Tour Match: Sussex v Australia @ Hove (Wed-Sat)

[Russian]

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7819/ashes.png
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/7151/ssx.png vs http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3570/aus.png
County Ground, Hove
8pm AEST Wednesday June 24-Saturday June 27

So it begins, and what's this? A four day warm up game before a test series? And the English weather looks like co-operating for at least three of them? Next they'll be telling me there's another one next week, and the weathermen will be right. Hove's hosted a few of these games in recent years but, after missing out on a game last season, Friday is already sold out. They missed out on the Aussies in 2005 when they hosted Bangladesh instead (a 3 day game where Sussex scored 550 and knocked them over twice before tea on the last day). Australia were last here in 2001 for another 3 day game where Justin Langer opened the batting with the man he would permanently replace after the next Test, Michael Slater, before rain and a couple of 'sporting declarations' set up some entertainment on the last day as Gilchrist and Ponting chased down 339 in 63.5 overs.

While Ponting talks about nobody being certain of playing in Cardiff, Hughes, Katich, Ponting, Hussey, Clarke, Haddin and Johnson are will be there, leaving North, Watson, McDonald, Lee, Siddle, Clark, Hauritz and Hilfenhaus needing to make the most of this game and the next one against a few of the English squad, not that bowling to Ian Bell or batting will help many of those players. They're allowed to play 12 but it's still going to be difficult to juggle rest, English match practice and letting players play for their spots. Only Hughes has spent any significant time in English first class cricket this summer, with Marcus North playing one game before he joined Hughes heading home for a training camp the CA powers that be thought was more important than playing first class cricket in English conditions. Haddin looks most likely to be in need of a rest, with everybody else having had a few games off since the Twenty20 Haddin missed, but whether it's Manou or Haddin with the gloves they've still got 14 to fit into 11 spots. Watson's injured again, a knee problem this time, can he play as a batsman and is it worth playing him if he can?. Johnson probably doesn't need both games, is it better to leave him out of this one or the next? Clark, Siddle and Hilfenhaus have had very little cricket lately and Lee hasn't played anything longer than Twenty20 in ages. Can Hilfenhaus produce the swing that's been talked about since we didn't have it four years ago? Do they need to see anything of Hauritz or do they already know what he has to offer and it'll be the pitch that decides whether he gets used. Is McDonald any chance of playing in Cardiff if Watson's fit? If Haddin doesn't play does Manou get asked to fill an opener's spot so an extra all rounder can be played at 7 rather than disrupting the struggling middle order and all rounders? Are those middle order batsman going to put finding form ahead of having a rest?

The Sussex team almost makes the Australians look young. They say they're going to play their best squad which is probably something like the 12 players below, the youngest being Indian leggie Piyush Chawla at 20, followed by Ollie Rayner (23) and England T20 opener Luke Wright (24), with Jason Lewry at 38 the oldest (although there's a column (http://www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/sportgazette/CRICKET-Sussex39s-Jason-Lewry39s-weekly.5375703.jp) by him that mentions having more knee surgery after last week's game, then goes on to suggest it's only an injection), and Murray Goodwin (36), James Kirtley (34), Robin Martin-Jenkins (33), Corey Collymore (31) and Ed Joyce (30) all the wrong side of 30. They're sixth on the division one table with one win and two losses from six games. In the recent series of county games where 3 were played in 14 days, skipper Michael Yardy made two centuries with one to his partner Chris Nash and number 3 Joyce. Other centurions this season are Chawla, Test keeper Matt Prior and the man he'll leave with the gloves as he joins the English side, Andy Hodd. They've needed them to make up for Murray Goodwin who is still one away from 100 after 6 games with a highest score of 21. The other notable name in their squad is Barbadian slogger Dwayne Smith, who's also a decent third or fourth seamer, perhaps even fifth in a team of 12.

