I’m sure most of you at some point have wished you could rewind time and start a disastrous day all over again with a clean slate.
And if I was Ricky Ponting that is exactly how I would feel right now.
England, after dominating with the bat in the first test at Brisbane, did exactly the same with the ball as they took complete control of the second test in Adelaide.
Under bright blue skies on what promised to be a blisteringly hot day in South Australia Ricky Ponting won the toss and duly elected to bat on what looked like another flat Adelaide surface. Strike one to Australia. Those ready to follow the Livescores were expecting a long day in the field for England.
The first test at the Gabba famously began with Strauss’ dramatic third-ball-of-day dismissal. But the increasing trend of this series is ‘whatever Australia can do England can do better,’ and so it followed here.
First, some hesitant running between the wickets and a direct hit from Jonathan Trott accounted for Simon Katich before he had even faced a ball. Ricky Ponting followed straight after, edging a fullish James Anderson delivery to a grateful Graeme Swann at first slip for a golden duck. Things got even better in Anderson’s next over when Michael Clarke edged straight to Swann again and left the hosts reeling at 2-3.
Michael Hussey again proved a thorn in England’s side and a decent recovery job from him and Shane Watson appeared to give Australia at modicum of control at lunch.
But Watson’s frustrating habit of making starts but failing to push on struck again right after lunch to leave England within touching distance of Australia’s flimsy tail. North hung around but barely troubled the scorers. Brad Haddin and Hussey did hit back and thoughts began to creep back to their defiant 307 run stand in Brisbane last week.
But Graeme Swann, under a bit of pressure from those following the latest cricket scores after under performing in Brisbane, wrenched the game firmly into England’s hands with a quick fire double dismissal of Hussey and then Ryan Harris.
That left Australia on 207-7 and the tail would make just 37 runs between them before Anderson wrapped up the innings with the day during to a close.
England survived one brisk over by Ryan Harris to end the day 1-0 but the sight of Ponting berating Strauss as they left the field shows the pressure he is under after another crushing day for his side.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Johnson looks to save his Ashes
Mitchell Johnson has been assured his Ashes' series isn't over despite being dropped for the second Test in Adelaide. The left-armer will still have a chance to prove to the Aussie selectors that he deserves to be a part of the host's plans for the third Test in Perth which starts on December 16th.
Despite missing out on the first 11, Johnson will stay with the squad rather than returning to Western Australia. The Aussie management are hoping that a week with the coaches will iron out his issues from the first Test. The Ashes cricket odds certainly indicate they will need him in top form.
Captain Ricky Ponting said: "Mitchell Johnson is out of the side, so we are down to the other quickies left. He has got a little bit of time now before the Perth Test match to, hopefully, rediscover some of that rhythm."
In Brisbane, Johnson's bowling was erratic and wayward not to mention his dropped catch of Andrew Strauss on 69. The 29-year-old will have to focus on finding some consistency in the nets and hope that one of the current pace line-up fails to perform.
Johnson is now in the awkward place of depending on the form of others for whether he will get chance to put right the wrongs from the first Test. Doug Bollinger looks set to return to the side after missing the first match of the series. Fellow left-armer Bollinger will bring swing into the side, something Johnson fails to do.
The seamer once again failed to show England why he is so highly rated in Australia, finishing with match figures of 0-170 at the Gabba. Johnson's Test record is as good as any in world cricket but when it comes to playing England the left-armer looks a different player. At the moment Australia don't look decent Ashes betting tips to take 20 wickets in a match.
England skipper Strauss expressed his surprise by the decision while insisting his side won't be focusing too much on Johnson's omission. The issue has only gone to highlight the fact that Australia are without a main strike bowler for the first time in recent history.
Despite missing out on the first 11, Johnson will stay with the squad rather than returning to Western Australia. The Aussie management are hoping that a week with the coaches will iron out his issues from the first Test. The Ashes cricket odds certainly indicate they will need him in top form.
Captain Ricky Ponting said: "Mitchell Johnson is out of the side, so we are down to the other quickies left. He has got a little bit of time now before the Perth Test match to, hopefully, rediscover some of that rhythm."
In Brisbane, Johnson's bowling was erratic and wayward not to mention his dropped catch of Andrew Strauss on 69. The 29-year-old will have to focus on finding some consistency in the nets and hope that one of the current pace line-up fails to perform.
