.comment-link {margin-left:.6em;}

Sight Screen

Thursday, September 08, 2005

THE ASHES: T5, Day 1 - Open Thread

Right...the big game...the series decider...the proverbial changing of guard...the supposed milestone in modern cricketing history...the cliched mother of all battles...the...the open thread :-)

And meanwhile, if you can't seem to have enough of it, and if you haven't seen this one already, here read Waugh's stirring reminder to the Aus team of what they are capable of, and how they should go about their business in the crunch game.

Some of it is inane, but it does give an idea of the kind of motivator Waugh can be, besides the good tactician and doggedly determined person that we already know him as. Anyone thinks he can be next in line for the top job?

posted by worma at 2:54 AM

280 Comments:

  • Rishi, here is the link for the weather forcast.

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/4205934.stm

    Basically, Fri, Sat & Sun look dodgy...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:05  

  • k-slice, game is too close to call. England have been the better side in this series but Aussies are still the World-champions.

    Let's hope rain does not spoil the fun, but deep down I wont mind it considering I already have a bet from last year that England would win the Ashes.

    Besides, the Aussies got away with the rain in Old Trafford...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:39  

  • Steve Waugh is my God. :)

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:01  

  • k-slice, there was a bit more logic to my reasons for betting and thankfully, I did not bet my hair (and all)!!!

    I made the bet after watching their performance in West Indies. There was something special in the way they were begining to play.

    Funny enough, this is what Richie Benaud had to say about that series in his interview last week:

    "I was sitting at Square leg watching Harmison bowl to the West Indies and said to my wife; We are seeing something magical here"

    Now, i am no Ritche Benaud, but I think I do know my cricket :-)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:02  

  • clannzu, there is only one God, and he is the guy with the dodgy arm.

    And i don't mean the arrogant Aussie...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:04  

  • Pat Murphy, BBC radio:

    "The toss is not necessarily all-important. Two years ago South Africa scored 484 on the first day and England were booed off the pitch. They won that match by nine wickets on the Monday"

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:06  

  • k-slice, Agree about flukes, etc.

    Actually this is the last time I will try to predict anything in sport especially when two eavenly matched teams play.

    I am sure People will predict "Great, England will bat first and score 500".

    Remember, its a funny old game....

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:11  

  • I think (and not predict), England should see this game through assuming they score 400+ in the first innings and we lose a day to rain...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:13  

  • My prediction for the game -
    Kevin Pietersen finally holds on to a diving catch of McGrath with Australia falling 2 runs short of victory on the last day. England win the series 3-1 and with that The Ashes. :) :) :)

    saurabh - whom do you mean with the dodgy arm...Sachin Tendulkar ? Say it isn't so !!!

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:17  

  • k-slice, try BBC. You can actually get the radio commentary as well...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:17  

  • yes clanzzu, but i was being sarcastic...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:18  

  • Paul Collingwood is in the team.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:21  

  • No vshan, its not his luck, but his uninspired leadership that is hurting the Aussies...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:22  

  • Anyone watch the Andre Agassi-James Blake quarter-final ? Some match that...really quality tennis from both players...I was almost rooting for Blake the way he played the first couple sets. Then Andre started showing why he's such a champion...one of the best matches I've seen.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:25  

  • They are showing all of the key moments in England's performance this series on the big screen at The Oval. What a sight for the Aussies just as they are about to walk on to the ground...the English are using everything they can to get an edge over the Aussies.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:28  

  • so, saurabh, they choose Collingwood as we thought...and Aus finally have their best 4 in the attack

    By Blogger worma, at 05:29  

  • greetings all.
    so England bats. ominous signs for australia, with a belter of a pitch.

    (and yes, the blake v agassi match was amazing!)

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:29  

  • clannzu, a bit unfair. Isn't Ponting going to complain its not in the spirit of the game?

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:30  

  • hey akr, welcome here :-)...yeah ominous signs for Australia...and now its all upto the 'elbow'...how well it holds up

    By Blogger worma, at 05:30  

  • saurabh:
    haha. that, or he'd start defending his captaincy again- the screen messed it up...

