Before play started...: England dicking all over the Aussies
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: They gave up the ghost
Where did it all go right for Australia?: They got England all out (eventually)
Where did it all go wrong for England?: No extra wickets in the extra half-hour
Where did it all go right for England?: The first three days, as well as today
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England.
Who's winning the game?: Not even a question of if, but when England will win this game.
Shot of the day: Tremlett's drive for four off Beer. Gorge.
Ball of the day: Anderson's reverse swinger to get rid of Uzzy
Man of the day: There are eleven men in that England team, pick one. I'll go for Collingwood, for no other reason than he should be remembered today.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: I queued up for 45 minutes, to pay for a $30 ticket for day 5. As play ended, the SCG decided to allow free entry tomorrow. Thanks.
Showing posts with label Ashes Daily. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ashes Daily. Show all posts
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Day Three At the SCG
Before play started...: Game in the balance. Evenly matched. Etc.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Bowled a load of cack
Where did it all go right for Australia?: England went off for bad light at the end of the day. And they were partly involved in fundraising.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Collingwood didn't give his traditional "save-my-career" century, Anderson didn't score the triple ton that I touted him to get.
Where did it all go right for England?: Knocking down the Aussie total, then adding a 200+ lead which should be enough to ensure a series win
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England.
Who's winning the game?: After two really tight days, England dominated this one, and are miles ahead in the game.
Shot of the day: Bell's lift over slips / third man for four. My favourite cricket shot.
Ball of the day: Siddle bowling Anderson. Full, straight, gone.
Man of the day: Ian Bell for getting to his first ton v Australia. It clearly meant a lot to him, and his reaction when he got to his century said it all. Honourable mentions to Alastair "Run Machine" Cook for breaking loads more records in his 189 (but runs for Cook almost a given now), and to Aleem Dar for proving beyond doubt that he is an absolutely massive lad.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Some of the pink related outfits were interesting, but nothing as odd as the four Americans who stripped down to their Speedos. Nobody wants to see that...
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Bowled a load of cack
Where did it all go right for Australia?: England went off for bad light at the end of the day. And they were partly involved in fundraising.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Collingwood didn't give his traditional "save-my-career" century, Anderson didn't score the triple ton that I touted him to get.
Where did it all go right for England?: Knocking down the Aussie total, then adding a 200+ lead which should be enough to ensure a series win
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England.
Who's winning the game?: After two really tight days, England dominated this one, and are miles ahead in the game.
Shot of the day: Bell's lift over slips / third man for four. My favourite cricket shot.
Ball of the day: Siddle bowling Anderson. Full, straight, gone.
Man of the day: Ian Bell for getting to his first ton v Australia. It clearly meant a lot to him, and his reaction when he got to his century said it all. Honourable mentions to Alastair "Run Machine" Cook for breaking loads more records in his 189 (but runs for Cook almost a given now), and to Aleem Dar for proving beyond doubt that he is an absolutely massive lad.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Some of the pink related outfits were interesting, but nothing as odd as the four Americans who stripped down to their Speedos. Nobody wants to see that...
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Day Two At the SCG
Before play started...: The first day was washed out at an intriguing stage. In the flipping balance.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Middle order didn't offer a great deal.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Tail wagged, and they took some important English wickets
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Looked a bit shell-shocked when Johnson and Hilf started smacking a few.
Where did it all go right for England?: Bowled Australia out for a probably below-par score, and set about knocking those down well
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - Even. Evening - Even
Who's winning the game?: Again, really tight. Sticking my neck out; I'd say England at this stage. Just.
Shot of the day: Strauss's clubbed six off Hilfenhaus. You don't bowl there to Straussy.
Ball of the day: Hilfenhaus bowling Strauss. That's where you bowl to Straussy.
Man of the day: Oddly, Mitchell Johnson. Batted well (even making England look scared of him), and took two important wickets.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The Hoff messing up the tea-time race not once, but twice. Anger followed from the participants, with batons being hurled to the ground. Ugly scenes.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Middle order didn't offer a great deal.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Tail wagged, and they took some important English wickets
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Looked a bit shell-shocked when Johnson and Hilf started smacking a few.
