Nospmas, i totally agreed (past tense) with you comments about McGills commentry during the last test etc... but tonight, i'm enjoying it! (possibly due to the Fat Yak). i hink all 3 of em have found their place and are having a good time with the task.
but we're here for cricket.
BLOODY POMMY RAIN!
great first up spells from Hilf and Siddle- very old school from Hey-diddle given the good balls he bowled when he looked like he could just take a less-than-casual-old-scchool-aussie-chunder on the track at Lords!
A.Strauss, i've seen some good leaves in my time, but... Good swing and cut Hilf!
Hughes, i'm not too surprised; i'd predicted that he and Johnson will not shine as expected, maybe due to pressure, but to be fair the expectations were too much!
Punter; bad luck, you get those now and then. He certainly didn't look as nervouse as normal... no matter what the commentaators said!
Great pace from Freddy: a hard situation for me with him, as i like his sportsmanship, and want him to do well, just not take wickets!
Clearly Kat and Huss need to have a fair knock each: i hope Huss can do it not only for the team, but himself too; the constant rain breeaks after lunch are a good test for him, (hopefully not an excuse for the selectors should he not do well!), as long as they get bacck on some time soon!
Rain in Le Tour too!
stoph verismo
down the wicket
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Test, Death, Fred, Rain
Welcome to round 2.
as the last comments in the previous post stated (correctly) the weather had not been included in many post mortems of the first test; an injustice given that when it is taken into account, Australia would have definitely won the match. It really is an issue for test cricket that such a large percentage of a competition can be just written off without being made up for. Image going to see Hamlet and the actors/theater company decided to just not do the famous soliloquy!
you would feel justifiably ripped off!
If the MCC are so concerned about the "death of Test cricket"(see next point), ensuring that full value is given to the fans and that a result is more likely should be a priority.
And so is Test on its last legs?
Well the MCC are worried, and rightly so:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hHaKOEEIxjmduMLBHBTCotCoRJ6g
It seems hard to believe as an Australian, when i see good crowds at most test days here. Sure Boxing day is the biggest day of the cricketing worlds year- a tribute to the people of Melbourne- and that the patronage has created that atmosphere, but what needs to be done around the world to get the same type of involvement? As the above article states, one (re) action maybe a world test series; logistically, what a nightmare! What do you think?
Freddie Flintoff announces retirement from Test cricket after Ashes series, to allow his body to hold up for longer playing short form cricket. Maybe part of the above problem!
Still no word as to whether he'll make it into this test.
Guys, don't forget to get your virtual side sorted before the lockout!
as the last comments in the previous post stated (correctly) the weather had not been included in many post mortems of the first test; an injustice given that when it is taken into account, Australia would have definitely won the match. It really is an issue for test cricket that such a large percentage of a competition can be just written off without being made up for. Image going to see Hamlet and the actors/theater company decided to just not do the famous soliloquy!
you would feel justifiably ripped off!
If the MCC are so concerned about the "death of Test cricket"(see next point), ensuring that full value is given to the fans and that a result is more likely should be a priority.
And so is Test on its last legs?
Well the MCC are worried, and rightly so:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hHaKOEEIxjmduMLBHBTCotCoRJ6g
It seems hard to believe as an Australian, when i see good crowds at most test days here. Sure Boxing day is the biggest day of the cricketing worlds year- a tribute to the people of Melbourne- and that the patronage has created that atmosphere, but what needs to be done around the world to get the same type of involvement? As the above article states, one (re) action maybe a world test series; logistically, what a nightmare! What do you think?
Freddie Flintoff announces retirement from Test cricket after Ashes series, to allow his body to hold up for longer playing short form cricket. Maybe part of the above problem!
Still no word as to whether he'll make it into this test.
Guys, don't forget to get your virtual side sorted before the lockout!
Monday, 13 July 2009
A Summary
Sorry for getting in early lads and I know there will be much to expand on but having the day off - had to put something up.
First, captaincy. Not the best from either I feel. It's easy to put men round the bat when you're going for wickets on the last day but takes courage when it's the first innings. Once Aus had passed England's score Strauss looked like he was waiting for the declaration. I hope we won't see such negative field placings too much in the series. Relatively speaking Ponting did ok: pick the pertinent word here. Sure Swann and co. batted well to get Eng past 400 but they can only hit the ball where bowlers allow them to: and they'll hit where the gaps are. The key is pressure - unlike the last day, lower order batsmen will not remain caged for too long in the first innings. But when you give deep square leg, deep point, fine leg etc to a number 8 or 9 what message are you sending?
Great batting from Aus: most disciplined I've probably ever seen. That attitude gives the lower order the licence to bat like Haddin did and let's hope we see more of that. North played only two silly shots in his innings and I've never seen Ponting leave so many deliveries outside off. Clarke: I love you. This bloke has learned so much about his own game. Eng just didn't have the penetration and the wizards of spin must have missed a few lessons at Hogwartz. Lesson One: no full tossers. Lesson Two: no long hops. Lesson Three: bowl to your field. Micheal Holding should be England's bowling coach: I've loved listening to him.
