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Loading ...Vaughan missed a trick. Keeping on a strike bowler would have given him a chance to bowl Aust. out for 130. Too late now, and if the Aussies get to 200, you never know…
Australia v England – Final, Natwest series
By Avinash 5 years ago, at the start of July Add your comment below
Session updates provided by Avinash. Updated at overs 15, 40 and 50.
[First innings - Australia]
Overs 1-15: (Avinash)
It has been a marvellous 15 overs, worthy of a Lord’s final between the two best teams in the world. Glichrist got Australia off to a ripping start and yet again, a buffet of Simon Jones was much too tempting for the Australian openers to pass up on. Fifty came up in short order and Jones was lashed for 29 off his opening three overs, including 16 in four balls from Gilly. Panic Stations, England? An English side might have crumbled in the face of such typically aggressive batting some years earlier but this lot is a bit more resilient. Flintoff has been their most accurate bowler all series so Vaughan turned to him to peg things back a little. And peg them back he did, with beautifully controlled & short of a length fast bowling. Gough prised out Hayden, his first wicket with the new ball all series, and Flintoff bowled one of the best overs anyone has ever bowled to Gilchrist, beating him time and again outside the off stump and forcing him into an injudicious pull that simply went straight up in the air. That was a well-earned wicket, if anything was. Ponting then went on to tickle Harmison’s first delivery down the legside to Geraint Jones and suddenly, Australia were three down in 12 overs. Parity had been restored. Symonds is proving why he doesn’t get to play Test cricket more often, struggling to put bat to ball against Harmison and Flintoff, and Martyn is searching for an aggressive partner he can feed the strike to.
15 overs. 76 runs. 3 wickets. The perfect start, as the first session has been a well fought draw!
Australia will want these two to bat another 15 overs while England will want to get Symonds out while the ball is still a bit new. They know well what can happen otherwise. Once again, Andrew Symonds seems to have the key to the game.
Overs 15-40: (Will)
As befits the middling overs, things have quietened down significantly. England continued to apply pressure via Harmison – who bowled quite beautifully. He dismissed Martyn with a classic delivery, angling in but cutting away – Jones took an easy catch, but one which he might well have dropped a year ago. His ‘keeping standards have certainly improved since working with Jack Russell.
Jones was brought back into the attack; after Gilchrist’s initial onslought, smashing him for 16 in an over, he showed admirable control to keep things quiet, and was too good for Clarke trapping him leg-before. That wicket was the last ball in the 24th, and the 3rd consecutive maiden. The 25th was the 4th maiden in a row, before Symonds and Hussey started to knock it around – but, in the 35th over, Symonds was still demonstrating un-character-like restraint. Even Giles is going at under 4 per over – both he and Collingwood justifying Vaughan’s decision to keep Harmison and Flintoff back for a couple of overs each at the end of the innings.
And Vaughan’s decision is further vindicated. Symonds crashed Collingwood, on the bounce, straight to extra cover, only to repeat the shot next ball into Strauss’ hands. Now is definately the time to bring Harmison back, although I think Collingwood and Giles have done an excellent, containing job (especially considering the awesome form Symonds has been in). Giles though is still bowling in the 39th – come on Vaughan, don’t miss a trick here. Harmison, Flintoff, Gough – 2 of those must be bowling now. Australia will be loving this.
And into the 40th over, it’s Paul Collingwood to continue! Don’t understand this whatsoever…over to you, Avinash.
Overs 40-50: (Avinash)
Australia went into the turn at 153/6. Hogg had just come in, Hussey was still biding his time, Flintoff, Gough and Harmison had 10 overs between them and England could not have hoped for a more perfect situation. Naturally therefore, Vaughan bowled Collingwood in the 41st over and Giles in the 42nd. Harmison was finally given the ball (about 10 overs delayed, by my reckoning) and, immediately, run making got more difficult & dangerous. Staying true to form, Vaughan persisted with Giles from the other end before finally turning, almost reluctantly you’d think were it not such a ludicrous thought, to Flintoff.
