Discussion Cricket Discussion

[OzRulesFootball]

Loving the change to Boof more and more.
Goodbye Ed Cowan unless you start doing something really useful.

 

[OzRulesFootball]

With Warner out first game it means Rogers probably plays and Cowan is not one of my favourites but I guess he'll still get the gig as one of openers.

I'd prefer Watson open given circumstances now.

Watson
Warner
Hughes
Clarke
Khawaja
Faulkner
Haddin
Starc
Pattinson
Siddle
Lyon

would be my aim given those in touring party

Of course Warner won't make first team so Cowan will probably open with Rogers and Watson down lower order where Faulkner I placed for now.

I sense it will be a disaster though with Cowan and Rogers opening and early wickets putting too much pressure on Hughes at no.3 to thrive. We'll probably be always trying to get innings back on track but never have good starts to give us a better chance. No stability at all to batting order. Warner off field stupidity coming at all the wrong times as he is our best bat after Clarke and now he cannot be providing stable base to top of order. Our bowling stocks are so much better it is not funny. Ryan Harris and Bird as pace back up is fantastic depth to have.

Two weeks later and with a new coach it is interesting Watson has been installed as opener as I wanted and with the announcement Rogers will partner him in 1st Test next week it gives some sense of hope Boof is trying to bring some stability to line-up. Getting the feeling his thinking is when Warner is available he'll now come in 1st drop which is not worst move in the world. Means the line-up I previously listed has the other batters moved down 1 place in order which is ok and removes the need for Faulkner to bat at number 6. Much happier with Cowan having to fight for a spot now.

 

[Goodie's Guns]

Here's the scorecard after day 2 of our last warm-up match before the first test on July 10.

Worcestershire vs Australia at New Road County Ground, Worcester

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first

AUSTRALIA's FIRST INNINGS

Shane Watson - c Shantry b Ali - 109 (111), 14 4s, 2 6s
Chris Rogers - c Kervezee b Shantry - 75 (127), 12 4s
Ed Cowan - run out (Pardoe) - 58 (114), 5 4s, 1 6s
Michael Clarke* - run out (Kervezee) - 62 (88), 11 4s
Steve Smith - not out - 68 (96), 10 4s, 2 6s
Phillip Hughes - not out - 19 (49), 3 4s

Did not bat - Brad Haddin+, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird

Fall of wickets - 1/170 (Watson, 34.4 ov), 2/207 (Rogers, 45.1 ov), 3/303 (Clarke, 72.2 ov), 4/322 (Cowan, 77.5 ov)

Chris Russell - 11-1-0/68
Charles Morris - 23-6-0/74
Gareth Andrew - 20.3-2-0/93
Jack Shantry - 18-4-1/71
Moeen Ali - 23-2-1/82
Daryl Mitchell - 2-1-0/3

Australia declared at 4/396.

WORCESTERSHIRE's FIRST INNINGS

Matthew Pardoe - c Hughes b Faulkner - 16 (51), 3 4s
Nick Compton - c Watson b Bird - 79 (181), 10 4s
Moeen Ali - c Clarke b Agar - 10 (25), 1 4s
Daryl Mitchell* - c +Haddin b Bird - 65 (88), 12 4s
Alexei Kervezee - lbw b Bird - 4 (5), 1 4s
Tom Fell - c Watson b Bird - 1 (4)
Ben Cox+ - c Clarke b Agar - 25 (57), 5 4s
Gareth Andrew - not out - 24 (59), 4 4s
Jack Shantry - not out - 6 (13)

Yet to bat - Charles Morris, Chris Russell

Fall of wickets: 1/48 (Pardoe, 19.3 ov), 2/88 (Ali, 29.3 ov), 3/180 (Compton, 54.1 ov), 4/184 (Kervezee, 54.6 ov), 5/186 (Fell, 56.2 ov), 6/187 (Mitchell, 60.1 ov), 7/225 (Cox, 73.6 ov)

Ryan Harris - 15-4-0/41 (1nb)
Jackson Bird - 20-7-4/38 (1nb)
Ashton Agar - 23-4-2/79
James Faulkner - 13-2-1/55 (1nb)
Shane Watson - 6-4-0/13
Steve Smith - 3-0-0/7

Worcestershire is currently 7/246, still trailing by 150 runs.

