England comfortably took the opening day honours in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kandy. Electing to bat first Sri Lanka crumbled to 188 all out, which could have been much worse if it was not for the brilliance of Kumar Sangakkara. Matthew Hoggard was the chief inflictor of damage, removing four of Sri Lanka's top order batsmen in his opening ten over burst.
England's reply began by continuing the recent flurry of wickets when Chaminda Vaas removed opener Alistair Cook with the third ball of the innings. Captain Michael Vaughan (13*) and Ian Bell (36*) saw their side through to the close, ending on 49-1.
It was a predictably sweltering day for the first day of the series with the track looking in excellent condition to have a bat. It was dry with a few minor cracks that are expected to open up and crumble as the game goes on, making it increasingly difficult to bat on.
Steve Harmison did not make England's starting eleven, so James Anderson was given his chance to impress, while Sri Lanka called in Jehan Mubarak following Marvan Atapattu's recent retirement. Chaminda Vaas was recalled after Farveez Maharoof injured his ankle, and the experienced bowler gratefully received his 100th cap.
So it was with glee that Mahela Jayawardene called correctly, with England captain Vaughan admitting that he would have loved the chance to bat first.
What transpired could not have been any further from Jayawardene's hopes, as Ryan Sidebottom struck first blood, encouraging Sanath Jayasuriya to drive, and Kevin Pietersen took a fine catch diving to his right. His catch was to be eclipsed as finest of the day later on by none other than Paul Collingwood.
Meanwhile Hoggard was settling in nicely on his return to the England side with the kind of swing bowling and accuracy that has troubled many a batsman. It proved too much for Michael Vandort who rather tamely offered a chance to Vaughan at mid on, attempting to work it through the leg side. The skipper held the catch and Sri Lanka were 29-2.
It was an almighty effort for Hoggard to bowl a straight ten overs in this draining heat, but a further three wickets in this spell, all in fairly identical fashion, must have kept energy levels high.
Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, and Jehan Mubarak were all unable to negotiate the movement Hoggard was finding, and consequently nicked through to Matt Prior for three straight forward catches. The Yorkshire swinger was well rewarded for his metronomic accuracy and while he was not getting prodigious movement, the ball was swinging and seaming just enough to make the difference.
At 42-5 Sri Lanka were in dire straits, and the vital partnership of their best batsman Sangakkara and keeper Prasanna Jayawardene at least gave the hosts a smidgen of respectability.
Sangakkara continued his outstanding form from Australia, where in his only Test he made 57 and 192, and prior to that his last two Test innings were 222* and 200* against Bangladesh. He assessed the pitch and the individual threat each bowler was offering, and set out his game plan accordingly.
Such a joy to watch when in full flow, he punched the ball down the ground with consummate ease, and watchfully drove through the ball. The ball was not coming on to the bat particularly well, so at times he was forced to check his stroke, but his timing did not suffer as a result. If England did stray too straight, he would work the ball expertly off his legs into the vacant gaps on the leg side, it was becoming a true masterclass in how to bat in Sri Lankan conditions, and in Jayawardene he found a player able to stick with him.
The keeper has shown his strengths with the gloves and also offered promise with the bat, and today he played very well through the offside, not afraid to open the face of the bat to find the spaces.
Jayawardene only managed one more run form his next 18 deliveries, before he flicked one from Monty Panesar rather firmly into Cook's mid rift, who managed to cling on.
With wickets now falling regularly from the other end, Sangakkara was left with no option but to take the attack to England, and on 92 he sliced one within reach of Collingwood who plucked the ball one handed whilst diving to his left off the bowling of Anderson.
Panesar managed to get the odd one to really turn and bounce, which will not have disheartened Murali on the opening day. England's spinner accounted for Chaminda Vaas and Dilhara Fernando before Murali was run out in a mix up with Lasith Malinga. Panesar finished with 3-46, but Hoggard was the stand out bowler ending with 4-29.
Vaas immediately gave Sri Lanka the tonic they needed at the beginning of England's reply, luring Cook across his stumps before bowling one to go straight on that thudded into Cook's front pad for a regulation lbw decision.
Ian Bell looked in exquisite touch, a series of front and back foot boundaries when he only appeared to block the ball, took him to 36 not out and restore any confidence he may have lost on his trip here in the one-day series. Vaughan was dogged, not reaching the levels of fluency he had at the same venue back in 2003, but nevertheless reached the close of play unscathed.
A start England could only have dreamt of, but this Test is far from over.
Sunday 2 December 2007
Pace pair serve up a treat
Following the retirements in the last decade of world class quick bowlers such as Curtley Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Allan Donald, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Glenn McGrath, there has been a dearth of similar quality, a general lack of pacemen to strike fear into the heart of any batting line up.
So it was heartening for the cricket lovers that so enjoy the sight of genuine speedsters making batsmen work hard to survive, in every sense of the word, to see two men of that ilk recently named men of the series for the damage they inflicted on their respective opposition. The pair produced displays that will once again have opening batsmen sleeping just a little uneasily.
I am, of course, referring to Australia's Brett Lee and South African Dale Steyn.
When Glenn McGrath called a halt to his magnificent career at the same time Australia lost the wizardry of Shane Warne, Brett Lee became the leader of the Australian attack, and with that comes the added pressure to perform. If he did feel the pressure, it certainly did not show against a Sri Lanka side that never really got to grips with the pace, bounce and accuracy that Lee now has in his armoury.
His run up and action were fluent, consequently he looked in excellent rhythm, swinging the ball, both conventionally and by means of reverse, at speeds of up to 155kmh (96.3 mph). He looked like a man that has gratefully accepted the baton of strike bowlership from McGrath, and this was exemplified by his 16 wickets in the two Test series.
Dale Steyn had the distinct advantage of firing his particular missiles at a New Zealand side that looked seriously unequipped to cope with such attacks, and as a result, inevitable devastation took place.
Steyn was perhaps rushed into Test cricket and had to learn his trade in the harshest and most unforgiving of environments which is Test cricket, yet the signs are that he has come through those early examinations and is now looking to flourish at the top level. There will be more severe questions asked in times ahead, yet if he maintains his brisk pace, away movement and accuracy he will trouble, with all due respect, more feared line-ups than that of New Zealand.
He hurried the Kiwi batsmen on more than one occasion, and the unfortunate Craig Cumming will testify to Steyn's speed, as he was unable to get out of the way of a particular nasty short ball that resulted in the opening batsman needing metal plates inserted into his cheekbone.
Steyn was exceptionally raw when he first came on the scene but he is continuing to grow into his role within the South African side, and in the two Tests against New Zealand, the fast bowler recorded the quite remarkable series figures of 56-10-184-20.
Both Lee and Steyn are wholehearted performers and will not flinch if they are required to charge in for large portions of the day, while they both operate at their peak in shorter hostile bursts, roughing the batsmen up and not without a series of menacing glares and even the odd word or two.
Steyn has now taken 71 wickets in his first 15 Test matches, costing 24.38 each, not totally dissimilar to Brett Lee's record after the same amount of games (Lee took 65 wickets at 23.43).
Both these quickies have forced their way into the ICC Test bowlers rankings top five following their recent feats. Steyn is sitting in third position with Lee two places behind him in fifth.
The fast bowling resources in international cricket is currently incomparable in both depth and quality to decades gone by, but these two are proof that the cupboard is not entirely bare. If you also throw Shane Bond (when fit), Shoaib Akhtar (when well behaved), Makhaya Ntini and the consistent Stuart Clark into the mix, it indicates there are a number of excellent seam and swing bowlers in the world to ensure batsmen do not have it entirely their own way. Whilst not forgetting the steady experienced campaigners in Shaun Pollock (although South Africa appear to have), Chaminda Vaas and Matthew Hoggard, who rely on numerous attributes, pace however, not being at the top of the list.
Another reason to be optimistic for the future of quick bowling is the potential shown by some of the younger bowlers, for example Mohammad Asif, Lasith Malinga, Sohail Tanvir, Stuart Broad, RP Singh, Mitchell Johnson and Jerome Taylor, all of whom have whetted our appetites for the future and are all (except Johnson) under the age of 25.
Many former Test players are of the opinion that batsmen these days have it much easier than it was in their day, who knows, maybe this next crop of quick bowlers will have Ambrose and co rubbing their hands with glee at the sight of the batsmen once again being made to look rather foolish.
(Cricket Web, 22/11/07)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=3&NewsIDAuto=4755
So it was heartening for the cricket lovers that so enjoy the sight of genuine speedsters making batsmen work hard to survive, in every sense of the word, to see two men of that ilk recently named men of the series for the damage they inflicted on their respective opposition. The pair produced displays that will once again have opening batsmen sleeping just a little uneasily.
I am, of course, referring to Australia's Brett Lee and South African Dale Steyn.
When Glenn McGrath called a halt to his magnificent career at the same time Australia lost the wizardry of Shane Warne, Brett Lee became the leader of the Australian attack, and with that comes the added pressure to perform. If he did feel the pressure, it certainly did not show against a Sri Lanka side that never really got to grips with the pace, bounce and accuracy that Lee now has in his armoury.
His run up and action were fluent, consequently he looked in excellent rhythm, swinging the ball, both conventionally and by means of reverse, at speeds of up to 155kmh (96.3 mph). He looked like a man that has gratefully accepted the baton of strike bowlership from McGrath, and this was exemplified by his 16 wickets in the two Test series.
Dale Steyn had the distinct advantage of firing his particular missiles at a New Zealand side that looked seriously unequipped to cope with such attacks, and as a result, inevitable devastation took place.
Steyn was perhaps rushed into Test cricket and had to learn his trade in the harshest and most unforgiving of environments which is Test cricket, yet the signs are that he has come through those early examinations and is now looking to flourish at the top level. There will be more severe questions asked in times ahead, yet if he maintains his brisk pace, away movement and accuracy he will trouble, with all due respect, more feared line-ups than that of New Zealand.
He hurried the Kiwi batsmen on more than one occasion, and the unfortunate Craig Cumming will testify to Steyn's speed, as he was unable to get out of the way of a particular nasty short ball that resulted in the opening batsman needing metal plates inserted into his cheekbone.
Steyn was exceptionally raw when he first came on the scene but he is continuing to grow into his role within the South African side, and in the two Tests against New Zealand, the fast bowler recorded the quite remarkable series figures of 56-10-184-20.
Both Lee and Steyn are wholehearted performers and will not flinch if they are required to charge in for large portions of the day, while they both operate at their peak in shorter hostile bursts, roughing the batsmen up and not without a series of menacing glares and even the odd word or two.
Steyn has now taken 71 wickets in his first 15 Test matches, costing 24.38 each, not totally dissimilar to Brett Lee's record after the same amount of games (Lee took 65 wickets at 23.43).
Both these quickies have forced their way into the ICC Test bowlers rankings top five following their recent feats. Steyn is sitting in third position with Lee two places behind him in fifth.
The fast bowling resources in international cricket is currently incomparable in both depth and quality to decades gone by, but these two are proof that the cupboard is not entirely bare. If you also throw Shane Bond (when fit), Shoaib Akhtar (when well behaved), Makhaya Ntini and the consistent Stuart Clark into the mix, it indicates there are a number of excellent seam and swing bowlers in the world to ensure batsmen do not have it entirely their own way. Whilst not forgetting the steady experienced campaigners in Shaun Pollock (although South Africa appear to have), Chaminda Vaas and Matthew Hoggard, who rely on numerous attributes, pace however, not being at the top of the list.
Another reason to be optimistic for the future of quick bowling is the potential shown by some of the younger bowlers, for example Mohammad Asif, Lasith Malinga, Sohail Tanvir, Stuart Broad, RP Singh, Mitchell Johnson and Jerome Taylor, all of whom have whetted our appetites for the future and are all (except Johnson) under the age of 25.
Many former Test players are of the opinion that batsmen these days have it much easier than it was in their day, who knows, maybe this next crop of quick bowlers will have Ambrose and co rubbing their hands with glee at the sight of the batsmen once again being made to look rather foolish.
(Cricket Web, 22/11/07)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=3&NewsIDAuto=4755
Wednesday 14 November 2007
The Importance of a Partnership
Two Test matches were won recently thanks in the main to two outstanding partnerships. In the South Africa against New Zealand fixture, in form Jacques Kallis combined with Hashim Amla to rescue their side from a potentially perilous position into a match winning one.
Over the other side of the world in Brisbane, Australia were taking on Sri Lanka and already sitting in a fairly comfortable position when Michael Clarke joined Mike Hussey at the crease, this combination ensured that Sri Lanka were to be under immense pressure to register some serious runs in their first innings, a feat that was beyond the sub-continental side.
Amla and Kallis does not sound like a partnership that will have droves of spectators flooding through the gates in anticipation of Twenty20 style entertainment, yet this duo stuck to the old fashioned virtues of building an innings based first and foremost on solid defence and patience.
It was a testing time for the pair when Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith fell early, Shane Bond and Chris Martin were causing problems, and while South Africa at this point had an overall lead of 128, they were teetering on 20-2 with New Zealand tails up. This partnership still had to overcome the wily Daniel Vettori before any backslapping could take place.
It was to be a fascinating passage of play, in the traditional Test match sense.
Kallis's form of late has been of the highest standard, in Pakistan he made three centuries in four innings (he made 59 in his other innings). Amla is less certain of his place in the South African line up, and after failing in the first innings his heart must have skipped a beat when he edged Shane Bond to Brendon McCullum in the second innings when he was only on two. On such pieces of fortune cricketing careers are kickstarted, as Amla's appeared to be here, with a series of impressive punches down the ground, and his famed flicks through the legside that bore testament to his Asian roots.
Kallis remained unflustered, focused and determined to instigate a healthy lead for his side in his own style. His classical drives were evident as were his textbook pulls, but of course you cannot unload such orthodox devastation without the back up of a watertight defence.
A harsh evaluation, by many so called experts, of Kallis's batsmanship is his tendency to remain in first gear. Here he demonstrated his ability to pressurise the bowlers as he became the dominant batsman, exemplified by the 51 balls it took him to move from 100 to 150. He was prepared to take a risk in search of quick runs, and with the elusive double century in sight he sadly nicked one through to the keeper.
New Zealand were hindered by the injury to Bond, but do not let that detract from the match winning contributions of this South African pair. The partnership had taken their side to 350-3 (the next highest partnership in the entire game was 72), and consequently this Test was heading only one way.
Hussey and Clarke enjoyed a more relaxed type of atmosphere at the start of their vigil with the scoreboard showing 216-3, that was thanks to the foundations laid by Phil Jaques, Ricky Ponting and Matty Hayden. By the time Hussey was snaffled by the outspoken Marvan Atapattu, 245 more runs had been accumulated on an admittedly fantastic 'Gabba' track.
Of course even with an excellent batting track, things can never be taken for granted when the opposition possess a threat such as the mercurial Muttiah Muralitharan. Even without the eccentric Lasith Malinga, captain Mahela Jayawardene could boast an attack that would have many a nation exchanging envious glances.
The Sri Lankan attack worked exceptionally hard to make life difficult for the two Michael's, and there were lengthy periods of play where the Aussie duo had to rein in their attacking instincts and remain patient. One aspect of this partnership they did not neglect was the exemplary rotation of the strike, the judgement of singles to announce their aggressive intent even if the boundaries were not forthcoming.
Clarke was renowned as somewhat of a 'dasher', relinquishing his duty in the middle in search of a boundary to release the shackles. Yet here he was determined to await the right opportunity to pounce, he knew his time would come.
At the other end Hussey was as flexible to the situation as he is in any situation he finds himself in, knowing when to sit in and knowing when to squeeze the pressure on the fielding side, no wonder the Australian management were so keen for him to remain an integral part of the middle order rather than be shunted up to the opening spot. Although he would most probably have excelled there also.
Even the magician that is Murali had no answer to the these two. Their footwork to the spinner was decisive, whether that was in coming down the pitch, playing him on the front foot from the crease or using the whole depth of the crease to play him off the back foot. A real exhibition of how to play spin for youngsters throughout the world.
All four of the batsmen involved in the partnerships had to build their innings, were made to work hard for their runs from the start, and they all came through the tests and played a major part in helping their countries to start their series' with a crucial victory.
(Cricket Web, 13/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=3&NewsIDAuto=4726
Over the other side of the world in Brisbane, Australia were taking on Sri Lanka and already sitting in a fairly comfortable position when Michael Clarke joined Mike Hussey at the crease, this combination ensured that Sri Lanka were to be under immense pressure to register some serious runs in their first innings, a feat that was beyond the sub-continental side.
Amla and Kallis does not sound like a partnership that will have droves of spectators flooding through the gates in anticipation of Twenty20 style entertainment, yet this duo stuck to the old fashioned virtues of building an innings based first and foremost on solid defence and patience.
It was a testing time for the pair when Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith fell early, Shane Bond and Chris Martin were causing problems, and while South Africa at this point had an overall lead of 128, they were teetering on 20-2 with New Zealand tails up. This partnership still had to overcome the wily Daniel Vettori before any backslapping could take place.
It was to be a fascinating passage of play, in the traditional Test match sense.
Kallis's form of late has been of the highest standard, in Pakistan he made three centuries in four innings (he made 59 in his other innings). Amla is less certain of his place in the South African line up, and after failing in the first innings his heart must have skipped a beat when he edged Shane Bond to Brendon McCullum in the second innings when he was only on two. On such pieces of fortune cricketing careers are kickstarted, as Amla's appeared to be here, with a series of impressive punches down the ground, and his famed flicks through the legside that bore testament to his Asian roots.
Kallis remained unflustered, focused and determined to instigate a healthy lead for his side in his own style. His classical drives were evident as were his textbook pulls, but of course you cannot unload such orthodox devastation without the back up of a watertight defence.
A harsh evaluation, by many so called experts, of Kallis's batsmanship is his tendency to remain in first gear. Here he demonstrated his ability to pressurise the bowlers as he became the dominant batsman, exemplified by the 51 balls it took him to move from 100 to 150. He was prepared to take a risk in search of quick runs, and with the elusive double century in sight he sadly nicked one through to the keeper.
New Zealand were hindered by the injury to Bond, but do not let that detract from the match winning contributions of this South African pair. The partnership had taken their side to 350-3 (the next highest partnership in the entire game was 72), and consequently this Test was heading only one way.
Hussey and Clarke enjoyed a more relaxed type of atmosphere at the start of their vigil with the scoreboard showing 216-3, that was thanks to the foundations laid by Phil Jaques, Ricky Ponting and Matty Hayden. By the time Hussey was snaffled by the outspoken Marvan Atapattu, 245 more runs had been accumulated on an admittedly fantastic 'Gabba' track.
Of course even with an excellent batting track, things can never be taken for granted when the opposition possess a threat such as the mercurial Muttiah Muralitharan. Even without the eccentric Lasith Malinga, captain Mahela Jayawardene could boast an attack that would have many a nation exchanging envious glances.
The Sri Lankan attack worked exceptionally hard to make life difficult for the two Michael's, and there were lengthy periods of play where the Aussie duo had to rein in their attacking instincts and remain patient. One aspect of this partnership they did not neglect was the exemplary rotation of the strike, the judgement of singles to announce their aggressive intent even if the boundaries were not forthcoming.
Clarke was renowned as somewhat of a 'dasher', relinquishing his duty in the middle in search of a boundary to release the shackles. Yet here he was determined to await the right opportunity to pounce, he knew his time would come.
At the other end Hussey was as flexible to the situation as he is in any situation he finds himself in, knowing when to sit in and knowing when to squeeze the pressure on the fielding side, no wonder the Australian management were so keen for him to remain an integral part of the middle order rather than be shunted up to the opening spot. Although he would most probably have excelled there also.
