Story The Ashes 2009: Australia in England [Day 3: 1st Ashes Test Posted]

[kookaburra69]

Looks to be a good squad,keep up the great effort mate

 

[Highlander999]

Really good stuff mate . Will be keeping an eye on this from now on

 

[Collywobblers]

lovin the story mate. Excellent pres. KUTGW.

 

[Ollie_H]

how come hussey is holding 2 bats? other than that excellent work

 

[Highlander999]

Is this still happening?

 

[The Mongrel]

Sorry, yeah it is. I go through periods of a lot of updates and periods of very few. I definately plan on finishing it (see my WC diary), but I have little time at the moment.

 

[The Mongrel]

Note: I couldn't be ****ed doing it all pretty and having all the player photos like I did for Australia - so you get it in Excel format ahead of the big Spurs/ManU game tonight.

PROMINENT ENGLAND PLAYERS (all have played at least one test since 3rd Test: England v. India 2007)

Captain: Kevin Pietersen

Vice-Captain: Andrew Flintoff

NB: Players coloured in red are retired from international cricket
Stuart Broad's career best figures of 9-89 came in the first innings of the 3rd Test: India v. England at Eden Gardens, 2008

Go Spurs!

 

[The Mongrel]

The Ashes 2009
Australia to avenge 2005 blushes
July 13, 2009

England's 3-1 victory over India away from home solidify their place as the second best side in the world, but they are not expected to perform a repeat performance of 2005. This is the opinion of most of our panel of international judges, the majority of which fancy Australia to retain the Ashes and avenge their shock loss of the urn in 2005.

Andy Flower
A month ago I thought it would be an Australian procession; after watching the NatWest Series, I believe it could be a closer contest than I thought. I still think Australia will prevail because I still think the loss of Vaughan at three is very difficult for England to cover. They did shock us all last time - but I think Australia have such a quality lineup that they'll do enough to retain the urn.

Harbhajan Singh
England, they played very well over here in India and Broad and Panesar are in sparkling form. Australia's bowling attack is just too weak at the moment.

Kumar Sangakkara
Australia have only lost one test series since their Ashes loss and look just as imposing as ever. Their bowling attack has been poor at times; but I believe they have the right combination now with MacGill joining the inexperience of Tait and Hilfenhaus. I think they have enough class to take it 3-1.

Stephen Fleming
England's bowling attack will do enough to knock off their much fancied opponents.

Jacques Kallis
Australia will win. England were very good last time and they played pretty well in South Africa; but Australia's batting lineup will be too much for England.

Tom Moody
England have too many question marks in their lineup - namely who will bat at three, who will keep and who will grab the last couple of bowling spots. Australia's batting lineup looks very good and will cause lots of trouble for Panesar, Hoggard and the likes. 3-0 Australia.

Alec Stewart
My heart says England, but my head says Australia.

Viv Richards
Australia. They have the best batsman of the last decade and some really good young players. England perhaps have a better bowling attack - but only just and I expect Stuart Clark to cause havok in the English top order. 4-0.

Interviews by Nagraj Gollapudi, Charlie Austin and Tim McConnell

© Cricinfo

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[The Mongrel]

England v Australia, 1st Test, Lord's
And so it begins
The Preview by Andrew Miller
July 15, 2009

Whilst both the 2005 and 2007 Ashes series somewhat represented a 'changing of the guard' in both English and Australian cricket - it is undoubtedly 2009 which acts as the product of this generational shift.

The 2005 Ashes campaign saw the shift from the older, wiser head of Graham Thorpe to the hot-headed young South African dynamo Kevin Pietersen. It saw the arrival on the international stage of Shaun Tait (albeit a brief stay) as he surged ahead of the struggling veterans Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz. Ian Bell was preferred to Mark Butcher on the back of some scintilating form against Bangladesh; whilst Michael Clarke, the young New South Welshman, remained in the squad ahead of veteran South Australian Darren Lehmann.

Similarly, 2007 saw a further steps towards the generational shift. Alastair Cook emerged as a superstar young batsman, Monty Panesar was finally prefferred to fellow left-armer Ashley Giles and Chris Read moved past Geraint Jones in the wicketkeeping pecking order. But perhaps the largest shift was the retirements of Justin Langer, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne - perhaps the biggest indication yet of what 2009 would hold for world cricket.