Johnson is now in the awkward place of depending on the form of others for whether he will get chance to put right the wrongs from the first Test. Doug Bollinger looks set to return to the side after missing the first match of the series. Fellow left-armer Bollinger will bring swing into the side, something Johnson fails to do.
The seamer once again failed to show England why he is so highly rated in Australia, finishing with match figures of 0-170 at the Gabba. Johnson's Test record is as good as any in world cricket but when it comes to playing England the left-armer looks a different player. At the moment Australia don't look decent Ashes betting tips to take 20 wickets in a match.
England skipper Strauss expressed his surprise by the decision while insisting his side won't be focusing too much on Johnson's omission. The issue has only gone to highlight the fact that Australia are without a main strike bowler for the first time in recent history.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Back Swann to bounce back in Adelaide
After an enthralling and record breaking first test England and Australia head South to Adelaide to do it all over again on Friday. It is time to stay up all night following the Livescores once again!
England can certainly claim the moral victory, their magnificent fight-back on days three and four drove the Aussies bowlers into the ground and left the hosts pondering changes for the second test.
England have no such problems and injuries aside, will name a unchanged team.
One player who maybe under some pressure though is Greame Sawnn. The off-spinner was heralded before the series as England’s best bowler and the one who could make the difference.
However, Swann looked a little out-of-sorts at the Gabba, having trouble with his length and failing to cope with the aggressive tactics the Aussies employed against him. His final figures of 2-161 were well below par, despite the flat, bat-friendly track in Brisbane.
Historically though the pitch at Adelaide is more spin-friendly, especially on days four and five. England need no reminding of what happened on day five four years ago, when Shane Warne ripped through the England batting line-up to set up a win that seemed improbable at the start of the day.
Swann therefore should head into the game with confidence. If Australia continue their policy of attacking Swann early to try to blast him out of the attack, it should present a few opportunities for wickets.
He is experienced enough to cope with the pressure any brush off any criticism, like many players he is slowly working his way into this series and will improve with each game.
I wouldn’t advise against anyone following the Live cricket scores to bet against Swann taking plenty of wickets at the Adelaide Oval this weekend.
England can certainly claim the moral victory, their magnificent fight-back on days three and four drove the Aussies bowlers into the ground and left the hosts pondering changes for the second test.
England have no such problems and injuries aside, will name a unchanged team.
One player who maybe under some pressure though is Greame Sawnn. The off-spinner was heralded before the series as England’s best bowler and the one who could make the difference.
However, Swann looked a little out-of-sorts at the Gabba, having trouble with his length and failing to cope with the aggressive tactics the Aussies employed against him. His final figures of 2-161 were well below par, despite the flat, bat-friendly track in Brisbane.
Historically though the pitch at Adelaide is more spin-friendly, especially on days four and five. England need no reminding of what happened on day five four years ago, when Shane Warne ripped through the England batting line-up to set up a win that seemed improbable at the start of the day.
Swann therefore should head into the game with confidence. If Australia continue their policy of attacking Swann early to try to blast him out of the attack, it should present a few opportunities for wickets.
He is experienced enough to cope with the pressure any brush off any criticism, like many players he is slowly working his way into this series and will improve with each game.
I wouldn’t advise against anyone following the Live cricket scores to bet against Swann taking plenty of wickets at the Adelaide Oval this weekend.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Will the second Test bring changes
With the first Test done and dusted, the focus shifts to Adelaide next week and as to either side will make any changes. The England side looks a pretty settled unit at the moment but the question as to whether a fifth bowler should be included, will still rumble on.
The four bowlers did a decent job in the first innings at the Gabba, apart from the Michael Hussey/Brad Haddin partnership, the English unit looked to have the better of the rest of the Aussie batsmen.
England's management do have the luxury of knowing that all their reserve bowlers are in good nick after impressing in the Australia A match but it looks doubtful that there will be any changes to the line-up at this stage.
The Aussie management will be having a long hard think regarding Mitchell Johnson's continued presence in the team. Doug Bollinger is waiting in the wings to take over from the struggling Johnson and would bring the added bonus of swing into the equation. The Ashes cricket betting certainly suggests they need more firepower.
Michael Clarke hasn't looked fit since recovering from his back injury and he will need to bring more to the side for the Adelaide game. If he isn't fully fit, then he needs to step down and let someone else do a job on a temporary basis. Anyone who has bet on the Ashes should keep a close eye on how this situation develops.
Xavier Doherty has probably done enough to keep his place ahead of Nathan Hauritz and Steven Smith and should continue as the spinning option.