Where did it all go right for England?: Bowled Australia out for a probably below-par score, and set about knocking those down well
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - Even. Evening - Even
Who's winning the game?: Again, really tight. Sticking my neck out; I'd say England at this stage. Just.
Shot of the day: Strauss's clubbed six off Hilfenhaus. You don't bowl there to Straussy.
Ball of the day: Hilfenhaus bowling Strauss. That's where you bowl to Straussy.
Man of the day: Oddly, Mitchell Johnson. Batted well (even making England look scared of him), and took two important wickets.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The Hoff messing up the tea-time race not once, but twice. Anger followed from the participants, with batons being hurled to the ground. Ugly scenes.
Saturday, 18 December 2010
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.
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!
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...
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
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.
Monday, 6 December 2010
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
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
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
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.
Monday, 29 November 2010
Day Five At Brisbane
Background: Hundreds for Strauss and Cook meant that England let by 80 with only one wicket down.
How did it start: Cook with an unbeaten century, and Trott with an unbeaten fifty at the crease.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: They bowled even worse than yesterday
Where did it all go right for Australia?: England declared.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Didn't have time for Cook to make his 500.
Where did it all go right for England?: Not losing a wicket all day, Cook's maiden double ton, Trott's second successive Ashes century, gaining loads of momentum and disheartening Australia massively.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - Nobody was that bothered.
Who won the day?: England. Again.
Crumb of comfort?: At least Australia didn't lose too many wickets.
Shot of the day: Trott's lofted drive over straight on. Gorge.
Ball of the day: Broad getting Katich. The only wicket taking ball of the day.
Man of the day: Ally Cook. Honourable mention to Trott.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The Ashes on Twitter. An American woman left very confused by her new found celebrity status.
How did it start: Cook with an unbeaten century, and Trott with an unbeaten fifty at the crease.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: They bowled even worse than yesterday
Where did it all go right for Australia?: England declared.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Didn't have time for Cook to make his 500.
Where did it all go right for England?: Not losing a wicket all day, Cook's maiden double ton, Trott's second successive Ashes century, gaining loads of momentum and disheartening Australia massively.
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - Nobody was that bothered.
Who won the day?: England. Again.
Crumb of comfort?: At least Australia didn't lose too many wickets.
Shot of the day: Trott's lofted drive over straight on. Gorge.
Ball of the day: Broad getting Katich. The only wicket taking ball of the day.
Man of the day: Ally Cook. Honourable mention to Trott.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The Ashes on Twitter. An American woman left very confused by her new found celebrity status.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Day Four At Brisbane
Background: Australia well in the lead. England needing to bat for 2 days to get a draw.
How did it start: Strauss and Cook batting for England after getting through unscathed from 15 overs the previous evening.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: They bowled shit.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: North took a wicket.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: North took a wicket.
Where did it all go right for England?: Twin hundreds for Strauss and Cook, only one wicket lost all day (North took a wicket).
Who won each session?: England. England. England.
Who won the day?: England
Crumb of comfort?: England only lead by 90...
Shot of the day: One of Strauss's many exquisite cover drives.
Ball of the day: North taking a wicket.
Man of the day: Strauss and Cook. Also Trott.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: David Gower getting a chair on his foot. Hilarious.
How did it start: Strauss and Cook batting for England after getting through unscathed from 15 overs the previous evening.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: They bowled shit.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: North took a wicket.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: North took a wicket.
Where did it all go right for England?: Twin hundreds for Strauss and Cook, only one wicket lost all day (North took a wicket).
Who won each session?: England. England. England.
Who won the day?: England
Crumb of comfort?: England only lead by 90...
Shot of the day: One of Strauss's many exquisite cover drives.
Ball of the day: North taking a wicket.
Man of the day: Strauss and Cook. Also Trott.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: David Gower getting a chair on his foot. Hilarious.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Day Three At Brisbane
Background: Game massively in the balance. A few early wickets for England get them right into the game, but a handy partnership for Hussey and Haddin (with useful runs with the tail) could see Australia get a bit of a lead.