Yet nearly four years after his debut at Lord's in the first test of 2005 Kevin Pietersen looks set to signal England's changing of the guard as he captains England for just the third time after two 'trial runs' against Zimbabwe earlier this summer. The Johannesberg-born batsman replaced interim captain Paul Collingwood after Michael Vaughan's retirement and is left with perhaps the biggest job in world cricket.

England's depth will undoubtedly be tested in the first test. Vaughan's retirement following the test series against India could not have come at a worse time as he leaves a gaping hole in the English top order. Paul Collingwood's injury allowed a chance for Ed Joyce to impress against Zimbabwe; however the Middlesex batsman struggled to impress leaving Ian Bell the most likely option to assume the number three role upon Paul Collingwood's return.

In fact, England face dilemmas in selection for more than just the number three spot. Whilst Alastair Cook looks a certainty - it is the choice between Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Strauss as his opening partner which leaves a huge choice to be made. Whilst Trescothick's average of 45.21 holds him in good stead for the veteran of 90 test matches to open the innings - Andrew Strauss surely gave the selectors something to considering after his career best 194 against the West Indies in Trescothick's absence due to a back injury.

The selectors also must consider the bowling attack. Whilst Flintoff is a lock at number six to provide a cruicial fifth bowling option; and Panesar a certainty to be named the number one spin option - three specialist bowling spots still need to be filled. Young Leicestershire bowler Stuart Broad will undoubtedly be one member of the attack which will face Australia this Thursday - the fast bowler has taken 70 test scalps at an average of just 21; including a career best haul of 9-89 against India.

However, the final two spots look to be decided between Matthew Hoggard, James Anderson and Chris Tremlett. All three have failed to really cement a place in the side for one reason or another - and their figures have reflected their inability to retain their spot. Hoggard looks most likely to provide some experience to the attack in the absence of his 2005 and 2007 Ashes partner Steve Harmison (retired from international cricket); leaving James Anderson (105 wickets at 34) and Chris Tremlett (25 wickets at 32) the frontrunners for the last two spots. A lack of other genuine options is worrying for England; Ryan Sidebottom hasn't been seen since late 2007, Sajid Mahmood hasn't played an international game since the last Ashes, Gary Keedy was just a one tour selection in the subcontinent much like Shaun Udal before him and wasn't impressive whilst young leg-spinner Adil Rashid remains too inexperienced and raw for the international game.

However, it does seem that no matter how much the rest of the English side changes - how much some aspects stay the same. Not since Alec Stewart has an English wicketkeeper really cemented his place in the test side. James Foster, Geraint Jones, Chris Read and Matt Prior have all failed to some extent whilst the new kid Steve Davies has struggled to score consistently in his first nine tests (with just two half-centuries). England are unlikely to recall any of the first three options (Foster injured and the boat sailed for Jones and Read) which leaves Read and Davies will equal claims for the gloves. Prior performed admirably with the bat in his eighteen-test stint (average of 32 with two test tons); however Davies' glovework has proved to be more consistent with 37 dismissals in his nine appearances.

Despite the disappointment of the NatWest series - the Australian lineup seems to slowly be falling into place. Shane Watson looks to finally be providing some solid form with bat as he averages just under 44 in his test career. However Brad Hodge against looks like he'll be the bridesmaid to the Australian middle order again despite a test record which would land him a spot in any side in the world.

However, Australia's batting problems are relatively limited when compared to their bowling issues. Since the retirements of Warne and McGrath - Australia have left it to Brett Lee and Stuart Clark to spearhead the attack. Clark's average of 27 with the ball is still impressive - but it was the disappointing performances of Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Ben Hilfenhaus and Dan Cullen which lead Australia to a humiliating series loss in Pakistan last season.

However, Australia seemed to have gone against the 'changing of the guard' by recalling veteran leg-spinner Stuart MacGill to the fold after not having played an international match since 2006. MacGill looks certain to play at Lord's with his record of 198 wickets at 27, and also looks to claim his 200th test victim.

Four months ago one would have picked Ben Hilfenhaus over Shaun Tait without thinking twice as the Tasmanian's form remained well above that of the South Australian express bowler. However, Tait's blistering series against South Africa in Australia (including a career best 6-84 at the WACA) has seen his average fall from 37 to 32 - along with a brilliant strike rate of 54.24. Australia's inclination to play Tait in the tour match at Taunton (and Tait's haul of 7-96) seems to suggest he is preferred to Hilfenhaus despite his lesser record.

