Story Australia's 2010-11 Summer [3rd Test, Day 1, Tea]

[Prithvi]

Sri Lanka Require 339 Runs At 8.48 RPO To Win

All Aussies have to do is play fair game of cricket, without much of experiments, if they want to pull this offthumbs!

 

[timchrist984]

Jayawardene Falls To Hauritz​

After making a promising start, Mahela Jayawardene has been dismissed by Nathan Hauritz for 22. Sri Lanka are looking good here at the SCG, but the required run has crept up to 8.86 RPO. Sri Lanka must not worry about the run rate. They must focus on occupying the crease and the runs will come. Dilshan and Sangakkara are at the crease and are batting freely. Dilshan is on 41 from 39 and Sangakkara is on 5 from 3. This partnership is the key for Sri Lanka.

It was Peter Siddle who bowled the 11th over from the Paddington End. The first ball of the over was over pitched and Jayawardene was on to it in a flash. He clubbed it straight back over the bowler's head for 4. The next ball was full again and Jayawardene pushed it on to the leg side for a single. Dilshan defended the next ball then flicked the 4th ball of the over off his pads for 4. The final 2 balls of the over were a length and Dilshan defended them.

Watson continued to bowl from the other end and was economical. The first 4 balls of the over were pitched up and Jayawardene defended them. The 5th ball of the over was over pitched and Jayawardene drove it down the ground for 2. Jayawardene then creamed the final ball of the over straight to short cover and couldn't score.

Siddle was then replaced at the Paddington End by Nathan Hauritz. Dilshan defended the first 2 balls of the over, then survived a massive LBW appeal on the 3rd ball of the over. Hauritz beat Dilshan through the air and struck him on the front pad. The umpire thought the ball was going to miss leg stump and turned down the appeal. The next 2 balls were on the spot and Dilshan was forced to defend. The final ball of the over was lofted over mid-off for a single.

Watson was replaced at the other end by left armer, Mitchell Johnson. Johnson's first ball was short and Dilshan pulled it through mid-wicket for 1. The next ball was full and Jayawardene pushed it through the covers for a single. The 3rd ball of the over was short and Dilshan punched it through the covers off the back foot for another single. The 4th ball of the over was a horrible full toss. Jayawardene batted it through the leg side, straight to mid wicket for 1. Dilshan then cut the 5th ball of the over, through point for another single. The final ball of the over was full and Jayawardene drove it down the ground for 2.

Nathan Hauritz then bowled the 15th over from the Paddington End. The first ball of the over was short and Dilshan played an excellent square cut for 4. The next ball was full and Dilshan lofted it over the leg side for a single. The 3rd ball of the over was on a length and Jayawardene scooped it straight to square leg where Clint McKay took a relatively simple catch. Jayawardene was out for 22 and the score was 2/93. The new man at the crease was Kumar Sangakkara. Sangakkara defended his first ball off the front foot, then smashed his 2nd through the leg side for 4. The final ball of the over was full and Sangakkara drove it through the covers for a single.

So, Sri Lanka need Dilshan and Sangakkara to dig in and bat for at least the next 10 or 15 overs. Australia just need to keep it tight and let Sri Lanka come at them. If Sri Lanka start to push the run rate, they will create chances for Australia. Sri Lanka just need to stay calm and keep wickets in the bank.

Overs 11 to 15 Highlights:

Australia 9/407 50.0 overs

Sri Lanka 2/98 15.0 Overs
Dilshan Not Out 41
Tharanga C: Haddin B: Watson 29
Jayawardene C: McKay B: Hauritz 22
Sangakkara Not Out 5

Extras: 1nb
Sri Lanka Require 310 Runs At 8.86 RPO To Win

Australia
Johnson (4-0-19-0) 1nb 4.00 RPO
McKay (3-0-24-0) 8.00 RPO
Siddle (3-0-23-0) 7.67 RPO
Watson (3-0-21-1) 7.0 RPO
Hauritz (2-0-11-1) 5.50 RPO

FOW: 1-58, 2-93

 

[timchrist984]

Hauritz Picks Up 2 More​

Nathan Hauritz looks to be in good nick here at the SCG. He has ran through the Sri Lankan top order, picking up Jayawardene, Dilshan and Samaraweera. Sri Lanka are in massive trouble here. They have slumped from 2/104 to 5/140. Dilshan is now back in the sheds and the Aussies look to have the match in the bag.

