England fall short and hand first win to Australia

Sports - Cricket - NatWest Series - 1st ODI

Australia took a 1-0 lead in the seven-match series against England with a tense win at the Oval. After losing the toss, being put out to bat and a restricted start against some strong England bowling, Callum Ferguson's spectacular 71 helped his side to establish a respectable score of 260 for 5. The home side's batting in reply was a let-down. England scored slowly and left the lower order with too much to do, falling four runs short in the chase.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

Australia:

41 for 1 after 10 overs: England - The home side held back the Aussies nicely, Tim Paine foolishly running himself out for a duck.

94 for 2 after 20 overs: Australia - After building up a good foundation to make a fine partnership and progress, Shane Watson gave away an easy return catch, a present to Paul Collingwood, out for 46. But that was all England had to cheer about really.

134 for 3 after 30 overs: England - Michael Clarke and Cameron White both reached their half centuries, the latter was run out for 53 soon after. The scoreboard ticked at a very slow rate, leaving the Aussies frustrated and England hoping...

178 for 3 after 40 overs: Australia - Callum Ferguson and Clarke both made fine contributions, looking comfortable.

260 for 5 after 50 overs: Australia - What a blast at the end, Ferguson reached his fourth one-day half-century in the process, using the batting powerplay well, producing over 40 runs. Clarke's miscue went straight to Owais Shah at cover seeing him out for 45 shortly before and Michael Hussey fell at the end of the powerplay, bowled by Ryan Sidebottom for 20. They made over 20 more runs from the last couple of overs to reach a fine, defendable total. The Aussies will definitely be the happier with their finish.

England:

45 for 1 after 10 overs: Australia - The Aussies have done their homework on Matt Prior, keeping him restrained and under pressure after skipper Andrew Strauss fell riding his luck and placing a big heave straight to White at slip after hitting a similar ball for four the previous delivery.

83 for 1 after 20 overs: Australia - And they keep bowling wide, frustrating England. There have been only few boundary cuts, nothing else worth mentioning.

126 for 3 after 30 overs: Australia - The control stays on the bowling side. Prior was caught out for 38 with a bizarre reverse sweep that sailed straight to Mitchell Johnson at short third-man. Ravi Bopara was stumped by Paine for 49 as he could not slide back in time to make it to his half-century, very frustrating for him.

168 for 5 after 40 overs: Australia - Johnson beat Owais Shah with pure speed sending him back onto his own stumps, out for 40. Collingwood followed him to the stands soon after, beaten by a stunning catch in the air by Watson as England need boundaries desperately!

256 for 8 after 50 overs: England - At least the lower order made a fight of it! Adil Rashid and Luke Wright were bashing it in after Stuart Broad spooned a catch to Clarke at backward point and fell for just two runs. After some brilliant boundaries, powerful and with speed, Wright (38) fell at the end of the last powerplay trying another paddle at a no ball, which ended up rolling onto his stumps. Graeme Swann followed soon after caught behind for just four. England ran out of batsmen in the end, leaving the rush of runs too late and missing out by five runs. But at least made a bit of a match and nailbiter of it at the bitter end.

Fifth Ashes Test, Oval, Day Four

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the fourth day:

Australia were crushed to a 197-run defeat and 2-1 series loss on the fourth day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Kennington Oval. After the Aussies had built up a productive and solid partnership past lunch, they gave away their wickets in extraordinary fashion. The last five wickets fell for only 21 runs, putting a sparkling glorious end to the series for England, who thereby regained the Ashes.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, Australia 171 for 2 (375 behind) at lunch: England for striking when Australia started to look comfortable and showed signs of consistency.

2nd session, Australia 265 for 5 (281 behind) at tea: England for once again seizing the opportunities when Australia were starting to build on their innings.

3rd session, Australia 348 all out, England win by 197 runs and regain the Ashes: England for well and truely outplaying Australia in this match, regaining the Ashes and deservedly so.

