The Ashes 4th Test: Australia V England at Leeds (Fri-Tues) [Day 2-3]

[Blue Dimension]

http://i25.tinypic.com/ok08rc.jpg
http://img.tfd.com/wiki/b/be/ECB_Logo.gifVshttp://www.bradford.com.au/images/product_images/info_images/CricketAustraliaLogo.JPG


Leeds, England
August 7th – August 11th
(11:00 local, 10:00 GMT)

Who would have guessed going into day 5 of the first test that England would be leading 1-0 up just a month later. Here we are, this time at Leeds and both teams have everything to play for. Australia will be hoping to level the series and once again have the Ashes in their grasp going into the 5th and final Test. But let’s not also forget, if England were to win this 4th Test, they will regain the Ashes likewise to how they did in 2005, on home soil – A daunting realisation which you could argue is yet to be grasped by Australian followers.

England have gone from strength to strength since the first Test. The inclusion of Graeme Onions has been a good one as he bowls stump to stump and has the ability to move the ball when conditions suit. James Anderson has been in strong form and if he can swing the ball similarly to the way he did at Birmingham, you can bet your bottom dollar that Australia will have their backs against the wall once more. England has also included Ryan Sidebottom, their 2008 player of the year, in their squad with the likely exclusion being Stuart Broad who has been below par in this series and lacked penetration at the best of times with his bowling. England would be hoping Sidebottom, who has now regained fitness and form, will perform to the heights he did in 2008 which saw him claim 47 test wickets at an average of 20.26 a piece. Sidebottom’s left arm swing bowling will provide variation to the English attack and his outswing to the left handed Australian batsman may prove a handful.

England will be sweating on the fitness of Andrew Flintoff however, who looked troubled by his knee in the 3rd Test which in effect did not allow him to get into any sort of rhythm similar to what we saw in the opening two Tests. Tim Bresnan, the previous holder of the all rounder spot in the English team while Flintoff was previously out with an ankle injury, was overlooked for Jonathan Trott who was made the standby batsman after averaging 99.75 this first class season.

Australia will look to regain Brett Lee if he proves himself fit and if the selectors have the confidence in his ability to bowl through the 5 days in the Test. Lee has not played a Test since the Australian summer against South Africa and although he performed brilliantly in the tour game against the English lions with lethal reverse swing, Australia will be hesitant in playing an underdone bowler as they seek to even up the Ashes series. Stuart Clark may also come into contention if Lee is not called upon with the likely exclusion being Peter Siddle who has struggled to perform to the heights he reached against South Africa.

Brad Haddin is also a likely inclusion for Australia after he completed his first training session, and was enthused at the progress of the recovery (http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/content/current/story/418046.html), meaning Graeme Manou who made his debut in Birmingham will make way for one of the in form batsman for Australia this series.

The pitch at Leeds has produced a result for 10 matches in a row dating back to 1997. Interestingly, England’s previous swing bowler Matthew Hoggard does not expect it to swing however. This could prove to be a decisive factor going into the 4th Test.

Both teams without a doubt will be eager to take each other on all guns blazing in the 4th Test. One would daresay with the series on the line and the inclusion of the feisty Ryan Sidebottom that this could be one very aggressive game of cricket.

Sidenote: If Australia are to lose this Ashes series, they will fall to 4th in the rankings behind South Africa, India and even Sri Lanka. Even a drawn series will see them lose their number 1 ranking to South Africa.