It was Mitchell Johnson who bowled the 16th over from the Randwick End. The first ball of the over was short and Sangakkara cut it to deep point for a single. Johnson's next ball was full and Dilshan defended it. On the 3rd ball of the of the Johnson bowled a beautiful ball that angled away from Dilshan and enticed him to drive. It caught the edge and flew through to Watson who dropped a sitter at first slip. Ponting was gutted. He knew that Dilshan was the vital wicket Australia needed. The 4th ball of the over caught the edge again, but it ran away, safely, down to 3rd man for a single. Sangakkara then cut the next ball through backward point for 4. The final ball of the over was a dangerous yorker and Sangakkara could only defend it.

Nathan Hauritz continued to bowl from the other end and continued to look dangerous. The first ball of the over was a peach. It spun sharply out of the rough and caught the edge. The ball ballooned towards slip where Watson completed the catch. Dilshan was out for 42 and the score was 3/104. The new batsmen at the crease was Samaraweera. Samaraweera's first ball was full and he drove it down the ground for a single. The 3rd ball of the over was another beauty. It drifted through the air and struck Sangakkara on the pad. There was a huge appeal, but the umpire turned it down. Hawkeye showed the ball was just clipping off stump. Hauritz's next ball created yet another chance. Hauritz bowled a full toss and Sangakkara smashed it straight back at him, but Hauritz only managed to get a finger on the ball. Hauritz was surely having a day out as he collected Sangakkara on the 5th ball of the over. Sangakkara played forward to a short ball and edged the ball to Watson at slip. He was out for 10 and the new man in was Angelo Matthews. The final ball of the over was pitched up and defended by Matthews.

Johnson continued to bowl from the Randwick End and was very expensive. Samaraweera drove the 1st ball of the over through mid off for a single. The next 3 balls were on a length and Matthews defended them. The 5th ball of the over was over-pitched and Matthews played an elegant straight drive for 4. The final ball of the over was an awful half-volley and Matthews clubbed it through the leg side for 4.

Nathan Hauritz then bowled the 19th over and was also expensive. The first ball of the over was a no-ball and Samaraweera defended it. The next ball was a free hit and Samaraweera smashed it over the off side for 6. The 3rd ball of the over was full and Samaraweera swept it to fine leg for a single. Matthews then whipped the 4th ball of the over through the leg side for 1. The 5th ball of the over was full and Samaraweera pushed it through the off side for a single. The 6th ball of the over was way over pitched and Matthews lofted it over cover for 4. The final ball of the over was on the spot and Matthews defended it.

Johnson was then replaced at the other end by Peter Siddle. Siddle's first ball of the over was short and Samaraweera hooked it high in the air, straight to mid-wicket where Hauritz dropped the catch, running back with the flight. The next ball was short again and Samaraweera hooked it over mid wicket for 4. The 3rd ball of the over was a half volley and Samaraweera played a lofted off drive for 4. The 4th ball of the over was in the slot again and Samaraweera clubbed it through the leg side for another 4. Samaraweera pushed the next ball straight to cover and couldn't score. The final ball of the over was full and Samaraweera skied it to mid on where Hauritz completed the catch.

So, Sri Lanka look very capable of big hitting, but they can't keep their wickets in tact. Nathan Hauritz is troubling the Sri Lankans with his offies and they seem to have no answer other than just to slog. Australia are now in the box seat and should cruise to victory here at Sydney.

