It struck a chord with me when Ponting said all credit to the English team. Obviously the winner gets the loudest toast, the biggest cheer and most accolades. I won’t mince words for Ponting, I like him rather grudgingly as a player for the tones of runs, and he has scored. But I don’t think he has been the best captain Australia ever produced. Most avid Indian cricket fan remember him from the Sydney fiasco. It is easier to say bygones be bygones. I don’t know how many would savour an English win but many of us are in absolutely ecstatic when we realize that Aussies have lost. It is a similar high to when Indian team wins. The worry for Ponting the captain is that he seems to be out manoeuvred rather easily, Dhoni did it, Smith did it, Strauss has now done it.
I don’t think Ponting will enjoy tomorrow, especially if it were to rain all day at the Oval.
The Game, the review.
The do or die match. The pace and bounce of the Oval was to be grounded to a dust bowl, I would love to see that kind of a pitch when Indians or Pakis or Lankans visit England. Well it is just a wish. The Poms, huffed and puffed, to 325 + a respectable total, not considering what was to come. At 70 odd for none, the Aussies wouldn’t have imagined what was to come. They beat the English record of sorts for the series, earlier in the series; last 10 Pom wickets fell for 102 runs. The Aussies returned the favour when their last 10 wickets that fell for less than 90 runs. Poms with a lead of more than 170 runs, with 3 more days of cricket left, the result was written on the wall.
Broad just widened the gap with a stellar performance, Trott just added some more sugar on the cake, the cherry on the top moment was still to come. All though, Pom were struggling 57 for 3, Strauss the man in charge and Trott on debut resurrected the Poms ship and kept on pilling the agony for Aussies, Strauss out on a crucial moment, before the English, tail wagged and almost sung a fairy tale of sorts, Swann and Trott stealing 70 runs in 9 overs at one stage. Trott completed a magnificent century on debut. By the end of the Pom innings, the writing on the wall became firmly fixed in the minds of both the teams. It was the matter of time.
Aussies started again solidly, Katich and Watson looking good, but as in the case of most test matches, the first hour is crucial, two early wickets, made the task that bit jittery and all that Ponting and Hussey could do were to put their hands down and test the English patience.
The moment - “The red cherry on the top.”
It is amazing how little moments in everyday life lay claim to be turning points of history. This run out was one of those moments which would be remembered for the Ashes 2009. It occurred when the result of the game was a fore gone conclusion; it was just the matter of how and not when. The moment came, when Hussey played down to Mid on, and Ponting was caught on his heels, big man Flintoff scooped down and whipped it back to claim a direct hit, Ponting, was short by a foot or more. It was hara-kiri. The moment symbolized how Ponting gave it all that he could, but still fell short of the mark and how Flintoff could inspire the Poms even with shear presence. There have been many a glorious exits of the game, Flintoff wasn’t to have one. He laboured all along the series made sure Poms won the Ashes back only to bow out of tests.
All the numbers and times of victory.
Aussies bowlers took more wickets, their batsmen score more, centuries, looked more daunting. The Pommies hold fort, looked conventional, bore the Aussies out of the skin. While Poms looked to be doing all the catching up to done, Aussies will look back long and hard at lot of things including how and why the Ashes were lost. One of the reasons I think is Aussie rate of scoring runs. While not all bowlers looked threatening for an appreciable time, the Aussies didn’t exactly run away at the usual 3.5 to 4 an over run rate, the deciding factor of the series. Yes the Aussies did score runs, but perhaps a touch too leisurely I guess. The Poms managed to score 4 an over 5 times (not including a 3.9) in the series, the Aussies managed it just once. Well we can analyse or dig deep into what was done, but the fact remains, that poor team selection that the Aussies did make their task that bit harder. It would also be easier to say that’s high fliers like Clarke, North, Ponting and Haddin, files in just couple of times in the series, and the Ashes was won. Hussey didn’t give much to cheer except helping himself with a century in a losing cause that helped me take his head off, from the chopping board. One can dig as deep into the numbers the deeper you go into the number the more you would realize that the result was fair. I for once wish to say that Poms won the Ashes, instead of Aussies losing it.
Strauss, the man of the season.
He led the series for the Poms and looked the best player by far. Strauss may not have the charisma and may not stand out as a natural leader. He chose to stamp his authority not by his demeanour and presence but through his performance. The master stroke in the whole series was to rest Flintoff. He might have said to the team, that the challenge is to beat Aussies without Flintoff and Ashes is ours for the taking, if we lose, then we would have one more chance to beat the Aussies. Yes it was gamble to be taken, but Aussies took the bait. Strauss lost the battle to win the war and reduces the Aussies chances retaining the Ashes on a dusty oval pitch. He made a few daring calls, he managed to pull them off and reaped rewards.
The Challenge for Poms is now beat Australia in Australia and retain the Ashes.
Showing posts with label The Ashes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Ashes. Show all posts
12.9.05
The Ashes Diary - The story so far
The Ashes Diary: The story so far
Highlights: England 373 all out Strauss-129 Warne- 6-118
Australia: 363 all out Langer-126 Hayden-110 Flintoff- 5-78
England: 34-1 Bad Light stopping play.
It is sad the way the series is wrapping up. It is because of unavoidable reason, the rain happens to be the key element which will decide the fate of Ashes this time around. It was a very unlike test. As expected the pitch was as flat as it could be. There were just two out of four innings completed in four days of cricket.
The Aussie opener hit out of bad form with uncharacteristic centuries to ensure that they are not on chopping board. The sun is fast setting out on many Aussie cricketers. Its time for new players to come to fore and carry the flag forward. As expected with the end of a great series the old men will hang up their boots. There are Warnes and McGraths who are still among wickets are almost into twilight. But everyone wants to go out of this game on a high not, just to make the last point that they were not just pulled out but they themselves bowed out of the scene followed by a great ovation. Australia has had a great bowling duo. My only regret would be that weather saved England of many blues.
The series would be remembered for the heroics of Andrew Flintoff. He came forward and made himself counted. He took catches, struck batsmen, bought wickets and build innings which help set up matches for England. Sir Geoffery Boycott had once said that Flintoff had batting average of bowlers and bowling average of batsmen. I can explain, he had batting average of thirties and bowling averages of late forties.
The average of “decent” is around forties. A bowler would desire bowling average inearly thirties. These Ashes series ensured this changed. Flintoff now has a good bowling average like the one of a good bowler and batsmen average. He has ensured that this goes down the history that Flintoff won the Ashes for England.
There may be a few jitters in the day. There will be no more surprises in the end as announcement of the winner of Ashes is only a formality now. It is difficult to imagine nine English wickets to fall in a day, Aussies chasing those runs when only thing which seems to be falling is rain. If the English hold out to Aussies mission is accomplished.
One more result is for gone conclusion, the man of the series. It was an animated Flintoff who paved the way for Mr.Vaughan to lay his hands on the Ashes. A first English captain in two decades who will know what does feel like to hold the Ashes. There will be lots of animated emotions in the English press in the days to come when the cricket teams will win the Ashes.
The Cinderella story for Australia is finished the clock has struck twelve. This series is tribute to the mettle of Aussies and how the Aussies were over awed stroke for stroke, how the pitch was set on fire by the English seamers and the Ashes were won back.
Highlights: England 373 all out Strauss-129 Warne- 6-118
Australia: 363 all out Langer-126 Hayden-110 Flintoff- 5-78
England: 34-1 Bad Light stopping play.
It is sad the way the series is wrapping up. It is because of unavoidable reason, the rain happens to be the key element which will decide the fate of Ashes this time around. It was a very unlike test. As expected the pitch was as flat as it could be. There were just two out of four innings completed in four days of cricket.
The Aussie opener hit out of bad form with uncharacteristic centuries to ensure that they are not on chopping board. The sun is fast setting out on many Aussie cricketers. Its time for new players to come to fore and carry the flag forward. As expected with the end of a great series the old men will hang up their boots. There are Warnes and McGraths who are still among wickets are almost into twilight. But everyone wants to go out of this game on a high not, just to make the last point that they were not just pulled out but they themselves bowed out of the scene followed by a great ovation. Australia has had a great bowling duo. My only regret would be that weather saved England of many blues.
The series would be remembered for the heroics of Andrew Flintoff. He came forward and made himself counted. He took catches, struck batsmen, bought wickets and build innings which help set up matches for England. Sir Geoffery Boycott had once said that Flintoff had batting average of bowlers and bowling average of batsmen. I can explain, he had batting average of thirties and bowling averages of late forties.
