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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2015 0:00:45 GMT
Plus points: Cookes continued resurgence. Good debut 100 from Leith Buttler's batting. Broad getting some confidence back with the bat. Wood is looking like he could be a decent 3rd seemer or strike bowler. Negative points: Balance looks as though he's forgotten how to bat. Bell continues to struggle. A dip in form from Root - nothing more - hopefully. Moeen looks like a part time spinner. There's a lot to sort out for the Ashes. Good points. One positive to add - Butler's keeping is getting better. Starting to look the part behind the stumps. One change to your negative, Ali looks like a part time spinner because he is a part time spinner. Plenty to think on for the first test. Yes ...good points ....clearly Buttler was not good enough initially behind the stumps , after all he is not a genuine Keeper .....he will improve I think as did Matt Prior ....I would like to see him at six in the order though ...difficult when you have so many batters in the line up ....he always seems to be in with the tail . R.E Moeen ...we have said this since day one ....he is a useful Cricketer . But as a spinner he does not fit the bill ....I see him as a better one day player , but interestingly they have left him out ?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2015 0:03:00 GMT
A poor effort with the bat from England today ......we should have saved this Test easily with the correct amount of application .
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2015 0:06:18 GMT
I hate it when we lose a Test Match .....it's like having a tooth out .....it ruins the next week for me !
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Post by sydneypotter on Jun 3, 2015 2:53:45 GMT
Never mind Bish, a bottle of Bushmills, an aspirin and a good night's rest might help ease the troubled mind. (good for both teeth extractions and poorly performing cricket team spectators)
Have to say that I enjoyed the cricket almost as much as the result. There's a tradition here that says that Australian's almost always barrack for the team that plays New Zealand. However, this time I couldn't help but have a sneaky regard for the Black Caps. (after all they also live under the Southern Cross too) Only one issue now and that is The Aussies have a lot to play for. Heaven help Sydney-siders, especially around Bondi Junction, if the English take the Ashes series.
NZ are playing the both versions of the game as no other Kiwi team in living memory has played. (not in my life time at least) The skill and commitment shown by the current team is spectacular - even the part time spinner Williamson took key wickets at the right time. Not a bad come back from almost being banned for a suspect action - thoughts drift to a certain Sri Lankan perhaps. The run away Western Australian, Kiwi keeper also played a decent role in the series too. Can't blame him for going home after not being able to break into the ACB contracts system. Good bat and a solid keeper.
Positives (from across the water) Cook getting back to what is almost his glorious best Lyth is looking the goods (early days yet of course)
Negatives (also from across the water) Bell is at sixes and sevens. He's a shadow of his former self (pity, since he's wonderful to watch when he's on song) Balance doesn't look like he's a test player in a fit, although his first class record indicates something different (we will see) You really, really do need a spinner. What ever did Monty do, apart from recklessly wetting a few walls and outdoor plants Things to do: Have Mr Root stay quite. Perhaps lessons on when to engage the brain before speaking might help his quest to be a future skipper. (or even a session at the local boozer with Davie Warner before the first test) He should allow his bat to do the talking - highly talented batsman but rotten spokesman. Have the English management team leave Trev Baylis alone to get on with the transformation of a gaggle of talented, but undisciplined cricketers, into a decent test playing side.
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Post by partickpotter on Jun 3, 2015 6:02:06 GMT
Some interesting selection questions. Moeen - clearly not a front line test spinner. Be useful as a back up. Bat at 6 and support 4 main bowlers. But that position has gone to Stokes. Sadly I don't see a place in the team for him. It's been said before - pick your four best bowlers for test cricket. Bell - we've discussed earlier. Needs to get his act together fast. The next innings would be ideal. His ton in the Windies is looking very much the exception to 2 years of poor batting for England. Ballance - looked awful in the first innings. Almost Broad like in his inability to cope with a well pitched up swinging ball. But he has scored a stack of runs in the last 12 months so has his place in the side for a while yet. Anderson - class act. Still takes wickets. What he needs is his fellow seamers to chip in. Looks like Wood can do just that and Broad looking, in patches, like he is back to his best. Nice not to have to debate Cook in a list of "worries"! I never thought it we had to debate Cook as a worry.....you did of course !.......he was a victim of his own prolific performances ....a dip in them and you get unwarranted criticism ....Bell is struggling a little at the moment .....he fell for the three card trick today ....but he has the class that is required , he will pull through this dip in form ...Ballance on the other hand frightens me to death ! ....the lad can clearly bat as his statistics show ...but I have never seen such a a poor technique from a top line player ....he was playing well last summer ....marvelous results , so you don't tend to notice his faults so much ,when he is out of touch however .....his faults are glaringly and worryingly apparent ....almost basically deficient ...I hope the break from tests allows him some serious work in the nets and the middle . I heard one of the commentators talking the other day about Cook's return to form with the bat (can't remember who) make an interesting point about Cook that touched on something you raised ; class is permanent, form is temporary so why was Cook in such a protracted run of poor from. He reckonened that playing ODI cricket had got Cook into the habit of playing at balls outside off stump trying to score runs that he'd have previously left as a test match opening bat. In other words playing outside his comfort zone or differently to how he has played when scoring all those test centuries. By stopping playing ODIs he's flushed that one day practice out of his system and we are back to the old Cook. I think there's something in that.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2015 8:58:04 GMT
