First Ashes Test, Cardiff, Day Five

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the fifth day:

The Great Escape was completed by the most unlikeliest of heroes for England at the end of the last day in Cardiff. Looking doomed, down and out at 70 for 5 just over half an hour before lunch, Australia somehow lost the grip on the match and win they had numerous times throughout the day.

Run oy Play: Advantage to...

1st session, England 102 for 5 (137 behind) at lunch: Australia for getting three crucial wickets and erasing any hopes for England's clumsy batsmen.

2nd session, England 169 for 7 (70 behind) at tea: England for annoying Australia, getting and keeping partnerships and the innings going.

3rd session, England 252 for 9 (13 ahead), match drawn: England for making the most unlikeliest of all partnerships hold through and the Australians' nightmare come true.

Partnerships:

- 57 runs between Paul Collingwood (74) and Andrew Flintoff (26): They kept the hopes up and going at crucial points before and after lunch, that it still was not impossible for England to hold through until the end of the day. With all the opening and main batsmen out clumsily at only 70 for 5, most of the spectators were not realistically expecting much cricket after lunch - if England would have even made it up until then without knocking themselves out beforehand. Kevin Pietersen stupidly left a ball that knocked off the top of off stump after he got away with a couple of good lbw shouts, 31 for 3. Andrew Strauss and Matt Prior were both fooled and caught out by the variation of turn and bounce from Nathan Hauritz. England looked down and out but Collingwood and Flintoff showed very much needed persistence.

- 32 runs between Paul Collingwood (74) and Stuart Broad (32): England were served another crucial blow with Flintoff being caught 127 for 6 when Australia were looking more and more worried after not taking their chances to finish England off. But Stuart Broad did not let go of the match that easily and clumsily and held through and kept Collingwood company very well.

- 62 runs between Paul Collingwood (74) and Graeme Swann (62): Another crucial partnership when Australia thought they had the grip back on the match at 159 for 7. The bowlers tried their best to torment and make Collingwood and especially Swann crumble and had enough blows and chances to do so. But the batsmen knew how to take and when to leave it, unlike the top order. Ricky Ponting grew more and more sour the longer time went on, England took their time (with injuries, physios, gloves, drinks et al) and the more wicket chances were not given or taken.

- 19 runs between James Anderson (21) and Monty Panesar (7): No one could watch from the England balcony (and most of the rest of the ground I suspect, too) when Collingwood left the field after being nervously caught at gully which ended his crucially stubborn innings, 233 for 9. With at least 11.3 overs of play left and 6 runs behind, Monty Panesar came on to join James Anderson and looked surprisingly confident showing thumbs up to his captain upstairs. Every ball they survived was over-cheered by the crowd and even bigger and louder the surprise and cheering crowd got when boundaries were scored. A true nail-biter for everyone and somehow England took the lead and batted it out for the draw, past 6.40pm. Unbelievable.

Bowling: Ben Hilfenhaus will be wondering what he has done wrong, getting three crucial wickets but given only 15 overs, and Marcus North aching why he was selected at the end of the day, tired and not half the wicket-taker the other bowler has been. Nathan Hauritz and Peter Siddle will have silenced most of their critics though. The captian kept most of his faith in the prior whilst the latter tormented the batsmen when it was the most crucial and painful for them - especially Graeme Swann who got a few cruel cracks and wacks. The question lying in the air is, was the retired Shane Warne the missing key for the Aussies to get England all out? Or could the couple of questionable bowling decisions and selections Ponting took have been the crucial difference in the end?

Ups: Having not lost the match and somehow stumbled through the afternoon and evening session to stumps with a draw, England will be the much happier, as Monty showed, and Australia the more wondering and sour like Ponting's reactions throughout the day reflected it.

Downs: Australia should have strolled to a win but were somehow denied after it looked a dead cert at lunch. That should not distract from the point though that England were outplayed in every way, four days out of five. They will have to change their attitude, especially the batsmen, pronto.

Hero to zero: England were 70 for 5 in 26 overs. In the next 77 overs, they lost just 4 wickets. Australia will wonder where they lost it. They had their grip on the match on numerous occasions but somehow let it slip. The more dangerous and on fire they will be at Lord's. England learn and beware!

First Ashes Test, Cardiff, Day Four

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the fourth day:

England looked more and more sorry for turning up on the pitch in the first place. Clumsy fielding and hopeless bowling extended Marcus North's (125*) and Brad Haddin's (121) partnership to 200 from 266 balls. When Haddin got caught, Ricky Ponting waved his boys off the field and Australia declared 674 for 6 with a lead of 239 runs. Before tea, England lost two wickets and must have been more than happy to see the covers stay on for the rest of the day.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, Australia 577 for 5 (142 ahead) at lunch: Australia for having no problems whatsoever with clumsy England and extending their lead comfortably to 142 runs.

