The cafe.
"Cheating, cheating, cheating Pommie bastards!" says Greg as he forgets himself sufficiently to pay for all the drinks as well as winking at the waitress.
"Funnily enough," says the old player, "I agree with the sentiments even though I wish to express them more politely. That business with the gloves and that, shall we say, unfit looking physio, made me very uncomfortable. Ponting was right. Not within the laws or the spirit of the game. So yes, cheating, gamesmanship, call it what you will."
He takes a sip of the young lad's tea latte. "That is disgusting," he says.
"So were England's ideas of time wasting," I say. "The good thing is that Ponting cannot present a case. His wee face screws up and as he tries to be what he imagines is diplomatic he loses his audience. I also hope someone slaps a few wrists over that business. It was not just cheating, it was unnecessary and it spoiled a wonderful fight."
"I'm cheering the tail-enders," says the waitress. "Saved us from an innings defeat. But what will the selectors do? Drop Panesar, one of the heroes, maybe? Shunt off Broad, another batting hero? There is a case for an unchanged side as there was in 2005 after the heavy defeat at Lord's."
"Selectors earn their money today," says the old fella. "Are they brave enough for the task? We'll see. You're very quiet," he says to the youngster.
"I know," says the lad. "You drank my tea latte which I rely on for building up my inner strength. I'm gutted." He looks close to tears.
"Cheats, all of you," goes Greg. "Cheats never prosper. Ashes stay with Australia. I'm just disappointed your lot cheat."
The rest of us cannot resist the temptation and place a five each on the table. "Make yourself a fortune," says the old guy. "Our nice waitress lady can hold the stake."
"Not bloody likely," says the waitress, "I want my share. You lot know nothing. I'm backing the Aussies."
* Oh, no. Freddie is injured again. That's the news as Steve Harmison is recalled to take over the Flintoff bowling role in less than 72 hours. Back-to-back Tests are partially responsible for these injuries. Now it is down to the team management to fulfil their part of the bargain by finding a solution to the wear and tear now being suffered by all the players. Whether it will be in time to save Flintoff's career is the big question.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Two unlikely heroes
Cardiff. First Ashes Test. Fifth day.
Preview
The morning newspapers are full of negative, finger-crossing hopes centred on the possibility of rain. The truth is that if England put up a serious fight, as forecast by Paul Collingwood last night, they can go to Lord's for the second Test on Thursday, not just all square, but with the last laugh. And you know that true blue, knuckle scraping, heads down Aussies cannot endure being laughed at.
To lunch
No sign of a long term recovery as Kevin Pietersen was bowled not playing a shot, as Andrew Strauss was caught behind trying out his favourite square cut and Matt Prior played a rank bad shot at a wide ball and was caught in the slips. Thus 102-5, still 137 behind despite a sturdy knock from Paul Collingwood and quiet good sense from Andrew Flintoff.
Defeat was inscribed on every delivery as the faster trio bowled straight and the spinner Nathan Hauritz - remember what a bad rap he got at the start of the series - caused grunts and sighs and shouts - why? - of "catch it" almost every ball. Now, even if these two bat until tea, the Aussies will still expect to win and if they don't it could be a long, hard summer ahead, with the critics in full voice and the spectators wishing they had spent their entrance money on a fishing rod, a new bike or paying their overdue rates.
To tea
There was too much time left for England to hold out but Australia needed an hour to get rid of Flintoff and another to dismiss Stuart Broad. Flintoff had to ask Ponting if he was happy he had held a low catch - how old fashioned was that - but Broad was clearly unhappy about a plumb lbw decision. Graeme Swann was hit three times in two overs but nothing disturbed Collingwood who had been batting four hours when England escaped to the dressing room with only three wickets left.
Collingwood was in the midst of a special innings, unfazed by all the action and the chatter around him, in his own zone of total concentration, an example to any young cricketer trying to keep his side intact. In his heart he must have guessed it was impossible; but no. I don't think the word impossible is in his vocabulary.
To close
Swann bore his blows bravely for an hour and when he went Collingwood, cool, shrewd and apparently without nerves batted until it seemed he would never be out. He fell, with runs still needed, to a juggling catch, leaving England's fate to the permanent nightwatchman James Anderson and the perpetual No.11 Monty Panesar.
Incredibly, they survived for 69 deliveries, added 19 runs that took England into the lead and, at 6.43 with no time to start a fourth innings, forced Ponting to shake hands on a draw that ranks with any epic match in the Ashes series.