How did it start: With Haddin and Hussey in all sorts of trouble to an English attack looking incredibly dangerous
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: They didn't get many runs at the end. But a very minor black mark.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Everywhere else. A 300 run partnership between Haddin and Hussey; hundreds for them both, England made to toil in the field, and a 240 run lead.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Didn't get the wickets their early bowling deserved. Got frustrated late as Australia ploughed on.
Where did it all go right for England?: Finn took a 6 for. Albeit the worst six-fer since Broad took one at Headingley last year.
Who won each session?: All three - Australia. But England did eventually take a few wickets in the evening.
Who won the day?: I'm going to stick my neck out and say Australia.
Crumb of comfort?: Mike Hussey can't be that lucky again. And the bowlers can't be that unlucky again.
Shot of the day: Who knows? They all blended into one.
Ball of the day: Any of Anderson's opening spell. I'll plump for the one that went through Hussey and somehow missed the edge and the stumps.
Man of the day: Both Hussey and Haddin.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: My Sky packed in.
How did it start: With Haddin and Hussey in all sorts of trouble to an English attack looking incredibly dangerous
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: They didn't get many runs at the end. But a very minor black mark.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Everywhere else. A 300 run partnership between Haddin and Hussey; hundreds for them both, England made to toil in the field, and a 240 run lead.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Didn't get the wickets their early bowling deserved. Got frustrated late as Australia ploughed on.
Where did it all go right for England?: Finn took a 6 for. Albeit the worst six-fer since Broad took one at Headingley last year.
Who won each session?: All three - Australia. But England did eventually take a few wickets in the evening.
Who won the day?: I'm going to stick my neck out and say Australia.
Crumb of comfort?: Mike Hussey can't be that lucky again. And the bowlers can't be that unlucky again.
Shot of the day: Who knows? They all blended into one.
Ball of the day: Any of Anderson's opening spell. I'll plump for the one that went through Hussey and somehow missed the edge and the stumps.
Man of the day: Both Hussey and Haddin.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: My Sky packed in.
Friday, 26 November 2010
Day Two At Brisbane
Background: England got 260 (below par) - the Aussies got fired up and Siddle took a hattrick.
How did it start: With Watson and Katich batting for Australia - and England not really looking like taking many wickets.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: With a few players looking not great - Michael Clarke and Marcus North especially.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: A good opening partnership, and a good final partnership of the day between Hussey and Haddin. Hussey's apparent return to form will be a big plus.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Didn't look all too threatening in the morning and evening sessions which allowed Australia to put on some big partnerships.
Where did it all go right for England?: A brilliant hour at the start of the afternoon session got England right back into the game. Anderson and Finn's bowling especially will give them confidence.
Who won each session?: Morning - Australia. Afternoon - England. Evening - Australia.
Who won the day?: Probably England - got right back into this game. Would have wanted a couple of wickets in the evening - but Australia probably still in pole position in this game.
Crumb of comfort?: England's bowling attack will take great heart for the hour at the start of the afternoon where Australia couldn't score any runs, and wickets looked likely every delivery.
Shot of the day: Hussey's lofted six over mid on off Swann signalled intent, and a return to form for Mr Cricket
Ball of the day: Swann's to North - a great display of off-spin bowling to a left hander. Honourable mention to Jimmy Anderson's ball that got rid of Watson.
Man of the day: Mike Hussey. A great innings under pressure when his side needed it.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: For a man of 6 foot 8 with notably rubbish balance, Steve Finn's diving catch to dismiss Katich, as well as another diving stop off his own bowling was remarkable "hands for a big man".
How did it start: With Watson and Katich batting for Australia - and England not really looking like taking many wickets.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: With a few players looking not great - Michael Clarke and Marcus North especially.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: A good opening partnership, and a good final partnership of the day between Hussey and Haddin. Hussey's apparent return to form will be a big plus.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Didn't look all too threatening in the morning and evening sessions which allowed Australia to put on some big partnerships.
Where did it all go right for England?: A brilliant hour at the start of the afternoon session got England right back into the game. Anderson and Finn's bowling especially will give them confidence.
Who won each session?: Morning - Australia. Afternoon - England. Evening - Australia.
Who won the day?: Probably England - got right back into this game. Would have wanted a couple of wickets in the evening - but Australia probably still in pole position in this game.