Overs 16-20 Highlights:

'Samaraweera Tees Off'

'Hauritz Spun The Ball Sharply Out Of The Rough'​

Australia 9/407 50.0 overs

Sri Lanka 5/140 20.0 Overs
Dilshan C: Watson B: Hauritz 42
Tharanga C: Haddin B: Watson 29
Jayawardene C: McKay B: Hauritz 22
Sangakkara C: Watson B: Hauritz 10
Samaraweera C: Hauritz B: Siddle 22
Matthews Not Out 13
Perera Not Out 0

Extras: 2nb
Sri Lanka Require 268 Runs At 8.93 RPO To Win

Australia
Johnson (6-0-34-0) 1nb 5.67 RPO
McKay (3-0-24-0) 8.00 RPO
Siddle (4-0-35-1) 8.75 RPO
Watson (3-0-21-1) 7.00 RPO
Hauritz (2-0-11-1) 1nb 6.50 RPO

FOW: 1-58, 2-93, 3-105, 4-105, 5-140

 

[timchrist984]

Hauritz Bags 6​

The Sri Lankan middle order has suffered a terrible collapse courtesy of some brilliant bowling by Nathan Hauritz. Hauritz has picked up 6 wickets to put Australia in a commanding position. At 8/171, the Sri Lankans would need nothing short of a miracle to win.

It was Nathan Hauritz who bowled the 20th over from the Paddington End. The first ball of the over was full and Angelo Matthews swept it away through fine leg for 4. The next ball was over pitched again and Matthews slogged it over long off for 6. The 3rd ball of the over was on the spot and Matthews defended it. Hauritz's next ball drifted through the air, spun sharply and caught the edge of Matthews' bat. The ball flew away to slip, where Watson took an excellent, diving catch. Matthews was out for 23 and Sri Lanka were in big trouble at 6/150. The new batsmen at the crease for Sri Lanka was Suraj Randiv. Randiv swept his first ball through the leg side and jogged through for a single. The final ball of the over was on a length and Perera defended it.

Peter Siddle then bowled the next over from the Randwick End. He bowled a good length and was fairly economical. The first ball of the over was short and Randiv hooked it away through the leg side for a single. Siddle's next ball was again, a fraction too short. Perera rocked on to the back foot and played a classy cover drive for 4. The 3rd ball of the over was a fast yorker and Perera did well to keep it out. The next 3 balls all on the spot and Perera defended them.

Hauritz continued his spell from the other end and continued to bowl aggressively. The first ball of the over was full and Randiv played a tentative forward defensive shot. The ball spun out of the rough, caught the edge and flew straight to Watson at slip. Randiv was out for 2 and Hauritz had his 5th wicket. The new man at the crease was Nuwan Kulasekara. Kulasekara's first ball was flighted and he took a wild swipe across the line, resulting in a top edge. The ball ballooned up in to the air and Haddin pouched an easy catch. Kulasekara was out for a first ball duck and Hauritz was on a hat-trick. The man who had to face the hat-trick ball was Muttiah Muralitharan. Ponting set an attacking umbrella field with 8 fielders around the bat. The Sydney crowd was on the edge of their seats and Hauritz waltzed in and bowled. It was full and Murali swept it away to square leg but didn't run. The Aussies fielders then returned to their positions and waited for the next ball. The 4th ball of the over was an absolute peach. It pitched outside off-stump, spun sharply between Murali's bat and pad and missed leg stump. The 5th ball of the over was flighted and Murali got down the wicket to defend it. The final ball of the over was too full and Murali clubbed it over long on for 4.

Peter Siddle then bowled the next over from the Randwick End. The first 3 balls of the over were on a length and Perera defended them. The 4th ball of the over was no-ball. The next ball was a free-hit and Perera lofted it over the leg side for 4. The 6th ball of the over was full and Perera drove it through the covers for a single. The final ball of the over was a yorker and Murali defended it.

Nathan Hauritz continued to bowl from the other end and kept creating chances for himself. The first ball of the over was full and Perera smacked it straight back at him. He got his hands to the ball, but ended up dropping the catch. The next ball was a no-ball and Perea swept it through the leg side for a single. The following ball was a free-hit and Murali went to smash it, but missed the ball completely. The 4th ball of the over was full and Murali defended it. The next ball was shorter and Murali tried to slog it through the off side, but didn't connect. The 6th ball of the over was driven down to long off and Murali picked up 2. The final ball of the over was full, on leg stump and Murali swept it away for a single.

So, Australia are just 2 wickets away from winning. Sri Lanka are now virtually no chance of batting out their 50 overs. After another promising start, their middle order failed and it has cost them. Nathan Hauritz is bowling absolutely brilliantly. He has basically booked himself in to the Ashes team after his stellar bowling here in Sydney.

