Cast your minds back to this recent series of Rugby Union Autumn Internationals....
Yes I know this post might seem a little irrelevant and a bit late but nonetheless the matches between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres certainly provided us with food for thought.
Only England and Scotland managed to post victories over any of the Tri-Nations and, although Wales and Ireland pushed them close, at times it looked like neither South Africa, Australia or New Zealand got out of second gear.
What really struck me though was the All Blacks.
I know anybody sitting reading this will tell me that they are 'chokers' and that they historically 'peak too early' but I'm going to be bold with my prediction at this early stage. They WILL win the World Cup at home.
Not only are they streets ahead of the rest in terms of player resources, their tactics and skills in the recent International matches were absolutely outstanding. Okay, so it helps if Dan Carter is your fly-half and Richie McCaw is your Captain but if we stop and look at a few other things it becomes clearer to why they were so dominant.
At the breakdown they were brutal and at set-piece they surprised and outscrummaged most but i want to specifically pick up on a couple of points.
1) The Offload
The offload isn't just all about keeping the 'ball alive', that is far too simplistic a description. Where the All Blacks were able to rip teams apart was in their timing of the offload from the ball carrier and the angles that the reciever picked. What troubles an opposition defence is marking other players when their focus is on the man in possession. Take New Zealand's first try against England. When the ball is spun wide off the top of the lineout each England defender can easily pick his man up and Tindall is drawn towards Sonny Bill-Williams. It's then when Sonny is able to get his arms free that the problems are posed. Both the full-back and the winger can recieve the pass from the outside center and have the opportunity to pick an angle from a deeper position. Another defender is drawn to the ball carrier to stop either the offload or a continued carry and that frees up space for the three-quarters.
Now this isn't all about Sonny Bill. He undoubtedly has brought those skills from his Rugby League background, but this was across the board, this was every player on the pitch willing to not only chance the offload but time it.
2) Defence
I'm not just talking about your typical All Black impenetrable 'wall', brutal and all-consuming. I'm talking about their focus on the ball. The growing trend in Rugby Union is to carry the ball in one hand and because players are not protected from having possession stripped they risk having it done to them on a regular basis. Time and time again the howls of British supporters were heard over their teams inability to keep hold of the ball against New Zealand. It's not a coincidence though. After watching each side that the All Blacks faced repeatedly turn over the ball, I started to notice the emphasis that they placed on getting two men in the tackle; one high and one low. Graham Henry and his defence coach have focused on stripping the ball from the opposition and dangerously counter-attacking from the resulting turnover.
Now, you might argue that these are two simple and minor reasons behind their success. That really any team containing Carter, McCaw, Reid, Nonu, Muliaina etc... should be winning every match that they play. But, I'd argue differently. It's this sort of attention to detail, it's this sort of Rugby evolution that differentiates the best from the very good and it's this sort of innovative thinking that will see Richie lift that Web-Ellis trophy in 2011.
Monday, 20 December 2010
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Strength in the Face of Adversity
The respective performances of Mitchell Johnson and Chris Tremlett in the Perth Test Match serve as a reminder of the difficulties that professional sportspeople go through to achieve success. The two pace - bowlers have different stories, filled with trials and tribulations, but have one important thing in common; they've both bounced back and they've both done it in style.
The way in which Mitchell Johnson has performed in the Third Test Match of this Ashes series is nothing short of remarkable.
Having been dropped after giving an astonishingly erratic account of himself in Brisbane, journalists, fans, ex - players and pundits all lined up to berate Johnson and it looked as if the Australian public had fallen out of love with the tattooed Queenslander.
His exclusion from the Second Test Match was contentious and he reportedly was furious at his omission from the side. Cricket Australia then refused him the opportunity of playing state cricket during the Adelaide match (instead he carried the drinks and completed twelfth man duties) leaving Johnson dejected and kicking his heels.
So how in such a short space of time has Johnson turned it all around?
A self belief bordering on delusion, a confidence which most would describe as arrogance and an exuberance surpassed by none has seen Mitchell drag himself off the canvas, dust himself down and put in a performance similar to that when he was the World's best in 2009.
Whilst Johnson's recovery has come in a relatively short period of time, Chris Tremlett's return to Test Cricket has been a much longer and drawn out affair.
Tremlett first played International Cricket back in 2005, and made his Test Match debut in 2007 against India. He was a cricketer with considerable ability, blessed with height and a frame that most pace bowlers would die for.
