The Ashes (Cricket)

[Doive]

I must admit, England is bowling better than I expected they would.

Really? Anderson and Swann have been amongst the best in the world recently, Anderson is probably the best swing bowler around.

Anderson has failed miserably in Australian conditions before, because when the ball isn't swinging he tends to be very easy to score runs off.

And off spinners are routinely slaughtered here. Murali and Harbhajan, two very highly regarded offspinners, averaged 62 and 73 respectively here. The spinners that have been most successful in Australia, Kumble, Kaneria and (arguably) Chandana, bowl leg spin.

Marcus North goes for 1. Bowled Swann caught collingwood. Australia 143 - 5. You need a partnership pretty sharpish.

North is useless, never expected him to make runs. Hussey is the key.

Agreed that Hussey is now the key. If he goes soon we'll be in control ghetto stylie.

 

[SirDeadly]

I'm hoping Hussey goes out tomorrow and gets a century, he really needs the confidence boost. Haddin is doing a good job hanging around aswell. Mitchell Johnson got a century last week for WA so hopefully he can continue that form when he's needed. Gonna be a BIG day tomorrow, if the Aussies can hang around till half way through the second session, I think they'll have a good chance of winning.

 

[LooK iTz Jinjo]

Does someone want to explain to me why Mitchell Johnson is listed as an All-Rounder, yet Shane Watson is not? Channel Nine seriously what the fuck?

I'm incredibly excited for this series for 1 reason. With the exception of rain, there will not be a draw. Why? Well, each team's first innings in this test, both our bowling attacks are considerably stronger than our batting, neither of us have a very effective spinner (Swanne doesn't know how to use the Australian conditions and has been previously stated offspin is pretty useless here). Australia have 2 (Watson and Katich) in form batsman and 1 (Hussey) who appears to be regaining it but we do have the ability to bowl England out for about the same as we can make.

I'm prediction that this series will be won 3-2. By who I can't tell you (Leaning towards Australia just because we are have home advantage) and I would not be surprised if this went to Sydney 2-2. I already have tickets to day 3 of the Adelaide Test (Best place in the world to watch cricket I tell you!) which I was ecstatic about obtaining.

For the benefit of Australians North out > Ferguson in. Seriously North needs to be dropped why does he get so many chances yet Phil Hughes and Ferguson are just left out?

 

[smithy_2045]

My list of better choices to bat at 6 than North, assuming they're fit, currently includes at the very least;
White, Khawaja, Ferguson, Hughes, D. Hussey, McDonald, Cosgrove, S. Marsh, O'Keefe, Smith and Jaques. Maybe Klinger, Paine and Finch as well.

 

[Doive]

Anderson and Broad opening well with the new ball, no breakthrough but hussey would be gone if we hadn't used up our reviews....

 

[TimeLord]

I was watching the highlights today and thought.... where are the good bowlers!? Panissar and Sidebottom are excellent but they aren't playing

 

[Doive]

Hussey gets his century....what a bellend! Australia 280 - 5. A lead of 20.

 

[soapyshooter]

Australia is gonna take the series, its being held in Australia this year and they are the stronger squad. Hope for a miracle Brits!

 

[TheTaco007]

You mean the Wooden Pillar that unlocks the way to Krikkit?

Immediately what you thought of, too, huh?

 

[SirDeadly]

Well done Haddin! What a century

 

[Doive]

Hussey reaches his 150, what a hussy. Australia 319 - 5, 131 the lead.

 

[Tokeism]

5/393, lead 133, M.Hussey 152 & B.Haddin 115

England are in trouble (Go Aussies)

 

[Doive]

Game is not over yet, plus Hussey should have been out when he was on 90-odd if the umpire hadn't bottled it.

 

[smithy_2045]

Game is not over yet, plus Hussey should have been out when he was on 90-odd if the umpire hadn't bottled it.

Batsmen get the benefit of the doubt. Two noises, sounded woody through the stump mic, so it's fully understandable why he didn't give it. Of course, you wouldn't have had that problem had you not wasted a review on Watson that was never going to hit the stumps.

5/436 at tea.

 

[Doive]

Game is not over yet, plus Hussey should have been out when he was on 90-odd if the umpire hadn't bottled it.

Batsmen get the benefit of the doubt. Two noises, sounded woody through the stump mic, so it's fully understandable why he didn't give it. Of course, you wouldn't have had that problem had you not wasted a review on Watson that was never going to hit the stumps.

5/436 at tea.

I mean the LBW appeal. Hussey was given out then appealed and it was turned over - it was close but fair does. Soon after, LBW appeal umpire says not out because he was reviewed and wrong a little earlier.

 

[Doive]

Plus when we appealed for Clarke caught behind snicko picked up a sound that could only have been a nick but hotspot said not out. Hence we lost an appeal when we *shouldn't*. I realise this is sour grapes but where better to let off a bit of steam?

 

[Doive]

Haddin goes for 137, caught by collingwood off swann. mitchell johnson joins hussey at the crease. Aus 449 - 6. Partnership was 307 runs....

 

[Doive]

Hussey caught for 195, Aus 458 - 7. COLLAPSE!!!

 

[Doive]

Johnson bowled by finn for a duck. Aus 462 - 8. Lead of 202.

 

[Doive]

Finn takes his 5th wicket on his ashes debut, Siddle caught at slips, gone for 6. Aus 472 - 9