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:31  

  • thanks worma. keeping with comments here is a bit tough innit?
    :)
    'the elbow' is crucial, but I have my doubts....

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:31  

  • But Worma, the 4 is not 5 :-)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:32  

  • doubts about the fitness or in general doubts about his ability ? How dare you ;-))....yep the comments keep comin here like crazy

    By Blogger worma, at 05:33  

  • doubting his ability? c'mon, how could I...:)
    No, I meant I am not sure how effective he will be, or if rather if he will be able to win this for them...

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:34  

  • yeah saurabh, I never had doubts that it would be 4 if McG played...they are going to go back to ALL their time tested methods...attacking, agressive (maybe even sledging etc)...I think they are going to put up the old show...whether their performance matches it or not

    By Blogger worma, at 05:34  

  • Pat Murphy, Radio Five Live

    "Did you know Marcus Trescothick averages 85 in Tests at The Oval?"

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:35  

  • yes he did look pretty good in that first over. nothing nasty, but he looked himself, and on line...

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:36  

  • Damn, the pressue is amazing. Feels like the world cup finals!

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:36  

  • saurabh, so true! the zimbabwe tour pales in comparison....

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:37  

  • akr, he rarely looks nasty. Just has this uncanny ability to take wickets :-)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 05:38  

  • how I wish Aus had won the toss...atleast we would then have seen Eng in all the possible scenarios..

    By Blogger worma, at 05:38  

  • Lee bowles on leg stump and Tresco flicks it to square leg for the first 4 of the test. Lee getting good out-swing...i.e coming in to Trescothick.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:39  

  • sure, he's never nasty like harmy was the first morning at Lord's or something...but there was not lots of close stuff in that over is what i meant

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:41  

  • tresco gets a reprieve !

    By Blogger worma, at 05:44  

  • nah, not really close, k-slice. is that what the commentary made it sound like?

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:45  

  • yep...they said even on replay it was a close one

    By Blogger worma, at 05:46  

  • It was clearly going down leg...is it me or Australia don't look as pumped as one would like them to be.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:47  

  • I guess we have gotten used to seeing them 'pumped' because they have been celebrating wickets pretty quickly in tests over the last few years....:)

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:50  

  • ball jagged off the pitch, leaping gilly cant make it, nearly took Warne's hands off at 1st slip though!
    strauss looking a bit scratchy

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:51  

  • if aussie catch well...I cannot see this pair seeing through their early spell...never :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 05:52  

  • McGrath bowling at pretty good pace...going even up to 88.3 mph on the 2nd last delivery.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:52  

  • my take-decent swing. Not the kind you'd say makes for amazing bowling conditions. Besides, it so damn sunny!:)

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:53  

  • There is decent swing and seam but neither McGrath nor Lee have really pitched it up much yet.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:53  

  • k-slice...not watching mate, akr is I think

    By Blogger worma, at 05:55  

  • they're ripping Ponting a bit, and with just cause I'd think- he's going with 2 slips for Lee, this early- dont make sense to me. Tresco just played a four through about 4th slip region. who knows if it would have carried, but two slips?
    dunno....

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:56  

  • yeah thats not clever cricket..ponting has done it throughout the tour...but this early !

    By Blogger worma, at 05:57  

  • but of course, you can't blame him if the ashes go to england, ok?
    :)

    By Blogger shakester, at 05:58  

  • He has 3 slips and gully for McGrath. Didn't notice there were only 2 for Lee...will look in the next over.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 05:59  

  • k-slice....not to divert too much from the 'good' cricket that we are having here...but what exactly has our own SG done?

    By Blogger worma, at 06:02  

  • not to put too fine a point on it, worms, but precisely:
    what has he done
    [and with that I bow out of this before we hijack tis thread:)]

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:03  

  • (for the record- i am not a ganguly basher/hater)

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:04  

  • k-slice did he? didn't know that? And anyway...the point with RP is that he is 'doing it in advance'..which is shocking. When its time for post-mortem then sure there has to be some leeway, but still some responsibility take by captain. I don't see any relation between RP and SG here.

    By Blogger worma, at 06:05  

  • get the feeling England will have to screw up to end up with a bad 1st innings score, the conditions are much in favour-
    and there a jaffa from mcgrath to tresco. beaten outside the off.