What Tremlett lacked was fitness.
Plagued by injury after making his debut for England, the former-Hampshire paceman struggled to gain any sort of consistency in his cricket and his International career was as good as written off until he joined Surrey for the 2010 season.
The move sparked a run of form that saw Tremlett catapulted back into the media eye, complete an injury free season and gain selection for the Ashes tour. All of a sudden the 6"8 giant was being touted as England's number one back up bowler and when Stuart Broad was ruled out for the rest of the tour, Tremlett was first in line to replace him.
His performance in Perth, not only reminded us of his considerable talent, but was the perfect example of somebody grabbing their opportunity and making it count.
These examples illustrate the determination that we find in sportsmen desperate to succeed. They put to shame the people who let their talent go to waste, who under-achieve, who don't have the fight or the desire. Both Tremlett and Johnson are talented beyond belief (nobody questions that) but their stories reflect the kind of people that they have become.
The way in which Mitchell Johnson has performed in the Third Test Match of this Ashes series is nothing short of remarkable.
Having been dropped after giving an astonishingly erratic account of himself in Brisbane, journalists, fans, ex - players and pundits all lined up to berate Johnson and it looked as if the Australian public had fallen out of love with the tattooed Queenslander.
His exclusion from the Second Test Match was contentious and he reportedly was furious at his omission from the side. Cricket Australia then refused him the opportunity of playing state cricket during the Adelaide match (instead he carried the drinks and completed twelfth man duties) leaving Johnson dejected and kicking his heels.
So how in such a short space of time has Johnson turned it all around?
A self belief bordering on delusion, a confidence which most would describe as arrogance and an exuberance surpassed by none has seen Mitchell drag himself off the canvas, dust himself down and put in a performance similar to that when he was the World's best in 2009.
Whilst Johnson's recovery has come in a relatively short period of time, Chris Tremlett's return to Test Cricket has been a much longer and drawn out affair.
Tremlett first played International Cricket back in 2005, and made his Test Match debut in 2007 against India. He was a cricketer with considerable ability, blessed with height and a frame that most pace bowlers would die for.
What Tremlett lacked was fitness.
Plagued by injury after making his debut for England, the former-Hampshire paceman struggled to gain any sort of consistency in his cricket and his International career was as good as written off until he joined Surrey for the 2010 season.
The move sparked a run of form that saw Tremlett catapulted back into the media eye, complete an injury free season and gain selection for the Ashes tour. All of a sudden the 6"8 giant was being touted as England's number one back up bowler and when Stuart Broad was ruled out for the rest of the tour, Tremlett was first in line to replace him.
His performance in Perth, not only reminded us of his considerable talent, but was the perfect example of somebody grabbing their opportunity and making it count.
These examples illustrate the determination that we find in sportsmen desperate to succeed. They put to shame the people who let their talent go to waste, who under-achieve, who don't have the fight or the desire. Both Tremlett and Johnson are talented beyond belief (nobody questions that) but their stories reflect the kind of people that they have become.
Live and Learn
I've learnt a few things over the last few days.
1) Don't ever write off Australian cricket teams
3) Don't tempt fate by claiming England are going to regain the Ashes after one victory
4) Don't count on England to adapt to Australian conditions
5) Don't be so naive in future
1) Don't ever write off Australian cricket teams
2) Don't forget that a wounded animal is the most dangerous
3) Don't tempt fate by claiming England are going to regain the Ashes after one victory
4) Don't count on England to adapt to Australian conditions
5) Don't be so naive in future
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Thoughts of a typical, and cynical, Englishman
This morning, England wrapped up their inevitable innings defeat of Australia in the second Ashes Test Match at the Adelaide Oval.
The margin of defeat is incredible, the Aussie's have been well and truly smashed and for the first time in 20 years England are hot favourites to retain the Ashes down under.
England were outstanding in all three departments on every day of the Test Match and the gap between the two sides is fast becoming embarrasing for the Australian nation.
Which leaves me to wonder; Is this victory and the remaining series marred by the quality of the Australian team?
Maybe it's a little harsh on England's effort? Maybe we should be revelling in the dominant performances of Andrew Strauss and his men? Maybe I'm being premature?
BUT, I can't help the nagging feeling in the back of my mind, which keeps saying to me 'there is no McGrath, there is no Warne or Langer or Hayden or Gilchrist or...'.