Just as important, the Welsh crowd backed England with a passion that brought back the spirit of '05 and that may be more important than all their heroics when the Ashes come to be decided.
Preview
The morning newspapers are full of negative, finger-crossing hopes centred on the possibility of rain. The truth is that if England put up a serious fight, as forecast by Paul Collingwood last night, they can go to Lord's for the second Test on Thursday, not just all square, but with the last laugh. And you know that true blue, knuckle scraping, heads down Aussies cannot endure being laughed at.
To lunch
No sign of a long term recovery as Kevin Pietersen was bowled not playing a shot, as Andrew Strauss was caught behind trying out his favourite square cut and Matt Prior played a rank bad shot at a wide ball and was caught in the slips. Thus 102-5, still 137 behind despite a sturdy knock from Paul Collingwood and quiet good sense from Andrew Flintoff.
Defeat was inscribed on every delivery as the faster trio bowled straight and the spinner Nathan Hauritz - remember what a bad rap he got at the start of the series - caused grunts and sighs and shouts - why? - of "catch it" almost every ball. Now, even if these two bat until tea, the Aussies will still expect to win and if they don't it could be a long, hard summer ahead, with the critics in full voice and the spectators wishing they had spent their entrance money on a fishing rod, a new bike or paying their overdue rates.
To tea
There was too much time left for England to hold out but Australia needed an hour to get rid of Flintoff and another to dismiss Stuart Broad. Flintoff had to ask Ponting if he was happy he had held a low catch - how old fashioned was that - but Broad was clearly unhappy about a plumb lbw decision. Graeme Swann was hit three times in two overs but nothing disturbed Collingwood who had been batting four hours when England escaped to the dressing room with only three wickets left.
Collingwood was in the midst of a special innings, unfazed by all the action and the chatter around him, in his own zone of total concentration, an example to any young cricketer trying to keep his side intact. In his heart he must have guessed it was impossible; but no. I don't think the word impossible is in his vocabulary.
To close
Swann bore his blows bravely for an hour and when he went Collingwood, cool, shrewd and apparently without nerves batted until it seemed he would never be out. He fell, with runs still needed, to a juggling catch, leaving England's fate to the permanent nightwatchman James Anderson and the perpetual No.11 Monty Panesar.
Incredibly, they survived for 69 deliveries, added 19 runs that took England into the lead and, at 6.43 with no time to start a fourth innings, forced Ponting to shake hands on a draw that ranks with any epic match in the Ashes series.
Just as important, the Welsh crowd backed England with a passion that brought back the spirit of '05 and that may be more important than all their heroics when the Ashes come to be decided.
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Five gallons please!
Cardiff. First Ashes Test Day four
Preview
It's fine but we are expecting - indeed hoping - for rain or wondering if Jimmy Anderson could be right about taking a bunch of early wickets and then running up a big score. I used to go to Burnley, his home town, a lot and never quite understood their sense of humour, so I could be missing something here. England are now 66-1 to win this match and a draw would appear to be our only prospect. And, by the way, thanks for all those nice people who have already reminded me of my 3-1 forecast. Still time; but if we are to overcome those odds Anderson has a major part to play.
To lunch
Once again Australia did not lose a wicket in this session, Marcus North made a debut Ashes century and Brad Haddin reached fifty. England's out-cricket varied between bad and appalling and there was just brief spell of spin bowling by Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann when they threatened to get on top. At that point Swann had to go off with a finger injury and Andrew Strauss took the new ball.
Throughout this match the Aussies have played the more intelligent cricket. This sixth wicket pair never saw the need to attack as they reached 577-5 to lead by 142. Plenty of time to win the match. The rain stayed away and, as for the theory that a bunch of wickets might fall, it was more like the work of Hans Christian Anderson than a product of the brain of an experienced cricketer.
To tea
Ricky Ponting even seemed reluctant to declare when Haddin was out after scoring the fourth century of the innings of 674-6dec; a lead of 239 setting a long battle for England. Especially as the forecast rain did not appear. Five England bowlers conceded 100 runs. It is known in the trade as a "gallon" because at one time a bowler with such bad figures had to buy a gallon of beer for the fielders. The ale won't cause the headaches but the bowling will leave bowlers and selectors with a big pain between the ears. In seven overs to the interval, with the lights on and rain arriving, Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara were lbw and the writing on the wall was in big, black capitals.