Possible Sussex XII:
*Mike Yardy
Chris Nash
Ed Joyce
Murray Goodwin
Luke Wright
+Andy Hodd
Dwayne Smith
Piyush Chawla
Robin Martin-Jenkins
Ollie Rayner
Corey Collymore
James Kirtley
Rest of the Squad:
Ragheb Aga
Will Beer
Ben Brown
Joe Gatting
Rory Hamilton-Brown
Carl Hopkinson
Jason Lewry
Chris Liddle
Pepler Sandri
Tom Smith
Michael Thornely
Matthew Wood

Australia XVI:
Phil Hughes
Simon Katich
*Ricky Ponting
Michael Hussey
Michael Clarke
Marcus North
+Brad Haddin
Shane Watson
Andrew McDonald
+Graham Manou
Mitchell Johnson
Brett Lee
Nathan Hauritz
Stuart Clark
Peter Siddle
Ben Hilfenhaus
Since last test in South Africa:
In:
North
Watson
Manou
Lee
Hauritz
Clark
Out:
Bryce McGain

Umpires:
George Sharp (Northamptonshire)
Steve Malone (Hampshire)

Weather:
Partly cloudy until rain on Saturday. 22 degrees

[Cleavy]

Australia Team To Face Sussex:
Phillip Hughes, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Nathan Hauritz, Stuart Clark, Ben Hilfenhaus.

[jakethesnake]

So I see they wouldn't let us field extra players. Pretty dodgy move by the Poms.

[Cooldude]

So I see they wouldn't let us field extra players. Pretty dodgy move by the Poms.

Why should they? They're under no obligation to help us that far at all. It was stupid for the Aussies to ask in the first place, any sane people would've known the answer beforehand

[eth-dog]

looking at that eam we have 12 players playing. :confused:

[jakethesnake]

Why should they? They're under no obligation to help us that far at all. It was stupid for the Aussies to ask in the first place, any sane people would've known the answer beforehand
Of course their is no obligation, but it is out of common decency. It wasn't stupid, I'm pretty sure the English played with like 14 in the first tour match a few years ago.

But we have 12 in that team, so idk what is going on.

[Dez!]

We have 12 playing, they let us play the extra player.

How can some people not see this?

[Russian]

It's next week's game where they said we can't have 12, which I believe is all we asked for in this game.

[Cousin Jed]

Next week's game will be live on Fox Sports

[OzBomber]

Brett Lee to take 5 wickets in this match and 5 in the next all tailenders so he gets the gig in the first test.

Australia have won the toss and elected to bat.

Listen here live (http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_7640000/newsid_7646100/7646194.stm?bw=nb&mp=rm&news=1&ms3=4&ms_javascript=true&nol_storyid=7646194&bbcws=2)

[ubolt]

early stages of the game:

after 6.5 Overs the aussies are 34/0

Katich 15*
hughes 14*

[peternorth]

Brett Lee to take 5 wickets in this match and 5 in the next all tailenders so he gets the gig in the first test.

Australia have won the toss and elected to bat.

Listen here live (http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_7640000/newsid_7646100/7646194.stm?bw=nb&mp=rm&news=1&ms3=4&ms_javascript=true&nol_storyid=7646194&bbcws=2)

will he do the chainsaw?

[ubolt]

Wicket down!

Hughes out for 15. bowled by Pepler Sandri

35/1 after 7.4 Overs

[OzBomber]

Aussies off to a poor start. It's now 2 down with Hussey in.

2/48 from 12 overs.

Ponting out for 8.

[Grimwood]

I see Sussex have used the old 'pick a random South African who has never played for us before' ploy.

Cunning.

[Blue Dimension]

Next week's game will be live on Fox Sports

Awesome :D

[Respected Journo]

Why should they? They're under no obligation to help us that far at all. It was stupid for the Aussies to ask in the first place, any sane people would've known the answer beforehand

Im pretty sure the 12 players playing in the Australian team constituents playing an "extra player".

England are under no obligation yes, but in the 2006/07 warm up England were allowed to play an array of extra players I believe.

Now, England only seem to play for the Ashes, everything in between is Ashes warmups, as such they'd surely realise that in a year they'll be out here again for another Ashes series. As such it would be unwise to play silly buggers for fair requests considering what was permitted to the England team in the warm up games for the 06/07 Ashes.

It's just the way I was bought up, if someone does something for you, then at as soon as possible you should repay the favour.

We let England have the extra player for a warm up game in 06/07, and thankfully they let us have one this time.

[Respected Journo]

Brett Lee to take 5 wickets in this match and 5 in the next all tailenders so he gets the gig in the first test.

Australia have won the toss and elected to bat.

Listen here live (http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_7640000/newsid_7646100/7646194.stm?bw=nb&mp=rm&news=1&ms3=4&ms_javascript=true&nol_storyid=7646194&bbcws=2)

I gather your not much of a fan of Brett Lee?

