Australia v West Indies: 1st Test in Georgetown

[Black Thunder]

Here we go, not to long to kick off now.

World Cup was good, but nothing beats test cricket and I've been looking forward to it since the Ashes series finished.

Teams to be announced soon.

[IceTemple]

Windies batting first with Lee opening the bowling.

Welcome back to full chocolate and not the aero bar!

[Black Thunder]

Australia lost the toss and are bowling.

Australia have come in with 5 bowlers - very interesting tactic.

Brett Lee has taken the new ball.

Australis team:
Matt Hayden
Justin Langer
Ricky Ponting
Darren Lehmann
Steve Waugh
Adam Gilchrist
Brad Hogg
Andy Bichel
Brett Lee
Jason Gillespie
Stuart MacGill

Windies Team
Devon Smith (on debut)
Wavell Hinds
Daren Ganga
Brian Lara
Marlon Samuels
Shiv Chanderpaul
Ridley Jacobs
Vasbert Drakes
Mervyn Dillon
Pedro Collins
didn't catch the last player

Martin Love has not been selected which i thought is a tad harsh after it was said that he was taking the number 4 batting position then he scored two half centuries in the lead up match than didn't get picked.

[Nod]

Love misses out.
Playing the extra bowler to compensate for no McGrath and Warne ?

[Black Thunder]

Jermaine Lawson was the number 11 for the Windies.

Lee's first over was pretty good - Smith seemed unwilling to go near the ball.

Wicket is dry as all get out. Going to be a tough time bowling on this deck if you don't get it right.

Expect it to dry out more (provided the rain keeps away) over the 5 days and become a pretty good spinners deck. Fortunately for us they dont have any class spinners.

[Black Thunder]

Originally posted by Nod
Love misses out.
Playing the extra bowler to compensate for no McGrath and Warne ?


nah i doubt it's because of McGrath and Warne - it's not Steve Waugh's style to want to compensate for the loss by doing that. He'd rather relish the challenge of having just 4 four bowlers.

I'd say its got to do with the fact that the bowling teams could be bowling for quite a long time and they want to keep them as fresh as possible.

[Nod]

Possibly, however I can not remember the last time we played 5 bowlers and Gilchrist batted at 6 ?

[Black Thunder]

Devon Smith given out lbw after he smashed the cover off the ball.

1/9 - Brett Lee has the first wicket.

Nod, just trying to find when Australia last picked 5 bowlers with a keeper at 6, and i think it may have been Tim Zoehror in the late 80's.

[BT]

2/10

Dizzy strikes!

Ganga, gawn!!!

[Nod]

Not much doubt about that one !

[Black Thunder]

yeeeeeeeeaaa 2/10

Gillespie has just bowled Darren Ganga - completely beat him.

[Black Thunder]

Just on the 5 bowlers thing - Gilly has batted higher than 7 on 6 occasions during his career, but those were 2nd innings promotions except one in which Damien Martyn batted number 7 for some reason.

Phil Emery played one test in which he was used as a night watchmen but there were still only 4 bowlers.

[Nod]

how did you get those stats so quickly ?

[Black Thunder]

using Wisden wizard and the StatsGuru on CricInfo.

In the days of Greg Matthews was generally the last time we played 5 bowlers, but he was an all rounder (better bat than bowl as well).

STill trying to work out when the last time we had 5 pure bowlers was though.

[Black Thunder]

Well here is one match were we definetaly did:

http://www.wisden.com/scorecard/live_scorecard2.asp?matchid=2476

1975/76 against the West Indies with Gilmour, Walker, Lillee, Thompson and Mallett.

All of the ones i found in the 80's had either Simon O'Donnell or Greg Matthews playing who would both be classed as all rounders (as i said in Matthews case more, a batting all rounder)

[Black Thunder]

back to the match in hand, Lara looks to be in pretty good touch - hit a couple of good boundaries off Gillespie last over, while Hands appears to be hanging in there tought. He has every now and then bobbed up against us and proved to be a real pain in the ass.

[Black Thunder]

Lara has just hit another couple of boundaries off Bichel - the guide through third man was exquisite.

Drinks break

West Indies 2/39 with Lara unbeaten on 22.

[Black Thunder]

Hinds caught at mid off for a painstakingly slow 10.

3/49.

Need to get Lara - if we get him soon they can be all out for 150, otherwise they could end up with 400 +

[Nod]

Very impressive effort.
Thanks for the info on Wisden wizard.
Remember that Perth test and the innings of Roy Fredericks.

[Black Thunder]

There we go

Lara out lbw to Bichel - looked abit dubious but they're 5/53 now and in deep deep trouble.