 

[Jandrews]

If anyone is interested Sportal are doing an Ashes Dream team. I have created a Supercoach Scores league so just follow the links and show off you cricket knowledge http://cricketdreamteam.sportal.com.au/?p=register&league_code=246655&token=a95be18b

 

[PC]

While it is great to do well against County teams, imo the jury is out until the full series starts - totally different ball game.

JAndrews, I normally play these but the interest from mates have dropped off over the years - so am keen! Entered - team is 'BringtheWarneBack'

 

[Goodie's Guns]

If anyone is interested Sportal are doing an Ashes Dream team. I have created a Supercoach Scores league so just follow the links and show off you cricket knowledge http://cricketdreamteam.sportal.com.au/?p=register&league_code=246655&token=a95be18b

While it is great to do with against County teams, imo the jury is out until the full series starts - totally different ball game.

JAndrews, I normally play these but the interest from mates have dropped off over the years - so am keen! Entered - team is 'BringtheWarneBack'

I am in also, bring it on.

For anyone that wants an extra fantasy game challenge join this ESPN league that I have going, player prices which makes it a little more challenging and it also last both the series in England and return series in Australia.

* Will post the link to this game once it is back up and running, site currently running maintenance. LOL

 

[Goodie's Guns]

Here is a couple of fantasy Ashes options to play if you wish.

Virtual Sports Fanatsy Ashes: http://cricketdreamteam.sportal.com....token=a95be18b

ESPN Fantasy Ashes (includes boy series + player prices): http://games.espncricinfo.com/fantasy/homepage.aspx
- Go to Leagues
- Then where is says join league enter in the league name of: Ashes 2013/14 & Password: cricket

 

[Goodie's Guns]

AUSTRALIA's FIRST INNINGS

Shane Watson - c Shantry b Ali - 109 (111), 14 4s, 2 6s
Chris Rogers - c Kervezee b Shantry - 75 (127), 12 4s
Ed Cowan - run out (Pardoe) - 58 (114), 5 4s, 1 6s
Michael Clarke* - run out (Kervezee) - 62 (88), 11 4s
Steve Smith - not out - 68 (96), 10 4s, 2 6s
Phillip Hughes - not out - 19 (49), 3 4s

Did not bat - Brad Haddin+, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird

Fall of wickets - 1/170 (Watson, 34.4 ov), 2/207 (Rogers, 45.1 ov), 3/303 (Clarke, 72.2 ov), 4/322 (Cowan, 77.5 ov)

Chris Russell - 11-1-0/68
Charles Morris - 23-6-0/74
Gareth Andrew - 20.3-2-0/93
Jack Shantry - 18-4-1/71
Moeen Ali - 23-2-1/82
Daryl Mitchell - 2-1-0/3

Australia declared at 4/396.

WORCESTERSHIRE's FIRST INNINGS

Matthew Pardoe - c Hughes b Faulkner - 16 (51), 3 4s
Nick Compton - c Watson b Bird - 79 (181), 10 4s
Moeen Ali - c Clarke b Agar - 10 (25), 1 4s
Daryl Mitchell* - c +Haddin b Bird - 65 (88), 12 4s
Alexei Kervezee - lbw b Bird - 4 (5), 1 4s
Tom Fell - c Watson b Bird - 1 (4)
Ben Cox+ - c Clarke b Agar - 25 (57), 5 4s
Gareth Andrew - c +Haddin b Harris - 24 (63), 4 4s
Jack Shantry - b Harris - 13 (38), 1 4s
Charles Morris - not out - 25 (32), 4 4s
Chris Russell - b Faulkner - 4 (12)