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

England Squad
*Andrew Strauss
Alastair Cook
Ravi Bopara
Jonathan Trott (Test Debut)
Paul Collingwood
Ian Bell
+Matt Prior
Andrew Flintoff
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Graham Onions
Ryan Sidebottom
Steven Harmison

Out: Monty Panesar (dropped)
In: Ryan Sidebottom, Jonathan Trott

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
Andrew McDonald
Marcus North
Peter Siddle
Shane Watson

No Change

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

Australia possible XI:
Shane Watson
(Career bowl avg: 37.21, Career bat avg: 24.80 – Ashes 09 bowl: 0 wickets, Ashes 09 bat: 115 runs @ 57.50)
Simon Katich
(Career bat avg: 43.89 – Ashes 09: 248 runs @ 49.60)
Ricky Ponting
(Career bat avg: 55.97 – Ashes 09: 233 runs @ 46.60)
Michael Hussey
(Career bat avg: 53.10 – Ashes 09: 145 runs @ 29.00)
Michael Clarke
(Career bat avg: 50.08 – Ashes 09: 352 runs @ 88.00)
Marcus North
(Career bat avg: 49.88 – Ashes 09: 239 runs @ 59.75)
Brad Haddin
(Career bat avg: 41.85 – Ashes 09: 229 runs @ 76.33)
Mitchell Johnson
(Career bowl avg: 29.38, Career bat avg: 33.09 – Ashes 09 bowl: 10 wickets @ 42.30, Ashes 09 bat: 67 runs @ 22.33)
Brett Lee
(Career bowl avg: 30.82 – Ashes 09: n/a)
Nathan Hauritz
(Career bowl avg: 32.21 – Ashes 09: 10 wickets @ 32.10)
Ben Hilfenhaus
(Career bowl avg: 38.05 – Ashes 09: 13 wickets @ 30.38)


England possible XI:
Andrew Strauss
(Career bat avg: 44.75 – Ashes 09: 309 runs @ 61.80)
Alastair Cook
(Career bat avg: 43.97 – Ashes 09: 143 runs @ 28.60)
Ravi Bopara
(Career bat avg: 38.54 – Ashes 09: 104 runs @ 20.80)
Ian Bell
(Career bat avg: 40.76 – Ashes 09: 53 runs @ 53.00)
Paul Collingwood
(Career bat avg: 44.20 – Ashes 09: 221 runs @ 44.20)
Andrew Flintoff
(Career bowl avg: 32.59, Career bat avg: 32.07 – Ashes 09 bowl: 7 wickets @ 48.57, Ashes 09 bat: 171 runs @ 42.75)
Matt Prior
(Career bat avg: 46.11 – Ashes 09: 180 runs @ 36.00)
Graeme Swann
(Career bowl avg: 30.93, Career bat avg: 35.17 – Ashes 09 bowl: 6 wickets @ 57.50, Ashes 09 bat: 106 runs @ 35.33)
Ryan Sidebottom
(Career bowl avg: 27.70 – Ashes 09: n/a)
James Anderson
(Career bowl avg: 33.71 – Ashes 09: 12 wickets @ 31.50)
Graeme Onions
(Career bowl avg: 23.50 – Ashes 09: 8 wickets @ 27.88)

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

Quotes

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif I'll never tire of talking about it and I'm sure my grandkids will get the full story in 30 years' time. http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Graeme Swann on taking Ricky Pontings wicket at Birmingham

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif I'm confident if I was called upon tomorrow I'd be ready to get through. I was out there today charging in, bowling rapid, and am really happy with the way I've gone. http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Brett Lee talks himself up ahead of the 4th Test

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif Being totally honest, I think we're stronger with him in the team, but that's only if we're 100% fit. http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Graeme Onions on Andrew Flintoff's fitness

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif "We need to raise the intensity...we've been able to do it for a period of time, but we haven't been able to do it consistently, to keep it going for the whole five days. http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Shane Watson on Australia's lack of consistency throughout the Ashes

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif They really need his control. http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Jason Gillespie believes Stuart Clark should play in the 4th Test

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Live Coverage
SBS 7:30pm (AEST)
Fox Sports 7:00pm (AEST)
ABC Grandstand 7pm (AEST).


Weather
Showers possible on Sunday, with Monday predicted to have a heavy downfall.