[red+black]

lara out. 2nd dodgy lbw decision.

have found a couple matches where we had 3 bowlers
http://www-aus.cricket.org/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/1997-98/RSA_IN_AUS/RSA_AUS_T2_02-05JAN1998.html
http://www-aus.cricket.org/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/1997-98/RSA_IN_AUS/RSA_AUS_T3_30JAN-03FEB1998.html

and one where we had 11!!!
http://statserver.cricket.org/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/1970S/1979-80/AUS_IN_PAK/AUS_PAK_T2_06-11MAR1980.html

it doesn't look like we played 5 bowlers during healy's career. a few instances of 4 bowlers and an all rounder, or 3 bowlers and 2 all rounders.

[Black Thunder]

lunch time now and the Windies have had a bit of a rear guard action. Now 5/89 - Chanderpaul looking allright, but Jacobs looking like he can get out anytime, and simply surviving.

I can't see them get us out for under 500 on this deck either - Gilly and Hayden will love this wicket.

[Black Thunder]

Windies moving along to 5/117. Jacobs has a leg injury and now has a runner - appears to be in lots of trouble. Can barel stand, dont know how he's going to keep?

[Kenny_01]

Great 100 by Chanderpaul.

Now just out, LBW Bichel.

He is hurt too.

[kretchy]

Didn't watch it last night but saw some highlights on the news and the WIndies looked to recieve a few dodgy Ibw decisions.

[kretchy]

A question for those who watched. Who fielded at first slip for Australia last night?

[Jars458]

Originally posted by kretchy
A question for those who watched. Who fielded at first slip for Australia last night?

Matthew Haydyn.


I thought Lara's lbw was out to be honest. THought it straightened enough.

Didn't see the other two but apparantly they were shockers.

What goes around comes around though.


Just hope Boof doesnt' get a bad one. Mark him down for his maiden test century tonight.

[Chiz]

Did anyone get the score at stumps?

[St-KriS]

Windies all out for 237

Chanderpaul 100
Jacobs 54 n.o.

Bichel 3/55

Australia are 1/120

Langer 55 n.o.
Ponting 46 n.o.
Hayden 10 ran out. They probably shouldnt have gone for that run.

[TheMase]

MacGill took 2-49 from 12 overs
Hogg took 2-40 from 8 overs.

Who was more expensive? ;)

[larrikin]

Originally posted by TheMase
MacGill took 2-49 from 12 overs
Hogg took 2-40 from 8 overs.

Who was more expensive? ;)
MacGill got Dillon and Collins
Hogg got Hinds and Samuels

Who took the bigger wickets?:)

[TheMase]

Originally posted by larrikin
MacGill got Dillon and Collins
Hogg got Hinds and Samuels

Who took the bigger wickets?:)

By the look of it, Hogg came into the attack way before MacGill did, and therefore being able to inflict more damage than MacGill to the top of the order.

I didn't see the game, I am just looking at what is presented to me in stats.

[davers11]

I really rate chanderpaul as a batsmen and it was great to see him stand up and show the world how good he really is. He is probably the hardest wicket to get in the West Indian side as he is a real fighter and never gives in. I would have him in my side any day.

[larrikin]

Originally posted by TheMase
By the look of it, Hogg came into the attack way before MacGill did, and therefore being able to inflict more damage than MacGill to the top of the order.

I didn't see the game, I am just looking at what is presented to me in stats.
The same logic would therefore explain the faster scoring rate off Hogg.

You can't have it both ways.

[Fall Out Boy]

Anyone know if play is going to start early to make up the 12 overs that weren't bowled last night?

With rain forecast, this one looks like turning into a dull draw.

[Hoggy]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
Anyone know if play is going to start early to make up the 12 overs that weren't bowled last night?

With rain forecast, this one looks like turning into a dull draw.

There is 4 days left and 1 innings is already over. :confused:

[GoEagles]

Interesting first days play.

Australia had a great start although I didn't get to see Lara's 'dismissal' on TV yesterday. I was pleased to see Hogg back in the test arena and 2 wickets in 2 balls will do wonders for his confidence.

Look forward to an entertaining match, lets hope the weather holds up.

[EagleBlue]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
Anyone know if play is going to start early to make up the 12 overs that weren't bowled last night?


A according to Cricinfo commentary they will, they have 9 overs to make up and play to start early today, by my calculations 36 minutes

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by Hoggy
There is 4 days left and 1 innings is already over. :confused:

And there is consistent rain forecast for each of the last 4 days.

[scmods]

Originally posted by St-KriS
Hayden 10 ran out. They probably shouldnt have gone for that run. Ah, BigFooty... Always reliable for in-depth analysis and insight.

:D

[Slax]

Although the Aussies bowled alright, that was the worst display of Test umpiring I have ever seen. They should not be allowed to umpire another day let alone another Test match.