6 balls later, Lee had gone, Gillespie had followed his mate first ball and Andrew Flintoff was on a hattrick. As demonstrably QED as you could ever get. A couple of lucky edges, a few scrambles and some fine batting from Hussey coaxed Australia to 196. The obvious question now: is 196 enough? I think they are about 25 short, but with this pitch and the generally overcast conditions, the bowlers will always have a chance. Whether Vaughan will rue not turning to his strike bowlers earlier in the innings only time will tell. Regardless, it is great to have a one day pitch that is doing just enough to make it an even contest between bat and ball.
It is going to be a tremendous spectacle – Ponting does not have the runs to defend for long periods so he will attack constantly. Lee, McGrath and Gillespie will be hard to score consistently off in these conditions but yet again, one senses that the first 10 overs or so of the England response might go a long way towards deciding the fate of this final. After
three gripping sessions of play, it is England 2 and Australia 0. My money is on England the rest of the way, but the two men who can ruin it for the hosts are the men who will share the new ball in just about 40 minutes – Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee.
[Second innings - England]
Overs 1-10:
England have batted twice in this series against Australia and both times, their openers have looked shaky against the new ball, all those hundreds against Bangladesh notwithstanding. Lee and McGrath would have liked their chances therefore, of picking up an early wicket or two. As things turned out, they picked up 4 between themselves in 40 balls and England’s
fraility at the top suddenly threatened to lose them the game.
It was good bowling without a doubt but you would have expected no less from Australia. I grow ever more skeptical though, of Trescothick’s place at the top of the order against Brett Lee, Glen McGrath and a new ball. He can be a punishing batsman on his day, but when the ball is doing a bit England might be better served opening with Vaughan. Not that that would have prevented Strauss from getting comprehensively bowled by Lee.
Back to matters at hand however, and England have Flintoff along with Collingwood at the crease. Flintoff has looked assured at the crease, and is playing well, two sweetly timed fours of Lee proving that danger still lurks for Australia.
Ah, I speak too soon! Flintoff perishes as well, and McGrath has himself another wicket!
Number 7 walks out into the middle in the 10th over and England are now threatening to implode in much the same way that Australia did some weeks ago. That collapse was greeted by much disbelief and so will this one. So there we have it. Lee and McGrath were always the dangermen, and in 40 minutes of work they have hauled Australia into a position of utter dominance. No question whatsoever of who has won this session.
Interesting as the match is, I have a cricket game of my own to play so further commentary and reaction from the venerable Will.
Overs 15-40:
Overs 40-50:
[Result]
Tags: australia, avinash, england, natwest-series, ODI, session-updates |
74 Responses to “Australia v England – Final, Natwest series”
July 2nd, 2005 at 1.42 pm
July 2nd, 2005 at 1.52 pm
Exactly. And Harmison is in such good form…he could have skittled them pretty quick
July 2nd, 2005 at 1.59 pm
Flintoff carving through the tail, which rather proves the point… (I hate being right when its about England doing well…)
July 2nd, 2005 at 2.13 pm
Okay, Australia end up 196. If England win, Vaughan’s error will be overlooked. If they get bowled out for 194 though…
July 2nd, 2005 at 2.15 pm
Ha, we’ll see Scott. Weather here is very muggy still – it’s still gonna move around a lot for Australia’s pensioners bowlers 
July 2nd, 2005 at 2.16 pm
Soft by the Aussies. Well bowled Flintoff/Harmison. Only one player handled the conditions well – Hussey – he has played a lot in England. Need I point out, that so have 11 Englishmen! While the commentators do their best to talk it up, looks like an early night I fear.
July 2nd, 2005 at 2.23 pm
i dunno stu. Mgrath and Lee are certainly capable of getting early and quick wickets themselves!
July 2nd, 2005 at 2.39 pm
Stay up for another hour or so, Stu. The weather really isn’t crash-hot – muggy, cloudy, McGrathy conditions. I expect England to win, but not as easily as some predict
July 2nd, 2005 at 2.41 pm
Kettle’s on. Fingers are crossed.
July 2nd, 2005 at 2.44 pm
England Expects, hey?
I don’t blame you, but if McGrath’s on song…
Who is predicting this is going to be easy, apart from Stu (defeatist!) 
July 2nd, 2005 at 2.44 pm
good on ya mate
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.05 pm
RRR: 3.96
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.15 pm
Lee losing the plot a bit, early. But McGrath has Trescothick caught.
