Jonathan Trott continued his prolific tour with his second hundred of the one-day series as England made the most of batting on a hot afternoon to post a massive 6 for 333 at the SCG. His career-best 137 was the cornerstone of England's highest total against the hosts in Australia with Andrew Strauss providing the early impetus from a positive 63 and Ian Bell the later power in a fourth-wicket stand of 104 in 11 overs.
It was the third time in the series they had beaten their record total after the innings at Melbourne and Adelaide. Trott's hundred was his fourth of the trip following two in the Ashes series and his 102 at Adelaide last week. He took his time to play himself in and didn't strike a boundary until his 40th delivery in a first fifty taking 61 balls. But the next half of his ton came off 39 balls as he collected four boundaries during the batting Powerplay.
Shaun Tait thought he had him lbw on 82, but the decision was overturned on review with the ball sliding down leg, and Trott escaped again with a missed run out opportunity on 88. He started to have problems running from what appeared to be cramp as the hundred approached and, after passing three figures and slamming Mitchell Johnson through the covers, was allowed a runner until falling in the final over. The last 87 of his runs came from 65 deliveries.
Bell provided the innings with ideal acceleration as he got himself going in the batting Powerplay then showed his inventive skills by lapping Shane Watson and John Hastings for boundaries. He and Trott added runs at nearly nine an over, the sort of dominant partnership England have struggled to produce even in their previous hefty totals.
Michael Clarke used eight bowlers, including himself for a rare over, but none were especially effective and the fielding was ragged. Admittedly, Strauss won an important toss which meant his bowlers avoided the hottest conditions, but Australia lacked the edge of previous matches when the series was alive.
Matt Prior began unconvincingly against the short ball as he twice pulled just out of reach of fielders. He produced a couple of stinging drives before being removed in Johnson's first over when a delivery shaped back at him, struck the pad and cannoned into off stump.
Strauss was far more secure and wasn't afraid to use his feet against the quick bowlers as he advanced at Johnson and whipped him through the leg side. He repeated the dose as Johnson dropped short in his next over during an inconsistent spell where the ball was also pushed down the leg side.
Strauss reached a neat fifty, his second of the series, off 52 balls but knew that England's failing has been to build on starts. When Clarke introduced his spinners Strauss worked them around comfortably to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Having watched the batsmen throw away wickets during the series, Strauss looked intent on showing the way. However, having played with controlled aggression he clipped Steve Smith to midwicket to gift the legspinner another wicket during a productive series.
Kevin Pietersen was threatening to cut loose with two boundaries in three balls off Hastings, but his frustrating series continued when he drove the first ball of the batting Powerplay to mid-off. The fielding restrictions again threatening to be a curse rather than a blessing, but the five overs still produced 43 runs as Trott and Bell began their surge.
Eoin Morgan (21) kept up the momentum in the closing overs, as Trott laboured with his muscle problems, until reverse sweeping Watson to short fine-leg. Even with a depleted bowling attack England should defend this total.
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Fine Trott Century Pushes England to 299
Jonathan Trott chose the perfect time to deliver his second ODI century as he set up England's formidable 8 for 299 in the must-win ODI in Adelaide. Trott collected an attractive 102 off 126 deliveries that built on Matt Prior's brutal 67 off 58 as the top order maintained a ferocious pace.
The hosts lead 3-0 and can wrap up the seven-match contest with victory tonight, but they face an assignment that would have been even harder without the work of their slow bowlers. David Hussey, who stole 4 for 21 off four overs, and Steven Smith (3 for 33 off seven) collected career-best figures as they restricted batsmen who had enjoyed the offerings of their faster team-mates.
Trott backed up his 84 not out in Sydney on Sunday with a much more fluent contribution that drove England. He unfurled a couple of delightful straight drives, including one off John Hastings to move to 85, and reached his century with a single to midwicket.
He didn't push on after the milestone and played-on to Hussey shortly after raising his bat, walking off with six boundaries and a long ovation. Hussey also removed Eoin Morgan, who miscued a reverse sweep on 24, and at 6 for 227 in the 42nd over, it seemed England were wasting their incredible start.
Paul Collingwood, who launched Brett Lee for six to midwicket in the Powerplay, and Michael Yardy provided some late muscle to ensure a big score. Collingwood passed 5000 ODI runs, becoming the first England batsman to pass the milestone, during his run-a-ball 27 while Yardy grabbed an unbeaten 39 off 27. Hussey, the offspinner, was called late, knocking over Collingwood and then dismissing Ajmal Shahzad in the final over.
Prior and Jonathan Trott delivered the early pain to the Australians after the visitors won the toss. Prior, who didn't score in his past two innings, sped to his half-century with a series of brutal pulls and drives. He and Trott put on 113 at almost a run a ball for the second wicket following the early loss of Andrew Strauss for (8).
Prior wasted little time in getting going, flicking a boundary behind square off the expensive Lee in the first over, and he soon hit him for another strong shot on the up through cover. Doug Bollinger was also targeted by Prior, who struck two off-side fours before Trott played a crisp straight drive in an over costing 14.