[JUBJUB]

I've got the cricket on in the background on TV and I'm sure I heard Michael Holding say something like "If terrorists struck here today,they wouldn't get many victims"[refering to the low crowd attendance]. Did he say something like that ?

[Black Thunder]

Originally posted by JUBJUB
I've got the cricket on in the background on TV and I'm sure I heard Michael Holding say something like "If terrorists struck here today,they wouldn't get many victims"[refering to the low crowd attendance]. Did he say something like that ?


sad day for test cricket - crowd is pathetic, and i fear what could do just as much damage is the huge score Australia look set to rack up.

If Steve Waugh doesn't declare I reckon we bat out 3 full days. We've looked like getting out twice - Matt Hayden was run out and Ricky Ponting was nearly run out attempting a stupid single.

[Black Thunder]

yeeeeeeeeeeaaaa Langer gets a ton.

Australia 1/206

if tugga doesn't declare we could get 800 here.

[Black Thunder]

1/253 at lunch

Langer 129
Ponting 103

absolute run riot

but its actually not been all that exciting batting despite the run rate of nearly 4 an over - its been mainly ground out in easy 1's and 2's rather than flashy boundaries

[Sportaus]

Australia go to the lunch break on the second day of the First Test against the West Indies @ Georgetown, Guyana with the score of ... 1 for 253, an overall lead of 16 runs.

Justin Langer (as Black Thunder noted above) has scored his century and is unbeaten on 129, while in the last over before the break Ricky Ponting posted his own century and is unbeaten on 103.

[Black Thunder]

Ponting out finally

2/285 - Ponting made 117

the two put on 248

[St-KriS]

6/447

Langer 146
Ponting 117
Gilchrist 68 n.o.


Drakes 4/72


Btw, why is Hoggy battling infront of bichel still?!?! :confused:

[St-KriS]

Originally posted by scmods
Ah, BigFooty... Always reliable for in-depth analysis and insight.

:D

Err...now that I look at it, that was a stupid thing to say. :(

It still was a stupid run though!

[St-KriS]

Australia finished at 489 all out

Gilly finished with 77

Bichel made 39

Lee made 20


Drakes ended up with 5/93



At stumps the Windies are 0/16

[ScouseCat]

Australia are in a commanding position after 2 days of this first test thanks to a great partnership between Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting, putting on 248 for the 2nd wicket. There were also contributions from Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Andy Bichel and Brett Lee as we reached 489 all out, a lead of 252 on the first innings. In reply, the West Indies are 0 for 16, still trailing by 236 runs with 10 wickets remaining.

It will be very difficult for the West Indies to make enough runs to force Australia to bat again, let alone set them a challenging target batting last on a pitch starting to keep low.

[Slax]

I want to know when was the last time two spinners got the newball in test cricket for any nation?

[Black Thunder]

Slax,

I would be suprised if its ever happened.

Australia would probably be a tad dissapointed with that total after being 1/nearly 300.

Still a huge score and I wouldn't be suprised if we only have to bat once.

[EagleBlue]

Just like to see if there has been an update of the "bad light" rule in cricket. The way I understand it, the rule states that the light will be offered to the batsman IF there is a physical danger to the batsman. Hogg and McCrap would hardly be described as "physcial dangers" to batsmen, so why did play finish 5 overs early ???? Please correct me if I am wrong on this ruling

[Catman]

Darren Lehmann has failed once again at Test level with the bat.

Martin Love should be in the side.

[Kenny_01]

De Silva giving Hinds out... close to the worst decision ever in test cricket.

[ScouseCat]

West Indies 1st innings: 237 all out
Australia 1st innings: 489 all out

West Indies 2nd innings: 5 for 381 (lead 129)
Chanderpaul 26 not out
Drakes 14 not out

Lara and Ganga both scored centuries as the West Indies try to build up a decent target to set the Aussies.

[kretchy]

Looks like Darren Lehmann was the pick of the bowlers.

[GoEagles]

Here comes the Windies fightback!

What score will they need to be a chance of victory?

[Black Thunder]

Windies have enough already to pull a win, although it would be hard for them to win defending 130 but knowing our record in chasing small totals you never know. Given th ground, they'd probalby want to get closer to 250 though.

A few of our bowlers need to take a look at themselves after today - Darren Ganga getting a ton is a joke. We bowled so badly. I wouldn't mind seeing Asshley Nofke given a go in the second test.

[Slax]

The worst part of our bowling is how the wickets came.

1 Hit wkt, 1 padding up and another to Boofa. Not exactly what gives me confidence.

[Nige_Bix]

I agree about the wickets too - and we have had 4 dodgy lb's go our way as well.