One must also remember young South Australian leg-spinner Cullen Bailey as a challenger to MacGill's spot in the side as he may make his international debut this series. If MacGill struggles at Lord's, Bailey could very well be a viable option for the Australians whilst Hodge and Cameron White look eager to replace Watson at the number six spot. Both Victorians, however will have a tough task of displacing any of the Australian middle order - with the world's best batsman Ricky Ponting leading superstars Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey.

However, the one weakness of Australia's brilliant batting lineup remains at the top of the order. New South Welshman Phil Jaques has struggled to recreate his fantastic domestic form to produce just one century in 38-test innings. Continued failure from Jaques may force Australia to introduce Tim Paine as a specialist batsman at the top of the order - Paine an experienced opener for Tasmania. Jaques' opening partner Chris Rogers, though, is not struggling with form as he averages just a touch under fifty with three centuries.

However, where the series may be decided is between the premier batsmen of both sides. Australian captain Ricky Ponting now holds the record for most test runs - a record he did not hold last Ashes series. Similarly, his average has skyrocketed over sixty which makes him the best Australian batsman since Bradman. England's premier batsman also has the ability to pick apart ordinary attacks - Pietersen himself averages 53 with 17 test centuries and may make the move up to number three if Bell fails.

Despite the absence of the controversial figures of McGrath and Warne - Pietersen undoubtedly continues the traditions of his Hampshire team mate with his ability for trash-talking, yet it seems a much more focussed Australian side isn't willing to get themselves sucked into verbal warfare much like last series.

However, one thing remains certain - the torch has been passed and the 2009 Ashes series remains the dawn of a new era in world cricket. As Kevin Pietersen leads England for the first time after the glorified dress rehearsals against Zimbabwe - England and its new generation will be ready to bring it to Australia and repeat the feat of their 2005 squad before them. The only question is - can England's young bowling attack match one of the finest batting lineups in recent memory?

England (predicted side) 1 Alastair Cook, 2 Marcus Trescothick, 3 Ian Bell, 4 Kevin Pietersen (capt), 5 Paul Collingwood, 6 Andrew Flintoff, 7 Steven Davies (wk), 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Matthew Hoggard, 10 Monty Panesar, 11 James Anderson

Australia (predicted side) 1 Phil Jaques, 2 Chris Rogers, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Mike Hussey, 5 Michael Clarke, 6 Shane Watson, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Brett Lee, 9 Shaun Tait, 10 Stuart Clark, 11 Stuart MacGill

Andrew Miller is UK editor of Cricinfo

? Cricinfo

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[Collywobblers]

Ooohh. Tension rising.

The writing style is very much like that of Cricinfo. Very clever.

Keep this up mate.

 

[kookaburra69]

Brilliant stuff mate,keep it up!

 

[The Mongrel]

England v Australia, 1st Test, Lord's
Anderson and Panesar peg back Aussies on difficult day
The Bulletin by Andrew Miller
July 16, 2009

Close Australia 248 for 6 (Ponting 68, Anderson 3-58, Panesar 3-64)
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

In stark contrast to the fiery opening day of the 2005 Ashes (where seventeen wickets fell) - the opening day of the 2009 Ashes series was somewhat subdued as batsmen had to contend with difficult conditions at an overcast Lord's ground. However despite the sluggish Australian run rate - players starred in testing conditions as Aussie captain Ricky Ponting worked hard for 68; James Anderson snared three important wickets including Brad Haddin with just twenty minutes to go before stumps; whilst Monty Panesar managed to knock stumps over on three occasions he also picked up three wickets.

Anderson's stunning late spell ensured the day finished just as well as it started for the English; as he found the right areas to the opening batsmen and followed it up late in the day by finding the right areas to Michael Clarke and Haddin who were in pursuit of stumps. Anderson's selection over Chris Tremlett looked to be based on his ability to swing the ball and his experience in test cricket over the raw Hampshire giant - and he repaid the faith the selectors showed in him with a rock-solid display of 3-58 to claim the best bowling figures of the day.

Winning the toss in overcast conditions on a Lord's deck which looked like it could benefit both seamers and spinners, Ponting avoided making the same mistake he made at Edgbaston last time as he elected to bat. The first session proved difficult for the Australian top order - openers Phil Jaques and Chris Rogers toiling against Anderson and Matthew Hoggard to add just 26 in the first eleven overs. However, the subdued Lord's crowd erupted in the twelfth over as Anderson expertly swung the ball back into the West Australian Rogers to hit his off stump for just ten.