Australia had a couple of run-out chances and the worst miss came when Prior and Trott ended up at the same end after Lee's ball was defended by Trott on to the base of the stumps. Lee followed through but his wild throw back to the bowler's end was wide and Trott survived on 30. Lee's embarrassment worsened next ball when Prior pulled him off the front foot for six to bring up his fifty as England moved to 100 after 15 overs.
Smith, the legspinner, picked up the key wicket of Prior in his second over when he cut to point in the 23rd over. Smith had more success when he watched Kevin Pietersen chip to long-on on 12 and two balls later Bell exited without scoring. Bell went down the pitch trying a late cut, with the edge being well taken by Brad Haddin, and England stuttered to 4 for 158.
Xavier Doherty, the left-arm spinner, also exploited the sluggish pitch and slowed the run-rate during 10 overs costing 44. The work of the slow men was desperately needed as the quicks were targeted throughout. The fast bowlers seemed in trouble from the moment Lee's first over went for 12 after he started with five wides down the legside. He finished with 1 for 68 off eight while Bollinger also struggled at the start and finish, giving away 55 in nine.
The hosts lead 3-0 and can wrap up the seven-match contest with victory tonight, but they face an assignment that would have been even harder without the work of their slow bowlers. David Hussey, who stole 4 for 21 off four overs, and Steven Smith (3 for 33 off seven) collected career-best figures as they restricted batsmen who had enjoyed the offerings of their faster team-mates.
Trott backed up his 84 not out in Sydney on Sunday with a much more fluent contribution that drove England. He unfurled a couple of delightful straight drives, including one off John Hastings to move to 85, and reached his century with a single to midwicket.
He didn't push on after the milestone and played-on to Hussey shortly after raising his bat, walking off with six boundaries and a long ovation. Hussey also removed Eoin Morgan, who miscued a reverse sweep on 24, and at 6 for 227 in the 42nd over, it seemed England were wasting their incredible start.
Paul Collingwood, who launched Brett Lee for six to midwicket in the Powerplay, and Michael Yardy provided some late muscle to ensure a big score. Collingwood passed 5000 ODI runs, becoming the first England batsman to pass the milestone, during his run-a-ball 27 while Yardy grabbed an unbeaten 39 off 27. Hussey, the offspinner, was called late, knocking over Collingwood and then dismissing Ajmal Shahzad in the final over.
Prior and Jonathan Trott delivered the early pain to the Australians after the visitors won the toss. Prior, who didn't score in his past two innings, sped to his half-century with a series of brutal pulls and drives. He and Trott put on 113 at almost a run a ball for the second wicket following the early loss of Andrew Strauss for (8).
Prior wasted little time in getting going, flicking a boundary behind square off the expensive Lee in the first over, and he soon hit him for another strong shot on the up through cover. Doug Bollinger was also targeted by Prior, who struck two off-side fours before Trott played a crisp straight drive in an over costing 14.
Australia had a couple of run-out chances and the worst miss came when Prior and Trott ended up at the same end after Lee's ball was defended by Trott on to the base of the stumps. Lee followed through but his wild throw back to the bowler's end was wide and Trott survived on 30. Lee's embarrassment worsened next ball when Prior pulled him off the front foot for six to bring up his fifty as England moved to 100 after 15 overs.
Smith, the legspinner, picked up the key wicket of Prior in his second over when he cut to point in the 23rd over. Smith had more success when he watched Kevin Pietersen chip to long-on on 12 and two balls later Bell exited without scoring. Bell went down the pitch trying a late cut, with the edge being well taken by Brad Haddin, and England stuttered to 4 for 158.
Xavier Doherty, the left-arm spinner, also exploited the sluggish pitch and slowed the run-rate during 10 overs costing 44. The work of the slow men was desperately needed as the quicks were targeted throughout. The fast bowlers seemed in trouble from the moment Lee's first over went for 12 after he started with five wides down the legside. He finished with 1 for 68 off eight while Bollinger also struggled at the start and finish, giving away 55 in nine.
Monday, January 24, 2011
England Fight to Keep Series Alive
The Big Picture
Australia Day would be the perfect occasion for the home side to wrap up the one-day series, but for the sake of the remaining contests an England victory is what's really needed. The visitors have played some poor cricket, especially in the last two matches, with the batting faring badly. A defeat here and the plane home won't be able to come soon enough.
That, though, won't be any concern of Australia's. They desperately needed to regain some belief following the Ashes and with coloured clothes back on they are beginning to hit their stride. England haven't forced them to play at their best, but even with injuries they are building up a head of steam. David Hussey was the star at the SCG as he showed his finishing skills, which will be valuable at the World Cup, but Brett Lee took the Man-of-the-Match award and he has led the attack superbly.
England's bowlers have actually performed a decent role, considering that it has been a second string attack, and the likes of Ajmal Shahzad, Chris Tremlett and Chris Woakes show the depth available. But somewhere in the transition from Tests to one-dayers key batsmen have lost the skill to convert starts into big innings.