KP looks like he's got NFI at times. Aus were good with bowling full and straight which makes him look vulnerable. Cook seems to have validated my old cynicism (and made me look stupid for claiming he's improved), Strauss doesn't learn - half getting out of the way of a short ball AND leaving your hands up! Bopara will get better but, like KP, he'll probably frustrate the hell out of you in between scores. Collingwood is officially the most boring batsman in the world but also the most determined. Prior should pull his head in now after the Hauritz dismissal and Flintoff, well, I love the guy and he tried bloody hard in the last dig - soft dismissal considering.
Should we have won? Obviously yes. 8 wickets on the last day of the test match........
Therefore credit to England for holding out, poor sportsmanship but honestly we had plenty of time. I think Clark should be there but who goes out? Ponting will want runs from number 6 and I wouldn't drop Hauritz now. He did what he had to (and what Clarke and North weren't too effective in) - get wickets. The main issue I have is the fact Katich didn't bowl. Wrist spin that goes both ways! Tailenders can plan their strategy when they know the ball will only go two ways: straight or off to leg. Throw a googly in that and close-in fielders have an even bigger role. If Cardiff is the biggest spinning wicket we'll see then Ponting knows he can't rely on his part-timers to get wickets: just getting through overs.
Well done Siddle and Hilfenhaus: all up great Ashes debuts. Johnson's slower ball was the best weapon he had and we'll see more heat from him: he looked a little slow and the deck wouldn't have helped that at all.
What changes will we see for Lords? Tough one this: I don't think Aus will tinker and this would be ok in my opinion. Three fast bowlers didn't look enough at times but the strategy was always going to have Hauritz bowling 30 overs. Bit tricky I reckon. If Watson is fit I'd perhaps drop Hussey (any excuse though) and overs from Watson are a bonus. The problem is Watson is likely to tear a hamstring going for a single, or putting his pants on, or in the warm-up. I thought Harmison should have played (sounds like he's taken wickets again in County) and likely one of the 'spinners' will go out. This would be Monty as Swann can certainly bat: not sure if he can bowl though. Harmison and Flintoff - oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh. Now that's better.
First, captaincy. Not the best from either I feel. It's easy to put men round the bat when you're going for wickets on the last day but takes courage when it's the first innings. Once Aus had passed England's score Strauss looked like he was waiting for the declaration. I hope we won't see such negative field placings too much in the series. Relatively speaking Ponting did ok: pick the pertinent word here. Sure Swann and co. batted well to get Eng past 400 but they can only hit the ball where bowlers allow them to: and they'll hit where the gaps are. The key is pressure - unlike the last day, lower order batsmen will not remain caged for too long in the first innings. But when you give deep square leg, deep point, fine leg etc to a number 8 or 9 what message are you sending?
Great batting from Aus: most disciplined I've probably ever seen. That attitude gives the lower order the licence to bat like Haddin did and let's hope we see more of that. North played only two silly shots in his innings and I've never seen Ponting leave so many deliveries outside off. Clarke: I love you. This bloke has learned so much about his own game. Eng just didn't have the penetration and the wizards of spin must have missed a few lessons at Hogwartz. Lesson One: no full tossers. Lesson Two: no long hops. Lesson Three: bowl to your field. Micheal Holding should be England's bowling coach: I've loved listening to him.
KP looks like he's got NFI at times. Aus were good with bowling full and straight which makes him look vulnerable. Cook seems to have validated my old cynicism (and made me look stupid for claiming he's improved), Strauss doesn't learn - half getting out of the way of a short ball AND leaving your hands up! Bopara will get better but, like KP, he'll probably frustrate the hell out of you in between scores. Collingwood is officially the most boring batsman in the world but also the most determined. Prior should pull his head in now after the Hauritz dismissal and Flintoff, well, I love the guy and he tried bloody hard in the last dig - soft dismissal considering.
Should we have won? Obviously yes. 8 wickets on the last day of the test match........
Therefore credit to England for holding out, poor sportsmanship but honestly we had plenty of time. I think Clark should be there but who goes out? Ponting will want runs from number 6 and I wouldn't drop Hauritz now. He did what he had to (and what Clarke and North weren't too effective in) - get wickets. The main issue I have is the fact Katich didn't bowl. Wrist spin that goes both ways! Tailenders can plan their strategy when they know the ball will only go two ways: straight or off to leg. Throw a googly in that and close-in fielders have an even bigger role. If Cardiff is the biggest spinning wicket we'll see then Ponting knows he can't rely on his part-timers to get wickets: just getting through overs.
Well done Siddle and Hilfenhaus: all up great Ashes debuts. Johnson's slower ball was the best weapon he had and we'll see more heat from him: he looked a little slow and the deck wouldn't have helped that at all.