Even the magician that is Murali had no answer to the these two. Their footwork to the spinner was decisive, whether that was in coming down the pitch, playing him on the front foot from the crease or using the whole depth of the crease to play him off the back foot. A real exhibition of how to play spin for youngsters throughout the world.
All four of the batsmen involved in the partnerships had to build their innings, were made to work hard for their runs from the start, and they all came through the tests and played a major part in helping their countries to start their series' with a crucial victory.
(Cricket Web, 13/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=3&NewsIDAuto=4726
SA ensure no way back for NZ
New Zealand will rarely experience Test match days like today where so little goes right for them, at least they will hope such days do not come along too frequently.
Jacques Kallis (186) and Hasim Amla (176*) continued where they left off yesterday and thundered home South Africa's advantage with a partnership of 330, unsurprisingly it was the record third wicket partnership for South Africa against New Zealand. New Zealand's attack became depleted when firstly Shane Bond was withdrawn from the field of play due to an abdominal injury which puts his inclusion in the second and final Test into doubt, and later in the day Jacob Oram joined him in the treatment room after he suffered a hamstring injury.
South African captain Graeme Smith decided to give the visitors some light, yet brief, relief, when he declared with his side on 422-3, an overall lead of 530.
Things were not getting any better for John Bracewell and his men, opener Michael Papps was unable to assume his position at the top of the order due to a stomach illness he had picked up. As a result Stephen Fleming, who spent no time in the field due to the injury to his right arm when he was caught by a Dale Steyn delivery, was forced to engage in a fierce battle against the new ball.
South Africa's dominance was compounded when Fleming, Craig Cummins and Ross Taylor were all removed before the close of play, leaving New Zealand reeling on 57-3 still with two full days to play.
Batting conditions were near perfect for South Africa, the skies were clear blue and there was very little movement around for New Zealand either through the air or off the deck, and Bond and Chris Martin did well to restrict Kallis and Amla to very few scoring opportunities in the first hour.
There were few alarms for the home side throughout this mammoth partnership, and McCullum must still be rueing his dropped chance that Amla offered yesterday. He made his luck count however, and brought up his second Test century with a fine leg glance for four off Martin.
Kallis followed suit overs later and with typical elegance, picking up a delivery from Daniel Vettori and lofting him over mid wicket for a six, that was century number 28 for Kallis and his fourth in his last six innings. His stay at the crease should have brought to an end when on 108, he attempted to loft Vettori over the top, only to mistime and sky the ball, but sub fielder Michael Mason spilled what should have been a comfortable catch.
One criticism generally levelled at Kallis is his inability to dominate attacks, to continue in his own bubble with seemingly little awareness of what his team requires. It is, one has to say, rather harsh criticism, and today he he was aggressive and never let the Kiwi attack settle, flaying anything short in length without neglecting his sumptuous drives. He raced from 100 to 150 off only 51 balls, Amla was the first to reach his century yet was only on 108 when Kallis was taking the plaudits for his 150.
The elusive double century seemed inevitable, and there was perhaps no-one more surprised than Jacob Oram when he induced a feathered edge from Kallis through to Brendon McCullum. His 186 had come off 262 balls (a strike rate of 70.99) including 25 fours and three sixes.
Amla continued in partnership with Ashwell Prince, but they never seemed in any kind of hurry, and why would they with over two days cricket still to play. They had put on 72 off 28.2 overs when Smith called them in.
Hashim Amla had reached his highest Test score when he passed his previous best of 149 against New Zealand last year, and today he looked solid. His technique at times a little unorthodox but definitely an improvement from when he first arrived on the international stage. If the Kiwi bowlers did not know before, they will be only too aware now that you cannot afford to stray onto his pads or even onto middle stump as his ability to flick the ball either fine or through straight mid-wicket is of the highest quality.
New Zealand had 17 overs to see out, and Dale Steyn, visibly buoyed from his five wicket haul in the first innings, came charging in with good direction and excellent pace. He accounted for Cumming in the fifth over, edging to the safe hands of skipper Smith.
The new ball was aiding exaggerated variations in bounce with a number of cracks widening and making batting conditions much trickier, as the pitch continued to dry out.
When Smith brought Andre Nel, he could not have hoped for a better outcome, as the big South African removed Fleming and Ross Taylor in his first over, which was in truth a bit of a mixed bag.
Nel had gone wicketless in the first innings and was not to be denied here, first slanting one across Fleming who offered a slightly open faced defence and edged for Smith to take a fine catch down low to his left. A bit of extra bounce was too much for Taylor producing another edge, this time to Kallis, the man can do no wrong at the moment, who took a comfortable catch.
McCullum and Styris ensured no further damage was done, but New Zealand need something near a miracle to save this game. The pitch only seems to be getting worse and the visitors will do well to last till tea on day four.
South Africa 226 Herschelle Gibbs 63, Mark Boucher 43, Shane Bond 4-73
New Zealand 118 Stephen Fleming 40, Dale Steyn 5-34, Makhaya Ntini 3-47
South Africa 422-3 dec Jacques Kallis 186, Hashim Amla 176*
New Zealand 57-3 Andre Nel 2-19
New Zealand trail by 473 runs
(Cricket Web, 10/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4714
Jacques Kallis (186) and Hasim Amla (176*) continued where they left off yesterday and thundered home South Africa's advantage with a partnership of 330, unsurprisingly it was the record third wicket partnership for South Africa against New Zealand. New Zealand's attack became depleted when firstly Shane Bond was withdrawn from the field of play due to an abdominal injury which puts his inclusion in the second and final Test into doubt, and later in the day Jacob Oram joined him in the treatment room after he suffered a hamstring injury.
South African captain Graeme Smith decided to give the visitors some light, yet brief, relief, when he declared with his side on 422-3, an overall lead of 530.
Things were not getting any better for John Bracewell and his men, opener Michael Papps was unable to assume his position at the top of the order due to a stomach illness he had picked up. As a result Stephen Fleming, who spent no time in the field due to the injury to his right arm when he was caught by a Dale Steyn delivery, was forced to engage in a fierce battle against the new ball.
South Africa's dominance was compounded when Fleming, Craig Cummins and Ross Taylor were all removed before the close of play, leaving New Zealand reeling on 57-3 still with two full days to play.
Batting conditions were near perfect for South Africa, the skies were clear blue and there was very little movement around for New Zealand either through the air or off the deck, and Bond and Chris Martin did well to restrict Kallis and Amla to very few scoring opportunities in the first hour.
There were few alarms for the home side throughout this mammoth partnership, and McCullum must still be rueing his dropped chance that Amla offered yesterday. He made his luck count however, and brought up his second Test century with a fine leg glance for four off Martin.
Kallis followed suit overs later and with typical elegance, picking up a delivery from Daniel Vettori and lofting him over mid wicket for a six, that was century number 28 for Kallis and his fourth in his last six innings. His stay at the crease should have brought to an end when on 108, he attempted to loft Vettori over the top, only to mistime and sky the ball, but sub fielder Michael Mason spilled what should have been a comfortable catch.
One criticism generally levelled at Kallis is his inability to dominate attacks, to continue in his own bubble with seemingly little awareness of what his team requires. It is, one has to say, rather harsh criticism, and today he he was aggressive and never let the Kiwi attack settle, flaying anything short in length without neglecting his sumptuous drives. He raced from 100 to 150 off only 51 balls, Amla was the first to reach his century yet was only on 108 when Kallis was taking the plaudits for his 150.
The elusive double century seemed inevitable, and there was perhaps no-one more surprised than Jacob Oram when he induced a feathered edge from Kallis through to Brendon McCullum. His 186 had come off 262 balls (a strike rate of 70.99) including 25 fours and three sixes.
Amla continued in partnership with Ashwell Prince, but they never seemed in any kind of hurry, and why would they with over two days cricket still to play. They had put on 72 off 28.2 overs when Smith called them in.
Hashim Amla had reached his highest Test score when he passed his previous best of 149 against New Zealand last year, and today he looked solid. His technique at times a little unorthodox but definitely an improvement from when he first arrived on the international stage. If the Kiwi bowlers did not know before, they will be only too aware now that you cannot afford to stray onto his pads or even onto middle stump as his ability to flick the ball either fine or through straight mid-wicket is of the highest quality.
New Zealand had 17 overs to see out, and Dale Steyn, visibly buoyed from his five wicket haul in the first innings, came charging in with good direction and excellent pace. He accounted for Cumming in the fifth over, edging to the safe hands of skipper Smith.
The new ball was aiding exaggerated variations in bounce with a number of cracks widening and making batting conditions much trickier, as the pitch continued to dry out.
When Smith brought Andre Nel, he could not have hoped for a better outcome, as the big South African removed Fleming and Ross Taylor in his first over, which was in truth a bit of a mixed bag.
Nel had gone wicketless in the first innings and was not to be denied here, first slanting one across Fleming who offered a slightly open faced defence and edged for Smith to take a fine catch down low to his left. A bit of extra bounce was too much for Taylor producing another edge, this time to Kallis, the man can do no wrong at the moment, who took a comfortable catch.
McCullum and Styris ensured no further damage was done, but New Zealand need something near a miracle to save this game. The pitch only seems to be getting worse and the visitors will do well to last till tea on day four.
South Africa 226 Herschelle Gibbs 63, Mark Boucher 43, Shane Bond 4-73
New Zealand 118 Stephen Fleming 40, Dale Steyn 5-34, Makhaya Ntini 3-47
South Africa 422-3 dec Jacques Kallis 186, Hashim Amla 176*
New Zealand 57-3 Andre Nel 2-19
New Zealand trail by 473 runs
(Cricket Web, 10/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4714
Can Australia's dominance continue
Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting are three Australian captains that have led their respective sides to unprecedented success, and together have made Australia into a nation that has dominated cricket since around 1995.
With the recent retirements of legendary leg spinner Shane Warne, one of the greatest seam bowlers of all time in Glenn Mcgrath, the gritty yet highly effective opener Justin Langer, and the elegant strokeplayer that is Damien Martyn, the burning question now is, can Australia's superiority, in both forms of the game, continue ?
Another point of interest one must consider when assessing what is in store for this undoubtedly talented group of players, is what bearing will the resignation of coach John Buchanan have ? Buchanan signed off in emphatic style, ensuring his squad was widely recognised as the world's best. In case anyone was unsure, Australia won the ICC Champions Trophy, followed by the whitewash of England in the Ashes, and topped it off with a World Cup victory, all in the space of six months.
The new man with the task of continuing the excellent work is the former Head Coach at the Centre of Excellence, Tim Nielsen. To the outside cricket world it resembles a low profile appointment, but as is the case with Australia, they like to promote from within, and Nielsen had previously worked with Buchanan, who he sees as a mentor, in the national set up for three years.
There is no doubt Australia currently stand alone in the ICC rankings, especially in the Test match format, where barring the odd irrevocable blip, have produced cricket consistently of the highest standard for a number of years. In the one-day game, Australia have dropped off top spot only briefly when South Africa overhauled them in March 2007. It was the first time since the rankings began back in October 2002, that Australia had been off top place. Good sides recover from indiscretions, and this side in the past has not only recovered, but exacted the most severe brand of revenge. Ask England.
The one-day side is not expected to suffer from too much disruption. Warne and Langer were not recent members of the limited overs side, and the loss of Mcgrath simply offers a chance to an exciting youngster, and prepare them for the rigours of international cricket, and lead them inevitably on the right road to Test cricket.
They have a tough and hectic schedule ahead of them, and Nielsen along with his selection committee of Andrew Hilditch, David Boon, Merv Hughes and Jamie Cox, will be keen to find the appropriate replacements for the retired quartet, and potential imminent departures in Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist will add further food for thought.
In 1984, Australia suffered a similar triple blow when Dennis Lillee, Greg Chappell, and Rod Marsh all retired at the conclusion of a Sydney Test against Pakistan, where Lillee had taken eight wickets, Chappell had scored 182 runs and Marsh had sneered six victims. This, combined with the loss a year later of Graham Yallop, Kim Hughes, Terry Alderman , Rodney Hogg and Kepler Wessels to a rebel South African tour, resulted in Australia slipping from one of the world's finest outfits to a side that won only one of its next 11 series (a series constituting three Tests or more).
The Australians have had an uncanny knack of producing players that immediately take to international cricket. Some of the most recent debutants in Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge, and Stuart Clark, have all had a good grounding in the highly competitive state cricket, and have stepped up to the next level with a near seamless transition. Australia's trend of introducing seasoned campaigners has been fruitful, and even their inclusion of a number of young players has added a vibrancy to the side and the neceesity of a fight for places. There is no better situation to introduce youth, than into a side with a positive atmosphere, a winning feeling, and naturally, a side bursting at the seams with such highly skilled performers while offering the inexperienced players a relaxed environment to gain the experience to grow into high quality players (eg. Michael Clarke).
With the calibre of options available in the opening batsman department, it is almost expected that Phil Jaques adjusts to Test cricket immediately and nullifies the absence of Langer. Jaques' form since Langer announced his retirement has been in tune with his previous six and half years in first-class cricket, where he has amassed an incredible 10,491 runs at 56.10. He has two Tests to his name so far, but if he attains the consistency he has found in first-class cricket, you can be sure he will be eyeing a much longer stay in Australia's team this time around.
If Jaques fails to come to terms with the demands of Test cricket, you can be sure there will be batsmen knocking rather loudly on the door. Western Australia's gritty left-hander Chris Rogers appeared as Jaques' closest rival for the coveted spot. Last season he was awarded the State Player of the Year and Pura Cup Player of the Series for his return of 1202 runs at an average of 70.70. Fringe players like Brad Hodge and Shane Watson hopefully threw their name into the vacant position, but to overlook two natural openers that between them have made in excess of 18,000 first-class runs would surely be beyond unthinkable.
Clark's timely arrival on the Test scene has eased fears following the departure of Glenn McGrath. Both are bowlers whose main strength is to keep complete control of where they want the cricket ball to land, to maintain patience, create pressure, and force batsmen into something they are not entirely comfortable with. It sounds such a simple mantra, but there are very few bowlers capable of doing it.
The pace bowling department, in general, appears to be in a healthy state. If it is taken for granted that Brett Lee and Clark will be constant fixtures in the Test side, then Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait all bring alternative strengths to the side. If more pace is required, then Tait and Johnson will await the call, if it is swing, then Bracken will not be too far off a call, or someone to hit the deck hard and attain some away movement, then Tasmania's Hilfenhaus is perfectly placed.
A man like Shane Warne is wholly irreplaceable, and Australia will more than likely look to the man that has been deprived of so many internationals because of him, in Stuart Macgill, but at 36 he will only be a short term option. His Test record is impressive, in his 40 Tests to date he has claimed just under 200 victims at an outstanding average of 27.20 (his statistics against Bangladesh and in the farcical Test against the ICC World XI do flatter his figures a touch, yet he still averages 30.67 against all other nations). The fact remains, that if he was born in any other Test playing nation, that number of Test matches and dismissals would have been appreciably higher.
Pushing him for the spinners berth will be a duo that both represent South Australia, and the wily so-called one-day specialist Brad Hogg. All are currently in possession of Australian contracts. Dan Cullen is an off spinner, while his team-mate Cullen Bailey is of the Warne and Macgill school. The qualities of Brad Hogg are well documented, however, his ability to be equally as effective in the longer form of the game remains a matter of opinion.
Hogg has appeared in four Test matches, and has yet to make a vital contribution that would assure him as a front-running contender. He may be seen as a safe option with his knowledge of the game and his experience, and he has demonstrated his ability to bamboozle even the finest players of spin with his left-arm chinamen in the 50 over format. Doubts do remain over his wicket-taking potential in five-day cricket (exemplified by his mediocre figures in first-class cricket), and because of that Hogg may have to remain content with his selection in the one-day side.
Dan Cullen has already made his Test debut, when Australia travelled to Chittagong to play a series against Bangladesh, the game which has become famous for Jason Gillespie's double century. That was back in April 2006, and it was very much a spin strong side, as both Shane Warne and Stuart Macgill were present in the side. He has recently slipped out of immediate contention, due to a drop in form and his continual battle for a place in South Australia's Pura Cup side with Bailey. Cullen gets plenty of revolutions on the ball, and if the track suits, can acquire an excessive degree of spin, which along with his doosra, makes him a dangerous bowler if batsmen are looking to advance down the wicket.
The worry with Bailey is that he has only 18 first-class games to his name, and possible early promotion to the Australian side may result in a complete loss of confidence if he is not ready to make that step up. More suited to the longer version of the game, Bailey's potential is not in doubt, his readiness for Test cricket most certainly is.
It is moderately safe to suggest this will not be a repeat of the 1984 situation, with the quality of players to come into the side at a much more advanced stage in skill and high class exposure, instilling confidence to believe that they should manage to keep the winning momentum and mentality going.
It is impossible for Australia not to be weakened by this transition, and they will surely edge closer back to the chasing pack, but I doubt there is another nation out there with the consistency and ability to overhaul Australia just yet.
There are three teams from the sub-continent that all contain world class operators, but the days where they exemplify such excellence, are invariably followed by equally apportioned disappointments, especially when they are playing away from Asia.
England have suffered numerous injuries since the Ashes victory in 2005. Andrew Flintoff, Simon Jones, Marcus Trescothick, Steve Harmison, Ashley Giles, Michael Vaughan, and even Matthew Hoggard, have all been missing from series', which has admittedly offered vacancies for potentially top drawer youngsters, but has hindered immediate results with their absence. Confidence and a winning habit has visibly disappeared for now, and they find themselves some way off the level of Australia.
South Africa are a difficult proposition at home, and have only ever been beaten by England and Australia in all the series that have taken place there. Their main weakness recently has been in the spin department, and while numerous have been tried, none have gone on to be consistent match-winners. The latest man to be given his chance is Paul Harris, and he helped spin his side to a series win in Pakistan in October 2007. The signs are good for Harris, he is a tall left arm orthodox spinner, who seems equally competent of bowling from round or over the wicket without disrupting his rhythm. However, South Africa have had many false dawns in the past with spin bowlers, and will be only too aware not to pin a nations hopes on Harris.
With no side apparently equipped to wrestle the baton from Australia, the Antipodean show simply has to carry on, for now. They may be weakened, but like wounded animals, that makes Australia a very dangerous opponent.
(Cricket Web, 07/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4698
With the recent retirements of legendary leg spinner Shane Warne, one of the greatest seam bowlers of all time in Glenn Mcgrath, the gritty yet highly effective opener Justin Langer, and the elegant strokeplayer that is Damien Martyn, the burning question now is, can Australia's superiority, in both forms of the game, continue ?
Another point of interest one must consider when assessing what is in store for this undoubtedly talented group of players, is what bearing will the resignation of coach John Buchanan have ? Buchanan signed off in emphatic style, ensuring his squad was widely recognised as the world's best. In case anyone was unsure, Australia won the ICC Champions Trophy, followed by the whitewash of England in the Ashes, and topped it off with a World Cup victory, all in the space of six months.
The new man with the task of continuing the excellent work is the former Head Coach at the Centre of Excellence, Tim Nielsen. To the outside cricket world it resembles a low profile appointment, but as is the case with Australia, they like to promote from within, and Nielsen had previously worked with Buchanan, who he sees as a mentor, in the national set up for three years.
There is no doubt Australia currently stand alone in the ICC rankings, especially in the Test match format, where barring the odd irrevocable blip, have produced cricket consistently of the highest standard for a number of years. In the one-day game, Australia have dropped off top spot only briefly when South Africa overhauled them in March 2007. It was the first time since the rankings began back in October 2002, that Australia had been off top place. Good sides recover from indiscretions, and this side in the past has not only recovered, but exacted the most severe brand of revenge. Ask England.
The one-day side is not expected to suffer from too much disruption. Warne and Langer were not recent members of the limited overs side, and the loss of Mcgrath simply offers a chance to an exciting youngster, and prepare them for the rigours of international cricket, and lead them inevitably on the right road to Test cricket.
