2nd Test: Australia v Pakistan @ Sydney (Sun-Thu) [Tea Day 2-Tea Day 4]

[Russian]

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5198/austest.png
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3570/aus.png vs http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/5719/pak.png
Sydney Cricket Ground
10:30am Sunday January 3-Thursday January 7

The 'New Year' test that isn't, but a chance for Australia to claim the first international cricket trophy for the year. Pakistan (at least Aamer did) showed a bit in half an innings, but the game was as good as gone by that point anyway, and they were pretty ordinary the rest of the time. The number 5 was in with just 84 on the board in the first and 116 in the second with no 50s from the top 3, but despite requests from the skipper the selectors are still thinking about whether to send Younus Khan so unless they want to recall Manzoor or Malik, who were dropped 2 and 3 games ago respectively, they won't be doing anything about it until Hobart, when the series may well be over. Meanwhile Nielsen's talking about the Australian attack being feared after Johnson had a good game and Hauritz took his first Michelle in his 54-game first class career, against a side that has passed 300 just 6 times in 16 innings in 2009 with 3 spuds at the top and 3 bunnies at the bottom.

Team-wise Australia have pulled McKay out of domestic cricket again but will be unchanged, while Pakistan have pulled Abdur Muller out of the country and will replace him with leg spinning bunny Danish Kaneria. I've already mentioned the top 3 problems, but Malik and Manzoor are no better, while Sami and Gul could play as the opening batsmen but are no chance of dislodging Asif or Aamer. Umpiring was reasonably good in Melbourne but now it's Asoka de Silva's turn to attempt to appear competent, Koertzen moves into the how-to-make-reading-3-boxes-off-a-screen-take-2-minutes box. Bring on the one dayers.

Australia XIII:
Phil Hughes
Simon Katich
Shane Watson
*Ricky Ponting
Michael Hussey
Michael Clarke
Marcus North
+Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Nathan Hauritz
Clint McKay
Peter Siddle
Doug Bollinger
In:
Hughes
McKay

Pakistan XV:
Khurram Manzoor
Imran Farhat
Salman Butt
Faisal Iqbal
Shoaib Malik
*Mohammad Yousuf
Umar Akmal
Misbah-ul-Haq
+Kamran Akmal
Mohammad Sami
Umar Gul
Mohammad Aamer
Saeed Ajmal
Danish Kaneria
Mohammad Asif
In:
Manzoor
Malik
Sami
Gul
Danish
Out:
Rauf

Umpires:
Billy Doctrove (Dominican Republic)
Asoka de Silva (Sri Lanka)
Rudi Koertzen (3rd, South Africa)

Weather:
Maybe showers on days 4 and 5, mid-high 20s

Session Times
First session: 10:30am-12:30pm
Second session: 1:10-3:10pm
Third session: 3:30-5:30pm

Coverage:
http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/9092/99na.gif live from 10am AEDT daily
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7399/abclocal.pnghttp://img38.imageshack.us/img38/9503/grandstand.png from 10am AEDT daily (Windows (http://abc.net.au/streaming/events/network5.asx) Real (http://abc.net.au/streaming/events/network5.ram))
Cricket Australia's scorecard (http://livescores.cricket.com.au/summary_2439_2.html)
Cricinfo's scorecard (http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/current/match/406200.html)
SCG Webcams: (http://www.sydneycricketground.com.au/WebCams.html)
http://www.scgt.nsw.gov.au/Webcams/SCG1/scoreboard.jpg
http://www.sydneycricketground.com.au/Webcams/SCG2/live_image_00001.jpg

Tickets:
Adults - from $50 ($25 day 5)
Concession - from $36 ($20 day 5)
Children - from $20 ($15 day 5)
Family - from $110 ($57 day 5)
Includes entry to either Big Bash game at ANZ - Qld on the 13th or SA on the 17th
(Gates open 8am)

[Spikey]

"He's got him!"

Had a flashback to the 12th man...