I know Cricket moves on, I know England have improved and I know different sides have dominant era's and then generally fall from grace. It just seems that Australia's has been at an alarming rate.
Warne and McGrath were irreplaceable, Gilchrist was a one in a million cricketer and Langer and Hayden formed one of the most formidable opening partnerships in contemporary Cricket. I'm not denying replacing them was a near impossible task, I'm just looking in an un-biased manner at the players that have come in to fill their shoes and I'm worried that their lack of quality degrades England's victories.
Is Graeme Swann in the same league as Warne? Is Anderson close to McGrath? Prior up against Gilchrist?
Just a few questions I'm asking myself.
The margin of defeat is incredible, the Aussie's have been well and truly smashed and for the first time in 20 years England are hot favourites to retain the Ashes down under.
England were outstanding in all three departments on every day of the Test Match and the gap between the two sides is fast becoming embarrasing for the Australian nation.
Which leaves me to wonder; Is this victory and the remaining series marred by the quality of the Australian team?
Maybe it's a little harsh on England's effort? Maybe we should be revelling in the dominant performances of Andrew Strauss and his men? Maybe I'm being premature?
BUT, I can't help the nagging feeling in the back of my mind, which keeps saying to me 'there is no McGrath, there is no Warne or Langer or Hayden or Gilchrist or...'.
I know Cricket moves on, I know England have improved and I know different sides have dominant era's and then generally fall from grace. It just seems that Australia's has been at an alarming rate.
Warne and McGrath were irreplaceable, Gilchrist was a one in a million cricketer and Langer and Hayden formed one of the most formidable opening partnerships in contemporary Cricket. I'm not denying replacing them was a near impossible task, I'm just looking in an un-biased manner at the players that have come in to fill their shoes and I'm worried that their lack of quality degrades England's victories.
Is Graeme Swann in the same league as Warne? Is Anderson close to McGrath? Prior up against Gilchrist?
Just a few questions I'm asking myself.
Monday, 6 December 2010
Mike Ashley: The most deluded man in Football
Astounded. That is the word that most Football followers would use on a day like today. News of Mike Ashley's incredible decision to sack Chris Hughton from his position as Newcastle manager has left most people shocked and many angry.
Hughton, aged 51, was given the news of his dismissal following his sides 3-1 loss away to West Brom at the weekend. Currently positioned in 11th, Newcastle and Ashley will now begin the search for his replacment to supposedly stop the club from falling back into the Championship.
It seems that the owner has missed some of Hughton's achievements as manager of the club so I will list them here in an factual manner:
2009/2010 Season
Appointed permanent manager of Newcastle United Football Club
Championship Manager of the Month: August, September, November and April
Newcastle complete promotion in April 2010 and finish 1st in the league.
Newcastle unbeaten at home (including cup competitions) for the 2009-2010 season.
Newcastle lose only 4 games out of 46 in the Championship
2010-2011
Newcastle return to the Premier League
Newcastle complete wins over Aston Villa, Arsenal (at the Emirates), West Ham and Everton in the league.
Newcastle beat Sunderland 5-1 in the Tyne-Wear Derby
Newcastle draw with Chelsea in the league.
Newcastle beat Chelsea in the Carling Cup (at Stamford Bridge) before being knocked out by Arsenal
When Hughton is sacked, Newcastle sit 11th in the Premier League ahead of Liverpool.
These are the facts, now I will have my say.
Not only did Chris Hughton return United to the Premier League at the first time of asking, he did it in record time, he did it with the same 'hopeless' group of players that were relegated and he did it in an incredibly short space of time.
Following promotion, Hughton wasn't given outrageous investment (only signing Tiote, Ben Arfa who is injured and Campbell and Gosling on free transfers) and for the most part kept the same squad that were successful in the Championship
To then have Newcastle mid-table in their first season back in the top-flight, along with wins over Arsenal and the thrashing of Sunderland at home, is an outstanding achievement and has been completely overlooked by the short-sighted and deluded Ashley.
Hughton, has been instrumental in resurrecting the careers of Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique, developing Andy Carroll to a point where he has been selected for England and introducing the talented young Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul.
If Newcastle honestly believe that sacking Hughton is a positive step in fighting for survival then they are incredibly mistaken. The irony is that their chances of survival have just dipped quite considerably following Hughton's dismissal.
Unless Mike Ashley has Jose Mourinho or Pepe Guardiola's signature already down on paper, then this represents the strangest and most ridiculous footballing decision from recent memory.