To close
So at 20-2 the day ended. There are 98 overs on day five; plenty of time for England to lose and Australia to take the remaining eight wickets. Looks like a day for a captain's innings, Strauss. The weather forecast is for sunshine all day but only if you are an Australian.
Preview
It's fine but we are expecting - indeed hoping - for rain or wondering if Jimmy Anderson could be right about taking a bunch of early wickets and then running up a big score. I used to go to Burnley, his home town, a lot and never quite understood their sense of humour, so I could be missing something here. England are now 66-1 to win this match and a draw would appear to be our only prospect. And, by the way, thanks for all those nice people who have already reminded me of my 3-1 forecast. Still time; but if we are to overcome those odds Anderson has a major part to play.
To lunch
Once again Australia did not lose a wicket in this session, Marcus North made a debut Ashes century and Brad Haddin reached fifty. England's out-cricket varied between bad and appalling and there was just brief spell of spin bowling by Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann when they threatened to get on top. At that point Swann had to go off with a finger injury and Andrew Strauss took the new ball.
Throughout this match the Aussies have played the more intelligent cricket. This sixth wicket pair never saw the need to attack as they reached 577-5 to lead by 142. Plenty of time to win the match. The rain stayed away and, as for the theory that a bunch of wickets might fall, it was more like the work of Hans Christian Anderson than a product of the brain of an experienced cricketer.
To tea
Ricky Ponting even seemed reluctant to declare when Haddin was out after scoring the fourth century of the innings of 674-6dec; a lead of 239 setting a long battle for England. Especially as the forecast rain did not appear. Five England bowlers conceded 100 runs. It is known in the trade as a "gallon" because at one time a bowler with such bad figures had to buy a gallon of beer for the fielders. The ale won't cause the headaches but the bowling will leave bowlers and selectors with a big pain between the ears. In seven overs to the interval, with the lights on and rain arriving, Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara were lbw and the writing on the wall was in big, black capitals.
To close
So at 20-2 the day ended. There are 98 overs on day five; plenty of time for England to lose and Australia to take the remaining eight wickets. Looks like a day for a captain's innings, Strauss. The weather forecast is for sunshine all day but only if you are an Australian.
Friday, 10 July 2009
Tipping point
Cardiff. First Ashes Test. Day three
Preview
One day of the dreaded Aussie is as much as we need so I have sent him back to the terraces to sing with his pals. I will tell you whether England can follow the scenario sketched by Andrew Flintoff last night when he called for a re-enactment of the spirit of '05. He refuses to follow the lead of Graeme Swann who claimed "the wind had been knocked out of the England bowlers." Flintoff told the team: "It takes just one good spell to bring us right back into the game." We will see.
To lunch.
There seemed to be some purpose to the England bowling. Flintoff put the ball where his mouth was and although he did not take another wicket he showed Jimmy Anderson the way to the wickets of Simon Katich and Mike Hussey before, near lunch, Monty Panesar forced Ricky Ponting to chop the ball on to his stumps. It was too close to him; a strange misjudgement when he was 150, The Aussies will be pleased with their morning's 99 runs; near enough to the England total and still in with a chance of building a good-sized lead before the week-end rains.
To tea
Fifteen minutes before tea ten runs came off an over from Flintoff and Australia were in the lead. By the interval they were 23 in front and Michael Clark and Marcus North had batted the full two hours. Ominous. The Aussies were in a position to dominate the rest of the game and England were beginning to look as if they did not know which way to turn. Andrew Strauss crouched at slip, bewildered; and you will not be surprised to know I was looking round the field for Michael Vaughan. No sign of him nor of Steve Harmison and Marcus Trescothick while Simon Jones will, presumably, never play in another first class match. I know these men cannot be returned to the England side magically; but by the beard of W G Grace we miss them.
To close
Not surprisingly, on the wettest ground in British cricket, rain brought an early finish with Australia 44 in front. Stuart Broad, who had hardly put a foot right on the whole innings, produced a sharp bouncer to get rid of Clark who is still without a century in at Test in this country. When the heavy shower finished the game continued under lights, another first for a venue where England have little if any control and face an unexpected defeat.
Preview
One day of the dreaded Aussie is as much as we need so I have sent him back to the terraces to sing with his pals. I will tell you whether England can follow the scenario sketched by Andrew Flintoff last night when he called for a re-enactment of the spirit of '05. He refuses to follow the lead of Graeme Swann who claimed "the wind had been knocked out of the England bowlers." Flintoff told the team: "It takes just one good spell to bring us right back into the game." We will see.
