Story Ashes 2009: The Aussies Return- *Updated*

[King Pietersen]

The Ashes returns to England. It's 2009 and The Ashes are back, 5 test matches of pure excitement, the old rivalry continues. It's been an exciting journey for England, with series wins against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa, England are coming into this series knowning that a win will put them top of the world rankings. Australia havent been in as hot form in the test arena, draws with New Zealand and Sri Lanka were dissapointing but wins against Pakistan, India and the West Indies brought back belief. Michael Clarke is the current Aussie captain after taking the reigns from Ricky Ponting, with Kevin Pietersen as the England skipper.

The squads for both sides have been announced, with a few unexpected call-ups and drops from both sides. Stephen Adshead is the 2nd wicket-keeper in England's squad, fighting off competition from Matt Prior and Geraint Jones, with Phil Mustard keeping his place in the squad, after a successful first tour in the England test side. The still improving James Benning also makes England's squad and will be hoping that he is given the chance to open with the in form Alastair Cook, who is still averaging 50+ in Test Match cricket. The experienced Matthew Hoggard is still the peak of England's bowling attack, but he will be hoping for support from the younger guys, Stuart Broad, Graeme Onions and James Anderson, there's a place for Chris Tremlett also.

As for Australia, the main surprise was the inclusion of former Derbyshire man, Travis Birt. Birt is in the squad to replace Mike Hussey, who after a very poor state season failed in the test matches aswell. Hussey's test match average has dropped to 33.45 in the 2 years since his first Ashes Series in Australia in 2007, it's been a rollercoaster for the man formerly known as "Mr Cricket". Luke Ronchi, the hotly tipped wicket keeper will be fighting for his place, in competition with the ever impressive Brad Haddin. The Aussie spinners take shape with Brad Hogg being partnered by Dan Cullen, both are experienced in first class cricket but neither have overly impressed in the test match arena, we expect Hogg to be played in the first test.

Lets take a closer look at the squads then, the England squad led by Kevin Pietersen looks like this:

The Michael Clarke led Australia squad looks like this:

This is going to be an exciting series of test match cricket. Stay Tuned.

 

[Pakistani Army]

Yes. Finally after your superb Eng vs West Indies, this is going to be superb. Good luck mate and I will be a constant commenter.

 

[OrderDX]

wow i am really looking forward to this!!!!

 

[King Pietersen]

Slight problem. I installed the line-up editor a month or so ago and set an England test line-up. Now whenever i try to start the series it picks the team set on the line-up editor and i cant change it in game. Is there anything i can do ?

 

[Highlander999]

I wouldn't know mate sorry.

Nice to see you doing a story

 

[King Pietersen]

Right, dont worry, went back onto the line-up editor and fixed it that way. I will update soon !!.

 

[Highlander999]

Cool, can't wait. Your stories are always amazing :cool:

 

[King Pietersen]

The teams for the game have been announced. Kevin Pietersen's England are at full strength, with no injuries. Andrew Flintoff was passed fit yesterday, after suffering with more ankle pain. Having Flintoff fit is key to England's success, he was the star of the show in the last ashes in England. Clarke's Australia have rushed Shane Watson back into the side after a hernia problem. The Aussie selectors see Watson as a key member of the team and desperately wanted him in the 11, to improve the balance of the side. Here are the teams in detail:

As you can see, there are a couple of surprise inclusions in both sides. James Benning was picked ahead of Luke Wright for England, and also Stuart Broad was picked ahead of James Anderson, because of Broad's McGrath style accuracy, which seems to work well on the lords surface. The surprise inclusion for Australia is that of Luke Ronchi. The successful Wicket-keeper opening batsman is picked ahead of Brad Haddin, other than that, it's as expected for both sides. Looks to be a promising series for both sides.

To the toss:

Clarke calls heads
It's a heads
Australia will bowl first

So, Australia to bowl first on this warm, sunny, but cloudy day at Lords. Australia batted first last time at Lords and it worked their way, will it be the same this time for Clarke's men ?. Lets get down to the action.

 

[Jaztheman]

Wow great start, I know you'll do well.

Good start.

 

[Ibitmybut]

Wow! I'm hooked already.
Keep it up, I'll be following this story.

 

[King Pietersen]

First Boundary of the Ashes 2009​

James Benning gets going early with a fantastic straight drive past Mid on and Mid off. It was timed beautifully by the Surrey opener and could be a sign of England's mindset in the series. Is it going to be another aggressive series for England ?

Benning's first Ashes innings comes to an abrupt end​

Stuart Clark gets the early breakthrough for Australia. Benning, trying to get forward to the ball, played the wrong line to a swinging, seaming ball and ended up getting clean bowled by the Aussie opening bowler. Smiles beamed from every Aussie face. England 7/1.

Shah joins Benning in the Pavilion​

Owais Shah has continued his poor run of form with another start. Shah only managed 12 before being bowled by Stuart Clark. Shah had been pinned back onto the back foot with short deliveries from Lee and Clark and when met by a Clark yorker, Shah had no chance. Only 1 hundred in his last 3 series, Shah is in deep trouble and needs a score in the 2nd innings. More dissapointment for England's number 3.

Pietersen departs aswell​

England captain Kevin Pietersen has joined fellow batsmen Owais Shah and James Benning in the pavilion after getting caught plum LBW to Hogg. The left arm chinaman claims his first ashes wicket, and its a very important one. Pietersen, still averaging in the mid 50's in test match cricket is key to England's success. This wicket means that Alastair Cook is joined by Ian Bell at the crease. England are in deep trouble at 65/3 though.

Alastair Cook is a lucky boy !!​

Alastair Cook has survived what sounded and looked like a certain edge. Stuart Clark, who already has 2 wickets under his belt stuck Cook a short ball in which he tried to cut away. The edge was very visable on replay and snicko also confirmed a noise. The umpire, Mark Benson didnt think there was an edge however, so Cook survives. This further's the argument that more technology should be used in international cricket. Cook wont mind though. Here's hotspot's view of the incident:

The session comes to an end.​

The first session of play comes to an end with England at 90/3. Alastair Cook is going well, on 41 not out off 83 balls, including 5 fours. Stuart Clark is the pick of the bowlers in terms of wickets, taking 2 English wickets in the first 28 overs. Brett Lee also had a good first session, finishing the session with figures of 9 overs, 2 maidens, 17 for none. Here are the scorecards at lunch:

 

[Jaztheman]

Not the best of starts for England, Bad top order needs big uns by Cook,Bell and Flintoff.

Great pres btw.

 

[OrderDX]

great pres but england in a bit of trouble bell will get them out of it hopefully!

 

[Highlander999]

Super work mate. Cook and Bell need to get a big partnership going

 

[JD10]

it's getting good but wot game is it it doesn't look like Cricket 07:help