The Ashes 1st Test: Australia V England at Cardiff (Wed-Sun) [Lunch-Stumps Day 2]

[Blue Dimension]

Continued from here (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=601655)

http://img.tfd.com/wiki/b/be/ECB_Logo.gif Vshttp://www.bradford.com.au/images/product_images/info_images/CricketAustraliaLogo.JPG

Cardiff, Wales
July 8th – July 12th
(11:00 local, 10:00 GMT)

It’s finally here, and it’s what we’ve all been waiting for - The Ashes and nobody could forget the last time Australia played in England back in 2005 where the likes of Jones, Hoggard, Harmison, et al helped England tear the Urn back from Australia’s grasp. Reverse swing played a massive factor in that series loss where the likes of Gilchrist, Martyn, Hayden and the rest of the Australian line-up were unable to cope with the reverse swinging ball. 4 years on and the teams are face to face once again on England’s turf with vastly dissimilar squads with many new faces, while the greats in Warne, Mcgrath, Hayden and once vital players in Vaughan, Hoggard and Harmison are no longer around or not currently apart of each side.

Just around 8-10 months ago it looked like this series would be a faceoff of two of the most out of form teams in international cricket. Australia got pulverised by India in India then returned home to lose for the first time on home soil to South Africa in several decades. England similarly was coming off a series loss to the West Indies and was struggling for form. But 8-10 months is a long time in cricket and both teams have since hit back coming off series wins.

England uncovered Graeme Swann, Ravi Bopara and also Graeme Onions who all have had vast success in the Test arena in recent times. Likewise Australia unearthed young prodigy Phillip Hughes along with Peter Siddle, and Marcus North. Also, the rise in form of Mitchell Johnson with both bat and ball has boosted Australia after the retirements of Warne and Mcgrath and injuries to Brett Lee and Stuart Clark.

And now each side is going into the series with confidence. With rejuvenated line-ups and players in form, each side will be looking to give the first blow and go 1-0 up in the 5 Test series.

Both countries are not without injury concerns however. Shane Watson has been unable to participate in either of the warm up matches hindering Australia’s options. Brett Lee will sit out the first 2 Tests with a side strain. Kevin Pietersen will start in the England XI but will carry an achillies injury throughout the series which he, himself admitted has a possibility of flaring up at any time.

Each has taken positives out of their warm up matches. Bopara and Cook were in solid form in the bat with each scoring centuries against Warwickshire. Additionally the English bowlers skittled the county team out for small totals. England would have been buoyed by Steve Harmison’s performance in the English Lions game Vs Australia where he bowled with fire and uncovered vulnerability in Phillip Hughes’s armoury just a week before this Test.

England however have decided against including Harmison and have named a squad of 13 including Graeme Onions and Monty Panesar who will be fighting it out for the final bowling spot. This bowling spot will most likely depend on the amount of which the Cardiff pitch will turn.

Australia would have been pleased to see Marcus North hit form and get runs under his belt along with the previously out of form Micheal Hussey who now looks set for a big series. It looms likely with Lee’s injury that Hauritz and Clark will take a spot in the starting 11 alongside Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson.

Both teams have been awaiting this series for some time. On paper and form wise it and looks like it will be an intriguing contest between two powerhouses of international cricket.


----------------------------

England Squad
*Andrew Strauss
Alastair Cook
Ravi Bopara
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
Ian Bell
+Matt Prior
Andrew Flintoff
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Graham Onions
Monty Panesar

In: Monty Panesar, Andrew Flintoff
Out: Tim Bresnan (dropped), Ryan Sidbottom (dropped)

Australia Squad
*Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Stuart Clark
+Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Phillip Hughes
Michael Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Simon Katich
Brett Lee
Graham Manou (International debut)
Andrew McDonald
Marcus North
Peter Siddle
Shane Watson