EDIT Daniel won't like that at all!

[OzBomber]

12th Man moment from Bill Lawry there. :D

But he was right.

[flight23]

in bill we trust

[Selective Retention]

LOL the one they referred was 10cm from the bat and they didn't even appeal for that.

[meh]

Had every right to get excited, replays showed it was out!

[nicko99]

what was going on there? even i could hear that

[getthefooty]

I fail to understand how none of the bowler, keeper, or slips can't pick up that edge.

[Cotchin 9]

Haddin absolute idiot, always appeals for the one's that are clearly not out, then when there's a knick he has NFI.

[aussie1st]

Just look at what Iqbal did afterwards, his head went straight back.

[crowsarethebest]

LOL... just not Australia's test I'm afraid.

[rdhopkins2]

Aussies must have all kicked cats from under ladders before this test. How unlucky can you be?

That said, credit to Pakistan who are making the most of their chances.

[damochandler]

they must not have much faith in this review system at all. they weren't confident in the first place i suppose

[maryjames]

Aussies wtf are they doing out their today.. disgrace, they should have 2 more wickets..

[Plugger35]

Classic "Got him, yes" from Bill Lawry.:D

Shame he wasn't out on the field appealing. Can't believe Haddin didn't go up, he usually appeals for everything.

[Notorious_29]

Simply amazed at how there was no appeal there. As soon as it was bowled I went yes got him. Then there wasnt even an appeal? :confused::confused:

[goalpie]

australian cricketers are thick yet surprisingly soft.

[Notorious_29]

they must not have much faith in this review system at all. they weren't confident in the first place i suppose

What are you talking about? The umpire didn't have to make a decision, there was no appeal.

[maryjames]

Bill Lawry called out straight away..

[Cotchin 9]

Simply amazed at how there was no appeal there. As soon as it was bowled I went yes got him. Then there wasnt even an appeal? :confused::confused:

Same here, but then no one went up so I thought it was maybe a flick of the pads or shirt :confused:

[damochandler]

What are you talking about? The umpire didn't have to make a decision, there was no appeal.


they weren't onfident enough to make an appeal any way. they didn't think it was out and they might not have confidence in the referral if they sent it up

[danielnajdek]

Weird day of cricket today. Didn't appeal for a LBW and now didn't appeal for a caught behind. Has Australia just given up?

[rdhopkins2]

When was the last time Australia prayed for rain to save a test in Sydney?

Hard to see how we'll get them out....bowling hasn't been terribly dangerous and the batsman have had their fair share of luck.

[TheColeTrain]

He's a ****ing hack who cant hold a consistent line and length, when was the last time he took a wicket with the new ball?
It seems you know even less about cricket then you do about footy Pav:thumbsu:
Lucky you will be banned again soon.
Not his fault North is an absolute spud at first slip, he has been average this summer, but he has also been injured, but to use his bowling today as justification to be critical shows you up for the clueless clown that you are.

[damochandler]

they need a run out. brian lara style

[Plugger35]

Yousuf all class.

We'll be in big trouble if we don't get rid of him soon. He is capable of really taking the game away from us with a big ton.

[Cooldude]

If Bill picked it up from the comm box then there's no excuse for any players to have missed that

Siddle's been quite unlucky this summer, I must say

[rdhopkins2]

Catch watson :)

[TheColeTrain]

very well caught by robot

[Cooldude]

Hahaha Faisal Iqbal. He got more lives than a cat then plays a shot like that

They need Younis back and get rid of this bloke

[TheTrav]

Would have much preferred to see the back of yousuf, hopefully the akmals don't tee off on us

[Plugger35]

Good catch, terrible shot though.

[Cotchin 9]

El Colapso.

[damochandler]

that's the sort of the wicket they needed. wicket off a wide rubbish ball and a nothing shot. things might start too happen now

[Notorious_29]

Awesome catch from Watson. Siddle really needed that wicket, might give him a bit of a confidence boost.

