The fourth day of the fourth test of the Ashes began with England 202 runs ahead at 234-5 with Ian Bell on 105 and joined by Tim Bresnan. England moved on to 250 before the new ball was taken and Ryan Harris found some late sharp movement to destroy Bell's middle stump for 113, and then took Matt Prior's off stump first ball to complete a well earn five wicket haul. This triggered Bresnan and Broad to start going for quick runs as boundaries were crunched through mid on and square leg and edged over third man before Harris found some bounce which Broad could only fend on the jump to gully for a seven ball 13, 275-8.
Jackson Bird then flew off the bat of Bresnan with three fours in the over as 14 came off it to push the lead past 250 and towards something England could feel happy defending. Graeme Swann decided on the same plan and smacked a couple of fours off Siddle to bring up the 300 before Bresnan chipped a catch back to Harris to go for 45, 317-9. Steve Smith dropped a skier at long on, but it only cost 13 runs (3 fours by Swann) before Anderson edged behind off Lyon for a duck, England 330 all out leaving Australia 5 sessions to score 299. Harris the pick of the bowlers with 7-117.
Australia managed 11 in 5 overs (Cook blowing a review for an LBW pitching outside leg) before a sudden downpour brought an early lunch. Australia started well after lunch, as England looked a bit clueless as to what they were supposed to be doing as Rogers and Warner feasted on some off line bowling. Even when Rogers was caught behind the DRS actually worked and he was given not out (+1 for hotspot). Australia pushed the rate up to around 4 an over as they looked to get the job done in a hurry as every time England got a couple of dot balls, they'd push one down off or leg and it would be helped away for four. Their intent became even clearer when Swann's third ball to Warner was launched inside out over extra cover for a huge six. The 100 partnership came up in the 27th over and soon Warner passed 50 from 74 balls, but England then got a wicket as Rogers was squared up by Swann and the edge flew to Trott at slip to go for 49, 109-1. Australia made it to tea 120-1.
Post tea, Australia cruised to 147 when Khawaja misread the line against Swann and was given LBW for 21, but Clarke and Warner carried on, until Warner nicked behind off Bresnan for 74, 168-3. England then blew their second review with Broad trying to shift Smith, but no more wickets until drinks. First ball after drinks, Broad gets some seam movement to detonate Clarke's off stump for 21, England back on top with what followed being an extraordinary spell from both Broad and Bresnan. Steve Smith (2) hooked one off the bottom edge onto his stumps to Broad, Watson (2) is struck in front of middle stump, given LBW, reviews, umpire's call, out next over. Then next over Haddin (4) is LBW to Broad, reviews, clipping the top of the leg bail, out! Ryan Harris was next to out, also LBW to Broad for 11 and Nathan Lyon who was dropped one, then inside edge an inswinger into his stumps for Broad to get his 2nd five-for and complete 10 in the match.
One wicket left, but the light was getting bad, so on came Swann and Joe Root for five overs as England took the extra half hour, then the sun peeked through, just long enough for Broad to get Siddle to swing the ball straight to mid off where Anderson completed the catch to give a 74 run win and take the series. Broad was awarded man of the match for his 11-121 in the match.
Showing posts with label test match. Show all posts
Showing posts with label test match. Show all posts
Sunday, 1 September 2013
Bell Tolls For England
The third day of the Fourth Ashes test at Chester-le-Street began with Australia on 222-5 with Chris Rogers (with a hundred) and Brad Haddin batting though not for long, as Haddin was trapped in front in the first over of the morning to Graeme Swann for 13. Then another bonus before the new ball as Rogers gloved the ball from Swann where Matt Prior took a sharp catch and was given out on review for 110 to a standing ovation, 233-7 and Anderson and Broad with the new ball. Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle seemed happy swish away at anything they could which brought them into the lead before Siddle poked Anderson to Cook at first slip for 5, 245-8 and this was soon 258-9 as Anderson pinned Nathan Lyon in front for 4. Harris then swung 3 consecutive fours off Broad before being given out LBW on review for 28, where all the players were halfway back to the pavilion by the time confirmation it was out came through.
So 270 all out gave Australia a first innings lead of 32 and it was time for Cook and co to see what they could do. Cook and Root halved the deficit before Root was castled by Harris for two, the strain of opening beginning to show for him. After lunch England wasted no time going into the lead, before Cook fished outside off and was caught by Haddin, giving Harris his 2nd wicket of the day. It was then 2 wickets in three balls for Harris, as Trott gloved behind for 23, England 49-3 and in trouble again. Ian Bell came to the rescue and along with Pietersen stopped the slide with some impressive strokeplay mixed with dubious shots.
The pair took on the Australian attack fairly freely, and got away with it as edges flew wide of fielders, wild heaves dropped safe and in between there was some good shots as the 100 came up it the 27th over with both batsmen motoring on steadily as England flowed to tea 123-3.
