OK, after a lot of trying, here it is. Sorry about the wait.
On Podbean
Recorded in England about events in Australia, and published in Hong Kong. It could only be the Short Midwicket Podcast! England have retained the Ashes, so are celebrating. People who aren't celebrating are Australians, so Will takes a look at why. Overall, England did good, so Will assesses how good, and how good they can be. Tis all good, in the hood.
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
The Queen's New Year's Honours List
Knighthoods:
Sir Andrew "Three Ashes" Strauss
Sir Alastair "Two Ashes" Cook
Sir Jonathan "Two Ashes" Trott
Sir Kevin "Three Ashes" Pietersen
Sir Paul "Three Ashes" Collingwood
Sir Matthew "Two Ashes" Prior
Sir Graeme "Two Ashes" Swann
Sir Stuart "Two Ashes" Broad
Sir James "Two Ashes" Anderson
Sir Steven "Ashes Winner" Finn
Sir Timothy "Ashes Winner" Bresnan
Sir Christopher "Ashes Winner" Tremlett
Honourary Citizenship of Great Britain
Andrew Flower
David Saker
Mushtaq Ahmed
Richard "Lost Three Ashes" Ponting
God save your Queen
Sir Andrew "Three Ashes" Strauss
Sir Alastair "Two Ashes" Cook
Sir Jonathan "Two Ashes" Trott
Sir Kevin "Three Ashes" Pietersen
Sir Paul "Three Ashes" Collingwood
Sir Matthew "Two Ashes" Prior
Sir Graeme "Two Ashes" Swann
Sir Stuart "Two Ashes" Broad
Sir James "Two Ashes" Anderson
Sir Steven "Ashes Winner" Finn
Sir Timothy "Ashes Winner" Bresnan
Sir Christopher "Ashes Winner" Tremlett
Honourary Citizenship of Great Britain
Andrew Flower
David Saker
Mushtaq Ahmed
Richard "Lost Three Ashes" Ponting
God save your Queen
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
An English Fan's Guide To Success
It's odd being an English fan when the team is doing well. Even when celebrating moments of success, we're always looking ahead to the next thing as well don't like to dwell on good things in case it looks like we're rubbing it in.
When we did well in South Africa last winter, we were thinking about the Ashes. When we won the World T20, we looked ahead to Australia. When we beat Bangladesh and Pakistan, it was all in preparation for retaining the urn Down Under. And we're about to retain the urn Down Under.
Winning the Ashes is the be all and end all for the English cricket team. But even when we took it back at the Oval last year, thoughts started to drift to making a decent fist of it in Australia. While the class of 2005 will be remembered fondly for winning the greatest series of them all, their 2006/7 brothers can't be forgotten for losing in the most embarrassing way possible. While winning the Ashes is huge for English cricket (and doesn't happen very often), winning them in Australia is something else. And England are about to do that.
England have had a brilliant series. While it wasn't a vintage display at Perth, other than that, England have dominated this series, and this (yet to be confirmed) Ashes win is the culmination of a lot of work. This team, honed and created by master tacticians Andy Flower and Andy Strauss, have been built together since Flower's appointment last spring, and are on the way to world domination. Best team in the world in T20 cricket, two Ashes in the bag, and the 50 Over Worlds to come in a few months.
England fans don't really know how to celebrate or react to our new-found success. Given recent histories (including only 23 months ago the Pietersen / Moores debacle amongst many other embarassments) we don't really know what to do. We're not a winning nation. So here's my advice. Stay up late, watch tonight's play. Sing along with the Barmy Army. Get your England flag and give it a wave. And celebrate!
COME ON ENGLAND!
Note. Already I've heard a few people talk about the importance winning two Ashes series Down Under in a row...
When we did well in South Africa last winter, we were thinking about the Ashes. When we won the World T20, we looked ahead to Australia. When we beat Bangladesh and Pakistan, it was all in preparation for retaining the urn Down Under. And we're about to retain the urn Down Under.
Winning the Ashes is the be all and end all for the English cricket team. But even when we took it back at the Oval last year, thoughts started to drift to making a decent fist of it in Australia. While the class of 2005 will be remembered fondly for winning the greatest series of them all, their 2006/7 brothers can't be forgotten for losing in the most embarrassing way possible. While winning the Ashes is huge for English cricket (and doesn't happen very often), winning them in Australia is something else. And England are about to do that.