Im not his biggest fan, but he has taken 300 wickets. A man's spirit is never broken as long as there is a target to aim at, a road to walk. Brett Lee deserves credit for his preparation and training, out there in the fields, in the gym lifting the weights.

Remember this leather flinger has taken over 300 wickets, and at certain times bowled as well as any bowler in the world. These fellows are not just cast away. Lee deserves a chance to stake his claim for selection, whether or not he gets selected his another thing altogether.

But all a man wants is a chance, lets wish him well.

[OzBomber]

I gather your not much of a fan of Brett Lee?

Im not his biggest fan, but he has taken 300 wickets. A man's spirit is never broken as long as there is a target to aim at, a road to walk. Brett Lee deserves credit for his preparation and training, out there in the fields, in the gym lifting the weights.

Remember this leather flinger has taken over 300 wickets, and at certain times bowled as well as any bowler in the world. These fellows are not just cast away. Lee deserves a chance to stake his claim for selection, whether or not he gets selected his another thing altogether.

But all a man wants is a chance, lets wish him well.
Actually I'm one of his bigger fans. I'd love for him to be fit and firing at his best and playing in the first test, but I can't see it happening. Siddle would be far more threatening imo. Hopefully he proves me wrong.

I hope he gets a chance in the ODI side though.

[Cousin Jed]

When did leather flinger catch on in the vernacular?

[Dez!]

2/90 27 overs

Katich 44 (91)
Hussey 16 (34)

Wright 1/14 6 overs
Sandri 1/18 5 overs

[Cousin Jed]

4/113

Katich out for 49, Hussey 32

Clarke and North yet to score.

[ManWithNoName]

I gather your not much of a fan of Brett Lee?

Im not his biggest fan, but he has taken 300 wickets. A man's spirit is never broken as long as there is a target to aim at, a road to walk. Brett Lee deserves credit for his preparation and training, out there in the fields, in the gym lifting the weights.

Remember this leather flinger has taken over 300 wickets, and at certain times bowled as well as any bowler in the world. These fellows are not just cast away. Lee deserves a chance to stake his claim for selection, whether or not he gets selected his another thing altogether.

But all a man wants is a chance, lets wish him well.
You seem to be repeating this line often. Blatantly ignoring the fact that he's only had 2 seasons in his career where he's averaged below 30.

Oh, and that his average is above 40 in England.

And there's that little thing of never having taken a 5 wicket haul against England.

But facts are meaningless.

[Respected Journo]

I don't believe past form from years ago should come into the equation.

Im not saying that he should be selected, but lets see how the bowling goes in this warm up games.

Right now, the batting is of a concern against Sussex.

Lucky when the real stuff starts we are only plaing England.

[Ill Chicken]

We should not be critical of his previous form in England but we should take into account that he has 300+ test wickets to his name.

[grizzlym]

When did leather flinger catch on in the vernacular?

Oh, about the same time cack handers became popular in the colonies.

[ManWithNoName]

I don't believe past form from years ago should come into the equation.

Im not saying that he should be selected, but lets see how the bowling goes in this warm up games.

Right now, the batting is of a concern against Sussex.

Lucky when the real stuff starts we are only plaing England.
Yeah you're right, his form in and against England should have no bearing on his spot in an Ashes team. We should focus more on those hard earned wickets against Bangladesh and the WIndies.

[grizzlym]

A man's spirit is never broken as long as there is a target to aim at, a road to walk. Brett Lee deserves credit for his preparation and training, out there in the fields, in the gym lifting the weights.


Ok. I'm calling it, this has to be a piss-take.
Otherwise, you work for Brett Lee.

[BigCat2]

Each bowler bar Johnson (pencilled in already) will have the chance to impress here.

Not a bad thing our bats are struggling here. If we piled on 800 then we wouldn't get to see our bowlers at work. :D

[Ill Chicken]

Ok. I'm calling it, this has to be a piss-take.
Otherwise, you work for Brett Lee.

Yeah but it's not like he is paid to get fit.

[DoubleO7]

Yeah but it's not like he is paid to get fit.
"I've come in at the right stage when things have changed", said Brett, referring to the Australian cricket team's attitude to sports nutrition. "Cricket is about being a professional. We are getting paid better and we are playing a lot more cricket, so we have to be a lot healthier and a lot fitter."

Oh, and Australia are 232/7.

[Respected Journo]

Yeah you're right, his form in and against England should have no bearing on his spot in an Ashes team. We should focus more on those hard earned wickets against Bangladesh and the WIndies.