2nd session, Australia 674 for 6 declared (239 lead), England 20 for 2 at tea (219 behind): Australia for an excellent total and declaration and an even better start to their bowling, leaving England shattered.

No further play due to rain, lucky England!

Partnership: 200 runs between Marcus North (125 not out) and Brad Haddin (121): There seemed a general lack of urgency about England, like they never wanted to be on the field in the first place. Misfielding, overthrows and poor bowling gave Australia enough comfort to play more attacking cricket, with some beautiful sweep shots and top-draw, one-day-style boundaries. The wicket came from one such attacking shot, easy catch for Ravi Bopara and an easy declaration for Ricky Ponting with another two of his men having enjoyed a century each. England's start could not have been more dreadful: Alastair Cook out dead lbw, Bopara out for a way-too-high looking lbw. Well, luck comes to those who work hardest, say no more. See what Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen come up with today, they have probably been rain-dancing all night.

Bowling: Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus led the way for Australia again, just like in England's first innings. And just like their batsmen, the Australian bowlers showed England how to do the job. Although they were lucky with the second lbw decision, I can take nothing away from Australia. England can always blame it on the pitch, but it is then weird how Australia got two wickets and rid of England's openers so quickly. Major changes are needed for England and quickly, taking Australia as the leading example how winning is done, if rain does not spoil - or save - the match, depending on which side you are on.

Ups: Rain drops are falling on my head... Cannot find or think of anything else that cheered English hearts up at least a little bit on day four.

Downs: England's display in the field, with the ball and with the bat end of the day. They just looked like they did not want to be there and shame on them for the fans pay to be there and see better!

Hero to zero: Again, like I said yesterday, Australia will be hoping their perfect display will not be for nothing and rained away on the last day. England on the other hand, will be dancing the rain dance, hoping they will not need to bat and more probably lose it out. Shame on them!

First Ashes Test, Cardiff, Day Three

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the third day:

Again, a taunting day for England. Just when they thought they were taking over after getting three wickets before lunch, Michael Clarke (83) and Marcus North (54) put on another great partnership of 143 in 42 overs for Australia. England will have to dig really deep if they want to find and get something out of this match, if the weather will allow it that is.


Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, Australia 348 for 4 (87 behind) at lunch: England for finally getting the breakthrough and a couple of wickets to gain confidence.

2nd session, Australia 458 for 4 (23 ahead) at tea: Australia for taking the lead with another great partnership and frustrating England, again.

3rd session, Australia 479 for 5 (44 ahead) at the end of day three: I think England will be happier with that little session after taking a wicket and breaking another strong partnership.



Partnership: 143 runs between Michael Clarke (83) and Marcus North (54): Just like on day two, England got the initiative back on their side before lunch. They finally got that little bit of swing they were looking for the whole second day and got wickets out of it: James Anderson got Simon Katich out lbw breaking the partnership with his captain at 239, and Mike Hussey caught behind on 3; Monty Panesar got lucky and Ricky Ponting out after he played the ball onto his stumps just after he completed his 150. It looked like England were finally able to capitalise out of the pitch, but Clarke and North crushed that fantasy, patient and elegantly efficient as Australia's batsmen have been throughout the innings, taunting England. Stuart Broad removed Clarke in the couple of overs that were played under lights after 22 overs were rained off after tea, but that is only little consolation. England will be hoping the covers will not come off on day four.

Bowlers: James Anderson is the obvious pick of the day after getting a couple of crucial wickets. Monty was more lucky than anything else with the Aussies' captain hitting the ball onto his stumps. I am happy for Broad that he finally got a wicket because he looked the most frustrated getting nothing and nobody out of the pitch and ball. Andrew Flintoff did not have his best day, but at least got Australia's nerves flapping on a couple of occasions.


Ups: Again, up until lunch, it looked like England were finally taking advantage and dragging the match back into their court by the hair. The pitch finally gave them a bit of swing they were looking for to no avail throughout day two.

Downs: Letting the advantage slip away, again. Just when you think England are getting a grip, they let it slip and Australia take over comfortably, again. It was hardly different on day two and I do not expect much change in the last two days.

Hero to zero: All this dominance and control may be in vain for Australia, if the weather keeps stopping play. The better and more luckier England will feel if they get away with it and it comes to a draw.