England have had a brilliant series. While it wasn't a vintage display at Perth, other than that, England have dominated this series, and this (yet to be confirmed) Ashes win is the culmination of a lot of work. This team, honed and created by master tacticians Andy Flower and Andy Strauss, have been built together since Flower's appointment last spring, and are on the way to world domination. Best team in the world in T20 cricket, two Ashes in the bag, and the 50 Over Worlds to come in a few months.
England fans don't really know how to celebrate or react to our new-found success. Given recent histories (including only 23 months ago the Pietersen / Moores debacle amongst many other embarassments) we don't really know what to do. We're not a winning nation. So here's my advice. Stay up late, watch tonight's play. Sing along with the Barmy Army. Get your England flag and give it a wave. And celebrate!
COME ON ENGLAND!
Note. Already I've heard a few people talk about the importance winning two Ashes series Down Under in a row...
Monday, 27 December 2010
Podcast - Ashes: Melbourne Day 1
I rushed this one through quickly to get ready for the start of the 2nd days play. It nearly lasted as long as Australia's innings.
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Podcast - Ashes: Perth Day 3
Download the Short Midwicket Podcast on iTunes
Let's face it. Australia have won. Just hope that jinxes it. (And don't worry - this is most definitely a one-parter!)
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Let's face it. Australia have won. Just hope that jinxes it. (And don't worry - this is most definitely a one-parter!)
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Day Three At Perth
Background: Australia batting after getting a more than handy first innings lead, hoping to bat England out of the game.
How did it start: Hussey and Watson offering no chances.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: The tail didn't wag as much as it did first up. Ricky Ponting hurt his hand dropping a catch, although this may be seen as a positive.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Hussey's hundred, Watson's near-as-dammit hundred, taking 5 England scalps for not many. Good Aussie day.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Not taking quick wickets, and then losing quick wickets.
Where did it all go right for England?: They didn't get a chance to bowl at Bell.
Who won each session?: Morning - Australia. Afternoon - Australia. Evening - Australia.
Who won the day?: Again, (and suprising given the session reports) Australia.
Who's winning the game?: Just about Australia.
Crumb of comfort?: There could be an earthquake and the series could be abandoned with England 1-0 up.
Shot of the day: Dunno. Probably Hussey, maybe Watson.
Ball of the day: Tremlett taking one of his five-fer
Celebration of the day: Swanny's sprinkler. We'd been waiting for him to break it out.
Man of the day: Mike Hussey. Mr Consistent, as well as being Mr Cricket. (He has two passports).
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Australia look like they're going to win. Granted, not that odd, given history.
How did it start: Hussey and Watson offering no chances.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: The tail didn't wag as much as it did first up. Ricky Ponting hurt his hand dropping a catch, although this may be seen as a positive.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Hussey's hundred, Watson's near-as-dammit hundred, taking 5 England scalps for not many. Good Aussie day.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Not taking quick wickets, and then losing quick wickets.
Where did it all go right for England?: They didn't get a chance to bowl at Bell.
Who won each session?: Morning - Australia. Afternoon - Australia. Evening - Australia.
Who won the day?: Again, (and suprising given the session reports) Australia.
Who's winning the game?: Just about Australia.
Crumb of comfort?: There could be an earthquake and the series could be abandoned with England 1-0 up.
Shot of the day: Dunno. Probably Hussey, maybe Watson.
Ball of the day: Tremlett taking one of his five-fer
Celebration of the day: Swanny's sprinkler. We'd been waiting for him to break it out.
Man of the day: Mike Hussey. Mr Consistent, as well as being Mr Cricket. (He has two passports).
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Australia look like they're going to win. Granted, not that odd, given history.
Podcasts - Ashes: Perth Day 2 (Parts One and Two)
Download the Short Midwicket Podcast on iTunes
Australia are right back into this series. Mitchell Johnson decided to bowl properly, so it's eulogies ahoy. Will continues to struggle in the Fantasy Ashes (Collingwood-esque), and we have an interview with former England captain and full-time Virge Michael Vaughan. Top, top stuff.
Today's podcast was so good it got split into two files. Here's Part One.