BBC Weather Forecast
http://haydn.thedt.net/jesse/leeds%20weather%202.PNG

Google Weather Forecast
http://haydn.thedt.net/jesse/leeds%20weather.PNG


Betfair Odds

http://haydn.thedt.net/jesse/betfair.PNG
Updated odds at http://ashes.betfair.com.au/ashes-4th-test.php

[Hawks1523]

Wish I didn't fall asleep after waking up to find us 4/196 or whatever we're on at the moment. Pup and Northy to go on and put is 300 odd infront and send the Poms back in, it's only day 2 today and surely they can't bat out 3 days let alone chase down 300 runs. ;)

[Cousin Jed]

Need to get this lead up beyond 200.

Hard to believe Swann couldn't get at least a couple of overs just to change the pace when runs were flowing so freely.

[rickyp]

Did anyone else think Anderson looked like he was carrying an injury?

[Flawed Genius]

That was a disgrace of a sleep. The fricken cat woke up me up at 5 o clock in the morning and I accidentally set my alarm to 7 o clock.

Seedy as balls

[Hawks1523]

Did anyone else think Anderson looked like he was carrying an injury?

I've heard he may be carrying an injury, any news on it? Commentators didn't mention anythign during yesterdays play.

[Flawed Genius]

I've heard he may be carrying a niggling injury, can anybody confirm it?

The commentators didn't say anything about it, can anybody Google it?

[legend166]

The commentators definitely talked about it. He either carried it in to the game or tweaked his hammy when he was batting.

[hogman]

Who would have guessed going into day 5 of the first test that England would be leading 1-0 up just a month later. Here we are, this time at Leeds and both teams have everything to play for. Australia will be hoping to level the series and once again have the Ashes in their grasp going into the 5th and final Test. But let’s not also forget, if England were to win this 4th Test, they will regain the Ashes likewise to how they did in 2005, on home soil – A daunting realisation which you could argue is yet to be grasped by Australian followers.




F**king rubbish.Australians aren't that dim FFS:confused:

[stewie griffen]

Apparently he tweaked his hammy :pwhilst getting off the mark, to break the record for most consecutive non-ducks (or something to that effect)

[likka]

English Collapso cricket at its best last night. Once again when pressure and expectation is apparent England crumble and we play to our potential.

Clark and Siddle were brilliant last night, but Johnson and Hilf also looked very dangerous. Full credit to the selectors for reading the conditions and getting our most potent attack on the park.

For the first time this series our bowling was fast, hostile and accurate. Siddle showed exactly why he is in the side, and Clark showed exactly why he should never have been out of the side.

Was also great to see the great English pie shop was open for business too...

http://www.aduckinherpond.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pies-300x290.jpg

...of which Punter and Robot devoured with great glee and gluttony.

[rickyp]

The commentators definitely talked about it. He either carried it in to the game or tweaked his hammy when he was batting.

Maybe I had a different coverage, because they didn't even show Anderson on the game I was watching, not stretching or anything

[Wahooti Fandango]

Maybe I had a different coverage, because they didn't even show Anderson on the game I was watching, not stretching or anything

He tweaked it while running between wickets.

[ShearMagic9]

Well, I dont want to get accused of only posting when we're winning, so I'll show my face for the only time during the test match.

I'm on holiday, so I'm on some shitty internet card. So, even if the result was the other way I still wouldn't be posting.

Anyway, England are rubbish (like we all knew).

Australia bowled really wel, England bowled pies.

Still, I expected to have lost the series already by now, so to be 1-1 heading into the final test is something.

[Rough_Edges]

Hussey has to go.

Getting beyond a joke

[hogman]

Hussey has to go.

Getting beyond a joke

surprised that LBW was given, but your right he has to be replaced, but by who?

[What_the_footy!]

Hussey has to go.

Getting beyond a joke
He has lost something or poms are reading him well!!

[likka]

surprised that LBW was given, but your right he has to be replaced, but by who?

Hughes back in to open, Watson to 6, both North and Clarke move one position up the order.

[eagles06]

Or if you are going to drop Hussey, Hughes to open with Watson since he has been opening so well and Katich at 4?

[aaronm46]

Hopefully just keep playing where we left off last night what with Andersons possible injury and all that

[Bartram_Class]

Move Clarke and North up, put Hughes at 6.