First Ashes Test, Cardiff, Day Two

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the second day:

Confidence and chins of the England squad were much higher just before lunch after the tailenders frustrated the Aussies and helped reach a good total of 435 all out. But thereafter the Aussies did not look back and taught England a valuable lesson about what virtue patience and a solid partnership are in test cricket.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, England 435 all out, Australia 39 for 0 (396 behind) at lunch: England for frustrating Australia and reaching a much higher total than expected.

2nd session, Australia 142 for 1 (293 behind) at tea: Australia with a strong partnership and patient quality cricket from Ricky Ponting and Simon Katich.

3rd session, Australia 249 for 1 (186 behind) at the end of day two: Australia for showing no sign of losing patience, quality or wickets.

Partnership: 189 runs between Simon Katich (104) and Ricky Ponting (100): Just untouchable. Apart from a couple of weak lbw-appeals and when Katich was dropped on 10 by Andrew Flintoff earlier in the day, they were dominant and unimpeachable. Australia gave England a valuable lesson in how to form and keep a partnership going through patience and no stupid sweeps. Test match cricket is nothing like One Day or Twenty20 and England will have to learn that and adjust their batting.

Bowlers: Andrew Flintoff was the only one able to put pressure on the Australian batsmen and was the only one who got a wicket on the day, too. Phillip Hughes's bottom-edge taken well by Matt Prior with both gloves, was the first and last blood that went to England. James Anderson, Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann never looked able to capitalise, not being able to get anything out of the pitch.

Ups: England's tailenders made their side proud, especially Graeme Swann's unbeaten 47 with Stuart Broad and James Anderson chipping in, too. They made the total much more respectable and defendable and the confidence much higher for England.

Downs: Not getting anything out of the pitch. Australia thrived at what they are best and legend at, especially their captain Ricky Ponting - giving a commanding performance and making England look ineffective and frustrating them. Patience is a virtue.

Hero to zero: England could not capitalise on their positive morning stance set by the tailenders. The wind got well and truely knocked out of their sails. They need to get a grip and wickets, soon!

First Ashes Test, Cardiff, Day One

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the first day:

With a slight advantage on their side, more smiles will be felt in the Australian dressing room today. England will be sweating for a competitive high score after they won the toss yesterday and chose to bat on the new, untried ground.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, England 97 for 3 at lunch: Australia for getting three wickets and thereby crushing England's openers.

2nd session, England 194 for 3 at tea: England with a strong partnership saving them from an embarrassing low total.

3rd session, England 336 for 7 end of day one: Australia for snatching wickets when it was most crucial, again.

Partnerships:

- 138 runs between Kevin Pietersen (69) and Paul Collingwood (64): England were 90-3 and looked rattled and shaky. Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss never looked confident batting and were caught before reaching high scores. Ravi Bopara looked the more confident and promising. He was just getting into a stride when he was deceived by a change of pace by Mitchell Johnson, great bowling. The morning session certainly went to Australia, who got three crucial wickets and England wobbling. But KP and Collingwood pulled the match back into England's court with a great partnership after lunch, scoring comfortable runs with a couple of good strokes and boundaries.

- 86 runs between Andrew Flintoff (37) and Matt Prior (56): England lost a couple of crucial and stupid wickets and looked to collapse once again after tea. But Flintoff never lost the smile on his face after he came on, showing some beautiful and confident batting like in his heyday. Prior was more than just a backup to the former captain, also batting beautifully and confidently. They produced a clever blend of shots, boundaries and sneaky-cheeky singles. If they could have ended the day at the crease, it would have been advantage to England. But after Flintoff played the ball onto his own stumps and an unlucky inswinger through the gate meant the end of Prior, Peter Siddle put the smiles back on to the Aussies' faces. Unlucky, but certainly not unfair.

Bowlers: Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle shared the spoils with two wickets each. Just the one dear, but the most crucial one, went to much-criticised Nathan Hauritz, thanks to KP. Siddle's wickets came through some more English misfortune, if you want to call it that. Ricky Ponting got frustrated with Johnson at times, so, my nod goes to Hilfenhaus, who looked the most consistent in his bowling and broke the biggest and most threatening partnership between KP and Collingwood.

Ups: England's positivity in batting, never shying, everyone contributing. It was great to see Flintoff shine again, even if it was only for a bit. Hopefully they can continue that and bring that into their bowling, too.

Downs: Giving wickets away, just when you thought they had warmed up and got into a stride. England got away with a couple of mistakes, KP should have been out for lbw and was dropped shortly after, too, but the luck did not last for long.

Hero to zero: What were you thinking, KP?! A poor premeditated sweep cost you and England dearly! Bowlers wait for and thrive on idiocy and irresponsible foolishness like that.