And here's Part Two. Enjoy.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Australia are right back into this series. Mitchell Johnson decided to bowl properly, so it's eulogies ahoy. Will continues to struggle in the Fantasy Ashes (Collingwood-esque), and we have an interview with former England captain and full-time Virge Michael Vaughan. Top, top stuff.
Today's podcast was so good it got split into two files. Here's Part One.
And here's Part Two. Enjoy.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Day Two At Perth
Background: England rolled Australia for 268 on day 1, and looked to get a lead.
How did it start: Strauss and Cook looking nice and well set.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: A slight wobble when batting (although this was steadied). Worrying lack of form for Ponting though.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Johnson's six wickets, and steady batting giving them a 200 lead after 2 days.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Collapsing.
Where did it all go right for England?: Strauss and Cook started well. Bell appears to have some steel about him and batted well.
Who won each session?: Morning - Australia. Afternoon - Australia. Evening - Evens (but in the context of the game, Australia).
Who won the day?: Straya.
Who's winning the game?: Australia
Crumb of comfort?: Once a batsman gets in, there are runs on offer. England may need this knowledge second time up.
Shot of the day: Steve Finn turning Johnson off his hips for one. Controlled.
Ball of the day: Johnson to Trott / Pietersen / Collingwood / Tremlett.
Celebration of the day: Haddin's motions to the crowd. Close second to Finn's "shush" to someone.
Man of the day: Mitchell Johnson. England finally seeing him at his best.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Steve Finn outscoring Kevin Pietersen, with a strike rate of 100. Doesn't happen very often!
How did it start: Strauss and Cook looking nice and well set.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: A slight wobble when batting (although this was steadied). Worrying lack of form for Ponting though.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Johnson's six wickets, and steady batting giving them a 200 lead after 2 days.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Collapsing.
Where did it all go right for England?: Strauss and Cook started well. Bell appears to have some steel about him and batted well.
Who won each session?: Morning - Australia. Afternoon - Australia. Evening - Evens (but in the context of the game, Australia).
Who won the day?: Straya.
Who's winning the game?: Australia
Crumb of comfort?: Once a batsman gets in, there are runs on offer. England may need this knowledge second time up.
Shot of the day: Steve Finn turning Johnson off his hips for one. Controlled.
Ball of the day: Johnson to Trott / Pietersen / Collingwood / Tremlett.
Celebration of the day: Haddin's motions to the crowd. Close second to Finn's "shush" to someone.
Man of the day: Mitchell Johnson. England finally seeing him at his best.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Steve Finn outscoring Kevin Pietersen, with a strike rate of 100. Doesn't happen very often!
Friday, 17 December 2010
Podcast - Ashes: Perth Day 1
Download the Short Midwicket Podcast on iTunes
England once more got on top, and Will got on top of the action. Amongst other things, Paul Collingwood took an absolute stonker, and Will puts it into perspective. There's also a handy plan for Cap'n Strauss in case he was worried about his strategy for the next few days. Plus a TOTD from an injured hero, who's replacement didn't do too badly.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
England once more got on top, and Will got on top of the action. Amongst other things, Paul Collingwood took an absolute stonker, and Will puts it into perspective. There's also a handy plan for Cap'n Strauss in case he was worried about his strategy for the next few days. Plus a TOTD from an injured hero, who's replacement didn't do too badly.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Day One at Perth
Background: A topsy-turvy draw in Brisbane was followed by a caning in Adelaide, laving England 1-0 up, and able to retain the Ashes this test.
How did it start: With some anthems, and some changes to the teams. Australia swapped in Hughes, Johnson, Hilfenhaus and Smith for Katich, Doherty, Bollinger and North, and England replaced the injured Broad with Tremlett.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Lost all their wickets. Again.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: The tail wagged, giving their score a degree of acceptability.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Allowing the tail to wag, adding precious runs at the end of the innings.
Where did it all go right for England?: Yet again started off superbly, and put Australia under the hammer from the get go.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - Even Stevens (but England still ahead in the game). Evening - Sort of Australia, but mostly England.
Who won the day?: Even though the 2nd and 3rd sessions weren't as clear cut, the damage was done, and it was easily England's day.
Crumb of comfort?: Australia's lower order are in form. And England are yet to bat on a pitch which was doing a bit.
Shot of the day: Hilfy creaming one through mid off.
Ball of the day: Anderson's to Harris.