They have a tough and hectic schedule ahead of them, and Nielsen along with his selection committee of Andrew Hilditch, David Boon, Merv Hughes and Jamie Cox, will be keen to find the appropriate replacements for the retired quartet, and potential imminent departures in Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist will add further food for thought.
In 1984, Australia suffered a similar triple blow when Dennis Lillee, Greg Chappell, and Rod Marsh all retired at the conclusion of a Sydney Test against Pakistan, where Lillee had taken eight wickets, Chappell had scored 182 runs and Marsh had sneered six victims. This, combined with the loss a year later of Graham Yallop, Kim Hughes, Terry Alderman , Rodney Hogg and Kepler Wessels to a rebel South African tour, resulted in Australia slipping from one of the world's finest outfits to a side that won only one of its next 11 series (a series constituting three Tests or more).
The Australians have had an uncanny knack of producing players that immediately take to international cricket. Some of the most recent debutants in Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge, and Stuart Clark, have all had a good grounding in the highly competitive state cricket, and have stepped up to the next level with a near seamless transition. Australia's trend of introducing seasoned campaigners has been fruitful, and even their inclusion of a number of young players has added a vibrancy to the side and the neceesity of a fight for places. There is no better situation to introduce youth, than into a side with a positive atmosphere, a winning feeling, and naturally, a side bursting at the seams with such highly skilled performers while offering the inexperienced players a relaxed environment to gain the experience to grow into high quality players (eg. Michael Clarke).
With the calibre of options available in the opening batsman department, it is almost expected that Phil Jaques adjusts to Test cricket immediately and nullifies the absence of Langer. Jaques' form since Langer announced his retirement has been in tune with his previous six and half years in first-class cricket, where he has amassed an incredible 10,491 runs at 56.10. He has two Tests to his name so far, but if he attains the consistency he has found in first-class cricket, you can be sure he will be eyeing a much longer stay in Australia's team this time around.
If Jaques fails to come to terms with the demands of Test cricket, you can be sure there will be batsmen knocking rather loudly on the door. Western Australia's gritty left-hander Chris Rogers appeared as Jaques' closest rival for the coveted spot. Last season he was awarded the State Player of the Year and Pura Cup Player of the Series for his return of 1202 runs at an average of 70.70. Fringe players like Brad Hodge and Shane Watson hopefully threw their name into the vacant position, but to overlook two natural openers that between them have made in excess of 18,000 first-class runs would surely be beyond unthinkable.
Clark's timely arrival on the Test scene has eased fears following the departure of Glenn McGrath. Both are bowlers whose main strength is to keep complete control of where they want the cricket ball to land, to maintain patience, create pressure, and force batsmen into something they are not entirely comfortable with. It sounds such a simple mantra, but there are very few bowlers capable of doing it.
The pace bowling department, in general, appears to be in a healthy state. If it is taken for granted that Brett Lee and Clark will be constant fixtures in the Test side, then Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait all bring alternative strengths to the side. If more pace is required, then Tait and Johnson will await the call, if it is swing, then Bracken will not be too far off a call, or someone to hit the deck hard and attain some away movement, then Tasmania's Hilfenhaus is perfectly placed.
A man like Shane Warne is wholly irreplaceable, and Australia will more than likely look to the man that has been deprived of so many internationals because of him, in Stuart Macgill, but at 36 he will only be a short term option. His Test record is impressive, in his 40 Tests to date he has claimed just under 200 victims at an outstanding average of 27.20 (his statistics against Bangladesh and in the farcical Test against the ICC World XI do flatter his figures a touch, yet he still averages 30.67 against all other nations). The fact remains, that if he was born in any other Test playing nation, that number of Test matches and dismissals would have been appreciably higher.
Pushing him for the spinners berth will be a duo that both represent South Australia, and the wily so-called one-day specialist Brad Hogg. All are currently in possession of Australian contracts. Dan Cullen is an off spinner, while his team-mate Cullen Bailey is of the Warne and Macgill school. The qualities of Brad Hogg are well documented, however, his ability to be equally as effective in the longer form of the game remains a matter of opinion.
Hogg has appeared in four Test matches, and has yet to make a vital contribution that would assure him as a front-running contender. He may be seen as a safe option with his knowledge of the game and his experience, and he has demonstrated his ability to bamboozle even the finest players of spin with his left-arm chinamen in the 50 over format. Doubts do remain over his wicket-taking potential in five-day cricket (exemplified by his mediocre figures in first-class cricket), and because of that Hogg may have to remain content with his selection in the one-day side.
Dan Cullen has already made his Test debut, when Australia travelled to Chittagong to play a series against Bangladesh, the game which has become famous for Jason Gillespie's double century. That was back in April 2006, and it was very much a spin strong side, as both Shane Warne and Stuart Macgill were present in the side. He has recently slipped out of immediate contention, due to a drop in form and his continual battle for a place in South Australia's Pura Cup side with Bailey. Cullen gets plenty of revolutions on the ball, and if the track suits, can acquire an excessive degree of spin, which along with his doosra, makes him a dangerous bowler if batsmen are looking to advance down the wicket.
The worry with Bailey is that he has only 18 first-class games to his name, and possible early promotion to the Australian side may result in a complete loss of confidence if he is not ready to make that step up. More suited to the longer version of the game, Bailey's potential is not in doubt, his readiness for Test cricket most certainly is.
It is moderately safe to suggest this will not be a repeat of the 1984 situation, with the quality of players to come into the side at a much more advanced stage in skill and high class exposure, instilling confidence to believe that they should manage to keep the winning momentum and mentality going.
It is impossible for Australia not to be weakened by this transition, and they will surely edge closer back to the chasing pack, but I doubt there is another nation out there with the consistency and ability to overhaul Australia just yet.
There are three teams from the sub-continent that all contain world class operators, but the days where they exemplify such excellence, are invariably followed by equally apportioned disappointments, especially when they are playing away from Asia.
England have suffered numerous injuries since the Ashes victory in 2005. Andrew Flintoff, Simon Jones, Marcus Trescothick, Steve Harmison, Ashley Giles, Michael Vaughan, and even Matthew Hoggard, have all been missing from series', which has admittedly offered vacancies for potentially top drawer youngsters, but has hindered immediate results with their absence. Confidence and a winning habit has visibly disappeared for now, and they find themselves some way off the level of Australia.
South Africa are a difficult proposition at home, and have only ever been beaten by England and Australia in all the series that have taken place there. Their main weakness recently has been in the spin department, and while numerous have been tried, none have gone on to be consistent match-winners. The latest man to be given his chance is Paul Harris, and he helped spin his side to a series win in Pakistan in October 2007. The signs are good for Harris, he is a tall left arm orthodox spinner, who seems equally competent of bowling from round or over the wicket without disrupting his rhythm. However, South Africa have had many false dawns in the past with spin bowlers, and will be only too aware not to pin a nations hopes on Harris.
With no side apparently equipped to wrestle the baton from Australia, the Antipodean show simply has to carry on, for now. They may be weakened, but like wounded animals, that makes Australia a very dangerous opponent.
(Cricket Web, 07/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4698
NZ lose by 85 runs in Tour game
It was not the ideal start for New Zealand in their tour of South Africa with defeat by 85 runs to the home sides 'A' team. It was far from perfect preparation for John Bracewell and his squad ahead of the opening Test against the full national side which gets underway on November 8.
If New Zealand were to gain an unlikely victory on the final day of this intriguing tour match, then much would depend on the overnight partnership of Ross Taylor (who begun the day on 79*) and Daniel Vettori.
When Taylor fell in the fifth over of the day, after adding only seven runs to his score, the writing was well and truly on the wall. Boeta Dippenaar took a sharp catch in gully off the bowling of Friedel de Wet to send the Kiwi dangerman back to the pavillion much earlier than New Zealand would have hoped.
Shane Bond displayed some stubborn resistance in an attempt to forge a partnership with his skipper Vettori to take the visitors much closer to their set target.
However, it was a lot to ask of Vettori, despite his recent good form with the bat (already he has made scores of 99 and 83 in this tour), and when Bond and Iain O'Brien both fell for six, New Zealand were on the brink of a confidence sapping defeat.
It was the occasional slow left-arm of Indian-born Gulam Bodi that ended Vettori's resistance when he bowled the spinner for 30.
New Zealand must improve in the batting department before they take on a South African team that is brimming with confidence gained through an impressive series victory in Pakistan.
South Africa 443 & 106
New Zealand 192 & 272 Ross Taylor 86, Brendon McCullum 77, Freidel de Wet 3-76, Lonwabo Tsotsobe 3-53
South Africa won by 85 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match : N.McKenzie (182 & 34)
(Cricket Web, 04/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=1&NewsIDAuto=4691&ImageURL=newsimages/newzealand_illustration20061229214422.jpg
If New Zealand were to gain an unlikely victory on the final day of this intriguing tour match, then much would depend on the overnight partnership of Ross Taylor (who begun the day on 79*) and Daniel Vettori.
When Taylor fell in the fifth over of the day, after adding only seven runs to his score, the writing was well and truly on the wall. Boeta Dippenaar took a sharp catch in gully off the bowling of Friedel de Wet to send the Kiwi dangerman back to the pavillion much earlier than New Zealand would have hoped.
Shane Bond displayed some stubborn resistance in an attempt to forge a partnership with his skipper Vettori to take the visitors much closer to their set target.
However, it was a lot to ask of Vettori, despite his recent good form with the bat (already he has made scores of 99 and 83 in this tour), and when Bond and Iain O'Brien both fell for six, New Zealand were on the brink of a confidence sapping defeat.
It was the occasional slow left-arm of Indian-born Gulam Bodi that ended Vettori's resistance when he bowled the spinner for 30.
New Zealand must improve in the batting department before they take on a South African team that is brimming with confidence gained through an impressive series victory in Pakistan.
South Africa 443 & 106
New Zealand 192 & 272 Ross Taylor 86, Brendon McCullum 77, Freidel de Wet 3-76, Lonwabo Tsotsobe 3-53
South Africa won by 85 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match : N.McKenzie (182 & 34)
(Cricket Web, 04/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=1&NewsIDAuto=4691&ImageURL=newsimages/newzealand_illustration20061229214422.jpg
Pollock inspires SA to victory
South Africa levelled the ODI series with a convincing seven wicket win over Pakistan to make it 2-2 with a single game at Lahore to come.
The hard work was achieved in the first half by South Africa, when Shoaib Malik won the toss and elected to set the total as averse to chasing it, the hosts were impressively restricted to 230-9 thanks to a discplined Proteas attack.
Captain Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock came together at the fall of the first wicket and put on 159 to make light work of Paksitan's below par total.
Mohammad Asif appeared in this one-day series for the first time, having recovered from his elbow problem and took the place of Sohail Tanvir. For South Africa, Andre Nel replaced Charl Langeveldt, and vice-captain Justin Kemp lost his place to JP Duminy.
The track was predicted to favour batsmen over bowlers, but you would not have guessed when Pakistan quickly fell to 38-3. The experiment of Shahid Afridi as opener, that was successful to a degree in Faislabad, failed here in Multan, as Makhaya Ntini induced a typically aggressive mis-timed pull from Afridi to mid-on. Pollock accounted for Yasir Hameed, thanks to an outstanding diving effort from Herschelle Gibbs, while Mohammad Yousuf's impressive run of scores, 53, 117, 58*, came to an end when he turned blindly for an optimistic two that saw him short of his ground.
The South African opening attack of Ntini and Pollock were economical throughout, with the recalled Nel adding trademark fire and accuracy to the bowling options.
A partnership between Younis Khan and the consistent skipper Shoaib Malik, took Pakistan from their precarious situation to a much brighter 129-3, before Malik fell to a cleverly disguised slower ball from Jacques Kallis.
Younis batted sensibly and his exquisite placement was the key to his 82. On the odd occasion he went for the big hit, he succeeded by striking Pollock and Johan Botha for maximums over long-on, before he was dismissed in the 38th over.
A vital partnership of 60 off just over 10 overs between Kamran Akmal and Abdur Rehman enabled Pakistan to have a total on the board that they had the potential of defending.
If the home side were in any doubt how South Africa would go about their chase, then the opening 10 overs revealed everything. Smith and Gibbs had blasted their side to 65-0, and given them the kind of platform successful chases are built on.
Shahid Afridi has been Pakistan's pick of the bowlers in this series, and he did not disappoint his followers when he trapped Gibbs lbw with his first ball. The fact that umpire Billy Bowden may have misjudged the direction the ball was travelling in, was of no relevance to the buoyant Pakistan supporters, who thought their side may have shown early signs of fighting their way back into the contest.
Pinch hitting was deemed a thing of the past, but South Africa re-introduced the tactic with Pollock coming in at three. His positive strokeplay aligned with his ability to play spin well was the thought process behind his promotion.
His performance may have been beyond the management's wildest dreams as he took the attack to Pakistan, and with the solid and defiant Smith at the other end, the game was only going one way.
Iftikhar Anjum removed both the South Africans, but the damage had already well and truly been done, Pollock made 90 off 84 balls, with Smith a little more circumspect in his no-less important 81. Jacques Kallis was left with the simple task of flicking the ball square on the leg side to complete the victory.
Pakistan 230-9 (50 overs) Younis Khan 82, Shoaib Malik 45, Abdur Rehman 31 Johna Botha 2-41, Andre Nel 2-44
South Africa 233-3 (37.4 overs) Shaun Pollock 90, Graeme Smith 81, Herschelle Gibbs 39 Iftikhar Anjum 2-27
South Africa won by 7 wickets
(Cricket Web, 26/10/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4673
The hard work was achieved in the first half by South Africa, when Shoaib Malik won the toss and elected to set the total as averse to chasing it, the hosts were impressively restricted to 230-9 thanks to a discplined Proteas attack.
Captain Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock came together at the fall of the first wicket and put on 159 to make light work of Paksitan's below par total.
Mohammad Asif appeared in this one-day series for the first time, having recovered from his elbow problem and took the place of Sohail Tanvir. For South Africa, Andre Nel replaced Charl Langeveldt, and vice-captain Justin Kemp lost his place to JP Duminy.
The track was predicted to favour batsmen over bowlers, but you would not have guessed when Pakistan quickly fell to 38-3. The experiment of Shahid Afridi as opener, that was successful to a degree in Faislabad, failed here in Multan, as Makhaya Ntini induced a typically aggressive mis-timed pull from Afridi to mid-on. Pollock accounted for Yasir Hameed, thanks to an outstanding diving effort from Herschelle Gibbs, while Mohammad Yousuf's impressive run of scores, 53, 117, 58*, came to an end when he turned blindly for an optimistic two that saw him short of his ground.
The South African opening attack of Ntini and Pollock were economical throughout, with the recalled Nel adding trademark fire and accuracy to the bowling options.
A partnership between Younis Khan and the consistent skipper Shoaib Malik, took Pakistan from their precarious situation to a much brighter 129-3, before Malik fell to a cleverly disguised slower ball from Jacques Kallis.
Younis batted sensibly and his exquisite placement was the key to his 82. On the odd occasion he went for the big hit, he succeeded by striking Pollock and Johan Botha for maximums over long-on, before he was dismissed in the 38th over.
A vital partnership of 60 off just over 10 overs between Kamran Akmal and Abdur Rehman enabled Pakistan to have a total on the board that they had the potential of defending.
If the home side were in any doubt how South Africa would go about their chase, then the opening 10 overs revealed everything. Smith and Gibbs had blasted their side to 65-0, and given them the kind of platform successful chases are built on.
Shahid Afridi has been Pakistan's pick of the bowlers in this series, and he did not disappoint his followers when he trapped Gibbs lbw with his first ball. The fact that umpire Billy Bowden may have misjudged the direction the ball was travelling in, was of no relevance to the buoyant Pakistan supporters, who thought their side may have shown early signs of fighting their way back into the contest.
Pinch hitting was deemed a thing of the past, but South Africa re-introduced the tactic with Pollock coming in at three. His positive strokeplay aligned with his ability to play spin well was the thought process behind his promotion.
His performance may have been beyond the management's wildest dreams as he took the attack to Pakistan, and with the solid and defiant Smith at the other end, the game was only going one way.
Iftikhar Anjum removed both the South Africans, but the damage had already well and truly been done, Pollock made 90 off 84 balls, with Smith a little more circumspect in his no-less important 81. Jacques Kallis was left with the simple task of flicking the ball square on the leg side to complete the victory.
Pakistan 230-9 (50 overs) Younis Khan 82, Shoaib Malik 45, Abdur Rehman 31 Johna Botha 2-41, Andre Nel 2-44
South Africa 233-3 (37.4 overs) Shaun Pollock 90, Graeme Smith 81, Herschelle Gibbs 39 Iftikhar Anjum 2-27
South Africa won by 7 wickets
(Cricket Web, 26/10/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4673
Will 'Roy' and Yuvraj crack the top level?
Upon the completion of the third ODI between India and Australia, I marvelled at the undoubted talents of Andrew Symonds and Yuvraj Singh, who each played innings with an effective blend of attractive drives and deft deflections, however I contemplated why neither of these two wonderful ODI players are not automatic selections in the longer form of the game.
Five day cricket is of course, a whole new ball game, but the way these players destroy international attacks, including bowlers of the highest quality, cannot help but leave you feeling short changed when they are unable to transfer their destructiveness onto Test level.
Naturally it is not expected of either of these entertainers, to play in the extravagant manner that they demonstrate in ODI's, and certain refinements in their mental approach as well as an element of patience is an absolute must for them to gain consistent Test selection.
So let us take a look at Andrew Symonds. This Queenslander could quite conceivably look at home in Australia's Rugby side, such is his physique. He must have been one of those rather pleased with the Aussies new tight fitting clothing, and he uses his power to his benefit. He muscles balls over the boundary, when his timing is lacking, his strength is always there, similar in comparisons to fellow Queenslander Matthew Hayden.
Symonds was only considered a ODI regular, following his timely 143* against Pakistan in the World Cup 2003. Up until that point, he had struggled to come to terms with cricket at the top level and influence matches in the way he is now capable of. These days the Australia side is considerably weakened if his dreadlocked appearance is absent from the starting line-up. This is not the case in Test cricket, where his brief appearances have sparked of a player unsure whether to stick or twist. His natural instinct is to attack, and within the Test environment, he attempts to curb his impulse, and the end result is a confused and frustrated batsman.
Shot selection and patience are two things that land constantly at Symonds door. His belief that he belongs in the one-day game, enable him to remain calm and carefree at the crease, so too does his knowledge in how to build an innings in the pressure of a one-day game, which he has learnt with experience. His mind that clouds his Test innings is clear when playing in pyjama cricket, as his masterful displays build to a crowd pulling crescendo.
His laidback and attacking endeavour need to accompany him when he dons the baggy green. Perhaps, such is his determination to succeed in the proving ground of Test cricket, he becomes nervous and approaches his game with a mindset and technique of alien concepts. Keeping it simple is Symonds mantra, and while he may need to rein in his big hitting in his whites to a degree, his positivity is what got him where he is today.
His Test average currently stands at a below average 27.26, after 13 matches. At 32, it may be now or never for Symonds, with Shane Watson, who he tends to be in direct confrontation with for the number six spot, picking up further injuries, and Symonds last two innings for Australia in Test cricket being 156 and 48, it may just prive to be the catalyst he needs to enjoy similar success in this format.
Yuvraj Singh is unfortunate to have three legends of Indian cricket currently ahead of him in the Test line up. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly possess a place ahead of Yuvraj, as does VVS Laxman, who may be the man under the greatest threat following Yuvraj's ODI performances that can not go unnoticed in selection, despite one-dayers being a wholly different entity.