The average of “decent” is around forties. A bowler would desire bowling average inearly thirties. These Ashes series ensured this changed. Flintoff now has a good bowling average like the one of a good bowler and batsmen average. He has ensured that this goes down the history that Flintoff won the Ashes for England.
There may be a few jitters in the day. There will be no more surprises in the end as announcement of the winner of Ashes is only a formality now. It is difficult to imagine nine English wickets to fall in a day, Aussies chasing those runs when only thing which seems to be falling is rain. If the English hold out to Aussies mission is accomplished.
One more result is for gone conclusion, the man of the series. It was an animated Flintoff who paved the way for Mr.Vaughan to lay his hands on the Ashes. A first English captain in two decades who will know what does feel like to hold the Ashes. There will be lots of animated emotions in the English press in the days to come when the cricket teams will win the Ashes.
The Cinderella story for Australia is finished the clock has struck twelve. This series is tribute to the mettle of Aussies and how the Aussies were over awed stroke for stroke, how the pitch was set on fire by the English seamers and the Ashes were won back.
9.9.05
The Ashes Diary - Day One, The Oval.
The Ashes Diary, Review Day One: Oval Test.
Highlights: England 319/7
Strauss 129, Warne 5-118
The honours even they have said. I suggest Aussies have drawn first blood in the last test of the series. Why do I say so? It is flat pitch to no ones surprise. The score looks healthy at present but won't do so if the Aussie bowlers polish up the tail in the first session itself. The score would not be sounding too great at 340 all out. The job is already cut-out fot he English. I suggest they should look at it as thus is the only inning they have to bat. This inning is perhaps being the key which can set the Aussie batsmen out of jail. If they can do it they will make mockery of this very brilliantly performing English team.
The Aussies would have to do serious batting make lots of runs, take a big first innings lead and set up challenge for the English batsmen.
A good century by Strauss, Trescothick is a batsman who will always give a chance. He presented one to Aussies who accepted it gleefully. The rest of English top-middle order batted like millionaires and got stuck in the web of the Sheikh of Tweak. If Sheikh can induce batsmen of the class of Tendulkar, Dravid, Lara, Attpattu and Laxman regarded as class players of spin bowling then English batsmen are easier to deceive. They show minimal of footwork; show no intention of leaving the safe haven of the crease, they have tradionaly been too committal on either front or back foot. There is nothing being taken away from Shane Warne, he is such a prodigious spiner of the cricket ball. It is no mean task; this can be gathered that not many can spin it that much.
I always fancied Tendulkar as a genuine leg spinner. He often shows signs of good leg spinner. He has the turn and variety too. The few dismissals that immediately come to mind are Moin Khan can being bowled by a googly which squared him up and went through his legs in third test in Pakistan. Steve Waugh having a wild waft at a sharp tuning delivery succeeded in guiding the ball into safe house called Dravid. The last and the most fitting: Warne leg before wicket to Tendulakar in Kolkatta Test which India won after following on.
Warne will continue to get wickets wherever he goes ‘coz that the only thing he knows.
There is one more thing I would like to bring to everyone’s attention. The following statistics also under line, how vital is Warne-McGrath partnership. They have more than 1150 international wickets between them in the last decade. In this match too their combined efforts is as follows, 53 overs 168 runs and 6 wickets. There are a few more facts; India blossomed in their tour to Australia simply because Warne-McGrath duo was missing. Well that’s part of history now.
A few things which either team would like to do:-
Australia: - Polish the English tail quickly, bat well, score big bat England out of the game. Then see what happens in second innings with a rather infamous tendency of English to collapse.
England: - Weather the storm of second new ball. Then cross the psychological 400 run mark. Then give the ball to Freddie Flintoff and party. The Aussie batsmen are not exactly on the run will be a bit scratchy and jittery.
This series is slated to go down to the wire. There are few surprises in-stored for every one. The saga has just begun. I am to know what happens next. The Ashes remains so close and yet so far. My fingers are crossed; I hope the rain does put off the fire of The Ashes
Highlights: England 319/7
Strauss 129, Warne 5-118
The honours even they have said. I suggest Aussies have drawn first blood in the last test of the series. Why do I say so? It is flat pitch to no ones surprise. The score looks healthy at present but won't do so if the Aussie bowlers polish up the tail in the first session itself. The score would not be sounding too great at 340 all out. The job is already cut-out fot he English. I suggest they should look at it as thus is the only inning they have to bat. This inning is perhaps being the key which can set the Aussie batsmen out of jail. If they can do it they will make mockery of this very brilliantly performing English team.
The Aussies would have to do serious batting make lots of runs, take a big first innings lead and set up challenge for the English batsmen.
A good century by Strauss, Trescothick is a batsman who will always give a chance. He presented one to Aussies who accepted it gleefully. The rest of English top-middle order batted like millionaires and got stuck in the web of the Sheikh of Tweak. If Sheikh can induce batsmen of the class of Tendulkar, Dravid, Lara, Attpattu and Laxman regarded as class players of spin bowling then English batsmen are easier to deceive. They show minimal of footwork; show no intention of leaving the safe haven of the crease, they have tradionaly been too committal on either front or back foot. There is nothing being taken away from Shane Warne, he is such a prodigious spiner of the cricket ball. It is no mean task; this can be gathered that not many can spin it that much.
I always fancied Tendulkar as a genuine leg spinner. He often shows signs of good leg spinner. He has the turn and variety too. The few dismissals that immediately come to mind are Moin Khan can being bowled by a googly which squared him up and went through his legs in third test in Pakistan. Steve Waugh having a wild waft at a sharp tuning delivery succeeded in guiding the ball into safe house called Dravid. The last and the most fitting: Warne leg before wicket to Tendulakar in Kolkatta Test which India won after following on.
Warne will continue to get wickets wherever he goes ‘coz that the only thing he knows.
There is one more thing I would like to bring to everyone’s attention. The following statistics also under line, how vital is Warne-McGrath partnership. They have more than 1150 international wickets between them in the last decade. In this match too their combined efforts is as follows, 53 overs 168 runs and 6 wickets. There are a few more facts; India blossomed in their tour to Australia simply because Warne-McGrath duo was missing. Well that’s part of history now.
A few things which either team would like to do:-
Australia: - Polish the English tail quickly, bat well, score big bat England out of the game. Then see what happens in second innings with a rather infamous tendency of English to collapse.
England: - Weather the storm of second new ball. Then cross the psychological 400 run mark. Then give the ball to Freddie Flintoff and party. The Aussie batsmen are not exactly on the run will be a bit scratchy and jittery.
This series is slated to go down to the wire. There are few surprises in-stored for every one. The saga has just begun. I am to know what happens next. The Ashes remains so close and yet so far. My fingers are crossed; I hope the rain does put off the fire of The Ashes
7.9.05
The Ashes Diary - Preview, Oval Test
The Ashes Diary: Preview Oval Test
It is down to the last Ashes test and the series is still undecided. I don’t know when such and occurrence was seen. It would have been definitely before I could spell cricket. I have not followed cricket for ages but I can say that this is one thing I always follow like many million of fans in India and thousands abroad.
This test like the series is likely to go to the wire down to the last ball on the last day. The table have been turned in a sense that England will be without Simon Jones. Simon Jones has done well along with Flintoff. Harmison has been more of stock bowler and less of a lethal bowler. It is more of the fact that, he has maintained pressure with some accurate and hostile display of "hit the deck" fast bowling. Flintoff and Jones have reaped huge dividends in the form out of form Aussie batsmen from the other end.
The Aussies have been such a hospitable treatment by English bowlers that they share only one test century in eight innings.
I read the following line in a paper which said that English have been more Aussies and the Aussies have been more English. The more heartening scenario for me has been the display of traditional, conservative form of test cricket. The run-rate through out the series has been breaking into the ceiling of four runs an over. This has ensured the audience an edge of the seat affair for the audience.
This is as good as a cricket series one will see. On matter which team one may support the game of crickets has lots of positive which came to foray from this series. These things may be ingredients which may act as a catalyst to English cricket.
The Oval pitch has been forever a very batsmen friendly. One can expect the pitch to be as flat as performances of Team India in final. It doesn’t get any flatter than that.
Talking of team India, I think its time for changes at the top. Ganguly will do a world of good to everyone including himself if he steps down gracefully and passes the baton to Rahul Dravid. The time is ripe for change. The team is struggling to find a winning path. I wonder how much does it has to do with absence of Sensei Sachin. India has not won a series for nearly two decades outside sub continent. I hope Indian bowlers steam roll Zimbabwe. I hope we can expect that to be done without much fuss.