Celebration of the day: Anderson giving Haddin some when he bowled Harris. How every wicket should be celebrated.
Catch of the day: While Swann's one-handed reach was a great effort, Collingwood's absolute blinder wins both catch of the day, and catch of the decade.
Man of the day: As well as Anderson bowled, Tremlett gets the nod for a great comeback performance after 3 years in the international wilderness. Honourable mentions to Hussey, Haddin and Johnson, who got some of the initiative back.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Collingwood's catch. The likes of which will never be seen again...
How did it start: With some anthems, and some changes to the teams. Australia swapped in Hughes, Johnson, Hilfenhaus and Smith for Katich, Doherty, Bollinger and North, and England replaced the injured Broad with Tremlett.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Lost all their wickets. Again.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: The tail wagged, giving their score a degree of acceptability.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Allowing the tail to wag, adding precious runs at the end of the innings.
Where did it all go right for England?: Yet again started off superbly, and put Australia under the hammer from the get go.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - Even Stevens (but England still ahead in the game). Evening - Sort of Australia, but mostly England.
Who won the day?: Even though the 2nd and 3rd sessions weren't as clear cut, the damage was done, and it was easily England's day.
Crumb of comfort?: Australia's lower order are in form. And England are yet to bat on a pitch which was doing a bit.
Shot of the day: Hilfy creaming one through mid off.
Ball of the day: Anderson's to Harris.
Celebration of the day: Anderson giving Haddin some when he bowled Harris. How every wicket should be celebrated.
Catch of the day: While Swann's one-handed reach was a great effort, Collingwood's absolute blinder wins both catch of the day, and catch of the decade.
Man of the day: As well as Anderson bowled, Tremlett gets the nod for a great comeback performance after 3 years in the international wilderness. Honourable mentions to Hussey, Haddin and Johnson, who got some of the initiative back.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Collingwood's catch. The likes of which will never be seen again...
Ricky Ponting - the new Michael Vaughan?
There are some quite big parallels between the current situation regarding Ricky Ponting's captaincy and the final throes of Michael Vaughan's tenure as England skipper. Spookily so...
Ponting has had to relinquish One Day captaincy recently, just as Vaughan gave the reigns over to Collingwood. While there was mixed success with Collingwood; just as with Clarke, the split captaincy only served to undermine the test captain and put a seed of doubt in other senior players mind whether the captain is the right man for the job.
Ponting himself has been in a poor run of form, just as Vaughan was in as England were overpowered by a better South African outfit. This led to inevitable calls to drop an out of form Vaughan, as well as questions over the captaincy. While Ponting's decline may not be as terminal as Vaughan's, he certainly is not the player of earlier in the decade, which doesn't bode well.
So the series itself. Australia started really well in the first few days of the series, scoring loads of runs and bowling out England cheaply. But then allowed the touring side to bat their way to a comfortable draw. In 2008, England stuck on loads of runs before bowling South Africa out cheaply, but then watched as the touring side comfortably batted their way to the draw. And both Ponting's Australia and Vaughan's class of '08 lost the second test heavily.
But that's not where the similarities end. Before the Headingley test in 2008, Darren Pattinson was plucked from obscurity behind the captains back in shoehorned into the side. Vaughan later revealed that this massively undermined his position as captain, and was a key part of his eventual resignation. Ponting has Michael Beer, a man he had never even met before Monday (and like Pattinson in only single figures of first class games), and probably wasn't calling for Beer in the selection meeting.
Do the parallels end there? If Australia lose the third test (just as Vaughan lost the third test v South Africa), then Ponting may not be granted the dignity of a tearful resignation. Ricky has already lost two Ashes series, and a third loss would certainly mean he isn't in a job this time next week. Whether he gets a spot as a specialist batsman is up in the air, as Vaughan can testify. Ricky Ponting is one of the greatest captains of recent times. But he was fortunate enough to captain the greatest sides of recent times. This current outfit is not a great side. Vaughan, the man who was Ponting's adversary in the greatest series of them all, may be able to offer some advice (or at least some understanding of) Ponting's current situation. Once the wheels are in motion, it's difficult to stop the bandwagon. And Ponting's captaincy may be reaching the end of the road.