Partnerships:

- 127 runs between Ricky Ponting (66) and Mike Hussey (54): After two wickets in consecutive overs before lunch, Ponting and Hussey batted past lunch and into the afternoon. Their partnership actually got the "could-it-be-possible-for-the-Aussies" thoughts and discussions going, until a brilliant move and direct hit by Andrew Flintoff run out Ponting. That turned the tide again - if it was ever gone from England in the first place. Four balls after their captain's exit, Michael Clarke was run out, too, and not long after that, Marcus North followed him after being stumped by some sharp work from Matt Prior. "Stupid clowns" is what the commentators chose to call the batsmen and summarize the Aussie players' display and how they passed that test of stamina at the most crucial of times and tests. Extraordinary moments.

- 91 runs between Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin (34): Hussey and Haddin held Australia past tea, until the inevitable collapse came- the last five wickets falling for just 21 runs, all edged and caught off some fine, slick and smart bowling. They just avoided an even worse defeat, nothing more.

Bowling: Graeme Swann and Steve Harmison picked Australia apart. Stuart Broad, Flintoff and James Anderson were also effective but less lethal this time around - Flintoff's only wicket contribution was a superb throw smashing into the middle stump to run out none-other than Ricky Ponting. In the end, they all contributed in one way or the other; ball, field and/or atmosphere.

Ups: All the players that have been doubted and criticised most have risen and flourished to the occasion: Man of the Match Stuart Broad tops the English wicket taking list of the tournament with 18. He is the only bowler to have achieved the five-wicket hawl twice in the series and is followed by Swann with 14 wickets. Both of them won the last deciding test match with their wickets; not to forget Anderson and Graham Onions with their vital series contributions of 12 and 10 wickets though.

And last but everything else but least Man of the Series skipper Andrew Strauss, who led his side in exemplary fashion and tops the runs list with 474 runs, one century (the highest individual score of the series with 161 runs) and 3 half centuries. He beat Michael Clarke with 448 (2 centuries, 2 half centuries) and Ricky Ponting with 385 (1 century, 2 half). Hopefully, all those stats and facts are examples England can buils on and indications for a glorious future, even without top men like Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen.

The Australian bowlers and Ashes debutants starred for their side, Ben Hilfenhaus with 22 wickets, Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson with 20, but with their lack of variety, they lost out to the English variety of weather, pitches and bowlers.

Downs: Not all players shone, some disappointing continuously and should maybe be worried and made to fight for their positions: Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara and Ian Bell. Nine out of ten occasions, they all failed to impress and make the most out of bat and ball and thrive in their position. Even the lower order were able to make a better job of it, a couple of times. I am not saying they should be withdrawn and cut off straight away, but just indicating where I think improvements have to be made and who needs wake-up calls.

Hero to zero: Ricky Ponting, the legend of a captain he is, has not achieved a series win on English soil so far. The Australian fans and media layed the blame firmly on their skipper after another deafeat - but this side is in the rebuilding process and has a long way to fill their legends' shoes, the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Matthew Hayden, Mark Waugh et al.

Fifth Ashes Test, Oval, Day Three

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the third day:

Warwickshire batsman Jonathan Trott lead an entertaining batting display by England with his debut century on day three of the final Ashes Test at the Kennington Oval. With their lack of spin, Australia were unable to get an early breakthrough, Trott and his captain batting patiently and defiantly to a century partnership. When the wickets started to fall, the lower order added entertainment, flamboyancy and plenty of runs and boundaries, giving the Aussies a record total of 546 to win the match and retain the Ashes.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, England 157 for 4 (329 ahead) at lunch: England for some defiant cricket, making the Aussies look unimposing and unperilous.

2nd session, England 290 for 7 (462 ahead) at tea: England for smashing away any glimmer of hope for Australia, even after losing wickets.

3rd session, England declared 373 for 9 (546 lead), Australia 80 for 0 (466 behind) at the end of day three: England for setting Australia an impossible task, needing to break all records to retain the Ashes.

Partnerships:

- 118 runs between Andrew Strauss (48) and Jonathan Trott (50): Both dominated the Australian bowlers with patience and defiance, nothing extravangant, no flash and bang, just quality test match cricket. They confidently walked down the pitch against Stuart Clark, hitting fours down extra cover, square, backward point, all over the ground. Strauss obviously cursed himself after he gave away his wicket, a lovely little edge for a bowler, caught by Michael Clarke for 75 off 191. Trott stayed on more of a background player, watching the others bash and smash whilst he contributed with some beauties and plotted on.