If Symonds game is based on power, Yuvraj hones in on exquisite timing. His expansive flourish as he drives the ball through the cover region is a joy to behold, unless of course you're the bowler. Yuvraj strikes a long ball, but does it with style, and you cannot help but be astounded by the ease in which he sends the ball out of the stadium.
His technique appears to be one that should come through the examination of Test cricket, if you were being hyper-critical, you may point to the fact he tends to go hard at the ball at times, which may cause him one or two problems, but a player as talented as Yuvraj could easily counter such a slight discrepancy.
Had Sourav Ganguly not fallen out of favour during Greg Chappell's tenure as Indian coach, then Yuvraj may well have represented his country less than the 19 Test matches he has appeared in so far.
His two Test centuries have both been in Pakistan, and in losing causes. His maiden century came as early as his third Test, and when he came to the wicket, his side were in trouble at 94-4. He was the last man out, and had helped India to reach respectability with the score on 289, he had made 112 off 129 deliveries. A cool temperament in high pressure situations is priceless, and this gifted batsman from Chandigarh appears to tick the relevant box.
When given the opportunity to establish a permanent position in the Indian middle order, Yuvraj, however, has not yet fully accepted the offer. His poor form on the West Indies tour in 2006, where he scored 104 runs in seven innings at an average of 17.33, was enough for him to lose his place, a position he is yet to win back.
He has shaken off the tags that accused him of lacking commitment, and is now a determined young man, that has served up his ODI performances as a hors d'oeuvre, and now his entertained public are sitting back and awaiting the main course in terms of exhilarating Test performances.
Both Symonds and Yuvraj are outstanding fielders and handy part-time bowlers, further enhancing their options to the Test sides, but it is their batting that is their strength, and the key for such attacking natured players is to remain composed if they are unable to attain a strike rate they are more familiar with. These are two quite brilliant one-day performers, and seem more than capable of illuminating the Test scene with their flashy brand of batting.
(Cricket Web, 10/10/07)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=3&NewsIDAuto=4616
Five day cricket is of course, a whole new ball game, but the way these players destroy international attacks, including bowlers of the highest quality, cannot help but leave you feeling short changed when they are unable to transfer their destructiveness onto Test level.
Naturally it is not expected of either of these entertainers, to play in the extravagant manner that they demonstrate in ODI's, and certain refinements in their mental approach as well as an element of patience is an absolute must for them to gain consistent Test selection.
So let us take a look at Andrew Symonds. This Queenslander could quite conceivably look at home in Australia's Rugby side, such is his physique. He must have been one of those rather pleased with the Aussies new tight fitting clothing, and he uses his power to his benefit. He muscles balls over the boundary, when his timing is lacking, his strength is always there, similar in comparisons to fellow Queenslander Matthew Hayden.
Symonds was only considered a ODI regular, following his timely 143* against Pakistan in the World Cup 2003. Up until that point, he had struggled to come to terms with cricket at the top level and influence matches in the way he is now capable of. These days the Australia side is considerably weakened if his dreadlocked appearance is absent from the starting line-up. This is not the case in Test cricket, where his brief appearances have sparked of a player unsure whether to stick or twist. His natural instinct is to attack, and within the Test environment, he attempts to curb his impulse, and the end result is a confused and frustrated batsman.
Shot selection and patience are two things that land constantly at Symonds door. His belief that he belongs in the one-day game, enable him to remain calm and carefree at the crease, so too does his knowledge in how to build an innings in the pressure of a one-day game, which he has learnt with experience. His mind that clouds his Test innings is clear when playing in pyjama cricket, as his masterful displays build to a crowd pulling crescendo.
His laidback and attacking endeavour need to accompany him when he dons the baggy green. Perhaps, such is his determination to succeed in the proving ground of Test cricket, he becomes nervous and approaches his game with a mindset and technique of alien concepts. Keeping it simple is Symonds mantra, and while he may need to rein in his big hitting in his whites to a degree, his positivity is what got him where he is today.
His Test average currently stands at a below average 27.26, after 13 matches. At 32, it may be now or never for Symonds, with Shane Watson, who he tends to be in direct confrontation with for the number six spot, picking up further injuries, and Symonds last two innings for Australia in Test cricket being 156 and 48, it may just prive to be the catalyst he needs to enjoy similar success in this format.
Yuvraj Singh is unfortunate to have three legends of Indian cricket currently ahead of him in the Test line up. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly possess a place ahead of Yuvraj, as does VVS Laxman, who may be the man under the greatest threat following Yuvraj's ODI performances that can not go unnoticed in selection, despite one-dayers being a wholly different entity.
If Symonds game is based on power, Yuvraj hones in on exquisite timing. His expansive flourish as he drives the ball through the cover region is a joy to behold, unless of course you're the bowler. Yuvraj strikes a long ball, but does it with style, and you cannot help but be astounded by the ease in which he sends the ball out of the stadium.
His technique appears to be one that should come through the examination of Test cricket, if you were being hyper-critical, you may point to the fact he tends to go hard at the ball at times, which may cause him one or two problems, but a player as talented as Yuvraj could easily counter such a slight discrepancy.
Had Sourav Ganguly not fallen out of favour during Greg Chappell's tenure as Indian coach, then Yuvraj may well have represented his country less than the 19 Test matches he has appeared in so far.
His two Test centuries have both been in Pakistan, and in losing causes. His maiden century came as early as his third Test, and when he came to the wicket, his side were in trouble at 94-4. He was the last man out, and had helped India to reach respectability with the score on 289, he had made 112 off 129 deliveries. A cool temperament in high pressure situations is priceless, and this gifted batsman from Chandigarh appears to tick the relevant box.
When given the opportunity to establish a permanent position in the Indian middle order, Yuvraj, however, has not yet fully accepted the offer. His poor form on the West Indies tour in 2006, where he scored 104 runs in seven innings at an average of 17.33, was enough for him to lose his place, a position he is yet to win back.
He has shaken off the tags that accused him of lacking commitment, and is now a determined young man, that has served up his ODI performances as a hors d'oeuvre, and now his entertained public are sitting back and awaiting the main course in terms of exhilarating Test performances.
Both Symonds and Yuvraj are outstanding fielders and handy part-time bowlers, further enhancing their options to the Test sides, but it is their batting that is their strength, and the key for such attacking natured players is to remain composed if they are unable to attain a strike rate they are more familiar with. These are two quite brilliant one-day performers, and seem more than capable of illuminating the Test scene with their flashy brand of batting.
(Cricket Web, 10/10/07)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=3&NewsIDAuto=4616
Friday 5 October 2007
South Africa remain in control
A spirited effort from Pakistan's captain Shoaib Malik and the lower order ensured the home side avoided the follow-on in pursuit of South Africa's 450.
At the start of the third day, Pakistan were ominously positioned at 127-5, but thanks to Shoaib Malik's 73 and helpful contributions from Salman Butt and Danisk Kaneria, they had reduced the first innings deficit to 159, finishing 291 all out. It could have been worse for the Proteas, but for Paul Harris spinning his way to his first five wicket haul in Test cricket.
It was a day that saw Pakistan recover their position in the game to a certain degree, they even picked up the vital wickets of Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs and Hashim Amla in the final session.
More worryingly, however, is the presence of Jacques Kallis, who remains not out, albeit only on 18. The tourists closed on 76-3.
On a deteriorating pitch, Shoaib Malik was only too aware of Pakistan's need to post a decent first innings total, and he led by example today. He combined a tight and solid defence with controlled aggression.
Malik and Abdur Rehamn faced an opening attack consisting of Paul Harris and Andre Nel, probably South Africa's most impressive bowlers today. Harris continued to probe with his excellent line and a good deal of turn, while Nel continued to run hard in an attempt to extract any possibly life out of this track. His wholehearted approach can only be commended and he bowled with typical fire in his belly.
Nel was rewarded in his fourth over of the day as he induced a hesitant push outside off stump from Rehman, that carried through, but only just, to Mark Boucher.
Salman Butt came in number eight, fit enough to bat today following his stomach problems, and played a decent support role with his skipper, and the pair saw Pakistan through to lunch. Malik completing his half century with a driven boundary down to long on off Harris. In the spinners next over, Malik skipped down the track effectively, and struck an elegant six, again over long on, this shot brought up his 1000th Test run.
Butt was removed after the luncheon interval for 24. He missed a delivery from Harris trying to turn the ball to the on side with the spin, the ball striking his back leg in line with the stumps.
Aware that he needed to up the ante, Malik came charging down the pitch to Harris, who fired the ball through a touch quicker, it turned and beat Malik leaving Boucher to complete the job and end a fine skippers knock.
The same combination struck again to remove Umar Gul, in a similar fashion. This wicket gave Boucher the honour of top spot in the most dismissals in Test cricket, hurdling Ian Healy's paltry effort of 395.
Kaneria continued to slash at anything with a hint of width and to good effect, but the innings was brought to a close when Dale Steyn bowled Mohammad Asif. Kaneria stranded on 26 not out.
Smith and Gibbs then got the visitors off to a steady start, they saw off the openers, Gul and Asif, and Rehamn was introduced in the 11th over. He got the breakthrough for his side in his second over, when Smith could only edge an attempted cut shot into the gloves of Kamran Akmal for 25.
This will do the keeper's confidence some good after dropping Kallis relatively early in the first innings. His place appears to be under scrutiny, mainly for his keeping rather than his batting, so an efficient display with the gloves will not do any harm.
He was in the action again overs later with a very smart piece of keeping that saw Amla return to the changing rooms without scoring. Rehamn beat Amla with the turn, and Akmal whipped off the bails with Amla's foot in the air.
Kaneria, obviously feeling left out, got himself a wicket the following over, that of Gibbs. South Africa had slipped from 41-0 to 43-3, when Gibbs was snaffled at silly mid off by Faisal Iqbal.
Kallis and Ashwell Prince ensured no futher damage was done on the South African batting line-up, and played them safely through to the close.
With Andre Nel down as number eight, the hosts will feel a few quick wickets and they may have an end open. In reality South Africa will look to add a further hundred runs which would make certain of a comfortable enough cushion on a track where the indifferent bounce is becoming more and more apparent and problematic to bat on.
South Africa 450 Herschelle Gibbs 54, Hashim Amla 71, Jacques Kallis 155, AB de Villiers 77 Abdur Rehman 4-105
Pakistan 291 Shoaib Malik 73, Kamran Akmal 42 Paul Harris 5-73
South Africa 76-3 Graeme Smith 25 Abdur Rehman 2-25
(Cricket Web, 03/10/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=1&NewsIDAuto=4593
At the start of the third day, Pakistan were ominously positioned at 127-5, but thanks to Shoaib Malik's 73 and helpful contributions from Salman Butt and Danisk Kaneria, they had reduced the first innings deficit to 159, finishing 291 all out. It could have been worse for the Proteas, but for Paul Harris spinning his way to his first five wicket haul in Test cricket.
It was a day that saw Pakistan recover their position in the game to a certain degree, they even picked up the vital wickets of Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs and Hashim Amla in the final session.
More worryingly, however, is the presence of Jacques Kallis, who remains not out, albeit only on 18. The tourists closed on 76-3.
On a deteriorating pitch, Shoaib Malik was only too aware of Pakistan's need to post a decent first innings total, and he led by example today. He combined a tight and solid defence with controlled aggression.
Malik and Abdur Rehamn faced an opening attack consisting of Paul Harris and Andre Nel, probably South Africa's most impressive bowlers today. Harris continued to probe with his excellent line and a good deal of turn, while Nel continued to run hard in an attempt to extract any possibly life out of this track. His wholehearted approach can only be commended and he bowled with typical fire in his belly.
Nel was rewarded in his fourth over of the day as he induced a hesitant push outside off stump from Rehman, that carried through, but only just, to Mark Boucher.
Salman Butt came in number eight, fit enough to bat today following his stomach problems, and played a decent support role with his skipper, and the pair saw Pakistan through to lunch. Malik completing his half century with a driven boundary down to long on off Harris. In the spinners next over, Malik skipped down the track effectively, and struck an elegant six, again over long on, this shot brought up his 1000th Test run.
Butt was removed after the luncheon interval for 24. He missed a delivery from Harris trying to turn the ball to the on side with the spin, the ball striking his back leg in line with the stumps.
Aware that he needed to up the ante, Malik came charging down the pitch to Harris, who fired the ball through a touch quicker, it turned and beat Malik leaving Boucher to complete the job and end a fine skippers knock.
The same combination struck again to remove Umar Gul, in a similar fashion. This wicket gave Boucher the honour of top spot in the most dismissals in Test cricket, hurdling Ian Healy's paltry effort of 395.
Kaneria continued to slash at anything with a hint of width and to good effect, but the innings was brought to a close when Dale Steyn bowled Mohammad Asif. Kaneria stranded on 26 not out.
Smith and Gibbs then got the visitors off to a steady start, they saw off the openers, Gul and Asif, and Rehamn was introduced in the 11th over. He got the breakthrough for his side in his second over, when Smith could only edge an attempted cut shot into the gloves of Kamran Akmal for 25.
This will do the keeper's confidence some good after dropping Kallis relatively early in the first innings. His place appears to be under scrutiny, mainly for his keeping rather than his batting, so an efficient display with the gloves will not do any harm.
He was in the action again overs later with a very smart piece of keeping that saw Amla return to the changing rooms without scoring. Rehamn beat Amla with the turn, and Akmal whipped off the bails with Amla's foot in the air.
Kaneria, obviously feeling left out, got himself a wicket the following over, that of Gibbs. South Africa had slipped from 41-0 to 43-3, when Gibbs was snaffled at silly mid off by Faisal Iqbal.
Kallis and Ashwell Prince ensured no futher damage was done on the South African batting line-up, and played them safely through to the close.
With Andre Nel down as number eight, the hosts will feel a few quick wickets and they may have an end open. In reality South Africa will look to add a further hundred runs which would make certain of a comfortable enough cushion on a track where the indifferent bounce is becoming more and more apparent and problematic to bat on.
South Africa 450 Herschelle Gibbs 54, Hashim Amla 71, Jacques Kallis 155, AB de Villiers 77 Abdur Rehman 4-105
Pakistan 291 Shoaib Malik 73, Kamran Akmal 42 Paul Harris 5-73
South Africa 76-3 Graeme Smith 25 Abdur Rehman 2-25
(Cricket Web, 03/10/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=1&NewsIDAuto=4593
Pakistan & South Africa prepare for battle
Shoaib Malik embarks on his new career as Pakistan's Test captain on October 1, when the Test series againt South Africa gets underway. His sidekick, Salman Butt, is also new to his role as vice-captain in Test cricket, as will be the coach Geoff Lawson.
While Pakistan have instigated change, so too, it appears, are South Africa after they strongly implied that Shaun Pollock was to be left out of the series opener. Whether that will happen may depend on the result of Morne Morkel's fitness test , and you can be sure he will give his ankle every chance to recovery in time to make his second Test appearance.
It promises to be a gripping contest between two proud nations, who on any given day can produce Test cricket of the highest quality, yet it is the consistency of their cricket that causes reason for consternation. On paper there does not seem to be much between the two sides, and with only two Tests taking place, mistakes will have to be at a premium, as there will be insufficient opportunities to make amends.
The first Test is to be played in the National Stadium, Karachi, while the show then moves on to Lahore and the Gadaffi Stadium. South Africa will then have a one-day warm up game, before five ODI's take place.
South Africa have visited Pakistan for two series in the past. Their first tour, back in 1997, was a successful one with victory in the final Test, of a three match series, in Faislabad. Pakistan were set a seemingly paltry 146 to win the series, but were bowled out for 92, after Paul Adams and Pat Symcox took the new ball. It was the reliable Shaun Pollock, however, that did the main damage taking 5-37, including four of the top five.
The last visit to Pakistan for South Africa was in 2003, when Pakistan reversed the scoreline, winning 1-0, after winning the opening Test in Lahore. This time the home side succeeded in chasing down 161, Danish Kaneria took five second innings wickets to halt South Africa's charge in setting a bigger total. Taufeeq Umar helped the hosts home with 63, following on from his 111 in the first innings.
There is no question that contests between the sides are historically very close affairs, and there is no reason why this series will not be equally as absorbing.
SQUADS FOR THE FIRST TEST
PAKISTAN : Shoaib Malik (c), Salman Butt, Abdur Rehman, Danish Kaneria, Faisal Iqbal, Iftikhar Anjum, Kamran Akmal (wk), Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Yousuf, Taufeeq Umar, Umar Gul, Yasir Hameed, Younis Khan.
SOUTH AFRICA : Graeme Smith (c), Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Dale Steyn.
PREVIEW
The home side may very well opt for two spinners in the opening Test in Karachi, the track looks dry and typical of a sub-continental wicket. So alongside Danish Kaneria is likely to be left arm spinner Abdur Rehman, making his Test debut. He has appeared in five ODI's, and while his off spin is impressive, there are questions as to what variety he has in his armoury.
After the recent confusion regarding Mohammad Yousuf, and his ICL contract, there is no doubt Pakistan will be relieved to have him in their ranks for this series. The middle order has become increasingly important for Pakistan, after the constant changes in search of a successful opening partnership. For the first Test, Mohammad Hafeez, who looked in decent nick in the Twenty20, will be joined by the returning Salman Butt, who played his last Test in England, back in August 2006.
Inzamam-ul-Haq will be missing from the middle order, but replaced by a man that re-invented himself at the Twenty20 tournament, Misbah-ul-Haq. The 33 year-old has not played a Test match for over four years, and the excellent temperament he displayed in South Africa may come in handy in this pressure cooker encounter.
Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif are the likely new ball operators, and quite possibly the only quick bowlers in the side. Gul is continuing to improve, his repertoire in the Twenty20 was impressive, as was his pace. With his extra yard of pace, Gul will no doubt keep the batsmen honest, while Asif will concentrate on bowling in his areas and stifling the batsmen of any free shots. Use of the new ball may be crucial, as there is not expected to be a huge amount of movement after the shine has disappeared. Swing can not be discounted, particularly as Pakistan are the main exponents of reverse swing.
South Africa have endured their own difficulties in identifying the perfect opening batting partnership, and have resorted back to the tried and tested combination of Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs. The two have enjoyed success against Pakistan in the past, in the 2002/03 series in South Africa, they combined for a 368 run stand for the first wicket. In all Test matches, the pair still average a very reasonable 62 for the opening wicket.
Batting is the visitors strength, and with the potential of Andre Nel lining up at number eight, the top seven will need to find form early. Mark Boucher has already registered a century in their only tour game before the series begins. Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis all passed 50, and only Ashwell Prince made single figures in the top seven.
Mickey Arthur and captain Smith seem to be in sync regarding the omission of Pollock. That would have been a certainty had Morkel not injured his ankle, and it may come down to a straight choice between Pollock and the quicker, yet less accurate, Dale Steyn. The South African management have publicly stated their desire to give the younger seam bowlers a chance, and in this case, at the expense of the man that was thought to be indispensable. With home series against New Zealand and West Indies on the horizon, surely then would be the time to blood one or two of the younger generation, rather than the harsh bowling environment of Pakistan.
The tourists lone spinning option, Paul Harris, may have a major say in the outcome of this series. He will look to extract extra bounce with his height and give the ball a fair old rip, but Pakistan are an adept side at playing slow bowling and may look to attack Harris early and not allow him time to settle.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Umar Gul (Pakistan) With the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Sami, and Danish Kaneria around, Umar Gul has always remained relatively in the background when it comes to Pakistan's high profile bowlers. His action is solid, his pace is good and his accuracy has improved, there is no mistaking Umar Gul is becoming a potent threat at international level. He hits the seam and can expect to generate decent bounce with his height, and is still only 24 years old. He has taken 61 wickets in 14 matches at an average of just over 30, and if he continues the way he is heading, that average will come plummeting down in the near future.