Ponting has had to relinquish One Day captaincy recently, just as Vaughan gave the reigns over to Collingwood. While there was mixed success with Collingwood; just as with Clarke, the split captaincy only served to undermine the test captain and put a seed of doubt in other senior players mind whether the captain is the right man for the job.
Ponting himself has been in a poor run of form, just as Vaughan was in as England were overpowered by a better South African outfit. This led to inevitable calls to drop an out of form Vaughan, as well as questions over the captaincy. While Ponting's decline may not be as terminal as Vaughan's, he certainly is not the player of earlier in the decade, which doesn't bode well.
So the series itself. Australia started really well in the first few days of the series, scoring loads of runs and bowling out England cheaply. But then allowed the touring side to bat their way to a comfortable draw. In 2008, England stuck on loads of runs before bowling South Africa out cheaply, but then watched as the touring side comfortably batted their way to the draw. And both Ponting's Australia and Vaughan's class of '08 lost the second test heavily.
But that's not where the similarities end. Before the Headingley test in 2008, Darren Pattinson was plucked from obscurity behind the captains back in shoehorned into the side. Vaughan later revealed that this massively undermined his position as captain, and was a key part of his eventual resignation. Ponting has Michael Beer, a man he had never even met before Monday (and like Pattinson in only single figures of first class games), and probably wasn't calling for Beer in the selection meeting.
Do the parallels end there? If Australia lose the third test (just as Vaughan lost the third test v South Africa), then Ponting may not be granted the dignity of a tearful resignation. Ricky has already lost two Ashes series, and a third loss would certainly mean he isn't in a job this time next week. Whether he gets a spot as a specialist batsman is up in the air, as Vaughan can testify. Ricky Ponting is one of the greatest captains of recent times. But he was fortunate enough to captain the greatest sides of recent times. This current outfit is not a great side. Vaughan, the man who was Ponting's adversary in the greatest series of them all, may be able to offer some advice (or at least some understanding of) Ponting's current situation. Once the wheels are in motion, it's difficult to stop the bandwagon. And Ponting's captaincy may be reaching the end of the road.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Podcast - Ashes: Perth Preview
Download the Short Midwicket Podcast on iTunes
Keeping it in the family this week (not like that) with Fantasy Ashes stuff from Will's dad and sister (as well as the ever-present Will). Chris Tremlett is (probably) in, as is Steve Smith, Phil Hughes and Mitchell Johnson, so they are discussed, as is the WACA. Literally everything you need in a podcast, Richard.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Keeping it in the family this week (not like that) with Fantasy Ashes stuff from Will's dad and sister (as well as the ever-present Will). Chris Tremlett is (probably) in, as is Steve Smith, Phil Hughes and Mitchell Johnson, so they are discussed, as is the WACA. Literally everything you need in a podcast, Richard.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Friday, 10 December 2010
Agent North - Over and Out
Agent North.
Good work. You've managed to successfully infiltrate the Australian setup, and the chaos there is testament to your good work. While they've clearly realised that you were a double agent, we're now able to offer you protection in our camp. Sadly we won't be able to play you, mainly because you're not very good.
Thanks again for your hard work,
Commander Strauss
Good work. You've managed to successfully infiltrate the Australian setup, and the chaos there is testament to your good work. While they've clearly realised that you were a double agent, we're now able to offer you protection in our camp. Sadly we won't be able to play you, mainly because you're not very good.
Thanks again for your hard work,
Commander Strauss
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Podcast - Ashes: Adelaide Day 5
Download the Short Midwicket Podcast on iTunes
Probably the most self-indulgent podcast around. England are 1-0 up.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Probably the most self-indulgent podcast around. England are 1-0 up.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Fantasy Ashes - Second Test Scoreboard
Thanks to all who played the Short Midwicket Fantasy Ashes this test. An up and down test in terms of the scores - and some very high scores indeed! So here's the moment I'm sure you've all been waiting for... the scores!
H4H Cricket 723
The Wrong Un 671
Sinead Farelly 651
Rich Abbot 532
Kevin Atkins 519
Molly Atkins 518
Will Atkins 456
Wes 237
All very tight at the top - well done to H4Hcricket who's team of Pietersen, Watson, Trott*, Swann and Bollinger accrued enough points to clinch this test's Fantasy Ashes!
To get involved for the next test, read the rules here and drop me an email or a tweet before the start of play at Perth!