So we should take his performance in 2001 and 2005 as justification for writing him off? That is absurd.

Im not saying that he should be picked, Im not sure how many times I have to say that.

What I'm asking for is that he deserves to have the chance to state his case, surely that is not too much to ask?

What if Lee comes out and takes 5/50 and Siddle goes for 0/60 off 10?

It makes it interesting doesn't it. Lee deserves the chance to put his case forward. His record of 300 wickets at leasts commands that.

I don't take notice of how he bowled when he had lost 5 kg due to illness in 40 degree heat on a flat bed in India. Or how he bowled with a hot spot in his foot.

That is illogical, absurd, totally devoid of all commonsense.

Cricket is such a simple game when it is approached with logical thought.

[Respected Journo]

"I've come in at the right stage when things have changed", said Brett, referring to the Australian cricket team's attitude to sports nutrition. "Cricket is about being a professional. We are getting paid better and we are playing a lot more cricket, so we have to be a lot healthier and a lot fitter."

Oh, and Australia are 232/7.

What's wrong with that. Look at the way Lee has worked in his time off and compare it to the likes of Andrew Symonds. That's what we expect from cricketers representing Australia. That type of drive and self-discipline.

There is still a time and place to have a drink, but you have to show you are responsible. Symonds displayed time and time again that he didn't have the control or willpower to limit his drink intake. This wasn't really the problem. The problem was that with each drink the likelihood of Symonds getting into an incident skyrocketed.

Whether its wanting to fight a rugby player, or throwing a drink over his Vice Captain, or rocking up to a game pissed. He was one of those guys who couldn't handle his grog and would get into trouble.

Lee's professional approach is admirable and he deserves credit for that.

I can't understand the angst towards him, while a player like Symonds seems to get the sympathy vote from the public?

[Ill Chicken]

Symonds got slammed on here, sympathy from about two or three posters. There is no connection at all. Along with that, we don't know Symonds training ethics and from what I've seen of him in recent times, he looks fit physically.

[SwampCreature]

I'm gonna agree with RJ here and stick up for Lee. The guy has been the workhorse of the attack since Pigeon retired. He has won games for Australia himself, he has the runs on the board so to speak, and deserves recognition and a chance at the spot. Remember that he is the only genuine bowler in the squad who has sent one down in anger in a test in England. You blokes getting in to him would be the same ones who loved him when he was in form, and the first to jump on him again should he recapture it.

People have such short memories; its shithouse form.

[YOTC]

I could work hard, give it my all, play to the best of my ablity. Doesn't mean I'll be any good.

Lee is not the man for the Ashes.

[likka]

Funny thing was his injury in the Boxing Day test probably saved him from being dropped. No injury and I seriously doubt he'd even be on this tour, so bad was his form.

To place Lee's preparation above others that also work hard is an insult. He is a professional sportsman, this is his job, a majority of his time should be spent preparing when not playing. Roy is a dropkick of the highest order, to elevate Lee's efforts by comparison with him is a joke.

Siddle, Johnson, Hilf, Clark work just as hard as Lee, they just don't feel the need to tell the world via a pathetic PR machine.

Eddie the Eagle worked hard also... didn't mean he was any good.

Once again Lee and his management attempt to use smoke and mirrors to justify his spot in the test side when form and performance doesn't warrant it.

If that is the best argument you have got Gullible Journo then run along.

[King Elvis]

So we should take his performance in 2001 and 2005 as justification for writing him off? That is absurd.

Im not saying that he should be picked, Im not sure how many times I have to say that.

What I'm asking for is that he deserves to have the chance to state his case, surely that is not too much to ask?

What if Lee comes out and takes 5/50 and Siddle goes for 0/60 off 10?

It makes it interesting doesn't it. Lee deserves the chance to put his case forward. His record of 300 wickets at leasts commands that.

I don't take notice of how he bowled when he had lost 5 kg due to illness in 40 degree heat on a flat bed in India. Or how he bowled with a hot spot in his foot.

That is illogical, absurd, totally devoid of all commonsense.

Cricket is such a simple game when it is approached with logical thought.

Nobody is disputing that.

But the incumbent (Siddle) performed extremely well against South Africa, consequently, Lee needs to force him out - instead of talking and presenting himself like the spot is his, he just needs to prove his fitness.