Jacques Kallis (South Africa) After relinquishing his responsibilities as vice-captain to Graeme Smith, Kallis will have full focus on his batting, and also his very useful swing bowling. But it his batting that he is famed for, and it will be pivotal to South Africa in getting runs on the board to enable them to exert some pressure on the home side. His consistency is virtually un-rivalled, yet his average against Pakistan (42.82) is well below his overall record (55.09), something he will look to rectify in this series. Patience is required against Kaneria and co. and this man has bags of it, along with the willingness to bat long periods of time, despite the searing heat.
So it is all set for a closely fought and thoroughly intriguing series. Both sides are aware of the need to have wicket taking bowlers to find the necessary 20 wickets on tracks that are difficult to dislodge batsmen when set. Will South Africa's lack of spin options be their shortfall once more, or can Harris rise to the test ?
Pakistan are a notoriously difficult proposition on home turf, and while I anticipate one of the Tests ending in a run glut of a draw, I also foresee the home side winning a Test match by virtue of Kaneria's spin wizardry. Pakistan to edge the series, but only just.
(Cricket Web, 30/09/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4577
While Pakistan have instigated change, so too, it appears, are South Africa after they strongly implied that Shaun Pollock was to be left out of the series opener. Whether that will happen may depend on the result of Morne Morkel's fitness test , and you can be sure he will give his ankle every chance to recovery in time to make his second Test appearance.
It promises to be a gripping contest between two proud nations, who on any given day can produce Test cricket of the highest quality, yet it is the consistency of their cricket that causes reason for consternation. On paper there does not seem to be much between the two sides, and with only two Tests taking place, mistakes will have to be at a premium, as there will be insufficient opportunities to make amends.
The first Test is to be played in the National Stadium, Karachi, while the show then moves on to Lahore and the Gadaffi Stadium. South Africa will then have a one-day warm up game, before five ODI's take place.
South Africa have visited Pakistan for two series in the past. Their first tour, back in 1997, was a successful one with victory in the final Test, of a three match series, in Faislabad. Pakistan were set a seemingly paltry 146 to win the series, but were bowled out for 92, after Paul Adams and Pat Symcox took the new ball. It was the reliable Shaun Pollock, however, that did the main damage taking 5-37, including four of the top five.
The last visit to Pakistan for South Africa was in 2003, when Pakistan reversed the scoreline, winning 1-0, after winning the opening Test in Lahore. This time the home side succeeded in chasing down 161, Danish Kaneria took five second innings wickets to halt South Africa's charge in setting a bigger total. Taufeeq Umar helped the hosts home with 63, following on from his 111 in the first innings.
There is no question that contests between the sides are historically very close affairs, and there is no reason why this series will not be equally as absorbing.
SQUADS FOR THE FIRST TEST
PAKISTAN : Shoaib Malik (c), Salman Butt, Abdur Rehman, Danish Kaneria, Faisal Iqbal, Iftikhar Anjum, Kamran Akmal (wk), Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Yousuf, Taufeeq Umar, Umar Gul, Yasir Hameed, Younis Khan.
SOUTH AFRICA : Graeme Smith (c), Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Dale Steyn.
PREVIEW
The home side may very well opt for two spinners in the opening Test in Karachi, the track looks dry and typical of a sub-continental wicket. So alongside Danish Kaneria is likely to be left arm spinner Abdur Rehman, making his Test debut. He has appeared in five ODI's, and while his off spin is impressive, there are questions as to what variety he has in his armoury.
After the recent confusion regarding Mohammad Yousuf, and his ICL contract, there is no doubt Pakistan will be relieved to have him in their ranks for this series. The middle order has become increasingly important for Pakistan, after the constant changes in search of a successful opening partnership. For the first Test, Mohammad Hafeez, who looked in decent nick in the Twenty20, will be joined by the returning Salman Butt, who played his last Test in England, back in August 2006.
Inzamam-ul-Haq will be missing from the middle order, but replaced by a man that re-invented himself at the Twenty20 tournament, Misbah-ul-Haq. The 33 year-old has not played a Test match for over four years, and the excellent temperament he displayed in South Africa may come in handy in this pressure cooker encounter.
Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif are the likely new ball operators, and quite possibly the only quick bowlers in the side. Gul is continuing to improve, his repertoire in the Twenty20 was impressive, as was his pace. With his extra yard of pace, Gul will no doubt keep the batsmen honest, while Asif will concentrate on bowling in his areas and stifling the batsmen of any free shots. Use of the new ball may be crucial, as there is not expected to be a huge amount of movement after the shine has disappeared. Swing can not be discounted, particularly as Pakistan are the main exponents of reverse swing.
South Africa have endured their own difficulties in identifying the perfect opening batting partnership, and have resorted back to the tried and tested combination of Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs. The two have enjoyed success against Pakistan in the past, in the 2002/03 series in South Africa, they combined for a 368 run stand for the first wicket. In all Test matches, the pair still average a very reasonable 62 for the opening wicket.
Batting is the visitors strength, and with the potential of Andre Nel lining up at number eight, the top seven will need to find form early. Mark Boucher has already registered a century in their only tour game before the series begins. Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis all passed 50, and only Ashwell Prince made single figures in the top seven.
Mickey Arthur and captain Smith seem to be in sync regarding the omission of Pollock. That would have been a certainty had Morkel not injured his ankle, and it may come down to a straight choice between Pollock and the quicker, yet less accurate, Dale Steyn. The South African management have publicly stated their desire to give the younger seam bowlers a chance, and in this case, at the expense of the man that was thought to be indispensable. With home series against New Zealand and West Indies on the horizon, surely then would be the time to blood one or two of the younger generation, rather than the harsh bowling environment of Pakistan.
The tourists lone spinning option, Paul Harris, may have a major say in the outcome of this series. He will look to extract extra bounce with his height and give the ball a fair old rip, but Pakistan are an adept side at playing slow bowling and may look to attack Harris early and not allow him time to settle.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Umar Gul (Pakistan) With the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Sami, and Danish Kaneria around, Umar Gul has always remained relatively in the background when it comes to Pakistan's high profile bowlers. His action is solid, his pace is good and his accuracy has improved, there is no mistaking Umar Gul is becoming a potent threat at international level. He hits the seam and can expect to generate decent bounce with his height, and is still only 24 years old. He has taken 61 wickets in 14 matches at an average of just over 30, and if he continues the way he is heading, that average will come plummeting down in the near future.
Jacques Kallis (South Africa) After relinquishing his responsibilities as vice-captain to Graeme Smith, Kallis will have full focus on his batting, and also his very useful swing bowling. But it his batting that he is famed for, and it will be pivotal to South Africa in getting runs on the board to enable them to exert some pressure on the home side. His consistency is virtually un-rivalled, yet his average against Pakistan (42.82) is well below his overall record (55.09), something he will look to rectify in this series. Patience is required against Kaneria and co. and this man has bags of it, along with the willingness to bat long periods of time, despite the searing heat.
So it is all set for a closely fought and thoroughly intriguing series. Both sides are aware of the need to have wicket taking bowlers to find the necessary 20 wickets on tracks that are difficult to dislodge batsmen when set. Will South Africa's lack of spin options be their shortfall once more, or can Harris rise to the test ?
Pakistan are a notoriously difficult proposition on home turf, and while I anticipate one of the Tests ending in a run glut of a draw, I also foresee the home side winning a Test match by virtue of Kaneria's spin wizardry. Pakistan to edge the series, but only just.
(Cricket Web, 30/09/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4577
Clarke ton in vain, as rain wins
Australia resurrected their innings after they had slumped to 90-4, thanks to a 144 run partnership between Michael Clarke (130) and Brad Haddin (69). Helpful contributions from Matthew Hayden and a late innings offensive from James Hopes took Australia to an imposing score of 307-7 off their allocation.
When Mitchell Johnson surprised Sachin Tendulkar with an inswinger at pace, as India began their reply, the odds were heavily stacked in Australia's favour to open the series with a victory. However, after only 2.4 overs of the Indian innings, the heavens opened and not another ball was to be bowled.
The weather was fine at the start of play, there was sunshine about and the temperatures were high, yet there was admittedly a fair amount of cloud around.
Ticket sales had gone well, as is generally the case with one-day cricket in India, so needless to say there was a packed house creating an exceptionally noisy atmosphere.
The pitch itself looked a good one for batsmen, and there were thoughts that there will be a fair amount of bounce and pace in it, however, as the game progressed there were signs of some indifferent bounce.
As for the teams, it had been well publicised that Australian captain Ricky Ponting was unfit, as was Mike Hussey, so chances were given to Brad Haddin, who was selected as a specialist batsman ahead of Adam Voges. Also, James Hopes was rewarded for some decent form in Pakistan with the 'A' side.
For India, the big guns had returned to the one-day side, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Dravid all returned after opting out of the Twenty20 competition. Ramesh Powar was restored to the side, so too was opening bowler Zaheer Khan.
The new ODI rules were in force for this game, the most pertinent ones being any front foot no-ball resulting in a free hit the next ball, and the ball is now to be changed mandatorily after 34 overs. With regards the powerplays, the fielding side may choose either the second or third powerplay to exercise their right to have a third fielder outside the ring for the five over period.
Adam Gilchrist got the Australian innings off to a bright start, with two thumping boundaries, before he went after a ball from Zaheer with a distinct lack of footwork, that contributed to his downfall. He relied on his usually exemplory hand-eye co-ordination, but was never in a position to keep the ball down, as was presumably his intention. However, he did not account for a superb flying catch from Yuvraj at backward point to give India an ideal tonic.
Sreesanth was a little erratic, while there was no doubt he was generating good pace, but at the expense of a little accuracy. Well, if he was not to know where the ball was going, Brad Hodge would not have had a clue.
The first ball of Sreesanth's second over started off wide of off stump, then swung excessively into a Steve Harmison style wide. His next ball was over compensated for and drifted down the leg side for another wide. The guessing game began for Hodge, and he ultimately guessed wrong. Sreesanth got his next ball exactly right, and the ball swung back into Hodge and trapped him lbw. Hodge appeared to be deceived by the surprise straight one.
Michael Clarke then joined Hayden at the crease, and the pair set about consolidating, while also picking up any available runs by positive running and strokeplay. Once Clarke had settled and got away with a couple of airy fairy drives, he looked the part. His timing of the ball off his legs was impressive, and he began building his innings maturely, clearly aware of his crucial role in the middle order with both Ponting and Hussey on the sidelines.
Due to the precarious situation Australia were in after two early blows, Hayden was perhaps not as aggressive as he would have liked, initially. When it seemed he was getting into his stride, Sreesanth removed him in a similar way to how he did in the Twenty20. Hayden went for one of his muscled shots through the leg-side, which could also be referred to as a slog, but the ball crashed into his stumps.
Andrew Symonds stay was also a fairly brief one, he was deceived by a slower ball from Sreesanth and was struck on his pads. The technology suggesting it would have gone on to hit the wickets. It was an excellent change of pace from the fiery little Indian, who let go of the ball out of the side of his hand, in a leg-spin style delivery. Sreesanth had three wickets, and amidst some of his more wild deliveries were some very pacy swinging balls, swinging both ways at that.
At 90-4, Australia desperately needed a partnership, and that was what they got with the New South Wales team-mates, Clarke and Haddin.
Haddin is well known for his powerful striking in domestic cricket in Australia, and he is yet to transfer those skills to the international game, but this innings was a good indication of his abilities. His orthodox technique was sound, and the pair ran extremely well between the wickets. When the chance came for a boundary, they did not disappoint.
Clarke's footwork was outstanding, decisive in either shimmying down the track to Powar and Yuvraj, or going back, making use of the depth of his crease.
Powar's slow flighted deliveries, that got England into such a muddle earlier in the year, was not having the same effect on this pair, as they used their feet intelligently, combining power shots down the ground with deft deflections where there were no fielders. Haddin smashed him straight for a six, while Clarke cashed in on a couple of loose balls and hit the spinner for three sixes later in his next spell.
Irfan Pathan has regained his bowling action, and his accuracy and pace were both good, but India were struggling to contain Australia, who had consistently been just over five runs per over throughout, despite losing the early wickets.
Yuvraj finally removed Haddin, when he danced down the pitch and did not quite get there, yet he attempted a slog across the line which he missed and Dhoni did the rest. It was an important knock for the visitors, and Haddin's confidence at this level will surely grow from this.
Clarke brought his century up with a full toss gift from Powar which he deposited over mid wicket for a maximum. His traditional kiss of the badge ensued, and Clarke richly deserved all his plaudits for this mature showing at a ground he hugely enjoys, he made a century here on his Test debut. This innings was typical of Clarke, so strong through the on-side, and one particular straight drive off Zaheer demonstrated the exemplory timing he had found.
James Hopes was not going to hang around, and he plundered 37 off only 25 balls, before holding out to long on off Zaheer. He had played his part, and in the process they had broke the record for the highest sixth wicket partnership at Bangalore, they accumulated 73 in just eight overs. It was Hopes' first international appearance since he played against Bangladesh in April 2006, and this was a pretty decent start for him.
When a world class side is pushed into a corner, there is always someone that is willing to be counted and ensure his side reach respectability, in this case it was Clarke. They surpassed respectability with their final total of 307-7, with 87 coming off the final ten overs.
India's reply got off to a terrible start when Johnson removed Tendulkar for nought.
You can never entirely write India off, despite needing to chase down a daunting total, because of the quality in their line-up. Ganguly did not open, as he had picked up a hamstring injury while fielding, but there was still Dravid, Yuvraj and Dhoni to come.
It would perhaps have led to an exciting game of cricket, but it was the weather that decided this one.
Australia 307-7 (off 50 overs) Michael Clarke 130, Brad Haddin 69, James Hopes 37, Matthew Hayden 34 S.Sreesanth 3-55, Zaheer Khan 2-64
India 9-1 (off 2.4 overs)
Match Abandoned
(Cricket Web, 29/09/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=12&NewsIDAuto=4573&ImageURL=newsimages/michaelclarke8.jpg
When Mitchell Johnson surprised Sachin Tendulkar with an inswinger at pace, as India began their reply, the odds were heavily stacked in Australia's favour to open the series with a victory. However, after only 2.4 overs of the Indian innings, the heavens opened and not another ball was to be bowled.
The weather was fine at the start of play, there was sunshine about and the temperatures were high, yet there was admittedly a fair amount of cloud around.
Ticket sales had gone well, as is generally the case with one-day cricket in India, so needless to say there was a packed house creating an exceptionally noisy atmosphere.
The pitch itself looked a good one for batsmen, and there were thoughts that there will be a fair amount of bounce and pace in it, however, as the game progressed there were signs of some indifferent bounce.
As for the teams, it had been well publicised that Australian captain Ricky Ponting was unfit, as was Mike Hussey, so chances were given to Brad Haddin, who was selected as a specialist batsman ahead of Adam Voges. Also, James Hopes was rewarded for some decent form in Pakistan with the 'A' side.
For India, the big guns had returned to the one-day side, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Dravid all returned after opting out of the Twenty20 competition. Ramesh Powar was restored to the side, so too was opening bowler Zaheer Khan.
The new ODI rules were in force for this game, the most pertinent ones being any front foot no-ball resulting in a free hit the next ball, and the ball is now to be changed mandatorily after 34 overs. With regards the powerplays, the fielding side may choose either the second or third powerplay to exercise their right to have a third fielder outside the ring for the five over period.
Adam Gilchrist got the Australian innings off to a bright start, with two thumping boundaries, before he went after a ball from Zaheer with a distinct lack of footwork, that contributed to his downfall. He relied on his usually exemplory hand-eye co-ordination, but was never in a position to keep the ball down, as was presumably his intention. However, he did not account for a superb flying catch from Yuvraj at backward point to give India an ideal tonic.
Sreesanth was a little erratic, while there was no doubt he was generating good pace, but at the expense of a little accuracy. Well, if he was not to know where the ball was going, Brad Hodge would not have had a clue.
The first ball of Sreesanth's second over started off wide of off stump, then swung excessively into a Steve Harmison style wide. His next ball was over compensated for and drifted down the leg side for another wide. The guessing game began for Hodge, and he ultimately guessed wrong. Sreesanth got his next ball exactly right, and the ball swung back into Hodge and trapped him lbw. Hodge appeared to be deceived by the surprise straight one.
Michael Clarke then joined Hayden at the crease, and the pair set about consolidating, while also picking up any available runs by positive running and strokeplay. Once Clarke had settled and got away with a couple of airy fairy drives, he looked the part. His timing of the ball off his legs was impressive, and he began building his innings maturely, clearly aware of his crucial role in the middle order with both Ponting and Hussey on the sidelines.
Due to the precarious situation Australia were in after two early blows, Hayden was perhaps not as aggressive as he would have liked, initially. When it seemed he was getting into his stride, Sreesanth removed him in a similar way to how he did in the Twenty20. Hayden went for one of his muscled shots through the leg-side, which could also be referred to as a slog, but the ball crashed into his stumps.
Andrew Symonds stay was also a fairly brief one, he was deceived by a slower ball from Sreesanth and was struck on his pads. The technology suggesting it would have gone on to hit the wickets. It was an excellent change of pace from the fiery little Indian, who let go of the ball out of the side of his hand, in a leg-spin style delivery. Sreesanth had three wickets, and amidst some of his more wild deliveries were some very pacy swinging balls, swinging both ways at that.
At 90-4, Australia desperately needed a partnership, and that was what they got with the New South Wales team-mates, Clarke and Haddin.
Haddin is well known for his powerful striking in domestic cricket in Australia, and he is yet to transfer those skills to the international game, but this innings was a good indication of his abilities. His orthodox technique was sound, and the pair ran extremely well between the wickets. When the chance came for a boundary, they did not disappoint.
Clarke's footwork was outstanding, decisive in either shimmying down the track to Powar and Yuvraj, or going back, making use of the depth of his crease.
Powar's slow flighted deliveries, that got England into such a muddle earlier in the year, was not having the same effect on this pair, as they used their feet intelligently, combining power shots down the ground with deft deflections where there were no fielders. Haddin smashed him straight for a six, while Clarke cashed in on a couple of loose balls and hit the spinner for three sixes later in his next spell.
Irfan Pathan has regained his bowling action, and his accuracy and pace were both good, but India were struggling to contain Australia, who had consistently been just over five runs per over throughout, despite losing the early wickets.
Yuvraj finally removed Haddin, when he danced down the pitch and did not quite get there, yet he attempted a slog across the line which he missed and Dhoni did the rest. It was an important knock for the visitors, and Haddin's confidence at this level will surely grow from this.
Clarke brought his century up with a full toss gift from Powar which he deposited over mid wicket for a maximum. His traditional kiss of the badge ensued, and Clarke richly deserved all his plaudits for this mature showing at a ground he hugely enjoys, he made a century here on his Test debut. This innings was typical of Clarke, so strong through the on-side, and one particular straight drive off Zaheer demonstrated the exemplory timing he had found.
James Hopes was not going to hang around, and he plundered 37 off only 25 balls, before holding out to long on off Zaheer. He had played his part, and in the process they had broke the record for the highest sixth wicket partnership at Bangalore, they accumulated 73 in just eight overs. It was Hopes' first international appearance since he played against Bangladesh in April 2006, and this was a pretty decent start for him.
When a world class side is pushed into a corner, there is always someone that is willing to be counted and ensure his side reach respectability, in this case it was Clarke. They surpassed respectability with their final total of 307-7, with 87 coming off the final ten overs.
India's reply got off to a terrible start when Johnson removed Tendulkar for nought.
You can never entirely write India off, despite needing to chase down a daunting total, because of the quality in their line-up. Ganguly did not open, as he had picked up a hamstring injury while fielding, but there was still Dravid, Yuvraj and Dhoni to come.
It would perhaps have led to an exciting game of cricket, but it was the weather that decided this one.