Overs 21 to 25 Highlights:

Australia 9/407 50.0 overs

Sri Lanka 8/171 25.0 Overs
Dilshan C: Watson B: Hauritz 42
Tharanga C: Haddin B: Watson 29
Jayawardene C: McKay B: Hauritz 22
Sangakkara C: Watson B: Hauritz 10
Samaraweera C: Hauritz B: Siddle 22
Matthews C: Watson B: Hauritz 23
Perera Not Out 18
Randiv C: Watson B: Hauritz 2
Kulasekara C: Watson B: Hauritz 0
Muralitharan Not Out 7

Extras: 4nb
Sri Lanka Require 237 Runs At 9.48 RPO To Win

Australia
Johnson (6-0-34-0) 1nb 5.67 RPO
McKay (3-0-24-0) 8.00 RPO
Siddle (6-0-46-1) 1nb 7.67 RPO
Watson (3-0-21-1) 7.00 RPO
Hauritz (7-0-46-6) 2nb 6.57 RPO

FOW: 1-58, 2-93, 3-105, 4-105, 5-140, 6-150, 7-156, 8-156

 

[timchrist984]

Perera Is Dismissed​

Australia have put the nail in the coffin here at the SCG as they have now dismissed Thisara Perera. Australia need just one more wicket to secure victory and to take an unbeatable 2-0 series lead. The 2 men currently at the crease are Muralitharan and Malinga.

It was Clint McKay who replaced Siddle at the Randwick End. McKay bowled a good length and was economical. The first ball of the over was just short of a length and Murali played a square cut to deep point for a single. The next ball was just off line and Perera pushed it through the leg side for a single. The next 3 balls of the over were in the block hole and Murali defended them. The final ball of the over was over pitched and Murali flicked it through the leg side for a single.

Nathan Hauritz then bowled the 27th over, his 8th from the Paddington End. The first ball of the over was full and Murali lofted it over mid off for a single. The next ball was too short and Perera clubbed it over the cover boundary for 6. The 3rd ball of the over was on the spot and Perera defended it. The next ball was on leg stump and Perera swept it away for a single. The 5th ball of the over was over pitched and Murali smashed it through the off side for 4. The final ball of the over was on leg stump and Murali flicked it straight to Johnson at short mid-wicket. Johnson somehow managed to spill the catch and Murali survived.

Clint McKay bowled the next over from the other end and was expensive, yet effective. The first ball of the over was a fraction short and Perera drove it through the covers for 2. The next ball was over pitched and Perera took full toll. He rocked on to the front foot and played an excellent straight drive for 4. The 3rd ball of the over was a full toss and Perera spooned it straight to mid on where Steven Smith took the catch. Perera was out for 24 and all hope of Sri Lanka batting out their 50 overs was lost. The last man in for Sri Lanka was Lasith Malinga. Malinga edged his first ball through the vacant gully for a single. The 5th ball of the over was short and Murali smashed it over mid wicket for 6. The final ball of the over was short again and Murali got a bottom edge. Haddin dived forward, took the ball and claimed the catch. The umpire turned the massive appeal down. The replays showed the umpire had made the right decision as the ball had clearly bounced.

Nathan Hauritz was then replaced at the Paddington End by Mitchell Johnson. Johnson's first ball was full and Malinga edged it through the vacant slip cordon for a single. The next ball was full again and Murali smashed it straight to mid-on. Smith couldn't hold on to the catch and Murali lived to see another day. The next 3 balls were on a length and Murali defended them. The final ball of the over was short and Murali smashed it over mid wicket for 4.

Clint McKay then bowled the 30th over from the Randwick End. The first 4 balls of the over were in the block hole and Malinga defended them. The 5th ball of the over caught the edge of Malinga but ran away through the slips for a single. The final ball of the over struck Murali on the pad but the umpire gave him the benefit of the doubt as it was angling down the leg side.

So, Australia just need one more wicket to win. Malinga and Murali will try and bat for as long as they can to prolong their defeat. Australia will be looking to wrap the game up quickly as they will get frustrated if the Sri Lankan tail wags.