To lunch.
There seemed to be some purpose to the England bowling. Flintoff put the ball where his mouth was and although he did not take another wicket he showed Jimmy Anderson the way to the wickets of Simon Katich and Mike Hussey before, near lunch, Monty Panesar forced Ricky Ponting to chop the ball on to his stumps. It was too close to him; a strange misjudgement when he was 150, The Aussies will be pleased with their morning's 99 runs; near enough to the England total and still in with a chance of building a good-sized lead before the week-end rains.
To tea
Fifteen minutes before tea ten runs came off an over from Flintoff and Australia were in the lead. By the interval they were 23 in front and Michael Clark and Marcus North had batted the full two hours. Ominous. The Aussies were in a position to dominate the rest of the game and England were beginning to look as if they did not know which way to turn. Andrew Strauss crouched at slip, bewildered; and you will not be surprised to know I was looking round the field for Michael Vaughan. No sign of him nor of Steve Harmison and Marcus Trescothick while Simon Jones will, presumably, never play in another first class match. I know these men cannot be returned to the England side magically; but by the beard of W G Grace we miss them.
To close
Not surprisingly, on the wettest ground in British cricket, rain brought an early finish with Australia 44 in front. Stuart Broad, who had hardly put a foot right on the whole innings, produced a sharp bouncer to get rid of Clark who is still without a century in at Test in this country. When the heavy shower finished the game continued under lights, another first for a venue where England have little if any control and face an unexpected defeat.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Still the boss
Cardiff. First Ashes Test - day two
Preview
Greg here: Good as gold Ted says for me to write everything today so at last you are going to get some straight. First day even in my opinion and today the Aussies need the Dardenelles spirit, show the Poms what we are made of, trust the good people of Wales get behind us 'cos they hate the English more than we do. They have their own language on traffic signs so the Poms will get lost, Poms have to pay to get into the country and having listened to a couple of them in a pub last night they are not too thrilled to have the Queen's eldest boy as their Prince. I reckon they will run the Barmy Army out of Cardiff by the third day.Bloody brilliant
To lunch
Brilliant! Phillip Hughes throwns it right back to the Poms and sends me for a plate of leeks - traditional Welsh tucker so I hear - with a smile on my face. Got to say the Poms were giggling all day with good reason. That Jimmy Anderson was there hero. I mean we know that Graeme Swann has a decent idea of batting but Anderson has so much in the way of guts I reckon he has a bit of Aussie dog in this make-up. They put on nearly 100 in the first 80 minutes before lunch and all I can say is that the two attacks don't have half an idea between them. Right at the end along comes Hughes and lashes the ball everywhere from third man to extra cover. Never seen an opening bat do that before; and that wild backlift, and that strange stance. Still he seems to get the ball to the pickets all right. Might have a chance although when the Aussies grin there seems to be an air of resignation.
To tea
Everything going Australia's way. Oh, yeah, Freddie Flintoff got rid of Hughes when it looked as if the little fella was going to score a very rapid century and I have to say Freddie bowled beautifully. Yeah, beautifully which meant that Andrew Strauss kept him on a lot longer than he should have done and put the big fella and his injury-hit body at risk. Not that we Aussies wish him any harm. We love him to pieces and if he takes every wicket to fall in this seris, good on him. We can afford to be generous jsut a few runs behind, only one wicket down and me in charge of telling the tale without any bias. (Ted's been hit by his old enemy gout, leave the red wine alone, Ted and learn to live the simple life.)
To close
Oz 249-1, Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting both with centuries, only 186 behind that big England score; something for every true born Aussie to celebrate led by the old Prime Minister John Howard. Typical, he watches with his old smug expression as if he was responsible for every run. No longer in charge of the government but the same old polly. Still he is entitled to sit in the reserved seats looking pleased; even if none of us cares for him. We are too busy loving Katich and Ponting, true heroes who have turned this Ashes battle upside down. Bit of sympathy for the Poms. The ball didn't swing, I'm sure Stuart Broad was injured because he hardly bowled a ball and the half chances never went near a fielder. Australia have to be careful because this is a topsy turvey Test and it's not all over yet.