In: Graham Manou, Shane Watson, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark
Out: Doug Bollinger (dropped), Bryce Mcgain (dropped), Brett Geeves (dropped), Steve Magoffin (dropped)

----------------------------

Australia probable XI:

Phillip Hughes
(Career bat avg: 69.17 – 09 avg: 69.17)
Simon Katich
(Career bat avg: 43.43 – 09 avg: 46)
Ricky Ponting
(Career bat avg: 56.21 – 09 avg: 32.88)
Michael Hussey
(Career bat avg: 55.29 – 09 avg: 29.57)
Michael Clarke
(Career bat avg: 47.82 – 09 avg: 45.71)
Marcus North
(Career bat avg: 40 – 09 avg: 40)
Brad Haddin
(Career bat avg: 37.54– 09 avg: 33.83)
Mitchell Johnson
(Career bowl avg: 28.01, Career bat avg: 34.7 – 09 bowl avg: 25.90, 09 bat avg: 79.75)
Nathan Hauritz
(Career bowl avg: 32.29 – 09 avg: 288)
Peter Siddle
(Career bowl avg: 27.66 – 09 avg: 19.15)
Stuart Clark
(Career bowl avg: 22.97 – 09 avg: n/a)


England possible XI:

Andrew Strauss
(Career bat avg: 43.96 – 09 avg: 59.70)
Alastair Cook
(Career bat avg: 45.03 – 09 avg: 65.89)
Ravi Bopara
(Career bat avg: 49.63 – 09 avg: 118.33)
Kevin Pietersen
(Career bat avg: 50.49 – 09 avg: 50.56)
Paul Collingwood
(Career bat avg: 44.20 – 09 avg: 65.25)
Andrew Flintoff
(Career bowl avg: 32.08, Career bat avg: 31.70 – 09 bowl avg: 30.20, 09 bat avg: 16.75)
Matt Prior+
(Career bat avg: 48.41 – 09 avg: 69.17)
Stuart Broad
(Career bowl avg: 37.96, Career bat avg: 31.35– 09 bowl avg: 28.50, 09 bat avg: 26.67)
Graeme Swann
(Career bowl avg: 26.24 – 09 avg: 22.15)
James Anderson
(Career bowl avg: 33.91 – 09 avg: 26.85)
Monty Panesar
(Career bowl avg: 33.62 – 09 avg: 54.00)

----------------------------

Quotes

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif My prediction is it will be 5-0 to Australia. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Glenn Mcgrath gives his usual prediction ahead of an Ashes series

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif I also notice Nathan Hauritz is included, so there's no spinners. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
David Lloyd's thoughts on Nathan Hauritz


http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gifThey are going to be weakened, but the Australian way is to come out and be fierce, competitive, and dominant in what they do. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Kevin Pietersen on Australias lineup without past greats

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gifSwann's character could really get under [their] skin...he could disrupt Australia's rhythm. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Shane Warne on Graeme Swann

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif"If you're looking for clues as to who might win, I always look at the bowling attacks...Generally you can go with the team with the best attack. At the moment England certainly have got it. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Ian Chappell and his thoughts on the 09 Ashes

[Flawed Genius]

Freddles

*edit. Bang, bouncer.

Then straight down the wicket, gets in Hughes face, and has a huge raving go at him.

Then another bouncer. Big ugly bastard

[TheStinger]

Hey everybody, Flunktoff is about to bowl.

[Bartram_Class]

Cue beginning of Freddie love fest from Nasser and co.

"Unbelievable skill" was it?

[King Elvis]

Somewhat like this.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BnOj0l4tXYk/SCuUWjfehpI/AAAAAAAABKY/w8QiS_CKWcM/s400/Alex+O%27Loughlin+Mick+St+John+famous+eyebrow+raise+Moonligh t+Arrested+Development+episode+%231x05.jpg

But every three or four seconds, for no apparent reason.


Magill has had some work done!

[Cousin Jed]

Flintoff scares me.