Overs 26 to 30 Highlights:

Australia 9/407 50.0 overs

Sri Lanka 9/205 30.0 Overs
Dilshan C: Watson B: Hauritz 42
Tharanga C: Haddin B: Watson 29
Jayawardene C: McKay B: Hauritz 22
Sangakkara C: Watson B: Hauritz 10
Samaraweera C: Hauritz B: Siddle 22
Matthews C: Watson B: Hauritz 23
Perera C: Smith B: McKay 24
Randiv C: Watson B: Hauritz 2
Kulasekara C: Watson B: Hauritz 0
Muralitharan Not Out 24
Malinga Not Out 3

Extras: 4nb
Sri Lanka Require 203 Runs At 10.15 RPO To Win

Australia
Johnson (7-0-39-0) 1nb 5.57 RPO
McKay (6-0-41-1) 6.83 RPO
Siddle (6-0-46-1) 1nb 7.67 RPO
Watson (3-0-21-1) 7.00 RPO
Hauritz (8-0-58-6) 2nb 7.25 RPO

FOW: 1-58, 2-93, 3-105, 4-105, 5-140, 6-150, 7-156, 8-156, 9-192

 

[timchrist984]

Australia Wrap It Up​

Australia have won this 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka by 201 runs here at the SCG. It was Mitchell Johnson who picked up the last wicket in Muralitharan. Johnson bowled a full ball and Murali scooped it straight to short mid-on where Hauritz took the catch.

Australia set up their win earlier today when they made the mammoth total of 9/407. Watson lead the way with a brilliant 168 from 110 balls. Haddin and Smith also contributed with 66 and 57 respectively. Lasith Malinga was the pick of the bowlers with 3/54 from his 10 overs.

Sri Lanka got their innings of to a good start and were 0/58 at one point. However they couldn't seem to play the spin of Nathan Hauritz who bowled brilliantly, taking 6/58. They just couldn't string any partnerships together as they battled to keep the run rate healthy. Dilshan ended up top-scoring for Sri Lanka with his run-a-ball 42. In the end, Sri Lanka were dismissed in the 31st over for 206.

Man Of The Match: Shane Watson (168 & 1/21)

Match Summary:​

Final Over Highlights:

Australia 9/407 50.0 overs

Sri Lanka 10/206 30.2 Overs
Dilshan C: Watson B: Hauritz 42
Tharanga C: Haddin B: Watson 29
Jayawardene C: McKay B: Hauritz 22
Sangakkara C: Watson B: Hauritz 10
Samaraweera C: Hauritz B: Siddle 22
Matthews C: Watson B: Hauritz 23
Perera C: Smith B: McKay 24
Randiv C: Watson B: Hauritz 2
Kulasekara C: Watson B: Hauritz 0
Muralitharan C: Hauritz B: Johnson 24
Malinga Not Out 4

Extras: 4nb
Australia won by 201 runs

Australia
Johnson (7.2-0-40-1) 1nb 5.45 RPO
McKay (6-0-41-1) 6.83 RPO
Siddle (6-0-46-1) 1nb 7.67 RPO
Watson (3-0-21-1) 7.00 RPO
Hauritz (8-0-58-6) 2nb 7.25 RPO

FOW: 1-58, 2-93, 3-105, 4-105, 5-140, 6-150, 7-156, 8-156, 9-192, 10-206

 

[timchrist984]

3rd ODI, Brisbane: Australia v Sri Lanka (7, November 2010)

3rd ODI Play Canceled Due To Rain ​

Hello and welcome to the 'Gabba here in Brisbane where the 3rd ODI between Australia and Sri Lanka is scheduled. It has been raining solidly for the past week and the outfield is drenched. It is freezing cold here and the wind is howling away consistently at speeds of more than 80km/h. A short while ago the rain cleared briefly and the captains managed to do the toss, but as soon as they came back in to the dressing rooms the rain started pelting down again.

'Rain Stops Play At The Gabba'​

The umpires have officially declared the conditions too dangerous and play has been canceled. The match has been declared a 'no result' and Australia have been awarded the trophy for winning the series 2-0. Shane Watson was named player of the series for his brilliant knock in Sydney.

