Story The Ashes. England Tour Australia (Massive Problem, with computer)

[Highlander999]

I will update tomorrow morning. I have been far too busy this weekend. I will just say this. I wouldn't want to be an English fan

 

[kookaburra69]

Oh O,that doesn't sound to good

 

[innes]

Bah
Colly doesnt sound like he shined!

 

[Hooper]

Haha, great. More pommy bashing.

 

[Highlander999]

Australia carve through English Middle Order​

Well at the Lunch Interval we were saying how hopefully Cook and Collingwood could hopefully stage a possible revival. However it looks like we are going to have to accept that the First Innings score is going to be a low one. It is not helped by Michael Clarke who is becoming a bit of an English nemesis.

The first wicket to fall in the afternoon session summed up England today. Cook played a little drop shot and set of straight away for the run, without calling. Collingwood at the other end was ball watching and called him back. Cook did not stop so Collingwood set of and could only watch as Gilchrist wipped of the bails from a superb throw by yes, you know who it is, Michael Clarke.

The next wicket to fall did cause some controversy. Cook had begun to look in very fine touch, and their were hopes that he could stage a revival with possibly Flintoff, Mustard or Mascarenhas. It was not to be due to a dubious call by Rudi Koertzen, which had the Aussie fans saying "that's plum skip" and the English fans saying "that's the worst decision in the history of cricket". Playing across the line Cook was hit very high up on the pad by Clarke. A muted appeal came from the Australian team, and surprisingly the finger of death rose. Cook could only look on in dismay, as the Australian team celebrated with Clarke who was destroying the England batting line-up. However Cook had got to go for a battling 41.

Clarke then struck again, when Phil Mustard who had hit a very agressive knock against Chairman's XI, was clean bowled. It was widely accepted by the commentary team, that this was the best dismissal of the day, especially to a new batsman. Pitching just on line with middle and leg, Clarke spun the ball the other way meaning Mustard played down the wrong line completely, and had his offstump hit. Very disappointing for Mustard but full credit to Clarke as that was a truly amazing delivery.

To make things worse. This all happened in 45 minutes from the Lunch Break so England have not even managed to play for time.

Hopefully Dimitry and Flintoff will be able to stage a revival with the tail, to try and post England a respectable score. This does seem to back the England selectors going for an all-rounder over an extra bowler. However things still look bleak for England when they have had such a bad start, but we can always hope. Stay tuned to find out if Australia can quickly wrap up the tail, or if England will have a strong rear guard action.

 

[Hooper]

Wow, terrible for England. Clarke is tearing you guys apart! What shame!

 

[kookaburra69]

Geez England are in a heap of trouble,such a pity Cook couldnt continue on after getting a start.

 

[freddiw]

these two need to save the day,

highlander olove the story reps for u!!

 

[westindies2007]

Still feel England cane win it

 

[OrderDX]

oh dear not good at all from england

 

[LUMB_YORKSHIRE]

well its England at their best i suppose keep it up

 

[Highlander999]

Thanks everyone for commenting. I have finished the England innings and it is not brilliant but it is not as bad as it could have been

 

[Jaztheman]

England truly do suck and it will take something to win from here I feel. Nice pres Tom, keep it up.

 

[Highlander999]

Cheers mate

 

[Highlander999]

Flintoff and Mascarenhas stage brief revival​

Well the England Innings is over and it is not as bad as it could have been. Flintoff and Mascarenhas staged a brief revival at the end, putting on a partnership of 40 odd. They batted sensibly and played for time. However it was not too last as Flintoff got dismssed by his mate Shane Warne, when he edged it to slip. A battling innings and it was crucial in England getting into three figures

The problem however now was Mascarenhas was batting with the tail, and none of them were hanging around as spin destroyed them. Matthew Hoggard perished when he edged one to Gilchrist for only 1.

James Anderson was completely deceived by Shane warne who spun one back viciously to trap him plum LBW.

The hero of the Day though Michael Calrke picked up his SIXTH wicket when he had Monty Panesar caught at square leg. He was absolutely ecstatic about his bowling performance and was cheered of the pitch by the Australian team and crowd. Will he be able to back up his bowling with the bat?

So England are all out for 137 with Mascarenhas stranded on 28 not out. A poor performance and the bowlers are going to have to do something extrodinary to leave England in any decent position for the second innings.

All the Australian bowlers did well, but it was spin that led the way with it picking up eight of the wickets. However the opening pair bowled well and Tait was unlucky not to get a wicket. The English batsmen will have to protect their wicket a lot better next time around, especially the top-order.

The Australian openers had a tricky two overs to face before tea however they made it without any worries.

So Australia have got a nice small total in front of them to chase down and have an excellent chance to quickly take this game away from the England team. Stay tuned to find out what happens.