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:06  

  • akr...ok, stopping 'this' now :-)...u can return safely!

    By Blogger worma, at 06:06  

  • Ok the field for Lee...2 slips and Hayden at sort of a short point. There is backward point which is almost at 40 yards or so...that would be outside the inner circle that is there in ODI's.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 06:06  

  • what commentary are you on, k?
    Sky introduced him as one of the star performers for Australia in this series...
    (i'd tend to agree)

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:08  

  • k-slice...lets not :-)..this thing has no end...I will probably start a separate thread on this sometime, when 'real' cricket around the world is on low. Lets just remember that RP is now going through the first real test of his life(Ind tour could have been one, but he wasnt there). So lets watch and see where he stands, before comparing him to ANY other captain in the world

    By Blogger worma, at 06:09  

  • tait's in

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:10  

  • akr, I dont think Lee has been a star performer with the ball. He has improved his game, is not as rubbish in the latter half of the game, has developed a decent tendency to come back. But 'star' ? He's never even taken 5 wkts..he's still a support cast, isn't he?

    By Blogger worma, at 06:11  

  • another shout tait to tresco. down the leg and pitching out too, for sure, but he's getting some decent shape

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:12  

  • thx k-slice. nothing personal, just that it spoils the whole party :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 06:13  

  • supporting whom, though? given how the rest of the attack (barring warne) has performed, and that the Master has missed two tests, he has been supporting basicvally warne. I mean, in that sense, I think no one but Warne has been a star performer for the side. But it is relative to the team performance, and in that I think he's been pretty good.

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:14  

  • hmmm. havent noticed or heard that, k. interesting.

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:15  

  • quite true akr...a support cast with the hero missing...story of the whole Aus performance this series...even with the bat!

    By Blogger worma, at 06:15  

  • There is a deep square leg & fine leg for Tait. And again deepish point with 2 slips & gully. Don't know why there are 2 fielders in the deep for Tait when he isn't bowling short and neither is he supposed to when the ball is still new.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 06:16  

  • Only fine leg for McGrath k-slice...and Tresco was in control of the shot. There are 2 fielders in the deep for Tait only.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 06:19  

  • 50 for no loss.

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:19  

  • time to get the hero in action?

    By Blogger worma, at 06:22  

  • Lee's bowled well, but at his pace, he cannot bowl more than 5-6 overs. Ditto Tait. Assuming they bowl three spells in a day, that's 30-35 overs taken care of between then.

    And the other 55/60 overs? McGrath with a dodgy elbow is expected to bowl 20/25 and Warne 30/35 on the first day of a Test!!!

    I am begining to sound like Prem, but show me a logic someone!!!

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 06:22  

  • k-slice it might be Thorpe...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 06:23  

  • warne's warming up

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:24  

  • saurabh - every team has a stock bowler...usually the spinner who bowls the bulk of the overs and holds one end up. Don't see anything wrong here.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 06:24  

  • saurabh, sounding like Prem is good :-)...but yeah why not ? Isnt that what they have done for some time now ? Even with Gillespie and Kasper...its not more than 20 apiece for pacers..and 30 for Warne ?

    By Blogger worma, at 06:26  

  • am off guys.
    work, to home.
    (just as warne tells ponting the field he wants to bowl over#14 of the innings)

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:27  

  • akr, see you later then. Doesnt look like Aus will do much in this one either. Unless hero has other ideas.

    By Blogger worma, at 06:29  

  • hero is The Man.
    strauss drives, edges through for a four . with that I am off. A Warne special would be awesome. enjoy guys

    By Blogger shakester, at 06:30  

  • No, Gillespie and Kasper could bowl 40+. And they rarely bolwed for the entire day to the opposition. In fact, in the last 50 tests, they did not have to bowl to the opposition for more then 90 overs on 26 occasions!

    Worma, kill me, but you need that 10 overs from somewhere :-)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 06:32  

  • Drinks! Some respite for the Aussies...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 06:33  

  • Ponting is giving some kind of pep talk...lets see how the team responds.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 06:34  

  • yeah, thats true, they didnt have to bowl for an entire day so many times. btw Lee, Tait will also bowl 40+ (bad overs) I think.