Although the England team is clearly a settled and happy team, the Aussie camp looks a different selection box altogether.
The four bowlers did a decent job in the first innings at the Gabba, apart from the Michael Hussey/Brad Haddin partnership, the English unit looked to have the better of the rest of the Aussie batsmen.
England's management do have the luxury of knowing that all their reserve bowlers are in good nick after impressing in the Australia A match but it looks doubtful that there will be any changes to the line-up at this stage.
The Aussie management will be having a long hard think regarding Mitchell Johnson's continued presence in the team. Doug Bollinger is waiting in the wings to take over from the struggling Johnson and would bring the added bonus of swing into the equation. The Ashes cricket betting certainly suggests they need more firepower.
Michael Clarke hasn't looked fit since recovering from his back injury and he will need to bring more to the side for the Adelaide game. If he isn't fully fit, then he needs to step down and let someone else do a job on a temporary basis. Anyone who has bet on the Ashes should keep a close eye on how this situation develops.
Xavier Doherty has probably done enough to keep his place ahead of Nathan Hauritz and Steven Smith and should continue as the spinning option.
Although the England team is clearly a settled and happy team, the Aussie camp looks a different selection box altogether.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Bell shows his quality
Ian Bell made a pretty strong case for a possible promotion up the order with his impressive opening day innings of 76. Bell was forced to abandon any hopes of playing a longer innings as the succession of batting partners arrived at the crease and quickly left again as Peter Siddle ripped through England's batting line-up.
Bell was lucky when a thin inside edge saved him from a possible lbw decision first ball, but five balls later he had announced his arrival at the crease with a lovely shot through the covers for four in typical Bell fashion. Throughout his first innings of the series, Bell played every ball on its merits and judged the bounce better than his batting partners and anyone who has placed an Ashes bet on him being England's top batsman would have been pleased by what they saw.
Bell seems a much more confident player than when he last faced the Australians. The look he shot back at Simon Katich after an unsuccessful appeal showed he wasn't going to be intimidated like he had before.
Bell and Alistair Cook had managed to get England back on terms, with a useful 72, until the opener edged Siddle to the slips. After Cook's wicket fell, Siddle took out another two English batsmen for his hat-trick and ended any real chance Bell had of scoring his first century against the Aussies. It also shifted the Ashes odds in the home side's favour.
Bell looks to be in the form of his life though and if he keeps performing like he did at the Gabba, then that century could be very much on his radar.
Bell was lucky when a thin inside edge saved him from a possible lbw decision first ball, but five balls later he had announced his arrival at the crease with a lovely shot through the covers for four in typical Bell fashion. Throughout his first innings of the series, Bell played every ball on its merits and judged the bounce better than his batting partners and anyone who has placed an Ashes bet on him being England's top batsman would have been pleased by what they saw.
Bell seems a much more confident player than when he last faced the Australians. The look he shot back at Simon Katich after an unsuccessful appeal showed he wasn't going to be intimidated like he had before.
Bell and Alistair Cook had managed to get England back on terms, with a useful 72, until the opener edged Siddle to the slips. After Cook's wicket fell, Siddle took out another two English batsmen for his hat-trick and ended any real chance Bell had of scoring his first century against the Aussies. It also shifted the Ashes odds in the home side's favour.
Bell looks to be in the form of his life though and if he keeps performing like he did at the Gabba, then that century could be very much on his radar.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Aussie press revel in England’s mauling
The Australian media are never ones to miss an opportunity to have a pop at the English and Friday was no different following the tourist's disastrous start to the 2010/11 Ashes series.
Starting the first test brimming with confidence and playing a side out of form and riddled with self-doubt, England gave the sort of performance that only their worst nightmares could imagine.
Skittled out for just 260 after winning the toss, the highlight of a disastrous day was a hat-trick by Peter Siddle that sent England spinning from 172-4 to 172-7 and turned the game on its head.
Ending the final session 25-0 is was most certainly the host’s day and one the press enjoyed immensely.
Every Australian would have loved watching the live match score come in and England’s poor start is a ‘scar that will cut far deeper than their exit for just 260,” according to the Courier-Mail.
Their dismissal 'shunted the tourists back onto the backfoot where they have lived an inferior, downtrodden life in Australia for more than 20 years.”
Ouch!
The Daily Telegraph were less abusive but no less accurate when they described Strauss’ early dismissal as an ‘unmitigated disaster’ and after two ‘incredibly and bizarrely tight’ sessions ‘Siddle ran amok….to leave England on their knees.’