Now returning to the Ashes…. Will there be heads rolled if Aussies lose the Ashes to England? The batting has been lacklustre and kind of dragging itself to the pitch. One more starling fact is this, the series where most number of sixes have been hit against Australia is it bad bowling or superb bowling. One thing is for sure if a team to beat the Aussie, they must give it hundred percent. There are records broken when Aussies are defeated. The performance has to be record breaking.
The series is wide open. The Aussie retains the Ashes if they win this one. This will ensure that people remember how Aussie drew level the series and English lost to regain the Ashes. All good work done will go down the drain for the English. I wish they are not praying for rain to play naughty at the Oval. The series is interestingly poised and nobody wants a wash out in the last match.
Is this the end of a era which saw the Aussies claiming the last frontier? Has English team enough fire in their bellies to reclaim the Ashes and their lost pride on the road to victory.
The Ashes Diary returns to give a reasons and facts of the Ashes. Do watch out for the review to the Ashes series and a final sum up of what was a fiery Ashes.
It is down to the last Ashes test and the series is still undecided. I don’t know when such and occurrence was seen. It would have been definitely before I could spell cricket. I have not followed cricket for ages but I can say that this is one thing I always follow like many million of fans in India and thousands abroad.
This test like the series is likely to go to the wire down to the last ball on the last day. The table have been turned in a sense that England will be without Simon Jones. Simon Jones has done well along with Flintoff. Harmison has been more of stock bowler and less of a lethal bowler. It is more of the fact that, he has maintained pressure with some accurate and hostile display of "hit the deck" fast bowling. Flintoff and Jones have reaped huge dividends in the form out of form Aussie batsmen from the other end.
The Aussies have been such a hospitable treatment by English bowlers that they share only one test century in eight innings.
I read the following line in a paper which said that English have been more Aussies and the Aussies have been more English. The more heartening scenario for me has been the display of traditional, conservative form of test cricket. The run-rate through out the series has been breaking into the ceiling of four runs an over. This has ensured the audience an edge of the seat affair for the audience.
This is as good as a cricket series one will see. On matter which team one may support the game of crickets has lots of positive which came to foray from this series. These things may be ingredients which may act as a catalyst to English cricket.
The Oval pitch has been forever a very batsmen friendly. One can expect the pitch to be as flat as performances of Team India in final. It doesn’t get any flatter than that.
Talking of team India, I think its time for changes at the top. Ganguly will do a world of good to everyone including himself if he steps down gracefully and passes the baton to Rahul Dravid. The time is ripe for change. The team is struggling to find a winning path. I wonder how much does it has to do with absence of Sensei Sachin. India has not won a series for nearly two decades outside sub continent. I hope Indian bowlers steam roll Zimbabwe. I hope we can expect that to be done without much fuss.
Now returning to the Ashes…. Will there be heads rolled if Aussies lose the Ashes to England? The batting has been lacklustre and kind of dragging itself to the pitch. One more starling fact is this, the series where most number of sixes have been hit against Australia is it bad bowling or superb bowling. One thing is for sure if a team to beat the Aussie, they must give it hundred percent. There are records broken when Aussies are defeated. The performance has to be record breaking.
The series is wide open. The Aussie retains the Ashes if they win this one. This will ensure that people remember how Aussie drew level the series and English lost to regain the Ashes. All good work done will go down the drain for the English. I wish they are not praying for rain to play naughty at the Oval. The series is interestingly poised and nobody wants a wash out in the last match.
Is this the end of a era which saw the Aussies claiming the last frontier? Has English team enough fire in their bellies to reclaim the Ashes and their lost pride on the road to victory.
The Ashes Diary returns to give a reasons and facts of the Ashes. Do watch out for the review to the Ashes series and a final sum up of what was a fiery Ashes.
29.8.05
The Ashes Diary - Review Trent Bridge
The Ashes Diary- Trent Bridge Test, After Thoughts….
It been long time coming, Australia followed on a “placid” pitch. Australia was never in such position for eighteen years. They are perhaps bewildered on the fact the Ashes may be beyond their reach. So far so good for England.
They Aussie sense of frustration seems valid. Michael Holding put it correctly. He remarked that ever one has been substituted other than the wicket-keeper. Aussie claim them that this may keep the English players fresh. The bowlers fresh or stale, have to be played, runs have to be scored, wickets to taken. The never die Aussie spirit is in a spot of bother.If the Aussies had scored 150 plus we might have had a game on our hands. The series is still wide open. It may go down the wire. The Aussie will give them a hard time. We are assured that sparks will fly if Aussies think they may have a chance or two.
I am not clear on this issue. This is supposed to be a gentlemen’s game. What are the rules for “dissent” or misbehaviour on the field? Does it apply for all Aussies as well? Will there be hearing for Mr Ponting and Mr Katich?Will they be booked under some discipline action? Or they will go to the mach referee and say “Sir, its all ok I was just a little fluttered”. If that may be the answer then my reply is “If you are flustered don’t show, if u show u must pay for it”…..
Well done England. Well done Flintoff. The Aussie may still rue the fact they 30 runs more and who knows. Cricket is a funny game. The pitch at Oval, can be expected to be a “timeless” pitch. You don’t need to scratch your head to know what a timeless pitch is. It is the one on which the batsman will come and just play the shots and score and score until they are tired of batting.
It been long time coming, Australia followed on a “placid” pitch. Australia was never in such position for eighteen years. They are perhaps bewildered on the fact the Ashes may be beyond their reach. So far so good for England.
They Aussie sense of frustration seems valid. Michael Holding put it correctly. He remarked that ever one has been substituted other than the wicket-keeper. Aussie claim them that this may keep the English players fresh. The bowlers fresh or stale, have to be played, runs have to be scored, wickets to taken. The never die Aussie spirit is in a spot of bother.If the Aussies had scored 150 plus we might have had a game on our hands. The series is still wide open. It may go down the wire. The Aussie will give them a hard time. We are assured that sparks will fly if Aussies think they may have a chance or two.
I am not clear on this issue. This is supposed to be a gentlemen’s game. What are the rules for “dissent” or misbehaviour on the field? Does it apply for all Aussies as well? Will there be hearing for Mr Ponting and Mr Katich?Will they be booked under some discipline action? Or they will go to the mach referee and say “Sir, its all ok I was just a little fluttered”. If that may be the answer then my reply is “If you are flustered don’t show, if u show u must pay for it”…..
Well done England. Well done Flintoff. The Aussie may still rue the fact they 30 runs more and who knows. Cricket is a funny game. The pitch at Oval, can be expected to be a “timeless” pitch. You don’t need to scratch your head to know what a timeless pitch is. It is the one on which the batsman will come and just play the shots and score and score until they are tired of batting.
26.8.05
The Ashes Diary - Trent Bridge Day Two
The Ashes Diary, Trent Bridge Test; Day Two.
There are dropped catch, miss fielding, no flurry of runs from the openers, no attacking fields lack lustre bowling, McGrath carrying drinks to the playfield!! Nothing is going Aussie’s way. If you have to see a top sporting team go through night mares switch to Ashes. Neither the batsman, nor the bowlers showing any sparkle on the field. Did the Aussies boil to soon in the first Test? McGrath and Warne not together have not held matters either. I hope Warne does not get injured when McGrath joins the team.
The Aussies do not have a great track record of winning last test match of series off late.
The Aussies this time would be praying for Lord to save the Queen.
They have lost last test of a series to India in India. When Indian toured down-under Aussies where gasping for air and managed a draw, courtesy some forgettable umpiring decisions. They did not win last test of last two Ashes series held in Australia. The last Ashes Andy Caddick bowled an inspired spell and took seven wickets. The tour before that Gough claimed a hat trick at MCG to drive the English home. When Australia toured England last Steve Waugh hit an emotional century the best of his efforts. Mark Waugh had an extended net practice session with the English bowlers. Aussies won. That’s history now.
Let bygones be bygones. The Aussies are reeling under the English attack. It is a sought of déjà vu for touring teams. The home sides bats for a day and two thirds there is sun shine. The pitch gives nothing to the bowlers. He ball is not doing much. The home team bats under no sense of pressure or compulsion. The Sheikh of Tweak is struggling and showing a negative body language. There are wickets of no balls. Then the next ball is clobbered for boundary. The English are scoring at four an over for better part of the day. The middle order is showing resilience.