What changes will we see for Lords? Tough one this: I don't think Aus will tinker and this would be ok in my opinion. Three fast bowlers didn't look enough at times but the strategy was always going to have Hauritz bowling 30 overs. Bit tricky I reckon. If Watson is fit I'd perhaps drop Hussey (any excuse though) and overs from Watson are a bonus. The problem is Watson is likely to tear a hamstring going for a single, or putting his pants on, or in the warm-up. I thought Harmison should have played (sounds like he's taken wickets again in County) and likely one of the 'spinners' will go out. This would be Monty as Swann can certainly bat: not sure if he can bowl though. Harmison and Flintoff - oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh. Now that's better.
fantasy league
clearly we are no mugs in the fantasy team leagues: our league is in the top half of the field- although some of us are dragging down the average- I'm looking at you Gab and the Clams; not as good as the indoor version to be sure!
I'd just like to say how personally proud i am of the Tallywackers coming up from 5th to take the top of the ladder position! GO T'wackers!
I'd just like to say how personally proud i am of the Tallywackers coming up from 5th to take the top of the ladder position! GO T'wackers!
Friday, 10 July 2009
We love him cos he's a Victorian!!
For me the pick of the bowlers has been OUR man Siddle. He may not have the best figures (Hauritz, undeserving) but he bowled with a fire we have not seen for a long time. The man looks like he could eat fire and crap thunder every time he gets a wicket. He hits the pitch hard like OUR Merv used to and looks just as angry. He got some wicket inswing, the one that got Prior was a gem, a real diamond. The one that got Freddie forced the bad shot and ducked back enough to get the inside edge.
Johnson is bowling well but I think is struggling with not much assistance from the pitch. He will come good soon being the class act he is. Hilf was decent but dished up too much fodder for the tailenders.
Hauritz was downright lucky. Peiterson got himself out, could have been Haddin that bowled it, with mitts on! The junk at the end were from T20 shots so I don't rate them. Until he actually beats a batsmen playing a legit shot I am still suspect.
Johnson is bowling well but I think is struggling with not much assistance from the pitch. He will come good soon being the class act he is. Hilf was decent but dished up too much fodder for the tailenders.
Hauritz was downright lucky. Peiterson got himself out, could have been Haddin that bowled it, with mitts on! The junk at the end were from T20 shots so I don't rate them. Until he actually beats a batsmen playing a legit shot I am still suspect.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Round 1
Who didn't enjoy that?
I feel asleep before the start of play -pathetic i know, but i do get up bloody early every day!- and woke to see 3/94 with Hilfenhaus wrapping KP on the pads for a big appeal.
Johnson's following over looked the goods too.
Seeing the wickets (good catch Huss!) and Bopara get the ball to the throat bodes well for a bat in the last session; especially if Collingwood keeps pulling with his eyes closed!
Hauritz in and England with 2 spinners: so everyone thinks it's a bunsen, you better get wickets Haury!
back to you Stuey, MO and Damo.
I feel asleep before the start of play -pathetic i know, but i do get up bloody early every day!- and woke to see 3/94 with Hilfenhaus wrapping KP on the pads for a big appeal.
Johnson's following over looked the goods too.
Seeing the wickets (good catch Huss!) and Bopara get the ball to the throat bodes well for a bat in the last session; especially if Collingwood keeps pulling with his eyes closed!
Hauritz in and England with 2 spinners: so everyone thinks it's a bunsen, you better get wickets Haury!
back to you Stuey, MO and Damo.
it's fair to say i'm getting pumped!
no takers on this line on 9msn cricket!
too easy!
will australia winPosted by: stoph, melbourne, on 8/07/2009 9:22:27 AM
too easy!
will australia winPosted by: stoph, melbourne, on 8/07/2009 9:22:27 AM
will australia win-who knows! What a stupid question- why bother with a contest if the result is a done deal. What i do know is, this looks to be a far more balanced competition than in previous years. England can win a few ways, but australia can really only lose one way... through bad captaincy on Pontings behalf! Don't get me wrong, Punter is a terrific batsman, but he is a reactionary captain. He has been found lacking a lot of late with his choices and timing of bowlers and their use. When he realises that the best way to use someone like Hauritz is when an aggressive bowler like Siddle is at the other end is when he will get the best mileage from Haury. bringing him on, just because the ball is roughed up and it is 20 overs old is not tactical. stoph downthewicket verismo
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Fortune favours Australia with Lee breaking down.
Now don't get me wrong, even though I have not been the biggest Brett Lee fan (understatement), I was genuinley excited about watching him send down some thunderbolts.
10 months out of the game and an aging body look to have conspired to Brett straining his side in the lead up game against the Lions...
The reason I am relieved, although disappointed, is that if it didn't happen in the lead up it most likely would have in the first test.
Lets just hope that he recovers well enough to play a part in the series because he does more than round out our attack.
He more than any other bowler in the team incites the most fear at the top of his run.
And gee, he did look good in the warm up.
10 months out of the game and an aging body look to have conspired to Brett straining his side in the lead up game against the Lions...
The reason I am relieved, although disappointed, is that if it didn't happen in the lead up it most likely would have in the first test.
Lets just hope that he recovers well enough to play a part in the series because he does more than round out our attack.
He more than any other bowler in the team incites the most fear at the top of his run.
And gee, he did look good in the warm up.
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