McGrath should bowl his ten overs straight here, is my first instinct.
And Scott Wickstein brings up his 50th comment on this blog, and waves his bat modestly.
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.18 pm
Good catch by Ponting – agree re McGrath. Lee on for one more, then try Gillespie. A fine half-century Mr Wickstein, and the highest-run-scorer here thus far…
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.20 pm
Oh shite, Strauss misses one – Lee has one.
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.23 pm
better keep that kettle handy stu
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.28 pm
haha! Mgrath looks as if he wants the bonus point!
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.29 pm
Kettle’s on again. Fingers are still crossed. Game on!
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.31 pm
Oh, so we’re staying up a bit longer are we Aussies?! Game on, oh dear – Pietersen’s gone! 4 down, and good night England
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.33 pm
might not even need the kettle if they keep falling at this rate. Would you have thought that Australia would be in the driving street inside 8 overs? No way!
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.33 pm
Just a bit longer. I hope the kids are kind and sleep in tomorrow!
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.35 pm
I’ve just made a coffee, but I’ll need something stronger I think. Great bowling from the scattergun
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.38 pm
Yeah and how good is “Shameless” Hussey’s 62 not out looking now?
This is not over yet, but England are their worst enemy. Their fear is palpable- I can smell it from here. It’s not physical fear, it is fear of losing. Whats the go with the shot selection?
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.40 pm
I don’t think their fear has brought the wickets: it’s the “shot a minute” farce which has. This team isn’t scared…well, they are now but, the top 4 need to be lined up and shot by Fletcher
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.44 pm
Well, actually Australia’s *cough* top order didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory on that score either.
There’s still only 165 to get and McGrath and Lee are the real threat (as Ponting drops a difficult chance which would have made it 5 for 32) and once these bowlers are seen off, who is to stop England?
Oh, next ball Flintoff edges to slip, and it is 5 for 33.
Oh well, if we lose this now….
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.46 pm
19/4 !!!! – Marvelous bowling by Mcgrath & Lee. England in trouble here. Lets see where Flintoff & Collingwood take England.
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.46 pm
Shocking batting. But you know, I’ve missed this sickening feeling of batting collapses. I got so used to them, and I haven’t had one for so long – it’s almost comforting to see England are capable of it still!
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.47 pm
you have lost 5 out of your best 6 batsman with in 10. No hope of lasting 50 and no hope of getting the runs.
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.47 pm
Just remember the difficulty clening up the tale the other night. Should Lee and McGrath bowl out their overs now?
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.51 pm
Stu- At least 7 each; Hogg and Symonds to play a bigger role then Gillespie (although given English shot selection, Sox the Cat might be worth an over or three…)
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.53 pm
Settle down Harry. Bangladesh were 5 for 70 and made 250! Long way to go yet.
July 2nd, 2005 at 3.54 pm
it was a lot better pitch and conditions than this though
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.00 pm
Breaking news – England have scored a run
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.02 pm
Figures for McGrath
6-3-9-3
Wow!
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.05 pm
Both Collingwood and Jones will need to score 50+ each from here. Australia’s second tier of bowlers are on now, and that might be what England needs to get moving again. We’ve still got a game here, and I’ll be staying up to the end (currently a little after 1am).
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.10 pm
Wouldnt England be wishing that the substitute rule existed for this game today !! Which throws in an interesting question – should teams prolong the substitution for crisis situations like this ??
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.13 pm
that is exactly why i don’t want it.
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.15 pm
adding to that, it’s going to have a huge advantage for the team batting second.
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.17 pm
Hmmm – probably … cant say for sure … it could be exploited in so many different ways … but it will diminish the role of genuine all-rounders like Gilchrist as 2 players will be able to combine to play his role
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.22 pm
Gilchrist? You wouldnt substitute him off. The guy that will lose out here is the Watson/Harvey sort of all-rounder.
See, if the ICC was thinking ahead, they could have trialled this in a domestic competition in England or Australia so that potential banana skins were ironed out before they affect ODI games.
Back at the ranch, Collingwood and Jones steadying the ship; 48 for 5.