The world's best batsman Ricky Ponting looked no more comfortable early as both Hoggard and Anderson had him searching out his off-stump without finding the outside edge. Jaques and Ponting struggled against the swing of Hoggard and Anderson; and again toiled away against the unnerving accuracy of Andrew Flintoff and Stuart Broad as they crawled along to 65-1 at lunch.

The pair attempted to lift the run rate following lunch after having been hit by a nasty surprise before lunch where Panesar extracted substantial turn from a deck which will see returning leg-spinner Stuart MacGill's mouth water. The pair added another 37 runs in the 13 overs following lunch before Jaques fell just three short of his half-century as Anderson continued to swing the aging ball to claim him LBW for 47.

Ponting moved past his 50th test half-century and looked to improve the run-rate before playing inside a turning delivery from Panesar which clipped his off-stump and left him bewildered and dismissed for a fighting 68 in 153 deliveries. Mike Hussey looked comfortable alongside fellow middle-order batsman Michael Clarke as he struck three boundaries on his way to 36 and also passed 4000 test runs; but he met his end attempting to cut a wide ball from Panesar which spun back toward him viciously to clean bowl him to raucous applause from the full Lord's ground.

With Australia struggling at 189-4, it wasn't to get any easier as Shane Watson - who earlier was preferred to the more experienced option in Brad Hodge - did the selectors no favours as he attempted an ugly swipe across the line reminiscent of a tailender and was clean bowled by an armball from Panesar for just nine to become the left-arm spinner's 150th test victim. However, Clarke who was looking to play out to stumps was joined by fellow New South Welshman Brad Haddin who looked comfortable as he combined with Clarke for a 42-run stand as the two survived the new ball in a partnership which lasted over a hundred deliveries. However, the English experienced an unexpected breakthrough as James Anderson snared a deserved third wicket after disciplined swing bowling as he caught Haddin's outside edge off a perfect off-stump delivery with just twenty minutes before the close of play. At stumps, Clarke remains unbeaten on 37 alongside Lee on one.

Whilst tending to struggle for most of the day, Australia sit in a good position at 248-6 as they push toward a total of three hundred on a difficult batting track. Whilst Anderson and Panesar bowled well, and Flintoff was brilliantly tight - the support from Broad and Hoggard remained insufficient against a side they really needed to dismiss cheaply. Clarke's innings of 37 in 127 showed the kind of maturity Clarke has lacked at times as he single-handedly steered the Australian middle order through difficult times against the new ball.

How they were out

Australia

Chris Rogers b Anderson 10 (26 for 1)
Curled inswinger steered through the attempted off drive - crashing into off-stump

Phil Jaques lbw b Anderson 47 (108 for 2)
Pushes forward to a full inswinger from Anderson; wrapped on the pads plumb in front of off stump

Ricky Ponting b Panesar 68 (142 for 3)
Flighted towards the right-hander and spins past the outside edge to clip off stump

Mike Hussey b Panesar 36 (189 for 4)
Pitched well outside off-stump and spins in sharply to take out middle stump as the attempted cut-shot misses

Shane Watson b Panesar 8 (204 for 5)
Drifting into leg-stump, Watson plays an awful shot across the line and loses his leg-stump

Brad Haddin c Davies b Anderson 23 (246 for 6)
Absolute 'jaffer' which pitches on off-stump and zips away from the batsman - nothing prod catches the outside edge

Andrew Miller is UK editor of Cricinfo

© Cricinfo

Thanks treva

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[treva]

Brilliant detailed description. Makes it feel like an account of the ashes as if it was actually being played right now in real life. Just one edit:

At stumps, Clarke remains unbeaten on 37 alongside Lee on one.

Clarke's innings of 27 in 127 showed the kind of maturity Clarke has lacked at times as he single-handedly steered the Australian middle order through difficult times against the new ball.

Just need to edit the 27 in last paragraph to 37

England is control I feel, both teams have tremendous batting so a score of 350 odd from Australia is still about par. England will hope for the 4 early wickets to keep them to a below par score of around 300...

 

[Ollie_H]

Man that is some awesome stuff.. Ball by Ball coverage and full stats and a lengthy report this must be a really great story.

 

[kookaburra69]

Great stuff mate,match is evenly poised.