Counting down to the Ashes

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

With just over an hour to go, I do not have a clue what to expect!

So much has happened and changed since both England's victory in 2005 and Australia's thrashing 2006/2007.

As my cricket blogs over the past months have reflected and shown:

One week I feel more confident and optimistic with England and think, you never know, they may grab it, just like in 2005. With Andrew Flintoff fit and back, James Anderson on fire, wicketkeeper Matt Prior impressing, and batsmen Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara and Paul Collingwood gaining more runs and confidence, the side looks competitive and promising and the excitement and expectancy rise high.

But then, the next week, they fall to bits again, hitting themselves out for a small total and not being able to defend it. Then they look doomed to fail miserably just like in 2006/2007. It has often been said, too much pressure is put on Kevin Pietersen to carry an innings and all the runs on his own. But he has not enjoyed is best and highest average of runs at all lately either.

That brings back the issue of captaincy I blogged about before, too. Since Michael Vaughan's reign and glory of 2005, a lot has changed and happened. The clash and fallout between Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores did not help matters whatsoever. Andrew Strauss was then the harmonious pick, which has been both lauded and criticised.

Then the eyes fall onto Australia. The side has changed much more since the last contests and is hardly recognizable. They are without their retired bowling legends Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, batsmen Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden and high-scoring wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist. Brett Lee and Shane Watson are out, too, for the first test match at least, due to injury. The Aussies will have to rely on some inexperienced but promising looking newcomers.

One thing is for sure, both sides are not to be underestimated. So, one way or the other, I think we are going to be in for a big surprise. I dare not predict anything! I have to rush to the telly now, to catch the kick-off to the Ashes. I am going to keep a little Ashes Diary over the next couple of months, to review and reflect on the happenings and developments of the tournament, come what may!

Michael Owen does it again

Sports - Football - Premier League - Michael Owen

I cannot stop thinking, he should not have left in the first place...

In 2004 Michael Owen left the club that established him as a world player to try his chances at Real Madrid. And failed - as I predicted the day he left. Not because I was holding sour grapes against him or anything like that, but because I stayed realistic and was not blinded by the flow of Galacticos cash.

He would have become a god at Liverpool - he was on his way, put it that way - just as worshiped and loved as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are now! Stevie G. had his flirts and episodes of distress - should I stay or should I go now - too. But he came to his sences in time and stayed where he belonged and look at him now, a god! What would Liverpool be without him - and vice versa? Just like the Ian Rush, Kenny Dalglish, et al.

Real Madrid have always been overcrowded with star players and I just knew Owen would not have much of a chance to become the same god there. No chance indeed, he had in the end.

Owen then tried his luck at Newcastle and was hit by one injury-curse after another. I saw it as his punishment for leaving Liverpool in the first place, not that I am biased or anything...

He then abandoned the sinking Tyne ship - after the club kept the faith in him and his paycheck flowing for four years, all for nothing in the end.

That is why I have always worshiped Alan Shearer. The top player, striker and scorer he always was, he never left for the cash. He stayed with his home team and is still fighting with and for them now. He deserves ten-times the respect and honor compared to the modern-day players and greats that just go there where the highest bid comes from.

So, to which club does the born Everton fan decide to go next? None other than Manchester United. Who can blaim him? Having won three titles in a row, nearly defended the European crown, too, I could go on and on listing the reasons, glories and past players' success-stories as good and more-than-plausible reasons why a player should join Man Utd to rekindle his written-off career.

I agree with Phil McNulty, it could not have been a better move for both Michael Owen and the proven genius Sir Alex Ferguson himself. Manchester United needed to strengthen their attack after losing their main player Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. Owen needs to put his career back on track, to get back into the England team, and only Hull and Stoke had made bids for him so far. Not good enough for the Scouser. The prior get what they need for hardly a penny - compared to the deals they are normally part of - and the latter gets what he needs, regardless of his past.

Paul Merson stayed more cautious with his assessment of the situation looking back at the player's injury-prone past. I think this move could be a master stroke for both sides. But on the other hand, I cannot stop shaking my head thinking of what could have been. If only he would have stayed in the first place, none of this long farce would have happened. But instead, he keeps on kicking everyone who had faith in him in the face, defiantly. He dare not do that to Fergie!

1996-2004 Liverpool: 297 games 158 goals (53.2% scoring rate)

2004-2005 Real Madrid: 40 games, 14 goals (35%)

2005-2009 Newcastle: 79 games, 30 goals (37.97%)

1996-2009 Overall: 416 games, 202 goals (48.56%)

Source: Own records and BBC article