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

Andy Gray again...

Sports - Football - UEFA Champions League Final

Again Andy Gray has just amused me with his blog on Manchester United's defeat against Barcelona in Rome.

I find it weird, more funny, that every time Man Utd get outplayed and well-beaten, they just say they did not turn up. THAT IS NO EXCUSE! Every loser could say that!

Ok, they got the goals and points in the league when it mattered most and were crowned champions deservedly despite their four defeats. But to talk a defeat like this away by saying they just did not turn up and Barcelona are not as good as they are lauded, is a joke! Barcelona have scored over 100 goals this season, have also won their league and league cup, so, have done the treble - hm, how much and many times has Utd 1999 been hailed?! How hypocritical is that?!

So, Andy Gray, can you please take your Utd-red-tinted glasses off and just see who was the better team on the night and is the better team, no excuses, please.

Congratulations Barca.

NatWest Series 2009: England shine and glow on home turf

Sports - Cricket - NatWest Series 2009

Over the last couple of weeks it has been much more of a joy to watch cricket again, as an England fan that is.

Not even a couple of months ago, I wrote a blog on England, their unimpressive and worrying display, form and behind-the-scenes unrest when they were touring the Caribbean.

Obviously, England have always been more confident and successful at home, which team is not, but with all the problems they had, there was room and need for improvement either way.

When Andy Flower was announced as the new coach unsurprisingly, everyone pointed out what a big and difficult job he had in his hands. Many called it the much needed wind of change and demanded Flower not to give in and fall into the same main stream as the board has been criticised to have done many times before, which has led to failure too many times.

The fallout between Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores just reminded everyone how crucial the reletionship between the captain and coach is, which made everyone the more nervous about the new appointment.

I think Andrew Strauss was the best pick, especially after the clash of the big egos. I am a big KP fan and was very disappointed his captaincy did not last longer and found it a farce how the situation with him and Moores was delt with.

But, it just proved that a captain needs to be someone who keeps his cool and his head on the shoulders in challenging situations - which reminded me of Alec Stewart, one of the best captains I have had the pleasure to watch in my time. That is why Strauss fits the role, I think, I see many similarities between his and Stewart's characters, attitudes and personalities.

Chris Gayle's confession and go against Strauss reminded me of Kevin Pietersen's whine-rant just a couple of months back - it just shows that the form does not help the mood and confidence and vice versa. It draws a sad picture of those supposedly-professional players and team leaders you are supposed to idolise and have idolised.

England have also included some promising new players into the squad. Tim Bresnan and Eoin Morgan were like a breath of fresh air, refreshing and boosting the whole team and their display.

Matt Prior, James Anderson, Paul Collingwood, Ravi Bopara, Owais Shah and the captain himself Andrew Strauss - they all looked much more comfortable and confident in their roles than before and contributed to the wins.

The impressive series has been completed and won without Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff, an interesting point that should make the England selectors think about their choices for the Ashes; if they should rely on the old not-so-fit boys or go for the fit and promising freshers.

This series should have answered that question and should hopefully set Pietersen and the other older players a new personal challenge and wake up call to get a grip and pounce on his opposition like he used to do if he does not want to lose his place.

I am full of expectations and excitement approaching the Ashes now - much more than only a-month-and-a-bit ago... *fingers crossed*

UEFA Champions League Final 2009: Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United in one picture

Sports - Football - UEFA Champions League Final 2009

This picture speaks more than a thousand words and summarizes Manchester United's night best; apart from the first ten minutes, Barcelona commanded the match, rode United and Edwin Van der Sar's face says it all: The fear and fright, the intimidation and domination and eventual final resignation to defeat.

Congratulations Barca.

Premier League Tops and Flops: Picks of the Weekend

Sports - Football - Premier League

What a day! Manchester United confirmed again and underlined the strength and depth of their team that has taken the league crown for the 18th time - everything else but at their best, but still the most deservedly.

Newcastle on the other hand proved the exact opposite. The unrest behind the scenes, the lack of determination and passion on the pitch plus tough luck at some of the most crucial times, all together led to the much-dreaded but inevitable downfall and relegation.

Hull City have given and got JUST enough to stay up, mainly thanks to the distinctively impressive first half of the season.

Middlesbrough, like Newcastle, just lacked a little bit of everything - unlike Liverpool's starmen, who have achieved a record point-tally for their club. Never has a team gone unrewarded, without the title, with so many points.

Top Game: Manchester United's win over Hull did not only prove the quality of their youngsters but also confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson knows what he is doing. I don't know why many kept ranting on and criticising Fergie for lining up a young team. We have seen for nearly a quarter of a century now, he knows what he is doing and he does it best. They have huge resources, so, why shouldn't they use them?!

Top Goal: Nicolas Anelka's goal was a beauty with the outside of his right foot, same goes for Robin van Persie's second. But Darron Gibson's far range stunner that won the match for United wins the laud from me, just one touch from Federico Macheda's cross, very convincingly impressive.

Top Team: United is the obvious pick again, but Liverpool deserve the same respect and recognition for reaching their club-record number of points. It is the first time a team with that many points has not been crowned champions, as mentioned above. They still did not lose any face, passion or quality, even after they were given no chance to catch up with United for the last month or so. They will most probably be darning the (lost) situation, but it is the best they have been in for many years which can only be the more inspiring and motivating for next season.

Top Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson and his record with United is untouchable. But nevertheless, Roy Hodgson and Steve Bruce have also done a brill job, securing and improving their teams status and stability/chances of progress in the Premier League.

Top Player: There are some obvious picks on the scoring list again this week, i.e. Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka, but my vote goes to Dirk Kuyt. In this match, like in all of them this season, he ran his socks of left, right and centre, enjoying chances himself - including the one that ended up as an own goal, but also being a quality provider again, too. Too often his contributions get overlooked and all the laud goes to the usual main playmakers and top scorers, as named above.

Flop Game and Team: I was disappointed with Newcastle. Them having the easiest fixture amongst the relegation-battlers, they seemed to be giving the least, fighting the least. The own goal conceded by Damien Duff hurt but it just did not seem like the Magpies cared jointly and severally. Shame to see them go down, but in the end, I cannot say the others deserved it less to stay up. As they say, the table never lies. As Alan Curbishley put it, it was a car crash waiting to happen.

Flop Goal: The Damien Duff own goal mentioned above just hurt the most. James Beattie's own goal he conceded against Arsenal looked the more comical - quality elegant shot, just in the wrong net...

Flop Manager: Alan Shearer, I just feel sorry for him. He was assigned with an impossible job, I think; not exactly the start you want to make in your managerial career. I don't know what Newcastle were hoping he could do, he is not a magician. They will all have to work hard and make major changes, on the pitch and behind the scenes, if they want to make a comeback into the top-flight.

Flop Player: David Edgar's sending off just reflects his team's season, what was he thinking?! Or expecting?!

My Predictions - Actual Scores

Arsenal 2:1 Stoke City - 4:1

Aston Villa 1:1 Newcastle - 1:0

Blackburn 2:0 West Brom - 0:0

Fulham 2:2 Everton - 0:2

Hull City 1:2 Man Utd - 0:1

Liverpool 3:1 Tottenham - 3:1

Man City 1:0 Bolton - 1:0

Sunderland 1:4 Chelsea - 2:3

West Ham 2:1 Middlesbrough - 2:1

Wigan 1:1 Portysmouth - 1:0