Someone turn the lights on.

[the probe]

I'm not familiar with it - can you demonstrate for us?

http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/film_images/Austin_Powers_Mike_Myers_as_Dr_Evil.jpg

[Juddy88]

I would so make that my sig if I was a BF Member.

Pretty sure you can't use pics.

[King Elvis]

Freddie giving it to Hughes - good; little fella loved the chat against the Saffers.

By the way - does anybody know whether our guys were actually sent a letter from CA telling them not to sledge?

[Cousin Jed]

Great Hussein and Atherton drooling all over Flintoff for 30 minutes :rolleyes:

[TheBrownlowMan37]

Flintoff still has that worm tunnelling through his head?

[Costanza_]

Keep up the chat Flintoff you ****ing poser, Hughes will thrive on it.

[Flawed Genius]

I, now, would love to Hughes just pan him.

Ouch. Played and missed. Crowd's up, Flintoff's looking alright actually.

End of the over, Flintoff gives the death stare, and Hughes laughs back at him.

Love it.

[Cooldude]

Flintoff is just a class above all bowlers on display. Amazing stuff

[weevil]

Great stuff from Freddie.

[Freo Big Fella]

I don't care what anyone says, the dot on the back of his head moves around.

[King Elvis]

"He's only bowled 5 deliveries, but he's the pick of the bowlers in this Test Match to date."

Morons.

[TheStinger]

Nasser Hussein is turning gay for Flunktoff.

[TheBrownDog]

Spiteful little over there.

[japaljarri]

Quality over from FF

[Costanza_]

Oh dear :o

"He's only bowled five balls but he's been the pick of the bowlers this match... Got more out of the pitch than anyone else"

"Fantastic over"

One ball that beat the edge about 5 easily dodged short balls. Sickening.

[Flawed Genius]

"Like a 15 year old girl, but not hot" Broad bowling.

He actually looks like an uglier version of Fernando Torres when his hair is flowing.

[Selective Retention]

The first couple of bouncers that the commentators were wetting themselves over were rubbish but he looked dangerous against Hughes for the rest of the over.

[Hanis]

"He's only bowled 5 deliveries, but he's the pick of the bowlers in this Test Match to date."

Morons.

Terrible commentating - half the balls were nothing balls

biased crap

[the probe]

"He's only bowled 5 deliveries, but he's the pick of the bowlers in this Test Match to date."

Morons.

Thats up there with the best of Bill Lawry.

[TheStinger]

Flintoff's chat up line....Wanna see my bouncer?

[belfast_bomber]

"Like a 15 year old girl, but not hot" Broad bowling.

He actually looks like an uglier version of Fernando Torres when his hair is flowing.
Bruno Baron Cohen?

[Flawed Genius]

Nah, more like "Lie down. It's coming whether you want it or not. I'm Freddy, baby."

[japaljarri]

Happy for her to bowl all day. Quite pretty with the sun on her blond locks as she ambles in

[Freo Big Fella]

That was slightly better bowling from the girl-child.

Still looks like he'd be more at home in a pink dress playing pass the parcel though.

[legitimatic]

Oh dear :o

"He's only bowled five balls but he's been the pick of the bowlers this match... Got more out of the pitch than anyone else"

"Fantastic over"

One ball that beat the edge about 5 easily dodged short balls. Sickening.

That was pretty LOL, they are tkaing the piss now.

[Flawed Genius]

Happy for her to bowl all day. Quite pretty with the sun on her blond locks as she ambles in

:D:thumbsu:

[Cousin Jed]

Terrible commentating - half the balls were nothing balls


They weren't being hit for 4 though ;)

[BigCat2]

The biased commentary doesn't bother me to be honest. It's not like what they're saying changes things out in the middle.

If what they say is true, and that England is a team full of champions, with a host of once in a generation players, and we're a talentless bunch with crabby techniques and makeshift players, shouldn't we be rolled for 20 and made to follow on?