It’s easier for them because Gillespie is still bowling pies.
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.25 pm
So if the substitute-ruling was in force right now, England could sub Giles for Ian Bell (or another batsman). Correct?
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.26 pm
No … I wasnt talking about Gilchrist being substituted … but other teams could for eg. start off a match with no keeper and a genuine pinch-hitter … then when it comes tiem to field they can substitue that batsman with the genuine keeper … in fact it might help bring back in the game the almost-lost entity – a high-quality wicket-keeper with very limited batting skills
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.27 pm
Yeah … exactly the type of substitution I was thinking about
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.28 pm
Better still … sub your worst batsman … Harmisson for Bell … after all Giles can bat a bit … and I think Bell can bat at 8 with the others pushed down one number … it does not have to be that the guy substituted should bat at the same number
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.29 pm
Well I’m off to the shops…see how England are doing in a half hour or so.
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.32 pm
And I’m going to have to get some sleep. Resorting to an ear piece and BBS commentary on the ABC, so maybe not that much sleep. Good luck all.
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.42 pm
Sounds like a plan, Stu. See you all later Go Aussies!
July 2nd, 2005 at 4.55 pm
Collingwood and Jones are slowly building a decent partnership here. I wonder when Ponting will go back to Lee or McGrath …
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.08 pm
No one watching Wimbledon ?? Much more thrilling stuff on there
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.10 pm
I’m up set with tennis because of Hewitt losing yet again to Federer! Darryl I think the time for Lee or Mcgrath should be soon…
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.14 pm
Yep, I think so, Harry. I see Gillespie is back on now … he hasn’t fired yet. Surely this pitch should suit him as much as it does the other quicks, yet he looks rather average.
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.16 pm
England beginning to look back in the hunt
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.35 pm
Jones making a fight of it !!
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.50 pm
I’m back from Sainsburys – God I hate shopping. But glad to see no more wickets have fallen – at least there’s going to be a game on now. Harry and Darryl still up?
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.52 pm
WOAH – big BIG six by Jones off Gillespie. Poor old Diz – this could be curtains for him as regards the first Test at Lord’s in 19 days…
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.52 pm
yep up until the end mate
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.53 pm
the thing i’m worrying about are those 5 overs still to come from Hogg!
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.53 pm
McGrath first though mate..here he comes, Mr Happy
July 2nd, 2005 at 5.58 pm
ahhh, this could be dangerous!!
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.04 pm
Hmmm – when was the last time England won a ODI tournament ?? Will there be nerves now that they are so close ??
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.04 pm
I’m still here, Will. England look to be in control now. Jones and Collingwood have both got those 50’s I was talking about, and the luck is going their way. How could someone possibly sleep through this?!?
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.06 pm
it would be nice if one of those sky high balls would fall to a fielder for once. well nice for us Australians anyway!
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.10 pm
I think Collingwood may have been feeling guilty for some of those shots that landed safe! What was he thinking (you don’t even take on Andrew Symonds when there’s a run there!)
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.11 pm
Jeez, what a way to break that partnership. AND Nasser Bloody Hussain gave it the kiss of death: the ball before he said he thought the trophy had England’s name on it. FOOL! For once I agreed with Botham: “Nasser Hussain is now hanging from the rafters”
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.12 pm
2 great fours by Jones though! Can’t beleive this game – what a game. And look at all the comments, 65!
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.15 pm
GONE!!! HOGG GETS JONES!!!
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.18 pm
Brilliant knock by Jones. A pitty he couldn’t finish it off for his own sakes and Englands. BUT i’m not complaining! I really need Australia to win because my footy team got flogged today…
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.19 pm
Balance in your favour now mate, well and truly. Jones hits a big ball but…
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.52 pm
great game of cricket. well im off to bed as it is nearly 4.
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.52 pm
Tied….:)
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.53 pm
Australians….cant believe it….
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.53 pm
A tie … and it’s time for some sleep. If I can.
July 2nd, 2005 at 6.54 pm
Unbeleivable
July 2nd, 2005 at 7.27 pm
The World Champions in Trouble
England are tightening the screws. Symonds and Clarke batted with a miserable partnership of 3 runs in 5 overs. Clarke
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