[nicko99]

This is a key partnership for Pakistan Umar and Yousuf both very attacking players get passed these two and we could get on a roll

and Umar is 8 from 2 balls good start from the 19 yr old

[PalaceGun]

When was the last time Australia prayed for rain to save a test in Sydney?


Never have, never will.

Would rather lose than do that...

[Spikey]

Weird day of cricket today. Didn't appeal for a LBW and now didn't appeal for a caught behind. Has Australia just given up?

Well the Ritz non-LBW looked to be missing Leg for all money. I'm still amazed it was hitting.

[maryjames]

four runs.

[Cooldude]

Umar Akmal can just blast this game away from us here

He really should be batting a 3 or 4. Either Younis has to come back at 3 or Yousuf would have to promote himself.

[Plugger35]

Nice start from Akmal, could be a real dangerman here.

[aussie1st]

8 runs in 2 balls for Akmal, 400 could be up by tonight if he stays there.

[Notorious_29]

Wouldnt mind seeing Umar smack em around for an hour.

Love batting like this.

[Cotchin 9]

That was a "Spikey's catch of the day."

[TheTrav]

Um can we bring Faisal back?

[damochandler]

this bloke can play some cracking shots. but next ball he can be out

[nicko99]

16 from the over what a start from Umar!!!

[OzBomber]

This is quality 12th Man from Bill Lawry.

[rdhopkins2]

Well he's going to make 50 in 15 balls or go out quick playing like that. Exciting to watch.

[Plugger35]

Has this suddenly turned into a 20/20?

[YOTC]

Umar Akmal is my hero. Treats Hauritz the way he deserves to be treated.

[maryjames]

Pakistan should smash Aussies in this test.

.

[NiceCunnington]

Haha is this bloke serious? Awesome batting. You have to love the look of this guy.

[Cooldude]

Bill at his best

His call on Watson's ton was legendary enough. Been in fine form this summer

[crowsarethebest]

This is brilliant, Umar Akmal you star. Watching Iqbal bat was like watching grass grow, now we're talking with Umar in here:D:thumbsu:.

[Kerrby]

Some good bowling there Hauritz.

[TheTrav]

This is quality 12th Man from Bill Lawry.

Lol love it:D:D

[Dagger5]

Some cracking shots there from Akmal.:thumbsu:

[danielnajdek]

ahhh someone smashing the crap out of hauritz who would've seen that coming.

[Xtreme]

Sensational batting.... at least Haddin is getting a first hand look at how to go the tonk just after arriving at the crease :thumbsu:.

** another 4, this time off Johnson's bowling **

[Cotchin 9]

Bill Lawry "That's the way he plays."

[Spikey]

Some good bowling there Hauritz.

The second 4 was the only bad ball imo. That was a shocker.

[nicko99]

20 from 7 balls hahah

[rdhopkins2]

20 off 7 balls. Atleast he's playing some shots and entertaining the crowd. Brilliant stuff. Just rubbing salt into the Aussies wounds though.

[OzBomber]

This isn't really bad bowling it's just awesome shot making.

That last four from Yousuf was exceptional.

[Kerrby]

This isn't really bad bowling it's just awesome shot making.

That last four from Yousuf was exceptional.
Hauritz still needs to be blamed.

[Spikey]

This isn't really bad bowling it's just awesome shot making.

That last four from Yousuf was exceptional.

If you're gonna have a off-spinner bowling to two right handed batsmen who are going for runs, surely you should have a man on the fence around mid-wicket?

As it is Ritz is being forced to pitch it way outside-off, reducing any chance of taking a wicket.

[nicko99]

Ritz bowling wide shit now, time to get him out of the attack?

ahaha so haddin appeals for that lbw

[Damon_3388]

Umar Akmal has obviously taking some of my T20 tactical advice ;)

[crowsarethebest]

This isn't really bad bowling it's just awesome shot making.

That last four from Yousuf was exceptional.