Watson has three 50's on the trot, keep him up there.

[Flawed Genius]

I said it last night and I'll say it again

Hughes
Katich
Punt
Robot
Pup
North
Bad Hands
MJ
Siddle
Hilf
Clark

[King Elvis]

Just finished reading the rest of the match thread from last night; FG, TBD, Rory etc, you guys did some top shelf work, respect.

[Flawed Genius]

Yeah, where were you

[spookism]

Unfortunately, even with a win and another failure in the second dig by Hussey (if he is even needed to bat again) he will not be dropped for the last Test.

Bookmark the batting line up of

Hughes
Kato
Punter
Clarke
North
Watto
Haddin

for our first Test after the Ashes however!

[King Elvis]

Yeah, where were you


http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1690/martos.jpg


Ended up going to that girls house - watched our bowling and the start of hour innings, figured we were so dominant I could bail early.

[amer]

Well, I dont want to get accused of only posting when we're winning, so I'll show my face for the only time during the test match.

I'm on holiday, so I'm on some shitty internet card. So, even if the result was the other way I still wouldn't be posting.

Anyway, England are rubbish (like we all knew).

Australia bowled really wel, England bowled pies.

Still, I expected to have lost the series already by now, so to be 1-1 heading into the final test is something.

It has more been a case of Australia's bowling being horrifically below its best, than a case of the attack being all that weak. And once again credit should go to England for taking advantage of that, particularly cashing in on Johnson's waywardness.

We've still got it all to do though; you'd say England cannot win this test from its current position, but we still have to finish the job and win the fifth to hold onto the top ranking.

[TorresIsGod]

Good thing we kept Siddle in the side.

We finally picked the right bowling attack and the right bowling combinations.

Hilfey and Siddle to open the bowling, Johnson and Clark as the change bowlers. :thumbsu:

Go P-Siddy!

[Gak Attack]

There was a whisper going around that Anderson was not 100%. Don't think the commentators talked about it though. Wonder when we will see the cloth helmets start to be worn by players now that a piece of cloth is enough protection against a 145kph ball?

[legend166]

I'm not convinced of Watson's ability to score hundreds yet, and that's why I'd rather Hughes at the top of the order.

[TorresIsGod]

I'm not convinced of Watson's ability to score hundreds yet, and that's why I'd rather Hughes at the top of the order.

I'm sure once he gets more confidence at the top of the order, that will come.

It seems at the moment he's trying very hard to get to 50 and lapses with his concentration once he's passed 50 and seems to go out.

He's looked very good so far at the top of the order.

[Blue Dimension]

Shane Watson has the knack for scoring big 100's.

Don't know what it is at the moment. If he can get over this hurdle of getting out after making 50 or so then he'll be right.

Made some big scores in a tournament of emerging players a few years back. Really big scores.

F**king rubbish.Australians aren't that dim FFS

Did you hear any Australian fan talking about the chance of losing the Ashes prior to the 4th Test?

No, there was none of that when it was very much a possibility.

Now please, if you have a problem with my write up, do one yourself, idiot.

[Notorious_29]

After missing last nights play i am so pumped for tonight. Although i might crash early after not being able to recover at all today.

[Grimwood]

I've just watched the higlights and I'm not sure there's much to say. There are days when careful analysis is required to pick apart a poor performance or days where it defies explanation, but all you had to do with yesterday's play was watch a few wickets fall and a few deliveries spray around to see why England were getting hammered. Australia did bowl well, but it was not the stuff of legends.

Matt Prior's talking about fighting back, but I can't see England getting Australia out for a lead of less than 200.

[Kahuna]

I'm not convinced of Watson's ability to score hundreds yet, and that's why I'd rather Hughes at the top of the order.

I'd rather an opener get 50 each innings than one century and a few poor scores in a series.

[Flawed Genius]

Yeah, if Watto averages 50 for the Ashes then I'll be extremely pleased.

[Dez!]

I'd rather an opener get 50 each innings than one century and a few poor scores in a series.