When Aussie come in to bat, the ball starts to misbehave and does dirty tricks with the batsmen. The skies are cloudy and dark. The bowlers on top. The are no planned dismissal for Aussie. They seem to be leaving in early 80’s. It is believed that the worst of Aussies teams were present in early part of 80’s.
There was a metamorphosis which followed made them the numero uno for a decade.
But this Ashes is bit of a down-hill for many of the players. It is a matter of time for most of them. Is it an end of an era of big wicket takers and big hitters? Or there is some thing we have not seen?
The target is set for Aussies; avoid follow on then play from there. The causes of concern are many and demand the most urgent attention. Which will Ricky Ponting address first?
The English are fighting fire with fire and matching Aussies stroke for stroke. There are enough sparks in the cricket world to turn their imagination to Ashes. The giant is walking giant steps. He can put on foot wrong. He is there every where, scoring big runs, taking wickets, holding on to catches. He also knows to back flip. The
Who’s Ashes is this for the taking? It is an English call; they got to still play well to beat Aussies from here.
There are dropped catch, miss fielding, no flurry of runs from the openers, no attacking fields lack lustre bowling, McGrath carrying drinks to the playfield!! Nothing is going Aussie’s way. If you have to see a top sporting team go through night mares switch to Ashes. Neither the batsman, nor the bowlers showing any sparkle on the field. Did the Aussies boil to soon in the first Test? McGrath and Warne not together have not held matters either. I hope Warne does not get injured when McGrath joins the team.
The Aussies do not have a great track record of winning last test match of series off late.
The Aussies this time would be praying for Lord to save the Queen.
They have lost last test of a series to India in India. When Indian toured down-under Aussies where gasping for air and managed a draw, courtesy some forgettable umpiring decisions. They did not win last test of last two Ashes series held in Australia. The last Ashes Andy Caddick bowled an inspired spell and took seven wickets. The tour before that Gough claimed a hat trick at MCG to drive the English home. When Australia toured England last Steve Waugh hit an emotional century the best of his efforts. Mark Waugh had an extended net practice session with the English bowlers. Aussies won. That’s history now.
Let bygones be bygones. The Aussies are reeling under the English attack. It is a sought of déjà vu for touring teams. The home sides bats for a day and two thirds there is sun shine. The pitch gives nothing to the bowlers. He ball is not doing much. The home team bats under no sense of pressure or compulsion. The Sheikh of Tweak is struggling and showing a negative body language. There are wickets of no balls. Then the next ball is clobbered for boundary. The English are scoring at four an over for better part of the day. The middle order is showing resilience.
When Aussie come in to bat, the ball starts to misbehave and does dirty tricks with the batsmen. The skies are cloudy and dark. The bowlers on top. The are no planned dismissal for Aussie. They seem to be leaving in early 80’s. It is believed that the worst of Aussies teams were present in early part of 80’s.
There was a metamorphosis which followed made them the numero uno for a decade.
But this Ashes is bit of a down-hill for many of the players. It is a matter of time for most of them. Is it an end of an era of big wicket takers and big hitters? Or there is some thing we have not seen?
The target is set for Aussies; avoid follow on then play from there. The causes of concern are many and demand the most urgent attention. Which will Ricky Ponting address first?
The English are fighting fire with fire and matching Aussies stroke for stroke. There are enough sparks in the cricket world to turn their imagination to Ashes. The giant is walking giant steps. He can put on foot wrong. He is there every where, scoring big runs, taking wickets, holding on to catches. He also knows to back flip. The
Who’s Ashes is this for the taking? It is an English call; they got to still play well to beat Aussies from here.
25.8.05
The Ashes Diary - Trent Bridge Test
I won’t call this exactly a preview. The match is already underway as I sit and write the preview of the Fourth Ashes Test, Trent Bridge. The news of England may beat Australia if sold as hot breads and cakes by the media. The contest is even, as not seen by many. The injury and out of form worry are much to nuisance of Aussies. Not a welcome change they would say. I think Shane Warne got it right. The Aussies have nothing to prove. They need to just win one of the two matches and they will go home teasing the English. Once again they will take home the Ashes along with English pride. The ball is in English courts. They need to put their head down and do some good work for winning back their pride.
The English must ensure they must win the next two tests or win one of the tests and draw the other. The series as usual will go down the wire as some of the tests have. The series will throw up a few surprises as ten days and thirty sessions are remaning to be unfolded.
Shane Warne seems to be enjoying both of bowling and batting. He is scoring runs and adding to his wickets. It’s the runs which he has score has saved the Aussies of some blushes. He almost won them a match and helped save one. The next time around he must ensure that he finishes through. The momentum is with him. You can expect another thrilling display by him.
The pitch on which cricket is played will come into focus of many pundits, punter and crickets fans. The difference between a pundit, a punter and a fan is as follows. The pundits speak in such a manner that whatever the result in the end he will say “I said so” .
The punter measures every thing on the scales of odd and evens of the betting market.
The fan like me has a few wishes and hopes which may come true.
As for the pitch, as the Aussies have a best all round attack i.e. A highest wicket taking spinner in history of the game along, with one of the faster bowling “cannon” and a good seamer. The best seam bowler one will find is out of foray due to injury niggles.
The pitch is as flat as any you will see. Even an out of form and out of sorts Sourav Gangly can come home with a century on this pitch. When was the last time we saw the Indian Captain hit a test match century? The batsmen will give a head and a toe to bat on this. One can expect big scores from skill-full batsman to stick in and make it count.There was rain for last few days. It may just dampen a few spirits. I will keep my fingers crossed for the rain to stay away.
The Ashes has ignited interest across the cricket fans of world. I hope it lives up to the expectation. Whose hope of winning the Ashes turn to ashes? Will there be a new dawn for cricket writers? Or the Aussies are holding few aces and trumps up their sleeves.
The English must ensure they must win the next two tests or win one of the tests and draw the other. The series as usual will go down the wire as some of the tests have. The series will throw up a few surprises as ten days and thirty sessions are remaning to be unfolded.
Shane Warne seems to be enjoying both of bowling and batting. He is scoring runs and adding to his wickets. It’s the runs which he has score has saved the Aussies of some blushes. He almost won them a match and helped save one. The next time around he must ensure that he finishes through. The momentum is with him. You can expect another thrilling display by him.
The pitch on which cricket is played will come into focus of many pundits, punter and crickets fans. The difference between a pundit, a punter and a fan is as follows. The pundits speak in such a manner that whatever the result in the end he will say “I said so” .
The punter measures every thing on the scales of odd and evens of the betting market.
The fan like me has a few wishes and hopes which may come true.
As for the pitch, as the Aussies have a best all round attack i.e. A highest wicket taking spinner in history of the game along, with one of the faster bowling “cannon” and a good seamer. The best seam bowler one will find is out of foray due to injury niggles.
The pitch is as flat as any you will see. Even an out of form and out of sorts Sourav Gangly can come home with a century on this pitch. When was the last time we saw the Indian Captain hit a test match century? The batsmen will give a head and a toe to bat on this. One can expect big scores from skill-full batsman to stick in and make it count.There was rain for last few days. It may just dampen a few spirits. I will keep my fingers crossed for the rain to stay away.
The Ashes has ignited interest across the cricket fans of world. I hope it lives up to the expectation. Whose hope of winning the Ashes turn to ashes? Will there be a new dawn for cricket writers? Or the Aussies are holding few aces and trumps up their sleeves.
11.8.05
The Ashes Diary - Day One Old Trafford Test
What’s common to Michael Vaughan, VVS Laxman, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis and forget not Sachin Tendulkar? The answer is simple the have a good bank account of runs to a very mean and examining Aussie bowling attack. They not only score they score big. They also happen to be middle order batsmen. I still think it will make a lot of difference is Vaughan has to open. There is often a chance when one dishes out something out of the woods to Aussies.
If you all remember VVS Laxman came one down and wrote a script of an epic innings. This is the inning which has gone done in Wisden as the top 5 innings of all time ever recorded long form of the game. I would like to reiterate what I have already said. Aussies will bog down and may be even have there shoulder sagging a bit if batsmen stick around and cash in the second new ball. This implies you need to play at-least for more than a day. It is as good as saying climb Mount Everest and then try a bungee jumping for the peak!!
But this can be done. India did it during their last tour down under. Sehwag decimated the bowling attack, Dravid grounded the bowling toothless; Laxman and Tendulkar put to sword then second new ball. Only one thing McGrath and Warne were missed due to injuries.
