The Ashes Series
Jul 13th 2009, 10:01 am
#91
pink 'n' bouncy
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Re: The Ashes Series
I think Jonathan Agnew said it best:
The stunning finish to the first Ashes Test in Cardiff was as unexpected as it was thrilling.
England appeared to be on the ropes at lunch, and destined for the defeat they deserved. It took typical guts and resilience from Paul Collingwood to keep the series level.
But despite the finish, we have to acknowledge they were outplayed in every department of the game, and particularly in mental attitude.
Australia were mighty impressive - completely focused, disciplined and determined. England were second division in comparison and while the tourists can definitely be beaten, they won't be if this is the best England can produce.
So, the challenge is to come up with something much better at Lord's on Thursday.
(Beeb).England appeared to be on the ropes at lunch, and destined for the defeat they deserved. It took typical guts and resilience from Paul Collingwood to keep the series level.
But despite the finish, we have to acknowledge they were outplayed in every department of the game, and particularly in mental attitude.
Australia were mighty impressive - completely focused, disciplined and determined. England were second division in comparison and while the tourists can definitely be beaten, they won't be if this is the best England can produce.
So, the challenge is to come up with something much better at Lord's on Thursday.
Jul 13th 2009, 10:06 am
#92
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Re: The Ashes Series
Up the poms 
Jul 13th 2009, 10:21 am
#93
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Re: The Ashes Series
I agree that England can still win this series, but I wouldn't call Australia "a very beatable Aussie team". We took 19 wickets; your boys took a mere 6. We set an impossible target; your boys responded with a bit of beach cricket and forced a draw by stonewalling for 40 minutes. Your boys were completely outplayed; even Strauss admitted it.
Collingwood looks like your only star right now, and you can't win a game on the strength of one player. If there's a "very beatable" team in this series, it's England.
Collingwood looks like your only star right now, and you can't win a game on the strength of one player. If there's a "very beatable" team in this series, it's England.
There has been some criticism about celebrating a draw, well i can remember Australia being pretty happy at Edgbaston in 2005 when eaking out a draw.
Jul 13th 2009, 10:49 am
#94
I'm Old Gregg!
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Re: The Ashes Series
Of course England are not going to win if they continue to play like they have in this test, they would have lost to Bangladesh on this performance, but i stand by what i said about this Australia side being only average and beatable, it will take a huge improvement by England but they can do it.
There has been some criticism about celebrating a draw, well i can remember Australia being pretty happy at Edgbaston in 2005 when eaking out a draw.
There has been some criticism about celebrating a draw, well i can remember Australia being pretty happy at Edgbaston in 2005 when eaking out a draw.
Jul 13th 2009, 11:42 am
#95
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Jul 14th 2009, 10:55 pm
#97
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Jul 18th 2009, 3:46 am
#98
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Re: The Ashes Series
Wow what a transformation from Cardiff, England were superb last night, i was feeling a bit worried when they they failed to capitalise on a fantastic start by Cook and Strauss but Anderson and Onions got vital runs at the end.
The bowlers did a great job, the look on Pontins face when given out was priceless, sure it was a mistake by the umpire but he hit his boot with the bat so its also an easy mistake to make, happens all the time for both sides.
England have a great chance to win this one and build some momentum going into the last 3, but i still expect a tough weekend and its not going to be easy.
The bowlers did a great job, the look on Pontins face when given out was priceless, sure it was a mistake by the umpire but he hit his boot with the bat so its also an easy mistake to make, happens all the time for both sides.
England have a great chance to win this one and build some momentum going into the last 3, but i still expect a tough weekend and its not going to be easy.
Jul 18th 2009, 12:43 pm
#99
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Re: The Ashes Series
Good stuff England!
Would you have enforced the follow-on?
Would you have enforced the follow-on?
Jul 18th 2009, 1:42 pm
#100
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Re: The Ashes Series
I think Strauss did the right thing. The ball isn't doing too much today and seems to be a batsmen's pitch. Tomorrow there is rain due and more likely to be pleasant for the bowlers. If Aus were batting right now I doubt we would have more than one wicket down
Jul 18th 2009, 2:37 pm
#101
Lost in BE Cyberspace
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Re: The Ashes Series
Wear them out in the field and force them to defend. The only problem is knowing when to declare, if it gets to that.
Jul 18th 2009, 2:43 pm
#102
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Re: The Ashes Series
just before lunch tomorrow I reckon. I was hoping that KP and Bopara would kick on and we could declare before end of play today to get a shot at them but that ain't gonna happen now
Jul 18th 2009, 2:44 pm
#103
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Re: The Ashes Series
Strauss probably did the right thing but only time will tell. Of his main bowlers Broad and Onions looked out of sorts while Freddie clearly isn't 100% fit. give them a rest and bat till the last hour then we have 2 days to bowl them out.
Jul 18th 2009, 2:50 pm
#104
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Re: The Ashes Series
Sunday weather - Heavy Rain Showers
Monday weather - Light Rain Showers
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/foreca...e=10®ion=uk
Jul 21st 2009, 1:08 pm
#105
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Re: The Ashes Series
Can anyone tell me the score? Why did this thread die?
What an awesome win, Freddie was excellent, had a great today winding up the Aussies!
They don't like it at all and that makes it so much more enjoyable!
What an awesome win, Freddie was excellent, had a great today winding up the Aussies!
They don't like it at all and that makes it so much more enjoyable!