Consecutive drives through the covers for four brought up Bell's 50, but Pietersen would not join him, as he chipped a leading edge off Lyon to Rogers at cover for 44, the breakthrough the Australians needed, as it seemed England would get away. Jonny Bairstow came in and looked to attacked, hitting consecutive boundaries off Lyon and then Harris as Australia began to tire, giving Bell the opportunity to move into the 90s reasonably untroubled. Bairstow's knock ended on 28 edging Lyon to Harris. That didn't stop Bell flicking the ball to leg and going to his 3rd hundred of the series, a crucial knock as the England lead passed 200 as they finished 234-5, Bell unbeaten on 105.
So 270 all out gave Australia a first innings lead of 32 and it was time for Cook and co to see what they could do. Cook and Root halved the deficit before Root was castled by Harris for two, the strain of opening beginning to show for him. After lunch England wasted no time going into the lead, before Cook fished outside off and was caught by Haddin, giving Harris his 2nd wicket of the day. It was then 2 wickets in three balls for Harris, as Trott gloved behind for 23, England 49-3 and in trouble again. Ian Bell came to the rescue and along with Pietersen stopped the slide with some impressive strokeplay mixed with dubious shots.
The pair took on the Australian attack fairly freely, and got away with it as edges flew wide of fielders, wild heaves dropped safe and in between there was some good shots as the 100 came up it the 27th over with both batsmen motoring on steadily as England flowed to tea 123-3.
Consecutive drives through the covers for four brought up Bell's 50, but Pietersen would not join him, as he chipped a leading edge off Lyon to Rogers at cover for 44, the breakthrough the Australians needed, as it seemed England would get away. Jonny Bairstow came in and looked to attacked, hitting consecutive boundaries off Lyon and then Harris as Australia began to tire, giving Bell the opportunity to move into the 90s reasonably untroubled. Bairstow's knock ended on 28 edging Lyon to Harris. That didn't stop Bell flicking the ball to leg and going to his 3rd hundred of the series, a crucial knock as the England lead passed 200 as they finished 234-5, Bell unbeaten on 105.
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Rooting Around
The 2nd test in the Ashes had pretty much already been decided by the third day, thanks to Australia being bowled out in just over a session on the 2nd afternoon, as England looked to press home their advantage for the rest of the series and secure a 2-0 lead.
Joe Root and nightwatchman Tim Bresnan resumed with England 31-3, and batted like England were having a net, and the Australians were happy to give it to them. Back to back fours from Bresnan soon brought up the 50 with back to back boundaries off Siddle. Soon the lead passed 300 as it quickly became clear that Australia were happy to wait for England to declare. To 50 partnership for the 4th wicket was soon followed by Root reaching 50 from 122 balls, and then the 100 with Bresnan smacking a four through point. The England pair had little trouble lasting through to lunch against the bowling of Steve Smith and Ashton Agar as England went in on 114-3, light years ahead of Australia. After lunch, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson tried to make a difference with what was an old ball in friendly batting conditions, it was not an easy task as all England had to do was accumulate.
But finally a wicket came, with the partnership on 99, Bresnan went for a flaccid pull against Pattinson which lobbed off the face to Chris Rogers at square leg to go for 38, 129-4. Australia bowled well as only 17 runs came in the first hour after lunch, but the game had really gone from them. After a change of ball Ryan Harris got some movement and Ian Bell edged low to Smith at slip who took the catch and celebrated but after review by the third umpire, not out was the call even though it looked as though the catch was clean and everyone was surprised when the call came though. After that, Root and Bell settled down to score some easy runs, Siddle disappearing for consecutive fours and Root then drilling him straight for four to move within 10 of his hundred. Root then flicked Smith for four to bring up the 400 lead on the stroke of tea which he went to on 97 and soon after he cut Agar to the cover boundary to reach his 2nd test hundred from 247 balls.
Runs then appeared quickly as Australia had given up and were now waiting for the declaration, Pattinson came back and sprayed the ball everywhere, going for 18 in two overs as England passed 200 and then Bell to 50 from 82 balls as Smith and Agar served up some free runs. Bell was turning on the jets to get to his century, but cracked a long hop from Smith straight to Rogers at midwicket to fall for 74, 282-5. That didn't stop Root reaching 150 and then the 300 before taking Smith downtown in his last over of the day swinging one ball into the Tavern Stand then repeating the dose two balls later as 17 came from the over. England closed on 333-5, Root on 178, Bairstow on 11 and England 566 ahead.
Joe Root and nightwatchman Tim Bresnan resumed with England 31-3, and batted like England were having a net, and the Australians were happy to give it to them. Back to back fours from Bresnan soon brought up the 50 with back to back boundaries off Siddle. Soon the lead passed 300 as it quickly became clear that Australia were happy to wait for England to declare. To 50 partnership for the 4th wicket was soon followed by Root reaching 50 from 122 balls, and then the 100 with Bresnan smacking a four through point. The England pair had little trouble lasting through to lunch against the bowling of Steve Smith and Ashton Agar as England went in on 114-3, light years ahead of Australia. After lunch, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson tried to make a difference with what was an old ball in friendly batting conditions, it was not an easy task as all England had to do was accumulate.