Fall of wickets: 1/48 (Pardoe, 19.3 ov), 2/88 (Ali, 29.3 ov), 3/180 (Compton, 54.1 ov), 4/184 (Kervezee, 54.6 ov), 5/186 (Fell, 56.2 ov), 6/187 (Mitchell, 60.1 ov), 7/225 (Cox, 73.6 ov), 8-248 (Andrew, 81.2 ov), 9-265 (Shantry, 87.2 ov), 10-284 (Russell, 92.1 ov)

Ryan Harris - 21-5-2/65 (1nb)
Jackson Bird - 25-9-4/48 (1nb)
Ashton Agar - 23-4-2/79
James Faulkner - 14.1-2-2/57 (1nb)
Shane Watson - 6-4-0/13
Steve Smith - 3-0-0/7

Worcestershire was bowled out for 284.

AUSTRALIA's SECOND INNINGS

Chris Rogers - lbw b Ali - 26 (31), 6 4s
Ed Cowan - lbw b Shantry - 34 (60), 6 4s
Phillip Hughes - b Russell - 86 (84), 13 4s, 3 6s
Michael Clarke* - c Andrew b Shantry - 124 (98), 16 4s, 3 6s
Steve Smith - c Kervezee b Ali - 43 (35), 4 4s, 1 6s
James Faulkner - not out - 7 (8)
Ashton Agar - not out - 10 (14), 1 4s

Did not bat: Shane Watson, Brad Haddin+, Ryan Harris, Jackson Bird

Chris Russell - 12-0-1/63
Charles Morris - 7-1-0/46
Jack Shantry - 13-2-2/62
Moeen Ali - 17-1-2/101
Gareth Andrew - 3-0-0/27
Daryl Mitchell - 3-0-0/31

Australia declared at 5/344.

WORCESTERSHIRE's SECOND INNINGS (target: 457 runs)

Matthew Pardoe - not out - 34 (58), 7 4s
Nick Compton - st +Haddin b Agar - 26 (45), 4 4s
Moeen Ali - not out - 2 (23)

Yet to bat: Daryl Mitchell*, Alexei Kervezee, Tom Fell, Ben Cox+, Gareth Andrew, Jack Shantry, Charles Morris, Chris Russell

Ryan Harris - 4-0-0/17
Jackson Bird - 4-0-0/20
Ashton Agar - 7-3-1/16
Shane Watson - 3-0-0/6
James Faulkner - 3-1-0/3

Worcestershire is currently 1/64, still trailing by 393 runs.

 

[OzRulesFootball]

Joined both leagues.

Good to see Hughes & Clarke in the runs

 

[Goodie's Guns]

AUSTRALIA's FIRST INNINGS

Shane Watson - c Shantry b Ali - 109 (111), 14 4s, 2 6s
Chris Rogers - c Kervezee b Shantry - 75 (127), 12 4s
Ed Cowan - run out (Pardoe) - 58 (114), 5 4s, 1 6s
Michael Clarke* - run out (Kervezee) - 62 (88), 11 4s
Steve Smith - not out - 68 (96), 10 4s, 2 6s
Phillip Hughes - not out - 19 (49), 3 4s

Did not bat - Brad Haddin+, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird

Fall of wickets - 1/170 (Watson, 34.4 ov), 2/207 (Rogers, 45.1 ov), 3/303 (Clarke, 72.2 ov), 4/322 (Cowan, 77.5 ov)

Chris Russell - 11-1-0/68
Charles Morris - 23-6-0/74
Gareth Andrew - 20.3-2-0/93
Jack Shantry - 18-4-1/71
Moeen Ali - 23-2-1/82
Daryl Mitchell - 2-1-0/3

Australia declared at 4/396.