[hamush]

it seems hughes isnt peturbed by the bounce

[Pie Legend]

'I'm Andrew Flintoff and I'm coming at you'

[TheBrownDog]

Hughes, Flintoff or Flintoff's knee.

Which will give first?

[footycool]

I am fed up with these commentators, its not good to be as biased as them:mad:

[Flawed Genius]

^ that

[Costanza_]

inb4 thread limit.

[Blue Dimension]

Atherton speaks a lot of sense. Maybe some of his fellow co-commentators could take notice.

[aussie1st]

Finally the commentators are talking some sense. Every batter has got out to a short ball at some stage.

[footycool]

bye thread, will join nxt 1:thumbsu::thumbsu::)

[TheStinger]

They are trying to compare the ball Hughes got out to, to the Flintoff one. Harmlessons ball actually jagged back at him and forced him to change his mind. Flunktoffs was straight.

But apparently Hughes has been working on the short ball.:rolleyes:

[Cousin Jed]

Just keep nudging singles, boys.

[Flawed Genius]

Bye [2], see you soon [3]

[hamush]

go hughsey

[King Elvis]

Whose the cute British lass?

[TheBrownlowMan37]

Broad going okay. Women's cricket has really progressed:thumbsu:

[rickyp]

Am I the only one who is getting sick of hearing about Hughes' 'weakness'?

He has got out to a short ball twice in his career! As they just showed Strauss going out to the short ball, they reasoned that it's a worry because its so early in Hughes' career... Wait, what? Wouldn't it be more worrying if the captain of your team, the opening batsmen of your team, the most experienced batsmen of your team was going out to short balls?

[footycool]

were into our 3rd thread, Kudos to us!

[senrulzisback]

Pretty sure you can't use pics.
Ah ok. I guess it would be pretty annoying if everyone had a picture of those eyes as their sig.

[weevil]

Commentators have been just as biased as the channel 9 commentators. You lot just chuck a tantrum every time they say something the slightest bit stupid.

[hamush]

Am I the only one who is getting sick of hearing about Hughes' 'weakness'?

He has got out to a short ball twice in his career! As they just showed Strauss going out to the short ball, they reasoned that it's a worry because its so early in Hughes' career... Wait, what? Wouldn't it be more worrying if the captain of your team, the opening batsmen of your team, the most experienced batsmen of your team was going out to short balls?


ill take hughes average of 75 and a "weakness" any day of the week

[King Elvis]

Commentators have been just as biased as the channel 9 commentators. You lot just chuck a tantrum every time they say something the slightest bit stupid.

Rubbish - Lawry barracks for us, but he doesn't constantly harp on with crap about how shit the Poms are (when they aren't), he just gets excited when we're going well.

Hussain is the worst, always has been. And we're allow to 'chuck a tantrum' anyway.

[rickyp]

Well I normally listen to 774 with the ch.9 picture

Now I think of it, who is doing the 774 commentary now?

[TheStinger]

Stephanie Broad giving herself a clap there. Good bowling miss.

[Flawed Genius]

I think it only fair that this thread be finished with Marteyes. Someone please oblige

[YOTC]

Hughes looking less settled after Lunch....

[rickyp]

We're still going on about Hughes as well, now its his hips that are the problem...?

[TheBrownDog]

Commentators have been just as biased as the channel 9 commentators. You lot just chuck a tantrum every time they say something the slightest bit stupid.

Fair call, but declaring Flintoff the best bowler in the match after one over was more than a "bit stupid".

The Broad looking like a girl joke is being run into the ground though.

[King Elvis]

I think it only fair that this thread be finished with Marteyes. Someone please oblige

Make it happen Jawdie.

[roostersgal4eva]

does anyone have the link for abc's coverage online?

[Cousin Jed]

Bad luck Freddy.