But finally a wicket came, with the partnership on 99, Bresnan went for a flaccid pull against Pattinson which lobbed off the face to Chris Rogers at square leg to go for 38, 129-4. Australia bowled well as only 17 runs came in the first hour after lunch, but the game had really gone from them. After a change of ball Ryan Harris got some movement and Ian Bell edged low to Smith at slip who took the catch and celebrated but after review by the third umpire, not out was the call even though it looked as though the catch was clean and everyone was surprised when the call came though. After that, Root and Bell settled down to score some easy runs, Siddle disappearing for consecutive fours and Root then drilling him straight for four to move within 10 of his hundred. Root then flicked Smith for four to bring up the 400 lead on the stroke of tea which he went to on 97 and soon after he cut Agar to the cover boundary to reach his 2nd test hundred from 247 balls.
Runs then appeared quickly as Australia had given up and were now waiting for the declaration, Pattinson came back and sprayed the ball everywhere, going for 18 in two overs as England passed 200 and then Bell to 50 from 82 balls as Smith and Agar served up some free runs. Bell was turning on the jets to get to his century, but cracked a long hop from Smith straight to Rogers at midwicket to fall for 74, 282-5. That didn't stop Root reaching 150 and then the 300 before taking Smith downtown in his last over of the day swinging one ball into the Tavern Stand then repeating the dose two balls later as 17 came from the over. England closed on 333-5, Root on 178, Bairstow on 11 and England 566 ahead.
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Impressive, Mr Anderson, but England Uprooted
The third day of the first test of the summer against New Zealand began with New Zealand 153-4, still 79 behind England. Stuart Broad struck immediately, Brendon McCullum caught behind by Matt Prior 2nd ball for two who blew a review in the process. New Zealand's hopes remained with Kane Williamson who reached a battling 50 from 158 balls, BJ Watling had some luck, dropped by Jonathan Trott at 3rd slip, then surviving an LBW review off Broad. But Williamson fell next over, strangled down the leg side off Anderson for 60. Steve Finn came into the attack and Tim Southee greeted him with a four over the slips, a four down the ground and another four smote over extra cover. But Southee went for one more hit which went straight up in the air to be caught by Joe Root just off the cut strip. The end came quickly, Bruce Martin was bowled off stump by a cracker from Anderson to bag his 5th, then Finn had Watling (17) caught behind and Trent Boult looped to gully (0) as New Zealand were bowled out for 207.
Cook and Nick Compton eased along for eight overs before Boult found Cook's edge where Dean Brownlie took a flying catch at 3rd slip to go for 21, 36-1. Compton didn't last much longer, Neil Wagner splattering his off stump next over for 15, 36-2. Root and Trott then began the rebuilding operation as New Zealand began to lose their grip on the game, Root being particularly stylish in his dispatching of the attack, especially through cover and point. The 50 partnership came up in the 25th over as the 100 came up with a four through point. Then Root was nearly run out in a mix up with Trott, but Watling couldn't gather cleanly running up to the stumps, but landed heavily on his knee, and had to go off, with McCullum taking over keeping duties. Not that this fazed Root, who went to his 50 from 78 balls. The runs kept flowing and Martin then limped off injured as well, leaving Williamson to bowl along with seamers. Then Southee managed to rip one onto Root's stumps to go for 71 off the inside edge, 160-3. Trott went to fifty, but Bairstow gave Southee his 2nd of the day, bowled for 5.
Southee soon had three, Prior playing a lazy pull to substitute Martin Guptill and square leg to bag a pair. Williamson got in on the collapse as Trott (56) went for a big drive, only for the ball with turn past the edge and crash into the stumps, 171-6. This brought together nightwatchman Finn and Ian Bell, who'd been off ill most of the previous day. They saw out the last 3 over until close, 180-6, leading by 205, Southee with 3-34.
Cook and Nick Compton eased along for eight overs before Boult found Cook's edge where Dean Brownlie took a flying catch at 3rd slip to go for 21, 36-1. Compton didn't last much longer, Neil Wagner splattering his off stump next over for 15, 36-2. Root and Trott then began the rebuilding operation as New Zealand began to lose their grip on the game, Root being particularly stylish in his dispatching of the attack, especially through cover and point. The 50 partnership came up in the 25th over as the 100 came up with a four through point. Then Root was nearly run out in a mix up with Trott, but Watling couldn't gather cleanly running up to the stumps, but landed heavily on his knee, and had to go off, with McCullum taking over keeping duties. Not that this fazed Root, who went to his 50 from 78 balls. The runs kept flowing and Martin then limped off injured as well, leaving Williamson to bowl along with seamers. Then Southee managed to rip one onto Root's stumps to go for 71 off the inside edge, 160-3. Trott went to fifty, but Bairstow gave Southee his 2nd of the day, bowled for 5.