WORCESTERSHIRE's FIRST INNINGS

Matthew Pardoe - c Hughes b Faulkner - 16 (51), 3 4s
Nick Compton - c Watson b Bird - 79 (181), 10 4s
Moeen Ali - c Clarke b Agar - 10 (25), 1 4s
Daryl Mitchell* - c +Haddin b Bird - 65 (88), 12 4s
Alexei Kervezee - lbw b Bird - 4 (5), 1 4s
Tom Fell - c Watson b Bird - 1 (4)
Ben Cox+ - c Clarke b Agar - 25 (57), 5 4s
Gareth Andrew - c +Haddin b Harris - 24 (63), 4 4s
Jack Shantry - b Harris - 13 (38), 1 4s
Charles Morris - not out - 25 (32), 4 4s
Chris Russell - b Faulkner - 4 (12)

Fall of wickets: 1/48 (Pardoe, 19.3 ov), 2/88 (Ali, 29.3 ov), 3/180 (Compton, 54.1 ov), 4/184 (Kervezee, 54.6 ov), 5/186 (Fell, 56.2 ov), 6/187 (Mitchell, 60.1 ov), 7/225 (Cox, 73.6 ov), 8-248 (Andrew, 81.2 ov), 9-265 (Shantry, 87.2 ov), 10-284 (Russell, 92.1 ov)

Ryan Harris - 21-5-2/65 (1nb)
Jackson Bird - 25-9-4/48 (1nb)
Ashton Agar - 23-4-2/79
James Faulkner - 14.1-2-2/57 (1nb)
Shane Watson - 6-4-0/13
Steve Smith - 3-0-0/7

Worcestershire was bowled out for 284.

AUSTRALIA's SECOND INNINGS

Chris Rogers - lbw b Ali - 26 (31), 6 4s
Ed Cowan - lbw b Shantry - 34 (60), 6 4s
Phillip Hughes - b Russell - 86 (84), 13 4s, 3 6s
Michael Clarke* - c Andrew b Shantry - 124 (98), 16 4s, 3 6s
Steve Smith - c Kervezee b Ali - 43 (35), 4 4s, 1 6s
James Faulkner - not out - 7 (8)
Ashton Agar - not out - 10 (14), 1 4s

Did not bat: Shane Watson, Brad Haddin+, Ryan Harris, Jackson Bird

Fall of wickets - 1/46 (Rogers, 10.5 ov), 2/74 (Cowan, 19.2 ov), 3/206 (Hughes, 38.1 ov), 4/321 (Clarke, 50.6 ov), 5/327 (Smith, 51.2 ov)

Chris Russell - 12-0-1/63
Charles Morris - 7-1-0/46
Jack Shantry - 13-2-2/62
Moeen Ali - 17-1-2/101
Gareth Andrew - 3-0-0/27
Daryl Mitchell - 3-0-0/31

Australia declared at 5/344.

WORCESTERSHIRE's SECOND INNINGS (target: 457 runs)

Matthew Pardoe - c Clarke b Faulkner - 57 (119), 10 4s
Nick Compton - st +Haddin b Agar - 26 (45), 4 4s
Moeen Ali - lbw b Faulkner - 35 (94)
Daryl Mitchell* - c Faulkner b Harris - 54 (156), 7 4s
Alexei Kervezee - b Harris - 2 (18)
Tom Fell - not out - 62 (121), 10 4s
Ben Cox+ - not out - 25 (24), 3 4s, 1 6s

Did not bat: Gareth Andrew, Jack Shantry, Charles Morris, Chris Russell

Fall of wickets - 1/57 (Compton, 14.2 ov), 2/114 (Pardoe, 39.1 ov), 3/135 (Ali, 49.5 ov), 4/144 (Kervezee, 56.2 ov), 5/221 (Mitchell, 86.5 ov)

Ryan Harris - 19-3-2/60
Jackson Bird - 18-5-0/53 (1nb)
Ashton Agar - 27-6-1/86
Shane Watson - 9-3-0/13
James Faulkner - 17-8-2/21
Steve Smith - 5-0-0/24
Phillip Hughes - 1-0-0/5

Worcestershire finished at 5/274, the match was drawn.

 

[Goodie's Guns]

Just found this article that previews the First Test, not a bad read at all

FIRST ASHES TEST PREVIEW – ENGLAND vs AUSTRALIA.