Matt Prior's bad judgement led to him being run out for just four, a direct hit by a brilliant throw from Simon Katich. Andrew Flintoff fired 22 off 17, his last contribution as a England test batsman. He tried to play a lofted shot to Marcus North, over deep long on, when he was caught by Peter Siddle. Stuart Broad continued the flash, 29 off 35, with some beautiful drives and graceful boundaries, dismissing the Aussie bowlers. After consecutive boundaries, Broad spooned one in the air, caught by Ricky Ponting. But England had already extended the lead to over 400.

- 90 runs between Jonathan Trott (20) and Graeme Swann (63): The entertainment continued with Swann joining the party, coming down the pitch against North with some lovely reverse sweeps. He was eventually caught behind when he tried to hook the shot but it spooned off the slice of the bat to Brad Haddin. James Anderson came on to watch Trott finally pass the 100 mark, a committed, clynical, solid innings with drives, cuts and pull shots, making Australia look woeful. The declaration came as soon as the centurian fell, caught by North for 119 off 193, England 333 for 8, leaving Australia chasing a massive 546. Australia started strong on 80 for 0 at stumps, but will need a miraculous innings and partnership if they want to stay in the match and Ashes with a shout.

Bowling: Australia's lack of spin has cost them dearly. North was the most effective with four wickets, Mitchell Johnson contributing with two, Clark and Ben Hilfenhaus more anonymous but one wicket each. None of them was a constant threat though, each conceding a bulk of runs and boundaries, Siddle and Clarke ditto. In the end, it was England's smashing and bashing batting that led to the wickets and catches, less the bowling, Strauss' wicket the exception, lovely little edge for North.

Ups: Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries in many beautiful varieties and ways - Trott leading the lot with his debut century.

Downs: Captain Strauss could have reached the sky if only he had not given away his wicket just before lunch. He is still the leading run scorer of the series though.

Hero to zero: After the fourth Ashes Test, everyone was on about the Aussies being a threat and in form, a big threat. I have seen nothing of that in this test. Shocking.

Fifth Ashes Test, Oval, Day Two

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the second day:

England's last wickets fell early in the morning, all out for 332 runs, on day two of the fifth Ashes test at the Kennington Oval. Their bowling started just as frustrating, looking dangerous and aggressive at times but not getting the breakthrough they needed before lunch. It could not have turned more dramatically and changed more drastically after the interval though: Australia crashed sensationally, losing ten wickets for just 87 runs in under 30 overs. They got a couple of wickets and some pride back in the last hour-and-a-bit of play but will need much more to drag themselves back into the match with England leading by 230, with seven wickets in hand.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, England 332 all out, Australia 61 for 0 (271 behind) at lunch: Australia for keeping their cool and grip on the game.

2nd session, Australia 133 for 8 at tea (199 behind): England's bowlers swept the Aussies away, unbelievable, undreamable session!

3rd session, Australia 160 all out (172 behind), England at the end of day two: Australia for scraping back a couple of wickets when it was most crucial and it looked all doom and gloom for them.

Partnership: 61 runs between Shane Watson (30) and Simon Katich (26): The only notable partnership for Australia. Watson and Katich were able to overcome early nerves and shivers, frustrating the opening bowlers. Watson fell first after a delayed start after lunch due to rain, dead lbw from a full delivery by Stuart Broad. The young bowler, who had a point to prove against his doubters of late, then began a role with Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke all falling victim to his spree - two lbw and the last caught low by Jonathan Trott at short extra-cover. The Aussies could not recover from the Broad massacre. Graeme Swann added his sword to the fight, having the only little glimmer of hope and light in the dark and depressing Australian batting line-up caught by Alastair Cook, out for 50 off 107.

Bowling: Stuart Broad starred once again, achieving his third Test five-wicket haul, Graeme Swann helping out with four wickets of his own. That did not leave James Anderson and Andrew Flintoff with much to take, although they created most of the early pressure, to no avail though. The Aussies did not look too much in danger until after the interval, when Broad came into it, explosive and lethal for Australia. Freddie snatched the last one in the end, leaving the Aussies with their lowest total at the Oval since 1997 and their fourth-lowest post-war.

Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson were able to remove Cook, Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood, all three of them looking like they did not want to be at the crease in the first place. They did not stay there for long, caught out for nine, four runs and one run respectively. That left captain Strauss on 32 and Jonathan Trott on 8 at the end of the second day.