Southee soon had three, Prior playing a lazy pull to substitute Martin Guptill and square leg to bag a pair. Williamson got in on the collapse as Trott (56) went for a big drive, only for the ball with turn past the edge and crash into the stumps, 171-6. This brought together nightwatchman Finn and Ian Bell, who'd been off ill most of the previous day. They saw out the last 3 over until close, 180-6, leading by 205, Southee with 3-34.
Friday, 7 September 2012
A Ginger Rescue
The 2nd day of the crucial third Test match between England and South Africa to decide the number one spot in the rankings. South Africa resumed 262-7, with England looking to keep them below 320, Vernon Philander quickly completed his maiden test 50, from 75 balls, having lost Dale Steyn, well caught by Graeme Swann at 2nd slip for 26 off Stuart Broad. Morne Morkel then thumped a couple of boundaries as South Africa passed 300 in the 100th over. Steve Finn then had Morkel well taken one handed to his left by Matt Prior in his first over of the morning for 25 from 36. Swann then wrapped up proceedings as Philander went for a massive heave, to be smartly stumped by Prior for 61, Prior's sixth dismissal in the innings South Africa 309 all out, a total that gave England a chance if they could see off the new ball.
Andrew Strauss received much ovation as he walked out for his 100th test and got underway immediately, flicking Morkel for a single, before helping take 13 off Philander's first over. The pair added 29 in 10 overs before Morkel snuck one onto Strauss's stumps for 20 with 3 balls left in the session, there was to be no 100 in 100th test for him.
After lunch, England struggled, and Jonathan Trott fell third over after lunch for 8, LBW to Dale Steyn, not saved by a review, the ball was clipping leg stump. Steyn then made it 2 in four balls as Cook sliced to Kallis at 2nd slip who gobbled (sorry, couldn't resist) the chance as he departed for a 40 ball 7, 39-3. Now it was the turn of James Taylor and Ian Bell to rescue England, Taylor edged Steyn for 4 before crashing him past point for four more, before England tried to block their way to safety as South Africa bowled tightly and Taylor finally edged low to Graeme Smith at first slip for 10, 52-4 and England in a bit of trouble with Jonny Bairstow now in and plenty of work to do. The pair started slowly but then began to cash in on the loose balls and brought up the 50 partnership in the 42nd over with Bell smacking a four. The runs flowed more easily and Bairstow took 13 off an over from Tahir as the explosion (relatively) in runs raised the 150 and the 100 partnership in the 54th over which also included Bairstow's maiden test 50 from 86 balls, an encouraging performance against the experienced bowling attack of South Africa. Bell's 50 wasn't far behind, guiding Kallis through point for four, but he would fall soon after edging Philander to Alviro Petersen at third slip for 58, 178-5.
Baristow and Prior then played cautiously until the close at 6:30, as England finished 208-5, Bairstow 72 and Prior on 22 still 101 behind and reliant on some lower order hitting to get any sort of lead.
Andrew Strauss received much ovation as he walked out for his 100th test and got underway immediately, flicking Morkel for a single, before helping take 13 off Philander's first over. The pair added 29 in 10 overs before Morkel snuck one onto Strauss's stumps for 20 with 3 balls left in the session, there was to be no 100 in 100th test for him.
After lunch, England struggled, and Jonathan Trott fell third over after lunch for 8, LBW to Dale Steyn, not saved by a review, the ball was clipping leg stump. Steyn then made it 2 in four balls as Cook sliced to Kallis at 2nd slip who gobbled (sorry, couldn't resist) the chance as he departed for a 40 ball 7, 39-3. Now it was the turn of James Taylor and Ian Bell to rescue England, Taylor edged Steyn for 4 before crashing him past point for four more, before England tried to block their way to safety as South Africa bowled tightly and Taylor finally edged low to Graeme Smith at first slip for 10, 52-4 and England in a bit of trouble with Jonny Bairstow now in and plenty of work to do. The pair started slowly but then began to cash in on the loose balls and brought up the 50 partnership in the 42nd over with Bell smacking a four. The runs flowed more easily and Bairstow took 13 off an over from Tahir as the explosion (relatively) in runs raised the 150 and the 100 partnership in the 54th over which also included Bairstow's maiden test 50 from 86 balls, an encouraging performance against the experienced bowling attack of South Africa. Bell's 50 wasn't far behind, guiding Kallis through point for four, but he would fall soon after edging Philander to Alviro Petersen at third slip for 58, 178-5.
Baristow and Prior then played cautiously until the close at 6:30, as England finished 208-5, Bairstow 72 and Prior on 22 still 101 behind and reliant on some lower order hitting to get any sort of lead.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
If a West Indies Team Bats Without Chanderpaul, Does It Score Any Runs?