Crumb of comfort?: England's bowling attack will take great heart for the hour at the start of the afternoon where Australia couldn't score any runs, and wickets looked likely every delivery.
Shot of the day: Hussey's lofted six over mid on off Swann signalled intent, and a return to form for Mr Cricket
Ball of the day: Swann's to North - a great display of off-spin bowling to a left hander. Honourable mention to Jimmy Anderson's ball that got rid of Watson.
Man of the day: Mike Hussey. A great innings under pressure when his side needed it.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: For a man of 6 foot 8 with notably rubbish balance, Steve Finn's diving catch to dismiss Katich, as well as another diving stop off his own bowling was remarkable "hands for a big man".
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Day One at Brisbane
Background: Great preparation for England, winning loads of warm ups with a settled and happy side. Not so much for Australia, who only decided on their team the day before, and come into this test on the back of 3 test defeats in a row.
How did it start: With a bit of a ceremony. The teams lined up for a minutes silence for the NZ Miners, and then we had a "Welcome To Australia" speech. Everyone sang along to the national anthems (curiously except Hilfenhaus - German?) and we got underway. Strauss won the toss and had a bat.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Allowing Cook and Bell to get on top of them during the second session. And a sort-of costly drop of Cook from Doherty early
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Peter Siddle's hat trick. That, and constant wickets throughout, restricted England to a below par 260
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Strauss getting a third ball duck didn't help, neither did losing three in three later on.
Where did it all go right for England?: The form of Ian Bell looks superb; only giving his wicket away at the end when batting with the tail. Pietersen looks in a good place with his game, and signs of improvement from Cook.
Who won each session?: Morning - honours even. Just about. But probably shaded by Australia. Afternoon - same again. But maybe England with two set batsmen felt happier. Evening - Australia. 6 wickets for not many runs, and getting through the last few overs unscathed.
Who won the day?: Australia. Big time. Restricted England to a below par score, and have already started to chip away at it.
Crumb of comfort?: A few of England's top order looked in good nick, with Bell and Cook passing fifty, and Pietersen looking likely to go on (before he got out of course).
Shot of the day: Jimmy Anderson's reverse sweep off Doherty for 4. (Before he tried the same shot again and missed it)
Ball of the day: Peter Siddle's ball to Prior (the second part of the hat trick). Bowled him middle stump; Prior was nowhere near it.
Man of the day: Peter Siddle. How could it be anyone else?
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The "Welcome To Australia" bloke's tie. That, and the sheer amount of moustaches on show. I know it's Movember and all, but that was ridiculous.
How did it start: With a bit of a ceremony. The teams lined up for a minutes silence for the NZ Miners, and then we had a "Welcome To Australia" speech. Everyone sang along to the national anthems (curiously except Hilfenhaus - German?) and we got underway. Strauss won the toss and had a bat.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Allowing Cook and Bell to get on top of them during the second session. And a sort-of costly drop of Cook from Doherty early
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Peter Siddle's hat trick. That, and constant wickets throughout, restricted England to a below par 260
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Strauss getting a third ball duck didn't help, neither did losing three in three later on.
Where did it all go right for England?: The form of Ian Bell looks superb; only giving his wicket away at the end when batting with the tail. Pietersen looks in a good place with his game, and signs of improvement from Cook.
Who won each session?: Morning - honours even. Just about. But probably shaded by Australia. Afternoon - same again. But maybe England with two set batsmen felt happier. Evening - Australia. 6 wickets for not many runs, and getting through the last few overs unscathed.
Who won the day?: Australia. Big time. Restricted England to a below par score, and have already started to chip away at it.
Crumb of comfort?: A few of England's top order looked in good nick, with Bell and Cook passing fifty, and Pietersen looking likely to go on (before he got out of course).
Shot of the day: Jimmy Anderson's reverse sweep off Doherty for 4. (Before he tried the same shot again and missed it)
Ball of the day: Peter Siddle's ball to Prior (the second part of the hat trick). Bowled him middle stump; Prior was nowhere near it.
Man of the day: Peter Siddle. How could it be anyone else?
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The "Welcome To Australia" bloke's tie. That, and the sheer amount of moustaches on show. I know it's Movember and all, but that was ridiculous.
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