Well theres no risk in playing your shots against Hauritz especially when there's no rough to worry about as you know he won't be spinning it that much...

[Cotchin 9]

Yousuf treating Hauritz with absolute contempt.

[rdhopkins2]

Haddin! Catch!!! Gawd him!!! Bout time!

[nicko99]

awesome catch!!!

[damochandler]

that's a big wicket and guess who took it. he doesn't want swann to beat him this year either

[Spikey]

That was a "Spikey's catch of the day."

;)



Haddin obviously realised it was going to North and hence, was being dropped.

Will be interesting to see how Umal reacts. Doubt he'll change anything.

[TheColeTrain]

Great catch, and took it away from North as well.
I just do not have much faith in him at first slip, need to put Watson or Clarke their

[TheTrav]

Lol if Haddin left that it probably would of hit North in the head

[danielnajdek]

Exactly what I was thinking Spikey :D

[Cotchin 9]

;)



Haddin obviously realised it was going to North and hence, was being dropped.

Will be interesting to see how Umal reacts. Doubt he'll change anything.

We have a winner.

[TheTrav]

Ok I said that as a joke but looking at the most recent replay, North had his head turned away and looked scared :/

[Spikey]

Ok I said that as a joke but looking at the most recent replay, North had his head turned away and looked scared :/

Only because Haddin went for it. His eyes and head are in fine position until Haddin comes into his view

[TheTrav]

Still would have dropped it :p but yeh front on view showed he was at least ready for it, just the behind view looked typical north slip fielding.

[red+black]

nervous nine hundred and nineties for Misbah.

[nicko99]

11 from that over by ritz, new ball due in 2 overs....do we take it?

[Plugger35]

When Hauritz isn't getting smacked to the boundary, he's bowling no balls.:rolleyes:

Might be time to give Katich a bowl instead, he couldn't do any worse.

[Spikey]

11 from that over by ritz, new ball due in 2 overs....do we take it?

That's why Ritz is still on ;)

[TheTrav]

Would help if katich was playing ;) could give clarke a bowl but he'll have a cry about his old aging body..

[nicko99]

When Hauritz isn't getting smacked to the boundary, he's bowling no balls.:rolleyes:

Might be time to give Katich a bowl instead, he couldn't do any worse.

Would help if Katich was playing:rolleyes:


(not sure if your taking the piss)

[Damon_3388]

Might be time to give Katich a bowl instead, he couldn't do any worse.

Pity that Katich isn't actually playing this Test :p

Maybe give Michael Clarke a bowl? He's got bowling form at the SCG.

[danielnajdek]

Anyone see the brunette in the crowd? Should just concentrate on the crowd more exciting then the cricket.

[nicko99]

That's why Ritz is still on ;)

give the quicks a over to warm up with the old ball?

[Plugger35]

Would help if katich was playing ;) could give clarke a bowl but he'll have a cry about his old aging body..

Haha..yeah forgot about that. Ok, well bowl Clarke or North instead then. Maybe even Ponting could bowl his slow medium donkey drops.

[Zarrix]

Doesn't look good for a result at this stage

Wednesday- Showers and Thunderstorms
Thursday- A few Showers.

[nicko99]

Would love to see Umar against the new ball

[red+black]

Doesn't look good for a result at this stage

Wednesday- Showers and Thunderstorms
Thursday- A few Showers.

The weather will not prevent this game from reaching a result.

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN10064.shtml

[Notorious_29]

Yep new ball taken straight away.

[rdhopkins2]

Dougie steaming in with the new ball now.

[Zarrix]

The weather will not prevent this game from reaching a result.

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN10064.shtml

Well this game could be over by the end of tomorrow if Australia continues it's second innings mediocrity:o

[Toshowyouwhy]

we've bowled too short for a year now. and our fielding has dropped considerably since nielsen arrived.

[rdhopkins2]

Bowl at the stumps and slips be alert. Last chance to get back in to the game you would think.