The third day of the first test between England and the West Indies, England resuming overnight on 259-3, ahead by 16, with captain Strauss on 121 not out. Kemar Roach found some early movement, and had Strauss caught by Denesh Ramdin on review, which showed the inside edge. Jonny Bairstow then came in on debut to join Ian Bell, and played nicely for 16, though was nearly run out getting off the mark. He was LBW to Roach England wobbled, making a possible 450 much less likely. Matt Prior (19) then missed a drive to give Shannon Gabriel his first wicket in tests, charging off towards point to celebrate. Tim Bresnan (0) had a fatal waft outside off to be caught behind to give captain Darren Sammy his first wicket
Lunch then came at 341-7, but Stuart Broad was bowled by Fidel Edwards for 10 in the first over after lunch, 343-8. Bell finally found a reliable partner in Graeme Swann, and they added 55 in seven overs, Bell reaching fifty off 94 balls and Swann hitting six fours in a 25 ball 30, when Gabriel bowled him. Bell then was last out, looking to heave Gabriel into the Mound Stand, only to be well caught by Keiran Powell at deep square leg.
So 398 by England, a lead of 155 was good, but could have been much more, the pick of the bowlers being Gabriel (3-60) and Roach (3-108).
The West Indies reply started slowly, but saw off James Anderson and Broad without trouble, but the introduction of Bresnan started a slide, as Adrian Barath edged behind for 24, 36-1. Then 4 balls later, Powell pulled Broad straight to Bell at deep square leg, falling for an obvious ploy, 36-2. The chaos before tea was completed four balls later, as Darren Bravo played the ball to cover, Kirk Edwards set off for the single, Bravo didn't, the pair standing mid-pitch pointing and Edwards scramble back was wasted as Jonny Bairstow had picked up the ball and gunned down the middle stump, West Indies 36-3 and in chaos at tea.
After tea things got slightly better as Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Bravo looked to bat for some time in an effort to stop the slide, which they did, although Anderson dropped a flying chance at slip off Bresnan, the only chance Chanderpaul gave, as the intensity dropped with England scratching their heads as to how to prise them out. Swann eventually got the breakthrough, Bravo (21) leaving one that went down the slope and knocked back the off stump. 65-4, but Marlon Samuels and Chanderpaul managed to see out the rest of the day without any further trouble, 120-4, Chanderpaul 34 not out and Samuels 26 not out still trailing by 35.
Lunch then came at 341-7, but Stuart Broad was bowled by Fidel Edwards for 10 in the first over after lunch, 343-8. Bell finally found a reliable partner in Graeme Swann, and they added 55 in seven overs, Bell reaching fifty off 94 balls and Swann hitting six fours in a 25 ball 30, when Gabriel bowled him. Bell then was last out, looking to heave Gabriel into the Mound Stand, only to be well caught by Keiran Powell at deep square leg.
So 398 by England, a lead of 155 was good, but could have been much more, the pick of the bowlers being Gabriel (3-60) and Roach (3-108).
The West Indies reply started slowly, but saw off James Anderson and Broad without trouble, but the introduction of Bresnan started a slide, as Adrian Barath edged behind for 24, 36-1. Then 4 balls later, Powell pulled Broad straight to Bell at deep square leg, falling for an obvious ploy, 36-2. The chaos before tea was completed four balls later, as Darren Bravo played the ball to cover, Kirk Edwards set off for the single, Bravo didn't, the pair standing mid-pitch pointing and Edwards scramble back was wasted as Jonny Bairstow had picked up the ball and gunned down the middle stump, West Indies 36-3 and in chaos at tea.
After tea things got slightly better as Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Bravo looked to bat for some time in an effort to stop the slide, which they did, although Anderson dropped a flying chance at slip off Bresnan, the only chance Chanderpaul gave, as the intensity dropped with England scratching their heads as to how to prise them out. Swann eventually got the breakthrough, Bravo (21) leaving one that went down the slope and knocked back the off stump. 65-4, but Marlon Samuels and Chanderpaul managed to see out the rest of the day without any further trouble, 120-4, Chanderpaul 34 not out and Samuels 26 not out still trailing by 35.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Desert Dreams
Yes, I'm still about though not having any games to go to, I've written a preview of the Pakistan-England series.
So England begin their series against Pakistan tomorrow in the neutral UAE in what is the first test for their number one Test Ranking.
After hammering India 4-0 at home in the summer Andrew Strauss and co. are at first glance the favourites against Misbah-ul-Haq's men who are ranked 5th. But looking deeper into it Pakistan have been one of the most improved sides of the last year after the spot-fixing scandal and with the likes of Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal and all-round hero Mohammad Hafeez they have a strong spin attack and have played enough games in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to know that runs are their to be scored if you are prepared to wait for them.
England have looked shaky in their two warm-up games and have relied on 2nd innings runs and generous declarations to win. Alaistair Cook, Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott have all been in great form for the past year but and it would be a surprise if they all failed to adapt to the conditions. That said, England have historically struggled in Asia and there is no better time than now to show they are truly the best team in the world.
The loss of Tim Bresnan for the whole series is a blow for England and has probably scuppered any immediate chance of Monty Panesar playing as a 2nd spinner with Graeme Swann, despite taking 5 against the PCB XI last week. Chris Tremlett will probably be the lucky bowler who gets in ahead of Steve Finn.
