Story Natwest Series (Shailesh and Crick4life)

[crick4life]

130+ runs in the last 20 overs and 76 runs between 20-30 overs

Wonder who could save Australia really Only Gilchrist I guess :upray . Anything over 250 is a tough ask and it is looking like another 300 runs yet again given the number of runs between 30-40 overs.

Not disappointed at all, just realised the last four wickets are pretty much pedestrians in this patch , happy with the way the bowlers bowled so far

 

[T20]

Vaughan guides England to 271

Vaughan made a superb 86 off 89 balls as England were bowled out for 271 in the 48.4 overs. Australia will be disappointed with their effort as they looked in control till the 20th over but after that allowed England to reach a good score. A disappointing effort also by Gilchrist who took some good catches but at the same time gave away too many byes, something which may come to haunt the Aussies when they chase.
That apart the first session belonged to the England captain who showed signs of class in the previous games but here went on and got a big score. He will be a touch disappointed not to get a well deserved 100 (caught on the boundry line going for a 6) but in the end with no other batsman going past 35 his contribution may well prove a match winning one.
So Australia chae 271 to win and to keep the series alive. From what we have seen, the wicket eased a bit after half way mark but they will need to apply themselves to achieve this target.

 

[T20]

stats:

 

[crick4life]

Very disappointing behind stumps and the extras column 41 runs is just inexcusable. 20 byes, 14 wides and 7 no balls all very bad numbers :

This was one great opportunity and the team selection was bang on but for the spinners. They have gone for plenty, this time around Australia need to cut down on the sweep shots. No LBWs to sweep shots will ensure 4-5 less wickets lost, it is going to be one hectic chase. 5 rpo isn't impossible but that extra 20 runs is good enough to put a lot of pressure.

Well batted Vaughan and terrific bowling by all the faster bowlers.

Nice spider there for Vaughan, 8 fours very close to the stumps behind square S. What shots did you play to place those that close to the stumps mate, I could do with some batting tips?

 

[T20]

yeah Gilli was disappointing..many times when the batsman missed he missed too sorry mate wish we could do something about the keeper

Agree re first 3 quicks (the fields in first 15 also helped), Lee, McGrath bowled well even in 2nd/3rd spells. surprisingly gillespie struggled, not much for spinners there. should be an interesting chase (watching Martyn, Tresco can be used for an over or 2) Let's see how the Aussies do. good luck mate.

 

[T20]

Nice spider there for Vaughan, 8 fours very close to the stumps behind square S. What shots did you play to place those that close to the stumps mate, I could do with some batting tips?

some magic wristwork by Mr. Vaughan? LOL! I'm sure these things will be discussed over a beer after this game is over
yeah I'd prefer 4s going close to stumps at other end though

 

[crick4life]

Australians moving into their groove a little too early

Australia took the first over by Gough by scoring 13 runs off the over to signal early intentions and to announce they are still positive. The first ball was sent crashing over midwicket by Gilchrist just falling
short by few yards short of the rope to fetch 4 runs. Then a sigle off the 3rd ball and Hayden showed no mercy by hitting the first ball in the air between midwicket and mid for another four. The last ball of the over fetched another four when Hayden moved to the backfoot and placed the ball between mid off and extra cover fielder for another four.

Now the chase is well and truly underway. Let's hope it continues this way for the rest of the game :upray

 

[crick4life]

Australia loses both their openers

Helped by some aggressive batting and the ball moving all over the place (10 extras so far, 6 wides and 4 byes) Aussies have reached 42 runs off only 5 overs but losing two very important wickets of Hayden and Gilchrist. Hayden was first to go when Harmison sneaked one through his bat to bowl him out, Gilchrist after having struck couple of good blows went after the bowling a little too much and holed out to Strauss at mid on to give Gough his first wicket. England now look favorites to take the game.

 

[jonah]

Jeez, that's the ugliest looking boy-band I've ever seen

 

[crick4life]

Bugger off mate, they are the best chin music band ever.

 

[m_vaughan]

Missed out on a 100 again did Vaughan, but played a crucial innings there.

 

[crick4life]

Australia attempt a serious bid at the daunting target

Australia continued in the same scoring vein albiet with a bit of precaution. No aerial shots were attempted but were helped with some more extras during this period of the game. After 10 overs Australia is on 69/2 with extras leading the top score on 16

England replace both their opening bowlers in a bid to keep the run rate low. Vaughan realising it is time to attack a little differently has replace the opening bowlers with the pace of Flintoff and the spin of Giles.

As they say bad habits die hard, the Aussies played couple of sweep shots already despite knowing that one shot has brought their downfall in the first 2 ODIs. The coach was blowing his head off after seeing the sweep shots being attempted and sent in a 12th man with drinks to make sure Ponting and Martyn do not rely on sweep shots.

A very interesting and a crucial session coming up in the next 10-15 overs. If Australia can hold their nerves and not lose any wickets while scoring at 4-5 rpo then they should finally come to terms with batting. For England bowling changes by Vaughan is going to be crucial and if he is lucky enough as in the previous two ODIs he should be able to get a wicket or two in the next 10-15 overs or so. If that can happen England will be well and truly in the driving seat.

 

[crick4life]

Some more screenies

 

[m_vaughan]

Excellent start by Australia. But they have lost both openers.

Come on England!

 

[jonah]

Could be a close one if the Aussies hold their nerve...