    Then there is Katich and Ponting :-)

    Actually its about good bowling, if you're bowling well....its gets you going for that additional burst....

    By Blogger worma, at 06:36  

  • Worma, that's my point. 4 bowlers worked in the past. Great! But it isn't working now. So f#@$£@# Change...

    And if England pile on the runs, you will need to score more runs, negating the extra batsman.

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 06:39  

  • saurabh - let it out...say fuck all you want. :)

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 06:41  

  • yeah saurabh, agree that will happen, and they could have thought of an additional bowler. Dont know though what they would have done with McGill also. Its looking hopeless for them....and the way they are throwing it towards Warne, it shows a looser mentality on their part.

    By Blogger worma, at 06:41  

  • Jonathan Agnew, on BBC Radio

    "Apparently yesterday Al Jazeera were here filming in the nets - that's how much cricket has taken off"

    Looks like Bin Laden is getting bored in the caves and wants some entertainment...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 06:43  

  • vshan, he gave up on his bowlers as early as second over!...with the kind of field he gave them

    By Blogger worma, at 06:45  

  • k-slice...atleast I would like to see McG and Warne in tandem..their best combo for stangle and attack..lets see when RP comes to this

    By Blogger worma, at 06:47  

  • worma - McGrath has already bowled 7 overs...there is no point in over-bowling him.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 06:49  

  • Warne...as usual...gets one

    By Blogger worma, at 06:49  

  • clannzu, agreed...lets see though how soon he comes back to this

    By Blogger worma, at 06:50  

  • I would get Lee from the other end now. just for a couple of overs. and then McGrath before Lunch...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 06:52  

  • Warne and his reactions...this guy creatures pressure just by oohing and aahing with every delivery.

    And here comes McGrath...so worma your wishes have come true. :)

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 06:54  

  • ok clannzu...RP has some senses left atleast :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 06:56  

  • No they keep shuffling the umpires throughout the series. Ponting has more attacking field now...a short cover and gully + 3 slips when Vaughan is batting. But reverting back to 2 slips for Strauss.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 06:58  

  • My mom told me that Tony Greig was a really popular cricketer in India...he would stand near the boundary and talk to the crowd and do dance moves and such.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:02  

  • 20 overs in 1.5 hours with a spinner bowling.

    Wonder if the ICC will take notice of this!

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:04  

  • Vaughan ? The best batmsen ? Hardly but I think he has the talent to be up there with the best...he just tends to get himself out even when is well set.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:04  

  • Vaughan's got the best cover drive in the business. But it also leads to his downfall...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:05  

  • saurabh, they wont. Atleast we wont get to hear of it.

    By Blogger worma, at 07:05  

  • He use to be a compulsive "cover-driver" but started getting out (caught at slips). So he started controlling that shot. and now he gets out bowled :-)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:06  

  • saurabh - the over rates have been very poor throughout the series but no action has been taken. I think Ranjan Madugalle is the match referee for this series.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:07  

  • yacrik, then you are in the wrong forum.

    We all claim to be the 'experts' here :-)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:08  

  • Besides it has been started by an arm-chair critic, so what else did you expect :-)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:09  

  • yacrik - if you just want to sit back and enjoy the games then fine...but don't expect everyone else to do the same. I think its fine to be opinionated about things as long as one can back it up.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:09  

  • k-slice..official warning?

    By Blogger worma, at 07:11  

  • Dravid hooks more than pulls...he has a beautiful on-drive and square drive. I think Chris Gayle is a treat to watch...very unorthodox but has that West Indian bravado about his batting. Damien Martyn is also very graceful but the guy I most love to watch is Brain Charles Lara. That man is pure class.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:14  

  • WOW..warne another one :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 07:16  

  • and Eng continue their habit of throwing away wkts. Right throughout the series. I wish atleast once Aus make them realise it.

    By Blogger worma, at 07:18  

  • yacrik...didn't get what you're saying regarding opinions. Yes, everyone has opinions but you don't have to heed them.

    About Flintoff and the kid...I think it was Atherton's kid...he wanted to meet Fast Freddie.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:18  

  • there lies Englands biggest problem: Numbers 3 & 4!