Never mind Bish, a bottle of Bushmills, an aspirin and a good night's rest might help ease the troubled mind. (good for both teeth extractions and poorly performing cricket team spectators) Have to say that I enjoyed the cricket almost as much as the result. There's a tradition here that says that Australian's almost always barrack for the team that plays New Zealand. However, this time I couldn't help but have a sneaky regard for the Black Caps. (after all they also live under the Southern Cross too) Only one issue now and that is The Aussies have a lot to play for. Heaven help Sydney-siders, especially around Bondi Junction, if the English take the Ashes series. NZ are playing the both versions of the game as no other Kiwi team in living memory has played. (not in my life time at least) The skill and commitment shown by the current team is spectacular - even the part time spinner Williamson took key wickets at the right time. Not a bad come back from almost being banned for a suspect action - thoughts drift to a certain Sri Lankan perhaps. The run away Western Australian, Kiwi keeper also played a decent role in the series too. Can't blame him for going home after not being able to break into the ACB contracts system. Good bat and a solid keeper. Positives (from across the water) Cook getting back to what is almost his glorious best Lyth is looking the goods (early days yet of course) Negatives (also from across the water) Bell is at sixes and sevens. He's a shadow of his former self (pity, since he's wonderful to watch when he's on song) Balance doesn't look like he's a test player in a fit, although his first class record indicates something different (we will see) You really, really do need a spinner. What ever did Monty do, apart from recklessly wetting a few walls and outdoor plants Things to do: Have Mr Root stay quite. Perhaps lessons on when to engage the brain before speaking might help his quest to be a future skipper. (or even a session at the local boozer with Davie Warner before the first test) He should allow his bat to do the talking - highly talented batsman but rotten spokesman. Have the English management team leave Trev Baylis alone to get on with the transformation of a gaggle of talented, but undisciplined cricketers, into a decent test playing side. Syd , if following England gave me a troubled mind I would have been in a straight jacket years ago !.....the idea of a bottle of Bushmills ( or similar ) is a good one though
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2015 9:01:58 GMT
I never thought it we had to debate Cook as a worry.....you did of course !.......he was a victim of his own prolific performances ....a dip in them and you get unwarranted criticism ....Bell is struggling a little at the moment .....he fell for the three card trick today ....but he has the class that is required , he will pull through this dip in form ...Ballance on the other hand frightens me to death ! ....the lad can clearly bat as his statistics show ...but I have never seen such a a poor technique from a top line player ....he was playing well last summer ....marvelous results , so you don't tend to notice his faults so much ,when he is out of touch however .....his faults are glaringly and worryingly apparent ....almost basically deficient ...I hope the break from tests allows him some serious work in the nets and the middle . I heard one of the commentators talking the other day about Cook's return to form with the bat (can't remember who) make an interesting point about Cook that touched on something you raised ; class is permanent, form is temporary so why was Cook in such a protracted run of poor from. He reckonened that playing ODI cricket had got Cook into the habit of playing at balls outside off stump trying to score runs that he'd have previously left as a test match opening bat. In other words playing outside his comfort zone or differently to how he has played when scoring all those test centuries. By stopping playing ODIs he's flushed that one day practice out of his system and we are back to the old Cook. I think there's something in that. That could well be the reason ......whatever it is , thank goodness he is back to his ( almost ) very best .
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Post by ukcstokie on Jun 3, 2015 12:58:51 GMT
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Post by partickpotter on Jun 3, 2015 18:41:00 GMT
Also in other cricket news Australia have the Windies at 144-9 in the 50th over on the first day of the first test in Dominica.
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Post by ukcstokie on Jun 3, 2015 23:37:59 GMT
Also in other cricket news Australia have the Windies at 144-9 in the 50th over on the first day of the first test in Dominica. West Indies finished 148 all out. Australia 85 for 3. The Aussie bowling and fielding looked very sharp. Looks like we're in for a long hard summer.
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Post by partickpotter on Jun 4, 2015 21:43:42 GMT
That Aussie tail doesn't half wag. 178-8, 318 all out.