Australia 307-7 (off 50 overs) Michael Clarke 130, Brad Haddin 69, James Hopes 37, Matthew Hayden 34 S.Sreesanth 3-55, Zaheer Khan 2-64
India 9-1 (off 2.4 overs)
Match Abandoned
(Cricket Web, 29/09/2007)
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Pakistan ease into the Final
Pakistan chased down New Zealand's modest total of 143, with more than an over to spare.
It was the same duo that saw them home against Australia, but the platform had already been set by Imran Nazir and Mohammad Hafeez, whose opening partnership of 60 ensured Pakistan were always in command.
In terms of the teams selections, Pakistan were buoyed when Mohammad Asif was passed fit to play, the only player missing was Salman Butt, he was replaced by Fawad Alam.
For New Zealand, Jeetan Patel was favoured on a pitch that looked like it may take some turn, and Chris Martin was the man to miss out. Also, Peter Fulton returned to the side at the expense of Nathan McCullum.
There were dark clouds around at the beginning of play, this following Daniel Vettori's decision to have a bat, and play only lasted 6.2 overs before the players were forced to return to the changing rooms. New Zealand had made a decent start, reaching 44-0, but will not have been too impressed by the enforced break, it came at a time when Brendon McCullum and Lou Vincent were getting set, and looking to up the run rate.
Asif bowled in good areas, and made life difficult for the Kiwi openers, not allowing them too many occasions to tee off and free their arms. Only four boundaries came during the first six powerplay overs.
Unfortunately for New Zealand, the break interrupted any fluency that was gathering, Fawad Alam removed Lou Vincent in his first over with a smart return catch, and McCullum also went a couple of overs later attempting to sweep Shahid Afridi.
From this stage on, New Zealand continued to lose wickets at a regular rate, integrated with the odd lusty blow.
Scott Styris had pulled Alam for a six in front of square, but could not make much more of a telling contribution, he was caught in the deep by Sohail Tanvir, attempting an expansive drive over the top off the ever impressive Umar Gul.
Pakistan have regularly used Gul in the second half of the innings, and allowed him to bowl his four overs unchanged. His variety of short balls and yorkers, has been clever, and very few batsmen have been able to counter Gul's accuracy.
After removing Styris, Gul then removed Fulton two balls later, the Kiwi offered a comfortable chance to Shoaib Malik in covers.
Craig McMillan had come in with only 6.3 overs remaining, this is the man that has done so much damage for New Zealand, but now felt the pressure to rescue his side to a reasonable total immediately.
He stayed long enough to work Gul for a four, then smash Alam over long off for a six. However, Alam enjoyed the last word dismissing him two balls later with McMillan attempting another big shot over long off, but this time failed to get the distance.
Jacob Oram was caught behind going for huge slash over the off side, that gave Gul his third wicket, and he finished with the highly commendable figures of 3-15 off four overs.
New Zealand are invariable good runners between the wickets, but communication was the cause for the fall of the next two wickets. Both Daniel Vettori and Shane Bond sacrificed their wickets after mix-ups with Ross Taylor.
Taylor redeemed himself to a degree, when he took Asif for 17 in the final over of the innings. But a total of 143 always looked as though it was going to be some way short of testing this Pakistani line up.
What New Zealand needed to have any chance was early wickets, and Pakistan have had a tendency to gift sides such luxuries in previous games.
This time was different, as Imran Nazir's shot selection was much improved, and Hafeez once again looked in good nick. They completed their highest opening partnership of the tournament when they reached 60 without loss, off seven overs.
They were always ahead of the run rate, which eased any pressure on the incoming batsmen.
Nazir had called for a runner very early on in his innings, and if it was an injury from a previous game, Vettori was very sporting in allowing him one here.
Nazir rode his luck, batting in the style he does, he will need a degree of luck to make a big score. He flashed at a drive early that went between McCullum and Styris in first slip.
It was Hafeez with the big shots early, spanking Bond for a six over mid wicket, before hitting Mark Gillespie back over his head for another maximum in the following over.
Then Nazir joined in, skipping down the track to flick Vettori over cow corner for another half a dozen.
Styris came into the attack and made an immediate impression, offering the Kiwi's some feint hope, when Hafeez was adjudged, correctly so, lbw for 32.
Younis Khan joined Nazir, but was content to watch the young entertainer from the non-strikers end.
Further sixes ensued for Nazir, Vettori and Styris disappeared over long off, and Oram suffered two more in consecutive deliveries, the first being a touch more conventional over long on to bring up his fifty off 38 balls. His second was a top edge over McCullums head.
Ross Taylor's guilt will have grown as the Oram over progressed, he had a comfortable opportunity to dismiss Nazir with Oram's first ball, instead he dropped him at long off, as he has done surprisingly frequently during this tournament.
Jeetan Patel finally removed Nazir, when he wrapped him on the pads going for a sweep.
Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi both fell cheaply, and New Zealand had a slight sniff of rescuing this game. However, Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Shoaib Malik forged another intelligent partnership, and saw Pakistan home with a certain amount of ease. Malik hammered a six off Patel to finish the game in style.
New Zealand had under performed with the bat, been sloppy at times in the field, and were a touch too inconsistent with the ball, barring Daniel Vettori who has been one of the pick of the bowlers throughout the tournament.
Pakistan were deserved victors, and will watch on eagerly the second semi-final. They have already beaten Australia in the competition, and a potential meeting with India with whet the appetite for all concerned.
New Zealand 143-8 (20 overs) Ross Taylor 38*Umar Gul 3-15, Fawad Alam 2-29
Pakistan 147-4 (18.5 overs) Imran Nazir 59, Mohammad Hafeez 32 Scott Styris 1-14, Daniel Vettori 1-22
Pakistan win by 6 wickets
Cricket Web Man of the Match : Umar Gul
(Cricket Web, 22/09/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4547
It was the same duo that saw them home against Australia, but the platform had already been set by Imran Nazir and Mohammad Hafeez, whose opening partnership of 60 ensured Pakistan were always in command.
In terms of the teams selections, Pakistan were buoyed when Mohammad Asif was passed fit to play, the only player missing was Salman Butt, he was replaced by Fawad Alam.
For New Zealand, Jeetan Patel was favoured on a pitch that looked like it may take some turn, and Chris Martin was the man to miss out. Also, Peter Fulton returned to the side at the expense of Nathan McCullum.
There were dark clouds around at the beginning of play, this following Daniel Vettori's decision to have a bat, and play only lasted 6.2 overs before the players were forced to return to the changing rooms. New Zealand had made a decent start, reaching 44-0, but will not have been too impressed by the enforced break, it came at a time when Brendon McCullum and Lou Vincent were getting set, and looking to up the run rate.
Asif bowled in good areas, and made life difficult for the Kiwi openers, not allowing them too many occasions to tee off and free their arms. Only four boundaries came during the first six powerplay overs.
Unfortunately for New Zealand, the break interrupted any fluency that was gathering, Fawad Alam removed Lou Vincent in his first over with a smart return catch, and McCullum also went a couple of overs later attempting to sweep Shahid Afridi.
From this stage on, New Zealand continued to lose wickets at a regular rate, integrated with the odd lusty blow.
Scott Styris had pulled Alam for a six in front of square, but could not make much more of a telling contribution, he was caught in the deep by Sohail Tanvir, attempting an expansive drive over the top off the ever impressive Umar Gul.
Pakistan have regularly used Gul in the second half of the innings, and allowed him to bowl his four overs unchanged. His variety of short balls and yorkers, has been clever, and very few batsmen have been able to counter Gul's accuracy.
After removing Styris, Gul then removed Fulton two balls later, the Kiwi offered a comfortable chance to Shoaib Malik in covers.
Craig McMillan had come in with only 6.3 overs remaining, this is the man that has done so much damage for New Zealand, but now felt the pressure to rescue his side to a reasonable total immediately.
He stayed long enough to work Gul for a four, then smash Alam over long off for a six. However, Alam enjoyed the last word dismissing him two balls later with McMillan attempting another big shot over long off, but this time failed to get the distance.
Jacob Oram was caught behind going for huge slash over the off side, that gave Gul his third wicket, and he finished with the highly commendable figures of 3-15 off four overs.
New Zealand are invariable good runners between the wickets, but communication was the cause for the fall of the next two wickets. Both Daniel Vettori and Shane Bond sacrificed their wickets after mix-ups with Ross Taylor.
Taylor redeemed himself to a degree, when he took Asif for 17 in the final over of the innings. But a total of 143 always looked as though it was going to be some way short of testing this Pakistani line up.
What New Zealand needed to have any chance was early wickets, and Pakistan have had a tendency to gift sides such luxuries in previous games.
This time was different, as Imran Nazir's shot selection was much improved, and Hafeez once again looked in good nick. They completed their highest opening partnership of the tournament when they reached 60 without loss, off seven overs.
They were always ahead of the run rate, which eased any pressure on the incoming batsmen.
Nazir had called for a runner very early on in his innings, and if it was an injury from a previous game, Vettori was very sporting in allowing him one here.
Nazir rode his luck, batting in the style he does, he will need a degree of luck to make a big score. He flashed at a drive early that went between McCullum and Styris in first slip.
It was Hafeez with the big shots early, spanking Bond for a six over mid wicket, before hitting Mark Gillespie back over his head for another maximum in the following over.
Then Nazir joined in, skipping down the track to flick Vettori over cow corner for another half a dozen.
Styris came into the attack and made an immediate impression, offering the Kiwi's some feint hope, when Hafeez was adjudged, correctly so, lbw for 32.
Younis Khan joined Nazir, but was content to watch the young entertainer from the non-strikers end.
Further sixes ensued for Nazir, Vettori and Styris disappeared over long off, and Oram suffered two more in consecutive deliveries, the first being a touch more conventional over long on to bring up his fifty off 38 balls. His second was a top edge over McCullums head.
Ross Taylor's guilt will have grown as the Oram over progressed, he had a comfortable opportunity to dismiss Nazir with Oram's first ball, instead he dropped him at long off, as he has done surprisingly frequently during this tournament.
Jeetan Patel finally removed Nazir, when he wrapped him on the pads going for a sweep.
Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi both fell cheaply, and New Zealand had a slight sniff of rescuing this game. However, Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Shoaib Malik forged another intelligent partnership, and saw Pakistan home with a certain amount of ease. Malik hammered a six off Patel to finish the game in style.
New Zealand had under performed with the bat, been sloppy at times in the field, and were a touch too inconsistent with the ball, barring Daniel Vettori who has been one of the pick of the bowlers throughout the tournament.
Pakistan were deserved victors, and will watch on eagerly the second semi-final. They have already beaten Australia in the competition, and a potential meeting with India with whet the appetite for all concerned.
New Zealand 143-8 (20 overs) Ross Taylor 38*Umar Gul 3-15, Fawad Alam 2-29
Pakistan 147-4 (18.5 overs) Imran Nazir 59, Mohammad Hafeez 32 Scott Styris 1-14, Daniel Vettori 1-22
Pakistan win by 6 wickets
Cricket Web Man of the Match : Umar Gul
(Cricket Web, 22/09/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4547
India brush England aside
India needed to beat England to have any chance of qualifying for the last four stage. They duly completed the victory thanks in the main to a blistering batting performance.
Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir set India on their way with an opening partnership worth 136, before Yuvraj Singh delievered the fireworks later on with an exceptionally quickfire 58 coming off only 16 balls. He punished the unfortunate Stuart Broad for six sixes in a single over, replicating Herschelle Gibbs effort in the last World Cup.
England's reply was steady, and after 18 overs were on exactly the same score as India were at that point in their innings. However, England were unable to find a batsman that could be quite as destructive as Yuvraj was in that now, famous over.
The pitch was predicted by many to have enough life in it, especially under lights, to cause more than the odd problem to the batting side, and that totals of around 150, may test the chasing team.
For England this game was all about pride, having watched South Africa, before their game took place, take care of business against New Zealand. England were confirmed to be travelling home after their game with India, regardless of the result. So the inclusion of the injured Andrew Flintoff in a game with nothing to play for, left many scratching their heads.
England won the toss and elected to field, hoping to pressurise the Indians on a lively track.
The Indian openers were respectful of how well England had bowled early on, and Paul Collingwood continued in the same vein as previous games by rotating his bowlers almost every over. The plan India had was to play out the opening six overs and keep wickets in hand, so as a result there were few expansive shots in the opening stages.
Once India had gone over the six over threshold, they broke loose. Sehwag scored his first boundary pulling Dmitri Mascarenhas for four, before launching him over extra cover for six.
Sehwag, out of favour in the ODI's, then begun to make room for himself and slash aggresively through the offside. It seemed to help that the two Indian batsmen both play for Delhi, and their running between the wickets was that of a pair well in tune with each others game.
When Sehwag crunched Collingwood through covers, he brought his fifty up off 38 balls. Gambhir, minutes later went two balls better, his half century was off 36 deliveries.
Sehwag had reached 68, when he walked too far across his off stump, in an attempt to flick the ball over short fine leg, instead Chris Tremlett's delivery thumped into his leg stump.
After Gambhir successfully swept Darren Maddy for four, he tried to repeat the dose, but merely scooped the ball to Broad.
Robin Uthappa was also bowled by Tremlett, and it became a question of how well India could finish. Explosively was the answer. Yuvraj Singh, after an on field confrontation with Andrew Flintoff, teed off in the most fantastic fashion. Stuart Broad tried bowling everywhere, and Yuvraj was consistently more than equal to it. His fifty took an incredible 12 balls.
So England were set an unlikely 219 for victory, and opened up with some purpose, reaching 45-0 off the first five overs.
The main problem from there on, was England's inability to form a match winning partnership. Each of England's top five offered hope and showed glimpses of what can be achieved in this run chase, but wickets kept falling finshing any promising partnership.
Vikram Solanki, Darren Maddy, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, and Owais Shah all lit up the ground with brief cameos, but none of them could go take the next step and drive England home.
RP Singh sealed the victory when in the 18th over of the innings he not only limited England to just four runs, but he picked up the wickets of Collingwood and Shah.
Collingwood's side finishing 18 runs shy of India's impressive total. For India it is now all to play for against South Africa on Thursday evening, again in Durban, where a win for India leaves three sides, India, South Africa, and New Zealand, tied on four points. The two sides with the best net run rate will enter the semi-finals.
India 218-4 (20 overs) Virender Sehwag 68, Gautam Gambhir 58, Yuvraj Singh 58 Chris Tremlett 2-45, Darren Maddy 1-20
England 200-6 (20 overs) Vik Solanki 43, Kevin Pietersen 39 Irfan Pathan 3-37, RP Singh 2-28
India win by 18 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match: Yuvraj Singh
(Cricket Web, 19/09/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4532
Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir set India on their way with an opening partnership worth 136, before Yuvraj Singh delievered the fireworks later on with an exceptionally quickfire 58 coming off only 16 balls. He punished the unfortunate Stuart Broad for six sixes in a single over, replicating Herschelle Gibbs effort in the last World Cup.
England's reply was steady, and after 18 overs were on exactly the same score as India were at that point in their innings. However, England were unable to find a batsman that could be quite as destructive as Yuvraj was in that now, famous over.
The pitch was predicted by many to have enough life in it, especially under lights, to cause more than the odd problem to the batting side, and that totals of around 150, may test the chasing team.
For England this game was all about pride, having watched South Africa, before their game took place, take care of business against New Zealand. England were confirmed to be travelling home after their game with India, regardless of the result. So the inclusion of the injured Andrew Flintoff in a game with nothing to play for, left many scratching their heads.
England won the toss and elected to field, hoping to pressurise the Indians on a lively track.
The Indian openers were respectful of how well England had bowled early on, and Paul Collingwood continued in the same vein as previous games by rotating his bowlers almost every over. The plan India had was to play out the opening six overs and keep wickets in hand, so as a result there were few expansive shots in the opening stages.
Once India had gone over the six over threshold, they broke loose. Sehwag scored his first boundary pulling Dmitri Mascarenhas for four, before launching him over extra cover for six.
Sehwag, out of favour in the ODI's, then begun to make room for himself and slash aggresively through the offside. It seemed to help that the two Indian batsmen both play for Delhi, and their running between the wickets was that of a pair well in tune with each others game.
When Sehwag crunched Collingwood through covers, he brought his fifty up off 38 balls. Gambhir, minutes later went two balls better, his half century was off 36 deliveries.
Sehwag had reached 68, when he walked too far across his off stump, in an attempt to flick the ball over short fine leg, instead Chris Tremlett's delivery thumped into his leg stump.
After Gambhir successfully swept Darren Maddy for four, he tried to repeat the dose, but merely scooped the ball to Broad.
Robin Uthappa was also bowled by Tremlett, and it became a question of how well India could finish. Explosively was the answer. Yuvraj Singh, after an on field confrontation with Andrew Flintoff, teed off in the most fantastic fashion. Stuart Broad tried bowling everywhere, and Yuvraj was consistently more than equal to it. His fifty took an incredible 12 balls.
So England were set an unlikely 219 for victory, and opened up with some purpose, reaching 45-0 off the first five overs.
The main problem from there on, was England's inability to form a match winning partnership. Each of England's top five offered hope and showed glimpses of what can be achieved in this run chase, but wickets kept falling finshing any promising partnership.
Vikram Solanki, Darren Maddy, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, and Owais Shah all lit up the ground with brief cameos, but none of them could go take the next step and drive England home.
RP Singh sealed the victory when in the 18th over of the innings he not only limited England to just four runs, but he picked up the wickets of Collingwood and Shah.
Collingwood's side finishing 18 runs shy of India's impressive total. For India it is now all to play for against South Africa on Thursday evening, again in Durban, where a win for India leaves three sides, India, South Africa, and New Zealand, tied on four points. The two sides with the best net run rate will enter the semi-finals.
India 218-4 (20 overs) Virender Sehwag 68, Gautam Gambhir 58, Yuvraj Singh 58 Chris Tremlett 2-45, Darren Maddy 1-20
England 200-6 (20 overs) Vik Solanki 43, Kevin Pietersen 39 Irfan Pathan 3-37, RP Singh 2-28
India win by 18 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match: Yuvraj Singh
(Cricket Web, 19/09/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4532
Shoaib & Asif in altercation
It is very much an understatement to suggest there is never a dull moment regarding the Pakistan cricket team.
Once again before a World tournament, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The altercation took place following Thursday's practice session, and the exact details of the disagreement are yet to be revealed. Rumours of Asif being struck by a bat are so far unfounded.
Shoaib is already skating on thin ice, and is currently on a six week probation period, following his disciplinary indiscretion last month when he left a Karachi training camp without permission.
The good news for Pakistan, is that the injury is only thought to be a bruise, nothing more serious. Asif had X-rays on the problem, and the results were clear.
Once again the questions will arise as to whether Shoaib is worth his place in the side when you consider the alleged behaviour he brings with it. Undoubtedly he is one of the finest quick bowlers in the world on his day, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Pakistan management to ensure he gets onto the pitch without any trouble along the way.
A decision on the outcome of this latest drama, is expected tomorrow.
(Cricket Web, 06/09/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2013&NewsIDAuto=4448
Once again before a World tournament, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The altercation took place following Thursday's practice session, and the exact details of the disagreement are yet to be revealed. Rumours of Asif being struck by a bat are so far unfounded.
Shoaib is already skating on thin ice, and is currently on a six week probation period, following his disciplinary indiscretion last month when he left a Karachi training camp without permission.
The good news for Pakistan, is that the injury is only thought to be a bruise, nothing more serious. Asif had X-rays on the problem, and the results were clear.
Once again the questions will arise as to whether Shoaib is worth his place in the side when you consider the alleged behaviour he brings with it. Undoubtedly he is one of the finest quick bowlers in the world on his day, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Pakistan management to ensure he gets onto the pitch without any trouble along the way.
A decision on the outcome of this latest drama, is expected tomorrow.