H4H Cricket 723
The Wrong Un 671
Sinead Farelly 651
Rich Abbot 532
Kevin Atkins 519
Molly Atkins 518
Will Atkins 456
Wes 237
All very tight at the top - well done to H4Hcricket who's team of Pietersen, Watson, Trott*, Swann and Bollinger accrued enough points to clinch this test's Fantasy Ashes!
To get involved for the next test, read the rules here and drop me an email or a tweet before the start of play at Perth!
Day Five At Adelaide
Background: England needed to take six wickets to win. Australia needed it to rain
How did it start: With KP having a bowl to Huss and Snorks
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: The first four days
Where did it all go right for Australia?: The torment ended.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: No Broad - flying home with an Ashes-ending stomach injury
Where did it all go right for England?: They finished off the work of the previous few days and go 1-0 up!
Who won each session?: Morning - England. That was all that was needed.
Who won the day?: England
Crumb of comfort?: There's still three games left for Australia to try and save face
Shot of the day: Doug Bollinger blocking Swann. Harder than it looks. Just ask North.
Ball of the day: Anderson's to Harris. Unplayable.
Man of the day: Swann. Swann tore them apart, again.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The bloke in the Barmy Army with the inflatable pink flamingo. Sir, I salute you.
How did it start: With KP having a bowl to Huss and Snorks
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: The first four days
Where did it all go right for Australia?: The torment ended.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: No Broad - flying home with an Ashes-ending stomach injury
Where did it all go right for England?: They finished off the work of the previous few days and go 1-0 up!
Who won each session?: Morning - England. That was all that was needed.
Who won the day?: England
Crumb of comfort?: There's still three games left for Australia to try and save face
Shot of the day: Doug Bollinger blocking Swann. Harder than it looks. Just ask North.
Ball of the day: Anderson's to Harris. Unplayable.
Man of the day: Swann. Swann tore them apart, again.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The bloke in the Barmy Army with the inflatable pink flamingo. Sir, I salute you.
I love cricket
I love cricket. I love the Ashes. I love Andy Strauss, Ally Cook, Jonny Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Jimmy Anderson, Steve Finn and Eoin Morgan (12th man). I love Andy Flower. I love the Adelaide Oval. I love laying ghosts of 2006 to rest. I love watching Australia lose by an innings. I love England's 100th test win over Australia. I love waking everyone up by appealing every ball late into the night. I love filling everyone's Twitter and Facebook feeds with joyous messages. I love seeing England going one-nil up. I love cricket.
Monday, 6 December 2010
Podcast - Ashes: Adelaide Day 4
Download the Short Midwicket Podcast on iTunes
Should Strauss have declared? Should England have taken more wickets? Should Clarke have walked? All of these questions answered, and more, all inside the brand spanking new Short Midwicket Ashes Podcast! Will assesses the performances of both the Aussie batsmen and the English bowlers, as well as an unlikely source of support for Graeme Swann. Throw another shrimp on the barbie!
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Should Strauss have declared? Should England have taken more wickets? Should Clarke have walked? All of these questions answered, and more, all inside the brand spanking new Short Midwicket Ashes Podcast! Will assesses the performances of both the Aussie batsmen and the English bowlers, as well as an unlikely source of support for Graeme Swann. Throw another shrimp on the barbie!
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Day Four At Adelaide
Background: England had a 309 lead and were still going strong after three days.
How did it start: No declaration - Pietersen and Bell told to score quick runs.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Lost a few wickets. But not actually a bad day for Australia
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Chipped away at England's lead, and could still set England some sort of target.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Kept batting, probably unnecessarily. And there's a bit of rain about...
Where did it all go right for England?: They're still in a hugely massively commanding position after four days.
Who won each session?: Morning - In the context of the game Australia (England batted too long and Aus didn't lose any wickets). Afternoon - Evens. Ditto Evening.
Who won the day?: Erm, in the balance. England still way ahead in the game though.
Crumb of comfort?: Rain for any real length of time saves Australia
Shot of the day: Prior's sweep from a good few yards outside off stump off Siddle.
Ball of the day: Swann's ball to Ponting. Doosra?
Man of the day: Michael Clarke batted well. He'll be absolutely gutted to get out final ball of the day. And he was.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Various player fan sites popping up on Twitter. To help restore some sort of sanity, GraemeSwannFans has been created by yours truly. Follow and enjoy!