Vaughan did a first in this Ashes. He is the first batsman from either side to register a tonne. The best thing of his batting is its always very fluent. His has good range of shots. He also plays spin well. He can drive as well as cut and pull. He also has a good appetite for Aussie bowling. Will he come well against Indian bowling in Indian condition is worth watching for!!
I hope the English don’t have their traditional collapse and kick on in positive territory in days to come. McGrath did what Steve Waugh did during the last Ashes series. He ruled out of series due to “triple ligament tear”. He came back and scored one of the most emotional centuries of his outstanding career. What will McGrath do? A bag full of wickets in the match may be!! The Aussies always happen to suddenly come out of a night mare like injury and make a remarkable come back.
Steve Waugh scored a century every time he came back from injury. If you talk of centuries one batsman, out of sorts like King of Torts, Matthew Hayden. He just has to stick around and be there on the pitch. This is the only way to score runs.
The English will look towards Harmison and Flintoff to inspire them when Aussie come out to bat. The fact remains that England needs to repeat their performance second time too. Shane Warne will turn the ball like a top. Ladies and Gentlemen hold your seats to what will be a great display of traditional leg spin bowling. The Aussies will pocket this match if he bowls well. Will Shane Warne set ablaze the pitch where he bowled the ball of the century? He bowled Mike Gatting by a dream ball. The ball pitched way outside leg stump and claimed his off stump. Gatting expression said it all. Will Warne set the pitch on fire and draw one closer for Aussies in Ashes?
If you all remember VVS Laxman came one down and wrote a script of an epic innings. This is the inning which has gone done in Wisden as the top 5 innings of all time ever recorded long form of the game. I would like to reiterate what I have already said. Aussies will bog down and may be even have there shoulder sagging a bit if batsmen stick around and cash in the second new ball. This implies you need to play at-least for more than a day. It is as good as saying climb Mount Everest and then try a bungee jumping for the peak!!
But this can be done. India did it during their last tour down under. Sehwag decimated the bowling attack, Dravid grounded the bowling toothless; Laxman and Tendulkar put to sword then second new ball. Only one thing McGrath and Warne were missed due to injuries.
Vaughan did a first in this Ashes. He is the first batsman from either side to register a tonne. The best thing of his batting is its always very fluent. His has good range of shots. He also plays spin well. He can drive as well as cut and pull. He also has a good appetite for Aussie bowling. Will he come well against Indian bowling in Indian condition is worth watching for!!
I hope the English don’t have their traditional collapse and kick on in positive territory in days to come. McGrath did what Steve Waugh did during the last Ashes series. He ruled out of series due to “triple ligament tear”. He came back and scored one of the most emotional centuries of his outstanding career. What will McGrath do? A bag full of wickets in the match may be!! The Aussies always happen to suddenly come out of a night mare like injury and make a remarkable come back.
Steve Waugh scored a century every time he came back from injury. If you talk of centuries one batsman, out of sorts like King of Torts, Matthew Hayden. He just has to stick around and be there on the pitch. This is the only way to score runs.
The English will look towards Harmison and Flintoff to inspire them when Aussie come out to bat. The fact remains that England needs to repeat their performance second time too. Shane Warne will turn the ball like a top. Ladies and Gentlemen hold your seats to what will be a great display of traditional leg spin bowling. The Aussies will pocket this match if he bowls well. Will Shane Warne set ablaze the pitch where he bowled the ball of the century? He bowled Mike Gatting by a dream ball. The ball pitched way outside leg stump and claimed his off stump. Gatting expression said it all. Will Warne set the pitch on fire and draw one closer for Aussies in Ashes?
The Ashes Diary - Old Trafford Test,Preview
The next match is in Manchester. The Aussies will be right back on England who should lot of character. They did everything correct other then wining the Test. They were down after faring poorly in First inning. Shane Warne bought them back into the match. He bowled brilliantly by claiming 6-46 in 23 overs. He bowled unchanged. He not only defended runs but also claimed wickets in double quick time.
As Mr. Sidhu would claim “They fell like bicycles on bicycle stand”.
The Old Trafford pitch traditionally has been a “snake” pitch. The ball does a bit all day. A seamers pitch for first two day.
The cause of concern will be bad form of Matthew Hayden and lengthening list of bowlers getting injured. Will Lee play? Let’s see for ourselves tomorrow. Hayden’s got success after a long struggle in Test Cricket. When success came to his door, it came in bulk orders. If a very consistent performer like Hayden has a bit of bad patch it is a ominous sign. For last 10 months he has begin to dwindle down with Langer coming out as more aggressive of the two openers.
On the bowling front Hoggard seems to have lost his swing. He has been an unsung Hero of England. Harmisson needs to be more consistent. Flintoff will take wickets; he however has to be scoring more runs. The top order is a problem for England there is a long way to go. It will be no harm for Vaughan to open the innings and command his troops from there. It also shows to the Aussies who is in-charge. He has a tremendous record against the Aussies when he has opened the innings. His stroke play will definitely help Trescothick. The English have traditionally a tendency to collapse.
Should the Aussies play five bowlers? They don’t prefer to no matter what the opposition. Ponting will come good with a big tonne its just matter of time. However his fans will be thinking it will be sooner rather than latter.
The excitement is burning in me to know what will unravel? Are the English hot enough to burn the Aussie hopes of retaining the Ashes? I hope rain does not play spoil sport and dampen what has been till date a see-saw series. Wait for review of the day.
As Mr. Sidhu would claim “They fell like bicycles on bicycle stand”.
The Old Trafford pitch traditionally has been a “snake” pitch. The ball does a bit all day. A seamers pitch for first two day.
The cause of concern will be bad form of Matthew Hayden and lengthening list of bowlers getting injured. Will Lee play? Let’s see for ourselves tomorrow. Hayden’s got success after a long struggle in Test Cricket. When success came to his door, it came in bulk orders. If a very consistent performer like Hayden has a bit of bad patch it is a ominous sign. For last 10 months he has begin to dwindle down with Langer coming out as more aggressive of the two openers.
On the bowling front Hoggard seems to have lost his swing. He has been an unsung Hero of England. Harmisson needs to be more consistent. Flintoff will take wickets; he however has to be scoring more runs. The top order is a problem for England there is a long way to go. It will be no harm for Vaughan to open the innings and command his troops from there. It also shows to the Aussies who is in-charge. He has a tremendous record against the Aussies when he has opened the innings. His stroke play will definitely help Trescothick. The English have traditionally a tendency to collapse.
Should the Aussies play five bowlers? They don’t prefer to no matter what the opposition. Ponting will come good with a big tonne its just matter of time. However his fans will be thinking it will be sooner rather than latter.
The excitement is burning in me to know what will unravel? Are the English hot enough to burn the Aussie hopes of retaining the Ashes? I hope rain does not play spoil sport and dampen what has been till date a see-saw series. Wait for review of the day.
8.8.05
The Ashes Diary - Review Edgbaston Test
The fans of two camps will argue for long that whether Australia lost the match or England won it. I tell you its’ different. The people who follow cricket ardently will understand this. During the course of last week some where in Sri Lanka, India lost the match by being unable to keep the pressure on. The wonderful thing about pressure tight matches is that if the team under pressure cease an opportunity they are bound to run away with the match.
The Man-Of-The-Match should have been Shane Warne. He is one of many sportsman who like McEnroe, Maradona, Dennis Rodman, attracted attention not only on the field but also by their antics off it. Their controversies attract as much attention as their display of skills under pressure. The have aura like flair around them. They do things which only they know is possible. Their sense of determination, looking for impossible is what sets them apart.
“In middle of adversity lies opportunity” said Albert Einstein.
The sportsmen like Warne will do that again and again. There are lots of facets for which Warne will be talked about. Love him, hate him, but you got to adore him. He was the one, I believe made things happen for Australia. He rocked the boat English boat in a spell of bowling which was unbelievable. The Aussies make things happen that’s why they are numero uno in cricket. The fading star of Australia is bound to be top of heap just because of the number of wickets he has taken. 600 wickets are on the threshold. That record may not stand for long. Murali is close on heels. That does not takes anything away from Sheikh of tweak.