Preview
Greg here: Good as gold Ted says for me to write everything today so at last you are going to get some straight. First day even in my opinion and today the Aussies need the Dardenelles spirit, show the Poms what we are made of, trust the good people of Wales get behind us 'cos they hate the English more than we do. They have their own language on traffic signs so the Poms will get lost, Poms have to pay to get into the country and having listened to a couple of them in a pub last night they are not too thrilled to have the Queen's eldest boy as their Prince. I reckon they will run the Barmy Army out of Cardiff by the third day.Bloody brilliant
To lunch
Brilliant! Phillip Hughes throwns it right back to the Poms and sends me for a plate of leeks - traditional Welsh tucker so I hear - with a smile on my face. Got to say the Poms were giggling all day with good reason. That Jimmy Anderson was there hero. I mean we know that Graeme Swann has a decent idea of batting but Anderson has so much in the way of guts I reckon he has a bit of Aussie dog in this make-up. They put on nearly 100 in the first 80 minutes before lunch and all I can say is that the two attacks don't have half an idea between them. Right at the end along comes Hughes and lashes the ball everywhere from third man to extra cover. Never seen an opening bat do that before; and that wild backlift, and that strange stance. Still he seems to get the ball to the pickets all right. Might have a chance although when the Aussies grin there seems to be an air of resignation.
To tea
Everything going Australia's way. Oh, yeah, Freddie Flintoff got rid of Hughes when it looked as if the little fella was going to score a very rapid century and I have to say Freddie bowled beautifully. Yeah, beautifully which meant that Andrew Strauss kept him on a lot longer than he should have done and put the big fella and his injury-hit body at risk. Not that we Aussies wish him any harm. We love him to pieces and if he takes every wicket to fall in this seris, good on him. We can afford to be generous jsut a few runs behind, only one wicket down and me in charge of telling the tale without any bias. (Ted's been hit by his old enemy gout, leave the red wine alone, Ted and learn to live the simple life.)
To close
Oz 249-1, Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting both with centuries, only 186 behind that big England score; something for every true born Aussie to celebrate led by the old Prime Minister John Howard. Typical, he watches with his old smug expression as if he was responsible for every run. No longer in charge of the government but the same old polly. Still he is entitled to sit in the reserved seats looking pleased; even if none of us cares for him. We are too busy loving Katich and Ponting, true heroes who have turned this Ashes battle upside down. Bit of sympathy for the Poms. The ball didn't swing, I'm sure Stuart Broad was injured because he hardly bowled a ball and the half chances never went near a fielder. Australia have to be careful because this is a topsy turvey Test and it's not all over yet.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Pulverising start
Cardiff. The first Ashes Test - day one
Preview
I just hope that the decision by the ECB - the England and Wales Cricket Board here of course - to hold this important match on a ground making its Test debut does not rebound on the team. Defeat for England here would send out so many and varied messages and cause such a war of words that whether the board did it to spread the game or to trouser £3m will hardly matter.
This Australian side is their weakest since 1985 and the sooner they are told so the easier it will be for England to win back the Ashes. Then they can open a new era based on the young ones backing up Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen - Alistair Cook, Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad and James Anderson.It is a bigger opportunity than 2005 and all they need to back their own efforts is a mighty chorus from the Barmy Army, a force dreaded by authority but crucial if England are to prosper.
To lunch
To mark the arrival of Test cricket in Wales the day began with a short Eisteddfod: Land of My Fathers, God Save the Queen, Advance Australia Fair and Jerusalem. As much music as at Jacko's funeral.
For the next two hours the funeral theme kept recurring. Andrew Strauss won the toss, Ricky Ponting admitted, crestfallen that he would have batted. Alistair Cook was first out to a flying catch in the gully by Mike Hussey. Ravi Bopara began nervoously but Strauss managed to field the strike so that it looked as if the Australians had missed their way. Bopara settled, produced a searing stroke to mid-wicket for four but then Strauss on 30 hooked and was caught by Michael Clark at first slip. Bopara, seeming to be going well at 35, skied the ball to gully. Both fell to Mitchell Johnson and his left-arm sling shot so that at lunch England were an unsatisfactory 97-3 and Australia chuckled all the way to the pavilion.
I suspect first Test nerves played a part and it may be that Kevin Pietersen's stop-go start unsettled Bopara.
To tea
We all missed Shane Warne in the second session. Warne would have bowled cleverly on this slow pitch and he would probably have dismissed Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood. The man who needed him most was Ricky Ponting. Surely Warne would not have remained silent while Ponting allowed Nathan Hauritz and Michael Clark bowled together.