It's a feeling of déjà vu as far as both sides are concerned. In the aftermath of the 2009 Ashes, also won by England, the one-day series was a horribly lop-sided affair as Australia cruised to a 6-1 drubbing. If the hosts continue their winning streak in Adelaide, it's very easy to see this series going the same way.
Form guide
(completed matches, most recent first)
Australia WWWWL
England LLLWL
Watch out for...
James Anderson was given a break after the Ashes but following 10 days at home with his new baby has returned to the tour in the nick of time. Although England's quicks have performed an admirable role, Anderson's experience of 133 matches will be a valuable addition. He's got fond memories of Adelaide after his impact during the Test match when he helped reduce Australia to 3 for 2 on the first morning and is a dangerous operator with the new white ball.
Cameron White has played a couple of valuable innings in this series; his 25 at Melbourne helped Shane Watson complete victory and his 45 at Hobart began the first recovery. He'll want to make his decent form count in the remainder of this series because, even though his place is secure, there will be strong competition for batting places if Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey both recover. With his immense power White shouldn't have a problem clearing the square boundaries at the Adelaide Oval and against the spinners even the straight hits aren't out of reach.
Team news
Michael Clarke said no risks will be taken with any player before the World Cup so Shaun Tait (thigh) and Mitchell Johnson (throat infection) remain doubtful. It means Australia could field the same attack that did an impressive job in Sydney.
Australia (probable) 1 Shane Watson, 2 Brad Haddin (wk), 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 Michael Clarke (capt), 5 Cameron White, 6 David Hussey, 7 Steve Smith, 8 John Hastings, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Xavier Doherty, 10 Doug Bollinger
Kevin Pietersen is fit again following his groin strain and James Anderson is available, while Andy Flower confirmed Matt Prior will continue to open the batting despite his two ducks since returning to the side. Paul Collingwood would be the likeliest batsman to make way, but could be considered at No. 7 with Michael Yardy struggling to have impact with bat or ball.
England (possible) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Matt Prior (wk), 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Ian Bell, 6 Eoin Morgan, 7 Paul Collingwood, 8 James Tredwell, 9 Ajmal Shahzad, 10 Chris Tremlett, 11 James Anderson
Stats and trivia
"We've played some exciting, positive cricket and I've enjoyed having the opportunity to lead the boys. I'd like to lead from the front with the bat and make some more runs, I'm well aware of that, but everyone is in good spirits and we believe there is a lot of room for improvement."
Michael Clarke
"It's not ideal, the start of this one-day series, but there are still four games to go. We intend to finish strongly, we are here to win these games, it's not just preparation for the World Cup."
Australia Day would be the perfect occasion for the home side to wrap up the one-day series, but for the sake of the remaining contests an England victory is what's really needed. The visitors have played some poor cricket, especially in the last two matches, with the batting faring badly. A defeat here and the plane home won't be able to come soon enough.
That, though, won't be any concern of Australia's. They desperately needed to regain some belief following the Ashes and with coloured clothes back on they are beginning to hit their stride. England haven't forced them to play at their best, but even with injuries they are building up a head of steam. David Hussey was the star at the SCG as he showed his finishing skills, which will be valuable at the World Cup, but Brett Lee took the Man-of-the-Match award and he has led the attack superbly.
England's bowlers have actually performed a decent role, considering that it has been a second string attack, and the likes of Ajmal Shahzad, Chris Tremlett and Chris Woakes show the depth available. But somewhere in the transition from Tests to one-dayers key batsmen have lost the skill to convert starts into big innings.
It's a feeling of déjà vu as far as both sides are concerned. In the aftermath of the 2009 Ashes, also won by England, the one-day series was a horribly lop-sided affair as Australia cruised to a 6-1 drubbing. If the hosts continue their winning streak in Adelaide, it's very easy to see this series going the same way.
Form guide
(completed matches, most recent first)
Australia WWWWL
England LLLWL
Watch out for...
James Anderson was given a break after the Ashes but following 10 days at home with his new baby has returned to the tour in the nick of time. Although England's quicks have performed an admirable role, Anderson's experience of 133 matches will be a valuable addition. He's got fond memories of Adelaide after his impact during the Test match when he helped reduce Australia to 3 for 2 on the first morning and is a dangerous operator with the new white ball.
Cameron White has played a couple of valuable innings in this series; his 25 at Melbourne helped Shane Watson complete victory and his 45 at Hobart began the first recovery. He'll want to make his decent form count in the remainder of this series because, even though his place is secure, there will be strong competition for batting places if Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey both recover. With his immense power White shouldn't have a problem clearing the square boundaries at the Adelaide Oval and against the spinners even the straight hits aren't out of reach.
Team news
Michael Clarke said no risks will be taken with any player before the World Cup so Shaun Tait (thigh) and Mitchell Johnson (throat infection) remain doubtful. It means Australia could field the same attack that did an impressive job in Sydney.