Only two more days until one of the most anticipated Ashes series’ commences. England goes into the contest as overwhelming favourites; their team is full of international cricketers with years of experience. Australia goes in as the underdogs, and rightfully so, the past six months has seen Australia struggle to beat any team of international calibre, however a new coach has installed new belief into the squad, so who knows what will happen. Each side will rely heavily on their skippers, with Alastair Cook's record against Australia is sensational (averaging 50.56), and Michael Clarke's record over the past 12-18 months has been even better.

THE GROUND

Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
If you’re a fast bowler in the UK, you would like to call Trent Bridge your home ground. The ground historically suits the quicker bowlers, and the statistics agree. Over the past three years, English quick James Anderson has taken 22 wickets in 3 Test matches, at an average of 14.45. Compare him to English spinner Graeme Swann, who has only taken 3 wickets in 3 Test matches, averaging 65.0.
There has not been a drawn Test seen at Trent Bridge since 2002, meaning a result will more than likely occur.
Having said all of that, England has been hit with a heat spell, with temperatures rising to almost 30 degrees (which is hot for the UK). Chris Rogers said in an interview that the ball will swing no matter what, but he feels that spin and reverse-swing will have a much bigger effect on the match, should the temperatures continue to be high.

LAST TIME THESE TWO MET

Fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th of January, 2011.
Australia’s first innings – 280 | Mitchell Johnson – 53 (66) | James Anderson – 4/66
England’s first innings – 644 | Alastair Cook – 189 (342) | Mitchell Johnson – 4/168
Australia’s second innings – 281 | Steve Smith – 54* (90) | James Anderson – 3/61
England won by an innings and 83 runs. Alastair Cook was the Man of the Match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT (who needs to perform)

Joe Root – England’s golden boy. He will be opening the batting with Captain Alistair Cook, which has led to the dumping of Nick Compton. For those of you who have not heard of Root, he is not a powerful batsman, he relies heavily on piercing gaps – he has got a lot of Michael Vaughan about him. England has made the call and promoted him to opening the batting ahead of Compton, can he repay the faith?

Shane Watson – He looks so comfortable at the top of the order doesn’t he? Watson has made some big scores in Australia’s two warm-up matches, and he’ll be looking to take that form into the first Test. The question is, can he? Chris Rogers has said he will help Watson concentrate, so what if Rogers is dismissed early? Plenty of questions which need answers. One thing is certain though, Australia needs Watson to fire.

LOOKING GOOD

James Anderson – He enjoyed a great time of it against New Zealand in England’s recent Test series, picking up 9 wickets in the two-match series. He knows how to bowl to the Australians, if the conditions even remotely suit swing bowling, expect Anderson to be England’s match winner.

James Pattinson – He has had a fantastic preparation leading into the Ashes. In his past three Australia A/warm-up matches, Pattinson has taken 16 wickets at an average of 16.12. He is fully fit, and he has new coach Darren Lehmann’s support to be ultra-aggressive. He is one man I’m excited to watch!

TEAMS

The English squad has been carrying some injuries in the past 3-4 months, with Swann, Pietersen, Broad, Finn, Root and Bresnan all needing medical attention, however it looks as if they will be taking a full side into the first Test. Nick Compton’s dropping and Joe Root’s promotion to opening will mean Kevin Pietersen will walk straight back into their side, with Jonny Bairstow expected to keep his place. Steve Finn hasn’t been at his best the past six months, so Tim Bresnan will probably get first crack.

Possible XI – 1. Alastair Cook*, 2. Joe Root, 3. Jonathon Trott, 4. Kevin Pietersen, 5. Ian Bell, 6. Jonny Bairstow, 7. Matt Prior+, 8. Stuart Broad, 9. Tim Bresnan, 10. Graeme Swann, 11. James Anderson.

It has already been confirmed that Shane Watson and Chris Rogers will open the batting for Australia. Captain Michael Clarke has batted at four in the past two tour matches, with Phil Hughes batting at five, so expect them to line-up there. Peter Siddle’s recent form has been questioned; however expect him to retain his place. Australia will be tempted to play four quicks and play Steve Smith as their spinner, but I find that unlikely. As for the other positions, all the batsmen have showed glimpses of their best in the warm-up matches, so your guess is as good as mine.