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:20  

  • Warne's great. My respect for Warne has gone up after this series...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:23  

  • Bell...as always..gone early...now today would probably be a real test of Freddie..

    By Blogger worma, at 07:26  

  • saurabh, ditto feeling about Warne. I used to consider him just a good spinner. Didn't really know about his big game temprament so much.

    By Blogger worma, at 07:27  

  • yacrik...Ganguly has become unsure of his off-side play since getting captaincy. I remember in the early part of his career and even in that Natwest series final and the Aus tour in 03...anything outside off..he would cut it or drive it and the ball would invariably pierce the field and hit the boundary.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:28  

  • Agree Worma. Bell's not cut out to handle pressure. Not yet...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:28  

  • The way Warne rose to the occassion in the '99 World Cup...I knew this guy was one of the all-time greats.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:31  

  • And Tait comes and gives away a four. Talk about applying the pressure...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:31  

  • k-slice...yeah good for KP..but I think he and Eng will pay dearly if he continues to be so aggressive..its a bit diff Aus attack...finally making them pay for their over aggressive strategy. McG with Warne made the diff...getting pressure at one end

    By Blogger worma, at 07:32  

  • yacrik - whom do you suggest should have taken Bell's place ?

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:32  

  • with Warne, all they needed at the other end was someone decent enough to follow basics...and no-one except McG did it for them regularly...no wonder Warne was missing him :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 07:34  

  • Bell is fine. just not ready for the Ashes pressure..

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 07:34  

  • worma - McGrath wasn't exactly building pressure...his bowling didn't look threatening at all. Vaughan threw his wicket away and Bell stuck his foot out to a straight delivery from Warne.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:35  

  • Bell is definitely the most tentative of all English batsmen...but he is young and has talent. I think he is a long term prospect for England...he did well in the 3rd test scoring 2 fifties.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:37  

  • k-slice there's something between attacking and blocking..even Sehwag realises that in tests...KP can do it(I think I saw hints of that in one of his earlier innings) but dont know if he thinks that way. Eng have always under-scored because of these tactics...its just that Aus batting has not been able to show the contrast.

    And McG made the difference as he created the pressure for Warne to strike. With the kind of mood Eng batsmen are playing in, it was a perfect setup. McG strangles and Warne attacks. Look out for KP possibly going same way, if he continues

    By Blogger worma, at 07:38  

  • KP did temper his style in the 2nd test in partnership with Freddie...he saw Flintoff going all out and decided to let him have it instead of trying to match him. And in the first test to score when everyone was falling around him on your debut test says something about his character. I think KP loves the big stage, to be a hero...as long as he doesn't get carried away with all the attention I think he will do just fine.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:43  

  • wow. office to home, and The Man has taken 3. Awesome stuff. Honours even, though I'd say Eng might just have their noses. Too small a call. What a day in prospect

    By Blogger shakester, at 07:47  

  • I agree clannzu, he will do fine, and will surely mature to be better. Can become a big innings player like Sehwag, if guided well.

    and yes I was also referring to that innings with Freddie. But his debut, I didn't find that extraordinary...few lusty hits was all...

    By Blogger worma, at 07:47  

  • akr, surely Aus's session, not even. Its supposed to be a flat track, aint it so?

    By Blogger worma, at 07:48  

  • i guess, worma- tough call, but on evidence of the way the Eng middle/lower order have coped, and that Collingwood is in the side, England still have good chance to rack 'em up. That said, Australia surely have gone into the break on a high...