Australia (probable) 1 Shane Watson, 2 Brad Haddin (wk), 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 Michael Clarke (capt), 5 Cameron White, 6 David Hussey, 7 Steve Smith, 8 John Hastings, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Xavier Doherty, 10 Doug Bollinger
Kevin Pietersen is fit again following his groin strain and James Anderson is available, while Andy Flower confirmed Matt Prior will continue to open the batting despite his two ducks since returning to the side. Paul Collingwood would be the likeliest batsman to make way, but could be considered at No. 7 with Michael Yardy struggling to have impact with bat or ball.
England (possible) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Matt Prior (wk), 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Ian Bell, 6 Eoin Morgan, 7 Paul Collingwood, 8 James Tredwell, 9 Ajmal Shahzad, 10 Chris Tremlett, 11 James Anderson
Stats and trivia
- Adelaide is the venue of England's highest one-day total in Australia when they reached 3 for 302 in the infamous match against Sri Lanka during 1998-99 where Muttiah Muralitharan was also called for throwing. England still lost.
- James Anderson returns with a good one-day record in Australia. From 13 matches he has 21 wickets at 25.61, including a miserly 1 for 12 in 10 overs on this ground back in his debut series of 2002-03.
- The teams have met five times at Adelaide, with Australia ahead 4-1. England's only win was the first encounter back in 1983.
"We've played some exciting, positive cricket and I've enjoyed having the opportunity to lead the boys. I'd like to lead from the front with the bat and make some more runs, I'm well aware of that, but everyone is in good spirits and we believe there is a lot of room for improvement."
Michael Clarke
"It's not ideal, the start of this one-day series, but there are still four games to go. We intend to finish strongly, we are here to win these games, it's not just preparation for the World Cup."
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
England Choose Matt Prior Over Steve Davies
The return of Matt Prior is the major surprise in England's 15-man World Cup squad after he was preferred to Steve Davies for the wicketkeeper's role. Davies was the original glove man in the one-day squad against Australia, but won't be travelling to the subcontinent as England make another change behind the stumps.
The rest of the squad was as expected with Ajmal Shahzad securing the final fast bowler's slot and James Tredwell, the Kent offspinner, named as back up for Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy. Paul Collingwood was included despite his recent omission against Australia, Luke Wright retained his spot as the spare allrounder and Stuart Broad is on track to recover from the stomach injury that kept him out since the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
The last-minute switch to Prior was unexpected and meant England changed their one-day wicketkeeper for the third time in less than a year. Prior last played against Bangladesh, in Chittagong, in March where he batted in the middle order before being replaced by Craig Kieswetter, who held the position until the series against Pakistan in September, when Davies earned a chance.
Davies scored 197 runs in five matches against Pakistan and when he was retained for the current series against Australia he appeared set for the World Cup. He made 42 in the opening ODI in Melbourne but it was a scratchy innings which included four let-offs. The selectors were not convinced he was the right man for the subcontinent so Prior, who has been playing in the Big Bash for Victoria since the end of the Ashes, gets another chance at the top of the order. He will link up with the squad in Hobart ahead of the second ODI, where he will open with Andrew Strauss.
"Matt Prior returns to the England ODI squad after a brief absence and given his recent form and his batting style, which is very well suited to the subcontinent conditions, we believe his inclusion is warranted," Geoff Miller, the national selector, said. "Despite some strong performances both with the bat and behind the stumps by Steven Davies, we feel that Matt's game will be better suited to the conditions in Bangladesh and India, the venues staging England's group matches."
Prior has played 55 one-day internationals and averages 25.38 with a strike-rate of 74.80, while his record in India, where England will play five of their six group matches, is unflattering with 158 runs in 11 matches at an average of 17.55. However, he did finish the Ashes series in strong form with 85 in Melbourne and 118 in Sydney, and has since hit 51 off 29 balls for Victoria on his Big Bash debut against Tasmania.
Prior is guaranteed his place in the starting XI but the same can't be said of Collingwood after he was dropped for the opening match against Australia so he could "clear his mind". He is expected to be given some match time towards the end of the one-day series and has been backed to be a key part of the World Cup.
"Paul Collingwood may not have scored as many runs as he would have liked so far on the tour of Australia but he has been a consistently strong performer for England in limited-overs cricket for a long period of time," Miller said. "His experience, ODI knowledge and skills across all three facets of the game make him a valuable member of the squad and he'll be looking to make a big impact at another global event."
Miller was also confident the squad had the depth to cope with all the challenges that will be put forward during the tournament. "With spin bowlers set to play a prominent role in this World Cup we feel we have quality and depth in Graeme Swann, Michael Yardy and James Tredwell who have all shown their capabilities at international level," he said.
"We believe we have selected an extremely exciting World Cup squad that offers balance with several options across the entire squad. With this tournament being staged on the subcontinent the conditions will require a specific style of cricket and we feel that we've selected a squad that can prosper in these conditions."