Pietersen and Collingwood just batted until the seriously bad ball came along. In contrast Ponting applied no pressure while they took the score to 194-3 and laid the foundation for a respectable score. It was a reminder of their great stand in Adelaide two years ago.
I have often wondered how Australia overturned their Test defeat at home with a win in South Africa. This afternoon's lacklustre bowling and captaincy have made the answer no clearer and I found myself wondering if Ponting had decided his team could not win and was simply determined to get through the series with as little damage to his reputation as possible.
To close
Collingwood received the best ball of the day and KP, the daft lad, played the worst shot since 1877 before Matt Prior and Andrew Flintoff raced along at a run a ball. Flintoff played on, Prior got another decent ball and at the end England on 336-7 were marginally on top.
Australia will feel they ought to have capitalised on a pitch that brought regular swing; every England batsman got a start and someone - Pietersen what in the name of decency were you thinking about trying to sweep a ball two feet outside the off stump? - should have made a century. KP for instance.
But if, as I suspect, this is going to be a low-scoring match, England have the edge and, bless 'em all, it has been a pulverising beginning.
Preview
I just hope that the decision by the ECB - the England and Wales Cricket Board here of course - to hold this important match on a ground making its Test debut does not rebound on the team. Defeat for England here would send out so many and varied messages and cause such a war of words that whether the board did it to spread the game or to trouser £3m will hardly matter.
This Australian side is their weakest since 1985 and the sooner they are told so the easier it will be for England to win back the Ashes. Then they can open a new era based on the young ones backing up Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen - Alistair Cook, Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad and James Anderson.It is a bigger opportunity than 2005 and all they need to back their own efforts is a mighty chorus from the Barmy Army, a force dreaded by authority but crucial if England are to prosper.
To lunch
To mark the arrival of Test cricket in Wales the day began with a short Eisteddfod: Land of My Fathers, God Save the Queen, Advance Australia Fair and Jerusalem. As much music as at Jacko's funeral.
For the next two hours the funeral theme kept recurring. Andrew Strauss won the toss, Ricky Ponting admitted, crestfallen that he would have batted. Alistair Cook was first out to a flying catch in the gully by Mike Hussey. Ravi Bopara began nervoously but Strauss managed to field the strike so that it looked as if the Australians had missed their way. Bopara settled, produced a searing stroke to mid-wicket for four but then Strauss on 30 hooked and was caught by Michael Clark at first slip. Bopara, seeming to be going well at 35, skied the ball to gully. Both fell to Mitchell Johnson and his left-arm sling shot so that at lunch England were an unsatisfactory 97-3 and Australia chuckled all the way to the pavilion.
I suspect first Test nerves played a part and it may be that Kevin Pietersen's stop-go start unsettled Bopara.
To tea
We all missed Shane Warne in the second session. Warne would have bowled cleverly on this slow pitch and he would probably have dismissed Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood. The man who needed him most was Ricky Ponting. Surely Warne would not have remained silent while Ponting allowed Nathan Hauritz and Michael Clark bowled together.
Pietersen and Collingwood just batted until the seriously bad ball came along. In contrast Ponting applied no pressure while they took the score to 194-3 and laid the foundation for a respectable score. It was a reminder of their great stand in Adelaide two years ago.
I have often wondered how Australia overturned their Test defeat at home with a win in South Africa. This afternoon's lacklustre bowling and captaincy have made the answer no clearer and I found myself wondering if Ponting had decided his team could not win and was simply determined to get through the series with as little damage to his reputation as possible.
To close
Collingwood received the best ball of the day and KP, the daft lad, played the worst shot since 1877 before Matt Prior and Andrew Flintoff raced along at a run a ball. Flintoff played on, Prior got another decent ball and at the end England on 336-7 were marginally on top.
Australia will feel they ought to have capitalised on a pitch that brought regular swing; every England batsman got a start and someone - Pietersen what in the name of decency were you thinking about trying to sweep a ball two feet outside the off stump? - should have made a century. KP for instance.
But if, as I suspect, this is going to be a low-scoring match, England have the edge and, bless 'em all, it has been a pulverising beginning.
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Cold comfort
When I was a 'prentice hand, learning how journalism and life worked, one of my main tutors was an old Irish cavalryman - he had ended his Army days with one of those weird ranks like Corporal of Horse - whose life was governed by cute sayings he had picked up around the world.