Ups: Wickets, wickets, wickets - it definitely was worth any money or time spent on the second day. England could not have dreamt up a better start, just like the Aussies in the fourth test. But, careful, the last time England enjoyed a spree like this (third Ashes Test at Edgbaston, day two), Australia were able to bat out a draw... Not this time hopefully!!!

Downs: A couple of the umpiring decisions were horrendous, lbw when it hit the bat, catch when it was nowhere near the bat,... But when you are on a role, things like this swing your way and that certainly was the case for England today. Australia got a lucky decision back, Collingwood's wicket coming off a no ball by the looks of it. It all evens out in the end.

Hero to zero: Not for the first time, I am left wondering what all the fuss is about Freddie Flintoff?! Broad and Swann stole the show, so, why is all the flap and talk always about Freddie, if he, will he, won't he?! And who was KP again???

Fifth Ashes Test, Oval, Day One

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the first day:

England won the toss and chose to bat with Andrew Flintoff back from injury and Jonathan Trott making his debut against an unchanged Australian side at the Kennington Oval. After losing an early wicket in the morning, England recovered well up to lunch and played some beautiful cricket, hitting boundaries on a regular basis. But, one by one, the England line-up fizzled out, each contributing their little part, ending the first day of the final Ashes test disappointingly but something the bowlers can work with at 307 for 8.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, England 108 for 1 at lunch: England will have been the happier having recovered and built up a partnership after they had lost an early wicket.

2nd session, England 180 for 3 at tea: England kept the scoreboard ticking and the entertaining cricket going, eventhough they lost a couple of wickets.

3rd session, England 307 for 8 at the end of day one: Australia pulled the advantage back and shattered any hopes of a high score for England, no batsmen reaching a century, once again.


Partnerships:

- 102 runs between Andrew Strauss (55) and Ian Bell (41): After Alastair Cook fell early, giving a catch away to Ricky Ponting with a poor shot off the side of the bat for 10 off 12, the England skipper showed his team again how to work the works and score the runs, until lunch at least. Bell joined in and also contributed some beautiful and brutal cuts for fours. Strauss eventually got out for 55 off 101 with his only underdetermined shot of the day - which replays showed came off a no ball. Unlucky.

- 62 runs between Ian Bell (31) and Paul Collingwood (24): Bell continued strong after his captain's departure, completing a hard-earned half-century and looking to continue nice and strong. Collingwood worked hard to keep up with his batting colleague but just did not look like he was comfortable in his role and got caught in gully. Bell fell shortly afterwards for 72 off 137, an inside-edge onto his stumps.


- 48 runs between Jonathan Trott (22) and Matt Prior (18): The debutant, replacing Ravi Bopara, started nervously, edgy and a bit silly but later showed off some cheeky and bold shots with Prior contributing well, too. But it did not last long enough to build anything solid, Prior losing control and giving away a stupid shot and catch to Shane Watson, falling for Mitchell Johnson's change of pace. Andrew Flintoff fell cheaply for only 7, giving a catch away, after being applauded and cheered onto the pitch for his last match in an England Test shirt. Trott got run out for 41 off 81 thanks to quick thinking by Simon Katich, the debutant thinking he smacked it, but got snapped out of it. Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad looked like they were going to hit off a great partnership again, putting runs on the board whilst Australia would have thought they could and should cut through the lower order. But those hopes were dashed, Swann falling to the last ball of the day, caught behind.

Bowling: Peter Siddle got four of the day's wickets, looking the most dangerous from the first overs of the day. Mitchell Johnson had on and off spells whilst Ben Hilfenhaus looked unlike his normal excellency. But most of the wickets came from the batsmen's inconsistency and insecurity. Just when you thought they had started something they could build on, they gave their wickets away stupidly. The pitch changed throughout the day, showing uneven bounce and bursts, which will encourage the England bowlers for when they come to field.

Ups: Some beautiful batting, quality drives, brutal cuts, many boundaries, great to watch.

Downs: Too many wickets on a too regular basis, no big partnership, no big individual scores, i.e. centuries, once again.

Hero to zero: Funny contrast how Flintoff was cheered and applauded on like a hero and legend he is - but how much quieter he left the field again shortly after falling cheaply. Hopefully he can do a better job with the ball.