[weevil]

Rubbish - Lawry barracks for us, but he doesn't constantly harp on with crap about how shit the Poms are (when they aren't), he just gets excited when we're going well.

Hussain is the worst, always has been. And we're allow to 'chuck a tantrum' anyway.

Come off it mate, there is no way in hell the pom commentators are doing anything like that. Open your other eye!

[King Elvis]

Ahahah, Flintoff, what a dud!

[Selective Retention]

You know what they say about men with big hands?

They drop catches.

Sorry :o

[Flawed Genius]

LOL. Make him pay, Kato.

[senrulzisback]

Flintoff drops a one handed attempt off Katich. So close.

[TheBrownDog]

Flintoff with the drop. :thumbsu:

Haha, Hussein looking flummoxed about it too.

[Spikey]

Commentators have been just as biased as the channel 9 commentators. You lot just chuck a tantrum every time they say something the slightest bit stupid.

It's just you and me defending them :(

[King Elvis]

Come off it mate, there is no way in hell the pom commentators are doing anything like that. Open your other eye!

Are you kidding?

All they've done our entire innings is harp on about the perceived flaws and weaknesses in Hughes game.

[aussie1st]

First real real chance of this inns goes down.

[abs_of_STEELE]

Nice one Flintool.

[Pie Legend]

Sharp chance goes down at the hands of Freddy.

[TheStinger]

We're still going on about Hughes as well, now its his hips that are the problem...?

http://bittenandbound.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/shakira-pink-silk.jpg
But his hips dont lie.

[footycool]

Go Aussies!

[weevil]

Fair call, but declaring Flintoff the best bowler in the match after one over was more than a "bit stupid".

Yeah but bill says that sort of totally OTT stuff all the time. And dont get me started on the likes of Healy and O’Donnell...
The Broad looking like a girl joke is being run into the ground though.
Agreed.

[TheBrownDog]

50 up.

[Flawed Genius]

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1690/martos.jpg (http://img35.imageshack.us/i/martos.jpg/)

Carry on.

[Cousin Jed]

These players are going to get worn out screaming every time Hughes does something a little different which looks like it is going to get him out...

[Costanza_]

3rd.

[japaljarri]

Stephanie looks like she might cry poor thing.

[Flawed Genius]

They've put a leg gully in for Hughes, and just bowling everything at his ribs on leg stump. Step inside and hook it, Hughesy.

[weevil]

Are you kidding?

All they've done our entire innings is harp on about the perceived flaws and weaknesses in Hughes game.

That’s what everyone does at first with him. He looks like shit, but keeps on scoring runs.

[Ron]

Wonder how many threads we'll get for this match, i predict 8.

[hamush]

katich just dropped on 11

[TheBrownlowMan37]

Lol FG:thumbsu:

[footycool]

Go Aussies, from forum 3!

[Cooldude]

Monty can be quite dangerous on this pitch if he bowls well, since he darts it in at a greater pace than most spinners, if he gets any turn and bounce, there's no time to adjust.

Apart from that, Flintoff is clearly making things happen that the other England quicks aren't capable of. All this talk about Anderson pre-match has been unfounded, he is still the same inconsistent bowler that he's been for years

[Flawed Genius]

Hughes backs away and looks to go for the HUUUUUEEEEGGGG carving cut into the next suburb

[hamush]

Wonder how many threads we'll get for this match, i predict 8.

9 i think

[aussie1st]

Hughes finally gets Freddy away

[rickyp]

Depends on how close the finish is, if its close I plan on sitting here updating myself with everything thats going on (I'm honest enough to know that I'm the only one reading this as well :p )

[footycool]

9 i think

i agree

[Cousin Jed]

Flintoff has only pitched 1 ball up the entire spell and that was the one he could have got a wicket on.

[Flawed Genius]

Gorn. :(

[King Elvis]

**** **** ****

[aussie1st]

:( Bit too tight to cut

[ShearMagic9]

Fantastic bowling from Flintoff.