West Indies finally found their stride on this tour, when they completed a 15 run victory over England in a Twenty20 contest at The Brit Oval.
West Indies won the toss and batted first and blitzed their way to 208-8, Devon Smith top scored with 61, predictably Shiv Chanderpaul showed his versatility with 41 off 26 balls, and Marlon Samuels blazed a thoroughly entertaining 51.
It was a baptism of fire for England's new ODI skipper Paul Collingwood, as his bowling attack were unable to contain the Caribbean flair in the opposition's ranks. When it came to England's turn, the innings never really took off till Michael Yardy joined his captain at the crease with the score on 101-6, and they shared a 91 run stand in 7.3 overs. The charge came inevitably too late, the hosts finishing on 193-7.
Like or loathe Twenty20 cricket, you cannot deny the fun and excitement factor that accompanies it, alongside the healthy turn out in the stands. They were not to be disappointed as this game contained more than its fair share of thrills and spills.
When Jimmy Anderson bowled West Indies ODI captain Chris Gayle for 5, England could be forgiven for thinking the opponents greatest dangerman had been dealt with.
Instead his fellow opener Smith took matters into his own hands and took the game to the bowlers. Chanderpaul joined him in the middle at the fall of Gayle's wicket, and they had put on 84, before one of England's debutants, Dmitri Mascarenhas, did something England had struggled to do for most of this international season so far, and dismissed Chanderpaul, thanks to a fine diving effort from Alistair Cook.
Devon Smith was also scoring at a rapid rate, he had struck his 61 off only 34 balls before he was removed in Mascarenhas's next over, and West Indies good early work was in danger of being undone.
Clever work from Matt Prior saw Dwayne Bravo stumped down the leg side for 1, but Samuels was quickly finding his stride. He was perhaps the pick of the West Indies batsmen, with some typically Caribbean strokeplay, in the extreme. When he ferociously climbed into a length ball on leg stump from Ryan Sidebottom, the ball must have landed closer to the bowlers home ground in Nottingham than the Oval.
Samuels 50 came off only 25 balls, only two balls outside the Twenty20 record, set by none other than Sanath Jayasuriya.
Denesh Ramdin shared an excellent 58 run partnership with Samuels, mixing belligerence with skilful deflections.
England still seemed to be neglecting the fuller delivery, opting instead to bowl back of a length and rely on steep bounce to unsettle the West Indies. A tactic it must be said did not work particularly well on this occasion.
Chris Gayle's men were certainly more at home playing their shots in this shortened version of one-day cricket, rather than the technical pressures of Test cricket. Where their flamboyant strokeplay, and lack of discpline was part of their downfall in the recent Test series, it proved to be their strength in this format. The lack of swing movement for England was also of considerable benefit to the visitors.
All of England's attack were dealt a fair degree of brutal treatment, Yardy being the most economic going for 35 off his four overs. Will England rue the decision not to select a specialist spinner in Monty Panesar ?
With 209 runs to win, England were always going to be up against it, despite having an excellent track to bat on.
Alastair Cook opened up with Matt Prior, one can't help but think this decision made with the 50 over game in mind, as Cook's style would not be entirely suited to Twenty20 cricket, for all his class.
The Essex man fell for 15 with the score on 40, and Prior was dismissed in the same over, after a promising start, for 25.
England's other debutant Jon Trott worked the ball around unspectacularly, before playing around a straight one, and the hopes of the side seemed to rest wholly on Kevin Pietersen's shoulders. He was beginning to warm to the task, taking Darren Sammy for two consecutive fours before running himself out going for a third. What was of more immediate concern was Pietersen lying prostrate gripping his knee after a desperate dive. England will hope it was only a twinge.
The hosts were seemingly out of the game, when Owais Shah played around his front pad to be trapped lbw by the mightily impressive Dwayne Smith, but Mike Yardy and Captain 'Colly' blazed away to finally get England moving in the right direction.
The skipper bedded himself in initially before unleashing a series of thumps down the ground for maximums, and generally leading from the front. He is clearly England's finest and most clever ODI player, and if there were any thoughts of captaincy being a burden, it certainly was not in evidence today.
Yardy offered excellent support, but neither could muster the necessary boundaries in the last two overs of the innings when 30 runs were required. Collingwood's fine innings finally ended when he was run out off the penultimate ball of the match for 79. Dwayne Smith finished with the figures of the day with 3-24 off four overs, and what he lacks in pace he makes up for with accuracy and variations.
A thoroughly enjoyable spectacle which delivered everything associated with Twenty20 cricket, and West Indies finished the game worthy winners.
They looked hungry to gain this elusive first international win on this tour, and will be hoping to repeat the result when the teams do battle again tomorrow ahead of Sunday's first of three ODI's.