Similar story to the last Ashes series, the last 5 wickets contribute (significantly) more then the first 5 (112-5).
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Post by sydneypotter on Jun 4, 2015 22:57:21 GMT
Have to agree Partick, although it took a record equaling last wicket stand (Windies v's Aust) to do it. We did lose our opener before the match started so it was a bit of a piecemeal opening partnership and perhaps unbalanced the top order a tad. Not much of a reason I have to admit, but its the best I could come up with at short notice.
The Windies spinner did a wonderful job. His name put me on the back foot for a couple of minutes - I thought that Bish had donned the creams and was sporting a healthy sun tan.
They dropped their shoulders quite a bit during the last session, so it didn't surprise me too much when they quickly went down two wickets in the second innings.
Staying up though the night to watch Northern Hemisphere tests is beginning to take its toll. Hopefully it will stand me in good stead for the Ashes, that is when the body clock becomes more aligned.
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Post by Squeekster on Jun 4, 2015 23:22:06 GMT
Australia turned test match cricket on it's head by attacking in the middle periods where normally teams just sat in and waited, likewise New Zealand are going down a similar route with flamboyant bowling and batting and attacking fielding patterns ala 20/20 and 50 over cricket.
Leave test match cricket alone!
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Post by sydneypotter on Jun 5, 2015 1:45:12 GMT
The middle order explosion didn't happen in the first innings. Both Smith and Watson certainly sat back and watched the world go by. It was left to a tail ender to help make the difference this time around. Not sure what you mean by attacking field patterns. I think that Australia has taken fielding to another level in the past few years and are reaping the rewards of their hard work. We have been blessed with extraordinary slips and gully fieldsmen for a long time, especially first and second slippers. Not limited overs cricket, just solid all round fielding I would suggest.
I suppose you also thought that the Windies were altering the state of the game when they played four world class quicks in the same side., albeit a long time ago. As we see it's all about cycles and having a talented group of cricketers coming along at the same time. Its also about having a good coach at the helm. We have for a while and you will have soon. I'm not sure Baylis will have enough time to work with your current crop of players to make a difference in the short term. Long term is quite different. He's a man who has and can make a difference. This Ashes series will see an almost full battery of Australian quicks being available for selection for the first time in a very long time. That might or might not give Messrs Cook, Root and Bell something to keep them awake at night - I hope so. Clarke needs to win an Ashes series away from home so he can go into retirement with a sound record. This could be his chance.
So, far from leaving test cricket alone, the Australian's are simply adding their record to a long list of fine achievements of other teams over a long time. Sit back and enjoy - I will.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2015 8:47:48 GMT
Have to agree Partick, although it took a record equaling last wicket stand (Windies v's Aust) to do it. We did lose our opener before the match started so it was a bit of a piecemeal opening partnership and perhaps unbalanced the top order a tad. Not much of a reason I have to admit, but its the best I could come up with at short notice. The Windies spinner did a wonderful job. His name put me on the back foot for a couple of minutes - I thought that Bish had donned the creams and was sporting a healthy sun tan. They dropped their shoulders quite a bit during the last session, so it didn't surprise me too much when they quickly went down two wickets in the second innings. Staying up though the night to watch Northern Hemisphere tests is beginning to take its toll. Hopefully it will stand me in good stead for the Ashes, that is when the body clock becomes more aligned. I was always seam up mate ......but I have turned the odd one or two out of the rough !
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Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Jun 5, 2015 10:45:29 GMT
In a bit of sad news, Craig Kieswetter has opted to retire following that horrific eye injury which has left him with damaged vision.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2015 12:58:23 GMT
In a bit of sad news, Craig Kieswetter has opted to retire following that horrific eye injury which has left him with damaged vision. Terrible bad luck for the young man .
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Post by partickpotter on Jun 5, 2015 20:21:53 GMT
Brilliant stuff in the Roses T20. Butler wins it for Lancashire with 71 from 34 balls. He is some player. Shame to see Yorkshire lose though...
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Post by ukcstokie on Jun 5, 2015 21:21:48 GMT
Aussie beat the Windies in 3 days by 9 wickets.
It's going to be a very tough Ashes coming up....
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Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Jun 5, 2015 21:30:49 GMT
Just got back from Trent Bridge, entertaining knock from Hales, but ultimately in vain as Leicestershire came through with an over to spare courtesy of a 6 run penalty due to slow over rates.
It may not be the purest form of the game, but it's certainly attracting youngsters which can't be a bad thing. 11,000 there tonight.
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Post by partickpotter on Jun 6, 2015 15:24:47 GMT
New Zealand warming up in style for the ODIs against Leicestershire scoring 373 with Elliot and Ronchi both scoring 106 not out - Ronchi's ton coming of 76 balls.