    By Blogger shakester, at 07:51  

  • anyhoo- australia's session then, if only just. but the next one will make it realy theirs or render it useless

    By Blogger shakester, at 07:52  

  • yacrik - are you basing this just on this test or have you been watching Bell throughout the series ?
    Thorpe has retired from cricket so can't take him.
    Ed Joyce - to put 2 debutants on such a big series could be dangerous.
    Rob Key - he is an option but I dont know what form is he in...has he been scoring heavily in domestic cricket ?
    Also why drop Bell so soon...he hasn't looked great but neither has he looked terribe. He did score 2 fifties and has taken some good catches. Backing Bell sends a positive message to the Australians and also gives the players confidence. Had England dropped Bell after the first test...Australia would have started yapping that Eng don't have confidence in their youngsters and the press would have something to cook up as well.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:53  

  • a bit off topic...but some news on Indian front :-) Nehra out with injury for the test series, Agarkar pulled back in(literally, from his plan, at Jo'berg!) Some update on Sachin also here. I guess bowling vise it shouldnt matter, cos Nehra was not in first starting list anyways

    By Blogger worma, at 07:57  

  • Ah Nehra and his injuries...I guess it had to happen sooner rather than later.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 07:57  

  • avinash, some guys are like that...prone to injury (prem did a take on why Nehra gets injured so often). I dont know whether he is from the 'lazy' lot in our bunch or just bad body.

    By Blogger worma, at 07:58  

  • I wonder why cricinfo doest have a scorecard of our tour game?

    By Blogger worma, at 08:00  

  • Channel 4 had a tiny segment Jargon Busting right now for the lunch break...today it was sledging. Just talking about how the Australians are supposed to have started it and what are the different ways players sledge. The best was the last clip of Eng vs WI last year. Giles is bowling to Tino Best and Freddie is at 1st slip. Freddie is chirping away and Tino blocks 2 balls and then Freddie goes "Mind the windows, Tino." And what does Tino Best do ?
    He dances down the pitch and takes a wild swing but is nowhere near the ball and gets stumped. The English players can't control their laughter. :) :) :)

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:06  

  • Worma, England can play only one way against this Aussie attack. Too much of a defensive approach and they lose wickets...

    Will be interesting how many they score in this innings. Anything less then 400 and the Aussies will think they are in with a chance.

    Session between Lunch and Tea is key..

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 08:16  

  • k-slice LOL :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 08:18  

  • saurabh - I think that was the correct ploy adopted by England in the first 2 tests. Beat Australia at their own game and take the initiative from them. And thats why they succeeded. Not sure if thats the way to go here on such a good batting track. England just have to play to the merit of the ball and they will put up a score in excess of 400. Its a tricky session this.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:20  

  • saurabh, you yourself said it 'too much of defensive approach'...yeah thats not the way to go. But if they go about like last three games..they might be in trouble...but then, as you reminded, there's Collingwood also

    By Blogger worma, at 08:20  

  • Worma/Clannzu, Point taken...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 08:22  

  • Interesting to see Warne bowling wider from the crease to Pietersen.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:23  

  • of the 30 overs bolwed, Warne/McGrath have bolwed 20!

    How long can Warne continue?

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 08:23  

  • avinash first IP has always been good with red ball (rem last year when he was ineffective..that was mainly white ball..strange but true)..and second, I think Balaji was out first pick in tests..and should be now also, unless not at full fitness etc...and then...if we go for third pacer then it was always going to be ZK. AN has never lasted a full test :-)...in fact he doesnt have long game temparment...bowls ineffectively over long term...cant even remember when he last got a test(while always being top pick in ODI)

    By Blogger worma, at 08:24  

  • Isn't the match referee in charge of checking over-rates and penalising the captain/team. Ranjan Madugalle is the referee for this series...so I don't know if racism can be claimed. But no doubt in my mind that both captains/teams should be penalised for such poor over rates all through the series.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:27  

  • clannzu the bias in ICC officialdom is not based on 'race' as such...but anyway here I'm not sure how much above the line is RP going..cos there is a permitted limit, you know

    By Blogger worma, at 08:29  

  • worma - both teams have been going into the extended play time on all days in atleast the last 2 tests. And its not as if they have completed the stipulated overs for the day. I'm quite sure its over the limit.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:31  

  • ok. it may be, I was not aware. But doesnt look like any action is going to be taken. As usual.

    By Blogger worma, at 08:35  

  • I didnt watch the morning session, can anyone give a mini-update on the kind of cricket? The run rate seems to be pretty good but I just get the feeling that this is more a traditional test match with some cautious but good batting.

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:35  

  • oooh...Warney..again... and toney..thats the story of the morning...Warney all the way....rest all same old same old :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 08:37  

  • Oh my fucking god...Warne is unbelievable.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:37  

  • whoops, KP gone. Are the Poms going to have their familiar jitters?