West Indies 208-9 off 20 overs Devon Smith 61, Marlon Samuels 51, Shivnarine Chanderpaul 41, James Anderson 2-37, Dimitri Mascarenhas 2-39
England 193-7 off 20 overs Paul Collingwood 79, Matt Prior 25, Dwayne Smith 3-24, Darren Sammy 2-37
West Indies won by 15 runs
Cricket Web Player of the Match: Paul Collingwood
(Cricket Web, 28/06/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=1&NewsIDAuto=4119
Friday 29 June 2007
West Indies Keep England At Bay
A determined West Indies batted defiantly on the fourth day of the Third Test to keep England at bay and ensure the match is taken into the final day.
With the visitors requiring an unlikely target of 455 runs to win, it proved to be a frustrating day for England, chief tormentor Shivnarine Chanderpaul resisted everything the hosts threw at him, as his stay at the crease moved close to 4 and a half hours at the close of play with 81 runs to his name, and the West Indies on 301-5.
Denesh Ramdin is the other not out batsman, and the partnership currently stands at 52.
A further 154 runs are required on Monday if West Indies are to succeed in what would be a world record chase.
The morning started brightly for England as Steve Harmison showed a marked improvement on his first innings efforts. He bowled with purpose and consistently hit the areas that caused much concern for West Indies top order.
Indeed it was Harmison that got the breakthrough when he had the hesitant Chris Gayle caught well at second slip by the diving Paul Collingwood. Gayle currently is indecisive in his footwork either coming forward or going back, and as a result he has a tendency to be caught in between.
Earlier the West Indies opener had taken a blow on his left thumb that required treatment following a sharp lifting delivery from Harmison, emphasising the paceman's increasing threat on this Old Trafford wicket.
Ryan Sidebottom was giving England an excellent option from the other end. He appears to have found an extra yard of pace without sacrificing his impeccable accuracy and swing movement.
Runako Morton and Devon Smith began to steady the ship, Morton putting his extravagant drives to one side choosing instead to be more watchful in his shot selection.
When Panesar was introduced there was an element of excitement around the crowd aswell as a successful inevitability.
At times he found excessive spin and variable bounce out of the footholes from the Brian Statham End, and came close to trapping Smith LBW with one that spun that Shane Warne would have been proud of.
Eventually he got his man, four overs before lunch, when Smith lunged forward only for the ball to turn and bounce and deflect off his glove to the grateful Cook at short leg.
Following the break for lunch, England found both Morton and Chanderpaul in obstinate moods. Chanderpaul has clearly been West Indies superior batsman on this tour to date, who knows exactly how to apply himself and rarely gives his wicket away cheaply.
He was to offer a chance to Panesar, when he was on 18, off the bowling of Harmison. Looking to work the ball onto the leg side, as he did so efficiently throughout the day, he found a leading edge that looped to the spinner at mid on. Not the smoothest of movers, Panesar did manage to make the ground to his left, but failed to cling on to a fairly regulation chance.
Morton remained circumspect but when he was presented with a chance to drive down the ground, he responded with a number of thudding strokes. Kevin Pietersen was unable to cling on to a return catch, getting a hand to it, but even that was not enough to stop the ball from fizzing to the boundary.
The partnership was becoming frustrating for England, despite Vaughan intelligently rotating his attack in search of the elusive wicket. It was finally delivered by the spinning Sikh, with the partnership on 73. Morton, having just reached his third half century of his Test career, misread the line of the ball from around the wicket, and opted not to offer a shot, as the ball struck him on his front pad. He had taken a large stride down the pitch but umpire Aleem Dar decided the ball was going on to hit the stumps. Morton was clearly livid with own judgemental error, having made a patient 54 off 145 balls.
The score at this point was 161-4, and Dwayne Bravo was the next man to join the gritty Chanderpaul at the crease, who was soon to reach his second fifty of the game, pulling Harmison in front of square.
Not always the prettiest batsman to watch, yet highly effective, Chanderpaul used all his experience, playing the ball late, under his nose, and punishing England if they bowled too straight. He was equally adept when having the chance to cut or drive through the off side.
Bravo was to bring up the fifty partnership (off only 57 balls) in the second over after tea with an uppish back foot slash through the gully region. It was a repeat of that shot that almost proved to be Bravo's downfall three balls later. He went hard at the ball again and Collingwood produced a magnificent one handed catch, diving low to his right. However, the umpires conferred and came to the conclusion the ball must have touched the ground at some point. A brave decision without employing the third umpire, but more than likely the correct one, despite the England players not appearing to agree with the outcome.
Bravo played positively, not allowing the situation of the game to sway him from playing his natural way.
On 49 and with with the new ball imminent, Bravo was to fall, Panesar once again England's wicket taker. The Trinidadian thrust forward and got an inside edge onto his pad and enabled Cook to take his second catch under the helmet.
Panesar had taken some pace off his bowling in the evening session, opting to throw the ball up a touch more above the batters eye line. During his earlier spells he was bowling rather flat, around 56-58 mph, and now he had decided to reduce it towards the 50 mph mark.
The new ball produced an early, yet difficult chance when Denesh Ramdin flicked Sidebottom down the leg side, but the diving Matt Prior was unable to hang on.