Both matches so far in Dubai have been fairly slow, low scoring affairs meaning that a patient start will be required and may not prove good for the likes of Strauss who hasn't scored a test hundred since Brisbane in 2010.
Umar Akmal is the future of Pakistan's batting and was one of the few stand out players from the disaster-thon of Pakistan's 2010 tour of England so ought to play ahead of Asad Shafiq.
England's fast bowlers won't be able to get away with bowling short on a slowish track so the likes of Anderson could prosper most. Umar Gul will lead the Pakistan bowling and his late swing could prove decisive with the older ball.
A draw may well be likely, but any small mistakes from either side could easily cost them the game and possibly the series.
First Test 17-21st January, Dubai
Second Test 25-29th January, Abu Dhabi
Third Test 3-7th February, Dubai.
So England begin their series against Pakistan tomorrow in the neutral UAE in what is the first test for their number one Test Ranking.
After hammering India 4-0 at home in the summer Andrew Strauss and co. are at first glance the favourites against Misbah-ul-Haq's men who are ranked 5th. But looking deeper into it Pakistan have been one of the most improved sides of the last year after the spot-fixing scandal and with the likes of Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal and all-round hero Mohammad Hafeez they have a strong spin attack and have played enough games in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to know that runs are their to be scored if you are prepared to wait for them.
England have looked shaky in their two warm-up games and have relied on 2nd innings runs and generous declarations to win. Alaistair Cook, Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott have all been in great form for the past year but and it would be a surprise if they all failed to adapt to the conditions. That said, England have historically struggled in Asia and there is no better time than now to show they are truly the best team in the world.
The loss of Tim Bresnan for the whole series is a blow for England and has probably scuppered any immediate chance of Monty Panesar playing as a 2nd spinner with Graeme Swann, despite taking 5 against the PCB XI last week. Chris Tremlett will probably be the lucky bowler who gets in ahead of Steve Finn.
Both matches so far in Dubai have been fairly slow, low scoring affairs meaning that a patient start will be required and may not prove good for the likes of Strauss who hasn't scored a test hundred since Brisbane in 2010.
Umar Akmal is the future of Pakistan's batting and was one of the few stand out players from the disaster-thon of Pakistan's 2010 tour of England so ought to play ahead of Asad Shafiq.
England's fast bowlers won't be able to get away with bowling short on a slowish track so the likes of Anderson could prosper most. Umar Gul will lead the Pakistan bowling and his late swing could prove decisive with the older ball.
A draw may well be likely, but any small mistakes from either side could easily cost them the game and possibly the series.
First Test 17-21st January, Dubai
Second Test 25-29th January, Abu Dhabi
Third Test 3-7th February, Dubai.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Of Broad and The Wall
3rd day of the first Test between England and India at Lords. England had declared on 474-8 and India progressed along slowly from the England fast bowlers before Gautam Gambhir was bowled by Stuart Broad for 15. Abinhav Mukund then looked to force a ball from Broad to reach 50, only to chop it onto hit stumps for 49, leaving England 77-2. This left Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar batting together and they looked like they would tame the England attack and were 102-2 at lunch.
The pair brought up the 150 before Broad had Tendulkar well caught low down by Graeme Swann at slip. VVS Laxman came in and was dropped by Andrew Strauss at slip off Broad, then Dravid was dropped in the same over by Swann. These were the only real drops by England as Dravid then went to 50 before Laxman top edged to Trott at deep square leg. Suresh Raina then fell LBW to Swann for nought, 183-5. MS Dhoni then joined Dravid and took India to tea, 193-5.
After batting comfortably Dhoni then edged Chris Tremlett for Swann to take a diving catch to go for 28. Harbhajan Singh then edged to Matt Prior 2nd ball for nought, 240-7. Praveen Kumar started swinging merrily and reached 17 before he top edged Broad for Strauss to take a catch running back. Dravid then flicked to two, reached his hundred and let out a roar. Injured Zaheer Khan went for a duck to Anderson, then Ishant Sharma edged behind for the same score and India were 286 all out, Dravid finishing 103 not out. England saw off the final 5 overs without trouble.
The pair brought up the 150 before Broad had Tendulkar well caught low down by Graeme Swann at slip. VVS Laxman came in and was dropped by Andrew Strauss at slip off Broad, then Dravid was dropped in the same over by Swann. These were the only real drops by England as Dravid then went to 50 before Laxman top edged to Trott at deep square leg. Suresh Raina then fell LBW to Swann for nought, 183-5. MS Dhoni then joined Dravid and took India to tea, 193-5.
After batting comfortably Dhoni then edged Chris Tremlett for Swann to take a diving catch to go for 28. Harbhajan Singh then edged to Matt Prior 2nd ball for nought, 240-7. Praveen Kumar started swinging merrily and reached 17 before he top edged Broad for Strauss to take a catch running back. Dravid then flicked to two, reached his hundred and let out a roar. Injured Zaheer Khan went for a duck to Anderson, then Ishant Sharma edged behind for the same score and India were 286 all out, Dravid finishing 103 not out. England saw off the final 5 overs without trouble.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
The "Pane" of a Draw
Lord's- England vs Sri Lanka- fifth day- a possibly exciting if England could get a move on and score quickly to see if they could enduce another Cardiff-esqe collapse.