'Shane Watson Was Awarded Man of the Series​

That's all from the 'Gabba for now. We look forward to your company on the 25th November for the first day of the first Ashes test between Australia and England.

Ashes Series Promotion:

 

[timchrist984]

Hauritz Out For Test Matches​

In form Australian off-spinner, Nathan Hauritz, will miss the entire test series after tearing his hamstring. Hauritz was bowling in the recent Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia when he ripped his hamstring off the bone.

Hauritz was devastated when the New South Wales team physio told him he needed 3 months to recover. Hauritz is expected to be fit for the last few ODIs of the Summer.

Tasmanian, Xavier Doherty has been called up to the squad as the new number one spinner. It is expected that he will play in the first test ahead of all-rounder, Steven Smith.

'Hauritz Tears His Hamstring While Bolwing For NSW'​

 

[timchrist984]

First Test Squads Announced​

Both Australia and England have reduced their squads to 13 men ahead of the first test at Brisbane. England have named 6 bowlers in Anderson, Finn, Broad, Swann, Bresnan and Tremlett. It is expected that 4 of them will get the nod for the first test.

Australia is expected to announce either Peter Siddlde or Doug Bollinger as their 3rd paceman on the morning of the test. Also, Xavier Doherty expected to make his debut as traditionally the Brisbane pitch has taken some spin.

Here are the squads:

Australia
Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Doug Bollinger
Xavier Doherty
Brad Haddin
Mike Hussey
Ben Hilfenhaus
Mitchell Johnson
Simon Katich
Marcus North
Peter Siddle
Steven Smith
Shane Watson

England
Andrew Strauss
Alastair Cook
Jonathan Trott
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
Ian Bell
Matt Prior
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Steven Finn
Chris Tremlett
Tim Bresnan

Promo Video

 

[timchrist984]

1st Test, Day 1: Brisbane, Australia v England (25 November 2010)​

Hello and welcome to the 'Gabba where the first test of the 2010-11 Ashes series is just moments away from commencing. Despite the torrential rain we saw last in Brisbane last month, the ground looks to be in pristine condition. The outfield is a lush green colour and the pitch looks to be ripper.

Australia go in to the series with a fair amount of confidence after they defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 in the one-day series. England are coming off a successful Summer where they defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the test matches and 3-2 in the one dayers.

Both sides are at the top of there game and raring to go in what promises to be one of the battles of the century.

Both Australia and England have released their XI's and the teams look strong.

Australia
Watson
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
North
Haddin
Johnson
Doherty
Siddle
Hilfenhaus

England
Strauss
Cook
Trott
Pietersen
Collingwood
Bell
Prior
Broad
Swann
Anderson
Finn​

Peter Siddle has got the nod ahead of Doug Bollinger for Australia. England's team is as expected with the bowling attack of Anderson, Finn, Broad and Swann.

The captains are making their way out to the middle for the crucial coin toss. The pitch looks hard and fast, ideal for batting. It looks to be a beauty now, but will probably break up as the game wears on. The captain that wins the toss should bat first, get a big score on the board and avoid batting last.

Toss:

Ponting has won the toss and batted without any hesitation. The Aussies will be looking to bat all day and put a massive score on the board. If England don't take early wickets it will be a long day in the field for them.

The atmosphere around the ground is electric. The players will be making their way out to the center shortly, so stay tuned for the much anticipated start of the 2010-11 Ashes Series.

 

[Aditya]

Great stuff mate, I can clearly see that you're trying to do some changes to your presentation style. I must appreciate the efforts you're putting into this. Although this story is not getting the response it deserves, you're still continuing to give it your best. Good going mate, keep it up.

 

[timchrist984]

England Strike Early

England have got their Ashes campaign off to a dream start here at the 'Gabba. Steven Finn and James Anderson are bowling brilliantly and the English team is absolutely jubilant in the field.

First Over Of The Ashes:

Both Australian openers, Katich and Watson have been dismissed. Australia really need Ponting and Clarke dig in down and stabilize the innings.

England Jubilant In The Field:

It was the 1st ball of the 2nd over when Steven Finn struck. He bowled a good length ball that zipped through Katich's defense and clipped the top of middle stump. Katich was out for 1 and England had the upper hand.