Not to mention deal with the new ball and easing the pressure on the middle order.

Done superb has Robot.

[usalion]

Sunny day at Headingley- need to build the lead...a 250 lead would be nice....wonder how Haddin will go with the batting today. Would be fun to have the Poms back in toight and knock over a wicket oir two- we get an opener, we should get two unless they drop Bopara down the order...

OK- let' get it going!

[TorresIsGod]

TAB Sportsbet Odds.

Australia: $1.09
Draw: $17.00
England: $10.00

Jimmy Anderson to start the session for England.

Michael Clarke on strike for Australia.

Here we go.

[deledio7]

Crack!

[Dez!]

Beautiful day with bugger all cloud cover it seems, perfect batting conditions.

Super back foot punch for 4 from Northy.

[Dez!]

Jimmy Anderson with his best Steve Harmison impersination.

[TorresIsGod]

Followed up by a real gem of a delivery from Jimmy :D

[usalion]

Anderson bowls a "Harmisson ball"- goes to second slip

Pirate day at Headingley apparently

[TorresIsGod]

Thanks Harmy. Good start. Haha.

[Rick18]

Within the first over, this from Cricinfo:


Anderson's going to start today. He wasn't at his best or indeed anywhere near it yesterday - hampered by a hamstring problem.



Anderson had some work done by the physio on his left hamstring which he tweaked, or so we think, while running between the wickets yesterday. As ever, the whole situation is shrouded in this ridiculous secrecy so no one really knows if he's fine or not

[Cooldude]

Heh, this match will probably be over by lunch, if it's not already over.

[TorresIsGod]

Thanks Harmy. Keep bowling there mate.

[Dez!]

Short, shit and four.

Story of Harmison's bowling career.

[deledio7]

Couldn't of asked for a better start. Clarke looking very good and North looks very solid.

[Cooldude]

This is the bloke most Englishmen were screaming for to get in the side. Now as expected, he's bowling absolute trash

[Dez!]

Was that a chance? Or was it all the way along the ground?

Any case, four more.

[TorresIsGod]

Sidebottom should probably be playing. Not Harmison.

Although he can bowl some ridiculously good balls, he doesn't do it often enough.

North played that well, and a bit of outswing for Jimmeh Anderson and Pup drives it for two.

[TorresIsGod]

Was that a chance? Or was it all the way along the ground?

Any case, four more.

Was definitely played down, not a chance.

[Dez!]

Haha Bumble, pure quality.

:D:thumbsu:

[Spikey]

Sidebottom should probably be playing. Not Harmison.

Although he can bowl some ridiculously good balls, he doesn't do it often enough.

While you make a good point...Harmy is much more fun to watch :D

[Dez!]

50 to Pup.

Come on Pup, double up.

[Notorious_29]

Well done clarkey, good 50.

Another 100 please :thumbsu:

[Cooldude]

This is one of the worst spells you'll ever see from any Test fast bowlers. Harmison has just consistently served up short bunch of rubbish in this spell

[Dez!]

And not for the first time and definitely not the last time in his career, Harmison pitches the ball very short and gets pulled for 4.

[outabounds]

Great series Clarkey!

[Dez!]

Good of Anderson to help Australia out by "shinning" the ball away for a couple.

That'll leave a mark.

Fair take from Prior.

[Notorious_29]

Hashim Amla

Swapped Countries??

[Dez!]

Edges one for 4 and then comes back with a beautiful drive for 4, Clarke really is in superb form.

Already added 41 runs this morning, going at blistering pace.

Collingwood off the ground, apparently injured.

[Cooldude]

This match could be over today the way these guys are going, get a lead of 200 and bowl them out for nothing again

[Dez!]

Superb start from the Manbaby, on the legs and whipped away for 4.

[Cousin Jed]

Crikey Boundaries galore.

[outabounds]

I agree with the commentators. Why the hell has Swan not bowled yet?

[Bartram_Class]

50 runs on the board already this morning, at a cracking pace.

[Dez!]

What's that?

It's the sound of another boundary.