The big man Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff did it. The giant man woke up in the day and realised his job is not to count stars n the day. His inconsistency has caused many his cricket fans feeling let down. This test once again proves that he can do it. He has to do it consistently to be amongst halls of cricket greats. He along with Geraint Jones and Kevin Peitersen will do no harm if any two of them put their hands up every time English sails are caught in a storm. I feel the top order has to be sorted out. The captain should open. He is a better opener than Strauss. They are covering for each other and should exchange places. A more solid player like Robert Key will also help them a lot.
The English now have pulled one back. There is not much time for licking the wounds on celebrations with champagne. The business starts on Thursday. There will be lots to play for and one who wins will have to do it better consistently for a period of five days. The Ashes has fired a dose of excitement into cricket fans. Let’s see who continues to burn this torch of excitement and take the Ashes home.
The Man-Of-The-Match should have been Shane Warne. He is one of many sportsman who like McEnroe, Maradona, Dennis Rodman, attracted attention not only on the field but also by their antics off it. Their controversies attract as much attention as their display of skills under pressure. The have aura like flair around them. They do things which only they know is possible. Their sense of determination, looking for impossible is what sets them apart.
“In middle of adversity lies opportunity” said Albert Einstein.
The sportsmen like Warne will do that again and again. There are lots of facets for which Warne will be talked about. Love him, hate him, but you got to adore him. He was the one, I believe made things happen for Australia. He rocked the boat English boat in a spell of bowling which was unbelievable. The Aussies make things happen that’s why they are numero uno in cricket. The fading star of Australia is bound to be top of heap just because of the number of wickets he has taken. 600 wickets are on the threshold. That record may not stand for long. Murali is close on heels. That does not takes anything away from Sheikh of tweak.
The big man Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff did it. The giant man woke up in the day and realised his job is not to count stars n the day. His inconsistency has caused many his cricket fans feeling let down. This test once again proves that he can do it. He has to do it consistently to be amongst halls of cricket greats. He along with Geraint Jones and Kevin Peitersen will do no harm if any two of them put their hands up every time English sails are caught in a storm. I feel the top order has to be sorted out. The captain should open. He is a better opener than Strauss. They are covering for each other and should exchange places. A more solid player like Robert Key will also help them a lot.
The English now have pulled one back. There is not much time for licking the wounds on celebrations with champagne. The business starts on Thursday. There will be lots to play for and one who wins will have to do it better consistently for a period of five days. The Ashes has fired a dose of excitement into cricket fans. Let’s see who continues to burn this torch of excitement and take the Ashes home.
5.8.05
The Ashes Diary - Day Two in Review
Well done England. This is dream run for the English. A hundred runs lead over Aussies with three days to go. The dark horse is kicking dirt in favourite’s eyes. Three more days to go before result of the test is finalised. Will the balance tilt towards England? Will the Aussies engineer an English collapse to which all are accustomed?
McGrath was missed on day one. Not only did the English scored freely, they also scored heavily. The last tour the inspiration for Aussies namely Steve Waugh had to sit out due to injury. Butcher butchered the Aussie bowling for a century. It was the most memorable century that Butchered scored (173 not out) which helped the POM’s win a test at Trent Bridge. Warne has to bring in a “X” factor. He is alone enough to run through the English side.
The English batsmen have to put their head down and look forward to playing the second innings. The best way is perhaps to just seen the first new ball. Then wait for second ball and make it count. If they don’t do it this test is History. The time is no factor in this test; if rain does not pay visit to Edgbaston. The in form batsmen have a big test all over again. As I have already said that Aussies make things happen and allure the opposition into doing things one hate to do. Hey have to just keep onto the nerve shut the door on Aussies. The batsmen have to provide such a score in which the Aussies have to defend and English bowlers attack all the time.
Its never over till the last ball is balled, last run is made and last wicket claimed.
The English are in driver’s seat can they drive the advantage home.
Will Aussies make a back-door entry into the game? They have done it in past and they can do it again. This provides with perfect masala for edge of the seat stuff. Who will set Edgbaston on fire with his performance? Who has it in him to go through fire and claim Ashes for his side? Three more days stay with The Ashes Diary.
McGrath was missed on day one. Not only did the English scored freely, they also scored heavily. The last tour the inspiration for Aussies namely Steve Waugh had to sit out due to injury. Butcher butchered the Aussie bowling for a century. It was the most memorable century that Butchered scored (173 not out) which helped the POM’s win a test at Trent Bridge. Warne has to bring in a “X” factor. He is alone enough to run through the English side.
The English batsmen have to put their head down and look forward to playing the second innings. The best way is perhaps to just seen the first new ball. Then wait for second ball and make it count. If they don’t do it this test is History. The time is no factor in this test; if rain does not pay visit to Edgbaston. The in form batsmen have a big test all over again. As I have already said that Aussies make things happen and allure the opposition into doing things one hate to do. Hey have to just keep onto the nerve shut the door on Aussies. The batsmen have to provide such a score in which the Aussies have to defend and English bowlers attack all the time.
Its never over till the last ball is balled, last run is made and last wicket claimed.
The English are in driver’s seat can they drive the advantage home.
Will Aussies make a back-door entry into the game? They have done it in past and they can do it again. This provides with perfect masala for edge of the seat stuff. Who will set Edgbaston on fire with his performance? Who has it in him to go through fire and claim Ashes for his side? Three more days stay with The Ashes Diary.
The Ashes Diary - Day One,Edgbaston
Well Done England. It was a good come back. An Aussie fan may say that they may have played too fast for their own good. The positive aspect of playing fast is you give time to your bowlers to bowl the opposition out. The other point is a team batting first is out before the end of first days play. The Aussie plan is simple bat England out of the game.
One may see “slow” run rate by Aussies. They perceive a run rate of 3.5 runs per over as flow. But is Aussie batsman can hold for till Gilchrist comes in the score as well as scoring rate will be pulled to back on track. The English however have to repeat the performance in second innings as well. Openers did a good and tidy job. I don’t know what the pitched had to do with it!! The absence of McGrath always helps the opposition. I being a man of statistics would like to know that how many Tests have Aussies won when McGrath and Warne have toured together and one of them has missed a match due to injury. I am sure the answer will give an interesting hint. My instinct and my following of the game say not many. Aussie top players seem to get injured mid way during the series. Then they make a big emotional come back. It was Steve Waugh during their last tour. He was injured with a triple ligament tear in his thigh. He stayed in England had an amazing recovery and struck a very memorable, emotional and trademark Steve Waugh century. Don’t be amazed if McGrath does something similar. He will not hit a century but we know what he can do with a red cherry in his pockets.
Aussie openers have a big day today. Hayden and Langer would be licking their lips seeing a flat wicket. It is time they redeemed themselves and set the scoreboard moving.
The English will be looking for a consistent performance in second innings. They would have to come from behind as Aussies may lead in the first innings. The English have to hold on to their nerve and display similar pyrotechnics in second hunting. The Ashes is in balance for now. The batting display they did in first inning; this game may be headed for a draw. If they English happen to bat well which Aussies try to thwart and Aussies have to bat the last day on a dicey wicket then who knows? The English Lion may just roar and give a Kangaroo a run for Ashes. Coming up next………. Day Two story in The Ashes Diary
One may see “slow” run rate by Aussies. They perceive a run rate of 3.5 runs per over as flow. But is Aussie batsman can hold for till Gilchrist comes in the score as well as scoring rate will be pulled to back on track. The English however have to repeat the performance in second innings as well. Openers did a good and tidy job. I don’t know what the pitched had to do with it!! The absence of McGrath always helps the opposition. I being a man of statistics would like to know that how many Tests have Aussies won when McGrath and Warne have toured together and one of them has missed a match due to injury. I am sure the answer will give an interesting hint. My instinct and my following of the game say not many. Aussie top players seem to get injured mid way during the series. Then they make a big emotional come back. It was Steve Waugh during their last tour. He was injured with a triple ligament tear in his thigh. He stayed in England had an amazing recovery and struck a very memorable, emotional and trademark Steve Waugh century. Don’t be amazed if McGrath does something similar. He will not hit a century but we know what he can do with a red cherry in his pockets.
Aussie openers have a big day today. Hayden and Langer would be licking their lips seeing a flat wicket. It is time they redeemed themselves and set the scoreboard moving.
The English will be looking for a consistent performance in second innings. They would have to come from behind as Aussies may lead in the first innings. The English have to hold on to their nerve and display similar pyrotechnics in second hunting. The Ashes is in balance for now. The batting display they did in first inning; this game may be headed for a draw. If they English happen to bat well which Aussies try to thwart and Aussies have to bat the last day on a dicey wicket then who knows? The English Lion may just roar and give a Kangaroo a run for Ashes. Coming up next………. Day Two story in The Ashes Diary
4.8.05
The Ashes Diary - Second Test,Edgbaston
The second test between England and Australia goes underway today. The wrestle resumes for Ashes. Australia might have thought they could have finish the last test in 3 and half days.