Squad Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy
The rest of the squad was as expected with Ajmal Shahzad securing the final fast bowler's slot and James Tredwell, the Kent offspinner, named as back up for Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy. Paul Collingwood was included despite his recent omission against Australia, Luke Wright retained his spot as the spare allrounder and Stuart Broad is on track to recover from the stomach injury that kept him out since the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
The last-minute switch to Prior was unexpected and meant England changed their one-day wicketkeeper for the third time in less than a year. Prior last played against Bangladesh, in Chittagong, in March where he batted in the middle order before being replaced by Craig Kieswetter, who held the position until the series against Pakistan in September, when Davies earned a chance.
Davies scored 197 runs in five matches against Pakistan and when he was retained for the current series against Australia he appeared set for the World Cup. He made 42 in the opening ODI in Melbourne but it was a scratchy innings which included four let-offs. The selectors were not convinced he was the right man for the subcontinent so Prior, who has been playing in the Big Bash for Victoria since the end of the Ashes, gets another chance at the top of the order. He will link up with the squad in Hobart ahead of the second ODI, where he will open with Andrew Strauss.
"Matt Prior returns to the England ODI squad after a brief absence and given his recent form and his batting style, which is very well suited to the subcontinent conditions, we believe his inclusion is warranted," Geoff Miller, the national selector, said. "Despite some strong performances both with the bat and behind the stumps by Steven Davies, we feel that Matt's game will be better suited to the conditions in Bangladesh and India, the venues staging England's group matches."
Prior has played 55 one-day internationals and averages 25.38 with a strike-rate of 74.80, while his record in India, where England will play five of their six group matches, is unflattering with 158 runs in 11 matches at an average of 17.55. However, he did finish the Ashes series in strong form with 85 in Melbourne and 118 in Sydney, and has since hit 51 off 29 balls for Victoria on his Big Bash debut against Tasmania.
Prior is guaranteed his place in the starting XI but the same can't be said of Collingwood after he was dropped for the opening match against Australia so he could "clear his mind". He is expected to be given some match time towards the end of the one-day series and has been backed to be a key part of the World Cup.
"Paul Collingwood may not have scored as many runs as he would have liked so far on the tour of Australia but he has been a consistently strong performer for England in limited-overs cricket for a long period of time," Miller said. "His experience, ODI knowledge and skills across all three facets of the game make him a valuable member of the squad and he'll be looking to make a big impact at another global event."
Miller was also confident the squad had the depth to cope with all the challenges that will be put forward during the tournament. "With spin bowlers set to play a prominent role in this World Cup we feel we have quality and depth in Graeme Swann, Michael Yardy and James Tredwell who have all shown their capabilities at international level," he said.
"We believe we have selected an extremely exciting World Cup squad that offers balance with several options across the entire squad. With this tournament being staged on the subcontinent the conditions will require a specific style of cricket and we feel that we've selected a squad that can prosper in these conditions."
Squad Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy
Monday, January 17, 2011
Marsh Sets up Another England Victory
Laura Marsh continued her strong form as England swept aside Australia again to take a 4-0 lead with a match to play in the Twenty20 series. Marsh starred for the second game in a row as England defended their 144 to secure a 13-run win at Canberra's Manuka Oval.
England had a stunning start as Marsh (43 off 28 balls) and Charlotte Edwards, who collected 15 off eight, sped out of the blocks, but the hosts fought back through the spinners Shelley Nitschke and Sarah Elliott. Nitschke removed Danielle Wyatt and Marsh on the way to 3 for 19 off four overs, while Elliott broke through the middle order with 3 for 17.
Elliott had Jenny Gunn (10) lbw and bowled Lydia Greenway, the star of the series, for 28 before dismissing Fran Wilson. That left England at 6 for 118, but the tail-enders boosted the total before the innings ended with a ball to spare.
Australia's troubles really began when they lost Leah Poulton, who top scored with 32, and Alex Blackwell in two deliveries with the score on 59. Jess Cameron fell nine runs later and despite a stand of 40 between Rachael Haynes (25) and Nitschke (22), the side was left with too much to do.
Holly Colvin ended up with 2 for 25 as Australia finished at 6 for 131. The final game of the series is in Canberra on Tuesday.
"England played really well again today and full credit goes to Charlotte and her team," said Australia coach Richard McInnes. "It's obviously disappointing not to get the win today; we made some changes to the team to try and find that winning formula but again we've come up just short. We need to turn things around tomorrow and finish this series with a win before we head to Sydney for the Ashes Test at Bankstown starting on Saturday."
The Ashes Test gives Australia a chance to put the misery of the Twenty20 series behind them and captain Blackwell is confident her side can spring a surprise.
ngland currently hold the Ashes and we have one chance to get them back so we will be playing some good attacking cricket to do everything we can to win them back," Blackwell said.
"We've played some good one-day and Twenty20 cricket so far but there is no doubt an Ashes win would be the highlight of the summer for us," she said. "We've got half the squad from New South Wales so we're all really looking forward to getting back home and putting on a good show."
England had a stunning start as Marsh (43 off 28 balls) and Charlotte Edwards, who collected 15 off eight, sped out of the blocks, but the hosts fought back through the spinners Shelley Nitschke and Sarah Elliott. Nitschke removed Danielle Wyatt and Marsh on the way to 3 for 19 off four overs, while Elliott broke through the middle order with 3 for 17.