If he comes out and dominates (which he never has in England) then great, give him the gig. But at present, Johnson/Siddle/Clark have to be in front of him, and he's carrying on like they aren't, it's a disgrace. Siddle would have every right to be furious, he was fantastic in the Saffer Tests, he took a good amount of wickets at a good average (~27 odd), he combined very well with Johnson, and he had the Saffer bowlers shitting themselves when they're batting.

Yet, for all of that, he's being asked to prove he's worthy of his spot ahead of a guy whose always struggled in England, who, quite frankly, has been crap for the last 12 months, is returning from injury, and has very little match fitness or practise.

Siddle has done everything asked of him and more - all he hasn't done is tell us constantly how much he's benching and squatting.

Remember this leather flinger has taken over 300 wickets

That, and who you support, suggests that you're Peter Roebuck.

Only really contradicted by your username.

[ManWithNoName]

What's wrong with that. Look at the way Lee has worked in his time off and compare it to the likes of Andrew Symonds. That's what we expect from cricketers representing Australia. That type of drive and self-discipline.

There is still a time and place to have a drink, but you have to show you are responsible. Symonds displayed time and time again that he didn't have the control or willpower to limit his drink intake. This wasn't really the problem. The problem was that with each drink the likelihood of Symonds getting into an incident skyrocketed.

Whether its wanting to fight a rugby player, or throwing a drink over his Vice Captain, or rocking up to a game pissed. He was one of those guys who couldn't handle his grog and would get into trouble.

Lee's professional approach is admirable and he deserves credit for that.

I can't understand the angst towards him, while a player like Symonds seems to get the sympathy vote from the public?
Michell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Ben Hilfenhaus
Stuart Clark

Tell me what Brett Lee's done to deserve a place ahead of any of those bowlers. Based on team balance and recent form.

[peternorth]

Siddle, Johnson, Hilf, Clark work just as hard as Lee, they just don't feel the need to tell the world via a pathetic PR machine.



foxsports do a good job at this.

[Respected Journo]

Of course Brett Lee has to kick the incumbuments out, im not denying that. He needs to perform VERY WELL in this warm up game to even be considered for selection, unless other bowlers get injured.

FFS, i have been saying that all along. He deserves a chance to put his claim forward.

As for Symonds and training, have a look at a photo from a few years ago and compare it to one taken recently. He has gained a fair amount of weight IMO.

[Ill Chicken]

As you say, Brett Lee has every right to put his claims forward by doing it on the park. His shameless self promotion which you find honourable deserves no credit.

As for Symonds being overweight or unfit;

http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/image/406558.html?object=7702 - 2009

http://www.cricinfo.com/iccct2006/content/image/266737.html?object=7702 - 2006

[Furn]

Anyway back on topic Australia's top order failed again, this time against a very ordinary attack. Has to be a worry considering the guy who took 3 wickets hadn't taken a wicket in his last 3 club games.

Cardiff looks like its going to turn, England looking at playing 3 spinners so id think Australia will have to play at least one.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Thanks to those turning this thread into another Lee basher. Can't you keep it in the pie chucker thread?

[grizzlym]

Anyway back on topic Australia's top order failed again, this time against a very ordinary attack. Has to be a worry considering the guy who took 3 wickets hadn't taken a wicket in his last 3 club games.

Cardiff looks like its going to turn, England looking at playing 3 spinners so id think Australia will have to play at least one.

What's the opposition like? I don't recognise many names.
Does anyone know how our top order batted? Did they fall to good bowling or did the batsmen take a cavalier approach? Also Hussey, how did he look?

[BigCat2]

Australians declare at their overnight score.

Brett Lee opening the bowling. :rolleyes::(

1 no-ball already off 0.4 overs.

[BigCat2]

Hilf strikes!

1/1 from 2 overs.

[Grimwood]

Well they've got rid of one of the two decent batsmen that Sussex possess, but Brett Lee seems to have picked up where he left off in 2005: 5-0-22-0 (5nb).

[King Elvis]

Well they've got rid of one of the two decent batsmen that Sussex possess, but Brett Lee seems to have picked up where he left off in 2005: 5-0-22-0 (5nb).

Wonder if he's refusing to bowl within the creases at training again.

Who got the second, Hilfy again?

[Grimwood]

Wonder if he's refusing to bowl within the creases at training again.

Who got the second, Hilfy again?

Well I said one of the two... but Siddle's just got Joyce.

Yardy and Joyce are the only batsman who could have troubled Australia, so I can't see Sussex getting much past 200.