I cant quite work the wicket out - it seems easy to bat on and as they have no recognised spinner i guess they will hope it might deteriorate somewhat and keep a bit low as well as the added pressure of chasing a target being a factor to keep the batsmen honest.

I think our bowling has been ordinary and hasnt looked very threatening. I think Brett Lee has really been the most disappointing bowler thus far.

[red+black]

i think it's about time we played a live test that was a fair dinkum contest. character building having to actually earn the win, rather than see the opposition crumble as they so invariably do against us. we have our two best bowlers out, one just back from injury, one that hasn't played test cricket for some time, another that's playing his 2nd test. i'd say it's been a good contest, and Bourda has never been kind to bowlers.

that said, a target of more than 135 has only been successfully chased twice at Bourda in 75 years.

[Nige_Bix]

hmm -well we're afer 147 - good luck guys!

[Black Thunder]

0-40 now and looking the goods - Windies lack a quality spinner.

We have made much harder work than we needed from this game.

Gillespie bowled well this morning to make the job much easier.

I think quite a few of the guys would be disapointed after this test - really only Langer, Ponting and Gilchrist took full advantage of the wicket.

Hayden was unlucky, but Lehmann and S.Waugh should've consolidated the innings in the middle orrder after the work RP and JL did. We should've got alot more runs than what we did.

Of the bowlers, none of them have bowled overly well. Gillespie had one good spell in which he happened to run through one crippled batsmen, and three tailenders.

[IceTemple]

My fav thing about this test: NO Tony Greig!!:D

[St-KriS]

Australia ended up winning by 9 wickets

Langer 78 n.o.
Ponting 42 n.o.

Man of the match: Justin Langer

[ScouseCat]

Great win by the Aussies. Well done to Jason Gillespie on cleaning up the tail today and Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting for getting us to the 147 target. :)

[red+black]

Originally posted by IceTemple
My fav thing about this test: NO Tony Greig!!:D
There is a GOD!

[Foxtrot]

Have Australia done enough to shake the "bad 4th innings chasers" tag yet? It always comes up when the Aussies last but I reckon they've been pretty good over the past few years. I'm sure someone can provide the stats but from my memory there haven't been many bad ones and a lot of tight ones that we have won or saved.

Batting 4th in test crickt is always the hardest task - I don't think we have been any worse than the norm for quite a while now.

[Slax]

We might've won by 9 wickets but the idea that the WI don't like leg-spin is absolutely shot. MacGill and Hogg took a caning, obviously don't have enough variety.

[Nige_Bix]

Originally posted by Slax
We might've won by 9 wickets but the idea that the WI don't like leg-spin is absolutely shot. MacGill and Hogg took a caning, obviously don't have enough variety.

That was a theory a few years ago - not sure about now - anyway I think their attitude is different when playing at home - and on those smaller grounds!

[EagleBlue]

Very happy to get away with a win here, not our best performance, in fact its probably our WORST ever test victory. The bowling apart from Gillespie last night was appalling. The batting, Well only Ponting, Langer and Gilchrist made runs. We seemed to be a bit scratchy after the World Cup. (still in celebration mode perhaps) Take out the 4 disgraceful LBW decisions and the injuries to Chanderpaul and Jacobs, WI I reckon would have won this test.

[roostersgal4eva]

not our greatest ever game but a win is a win - good sides can still win even if they are off the boil

great to see dizzie get a 5-fer, lets hope his 4/4 is a sign of things to come

[red+black]

Originally posted by Foxtrot
Have Australia done enough to shake the "bad 4th innings chasers" tag yet? It always comes up when the Aussies last but I reckon they've been pretty good over the past few years. I'm sure someone can provide the stats but from my memory there haven't been many bad ones and a lot of tight ones that we have won or saved.

Batting 4th in test crickt is always the hardest task - I don't think we have been any worse than the norm for quite a while now.

in the 2000's, Australia have had 15 4th innings chases, for 12 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw.

South Africa are 8-2-1
Sri Lanka are 5-2-2.

The two times we did lose we were chasing 384 and 452.

[GoEagles]

Good to see Justin Langer's in top form. He used the motivation of not being picked in the 30 man World Cup squad to do well on this tour.

[red+black]

Originally posted by GoEagles
Good to see Justin Langer's in top form. He used the motivation of not being picked in the 30 man World Cup squad to do well on this tour.
coupled with the fact that he's a damn good player. good to see him pick up where haydo finished off. i'm sure we can carry the world's best batsman through a lean patch. :)

[Foxtrot]

Originally posted by red+black
in the 2000's, Australia have had 15 4th innings chases, for 12 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw.

South Africa are 8-2-1
Sri Lanka are 5-2-2.

The two times we did lose we were chasing 384 and 452.

thanks R+B

As I suspected - not a bad record and hardly the work of a team vulnerable in 4th innings chases.