ashes

[andy24]

england posted a nice total 435. bit disapointed in australia thought they could of keeped england score down a bit.
but i believe we can set a good total for england to chase in there 2nd innings

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Yeah, really disappointing that the Aussie bowlers couldn't have gotten the English lower order out quickly.
But it was a good opening days play and if anything it shows that England won't simply roll over like they did in 2006-07. Looks like we have an Ashes series on our hands.

[Detective RDS]

Both of the teams are good batting unit.

Nathan Hauritz did wellp picking up 3 wickets. But even I think Stuart Clark has got a role to play for. His test records are fine and he should be selected since Brett Lee is injured. But Johnson, Siddle and Hilfenhaus has done well also.

England bowling is the main worry for me. They had the best bowling department in Asheas 2005. Panesar and Swann both spinners are playing in this match. Panesar did well previously but his form fall lately and it's a concern that he hasn't got many variety in his bowling. I have noticed Swann bowling well and it will be interesting to see how he bowls in this match. In the pace options, I'm sure about Fredy (Flintoff). Simon Jones, one of the heroes of Asheas '05, ruled out of season 2009 for injury, very unfortunate. Anderson and Broad were not upto mark against the batting of Aussies. Actually, I'm not sure about Broad though he did well against WI in test. I will bring back Steve Harmison for 2nd test keepng in mind his pace and bounce. Mathew Hoggard should be remembered too if Stuart Broad fails. Hoggard can swing the ball very well.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Hilfenhaus bowled well in the first innings. I would have preferred Clark because he is the most McGrath-like bowler we have, but it might be hard for him to get in the team after Hilfenhaus' good (economical) performance. I like Hauritz - everyone else says he's rubbish but I think he is not a bad containing bowler, and he always manages to pick up a few wickets. His Test bowling average is quite a bit lower than his First Class average (something like 30 to 47). People need to stop comparing him to Warne, it's a mean comparison to make because Warne was a legendary bowler. Hauritz is nowhere near that level, but he is also a very different bowler (much more defensive).

I'm worried about Hussey, out for 3 today. I was hoping he had hit form again against the England Lions - I watched that match and he looked very good when he made his hundred... but his horrid run at Test level continues.

Thought Harmison was stiff to get overlooked for the Test (for England). Bowled well in the tour match, he might get a chance later in the series. Was better than Onions.

[andy24]

clakre and north have continued pontings and katichs good work. hussey is having a real form struggle of late. i think the only outcome now should be a draw or win to Australia.

[Detective RDS]

Today is the 5th and last day of the 1st Asheas test.

England are two wickets down and still needs 222 runs to avoid the innings defeat. But if they can pass the whole day then the match will be drawn. But I think the Aussie bowler come very hard to them.

I think, the main key for Eng will be Kevin Pietersen (KP) and Andrew Strauss. How long they can bat. But overally I think the match will be drawn. No chance for Eng to win the 1st match repeating the history. Chance for Aus to bowl Eng out and go 1-0 ahead in the series. But I think, it will be a DRAWN anyhow.

As far as the form of Micheal Hussey is concerned, he scored runs in the practise match agaisnt England Lions. It's just a matter of time that he returns in the full flow and starts making runs. I guess, in the 2nd test.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Pietersen gone! Early scalp for the Aussies.

[andy24]

bit disapointed in a draw. i really thought we should of won. Cant want to the next test.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Yeah. England's time wasting tactics were disappointing, but ultimately we had an hour to get Panesar out so it's not like we didn't have the chance. I thought Hauritz bowled really well but was clearly tired and less effective by the end of the day - his first 20-25 overs were outstanding.

And the ICC want to bring Tests down to 4 days... good luck!

[alan132]

Outstanding effort by England's tail to save the test. With Flintoff injured and not certain to play, it looks as if Harmison will be selected to add a bit more fire power to the seam department.

I have a ticket for the 1st day of the Lord's test so will have a first hand chance to assess any of the much needed improvement required by England