How did it start: No declaration - Pietersen and Bell told to score quick runs.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Lost a few wickets. But not actually a bad day for Australia
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Chipped away at England's lead, and could still set England some sort of target.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Kept batting, probably unnecessarily. And there's a bit of rain about...
Where did it all go right for England?: They're still in a hugely massively commanding position after four days.
Who won each session?: Morning - In the context of the game Australia (England batted too long and Aus didn't lose any wickets). Afternoon - Evens. Ditto Evening.
Who won the day?: Erm, in the balance. England still way ahead in the game though.
Crumb of comfort?: Rain for any real length of time saves Australia
Shot of the day: Prior's sweep from a good few yards outside off stump off Siddle.
Ball of the day: Swann's ball to Ponting. Doosra?
Man of the day: Michael Clarke batted well. He'll be absolutely gutted to get out final ball of the day. And he was.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Various player fan sites popping up on Twitter. To help restore some sort of sanity, GraemeSwannFans has been created by yours truly. Follow and enjoy!
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Podcast - Ashes: Adelaide Day 3
Download the Short Midwicket Podcast on iTunes
KP piled on the runs, and England piled more misery on Australia. And it wouldn't be appropriate if Will didn't keep piling this misery onto the Aussies. A lead was further piled on in the Fantasy Ashes, and serial piler Shane Warne features as the TOTD. Good area Shane!
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
KP piled on the runs, and England piled more misery on Australia. And it wouldn't be appropriate if Will didn't keep piling this misery onto the Aussies. A lead was further piled on in the Fantasy Ashes, and serial piler Shane Warne features as the TOTD. Good area Shane!
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Day Three At Adelaide
Background: England had taken the lead after day 2, with only two wickets down. Dominant.
How did it start: Pietersen and Cook still going strong at the start of play.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: That it didn't rain for the first 4 hours of play
Where did it all go right for Australia?: That it did rain for the last 2 hours of play
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Cook and Collingwood got out. And they weren't able to progress the game in the evening sesh, possibly leading to a race against time?
Where did it all go right for England?: Pietersen made his second double hundred, and his first time past 3 figures in 17 tests. Plus loads more runs. And a rather handy lead developing.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - The weather (first time England haven't won a session this test).
Who won the day?: Again, England.
Crumb of comfort?: More rain forecasted, weather the only way Australia can save this game.
Shot of the day: KP's lofted six off XD.
Ball of the day: Harris getting Cook off the inside edge, part of the day's best over as well.
Man of the day: Today was all about Kevin Pietersen. Which is just the way he likes it.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Brad Haddin spilling pasta sauce down himself during lunch, and having an obvious stain on his shirt throughout the afternoon session!
How did it start: Pietersen and Cook still going strong at the start of play.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: That it didn't rain for the first 4 hours of play
Where did it all go right for Australia?: That it did rain for the last 2 hours of play
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Cook and Collingwood got out. And they weren't able to progress the game in the evening sesh, possibly leading to a race against time?
Where did it all go right for England?: Pietersen made his second double hundred, and his first time past 3 figures in 17 tests. Plus loads more runs. And a rather handy lead developing.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - The weather (first time England haven't won a session this test).
Who won the day?: Again, England.
Crumb of comfort?: More rain forecasted, weather the only way Australia can save this game.
Shot of the day: KP's lofted six off XD.
Ball of the day: Harris getting Cook off the inside edge, part of the day's best over as well.
Man of the day: Today was all about Kevin Pietersen. Which is just the way he likes it.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Brad Haddin spilling pasta sauce down himself during lunch, and having an obvious stain on his shirt throughout the afternoon session!
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Podcast - Ashes: Adelaide Day 2
Download the Short Midwicket Podcast on iTunes
Alastair Cook got trending on Twitter, and he also scored a few more runs (just for the lols). England got a lead, and Australia got all rubbish again. I also took the lead in the Fantasy Ashes, and Tweet of the Day comes from one of my closest friends. Ripper!
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Alastair Cook got trending on Twitter, and he also scored a few more runs (just for the lols). England got a lead, and Australia got all rubbish again. I also took the lead in the Fantasy Ashes, and Tweet of the Day comes from one of my closest friends. Ripper!