Possible XI – 1. Shane Watson, 2. Chris Rogers, 3. Ed Cowan, 4. Michael Clarke*, 5. Phillip Hughes, 6. David Warner, 7. Brad Haddin+, 8. Peter Siddle, 9. James Pattinson, 10. Mitchell Starc, 11. Nathan Lyon.

AUSTRALIAN MILESTONES APPROACHING

Ed Cowan is 13 away from 1,000 Test runs.
Ryan Harris is 3 away from 50 Test wickets.
Phillip Hughes is 48 away from 1,500 Test runs.
James Pattinson is 10 away from 50 Test wickets.
Chris Rogers is 147 away from 20,000 First-class runs.
Peter Siddle is 17 away from 300 First-class wickets.
Steve Smith is 80 away from 500 Test runs, and is 3 away from 50 First-class wickets.
Shane Watson is 4 away from 150 First-class wickets.

RECENT RESULTS

England – D D D W W

Australia – W L L L L

 

[Impromptu]

Here is a couple of fantasy Ashes options to play if you wish.

Virtual Sports Fanatsy Ashes: http://cricketdreamteam.sportal.com....token=a95be18b

ESPN Fantasy Ashes (includes boy series + player prices): http://games.espncricinfo.com/fantasy/homepage.aspx
- Go to Leagues
- Then where is says join league enter in the league name of: Ashes 2013/14 & Password: cricket

Does Sportal link work?

Can't wait for the Ashes!

 

[Goodie's Guns]

Does Sportal link work?

Can't wait for the Ashes!

Yeah it did for me. There could possibly be a limit on how many can be in a league and that may be the reason why its not working.

Bring it on!!! Back-to-back series

 

[Impromptu]

2013 ASHES TOUR BROADCAST SCHEDULE - LIVE ON GEM Test Series
First Test: July 10-14, England v Australia - Trent Bridge LIVE @ 7.30pm AEST
Second Test: July 18-22, England v Australia - Lord's LIVE @ 7.30pm AEST
Third Test: August 1-5, England v Australia - Old Trafford LIVE @ 7.30pm AEST
Fourth Test: August 9-13, England v Australia - Riverside Ground LIVE @ 7.30pm AEST
Fifth Test: August 21-25, England v Australia - The Oval LIVE @ 7.30pm AEST

T20 Internationals
T20 1: August 30, England v Australia - The Ageas Bowl LIVE @ 3.30am AEST
T20 2: August 31, England v Australia - Riverside Ground LIVE @ 11.30pm AEST

One-day Series
ODI 1: September 6, England v Australia - Headingley LIVE @ 7.00pm AEST
ODI 2: September 8, England v Australia - Old Trafford LIVE @ 7.00pm AEST
ODI 3: September 11, England v Australia - Gabba Edgbaston LIVE @ 11.00pm AEST
ODI 4: September 14, England v Australia - SWALEC Stadium LIVE @ 7.00pm AEST
ODI 5: September 16, England v Australia - The Ageas Bowl, Hobart LIVE @ 11.00pm AEST

 

[Bomber18]

Joined the sportal league.

I've gone James Anderson as Captain.
22 wickets in 3 Test matches, at an average of 14.45 at Trent Bridge.

Hoping he doesn't repeat that tomorrow though

 

[Courtesans]

Hi all, I've created a Sportal League called Slashes. Invite code is 408846.

Bring on the poms, Ashes is what cricket is about!

 

[PC]

Good to see neither Captain is releasing the full side until the toss...not.

Thinking picking a fantasy side that all play could be interesting!

 

[IDIG]

Finally it's here, threw a few beers in the fridge in preparation this morning. Can't wait!

 

[Impromptu]

Hi all, I've created a Sportal League called Slashes. Invite code is 408846.

Bring on the poms, Ashes is what cricket is about!

Just registered!

 

[Courtesans]

Just registered!

Onya Jay. Need a few more to enter for a bat and bowl!