Hughton, aged 51, was given the news of his dismissal following his sides 3-1 loss away to West Brom at the weekend. Currently positioned in 11th, Newcastle and Ashley will now begin the search for his replacment to supposedly stop the club from falling back into the Championship.
It seems that the owner has missed some of Hughton's achievements as manager of the club so I will list them here in an factual manner:
2009/2010 Season
Appointed permanent manager of Newcastle United Football Club
Championship Manager of the Month: August, September, November and April
Newcastle complete promotion in April 2010 and finish 1st in the league.
Newcastle unbeaten at home (including cup competitions) for the 2009-2010 season.
Newcastle lose only 4 games out of 46 in the Championship
2010-2011
Newcastle return to the Premier League
Newcastle complete wins over Aston Villa, Arsenal (at the Emirates), West Ham and Everton in the league.
Newcastle beat Sunderland 5-1 in the Tyne-Wear Derby
Newcastle draw with Chelsea in the league.
Newcastle beat Chelsea in the Carling Cup (at Stamford Bridge) before being knocked out by Arsenal
When Hughton is sacked, Newcastle sit 11th in the Premier League ahead of Liverpool.
These are the facts, now I will have my say.
Not only did Chris Hughton return United to the Premier League at the first time of asking, he did it in record time, he did it with the same 'hopeless' group of players that were relegated and he did it in an incredibly short space of time.
Following promotion, Hughton wasn't given outrageous investment (only signing Tiote, Ben Arfa who is injured and Campbell and Gosling on free transfers) and for the most part kept the same squad that were successful in the Championship
To then have Newcastle mid-table in their first season back in the top-flight, along with wins over Arsenal and the thrashing of Sunderland at home, is an outstanding achievement and has been completely overlooked by the short-sighted and deluded Ashley.
Hughton, has been instrumental in resurrecting the careers of Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique, developing Andy Carroll to a point where he has been selected for England and introducing the talented young Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul.
Hughton hasn't been given a huge transfer kitty, he didn't inherit many 'Premier League' standard footballers and yet he was able to completely turn the side round.
If Newcastle honestly believe that sacking Hughton is a positive step in fighting for survival then they are incredibly mistaken. The irony is that their chances of survival have just dipped quite considerably following Hughton's dismissal.
Unless Mike Ashley has Jose Mourinho or Pepe Guardiola's signature already down on paper, then this represents the strangest and most ridiculous footballing decision from recent memory.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Preview: Adelaide Test Match
The last two days at the Gabba has taught us a lot. England have proved their Test Match grit whilst Australia have shown us that they are confused; not just in their selections but in their plans and strategies.
The fightback from the England top order, helped in part by a rapidly flattening pitch, showed that they won't be overrawed by the occasion and it also exposed the frailty of the Australian bowling attack.
Alarmingly for Ricky Pointing, only Peter Siddle was able to find any sort of rhythm when Australia took to the field. Johnson, Hilfenhaus and Doherty all struggled to bowl consistently in the right areas and were unable to create pressure on an England side fighting to save the Test Match.
So to Adelaide....
England are likely to remain with the same side. Some have suggested that Ajmal Shazad might have come into the team because of his dangerous ability when reverse swing comes into play, but it would be very harsh to displace any of the current seamers who all showed some promise in Brisbane.
On the other hand, Australia have got problems. In the batting ranks Clarke, despite being passed fit, looked very uncomfortable at the Gabba and should not be playing in the second Test Match. North looks completely out of nick and is only saved by his more than useful part-time off-spin.
What's so disconcerting for the Australian fans, selectors, coaching staff, players, nation etc... is not the batting, but the bowling. Johnson was abysmal, completely shot of confidence and will be replaced by Bollinger. Hilfenhaus bowled poorly, looks ineffective on Australian surfaces but his new ball bowling could be his saving grace. If not, then Ryan Harris will come into the side but there are question marks over whether his knees can withstand five days of intense cricket. Finally, in the spin department the selectors had a shocker in Brisbane. There was absolutely no justification from Xavier Doherty's performance to suggest that he should have played instead of Nathan Hauritz. Doherty tried hard and did extract some turn, but failed to bowl a consistent line and length throughout and released any pressure built on the England batsman. Hauritz, harshly treated, should return immediately.