England resumed 149-2 with Alistair Cook and Kevin Pietersen batting. They started brightly enough mainly thanks to the continuous no-balling from Suranga Lakmal and Chanaka Welegedara. 48 runs came from the first eight overs and a big total and declaration looked likely. KP was scratchy but was scoring runs but these dried up with the introduction of Rangana Herath at the Nursery End who bowled a tight line.
The partnership passed 100 and then Herath stuck with an unplayable ball which gripped and spun from leg past Pietersen's forward jab and onto the off stump to bowl him for 72. This brought Ian Bell in who promptly smashed 15 off the last over before lunch bowled by Dilhara Fernando to leave England 260-3. Cook, mysteriously, had only scored 22 in the whole session which was odd given the position of the match.
After lunch, both batsmen started to go for more shots as the score raced past 300, helped out by poor fielding as Bell was dropped at long off. Cook then reached his 18th test 100 with a four before being stumped for the first time in first-class cricket for 106 off Herath. A collapse then ensued as quick runs were the order of the day as Eoin Morgan smacked one four before being caught at mid off. Matt Prior then came in and after a mix up with Bell was run out from a direct hit from Prasanna Jayawardene. Bell then reached his fifty off 40 balls before reverse paddling a four of Herath before Fernando got rid of Broad caught behind at which point the declaration came at 335-7, leaving Sri Lanka needing 343 off 59 overs, or just not to collapse to defeat.
With Dilshan injured, Sangakkara opened the batting with Tharanga Paranavitana. Sanga hit two fours off Chris Tremlett before carving one to point where Morgan took the catch, a collapse may ensue perhaps? Mahela Jayawardene saw things through to tea.
England came out on full attack but they failed to dislodge the pair, until Broad induced a poor shot from Jayawardene who was well caught by Pietersen to his left at fourth slip. This kept things interesting and England could have had another wicket but Thilan Samaraweera reviewed an lbw shout by Graeme Swann that wasn't ever going to hit the stumps.
Jonathon Trott proved an unlikely success when he came on to bowl and in his 2nd over, Paranavitana was stuck in line and after a long, pleading, appeal was given out, he reviewed it, but was sent packing for 44, a grittyeffort when the team needed it.
After that the game ground towards a draw and apart from a five wides ball from Steve Finn and a one-minute over from KP the draw was confirmed just after 6pm with Sri Lanka 127-3.
The unlikely moment of the day came after Prior was run out, he stormed into the dressing room and a few seconds later there was a crash of glass as a dressing room window was broken. Prior had to apologise to the members before England went out to field and an ECB statement first said it was his glove that broke the window before eventually admitting it was his bat.
England resumed 149-2 with Alistair Cook and Kevin Pietersen batting. They started brightly enough mainly thanks to the continuous no-balling from Suranga Lakmal and Chanaka Welegedara. 48 runs came from the first eight overs and a big total and declaration looked likely. KP was scratchy but was scoring runs but these dried up with the introduction of Rangana Herath at the Nursery End who bowled a tight line.
The partnership passed 100 and then Herath stuck with an unplayable ball which gripped and spun from leg past Pietersen's forward jab and onto the off stump to bowl him for 72. This brought Ian Bell in who promptly smashed 15 off the last over before lunch bowled by Dilhara Fernando to leave England 260-3. Cook, mysteriously, had only scored 22 in the whole session which was odd given the position of the match.
After lunch, both batsmen started to go for more shots as the score raced past 300, helped out by poor fielding as Bell was dropped at long off. Cook then reached his 18th test 100 with a four before being stumped for the first time in first-class cricket for 106 off Herath. A collapse then ensued as quick runs were the order of the day as Eoin Morgan smacked one four before being caught at mid off. Matt Prior then came in and after a mix up with Bell was run out from a direct hit from Prasanna Jayawardene. Bell then reached his fifty off 40 balls before reverse paddling a four of Herath before Fernando got rid of Broad caught behind at which point the declaration came at 335-7, leaving Sri Lanka needing 343 off 59 overs, or just not to collapse to defeat.
With Dilshan injured, Sangakkara opened the batting with Tharanga Paranavitana. Sanga hit two fours off Chris Tremlett before carving one to point where Morgan took the catch, a collapse may ensue perhaps? Mahela Jayawardene saw things through to tea.
England came out on full attack but they failed to dislodge the pair, until Broad induced a poor shot from Jayawardene who was well caught by Pietersen to his left at fourth slip. This kept things interesting and England could have had another wicket but Thilan Samaraweera reviewed an lbw shout by Graeme Swann that wasn't ever going to hit the stumps.