The first sign of winter always brought out the same quote: "Jeez, if it isn't cold enough for two chinstraps."
I was reminded of that phrase when I saw the weather forecast for Cardiff over the next five days. The temperature will vary from 13C to 18C and you can bet your last Aussie dollar that the news has not been popular among Ricky Ponting's troops..
Australians hate the cold. I landed in Sydney, having been baked in India and sweated in Singapore for four months, to hear a radio DJ tell his audience: "I'm afraid the best on offer in the next 24 hours is 19C."
In other words don't head for the beach this week-end, wrap up warm for the footie and forget the suncream; mate, it's bloody freezing.
So you can forget the absence of Brett Lee, the poor form of Mitchell Johnson, the fallible spin of Nathan Horwitz, Ponting's no-show in the batting averages and Phillip Hughes' reluctance to face up to the quick bouncer and put the pennies from your children's piggy bank right on England for the first Test.
Andrew Strauss and his pals are used to cricket in April so five days in the below 20 of Wales will not mean a thing. Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann always bowl with their fingers blue, Steve Harmison, Stuart Broad and Andrew Flintoff see two sweaters as a minimum requirement and the batsmen often look on the protective armour as an addition layer of clothing.
If you want a line of form on the way the Australians will treasure the idea of a few hours play in sub-Arctic Wales think back to 1991 when West Indies did everything except hoist a white flag over Headingley. Cold? My partner Jo King wore gloves, a scarf and an overcoat - and she was scoring in the press box!
So there is no need to panic over the result. The weather is just further proof that high above us the Archangel Gabriel and the Clerk of the Weather are not just cricket fans but England fans too.
Cold enough for two chinstraps? Those Australians had better sew an extra button on their long johns if they want to be comfortable in cold, cold Cardiff.
Greg here: Don't weep for the Aussies, mate, we will survive. You're right about one thing though. When I heard the news about Brett Lee I was sure it must be a scam. What is going on, the guys looks ok at Worcester, bowls too quick for your lot and now he is out of the first two Tests and one website says he could be out of the tour. There ain't no justice any more. But the rest will see us through and Horwitz will make you eat all those nasty words you write about him. Don't say I didn't tell you as the Aussies win 3-0 or even 4-0.
The first sign of winter always brought out the same quote: "Jeez, if it isn't cold enough for two chinstraps."
I was reminded of that phrase when I saw the weather forecast for Cardiff over the next five days. The temperature will vary from 13C to 18C and you can bet your last Aussie dollar that the news has not been popular among Ricky Ponting's troops..
Australians hate the cold. I landed in Sydney, having been baked in India and sweated in Singapore for four months, to hear a radio DJ tell his audience: "I'm afraid the best on offer in the next 24 hours is 19C."
In other words don't head for the beach this week-end, wrap up warm for the footie and forget the suncream; mate, it's bloody freezing.
So you can forget the absence of Brett Lee, the poor form of Mitchell Johnson, the fallible spin of Nathan Horwitz, Ponting's no-show in the batting averages and Phillip Hughes' reluctance to face up to the quick bouncer and put the pennies from your children's piggy bank right on England for the first Test.
Andrew Strauss and his pals are used to cricket in April so five days in the below 20 of Wales will not mean a thing. Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann always bowl with their fingers blue, Steve Harmison, Stuart Broad and Andrew Flintoff see two sweaters as a minimum requirement and the batsmen often look on the protective armour as an addition layer of clothing.
If you want a line of form on the way the Australians will treasure the idea of a few hours play in sub-Arctic Wales think back to 1991 when West Indies did everything except hoist a white flag over Headingley. Cold? My partner Jo King wore gloves, a scarf and an overcoat - and she was scoring in the press box!
So there is no need to panic over the result. The weather is just further proof that high above us the Archangel Gabriel and the Clerk of the Weather are not just cricket fans but England fans too.
Cold enough for two chinstraps? Those Australians had better sew an extra button on their long johns if they want to be comfortable in cold, cold Cardiff.
Greg here: Don't weep for the Aussies, mate, we will survive. You're right about one thing though. When I heard the news about Brett Lee I was sure it must be a scam. What is going on, the guys looks ok at Worcester, bowls too quick for your lot and now he is out of the first two Tests and one website says he could be out of the tour. There ain't no justice any more. But the rest will see us through and Horwitz will make you eat all those nasty words you write about him. Don't say I didn't tell you as the Aussies win 3-0 or even 4-0.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