Here are my selections for Adelaide:
Australia
Shane Watson
Simon Katich
Ricky Pointing
Michael Clarke (Only because i don't really see an alternative)
Michael Hussey
Marcus North (Only because i don't really see an alternative)
Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Doug Bollinger
Peter Siddle
Woah that is a long old tail....
England
Andrew Strauss
Alastair Cook
Jonathan Trott
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
Ian Bell
Matt Prior
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Steven Finn
Prediction: If England win the toss, they win the match. If Australia win the toss, a bore draw.
The fightback from the England top order, helped in part by a rapidly flattening pitch, showed that they won't be overrawed by the occasion and it also exposed the frailty of the Australian bowling attack.
Alarmingly for Ricky Pointing, only Peter Siddle was able to find any sort of rhythm when Australia took to the field. Johnson, Hilfenhaus and Doherty all struggled to bowl consistently in the right areas and were unable to create pressure on an England side fighting to save the Test Match.
So to Adelaide....
England are likely to remain with the same side. Some have suggested that Ajmal Shazad might have come into the team because of his dangerous ability when reverse swing comes into play, but it would be very harsh to displace any of the current seamers who all showed some promise in Brisbane.
On the other hand, Australia have got problems. In the batting ranks Clarke, despite being passed fit, looked very uncomfortable at the Gabba and should not be playing in the second Test Match. North looks completely out of nick and is only saved by his more than useful part-time off-spin.
What's so disconcerting for the Australian fans, selectors, coaching staff, players, nation etc... is not the batting, but the bowling. Johnson was abysmal, completely shot of confidence and will be replaced by Bollinger. Hilfenhaus bowled poorly, looks ineffective on Australian surfaces but his new ball bowling could be his saving grace. If not, then Ryan Harris will come into the side but there are question marks over whether his knees can withstand five days of intense cricket. Finally, in the spin department the selectors had a shocker in Brisbane. There was absolutely no justification from Xavier Doherty's performance to suggest that he should have played instead of Nathan Hauritz. Doherty tried hard and did extract some turn, but failed to bowl a consistent line and length throughout and released any pressure built on the England batsman. Hauritz, harshly treated, should return immediately.
Here are my selections for Adelaide:
Australia
Shane Watson
Simon Katich
Ricky Pointing
Michael Clarke (Only because i don't really see an alternative)
Michael Hussey
Marcus North (Only because i don't really see an alternative)
Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Doug Bollinger
Peter Siddle
Woah that is a long old tail....
England
Andrew Strauss
Alastair Cook
Jonathan Trott
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
Ian Bell
Matt Prior
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Steven Finn
Prediction: If England win the toss, they win the match. If Australia win the toss, a bore draw.
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
First Test Match Ratings - England
And here are England,
Andrew Strauss - Excellent hundred in the second innings paved over the first innings failure. Looked very comfortable and led the second innings fightback with real leadership. Will take heart going to Adelaide, both form his batting and his side's determination.
8
Alastair Cook - Question marks over Cook? No chance. A record breaking performance for the Essex man, with a gutsy half century in the first innings and an outstanding show of concentration, determination and skill in the second for his double-century. Man of the Match
10
Jonathan Trott - Loose in the first innings, Trott scored a positive hundred in the second off the back of the platform set by the opening pair. Will be one of the key figures during this series and his ability to get under the skin of the hosts makes him one of England's most valuable assets.
8
Kevin Pietersen - Will be seriously disappointed that he didn't go on and get a big score after reaching 40 on the first day. Another loose shot from Kevin undoes all the hard work and question marks still hang over his form. Still think he'll be England's main man in this series and his ability to turn a match on its head in the space of two hours still makes him Australia's prize wicket.
6
Paul Collingwood - Collingwood will be delighted to get to Adelaide, the scene of his Ashes double hundred, after having a Test Match that is best forgotten. Australia will target his weakness driving on the offside throughout this series and it will be up to the Durham man to counter and grind out results as we know he can. Took a couple of sharp slip catches and his back-up bowling is invaluable.
4
Ian Bell - Far and away England's best batsman in the first innings, Bell would have surely gone on to complete his ton if it wasn't for batting with the tail. Looked fluent on front and back foot, Bell looks comfortable in his lower middle order role and seems to have got over his Ashes demons. Really impressive display.
7
Matt Prior - Loose shot in his only innings was softened by the fact that it was his first ball. The Australians are afraid of Prior and so they should be. Aggressive cricketer, who has sorted out his 'keeping deficiences and kept well in this game. Will be a real dangerman, especially as the pitches get faster.