[OzBomber]

What's the opposition like? I don't recognise many names.
Does anyone know how our top order batted? Did they fall to good bowling or did the batsmen take a cavalier approach? Also Hussey, how did he look?
Supposedly Hughes fell to a corker. I think Ponting was out to a good ball as well.

[grizzlym]

Supposedly Hughes fell to a corker. I think Ponting was out to a good ball as well.

Thanks.
It would have had to be a corker to get Hughes out with the form he's in. A friend is playing cricket in England at the moment. Said he's seen a little of Hughes bat and was in unbelievable form. Apparently, there's a lot of talk (amongst players) about just how good he is. Anyway, we shall soon see.

I'm really curious to know how Hussey looked at the crease.

[Cousin Jed]

Siddle 2
Lee 0

[Respected Journo]

Disappointing opening salvo from Lee from the looks of it, probably a case of trying to hard. Hard to judge without a telecast, but 5 no ball isn't appectable im afraid. That problem plaged us in 2005 and it's been a constant through Lee's career. The fact he hasn't at least fixed this problem is disappointing.

Clarke is keeping it nice and tight by the looks of his figures. The big fella wouldn't mind a wicket or two.

[King Elvis]

Disappointing opening salvo from Lee from the looks of it, probably a case of trying to hard. Hard to judge without a telecast, but 5 no ball isn't appectable im afraid. That problem plaged us in 2005 and it's been a constant through Lee's career. The fact he hasn't at least fixed this problem is disappointing.

Clarke is keeping it nice and tight by the looks of his figures. The big fella wouldn't mind a wicket or two.

He doesn't bowl to the front crease in practice.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Any streams of this match? Judging on the figures alone, Lee is no chance to start in the 1st test unless he suddenly pulls out a 5fa.

[Respected Journo]

I think there is a cricinfo radio stream, but you need realplayer to have it. There is a link on the live scorecard page on cricinfo. The commentators are bad though, I was listening yesterday and when a 4 was hit you'd barely realise because the commentators would just stay in the same monotone voice.

I think there was just two so no wonder considering they'd have to commentate all day.

[BigCat2]

Hauritz being taken apart here.

[Selective Retention]

Judging on the figures alone, Lee is no chance to start in the 1st test unless he suddenly pulls out a 5fa.

The entire tail is still there for the taking ;)

Clark bowling economically but not taking wickets to date, mirroring his efforts in India. Is it enough for a spot with Siddle and Hilfenhaus now on the scene?

[OzBomber]

Any streams of this match? Judging on the figures alone, Lee is no chance to start in the 1st test unless he suddenly pulls out a 5fa.
Just a radio stream.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_7640000/newsid_7646100/7646194.stm?bw=nb&mp=wm&news=1&nol_storyid=7646194&bbcws=1

[Dez!]

The entire tail is still there for the taking ;)

Clark bowling economically but not taking wickets to date, mirroring his efforts in India. Is it enough for a spot with Siddle and Hilfenhaus now on the scene?

I suppose that depends on the form of Hauritz, if he's not bowling well and at the moment it doesn't appear that he is we could go in with the 4 pacemen.

Johnson
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus

[Dez!]

Clark strikes and leaves Lee as the lone wicketless paceman.

Sussex 4/119

CD Nash c Ponting b Clark 45 (131m 102b 9x4 0x6) SR: 44.11

*Edit*

Hold the phone, the tailend destruction has begun because Lee has picked up the 5th wicket.

5/139

LJ Wright c Clarke b Lee 22 (15m 14b 3x4 0x6) SR: 157.14

Let the tailend 5fa begin.

[lemmon]

I feel a tail end 5fer comin on, Lee picks up his second.

[OzBomber]

Here comes the tailend 5 fa! 2 now or Binga. But his 2 wickets have been pure batsman. One of em Luke Wright.

[DoubleO7]

Here comes the tailend 5 fa! 2 now or Binga. But his 2 wickets have been pure batsman. One of em Luke Wright.
Luke Wright is not a pure batsmen, he is an all rounder. :thumbsu:

[Furn]

Seeing as wright made 22 from 14 balls id say he was out slogging

[Respected Journo]

I suppose that depends on the form of Hauritz, if he's not bowling well and at the moment it doesn't appear that he is we could go in with the 4 pacemen.

Johnson
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus

Im not sure, I feel in Cardiff Hauritz will be a certain selection, unless he gets hammered in the remaining warm up games, and I mean Bryce McGain hammered.