Elliott had Jenny Gunn (10) lbw and bowled Lydia Greenway, the star of the series, for 28 before dismissing Fran Wilson. That left England at 6 for 118, but the tail-enders boosted the total before the innings ended with a ball to spare.
Australia's troubles really began when they lost Leah Poulton, who top scored with 32, and Alex Blackwell in two deliveries with the score on 59. Jess Cameron fell nine runs later and despite a stand of 40 between Rachael Haynes (25) and Nitschke (22), the side was left with too much to do.
Holly Colvin ended up with 2 for 25 as Australia finished at 6 for 131. The final game of the series is in Canberra on Tuesday.
"England played really well again today and full credit goes to Charlotte and her team," said Australia coach Richard McInnes. "It's obviously disappointing not to get the win today; we made some changes to the team to try and find that winning formula but again we've come up just short. We need to turn things around tomorrow and finish this series with a win before we head to Sydney for the Ashes Test at Bankstown starting on Saturday."
The Ashes Test gives Australia a chance to put the misery of the Twenty20 series behind them and captain Blackwell is confident her side can spring a surprise.
ngland currently hold the Ashes and we have one chance to get them back so we will be playing some good attacking cricket to do everything we can to win them back," Blackwell said.
"We've played some good one-day and Twenty20 cricket so far but there is no doubt an Ashes win would be the highlight of the summer for us," she said. "We've got half the squad from New South Wales so we're all really looking forward to getting back home and putting on a good show."
Friday, January 14, 2011
Australia-England ODIs to Feature Umpire Reviews
Players will be able to challenge umpiring decisions in one-day cricket for the first time this Sunday, as Australia and England trial the decision review system in the lead-up to the World Cup. Despite the BCCI's continued opposition to the UDRS, it will be used for the duration of the World Cup, which starts on the subcontinent on February 19.
Hot Spot is likely to only be available for the final stages, as there are not enough Hot Spot cameras to be sent to all the pool matches. Until now, the UDRS has only been used in Test cricket, but it relies on the boards of both countries agreeing, and only four of the past ten Test series have featured umpire reviews.
However, the ICC is keen to see the system implemented in as many series as possible, and has encouraged countries to test it in bilateral ODI series before the World Cup. The Australia-England matches will be the first one-day games to include reviews, with teams expected to be allowed two incorrect referrals per innings as in Test matches.
The third-umpire duties for the seven-match series will be shared between Billy Bowden, Tony Hill, Asad Rauf and Marais Erasmus - all members of the ICC's elite panel who will then go on to the World Cup. The UDRS has been used in Tests since 2008, and the ICC cricket committee will evaluate its long-term viability after the World Cup.
The UDRS was introduced in an effort to remove umpiring howlers from the game, and it has taken players some time to work out how best to use the system without wasting their chances. During the recent Ashes series, Australia and England each asked for 20 referrals, with England having eight decisions overturned and Australia seven.
By the end of the series, the players were much less hasty with their reviews, and the Sydney Test featured only one referral by each team. At the Gabba and the Adelaide Oval, the teams requested a combined 11 reviews, and the number peaked at 12 during Australia's victory in the third Test at the WACA.
However, the use of the system was not without incident. Australia's captain Ricky Ponting was fined for a prolonged debate with the umpires at the MCG, where he felt that Hot Spot had showed Kevin Pietersen edged the ball, but the third official did not interpret the vision the same way.
Hot Spot is likely to only be available for the final stages, as there are not enough Hot Spot cameras to be sent to all the pool matches. Until now, the UDRS has only been used in Test cricket, but it relies on the boards of both countries agreeing, and only four of the past ten Test series have featured umpire reviews.
However, the ICC is keen to see the system implemented in as many series as possible, and has encouraged countries to test it in bilateral ODI series before the World Cup. The Australia-England matches will be the first one-day games to include reviews, with teams expected to be allowed two incorrect referrals per innings as in Test matches.
The third-umpire duties for the seven-match series will be shared between Billy Bowden, Tony Hill, Asad Rauf and Marais Erasmus - all members of the ICC's elite panel who will then go on to the World Cup. The UDRS has been used in Tests since 2008, and the ICC cricket committee will evaluate its long-term viability after the World Cup.
The UDRS was introduced in an effort to remove umpiring howlers from the game, and it has taken players some time to work out how best to use the system without wasting their chances. During the recent Ashes series, Australia and England each asked for 20 referrals, with England having eight decisions overturned and Australia seven.
By the end of the series, the players were much less hasty with their reviews, and the Sydney Test featured only one referral by each team. At the Gabba and the Adelaide Oval, the teams requested a combined 11 reviews, and the number peaked at 12 during Australia's victory in the third Test at the WACA.