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:38  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:39  

  • wonder if SW will settle play for India for a couple of years after he retires, he's still so so good against these poms

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:40  

  • avinash, agreed..abt your point on IP...poor technique players cant survive the indippers. Left handers would also find it a bit tougher. But rest, once they understand him, can play much easily. Still, he's good enough to 'start' with. Needs to develope more variety. But its only his second year...so theres lots of time..

    By Blogger worma, at 08:40  

  • avinash, and btw, that is the reason why i expect IP to take loads of wkts here :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 08:41  

  • Did anyone remember that this is Benaud's last stint in England?

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:41  

  • toney they havent played traditional cricket...its their same attacking approach...Warne, and McG to some extent, tied them..also poor shot selection by Vaughan and KP(from what I hear, not seen)

    By Blogger worma, at 08:43  

  • yes toney, this is his last stint. Prem did a post on that, didn't he? Also saw his interview about it during last test. He'll do some coverage for a while in Aus though.

    By Blogger worma, at 08:44  

  • Like I noted earlier..Warne was bowling from wide of the crease to Pietersen and using that angle bowled a fuller delivery on leg stump. Pietersen playing forward almost yorked himself trying to flick it through mid-wicket.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:44  

  • I feel that with this performance, Warne has climbed the steps of legendary (if not done already)...So far, all of us Indians had been mentioning about his record Vs India.

    But, aside of that black-mark, he has the magic skill that none of his so-called competitors (Murali, Kumble, Vettori) have. He is in a league of his own.

    If the ashes series is still competitive, the Aussies must be grateful to SHANE WARNE.

    GREAT SHOW!!!!

    By Blogger Madhu Rao, at 08:44  

  • Do you guys think KP played across the line or SW bowled an unbelievable ball? I mean, I ma a huge fan of SW. But from what Toney Greig and Benaud are saying, it looks like there was lots of drift, SW had planned out the delivery etc. Sure, there was drift but this dismissal wouldnt have occured had it not been for KP playing across the line. It was an over pitched delivery too...

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:45  

  • Lee going full throttle now...hits Flintoff on the helmet with a bouncer.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:45  

  • Throughout this series...Lee hasn't been at his best in the opening spell. His second spell has been way better.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:47  

  • Warne bowls his first googly of the series...maybe first time in a year.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:48  

  • Warne...googly??...now...again?

    By Blogger worma, at 08:49  

  • but Lee has come through leaps and bounds. I think thats the beauty of their cricket. Assoon as they need a replacement, somebody steps up the plate. Wish we had a Lee who could have been refined...
    I read an article somewhere about his spirit and smile. And I think it is true too. He must have been the most-"hit" tailender on both sides, yet never gave up the fight while batting.

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:50  

  • was there an inside-edge for Bell? Heard Hreig say that now. What a pity!! Not that Bell's gonna set the Oval on fire

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:51  

  • Lee's spirit is really commendable...he is giving his all and doing it with humility and sportmanship.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:52  

  • No inside edge for Bell...he was plumb lbw.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 08:53  

  • I wonder if Australia are wishing they had MacGill to bowl in tandem with Warne now!

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 08:55  

  • yup, gopal, looks like loads of help for the spinners. If the weather doesnt intervene (which it would), there would be lots more for MacGill too. Wonder if his non-selection is another "feather" in RP's already loaded cap.

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:57  

  • 147/4, AF and Strauss in the centre

    By Blogger Toney, at 08:58  

  • k 147/4 via cricinfo

    By Blogger worma, at 08:58  

  • anyone watching ? how many slips for flintoff?

    By Blogger worma, at 09:03  

  • just one slip, as usual for SW. Dont remember for Lee but I think it is 3 slips. No unusual field placements

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:06  

  • But Collingwood was v good in the ODIs, I know diff cup of tea. But I think he's useful and should come good when the pitch is at its best

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:07  

  • Aha, McG into the attack. How was he in the morn? Seemed ineffective from the bowling figures

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:08  

  • With the pitch being dry, I think Jones owuld have had plenty of reverse swing, sad that the strongest teams couldnt face each other

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:08  

  • toney, mostly ineffective, although he did tie one end down for Warne

    By Blogger worma, at 09:10  

  • worma, for Mcg, AF has first slip, then a wide one(more like 3rd/4th slip), gully
    Has a sweeper cover on the boundary too.