A few overs later, Australia lost their 2nd wicket. Ponting drove Anderson down the ground and called Watson through for 2. Watson did everything wrong. He hesitated at first then sprinted off for the first run. He was slow turning for the 2nd run and it was no wonder he was run out. Bell fired the ball in to Anderson who neatly whipped off the bails. Watson was out for 8.

Katich and Watson Are Dismissed

In the last over before drinks, Andrew Strauss introduced Stuart Broad in to the attack. Broad looked out out of sorts right from the start. His bowled far too wide and short. Australia will be looking to capitalize on his bad start.

Ponting and Clarke Building A Partnership

Match Status: Day 1, Session 1, At Drinks, Australia- 2/42

Bowler Watch

Anderson and Finn look to be on fire here in Brisbane. Broad on the other hand looks way out of his depth. Let's have a look at the lines and lengths bowled by England in the first 15 overs of the day with our bowler tracker:

James Anderson

Steven Finn

Stuart Broad

So, England are simply dominating here at the 'Gabba. The question is, can they keep it up? Australia are a quality side capable of a fightback. Will the Aussies bat their way back in to this match? Or will England keep the pressure up and continue their dominance. Stay tuned for more from Brisbane.​

 

[timchrist984]

Ponting and Clarke Battle Through Difficult Period

Hello and welcome back to the 'Gabba where Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke have survived through the last 16 overs before lunch. They are both batting very cautiously. Ponting is on 48 from 88 balls and Clarke is on 37 from 80. Together, they have put on 83 for the 3rd wicket.

Ponting and Clarke will be looking to continue their partnership and take Australia's total above 200. England have introduced in-form off spinner, Graeme Swann in to the attack. They will be hoping that he can break the partnership and put England back on top.

Ponting and Clarke Partnership Highlights:

Match Status: Day 1, Lunch, Australia- 2/97

Bowler Watch

Paul Collingwood and Stuart Broad have been doing most of the bowling here at the 'Gabba. They have been bowling a tight line and length, but haven't bowled with the same venom that Steven Finn and James Anderson bowled with. The pitch is very bouncy and is taking some turn so we should expect Graeme Swann to make an impact.

Paul Collingwood Hawkeye Tracking

Stuart Broad Hawkeye Tracking

James Anderson Hawkeye Tracking

Steven Finn Hawkeye Tracking

Graeme Swann Hawkeye Tracking

Scorecards: Summary, Batting, Batting (Advanced), Bowling, Partnerships,

So, Australia have made a solid recovery after a shaky start. Ponting and Clarke are starting to time the ball well and will be looking to capitalize on their good starts.​

 

[timchrist984]

England Back On Top

England have grabbed 2 more wickets here at the 'Gabba and have the game in their favour at drinks on day 1. Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey have been the men to go. Michael Clarke and Marcus North are the 2 batsmen currently at the crease. Clarke is on 60 not out and will be aiming for a big hundred to get his ashes campaign off to a good start.

Ponting was the 3rd man out when he tried to cut a ball that was too close to him. Finn bowled a shortish, straightish ball and Ponting went to cut. The ball caught the edge and flew through to Prior who completed the catch. Ponting was out for an 106 ball 54.

The next man to go was Hussey. Swann bowled him a good length ball that pitched outside leg stump. It spun vicously, between Hussey's bat and pad, then hit leg stump. Hussey was out for 11 and Australia were 4-135.

Ponting and Hussey Wickets

Clarke and North have been batting sensibly for the past few overs as another wicket would really throw Australia on to the back foot.

Match Status: Day 1, Session 2, Drinks Australia- 4/142

Ponting's Innings:

Clarke's Innings:

Scorecards: Batting, Batting (advanced), Bowling, Match Summary


So, will England pick up some more quick wickets and really assert their authority on this test match? Or will Clarke push on towards his century and give Australia the upper hand? Stay tuned for more from the 'Gabba.​

 

[Aditya]

Excellent work with the presentation mate, a clear improvement in the presentation. It's completely your choice but I personally want a little more writing there. Nonetheless, keep up the good work.