However, the use of the system was not without incident. Australia's captain Ricky Ponting was fined for a prolonged debate with the umpires at the MCG, where he felt that Hot Spot had showed Kevin Pietersen edged the ball, but the third official did not interpret the vision the same way.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
New England Patriots: Bill Belichick Isn't a Coach Rex Ryan Wants To Face
Rex Ryan has said enough since he arrived as head coach of the New York Jets to indicate that Bill Belichick is his mortal enemy.
From not coming to New York to "kiss Belichick's rings" all the way up to December's "we want to kick Belichick's [obscene name for a donkey]."
Last week, Ryan was asked a question about Peyton Manning, but was very quick to drag Belichick into the discussion. According to Pro Football Talk, Ryan said, "Nobody studies like him. I know Brady thinks he does. I think there’s probably a little more help from Belichick with Brady than there is with Peyton Manning."
Although many in the media saw this as an insult to Brady, is that an indictment on him as much as it is on Manning? Of course Brady gets help from Belichick; the quarterback and head coach should be on the same page for any team to achieve greatness. Not to say that Manning and Caldwell aren't on the same page, but Brady and Belichick most certainly are. They always have been, and always will be.
They embrace and embody the Patriot Way; teamwork and unity.
Brady, meanwhile, had his own small jab for Ryan. "Of course we [get help from Belichick]. I think we have the best coach in the history of football. We have a great offensive staff, a great defensive staff that get all the players prepared."
Could it be that Rex Ryan actually agreed with Tom Brady? Ryan said, "I recognize [Belichick] is the best. But I'm just trying to be the best on Sunday. And I plan on being the best coach on Sunday."
What Ryan may not realize, or may not want to admit, is that it's not about Rex Ryan vs. Bill Belichick. While their game plans and play calling will play a role in the outcome, they won't ultimately decide anything. It will come down to the players making the plays and executing that game plan for a full 60 minutes of football.
It will come down to the many match-ups between the two teams and how they break down.
That's where Bill Belichick comes in.
Remember when the Patriots were beating the Jets on Monday Night Football in Week 13 by a score of 45-3? Most head coaches might be taking it easy on their players, resting up the starters and drawing up game plans for the next week.
Not Bill Belichick.
He was right in their faces, telling them that he didn't care what the score was, the Patriots were going to play a full 60 minutes of football. And they did.
He was still looking for weaknesses to exploit. And he did.
The scary thing is, he even made that game look like a mess. According to NESN.com's Jeff Howe, Deion Branch said, "The score was 45-3, but we had a lot of mistakes in the game and I think those are the things we focus on more. He drills us on it. You wouldn’t think we won the game 45-3, which is good. That’s a good thing. Once [Belichick] shows [the film], guys realize where they made the mistakes and we’ve got to correct those mistakes."
It doesn't matter to Belichick that they won 45-3, it wouldn't have mattered if they won 450-3. Belichick can look beyond those numbers and see room for improvement.
That's the type of team that's ready for every situation because they've seen it all, and know how to react. At that point, it's just about players making plays.
What Belichick realizes, that Ryan has failed to come to grips with, is that not saying a word all week can be the sweetest feeling in the world when you win on Sunday. Or maybe it only feels that way when Ryan has been talking all week.
Belichick coaches for 60 minutes, and holds his team to the same standard by ingraining that 60 minute mentality into his team.
You could truly call these Patriots the "60-Minute Men."
From not coming to New York to "kiss Belichick's rings" all the way up to December's "we want to kick Belichick's [obscene name for a donkey]."
Last week, Ryan was asked a question about Peyton Manning, but was very quick to drag Belichick into the discussion. According to Pro Football Talk, Ryan said, "Nobody studies like him. I know Brady thinks he does. I think there’s probably a little more help from Belichick with Brady than there is with Peyton Manning."
Although many in the media saw this as an insult to Brady, is that an indictment on him as much as it is on Manning? Of course Brady gets help from Belichick; the quarterback and head coach should be on the same page for any team to achieve greatness. Not to say that Manning and Caldwell aren't on the same page, but Brady and Belichick most certainly are. They always have been, and always will be.
They embrace and embody the Patriot Way; teamwork and unity.
Brady, meanwhile, had his own small jab for Ryan. "Of course we [get help from Belichick]. I think we have the best coach in the history of football. We have a great offensive staff, a great defensive staff that get all the players prepared."
Could it be that Rex Ryan actually agreed with Tom Brady? Ryan said, "I recognize [Belichick] is the best. But I'm just trying to be the best on Sunday. And I plan on being the best coach on Sunday."
What Ryan may not realize, or may not want to admit, is that it's not about Rex Ryan vs. Bill Belichick. While their game plans and play calling will play a role in the outcome, they won't ultimately decide anything. It will come down to the players making the plays and executing that game plan for a full 60 minutes of football.
It will come down to the many match-ups between the two teams and how they break down.
That's where Bill Belichick comes in.
Remember when the Patriots were beating the Jets on Monday Night Football in Week 13 by a score of 45-3? Most head coaches might be taking it easy on their players, resting up the starters and drawing up game plans for the next week.
Not Bill Belichick.
He was right in their faces, telling them that he didn't care what the score was, the Patriots were going to play a full 60 minutes of football. And they did.
