18.7.13

Cricket: Poms cross the Trent Bridge

Stuart Broad not walking in the first test will come to the haunt England before this Ashes ends.

Stuart Broad edged one and held his ground. Yes he is entitled to stand in ground, Umpire Aleem Dar was perhaps right in his judgment, If only Australia had a review left. Its the tougher option and playing the match fair. Stuart Broad didn't he has sown the seed, he will reap it. Micheal Vaughan couple of Ashes ago use to hold on to his ground, technology was inconclusive he prospered in that. Haddin later stood his ground but stood his ground, England reviewed and won. England beat Australia by a close margin of 14 runs. England made it look a far even and keener contest than it should have been. Australian true to their character came back twice to almost even the battle but slipped on last pedestal

But thankfully thats wasn't the only thing riveting in this test. A wise Australian captain would take a lot of heart. Their bowlers can take 20 wickets and can score more, going by their performances Aus bowlers took wickets scored runs and did most of the donkey work obviousky batsmen should catch up sooner rather than later.

I don't know who is selecting the team but how many openers you want to play in one team? Aussie batting line up in Trent Bridge test was a line up of openers Watson, Rogers, Cowan, Hughes, and guess who scored the highest in either of the innings, Agar Ashton batting on debut at number 11 in the first innings. It was such a fabulous effort, considering he stepped in when the scorecard read 117/9, he turned the tide in favour of Australia. They should look to build on this innings. It was as if he was shielding Hughes, good enough to open in test matches. 

England seem to have run into a puddle as Australia took a very good lead for 65 runs. England then put their head down and chipped away the lead, though English top order should have done more and just batted Aus out of the game, but then pitched turned lower and slower as the game went on. Their top order got starts Pietersen and Cook should have scored more but Bell scored a ton and make sure there was no collapse and easy hunt for Australia in second innings. Bell, Ian bell of all batsmen scored a tough ton for England and make sure with ever passing over, hour, session, odd get stacked against Australia.
English top order, Anderson fitness and Swan's lukewarm performances a major worry going into the second test.

While Australia are doing everything that English would want them to, Warner is sent to an African Safari, couple of changes for Australia for sure. As I write, Usman Khawaja and Ryan Harris will replace Cowan and Starc.

It was something hard to say for the Aussies for the while they were on top,but common sense missing out of Aus cricket for now. May be Dhoni should give them a prep talk.

1 comment:

'MP' said...

Well written post. True, the Aussie batting must step forward and get counted if they want to make a match of it.