BANG!!!

[outabounds]

Clarke on fire

[Dez!]

100 partnership up from 152 balls.

It was only a 50 run partnership half hour ago.

:p

[Notorious_29]

57 runs in the first 35 mintues of the day.

Great stuff.

[Dez!]

"Australia all-rounder Andrew McDonald has left the Ashes tour of England, temporarily, to be with his pregnant wife who is expecting the couple's first child, a team spokesman told reporters here on Saturday," AFP report.

We could have a Ronnie Jr. on our hands.

[TorresIsGod]

Uh-oh!

What was that Jimmy?...

Another boundary!

[Spikey]

We could have a Ronnie Jr. on our hands.

Just what the World needs. More rangas! :thumbsu:

[Bartram_Class]

That is a man in sublime touch.

[deledio7]

Pup in some awesome touch. Commentators are flat as a tac.

[Dez!]

Clarke with back-to-back boundaries and he moves to 74 from 92 deliveries.

Really taking to Anderson.

[aussie1st]

Good stuff Ronnie.

This English attack is pathetic

[Dez!]

Just what the World needs. More rangas! :thumbsu:

Slowly taking over the world and pretty soon the world will be 1/4 ranga, which could be very scary.

[TorresIsGod]

Yeah, Ronnie wont play in the 5th test now. So he made the right choice going home to be with his wife. :thumbsu:

Clarke and North (well Clarke mainly) are on fire this morning. Looking to set up the game, we could put them back in tonight just after tea and give them an hour to bat and knock over 2 or 3.

[Spikey]

Slowly taking over the world and pretty soon the world will be 1/4 ranga, which could be very scary.

You make it sound like a bad thing.

[Dez!]

You make it sound like a bad thing.

If things happen in reality like they do on South Park then it could be a bad thing.

:p

68 runs in 50 minutes of play, really says a lot for the English bowling.

[TorresIsGod]

Well, an English bowler finally put 6 balls in the right spot.

[Plogs]

Slowly taking over the world and pretty soon the world will be 1/4 ranga, which could be very scary.

Not too many Chinese or Indian ranga's getting about though :p

[Spikey]

So uh, how come our shirts are creamy and their shirts pure white?

Not much else to talk about y'see

[Notorious_29]

Slowly taking over the world and pretty soon the world will be 1/4 ranga, which could be very scary.

I heard they were dieing out. Think i read in Zoo that there wont be any red-heads at all in 50 years.

[Flawed Genius]

I heard they were dieing out. Think i read in Zoo that there wont be any red-heads at all in 50 years.

Scary thought. Who will we bag?

[W3llsy]

Evening all.

Glad to see no wickets and lots of runs already tonight.

Thank god Warney spoke up.. I thought the commentators had abandoned the game and left us to listen to the stump mic's only.

[W3llsy]

Scary thought. Who will we bag?

English Cricketers.
AFL Umpires.
Americans.

Anyone I've missed?

[Spikey]

Scary thought. Who will we bag?

Don't worry, I won't allow my race to die out.

[Pykie]

Anyone hear what Clarke said to Broad an over ago? Came through the mic.


Warney found it pretty amusing.

[TorresIsGod]

Anyone hear what Clarke said to Broad an over ago? Came through the mic.


Warney found it pretty amusing.

Just casually asked 'him' if 'he' has a penis?

[W3llsy]

Anyone hear what Clarke said to Broad an over ago? Came through the mic.


Warney found it pretty amusing.

Nope, do tell. Use the * if required :P

[outabounds]

Have the balls to call this trash for wides

[happy_eagle]

I say bat untill Tea, or just after. By then the lead should be over 250

[W3llsy]

Haha... A swan dive :P

[Pykie]

Nope, do tell. Use the * if required :P

I didnt catch it all, just the tail end.



ended in " you pathetic c*nt".

[TorresIsGod]

I didnt catch it all, just the tail end.



ended in " you pathetic c*nt".

Nope, doesn't sound like Pup at all...

Was probably Straussy talking to Broad. :D