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:11  

  • hmm...was it same with Lee bolwing to Flintoff? When that edge went?..becos last match one of the biggest criticism fo RP was that he got defensive too soon when Freddie came in

    By Blogger worma, at 09:12  

  • k-slice...ofcourse not only wkts count....and I said that mate ;-)

    By Blogger worma, at 09:15  

  • what I meant ineffective here in McG respect was that he didnt get the early breakthrough as he is used to

    By Blogger worma, at 09:16  

  • even now, he's not exactly tying down one side. Very unlike McG, bowling on the pads of Strauss a couple of times

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:19  

  • k-slice, earlier also it was me who said McG created the pressure for Warne to go all-out attack :-)

    What I meant here was that he was ineffective by his own standards(his early spell went for runs, when Warne wasnt there). For him, keeping one end tight is simple. For most other Aus bowlers, its asking too much.

    So..lets call that 'correction' if you please :-))

    By Blogger worma, at 09:20  

  • Strauss is looking good for a 100...I hope he keeps going. Just 1 slip and a gully for McGrath to Strauss.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 09:21  

  • Heheh I hate McGrath, Ponting and Hayden...but I respect that Pigeon is a great bowler.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 09:25  

  • I think we just might let Zimbabwe draw a match...we'll take the series 1-0.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 09:26  

  • If India has the same team for tests (especially HS and AK), who do you think could trouble the Poms most? If the pitches are bone dry, I would guess Kumble. But if its a flat pitch, pray that HS gets his guile back.

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:26  

  • k-slice, I also like SW, not McG so much (and not just because of his attitude, but his bowling style also). And about SG...well...without going any further, just this much...I would have 'defended' even RD if he was in the same position :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 09:26  

  • toney, I thought bhajji was decent in tests last year also, when he got attacking fields. Wasnt at his best, but still ok. But sure, Kumble would be a bigger threat, he's bowling too good right now in tests...would be good on any pitch any opposition.

    and tiger, nehra had little chance of getting into the starting 11 anyways

    By Blogger worma, at 09:28  

  • clanzu, reasons for hating Hayden? Except for the sledging which every Aussie is guilty of, dont think he's that much of a hypocrite like RP, Gilchrist or McG. I think I like SW, Hayden, Lee (from this series on, Lee the fighter). Of course, I like watching everyone of them when their cricketing skills flurish.

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:29  

  • tiger, RD is not the devil ;-)

    jd, no update on that tour game mate. cricinfo thinks its less imp than the county games! They still dont know us Indians yet ;-)

    By Blogger worma, at 09:30  

  • What would Ponting give to have McGill in the Team now!

    Super-sub for Tests anyone...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 09:33  

  • well Eng have their super(b)-sub ready in Pratt ;-)

    By Blogger worma, at 09:33  

  • LOL Saurabh. Probably, he would have to sub his brains too, loan Mark Taylor's for a couple of days?

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:34  

  • sriram, now I'm also confused ;-) LOL

    By Blogger worma, at 09:34  

  • Hate is probably too strong a word...I have great dislike for Hayden just because he looks so grumpy and is such a bully. Also his style of batting, I dont know I much prefer Langer who grinds it out but at the same time can be as aggressive. Hayden seems one-dimensional.
    Ponting is just a dunce and I hate that he got the captaincy from Steve Waugh...I would have liked either Warne or Gilchrist were handed the mantle instead. It doesn't help that Ponting resembles Dubya.

    By Blogger ClannZú, at 09:36  

  • k-slice, my hatered for the super-sub and powerplays are well documented.

    Good one Toney...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 09:36  

  • Of the 47 overs, McGrath & Warne have bowled 32 of those. In line for my prediction of 60 for the day or till their hands drop off...

    I guess South Africa and West Indies are looking forward to the Aussie series....

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 09:38  

Post a Comment

<< Home