No Broad or Anderson (or Treadwell or Ali for that matter) in our ODI squad so an opportunity for other bowlers to shine. An opportunity also, of course, to get the shit kicked out of you as well. This NZ side is a very good test side but an even better ODI one. Might watch this series through my fingers sat behind the sofa!
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Post by ukcstokie on Jun 6, 2015 15:30:51 GMT
New Zealand warming up in style for the ODIs against Leicestershire scoring 373 with Elliot and Ronchi both scoring 106 not out - Ronchi's ton coming of 76 balls. No Broad or Anderson (or Treadwell or Ali for that matter) in our ODI squad so an opportunity for other bowlers to shine. An opportunity also, of course, to get the shit kicked out of you as well. This NZ side is a very good test side but an even better ODI one. Might watch this series through my fingers sat behind the sofa! With playing the the Kiwis at their own game from now on, and the Aussies looking pretty excellent - and likely to get better, I really hope we haven't seen the only England win of the summer. We're really going to have to be at the top of our game to get anything from our remaining matches, and at the moment we're far from firing on all cylinders. But maybe I'm just being too negative about England?
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Post by partickpotter on Jun 6, 2015 15:44:04 GMT
New Zealand warming up in style for the ODIs against Leicestershire scoring 373 with Elliot and Ronchi both scoring 106 not out - Ronchi's ton coming of 76 balls. No Broad or Anderson (or Treadwell or Ali for that matter) in our ODI squad so an opportunity for other bowlers to shine. An opportunity also, of course, to get the shit kicked out of you as well. This NZ side is a very good test side but an even better ODI one. Might watch this series through my fingers sat behind the sofa! With playing the the Kiwis at their own game from now on, and the Aussies looking pretty excellent - and likely to get better, I really hope we haven't seen the only England win of the summer. We're really going to have to be at the top of our game to get anything from our remaining matches, and at the moment we're far from firing on all cylinders. But maybe I'm just being too negative about England? We're going to have to be at our best - and not just talk the talk about positive cricket but walk the walk. Put pressure back on the opposition. Let's see then how they react. Stay positive. For now at least!
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Post by ukcstokie on Jun 6, 2015 16:13:23 GMT
With playing the the Kiwis at their own game from now on, and the Aussies looking pretty excellent - and likely to get better, I really hope we haven't seen the only England win of the summer. We're really going to have to be at the top of our game to get anything from our remaining matches, and at the moment we're far from firing on all cylinders. But maybe I'm just being too negative about England? We're going to have to be at our best - and not just talk the talk about positive cricket but walk the walk. Put pressure back on the opposition. Let's see then how they react. Stay positive. For now at least! I'm trying to! Good knock of 90 from Bell in the T20. Should give him a bit of confidence.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jun 6, 2015 16:19:34 GMT
These ODI's should be good. An excellent chance to see the new guys and see how they do against top class opposition.
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Post by partickpotter on Jun 6, 2015 19:18:01 GMT
We're going to have to be at our best - and not just talk the talk about positive cricket but walk the walk. Put pressure back on the opposition. Let's see then how they react. Stay positive. For now at least! I'm trying to! Good knock of 90 from Bell in the T20. Should give him a bit of confidence. There's not a batsman in world cricket today I'd rather watch in full flow than Ian Bell. I reckon he is even more elegant than Gower. But he has been a huge disappointment for England. I desperately hope he gets his head sorted for the Ashes. If he is on song, we can win. I'm not going to hold my breath though!
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Post by ukcstokie on Jun 6, 2015 19:45:53 GMT
I'm trying to! Good knock of 90 from Bell in the T20. Should give him a bit of confidence. There's not a batsman in world cricket today I'd rather watch in full flow than Ian Bell. I reckon he is even more elegant than Gower. But he has been a huge disappointment for England. I desperately hope he gets his head sorted for the Ashes. If he is on song, we can win. I'm not going to hold my breath though! Totally agree. There's no doubt that we have the quality and depth in the batting to bat the Aussies out of the tests - as long as they're pretty much all inform. Ballance looked to have a bit more form in the T20 last night too. But it's a big leap to getting your head straight in a short slog fest against the ultimate of Test cricket.
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Post by BigKahunaBurger on Jun 9, 2015 12:36:08 GMT
1st ODI.
Lost toss, batting first.
Debut for Billings.
Gooaaarrrnnn!
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Post by BigKahunaBurger on Jun 9, 2015 13:06:34 GMT
Roy gone first ball...
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Post by partickpotter on Jun 9, 2015 16:33:35 GMT
Gone rather well since! Tons off very few balls for Root then Butler. Fifties for Morgan and Rashid. 4 overs to go and we're at 354-6. This is possibly the best we've ever batted in an ODI. Wonderful stuff from England.
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