe and the West Indian sides isn't going to set the world alight but they must be given opportunities to play against the top sides and maybe host a few international matches as well to make sure that Bangladesh cricket thrives
- The West Indies and their ICC Champions Trophy antics I just shake my head at.... not sure what there is to be made from this anymore
Monday, August 10, 2009
Calm needed in wake of crushing defeat
By Tom Mallows
The fact this test match was over in three days should at least give Strauss and his England side 48 extra hours to take stock and re-organise after such a heavy and bruising defeat.
Australia looked like the imperious side of old as they ruthlessly ripped through the England batting line-up and then mercilessly took the game away from them with the bat.
After having the better of the last two tests England were second best by a distance in this game, just as they were at Cardiff. But while we did not get too carried away with Lord’s, there should be no over reaction now.
Talk of wholesale changes in the line-up is, I feel, unnecessary. I don’t feel the gap between the two sides is as great as the past few days suggest - though credit has to go to the Aussies for outplaying England in every department. The now infamous ‘momentum’ is definitely with them.
If Flintoff is fit enough even to bowl in short bursts I think he should play. He inspires those around him and adds a bit of steel to what is looking like a fragile batting line-up. Harmison, who again failed to live up to the hype, should make way.
Ravi Bopara’s place is also under threat after successive failures in this series. But while it would be easy to put say, Rob Key, in his place, would that benefit long term?
The ECB has put faith in Bopara and I believe they need to keep faith with him for longer than a few tests. Playing with the spectre of being dropped will hinder rather than help - though he is running out of chances.
What is needed now is a return to basics. Australia pitched the ball up on day one, not a complicated tactic, yet England fell for it every time, with nearly every wicket coming from catches behind the wicket.
But instead of imitating their opponents England persisted with their short wayward line, allowing Watson and Ponting to blast the ball to all four corners of the stadium.
England have enough talent to beat Australia at the Oval and re-claim the Ashes if they return to the disciplined batting and bowling seen earlier in the series. However my fear is that the psychological damage inflicted during the Headingley horror show may prove terminal.
Make sure you keep on top of the Fifth Test odds before making your Fifth Test bet .
The fact this test match was over in three days should at least give Strauss and his England side 48 extra hours to take stock and re-organise after such a heavy and bruising defeat.
Australia looked like the imperious side of old as they ruthlessly ripped through the England batting line-up and then mercilessly took the game away from them with the bat.
After having the better of the last two tests England were second best by a distance in this game, just as they were at Cardiff. But while we did not get too carried away with Lord’s, there should be no over reaction now.
Talk of wholesale changes in the line-up is, I feel, unnecessary. I don’t feel the gap between the two sides is as great as the past few days suggest - though credit has to go to the Aussies for outplaying England in every department. The now infamous ‘momentum’ is definitely with them.
If Flintoff is fit enough even to bowl in short bursts I think he should play. He inspires those around him and adds a bit of steel to what is looking like a fragile batting line-up. Harmison, who again failed to live up to the hype, should make way.
Ravi Bopara’s place is also under threat after successive failures in this series. But while it would be easy to put say, Rob Key, in his place, would that benefit long term?
The ECB has put faith in Bopara and I believe they need to keep faith with him for longer than a few tests. Playing with the spectre of being dropped will hinder rather than help - though he is running out of chances.
What is needed now is a return to basics. Australia pitched the ball up on day one, not a complicated tactic, yet England fell for it every time, with nearly every wicket coming from catches behind the wicket.
But instead of imitating their opponents England persisted with their short wayward line, allowing Watson and Ponting to blast the ball to all four corners of the stadium.
England have enough talent to beat Australia at the Oval and re-claim the Ashes if they return to the disciplined batting and bowling seen earlier in the series. However my fear is that the psychological damage inflicted during the Headingley horror show may prove terminal.
Make sure you keep on top of the Fifth Test odds before making your Fifth Test bet .
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Ashes update.
My favourite thing about English cricket? The way that their press crucify them when they get drubbed...
... I can't wait to read the headlines after the thumping they took today. Aussies have set up a real humdinger of a final test match and without question have to be going in as the favourites into the last test match. I just hope that the weather doesn't intervene.
... I can't wait to read the headlines after the thumping they took today. Aussies have set up a real humdinger of a final test match and without question have to be going in as the favourites into the last test match. I just hope that the weather doesn't intervene.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Mixed feelings
Is there any way that the England "leg" of the Ashes could be moved to somewhere that rain doesn't always cock up a good series?
Surely there is a case for it being moved to a more civilised cricket destination like India, Bangladesh or South Africa??!?!?!?!?! I wonder if there has been any research done into whether or not the mediocre standard of English cricket is directly related to the poor weather they experience?
Anyway enough about the Ashes - it (the weather aspect) has been disappointing to say the least.
What I actually wanted to blog about was this whole West Indies vs. Bangladesh series which has left me with some real mixed feelings about world cricket - even though it fits in with my expectations of the change in the global game. For those who don't know I expect world cricket to be dominated by the likes of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka with the likes of South Africa, Australia, Kenya and Zimbabwe fitting in amongst the top nations as the world becomes more focused on Asia and Africa.
Whether it goes the whole franchise route over international "country" route still remains to be seen.
I have previously blogged about how badly the world needs a strong West Indian cricket offering so watching this disaster of a series against Bangladesh has irritated me immensely.
On the flip side of that, I think some big pluses for the Bangladesh team. They've needed a decent international tour to build some momentum and irrespective of the quality of the West Indian side, the tourists got the job done.
Don't underestimate the value of that providing some incentive for the rest of their cricket population. The money that will keep flowing into Bangladesh cricket is likely to keep rising the more they start beating the bigger "name" sides and as the side matures and they develop a pipeline of quality players you will in turn find them becoming more and more competitive.
But still... it would be nice to see the West Indies not rolling over and becoming a drag on world cricket.
Surely there is a case for it being moved to a more civilised cricket destination like India, Bangladesh or South Africa??!?!?!?!?! I wonder if there has been any research done into whether or not the mediocre standard of English cricket is directly related to the poor weather they experience?
Anyway enough about the Ashes - it (the weather aspect) has been disappointing to say the least.
What I actually wanted to blog about was this whole West Indies vs. Bangladesh series which has left me with some real mixed feelings about world cricket - even though it fits in with my expectations of the change in the global game. For those who don't know I expect world cricket to be dominated by the likes of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka with the likes of South Africa, Australia, Kenya and Zimbabwe fitting in amongst the top nations as the world becomes more focused on Asia and Africa.
Whether it goes the whole franchise route over international "country" route still remains to be seen.
I have previously blogged about how badly the world needs a strong West Indian cricket offering so watching this disaster of a series against Bangladesh has irritated me immensely.
On the flip side of that, I think some big pluses for the Bangladesh team. They've needed a decent international tour to build some momentum and irrespective of the quality of the West Indian side, the tourists got the job done.
Don't underestimate the value of that providing some incentive for the rest of their cricket population. The money that will keep flowing into Bangladesh cricket is likely to keep rising the more they start beating the bigger "name" sides and as the side matures and they develop a pipeline of quality players you will in turn find them becoming more and more competitive.
But still... it would be nice to see the West Indies not rolling over and becoming a drag on world cricket.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