If his picked I can't see Brett Lee playing, especially now Clark has taken 3 wickets so far at a acceptable run-rate.

If they are going to target Hauritz then we could well get some wickets, England often shoot themselves in the foot when they try these little plans.

[DoubleO7]

Check out the crowd; it's full to the brim.

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3091/hove126920.jpg

Ah, some typically flamboyant Hughes shots through the off side.

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7277/hughesdrive126859.jpg




Im not sure, I feel in Cardiff Hauritz will be a certain selection, unless he gets hammered in the remaining warm up games, and I mean Bryce McGain hammered.

None for 98 from 18 overs enough for you?

If they are going to target Hauritz then we could well get some wickets, England often shoot themselves in the foot when they try these little plans.They have, but not to our avail.

[saj_21]

Anyway back on topic Australia's top order failed again, this time against a very ordinary attack. Has to be a worry considering the guy who took 3 wickets hadn't taken a wicket in his last 3 club games.

Cardiff looks like its going to turn, England looking at playing 3 spinners so id think Australia will have to play at least one.

I doubt they would play 3 spinners, they probably have the opposite problem to us, quality spinners but no deepth in their qulaity of quicks.

In the day 2 summary on Cricinfo it was stated only 14 of 67? wickets have fallen to spin at Cardiff this year. Anyone thinking the Poms mite be spinning (pun intended) their own bullshit so we play hauritz who after last night performace bowled himself out of contention.

Play the quicks Johnson/Siddle/Clark/Hilfy.

Hussey better marke runs and there is still a question mark over Clarke needing to make runs when it counts.

[DaRick]

Hussey better marke runs and there is still a question mark over Clarke needing to make runs when it counts.

I agree about Hussey; I'm not so sure about Clarke. I used to agree, but lately he has scored plenty of runs against very good bowling attacks when his team has needed it (like vs SA).

[Respected Journo]

I doubt they would play 3 spinners, they probably have the opposite problem to us, quality spinners but no deepth in their qulaity of quicks.

In the day 2 summary on Cricinfo it was stated only 14 of 67? wickets have fallen to spin at Cardiff this year. Anyone thinking the Poms mite be spinning (pun intended) their own bullshit so we play hauritz who after last night performace bowled himself out of contention.

Play the quicks Johnson/Siddle/Clark/Hilfy.

Hussey better marke runs and there is still a question mark over Clarke needing to make runs when it counts.

Obviously Hauritz didn't bowl as well as he would have liked, but there is still more chances for him to perform before the first test. Shane Warne has been pleading for captains, selectors and fans to be more understanding with the spinners. Im not going to throw him out after one bad performance.

[saj_21]

I agree about Hussey; I'm not so sure about Clarke. I used to agree, but lately he has scored plenty of runs against very good bowling attacks when his team has needed it (like vs SA).

The trouble is if i was hussey i wouldn't feel to mcuh pressure as the selectors like in SA are 1 batsment short. If hussey has a bad start Watson can hardly put pressure on him to take his spot.

Yes i will give you that Clarke has improved, this is his biggest challenge yet. I am ready to accpet him as a world class player who makes runs wen needed, at the end of this series.

[Grimwood]

Not sure what sort of play we'll get today.

It's all gone a bit humid and there's talk of thunderstorms blowing in off the channel.

[Respected Journo]

Play is underway at the moment.

Australia 0/50

[grizzlym]

An ex-Victorian player told me a weird-arse *wink wink* thing today. Said that there's talk of Watson playing at 6 in the first test, especially if they go in with Hauritz, which it looks like they will because of the pitch. The assumption being that they coud squeeze some overs out of him... Just thought I'd relay it, not sure how likely it is though. Would seem a bit stiff on North and a gamble to boot.

[Spikey]

Sir Hughes is great etc

I'm not all that confident with North in the team tbh. Yes he got a ton on debut and stuff, but I'm still a tad uneasy about him.

[legend166]

I reckon this is what they'll go with for the bowling attack in the first test:

Johnson
Lee
Siddle
Clark

[Cousin Jed]

Hussey and North trying to bore the opposition into submission.

Edit: North falls for 11 off 50.

[grizzlym]

Hussey and North trying to bore the opposition into submission.

Edit: North falls for 11 off 50.

I got so bored listening to it that I started eating peanut butter out of the jar with chop sticks. Not a good idea.