(Cricket Web, 06/09/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2013&NewsIDAuto=4448
England take 3-1 lead
A record 8th wicket partnership of 99 for England in ODI's between Ravi Bopara and Stuart Broad secured England a 3-1 lead with three games to play.
The feeling once India had batted first, was that they had not scored enough with their total of 212 all out off 49.4 overs. However, it looked at one point as though it was going to be more than enough when England were floundering at 114-7.
Step forward Bopara and Broad, who both demonstrated temperaments that belied their years and inexperience, and techniques that had India wondering why these two were batting so low.
Bopara had of course been here before, during the World Cup against Sri Lanka when he took England to the very brink of an unlikely victory but could not quite get his side over the line. With that in mind, his determination to see it through this time was evident, and with Broad as an unexpected yet accomplished batting ally they chipped away at the total, bringing the chasing target down in tens, and when Broad pushed one to mid on, the vigil was complete.
India won the toss and elected to have a bat, the skies were somewhat overcast and the prospect of batting uder lights simply did not appeal to India captain Rahul Dravid. The visitors opted for Ajit Agarkar, to add some batting depth, ahead of Munaf Patel.
England recalled all-rounder Andrew Flintoff in place of Chris Tremlett, while captain Paul Collingwood had recovered from his stomach complaints.
The Indian openers were once again restricted early on, with Broad and Jimmy Anderson finding their range, and not allowing India's strokemakers any freedom.
When Sourav Ganguly attempted a pull off Anderson, it simply looped to Ian Bell at square leg. Dinesh Karthik handed Broad his first wicket of the day, chasing a short and wide delivery and succeeding only in nicking it through to Prior.
The following over 'Freddie' Flintoff was called on to bowl, and it did not take long for him to re-acquaint himself with his home crowd, when he had dangerman Rahul Dravid fishing outside his off stump to give Prior another victim.
Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh then held the fort for the next 17.3 overs. It was not as fluent a partnership as one may expect from two silky and attractive batsmen. Flintoff was not making life any easier for them, his first five overs included three maidens. How happy the Indians must have been when he was cleared to play.
Despite not being at his best Tendulkar brought his fifty up off 81 balls, but he had no sooner reached the landmark, before Kevin Pietersen was brought on and duly dismissed the little master. It was in all honesty, nothing short of a long hop that Tendulkar mis-timed, and was snaffled by the bucket-like hands of Flintoff at deep square leg.
Yuvraj continued to try and build a respectable score for India but he was short of willing company at the crease. MS Dhoni fell to a typical Panesar delivery, spinning and clipping off stump, before Agarkar edged through to Prior off Broad.
Yuvraj's fifty came up in some style. Broad banged the ball in short and Yuvraj rocked back and pulled it over the boundary for a maximum. Broad had his revenge when he yorked Yuvraj on leg stump for 71 in the 45th over.
Both Zaheer (20) and Piyush Chawla (13*) made useful contributions down the order, but with only 212 on the board, India needed them to do it with the ball. Stuart Broad achieved his best ODI figures to date, registering 4-51 off his 10 overs. Anderson again impressive, and Flintoff typically measly.
India received the perfect tonic at the start of England's run chase. Alistair Cook was removed by Zaheer without scoring, and Prior cut the ball in the air to third man, where Ramesh Powar completed the catch off Agarkar. When Ian Bell left one off Agarkar that smashed into his off stump, India were understandably buoyant, the home side were 35-3. The Indians were visibly pumped up for this one, and the chat was continuous.
Pietersen looked to be settling in before mis-timing a hook shot, and Agarkar had three wickets.
Collingwood was steadying the ship, and looking good doing it. His timing was near perfect, as he punched a number of drives at the top of the bounce.
Sadly Flintoff's return with the bat was nowhere near as impressive as with the ball, and he drove aerially to Yuvraj at point. Owais Shah gloved to Karthik at short leg, before Bopara dabbed one to point and Collingwood called for a single, after a hint of indecision, Collingwood was caught short of his ground.
That brought Broad together with Bopara for the match winning partnership. The composure shown by the two youngsters, both in only their 13th game, was a joy for England fans and management alike, to see.
Broad began his cricketing life as a batsman and it is easy to see why. His punches off his back foot are rarely seen from a number 9. Bopara was efficient, solid in defence and excellent in putting the loose ball away.
So it turned out to be a heart breaking defeat from India who now face the uphill task of needing to win the remianing 3 ODI's to win the series.
India 212 Yuvraj Singh 71, Sachin Tendulkar 55 Stuart Broad 4-51, James Anderson 3-38
England 213-7 Paul Collingwood 47, Stuart Broad 45*, Ravi Bopara 43* Ajit Agarkar 4-60
England won by 3 wickets
(Cricket Web, 30/08/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2012&NewsIDAuto=4419
The feeling once India had batted first, was that they had not scored enough with their total of 212 all out off 49.4 overs. However, it looked at one point as though it was going to be more than enough when England were floundering at 114-7.
Step forward Bopara and Broad, who both demonstrated temperaments that belied their years and inexperience, and techniques that had India wondering why these two were batting so low.
Bopara had of course been here before, during the World Cup against Sri Lanka when he took England to the very brink of an unlikely victory but could not quite get his side over the line. With that in mind, his determination to see it through this time was evident, and with Broad as an unexpected yet accomplished batting ally they chipped away at the total, bringing the chasing target down in tens, and when Broad pushed one to mid on, the vigil was complete.
India won the toss and elected to have a bat, the skies were somewhat overcast and the prospect of batting uder lights simply did not appeal to India captain Rahul Dravid. The visitors opted for Ajit Agarkar, to add some batting depth, ahead of Munaf Patel.
England recalled all-rounder Andrew Flintoff in place of Chris Tremlett, while captain Paul Collingwood had recovered from his stomach complaints.
The Indian openers were once again restricted early on, with Broad and Jimmy Anderson finding their range, and not allowing India's strokemakers any freedom.
When Sourav Ganguly attempted a pull off Anderson, it simply looped to Ian Bell at square leg. Dinesh Karthik handed Broad his first wicket of the day, chasing a short and wide delivery and succeeding only in nicking it through to Prior.
The following over 'Freddie' Flintoff was called on to bowl, and it did not take long for him to re-acquaint himself with his home crowd, when he had dangerman Rahul Dravid fishing outside his off stump to give Prior another victim.
Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh then held the fort for the next 17.3 overs. It was not as fluent a partnership as one may expect from two silky and attractive batsmen. Flintoff was not making life any easier for them, his first five overs included three maidens. How happy the Indians must have been when he was cleared to play.
Despite not being at his best Tendulkar brought his fifty up off 81 balls, but he had no sooner reached the landmark, before Kevin Pietersen was brought on and duly dismissed the little master. It was in all honesty, nothing short of a long hop that Tendulkar mis-timed, and was snaffled by the bucket-like hands of Flintoff at deep square leg.
Yuvraj continued to try and build a respectable score for India but he was short of willing company at the crease. MS Dhoni fell to a typical Panesar delivery, spinning and clipping off stump, before Agarkar edged through to Prior off Broad.
Yuvraj's fifty came up in some style. Broad banged the ball in short and Yuvraj rocked back and pulled it over the boundary for a maximum. Broad had his revenge when he yorked Yuvraj on leg stump for 71 in the 45th over.
Both Zaheer (20) and Piyush Chawla (13*) made useful contributions down the order, but with only 212 on the board, India needed them to do it with the ball. Stuart Broad achieved his best ODI figures to date, registering 4-51 off his 10 overs. Anderson again impressive, and Flintoff typically measly.
India received the perfect tonic at the start of England's run chase. Alistair Cook was removed by Zaheer without scoring, and Prior cut the ball in the air to third man, where Ramesh Powar completed the catch off Agarkar. When Ian Bell left one off Agarkar that smashed into his off stump, India were understandably buoyant, the home side were 35-3. The Indians were visibly pumped up for this one, and the chat was continuous.
Pietersen looked to be settling in before mis-timing a hook shot, and Agarkar had three wickets.
Collingwood was steadying the ship, and looking good doing it. His timing was near perfect, as he punched a number of drives at the top of the bounce.
Sadly Flintoff's return with the bat was nowhere near as impressive as with the ball, and he drove aerially to Yuvraj at point. Owais Shah gloved to Karthik at short leg, before Bopara dabbed one to point and Collingwood called for a single, after a hint of indecision, Collingwood was caught short of his ground.
That brought Broad together with Bopara for the match winning partnership. The composure shown by the two youngsters, both in only their 13th game, was a joy for England fans and management alike, to see.
Broad began his cricketing life as a batsman and it is easy to see why. His punches off his back foot are rarely seen from a number 9. Bopara was efficient, solid in defence and excellent in putting the loose ball away.
So it turned out to be a heart breaking defeat from India who now face the uphill task of needing to win the remianing 3 ODI's to win the series.
India 212 Yuvraj Singh 71, Sachin Tendulkar 55 Stuart Broad 4-51, James Anderson 3-38
England 213-7 Paul Collingwood 47, Stuart Broad 45*, Ravi Bopara 43* Ajit Agarkar 4-60
England won by 3 wickets
(Cricket Web, 30/08/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2012&NewsIDAuto=4419
India remain firmly in charge
As the Third Test moves into the fifth and final day of the series, India still remain firmly on top, following a day where they refused to enforce the follow on, but set England an unimaginable 500 run chase to level the series.
Monty Panesar and Chris Tremlett begun the day hoping to narrow the already extensive deficit, and managed to hang around for some 7 overs, before Kumble caught Panesar in front of his stumps, despite a rather large stride down the track.
The gap was 319 runs, and Rahul Dravid decided to put the game beyong doubt and bat for a second time, eliminating any danger of England exerting some pressure on the Indians.
The hosts then demonstrated the kind of opening assault that had been missing in the first innings. Due to Ryan Sidebottom's side strain, Chris Tremlett and Jimmy Anderson took the new ball, and to good effect. While Anderson swung the ball at good pace, Tremlett extracted good bounce, and a potentially potent opening combination was unearthed.
Anderson removed Jaffer with a ball that looked odds on to go over the top of the stumps, as he shouldered arms to a ball that thudded into his pads. Umpire Ian Howell took his time, before raising his finger to send the unfortunate Jaffer back to the changing rooms.
Dinesh Karthik was to follow soon after to Tremlett, who induced an outside edge from the opener, with Collingwood taking a smart catch in second slip.
Sachin Tendulkar made his way to the crease, in what is expected to be his last Test outing in England, to appreciative applause, and 11 balls later was making his way back.
Anderson, again, forcing the error, when Tendulkar inside edged onto his stumps leaving only one stump remaing. Anderson had 2 for 0 off his first four overs, and while it is inappropriate to suggest India were on the ropes, they were not enjoying the best of times at 11-3.
Sorav Ganguly joined his skipper in the middle, and a 65 run partnership ensued, with Ganguly the man who accumulated the majority with his typical excellent timing and placement.
The handy swing bowling of Collingwood accounted for Ganguly when he had reached 57, meanwhile Dravid was doing no more than holding his end up. When Ganguly was dismissed Dravid was on 5 off 77 balls.
Collingwood's underrated swing made for Dravid also, when he felt at a ball outside off, and snicked the ball to the solitary slip in Strauss, who took a comfortable catch.
Dhoni and Laxman both had hands in ensuring the lead was up to 500 before the declaration arrived, leaving England the unenviable task of chasing the total down in a maximum 110 overs.
The openers, Strauss and Cook, saw out the remainder of the day, which involved a testing 20 overs, in mediocre light. Cook had registered 27, and Strauss 23 respectively.
So as we enter the final day, England still require a highly unlikely 444 runs, and India 10 wickets. With this drying and wearing pitch, Anil Kumble is the one that may cause most problems for England in their quest to break numerous records and level the series.
India 664 Anil Kumble 110*, MS Dhoni 92, Dinesh Karthik 91, Sachin Tendulkar 82 James Anderson 4/182, Monty Panesar 2/159
England 345 Ian Bell 63, Paul Collingwood 62, Alistair Cook 61 Zaheer Khan 3-32, Anil Kumble 3-94, Sreesanth 2-80
India 180-6 dec Sourav Ganguly 57, VVS Laxman 46*, MS Dhoni 36 Paul Collingwood 2-24, James Anderson 2-34, Chris Tremlett 2-58
England 56-0 Alastair Cook 27*, Andrew Strauss 23*
England require another 444 runs with 10 wickets remaining
(Cricket Web, 12/08/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2012&NewsIDAuto=4341
Monty Panesar and Chris Tremlett begun the day hoping to narrow the already extensive deficit, and managed to hang around for some 7 overs, before Kumble caught Panesar in front of his stumps, despite a rather large stride down the track.
The gap was 319 runs, and Rahul Dravid decided to put the game beyong doubt and bat for a second time, eliminating any danger of England exerting some pressure on the Indians.
The hosts then demonstrated the kind of opening assault that had been missing in the first innings. Due to Ryan Sidebottom's side strain, Chris Tremlett and Jimmy Anderson took the new ball, and to good effect. While Anderson swung the ball at good pace, Tremlett extracted good bounce, and a potentially potent opening combination was unearthed.
Anderson removed Jaffer with a ball that looked odds on to go over the top of the stumps, as he shouldered arms to a ball that thudded into his pads. Umpire Ian Howell took his time, before raising his finger to send the unfortunate Jaffer back to the changing rooms.
Dinesh Karthik was to follow soon after to Tremlett, who induced an outside edge from the opener, with Collingwood taking a smart catch in second slip.
Sachin Tendulkar made his way to the crease, in what is expected to be his last Test outing in England, to appreciative applause, and 11 balls later was making his way back.
Anderson, again, forcing the error, when Tendulkar inside edged onto his stumps leaving only one stump remaing. Anderson had 2 for 0 off his first four overs, and while it is inappropriate to suggest India were on the ropes, they were not enjoying the best of times at 11-3.
Sorav Ganguly joined his skipper in the middle, and a 65 run partnership ensued, with Ganguly the man who accumulated the majority with his typical excellent timing and placement.
The handy swing bowling of Collingwood accounted for Ganguly when he had reached 57, meanwhile Dravid was doing no more than holding his end up. When Ganguly was dismissed Dravid was on 5 off 77 balls.
Collingwood's underrated swing made for Dravid also, when he felt at a ball outside off, and snicked the ball to the solitary slip in Strauss, who took a comfortable catch.
Dhoni and Laxman both had hands in ensuring the lead was up to 500 before the declaration arrived, leaving England the unenviable task of chasing the total down in a maximum 110 overs.
The openers, Strauss and Cook, saw out the remainder of the day, which involved a testing 20 overs, in mediocre light. Cook had registered 27, and Strauss 23 respectively.
So as we enter the final day, England still require a highly unlikely 444 runs, and India 10 wickets. With this drying and wearing pitch, Anil Kumble is the one that may cause most problems for England in their quest to break numerous records and level the series.
India 664 Anil Kumble 110*, MS Dhoni 92, Dinesh Karthik 91, Sachin Tendulkar 82 James Anderson 4/182, Monty Panesar 2/159
England 345 Ian Bell 63, Paul Collingwood 62, Alistair Cook 61 Zaheer Khan 3-32, Anil Kumble 3-94, Sreesanth 2-80
India 180-6 dec Sourav Ganguly 57, VVS Laxman 46*, MS Dhoni 36 Paul Collingwood 2-24, James Anderson 2-34, Chris Tremlett 2-58
England 56-0 Alastair Cook 27*, Andrew Strauss 23*
England require another 444 runs with 10 wickets remaining
(Cricket Web, 12/08/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2012&NewsIDAuto=4341
England have it all to do
India had extended their overall lead to a commanding 283, before England had to bat out a testing 16 overs, of which Strauss and Cook handled successfully, finishing on 43-0.
Sachin Tendulkar top scored for the Indians with 91, while Sourav Ganguly, perhaps looking the most fluent batsman on show, made an attractive 79, before they were both rather harshly adjudged to be out by the usually excellent Simon Taufel.
Five batsmen out of India's top six passed fifty giving the scorecard a solid look, yet none of them passed a century. Karthik, Jaffer, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman all made half centuries and contributed in India's total of 481 all out.
Ryan Sidebottom was the pick of the bowlers in the morning session, constantly passing the bat of Tendulkar, and conceding a miserly seven runs in his opening nine overs. The left armer bowled beautifully and failed to get the rewards his bowling deserved.
The new ball was shared with Chris Tremlett, as Michael Vaughan thought his added bounce may be more of a potent weapon than Jimmy Anderson's swing. Ganguly, however, brought his brief spell to an end when he hooked the paceman for the only six of the day, having previously cut him uppishly through the gully region.
It was a dangerous partnership developing for England, as these two saw India into lunch with the score at 338-3.
After the break, it was to be Paul Collingwood to have a bowl, and the decision was to be justified when Tendulkar failed to play at a shot with the ball striking his front leg. The disbelief on Tendulkar's face suggested he thought the umpire had made an error of judgement. So it proved on hawkeye, showing the ball would have gone on to miss the off stump comfortably.
So a fortunate breakthrough, and it was not to prove the only one. With another promising Indian partnership building between Ganguly and the watchful, yet effective Laxman, Taufel gave another decision in favour of England. Jimmy Anderson threw one down the leg side, and Ganguly attempted a flick off his legs. An appeal went up for caught behind, but replays indicated no contact had been made, but Taufel thought otherwise.
Finally Sidebottom got some much deserved reward, inducing an edge from Mahendra Dhoni that gave Prior an easy catch. Anil Kumble was next, and he offered decent support to Laxman, whose easy on the eye strokeplay was frustrating the home side.
It was Tremlett that removed both of them. Firstly Laxman, who fell attempting a cut shot to a ball banged in reasonably short and wide, but the added bounce that Tremlett possesses undid Laxman and he edged through to Prior.
The ball that got Kumble was a good one, hitting exactly the right line and length that with respect to Kumble, would have troubled more recognised batsmen. That was eight wickets down, and five catches to Prior.
The last two wickets fell to Panesar, who plugged away all day. Both RP Singh and Sreesanth were trapped lbw. Singh's seemed a fair shout, Sreesanth may have been a tad unlucky, although one does invite trouble when opting to leave the ball that would have gone perilously close to off stump.
So an imposing lead, and a tricky spell of batting for England's openers. There were no real scares as Cook and Strauss negotiated the 16 overs expertly. Strauss was unbeaten on 21, Cook on 17. Sreesanth struggled with his run up, and did not look to be in any kind of rhythm, something India will be hoping to put right come tomorrow.
And so to tomorrow, another dry day forecasted, in front of another sell out crowd, and a day's play that could be integral to the whole of this series. Despite India not taking a wicket at the end of the day, they are still in command, and England will have to bat for the best part of two days if they are to save this Test.
England 198 Alastair Cook 43, Ian Bell 31 Zaheer Khan 4-59, Anil Kumble 3-32
India 481 Sachin Tendulkar 91, Sourav Ganguly 79, Dinesh Karthik 77 Monty Panasar 4-101, Chris Tremlett 3-80
England 43-0 Andrew Strauss 21*, Alastair Cook 17*
England trail by 240 runs with 10 wickets remaining
(Cricket Web, 29/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2012&NewsIDAuto=4286
Sachin Tendulkar top scored for the Indians with 91, while Sourav Ganguly, perhaps looking the most fluent batsman on show, made an attractive 79, before they were both rather harshly adjudged to be out by the usually excellent Simon Taufel.
Five batsmen out of India's top six passed fifty giving the scorecard a solid look, yet none of them passed a century. Karthik, Jaffer, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman all made half centuries and contributed in India's total of 481 all out.
Ryan Sidebottom was the pick of the bowlers in the morning session, constantly passing the bat of Tendulkar, and conceding a miserly seven runs in his opening nine overs. The left armer bowled beautifully and failed to get the rewards his bowling deserved.