Jonathon Trott proved an unlikely success when he came on to bowl and in his 2nd over, Paranavitana was stuck in line and after a long, pleading, appeal was given out, he reviewed it, but was sent packing for 44, a grittyeffort when the team needed it.
After that the game ground towards a draw and apart from a five wides ball from Steve Finn and a one-minute over from KP the draw was confirmed just after 6pm with Sri Lanka 127-3.
The unlikely moment of the day came after Prior was run out, he stormed into the dressing room and a few seconds later there was a crash of glass as a dressing room window was broken. Prior had to apologise to the members before England went out to field and an ECB statement first said it was his glove that broke the window before eventually admitting it was his bat.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Oh Lord, What a Day
So, to Lord's for the 2nd day of England vs Sri Lanka. There was almost a full house to greet Stuart Broad and Matt Prior as they resumed with England on 342/6. Almost immediately the pair set about frustrating the bowlers by launching two fours in the first over as runs arrived easily, showing that some of the England wickets were due to bad batting rather than good bowling. Broad reached 50 off 47 balls before Prior went to his hundred off 107 balls to a standing ovation, albeit slightly lucky, having been dropped by Mahela Jayawardene on 94 and again on 99. Finally a wicket came as Chanaka Welegedara trapped Broad LBW for 54. In the eight overs 68 had come off 49 balls. Graeme Swann fell in the same over, however, for four to leave England 414-8.
Chris Tremlett joined Prior and they hit their way along merrily and the 450 arrived then Prior attempted to mow Rangana Herath into the Tavern Stand, and was bowled for 126. The last wicket still eluded them as Steve Finn joined Tremlett and they hit England to 486 and on the stroke of lunch Finn went the same way as Prior for 19, leaving Tremleet unbeaten on 24, Welegedara finishing with 4-122.
After lunch it was Sri Lanka's turn and Paranavitana and captain Dilshan, led a responce with the help of a mis-firing England attack. Paranavitana blocked and Dilshan playing loosely, didn't quite find the edge, although a top edge just evaded the sub fielder and went for six. Nothing went England's way and this was summed up when Finn finally found an edge of Paranavitana, only for Cook to spill a simple catch at third slip. Dilshan went to 50 off 58 balls and the hundred was up at tea with Sri Lanka 101-0.
After tea, Dilshan then proceeded to smack Swann for his 2nd six into the pavilion, felling a spectator. More of the same as none of Broad, Tremlett, Finn, Swann or even Kevin Pietersen, couldn't find a way through the openers. The aerial bombing approach of three tall bowlers wasn't working at all due to a poor line and a lifeless pitch as Paranavitana reached his 50 off 141 balls. Then Dilshan smacked one through the covers off Finn as he went to his first hundred as captain off only 129 balls.
With England running out of ideas, Dilshan inside edged the ball past the stumps for four off Finn, but his luck would finally change. In the next over from the Nursery end Pranavitana, on 64, edged again, and this time it flew to Andrew Strauss who clung on for his 99th test catch to break the partnership at 207, a record for Sri Lanka against England.
Sangakkara and Dilshan saw out the last nine overs so that Sri Lanka closed on 231-1, still 255 behind, but with lots of batting still to come, the match could have an interesting finish.
Chris Tremlett joined Prior and they hit their way along merrily and the 450 arrived then Prior attempted to mow Rangana Herath into the Tavern Stand, and was bowled for 126. The last wicket still eluded them as Steve Finn joined Tremlett and they hit England to 486 and on the stroke of lunch Finn went the same way as Prior for 19, leaving Tremleet unbeaten on 24, Welegedara finishing with 4-122.
After lunch it was Sri Lanka's turn and Paranavitana and captain Dilshan, led a responce with the help of a mis-firing England attack. Paranavitana blocked and Dilshan playing loosely, didn't quite find the edge, although a top edge just evaded the sub fielder and went for six. Nothing went England's way and this was summed up when Finn finally found an edge of Paranavitana, only for Cook to spill a simple catch at third slip. Dilshan went to 50 off 58 balls and the hundred was up at tea with Sri Lanka 101-0.
After tea, Dilshan then proceeded to smack Swann for his 2nd six into the pavilion, felling a spectator. More of the same as none of Broad, Tremlett, Finn, Swann or even Kevin Pietersen, couldn't find a way through the openers. The aerial bombing approach of three tall bowlers wasn't working at all due to a poor line and a lifeless pitch as Paranavitana reached his 50 off 141 balls. Then Dilshan smacked one through the covers off Finn as he went to his first hundred as captain off only 129 balls.
With England running out of ideas, Dilshan inside edged the ball past the stumps for four off Finn, but his luck would finally change. In the next over from the Nursery end Pranavitana, on 64, edged again, and this time it flew to Andrew Strauss who clung on for his 99th test catch to break the partnership at 207, a record for Sri Lanka against England.
Sangakkara and Dilshan saw out the last nine overs so that Sri Lanka closed on 231-1, still 255 behind, but with lots of batting still to come, the match could have an interesting finish.
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