[Ill Chicken]

It would have been nice to see Australia declare at the 80 over mark and have 8 solid overs at Sussex before the end of play, while also keeping the score line somewhat "gettable" so that the bowlers can at least have some pressure that wouldn't be just bowl them out before the end of the day.

Probably more overs not taking into account the overs from yesterday.

[Respected Journo]

Sounds good in theory but I don't think the light is to crash hot there at the moment, judging by some photos I have seen of todays play. Could well be getting a bit gloomy and the umpires may well have offered the light with Lee steaming in.

Best to leave Clarke out there and get some time in the middle. He seemed to go from 40 to 70 in no time so he was probably finding a bit of touch.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

How arrogant is Lee. Out for a beer:rolleyes:

[aussie1st]

Hmmm Hussey and North aren't looking great. And our only replacement batter is Watson...

Good to see captain and vice captain in the runs. Katich really needs to convert some of these starts he is getting but going by what happened last Ashes I'd probably take him getting 40 and out to protect the other batters from the swinging ball.

[Bomber Bears]

Stuey Clark 3 wickets:) A must for the ashes
Nice to see Lee go well also, it comes down to him and Hilfy for that last spot, im not fussed who gets the nod TBH

Surely Hauritz wont get chosen

Agreed re North but i would prefer him to Shane injury **** watson.

[Grimwood]

Siddle gets Nash for 27, he's been Australia's best bowler by far this morning.

Sussex are 89/1.

[Grimwood]

Nathan Hauritz has bowled a maiden.

[Port85]

He's bowled 3 now, for an ecomomy rate of 1.71

Could be bowling himself into contention?

That said, North just got the 2nd wicket, 2/119.

[Ill Chicken]

I would say Hilfenhaus will have to do something special if they even play him in the second match, I doubt he'll get the ball again today.

[Respected Journo]

Sussex have a pretty good chance to win this.
102 off 13 overs with a set batsmen with a ton still at the crease.


You'd think guys like Stuart Clark and Brett Lee would rip through this team, considering how desperate and fired up they'd be.

Ben Hilfenhaus can count himself out of the race for the first test, can't believe I and most others fell for the myth that this guy is a certain started in English conditions.

Brett Lee, what can you say, how many times has this guy taken a wicket of a no-ball? Did it again today in one of the opening overs. Fair dinkum, year after year it happens, game after game. He deserved a chance to push for selection, but gee you'd be tempted to say "Mate, sorry, but we can't accept this".

I really think this is going to take a massive effort to retain the Ashes on this evidence.

[Grimwood]

Hopkinson out for 115.

Not a bad effort for a fielding coach.

[Russian]

8 no balls for Hauritz :thumbsd:

And Hopkinson (55 games, average 26) has got a ton and Sussex need 102 off 11 overs to win

Maybe the selectors were right not to show up - is there anything we can take out of this game?

[Respected Journo]

What's that famous saying from an Ashes series past?

"What a fine way to start the tour".

* I think added with a few explentives.

[Grimwood]

Australia (349/7 & 379/7) drew with Sussex (311 & 373/7)

Looks like Hilfenhaus, Hauritz and Clark are playing Lee into the team.

Could Watson get a go in the Lions game?

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Let's all panic because of a tour match.

[Cousin Jed]

Let's all panic because of a tour match.

I'm not even going to bother watch the test matches now

[Spikey]

Go England

[Selective Retention]

I thought it was a decent hit out really.

All the batsman got time in the middle apart from North. All the quicks bowled well in the first innings and Siddle wrapped up his spot in the second.

Hughes, Katich, Ponting, Hussey, Clarke, xxxx, Haddin, Johnson, Siddle, xxxx, xxxx

A step up in the next game now required to decide the final three spots.

[Respected Journo]

Then who will miss out in the Lions match? Surely they want to take the side into that game that will be playing the first test? In that case the decision will have to be made whether Hauritz will play? and if so then which seamer out of Lee and Clark will play?

[saj_21]

From all reports siddle impressed as the no. 1 bowler in both innings', maybe he will be rested for the next game, will Johnson play? It would seem a good idea to give him a hit out before the first test. Hilfy may be out of contention now and i dont hauritz should play.

[ManWithNoName]

I wouldn't be opposed to resting one of Siddle or Johnson, maybe even both. Let Hilf, Clark and Lee head up the bowling to see who gets that final spot(s). Also I'd favour playing Watson (if fit) to see how he looks over on the English pitches.