In a battle that will run both on the pitch and in the news stands the first blow is definitely with the Australians, with England collectively gathering their breath after being winded by those
vicious early Australian blows.
Andy Flower’s men arrived down under determined to prove their worth to those studying the live cricket scores as one of the World’s best test teams. Thanks to Siddle and co the gauntlet has been laid down in brutal and comprehensive fashion.
Starting the first test brimming with confidence and playing a side out of form and riddled with self-doubt, England gave the sort of performance that only their worst nightmares could imagine.
Skittled out for just 260 after winning the toss, the highlight of a disastrous day was a hat-trick by Peter Siddle that sent England spinning from 172-4 to 172-7 and turned the game on its head.
Ending the final session 25-0 is was most certainly the host’s day and one the press enjoyed immensely.
Every Australian would have loved watching the live match score come in and England’s poor start is a ‘scar that will cut far deeper than their exit for just 260,” according to the Courier-Mail.
Their dismissal 'shunted the tourists back onto the backfoot where they have lived an inferior, downtrodden life in Australia for more than 20 years.”
Ouch!
The Daily Telegraph were less abusive but no less accurate when they described Strauss’ early dismissal as an ‘unmitigated disaster’ and after two ‘incredibly and bizarrely tight’ sessions ‘Siddle ran amok….to leave England on their knees.’
In a battle that will run both on the pitch and in the news stands the first blow is definitely with the Australians, with England collectively gathering their breath after being winded by those
vicious early Australian blows.
Andy Flower’s men arrived down under determined to prove their worth to those studying the live cricket scores as one of the World’s best test teams. Thanks to Siddle and co the gauntlet has been laid down in brutal and comprehensive fashion.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Anderson vows to avoid Harmy fate
If Australia win the toss then they will be widely expected to bat first, handing James Anderson the responsibility of bowling the first ball of this Ashes series.
We all remember sitting down to watch the first ball of the series, big Steve Harmison bounding in before sending his delivery to a somewhat surprised Andrew Flintoff at second slip. While that ball isn’t the only reason England went on to lose the series 5-0, it certainly set a tone for the whitewash according to many Ashes online betting pundits.
Anderson has vowed he won’t crumble under the pressure which affected Harmison four years ago. The Lancashire swinger knows how important the opening ball of any series is, especially at the Ashes. “To bowl the first ball is a big responsibility for me in every game we play but even more than normal on Thursday. It's my job to set the tone for the team.”
Anderson will be under extra pressure during the opening part of this series, knowing his wife is back home, on the verge of popping out their first child at the beginning of next month. The bowler is planning on flying home after the second Test in a bid to be at the birth.
Problems could occur if Anderson junior doesn’t keep to the schedule and fails to arrive on his due date of the 8th. Anderson will have until the third Test starts on the 16th to try and coax the little blighter out so he can return to the front line.
It’s been a tough month for Anderson in his bid to regain fitness in time for the beginning of this series. The bowler had to recover from a broken rib sustained on the training camp in Germany.
Anderson is fighting fit now though and a look at the odds cricket wise tells you that he could be integral to England’s chances of winning their first series on Australian soil in 24 years.
We all remember sitting down to watch the first ball of the series, big Steve Harmison bounding in before sending his delivery to a somewhat surprised Andrew Flintoff at second slip. While that ball isn’t the only reason England went on to lose the series 5-0, it certainly set a tone for the whitewash according to many Ashes online betting pundits.
Anderson has vowed he won’t crumble under the pressure which affected Harmison four years ago. The Lancashire swinger knows how important the opening ball of any series is, especially at the Ashes. “To bowl the first ball is a big responsibility for me in every game we play but even more than normal on Thursday. It's my job to set the tone for the team.”
Anderson will be under extra pressure during the opening part of this series, knowing his wife is back home, on the verge of popping out their first child at the beginning of next month. The bowler is planning on flying home after the second Test in a bid to be at the birth.
Problems could occur if Anderson junior doesn’t keep to the schedule and fails to arrive on his due date of the 8th. Anderson will have until the third Test starts on the 16th to try and coax the little blighter out so he can return to the front line.
It’s been a tough month for Anderson in his bid to regain fitness in time for the beginning of this series. The bowler had to recover from a broken rib sustained on the training camp in Germany.
Anderson is fighting fit now though and a look at the odds cricket wise tells you that he could be integral to England’s chances of winning their first series on Australian soil in 24 years.
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