5
Stuart Broad - Bowled well without much luck in the first innings. Perhaps didn't quite work out the right length on this pitch and every England fan is desperate to see the young pace bowler repeat 'that spell' from the Oval just over a year ago. Still he'll be very useful as the series goes on and the Australian's are genuinely wary of not only his talent, but also his competitive nature. At the end of an awe-inspiring Siddle hat-trick with the bat.
6
Graeme Swann - Didn't have his finest game in the Test Match Arena. Australia put alot of pressure on Swann, and in particular Hussey used his feet to great effect. Swann over compensated by dropping too short and he'll be looking to find his best form going into Adelaide. Write him off at your peril.
4
James Anderson - Bowled one of the least lucky spells that I've ever witnessed with the second new ball in Australia's first innings. Despite Finn's impressive figures the Burnley paceman was England's best bowler and answered some of the worries about his style of bowling in Australia. Excellent control throughout the game and if he continues in this vein of form he should pick up a few more scalps.
8
Steven Finn - Ended up with very good figures from the first innings showing that perserverance pays off. Mopped up the tail nicely which will give him confidence going into Adelaide. Not quite sure he bowled as well as his figures suggest but he'll only get better as he gets used to the Ashes experience and the pitches get harder and quicker. Much more to come from Finn
7
Andrew Strauss - Excellent hundred in the second innings paved over the first innings failure. Looked very comfortable and led the second innings fightback with real leadership. Will take heart going to Adelaide, both form his batting and his side's determination.
8
Alastair Cook - Question marks over Cook? No chance. A record breaking performance for the Essex man, with a gutsy half century in the first innings and an outstanding show of concentration, determination and skill in the second for his double-century. Man of the Match
10
Jonathan Trott - Loose in the first innings, Trott scored a positive hundred in the second off the back of the platform set by the opening pair. Will be one of the key figures during this series and his ability to get under the skin of the hosts makes him one of England's most valuable assets.
8
Kevin Pietersen - Will be seriously disappointed that he didn't go on and get a big score after reaching 40 on the first day. Another loose shot from Kevin undoes all the hard work and question marks still hang over his form. Still think he'll be England's main man in this series and his ability to turn a match on its head in the space of two hours still makes him Australia's prize wicket.
6
Paul Collingwood - Collingwood will be delighted to get to Adelaide, the scene of his Ashes double hundred, after having a Test Match that is best forgotten. Australia will target his weakness driving on the offside throughout this series and it will be up to the Durham man to counter and grind out results as we know he can. Took a couple of sharp slip catches and his back-up bowling is invaluable.
4
Ian Bell - Far and away England's best batsman in the first innings, Bell would have surely gone on to complete his ton if it wasn't for batting with the tail. Looked fluent on front and back foot, Bell looks comfortable in his lower middle order role and seems to have got over his Ashes demons. Really impressive display.
7
Matt Prior - Loose shot in his only innings was softened by the fact that it was his first ball. The Australians are afraid of Prior and so they should be. Aggressive cricketer, who has sorted out his 'keeping deficiences and kept well in this game. Will be a real dangerman, especially as the pitches get faster.
5
Stuart Broad - Bowled well without much luck in the first innings. Perhaps didn't quite work out the right length on this pitch and every England fan is desperate to see the young pace bowler repeat 'that spell' from the Oval just over a year ago. Still he'll be very useful as the series goes on and the Australian's are genuinely wary of not only his talent, but also his competitive nature. At the end of an awe-inspiring Siddle hat-trick with the bat.
6
Graeme Swann - Didn't have his finest game in the Test Match Arena. Australia put alot of pressure on Swann, and in particular Hussey used his feet to great effect. Swann over compensated by dropping too short and he'll be looking to find his best form going into Adelaide. Write him off at your peril.
4
James Anderson - Bowled one of the least lucky spells that I've ever witnessed with the second new ball in Australia's first innings. Despite Finn's impressive figures the Burnley paceman was England's best bowler and answered some of the worries about his style of bowling in Australia. Excellent control throughout the game and if he continues in this vein of form he should pick up a few more scalps.
8
Steven Finn - Ended up with very good figures from the first innings showing that perserverance pays off. Mopped up the tail nicely which will give him confidence going into Adelaide. Not quite sure he bowled as well as his figures suggest but he'll only get better as he gets used to the Ashes experience and the pitches get harder and quicker. Much more to come from Finn
7
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)