The joy of dismissing vaporised pretty soon for England. They at some point were struggling to catch straw in the storm. 92 for 7 on first days end; the writing was on the wall. That’s the only reason The “Ashes” Diary stopped after the first day. There was no point writing anything further. If you give Aussies a chance then you are fated to be doomed. They never expect a second invitation. The best part is when they are on top they shut all doors on opposition’s face. This ensures that the opposition do not have even a smell of victory.
The game of cricket is not about doing big things; it’s about doing number of small things consistently correct. There is nothing other than out-performing Australians that will ensures the English bringing home the Aussies.
I think English have taken something for granted. No matter who wins the “Ashes” the urn is always kept in MCC’s office in Lords Stadium. Do the English realise that their pride is locked away in some grounds in Australia? Play to win. Win for your pride.
The greatest salute is one which comes from the adversary. This Ashes series may prove to be decline for one of the teams. On the balance is one team which is simply the BEST there ever was. One claims to be good. Are they good enough only time will tell!
Michael Vaughan did well in Australia. When other Batsmen were trying to guess where the ball is coming from he was busy dispatching them to those big boundaries down under. If he plays this test he should open the innings and take the fight to Aussies. Do the smart thing; do anything but just stay on the pitch. It is the only way to add to tally of your score. Flintoff, I think is busy counting the stars in broad day light.
He should be coming later in the order. The bowling had the winds blown out of their sails. The Edgbaston wicket will be surprise no one. It will be really flat on second day. The pitch for batsman is flat only when the play on it.
The lack of variety in bowling and batting is really cause of concern to many who follow cricket. But I think that’s the way English cricket is played. The Aussies are no alien to English condition.
Aussie have done everything professionally. They exactly know how to set the engines roaring and when one has to put the foot on accelerator. Vaughan got it write when he said after the first match that it was just one game. The English have already their back to the wall and weight of huge expectations on their shoulder.
Can they brave the Aussie hostility? Do they have something to put on front? Or will again the Aussies just set Edgbaston on fire and take the“Ashes” home?
For more, click your way back to the “Ashes” Diary.
The joy of dismissing vaporised pretty soon for England. They at some point were struggling to catch straw in the storm. 92 for 7 on first days end; the writing was on the wall. That’s the only reason The “Ashes” Diary stopped after the first day. There was no point writing anything further. If you give Aussies a chance then you are fated to be doomed. They never expect a second invitation. The best part is when they are on top they shut all doors on opposition’s face. This ensures that the opposition do not have even a smell of victory.
The game of cricket is not about doing big things; it’s about doing number of small things consistently correct. There is nothing other than out-performing Australians that will ensures the English bringing home the Aussies.
I think English have taken something for granted. No matter who wins the “Ashes” the urn is always kept in MCC’s office in Lords Stadium. Do the English realise that their pride is locked away in some grounds in Australia? Play to win. Win for your pride.
The greatest salute is one which comes from the adversary. This Ashes series may prove to be decline for one of the teams. On the balance is one team which is simply the BEST there ever was. One claims to be good. Are they good enough only time will tell!
Michael Vaughan did well in Australia. When other Batsmen were trying to guess where the ball is coming from he was busy dispatching them to those big boundaries down under. If he plays this test he should open the innings and take the fight to Aussies. Do the smart thing; do anything but just stay on the pitch. It is the only way to add to tally of your score. Flintoff, I think is busy counting the stars in broad day light.
He should be coming later in the order. The bowling had the winds blown out of their sails. The Edgbaston wicket will be surprise no one. It will be really flat on second day. The pitch for batsman is flat only when the play on it.
The lack of variety in bowling and batting is really cause of concern to many who follow cricket. But I think that’s the way English cricket is played. The Aussies are no alien to English condition.
Aussie have done everything professionally. They exactly know how to set the engines roaring and when one has to put the foot on accelerator. Vaughan got it write when he said after the first match that it was just one game. The English have already their back to the wall and weight of huge expectations on their shoulder.
Can they brave the Aussie hostility? Do they have something to put on front? Or will again the Aussies just set Edgbaston on fire and take the“Ashes” home?
For more, click your way back to the “Ashes” Diary.
22.7.05
The Ashes Diary - Day One,Lords
All those cricket fans, which following Ashes have reasons to believe that Aussies are calling the shots. Yes. They have time and again proven why they are the all conquering unchallenged supreme warlords on the battlefields of cricket.
Here are some points for the takers. These are just a fans interpretation of things which I believe may unfold. The game of cricket they say is unpredictable. That’s what is expected of any form of sport. Punters may say “Favourites not always win; All underdogs don’t loose.
My views of nature of things to come are briefly mentioned for the record sake only. Let’s see how it goes. May the best team win?
This is story of day one of England vs. Australia at Lords dated 21 July 2005.
It was not the best day to start cricket, English skies and London bomb scare.
Aussies into bat after winning a crucial toss. How much of “X” factor will Warne bring in remains to be seen if at all tests goes into fifth day? Rain Gods stay away (come visit Surat if u like).
There was a great cricket banquet was served up at Lords. It just had one dish on menu a HUMBLE PIE. The Aussies had their share of pie; 190 all out, when was that done to Aussies in a Test in last five years?
The P.O.M’s had larger share of pie. They matched the Aussies with the bat!! They are licking their wounds at 92/7. Don’t look into the record books for that coz u will find many, similar English performance to match. There was some pie for the English media too. I hope there will not be anything else left for me.
But one who humbled the record books was Glenn McGrath. He has had the measure of world top batsmen and will continue to do so till he hangs up his boots. What makes him a good fast bowler is accuracy!! Well to put it simply he is the best opening fast bowler on today’s date. It will be a headline the day he does not get a wicket in a test. Congratulations from me.
I am not wasting the time on scorecard coz you might have read it by now. But the ball on which Hayden was bowled by Hoggard is exemplarily good. Well done.
What might happen? The English need to close in on 190. The closer the better. Aussies need to bat in their diminishing, decimating style. But on a big lead. Then give the ball to McGrath and Warne.
What do the English camp need to do? Play positive. Then restrict the Aussies put false alarm between Aussie ears. Then play to win. DO NOT PRAY FOR THE RAIN. Don’t worry the English media would have queued up on behalf of the players for some showers to last for two days. The records say that English have not one an opening Test since last three encounters. The Aussies tend to loose out on last matches of the Tour.Are the English hopes of winning the Ashes already burned down to Ashes?
Here are some points for the takers. These are just a fans interpretation of things which I believe may unfold. The game of cricket they say is unpredictable. That’s what is expected of any form of sport. Punters may say “Favourites not always win; All underdogs don’t loose.
My views of nature of things to come are briefly mentioned for the record sake only. Let’s see how it goes. May the best team win?
This is story of day one of England vs. Australia at Lords dated 21 July 2005.
It was not the best day to start cricket, English skies and London bomb scare.
Aussies into bat after winning a crucial toss. How much of “X” factor will Warne bring in remains to be seen if at all tests goes into fifth day? Rain Gods stay away (come visit Surat if u like).
There was a great cricket banquet was served up at Lords. It just had one dish on menu a HUMBLE PIE. The Aussies had their share of pie; 190 all out, when was that done to Aussies in a Test in last five years?
The P.O.M’s had larger share of pie. They matched the Aussies with the bat!! They are licking their wounds at 92/7. Don’t look into the record books for that coz u will find many, similar English performance to match. There was some pie for the English media too. I hope there will not be anything else left for me.
But one who humbled the record books was Glenn McGrath. He has had the measure of world top batsmen and will continue to do so till he hangs up his boots. What makes him a good fast bowler is accuracy!! Well to put it simply he is the best opening fast bowler on today’s date. It will be a headline the day he does not get a wicket in a test. Congratulations from me.
I am not wasting the time on scorecard coz you might have read it by now. But the ball on which Hayden was bowled by Hoggard is exemplarily good. Well done.
What might happen? The English need to close in on 190. The closer the better. Aussies need to bat in their diminishing, decimating style. But on a big lead. Then give the ball to McGrath and Warne.