The new ball was shared with Chris Tremlett, as Michael Vaughan thought his added bounce may be more of a potent weapon than Jimmy Anderson's swing. Ganguly, however, brought his brief spell to an end when he hooked the paceman for the only six of the day, having previously cut him uppishly through the gully region.
It was a dangerous partnership developing for England, as these two saw India into lunch with the score at 338-3.
After the break, it was to be Paul Collingwood to have a bowl, and the decision was to be justified when Tendulkar failed to play at a shot with the ball striking his front leg. The disbelief on Tendulkar's face suggested he thought the umpire had made an error of judgement. So it proved on hawkeye, showing the ball would have gone on to miss the off stump comfortably.
So a fortunate breakthrough, and it was not to prove the only one. With another promising Indian partnership building between Ganguly and the watchful, yet effective Laxman, Taufel gave another decision in favour of England. Jimmy Anderson threw one down the leg side, and Ganguly attempted a flick off his legs. An appeal went up for caught behind, but replays indicated no contact had been made, but Taufel thought otherwise.
Finally Sidebottom got some much deserved reward, inducing an edge from Mahendra Dhoni that gave Prior an easy catch. Anil Kumble was next, and he offered decent support to Laxman, whose easy on the eye strokeplay was frustrating the home side.
It was Tremlett that removed both of them. Firstly Laxman, who fell attempting a cut shot to a ball banged in reasonably short and wide, but the added bounce that Tremlett possesses undid Laxman and he edged through to Prior.
The ball that got Kumble was a good one, hitting exactly the right line and length that with respect to Kumble, would have troubled more recognised batsmen. That was eight wickets down, and five catches to Prior.
The last two wickets fell to Panesar, who plugged away all day. Both RP Singh and Sreesanth were trapped lbw. Singh's seemed a fair shout, Sreesanth may have been a tad unlucky, although one does invite trouble when opting to leave the ball that would have gone perilously close to off stump.
So an imposing lead, and a tricky spell of batting for England's openers. There were no real scares as Cook and Strauss negotiated the 16 overs expertly. Strauss was unbeaten on 21, Cook on 17. Sreesanth struggled with his run up, and did not look to be in any kind of rhythm, something India will be hoping to put right come tomorrow.
And so to tomorrow, another dry day forecasted, in front of another sell out crowd, and a day's play that could be integral to the whole of this series. Despite India not taking a wicket at the end of the day, they are still in command, and England will have to bat for the best part of two days if they are to save this Test.
England 198 Alastair Cook 43, Ian Bell 31 Zaheer Khan 4-59, Anil Kumble 3-32
India 481 Sachin Tendulkar 91, Sourav Ganguly 79, Dinesh Karthik 77 Monty Panasar 4-101, Chris Tremlett 3-80
England 43-0 Andrew Strauss 21*, Alastair Cook 17*
England trail by 240 runs with 10 wickets remaining
(Cricket Web, 29/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2012&NewsIDAuto=4286
Durham swoop for Shiv
Shivnarine Chanderpaul's torment of English bowlers is not yet finished, after he agreed to join Durham, and will be available until the Twenty20 World Championships get underway in South Africa on September 11.
Chanderpaul recently averaged a phenomonal 148.66 in the Wisden Trophy four-Test series against England, emphasising his liking to the English tracks.
Durham will be hoping his excellent form continues as they look to close the gap on the three sides above them in the County Championship, aswell as seek promotion from Division 2 of the Pro40 league. He will also have the chance to influence a Lords Final, when Durham take on Hampshire in the Friends Provident Trophy on August 18.
The Guyanese left-hander will replace Kiwi Scott Styris, who ended his spell at the Riverside a week before his contract was due to expire, because of a series of niggling injuries.
In addition to the obvious quality and quantity of runs it is hoped he will bring to Durham, Chanderpaul will demonstrate what it takes to become such a world class operator, and give a lesson to the younger players at Durham in professionalism. It will be his first stint of first-class cricket for a club outside of the Caribbean, and he could make his debut as early as Sunday, when they play Surrey in the Pro40.
(Cricket Web, 27/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2016&NewsIDAuto=4280
Chanderpaul recently averaged a phenomonal 148.66 in the Wisden Trophy four-Test series against England, emphasising his liking to the English tracks.
Durham will be hoping his excellent form continues as they look to close the gap on the three sides above them in the County Championship, aswell as seek promotion from Division 2 of the Pro40 league. He will also have the chance to influence a Lords Final, when Durham take on Hampshire in the Friends Provident Trophy on August 18.
The Guyanese left-hander will replace Kiwi Scott Styris, who ended his spell at the Riverside a week before his contract was due to expire, because of a series of niggling injuries.
In addition to the obvious quality and quantity of runs it is hoped he will bring to Durham, Chanderpaul will demonstrate what it takes to become such a world class operator, and give a lesson to the younger players at Durham in professionalism. It will be his first stint of first-class cricket for a club outside of the Caribbean, and he could make his debut as early as Sunday, when they play Surrey in the Pro40.
(Cricket Web, 27/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2016&NewsIDAuto=4280
Pietersen puts England in charge
England had Kevin Pietersen to thank in setting India an imposing total of 380, if they are to gain victory in this First Test match.
India struck back in the first session, RP singh picking up the wickets of Vaughan, Collingwood, and Bell, before Pietersen and Prior combined for a crucial 119 run partnership, as England were bowled out for 282.
Pietersen struck 14 fours and one six in his innings, as he batted England into a winning position.
India began their reply confidently, but lost the key wickets of Dravid and Tendulkar, who both went before the close to leave India with an uphill task on the final day. Dinesh Karthik and Sourav Ganguly batted well and currently involved in a 53 run partnership. India closed the day on 137-3, 243 runs short of their target.
The day started with Vaughan and Pietersen looking to push England's lead on, with Vaughan looking the more solid of the two. Apart from one or two lbw shouts and the odd one that beat the bat, England moved reasonably comfortably to 100-2, when RP Singh got one to nip back on Vaughan, who was on the drive, and deflect off his inside edge and onto the off stump, which duly cartwheeled out of the ground. Singh had moved to bowling round the wicket, to offer a different angle, and the plan worked perfectly.
If the wicket was expected to keep Pietersen in his shell, it did not look it, as his next two balls off Zaheer Khan disappeared to the boundary, as the lead moved to 207.
RP Singh claimed another wicket in his next over, this time catching Paul Collingwood by surprise with an excellently directed bouncer that Collingwood could only glove to second slip, where VVS Laxman took a comfortable catch. Singh bowled well throughout the day, finding good lines with well controlled swing bowling.
Ian Bell only had time for a glance off his legs and a well executed pull, before he fell to RP Singh, attempting another pull shot, the ball failed to bounce as much as Bell expected and he inside edged onto his stumps for the second time in the Test.
Pietersen and new bat Matt Prior saw England through to lunch with some sensible batting, and a lead of 258 intact. What happened after lunch was a flurry of runs. Kevin Pietersen seemed intent on playing a shot a ball and with great dividends. He looked in fine nick, exceptionally strong down the ground, and was perhaps a little surprised by the lack of bouncers directed at him, following one or two dismissals in this fashion against the West Indies.
Instead Pietersen was free to plant his front foot down the pitch, with his notoriously large stride, and drive through the offside at will. Matt Prior was offering good support and also played his shots with attacking intent when the chance offered itself.
Prior stuck to executing textbook drives, while Pietersen demonstrated his flamboyant side, his trademark flamingo flick through straight mid wicket certainly kept the Lords crowd entertained.
The 100 partnership came off only 128 balls, as Pietersen edged closer to another century. On 93 he came dancing down the track to Anil Kumble, and hit him straight back over his head for six. His wait for the century was a mere two balls, flicking Kumble nonchalantly through mid wicket off his back foot to bring up his ninth Test century. His celebrations were that of a player pumped up, as he lapped up the applause from the crowd.
Prior had reached 42 before he edged a ball that Zaheer got to go across him, and Dhoni took a smart diving catch to his right. It was a breakthrough India needed to open up an end to England's tail. Chris Tremlett bagged a pair, the ball squeezing between bat and pad and rolling onto his stumps first ball, to leave Zaheer on a hat-trick.
Ryan Sidebottom was the next man in, and Zaheer delivered an excellent full inswinging delivery that Sidebottom dug out efficiently.
Pietersen had been criticised in the past for how he had batted with the tail, but he kept it simple and effective here. When the field was brought up on the fifth and six balls of the over, he would look to hit a boundary, failing that he would happily take a single.
When he failed to get a single off the last ball of Zaheer's over, Sidebottom was exposed to the experienced Kumble with only one result likely. Kumble pushed the ball across Sidebottom as he attempted to force it off the back foot and edged to Dravid at slip. Kumble was using more googlies than usual to slant the ball across England's left handed tail enders.
Pietersen finally fell for 134 off 213 balls going for a big shot off the impressive RP Singh. The field was up to stop him gaining a single to keep the strike as he endeavoured to hit the ball over deep mid wicket. He succeeded only in bottom edging the ball onto his middle stump. An end to what had been a compelling and potentially decisive innings.
RP Singh then deservedly got his name onto the Lords honours board when he produced an inswinger to Monty Panesar who was struck on his pad in front of his wickets.
How were India to set about their chase ? Well, Dinesh Karthik began in a positive frame of mind, while Wasim Jaffer was content to bide his time and get himself set. Karthik's first 20 runs came by the way of five fours.
Jaffer will have been exceptionally disappointed by the tame nature of his dismissal. He was not in any great trouble, the England openers were not getting the ball to swing as much as they had in the first innings. Jimmy Anderson had returned for his second spell, this time changing to the Nursery End, and drifted one onto Jaffer's pads, who flicked the ball in the air to Pietersen at mid wicket to take an easy catch low down.
India captain Rahul Dravid made his way out to the middle, England obviously recognising the urgency to get him early, with his adept powers of concentration.
He cut his first ball savagely to the point boundary for four, then guided his third ball down to the vacant third man area. Dravid had a start.
Chris Tremlett had been brought into the attack, as the swing bowlers were not finding the conditions entirely conducive to their styles. Tremlett was to present a different proposition by banging the ball in back of a length, forcing the batsman back, and acquiring appreciable bounce.
The bounce must have caused umpire Simon Taufel one or two concerns when Dravid was wrapped on the pads by Tremlett and the England players appealed excitedly. After one or two seconds of consideration he raised his finger to give England a major boost. Dravid could perhaps consider himself a tad unfortunate, as replays showed he was struck marginally outside the line of off stump.
Panesar was getting the odd ball to turn sharply, but Tendulkar resembled a man full of self confidence. A well timed push off the back foot to Panesar raced away to the cover boundary which matched any of Pietersen's blows for timing.
Monty was to gain his revenge. Tendulkar was his first dismissal in Test cricket in Nagpur, and he got him again here with a dismissal of unerring similarity. He delivered from round the wicket, the ball going straight on with the arm and hitting Tendulkar on his front pad before he had got his bat down near the ball. This time it was umpire Bucknor who made the decision to send Panesar and his team mates into ecstasy. His absolute joy at dismissing his hero was evident for all to see, with a dance more eccentric than usual.
It was the two big wickets before the close of play that England will have hoped for, but there is still plenty of important wickets for them to take before they can win this Test.
Dinesh Karthik continued in his own way at the other end and reached an accomplished half century off 101 balls. He will be only too aware that if India are to get anywhere the target, he must now go on and complete a big score.
Sourav Ganguly offered Ian Bell a very tough chance at silly mid off from Panesar, but on the whole will have been happy with how he has batted so far, and finished 36 not out. With VVS Laxman and Mahendra Singh Dhoni to come, the Indians will still harbour hopes of a successful and historical chase.
The weather, as ever, may be the overriding factor in this Test. With more rain scheduled tomorrow, the cricketing world will be hoping not too much, as this promises to be a thrilling game. England need 7 wickets, India need a further 247 runs, who is going to step up and win the game for his side.
England 298 Andrew Strauss 96, Michael Vaughan 79 Sreesanth 3-67, RP Singh 2-58
India 201 Wasim Jaffer 58, Sachin Tendulkar 37, Sourav Ganguly 34 James Anderson 5-43, Ryan Sidebottom 4-65
England 282 Kevin Pietersen 134, Matt Prior 42, Michael Vaughan 30 RP Singh 5-59, Zaheer Khan 4-79
India 137-3 Dinesh Karthik 56*, Sourav Ganguly 36*
(Cricket Web, 22/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2012&NewsIDAuto=4251
India struck back in the first session, RP singh picking up the wickets of Vaughan, Collingwood, and Bell, before Pietersen and Prior combined for a crucial 119 run partnership, as England were bowled out for 282.
Pietersen struck 14 fours and one six in his innings, as he batted England into a winning position.
India began their reply confidently, but lost the key wickets of Dravid and Tendulkar, who both went before the close to leave India with an uphill task on the final day. Dinesh Karthik and Sourav Ganguly batted well and currently involved in a 53 run partnership. India closed the day on 137-3, 243 runs short of their target.
The day started with Vaughan and Pietersen looking to push England's lead on, with Vaughan looking the more solid of the two. Apart from one or two lbw shouts and the odd one that beat the bat, England moved reasonably comfortably to 100-2, when RP Singh got one to nip back on Vaughan, who was on the drive, and deflect off his inside edge and onto the off stump, which duly cartwheeled out of the ground. Singh had moved to bowling round the wicket, to offer a different angle, and the plan worked perfectly.
If the wicket was expected to keep Pietersen in his shell, it did not look it, as his next two balls off Zaheer Khan disappeared to the boundary, as the lead moved to 207.
RP Singh claimed another wicket in his next over, this time catching Paul Collingwood by surprise with an excellently directed bouncer that Collingwood could only glove to second slip, where VVS Laxman took a comfortable catch. Singh bowled well throughout the day, finding good lines with well controlled swing bowling.
Ian Bell only had time for a glance off his legs and a well executed pull, before he fell to RP Singh, attempting another pull shot, the ball failed to bounce as much as Bell expected and he inside edged onto his stumps for the second time in the Test.
Pietersen and new bat Matt Prior saw England through to lunch with some sensible batting, and a lead of 258 intact. What happened after lunch was a flurry of runs. Kevin Pietersen seemed intent on playing a shot a ball and with great dividends. He looked in fine nick, exceptionally strong down the ground, and was perhaps a little surprised by the lack of bouncers directed at him, following one or two dismissals in this fashion against the West Indies.
Instead Pietersen was free to plant his front foot down the pitch, with his notoriously large stride, and drive through the offside at will. Matt Prior was offering good support and also played his shots with attacking intent when the chance offered itself.
Prior stuck to executing textbook drives, while Pietersen demonstrated his flamboyant side, his trademark flamingo flick through straight mid wicket certainly kept the Lords crowd entertained.
The 100 partnership came off only 128 balls, as Pietersen edged closer to another century. On 93 he came dancing down the track to Anil Kumble, and hit him straight back over his head for six. His wait for the century was a mere two balls, flicking Kumble nonchalantly through mid wicket off his back foot to bring up his ninth Test century. His celebrations were that of a player pumped up, as he lapped up the applause from the crowd.
Prior had reached 42 before he edged a ball that Zaheer got to go across him, and Dhoni took a smart diving catch to his right. It was a breakthrough India needed to open up an end to England's tail. Chris Tremlett bagged a pair, the ball squeezing between bat and pad and rolling onto his stumps first ball, to leave Zaheer on a hat-trick.
Ryan Sidebottom was the next man in, and Zaheer delivered an excellent full inswinging delivery that Sidebottom dug out efficiently.
Pietersen had been criticised in the past for how he had batted with the tail, but he kept it simple and effective here. When the field was brought up on the fifth and six balls of the over, he would look to hit a boundary, failing that he would happily take a single.
When he failed to get a single off the last ball of Zaheer's over, Sidebottom was exposed to the experienced Kumble with only one result likely. Kumble pushed the ball across Sidebottom as he attempted to force it off the back foot and edged to Dravid at slip. Kumble was using more googlies than usual to slant the ball across England's left handed tail enders.
Pietersen finally fell for 134 off 213 balls going for a big shot off the impressive RP Singh. The field was up to stop him gaining a single to keep the strike as he endeavoured to hit the ball over deep mid wicket. He succeeded only in bottom edging the ball onto his middle stump. An end to what had been a compelling and potentially decisive innings.
RP Singh then deservedly got his name onto the Lords honours board when he produced an inswinger to Monty Panesar who was struck on his pad in front of his wickets.
How were India to set about their chase ? Well, Dinesh Karthik began in a positive frame of mind, while Wasim Jaffer was content to bide his time and get himself set. Karthik's first 20 runs came by the way of five fours.
Jaffer will have been exceptionally disappointed by the tame nature of his dismissal. He was not in any great trouble, the England openers were not getting the ball to swing as much as they had in the first innings. Jimmy Anderson had returned for his second spell, this time changing to the Nursery End, and drifted one onto Jaffer's pads, who flicked the ball in the air to Pietersen at mid wicket to take an easy catch low down.
India captain Rahul Dravid made his way out to the middle, England obviously recognising the urgency to get him early, with his adept powers of concentration.
He cut his first ball savagely to the point boundary for four, then guided his third ball down to the vacant third man area. Dravid had a start.
Chris Tremlett had been brought into the attack, as the swing bowlers were not finding the conditions entirely conducive to their styles. Tremlett was to present a different proposition by banging the ball in back of a length, forcing the batsman back, and acquiring appreciable bounce.
The bounce must have caused umpire Simon Taufel one or two concerns when Dravid was wrapped on the pads by Tremlett and the England players appealed excitedly. After one or two seconds of consideration he raised his finger to give England a major boost. Dravid could perhaps consider himself a tad unfortunate, as replays showed he was struck marginally outside the line of off stump.
Panesar was getting the odd ball to turn sharply, but Tendulkar resembled a man full of self confidence. A well timed push off the back foot to Panesar raced away to the cover boundary which matched any of Pietersen's blows for timing.
Monty was to gain his revenge. Tendulkar was his first dismissal in Test cricket in Nagpur, and he got him again here with a dismissal of unerring similarity. He delivered from round the wicket, the ball going straight on with the arm and hitting Tendulkar on his front pad before he had got his bat down near the ball. This time it was umpire Bucknor who made the decision to send Panesar and his team mates into ecstasy. His absolute joy at dismissing his hero was evident for all to see, with a dance more eccentric than usual.
It was the two big wickets before the close of play that England will have hoped for, but there is still plenty of important wickets for them to take before they can win this Test.
Dinesh Karthik continued in his own way at the other end and reached an accomplished half century off 101 balls. He will be only too aware that if India are to get anywhere the target, he must now go on and complete a big score.
Sourav Ganguly offered Ian Bell a very tough chance at silly mid off from Panesar, but on the whole will have been happy with how he has batted so far, and finished 36 not out. With VVS Laxman and Mahendra Singh Dhoni to come, the Indians will still harbour hopes of a successful and historical chase.
The weather, as ever, may be the overriding factor in this Test. With more rain scheduled tomorrow, the cricketing world will be hoping not too much, as this promises to be a thrilling game. England need 7 wickets, India need a further 247 runs, who is going to step up and win the game for his side.
England 298 Andrew Strauss 96, Michael Vaughan 79 Sreesanth 3-67, RP Singh 2-58
India 201 Wasim Jaffer 58, Sachin Tendulkar 37, Sourav Ganguly 34 James Anderson 5-43, Ryan Sidebottom 4-65
England 282 Kevin Pietersen 134, Matt Prior 42, Michael Vaughan 30 RP Singh 5-59, Zaheer Khan 4-79
India 137-3 Dinesh Karthik 56*, Sourav Ganguly 36*
(Cricket Web, 22/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2012&NewsIDAuto=4251
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