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Day Two At Adelaide
Background: England skittled Australia for just 245 on day one at Adelaide.
How did it start: Strauss and Cook batting for England at 1-0.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Not being able to bowl that well
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Bollinger took a wicket third ball of the day, also Harris got Trott out.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: They had to stop playing at the end of the day
Where did it all go right for England?: Sticking loads more runs on for only two wickets lost.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England (again)
Who won the day?: England. Rather comfortably.
Crumb of comfort?: The team who were in this position in Brisbane didn't win.
Shot of the day: A Cook drive (there were many)
Ball of the day: Dougie Bollinger somehow making Strauss leave one that hit middle stump
Man of the day: Once more, Ally Cook. Top effort, that.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: www.donaldtrumpwontshuptup.com What's that all about?!
How did it start: Strauss and Cook batting for England at 1-0.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Not being able to bowl that well
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Bollinger took a wicket third ball of the day, also Harris got Trott out.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: They had to stop playing at the end of the day
Where did it all go right for England?: Sticking loads more runs on for only two wickets lost.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England (again)
Who won the day?: England. Rather comfortably.
Crumb of comfort?: The team who were in this position in Brisbane didn't win.
Shot of the day: A Cook drive (there were many)
Ball of the day: Dougie Bollinger somehow making Strauss leave one that hit middle stump
Man of the day: Once more, Ally Cook. Top effort, that.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: www.donaldtrumpwontshuptup.com What's that all about?!
Friday, 3 December 2010
Podcast - Ashes: Adelaide Day 1
Download the Short Midwicket Podcast on iTunes
"Ponting.... out for a golden duck!". Nuff said.
Actually, it isn't, as Will explains. As 9 other Aussies got out as well. All out for 245, is it enough? Are there enough paralells between Brisbane and Adelaide? Will also looks at why Harris and Bollinger were preferred to Mitch and Hilf, and why England were unchanged. And more Fantasy Ashes stuff. And Stuart Broad's tweet of the day. And loads of other lovely stuff. Bonzer.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
"Ponting.... out for a golden duck!". Nuff said.
Actually, it isn't, as Will explains. As 9 other Aussies got out as well. All out for 245, is it enough? Are there enough paralells between Brisbane and Adelaide? Will also looks at why Harris and Bollinger were preferred to Mitch and Hilf, and why England were unchanged. And more Fantasy Ashes stuff. And Stuart Broad's tweet of the day. And loads of other lovely stuff. Bonzer.
Go to The Short Midwicket Podcasts on Podbean
Day One at Adelaide
Background: Tied at 0-0 after a draw in Brisbane, England named an unchanged team, but Australia swapped Johnson and Hilfenhaus for Harris and Bollinger.
How did it start: Ponting won the toss (for once) and had a bat.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: The run out of Katich without Kat facing. A crucial momentum shift, which wasn't helped by Ponting edging behind the next ball.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Hussey continued his Brisbane form. North got into double figures.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Hussey's 90 meant that Australia were restricted to 'only' 245.
Where did it all go right for England?: Brilliant bowling, hawkish fielding, brilliant day for England.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England.
Who won the day?: England.
Crumb of comfort?: The pitch might do a bit for Aussie bowlers as well
Shot of the day: Watson's effortless six off Swann
Ball of the day: Anderson giving Ponting a first baller. Brilliant bowling, and massive psychologically.
Man of the day: Jimmy Anderson. Got the wickets he deserved in Brisbane.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Bumble's Australian accent, which was undoutably the worst Aussie accent ever.
How did it start: Ponting won the toss (for once) and had a bat.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: The run out of Katich without Kat facing. A crucial momentum shift, which wasn't helped by Ponting edging behind the next ball.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Hussey continued his Brisbane form. North got into double figures.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Hussey's 90 meant that Australia were restricted to 'only' 245.
Where did it all go right for England?: Brilliant bowling, hawkish fielding, brilliant day for England.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England.
Who won the day?: England.
Crumb of comfort?: The pitch might do a bit for Aussie bowlers as well
Shot of the day: Watson's effortless six off Swann
Ball of the day: Anderson giving Ponting a first baller. Brilliant bowling, and massive psychologically.
Man of the day: Jimmy Anderson. Got the wickets he deserved in Brisbane.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Bumble's Australian accent, which was undoutably the worst Aussie accent ever.
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