What do the English camp need to do? Play positive. Then restrict the Aussies put false alarm between Aussie ears. Then play to win. DO NOT PRAY FOR THE RAIN. Don’t worry the English media would have queued up on behalf of the players for some showers to last for two days. The records say that English have not one an opening Test since last three encounters. The Aussies tend to loose out on last matches of the Tour.Are the English hopes of winning the Ashes already burned down to Ashes?
18.7.05
The Ashes Diary -The Facts of Ashes
The Oval "Test" in August 1882 ranks as among the most exciting of all down through the years. The encounter has been graphically described by many writers, most notably by H S Altham in A History of Cricket. This was indeed the second encounter in England between the sides, the first had also been played at the Oval some two years earlier with the hosts securing victory by five wickets. By the time the Australians under William Lloyd Murdoch arrived in Kennington in August 1882 they had played no less than twenty nine matches - eighteen of which had been won with a further eight drawn.
Fred Spofforth - "The Demon" - took 14 English wickets for 90 and was largely responsible for the famous victory. After a dreadful start with the tourists all out for 63 runs in the first innings Murdoch's men recovered their composure to seal victory narrowly by some seven runs inside two days! The breathless tension of the final innings with Spofforth overwhelming the England batsmen is the sort of thing that leads to legends and none more so than this epic encounter. Tom Horan, who played for Australia in this Test and in all the four Tests against Ivo Bligh's 1882-83 tourists, was born in Midleton, County Cork, in March 1854.
Victory in England meant that Australia now offered the sternest challenge to the England national XI and of course even more important - their pride! As Punch recorded:
Well done, Cornstalks,
whipt usFair and square.
Was it luck that tripped us?
Was it scare?
Kangaroo land's `Demon', or our own
Want of devil, coolness, nerve, backbone?
On the following Saturday, September 2nd, the Sporting Times carried the famous mock obituary for English cricket - an epitaph that lingers to this day and ensures posterity for the author.
In Affectionate Remembrance of
E N G L I S H C R I C K E T,
which died at the Oval on 29th A U G U S T, 1882,
Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances
R.I.P.
N.B. - The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.
It was left to the Honourable Ivo Bligh to retrieve honour the following Australian Summer. The first Test at Melbourne and the fourth at Sydney were lost but the Second and Third at Melbourne and Sydney respectively were won by Bligh's men and so honour was restored! The fourth Test at Sydney incidentally was not originally in the fixture list so the rubber went to Bligh's team. This match has subsequently been accorded Test status. With Murdoch's Australians still playing cricket in England, Ivo Bligh's twelve strong party departed England for the southern hemisphere in mid September - a mere two weeks after the Oval defeat. The first game in Australia was against XV of South Australia in Adelaide in November. The two day game ended in a draw and in the South Australia capital Bligh made a speech in which he referred to the "Ashes". This mystified the locals somewhat as it meant little, if anything, to the local cricket fraternity - but the seed of the idea of the "Ashes" was spreading.
Victoria were the next opposition and at Melbourne Bligh's party stayed at Rupertwood - the country home in Sunbury of William Clarke. It was here that the Ashes itself became reality in the physical sense. According to one Pat Lyons who worked on the Clarke estate the Ashes came into factual presence during the Christmas sojourn of Bligh's party at Rupertswood. A game was played between the tourists and a number of others on the Clarke paddock. Unfortunately there remains some doubt as to whether the actual "Ashes" were the remains of the ball used in that game or the bails. Whichever, these ashes were presented to Bligh by the Ladies of the Household which included one Florence Morphy. The lives of Bligh and Florence Morphy would soon become further entwined through marriage.
Florence was the music teacher to the Clarke family and a companion to Sir William Clarke's wife, Lady Janet. Florence was the youngest daughter, born in August 1860, of Stephen Morphy. Stephen was the mining warden, district gold commissioner and police magistrate based at Beechworth, Victoria. He was Irish through and through, having come as an emigrant to Australia from Killarney. As to the Ashes urn itself there remains the two labels with inscription, the upper label simply bearing the legend The Ashes, the lower reads
When Ivo goes back with the urn, the urn;
Studds, Steel, Read and Tylecote return, return;
The welkin will ring loud,
The great crowd will feel proud,
Seeing Barlow and Bates with the urn, the urn;
And the rest coming home with the urn.
It is quite likely that these words were penned by Florence herself, although of course, this is in many ways a matter of conjecture.
The term "Ashes" of course precedes these encounters between Australia and England and needless to say it is Ireland that bears the distinction in having the term coined. The Commissioners of the Lord Protector of England, Oliver Cromwell banned the playing of "Krickett" in Ireland by an order of 1656. All "sticks and balls" were henceforth to be burnt (and thereby reduced to ashes!) by the common hangman.
The term "Ashes" of course precedes these encounters between Australia and England and needless to say it is Ireland that bears the distinction in having the term coined. The Commissioners of the Lord Protector of England, Oliver Cromwell banned the playing of "Krickett" in Ireland by an order of 1656. All "sticks and balls" were henceforth to be burnt (and thereby reduced to ashes!) by the common hangman.
8.7.05
The Ashes Diary - Preview to Ashes 2005
The Rise of a cricketing Phoenix.
The Ashes Trophy
The most famous and the oldest rivalries of cricket are currently on show in England.
The Australia Vs England show used to be cricket to watch. This off course has been taken over by the regularity of Indo-Pak test series!! These matches take cricket viewing to next level. The generations best pyrotechnics are in view as in the case on Indo-Pak matches; the batsmen on review spell like Pontings, Martyns, Haydens, Gilchrists, also included are Langers and Clarkes pitted against Vaughans Strauss, Collingwood, Keys Flintoffs. The bowlers one might want to look are Warne, McGrath, Gillespie, Lee Harmison, Flintoff, Hoggard.
The dream of watching the best players currently playing will be on view in October in Australia when Australia takes on world XI.
Aussie bowlers look like going down with age but still good enough to catch England under their stringent and precise meltdown which many a batsman all over the world have experienced for a decade now home and away at that!!
The quality of cricket is expected to be good. This has been said for the past fourteen years and Australians have made mockery of all this time and again.
The records created out of the tussle between the two rivals point out to the commitment and never say die thing which sports stand for. There are some records which stand out like unconquered peaks and remain untouched, unmasked and unfathomed by time e.g. Number or runs scored in a test series 974 in five matches recorded. It was nearly 65 years back with cricket histories most consistent and explosive batsmen yet to enter the arena. They would come and go but these records are rocks of Gibraltar.
The ball of the century (Warne castling Gating) was also recorded in the Ashes test
The panache of players, playing for the Ashes is on show for the highest bidding.
Will England win the Ashes? For a mathematician will say they have half the probability. A cricket fanatic might roll on the ground laughing or just blur a big NO on your face. Someone like me will say only two guys know about that; not Ponting and Vaughan! One may be God and I wondered if Nostradamus has predicted something about the Ashes result in 2005.
Let’s see. I will try to analyze both the teams. I agree that my only qualification of doing this analysis is I am confessing to be a cricket fanatic. But cricket is a game of life for me as it is for millions around the cricketing world. What does England need to do to win the Ashes?
1. Australia plays a very intimidating brand of cricket, they intimidate themselves by each others performances and rivals by what they do and say on the field.
England needs to do the job on their hand. Don’t worry about the run rate of Australians while bowling. Believe in “One wicket will get you another”. As while batting don’t try to match it because all time great bowling (McGrath-Warne) duo will close by.
2. Play the best available eleven there is in the country no need of dragging injured players along.
3. Don’t stick to only one plane keep on experimenting. Don’t offer stereotypical setups for Australians will ground you.
4. Play conventional orthodox English cricket and play for pride. It’s been fourteen long years a generating of English players don’t know what it is to hold the Ashes
5. Players who need to raise their hands Flintoff, Hoggard, Trescothick
6. Let the approach be professional don’t give Australians a chance they will turn the table in no time. The fielding better be good don’t miss any chance of any sort of dismissal
7. Don’t invite Gilchrist to the party as he remains one of the key members with a mix rich flair, superb ability, rock hard resolve and explosive batting. Australia has not lost a test in which he has scored a century.
That was for England, Australia also can do couple of things so that they retain the ashes
1.Play like the way you guys always do. Menacing but Entertaining.
2. Some people are in shadows you need to pull them out (Martyns, Hayden and Gillespie)
3.Don’t wash your dirty clothes in the open
4.Never-say-die.
Let’s set the ball rolling. I hope may the best team win the most coveted trophy of international cricket.
Next article will be history to the ashes……
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