He was still looking for weaknesses to exploit. And he did.
The scary thing is, he even made that game look like a mess. According to NESN.com's Jeff Howe, Deion Branch said, "The score was 45-3, but we had a lot of mistakes in the game and I think those are the things we focus on more. He drills us on it. You wouldn’t think we won the game 45-3, which is good. That’s a good thing. Once [Belichick] shows [the film], guys realize where they made the mistakes and we’ve got to correct those mistakes."
It doesn't matter to Belichick that they won 45-3, it wouldn't have mattered if they won 450-3. Belichick can look beyond those numbers and see room for improvement.
That's the type of team that's ready for every situation because they've seen it all, and know how to react. At that point, it's just about players making plays.
What Belichick realizes, that Ryan has failed to come to grips with, is that not saying a word all week can be the sweetest feeling in the world when you win on Sunday. Or maybe it only feels that way when Ryan has been talking all week.
Belichick coaches for 60 minutes, and holds his team to the same standard by ingraining that 60 minute mentality into his team.
You could truly call these Patriots the "60-Minute Men."
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Greenway Guides England to Victory
England bounced back from the disappointment of losing the one-day series with a four-wicket victory in the opening Twenty20 international as Lydia Greenway guided them home 10 balls to spare at Adelaide. Greenway gained important support from Suzie Rowe and despite a flurry of wickets in the closing overs England had enough in the tank.
Greenway, a vital source of experience in the absence of Claire and Sarah Taylor, added 43 for the fourth wicket with Rowe after Australia had made inroads, but the home side fought back and when Fran Wilson was bowled by Sarah Coyte they still had a chance. However, Greenway was gifted another boundary when Lisa Sthalekar misfielded at cover and the victory came with four wides down the leg side.
Ellyse Perry was taken for 13 off the opening over with Charlotte Edwards (16) collecting boundaries off the first two balls of the innings. England were well ahead of the required rate when Edwards gave her innings away by reverse sweeping to cover.
Laura Marsh scored at a run-a-ball before falling to Lisa Sthalekar's first delivery and Danielle Wyatt (16) was well stumped by Alysaa Healy to leave England 3 for 59 in the ninth over. The chase was being throttled, but England found crucial momentum when firstly Greenway and then Rowe struck sixes over the leg side. Suddenly the required rate was back to a run-a-ball and England resorted to tip-and-run batting.
Australia didn't give up, though, and Perry returned to have Rowe lbw and Coyte struck twice in the 17th over including a fine yorker to remove Wilson for a duck but Greenway remained cool until the end.
England made a poor start in the field with two early dropped chances, but pulled their performance around with a strong emphasis on spin. Isha Guha was the only pace bowler used during the innings as the visitors tried to take the pace off the ball.
Holly Colvin, the left-arm spinner, removed Shelley Nitschke (17) with Greenway taking a fine catch in the deep then Colvin held onto a sharp caught-and-bowled when Leah Poulton (26) chipped a full toss straight back to her.
At 3 for 63 the innings was stuttering before the experienced pair of captain Alex Blackwell and Sthalekar produced an important partnership of 58 in eight overs. Both players found the boundary twice and ran hard between the wickets, but in the end Australia made too many mistakes in the field.
Greenway, a vital source of experience in the absence of Claire and Sarah Taylor, added 43 for the fourth wicket with Rowe after Australia had made inroads, but the home side fought back and when Fran Wilson was bowled by Sarah Coyte they still had a chance. However, Greenway was gifted another boundary when Lisa Sthalekar misfielded at cover and the victory came with four wides down the leg side.
Ellyse Perry was taken for 13 off the opening over with Charlotte Edwards (16) collecting boundaries off the first two balls of the innings. England were well ahead of the required rate when Edwards gave her innings away by reverse sweeping to cover.
Laura Marsh scored at a run-a-ball before falling to Lisa Sthalekar's first delivery and Danielle Wyatt (16) was well stumped by Alysaa Healy to leave England 3 for 59 in the ninth over. The chase was being throttled, but England found crucial momentum when firstly Greenway and then Rowe struck sixes over the leg side. Suddenly the required rate was back to a run-a-ball and England resorted to tip-and-run batting.
Australia didn't give up, though, and Perry returned to have Rowe lbw and Coyte struck twice in the 17th over including a fine yorker to remove Wilson for a duck but Greenway remained cool until the end.
England made a poor start in the field with two early dropped chances, but pulled their performance around with a strong emphasis on spin. Isha Guha was the only pace bowler used during the innings as the visitors tried to take the pace off the ball.
Holly Colvin, the left-arm spinner, removed Shelley Nitschke (17) with Greenway taking a fine catch in the deep then Colvin held onto a sharp caught-and-bowled when Leah Poulton (26) chipped a full toss straight back to her.
At 3 for 63 the innings was stuttering before the experienced pair of captain Alex Blackwell and Sthalekar produced an important partnership of 58 in eight overs. Both players found the boundary twice and ran hard between the wickets, but in the end Australia made too many mistakes in the field.
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