Ramdin provided more than useful support for Chanderpaul, as they saw West Indies through to the close of play. It promises to be an intriguing final day at Old Trafford, and with the pitch still playing well the West Indies will fancy their chances, providing Chanderpaul can stick around.
England will naturally back their bowlers to complete the job, Harmison bowled much better today, and Sidebottom who was a surprise inclusion at Headingley has only enhanced his reputation since returning to the international fold. Panesar will once again be a threat, targeting the footholds and exploiting any gremlins that may appear, in what has been a wonderful Test wicket. Liam Plunkett was perhaps the one bowler that did not get it right again, and will no doubt seek out more sessions with England's bowling advisor Allan Donald.
England 370 Ian Bell 97, Alastair Cook 60, Corey Collymore 3-60, Fidel Edwards 3-94
West Indies 229 Shivnarine Chanderpaul 50, Devon Smith 40, Monty Panesar 4-50, Ryan Sidebottom 3-48
England 313 Alastair Cook 106, Kevin Pietersen 68, Darren Sammy 7-66, Dwayne Bravo 1-14
West Indies 301-5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul 81*, Runako Morton 54, Dwayne Bravo 49, Denesh Ramdin 26*, Monty Panesar 3-87, Steve Harmison 2-70
With the visitors requiring an unlikely target of 455 runs to win, it proved to be a frustrating day for England, chief tormentor Shivnarine Chanderpaul resisted everything the hosts threw at him, as his stay at the crease moved close to 4 and a half hours at the close of play with 81 runs to his name, and the West Indies on 301-5.
Denesh Ramdin is the other not out batsman, and the partnership currently stands at 52.
A further 154 runs are required on Monday if West Indies are to succeed in what would be a world record chase.
The morning started brightly for England as Steve Harmison showed a marked improvement on his first innings efforts. He bowled with purpose and consistently hit the areas that caused much concern for West Indies top order.
Indeed it was Harmison that got the breakthrough when he had the hesitant Chris Gayle caught well at second slip by the diving Paul Collingwood. Gayle currently is indecisive in his footwork either coming forward or going back, and as a result he has a tendency to be caught in between.
Earlier the West Indies opener had taken a blow on his left thumb that required treatment following a sharp lifting delivery from Harmison, emphasising the paceman's increasing threat on this Old Trafford wicket.
Ryan Sidebottom was giving England an excellent option from the other end. He appears to have found an extra yard of pace without sacrificing his impeccable accuracy and swing movement.
Runako Morton and Devon Smith began to steady the ship, Morton putting his extravagant drives to one side choosing instead to be more watchful in his shot selection.
When Panesar was introduced there was an element of excitement around the crowd aswell as a successful inevitability.
At times he found excessive spin and variable bounce out of the footholes from the Brian Statham End, and came close to trapping Smith LBW with one that spun that Shane Warne would have been proud of.
Eventually he got his man, four overs before lunch, when Smith lunged forward only for the ball to turn and bounce and deflect off his glove to the grateful Cook at short leg.
Following the break for lunch, England found both Morton and Chanderpaul in obstinate moods. Chanderpaul has clearly been West Indies superior batsman on this tour to date, who knows exactly how to apply himself and rarely gives his wicket away cheaply.
He was to offer a chance to Panesar, when he was on 18, off the bowling of Harmison. Looking to work the ball onto the leg side, as he did so efficiently throughout the day, he found a leading edge that looped to the spinner at mid on. Not the smoothest of movers, Panesar did manage to make the ground to his left, but failed to cling on to a fairly regulation chance.
Morton remained circumspect but when he was presented with a chance to drive down the ground, he responded with a number of thudding strokes. Kevin Pietersen was unable to cling on to a return catch, getting a hand to it, but even that was not enough to stop the ball from fizzing to the boundary.
The partnership was becoming frustrating for England, despite Vaughan intelligently rotating his attack in search of the elusive wicket. It was finally delivered by the spinning Sikh, with the partnership on 73. Morton, having just reached his third half century of his Test career, misread the line of the ball from around the wicket, and opted not to offer a shot, as the ball struck him on his front pad. He had taken a large stride down the pitch but umpire Aleem Dar decided the ball was going on to hit the stumps. Morton was clearly livid with own judgemental error, having made a patient 54 off 145 balls.
The score at this point was 161-4, and Dwayne Bravo was the next man to join the gritty Chanderpaul at the crease, who was soon to reach his second fifty of the game, pulling Harmison in front of square.
Not always the prettiest batsman to watch, yet highly effective, Chanderpaul used all his experience, playing the ball late, under his nose, and punishing England if they bowled too straight. He was equally adept when having the chance to cut or drive through the off side.
Bravo was to bring up the fifty partnership (off only 57 balls) in the second over after tea with an uppish back foot slash through the gully region. It was a repeat of that shot that almost proved to be Bravo's downfall three balls later. He went hard at the ball again and Collingwood produced a magnificent one handed catch, diving low to his right. However, the umpires conferred and came to the conclusion the ball must have touched the ground at some point. A brave decision without employing the third umpire, but more than likely the correct one, despite the England players not appearing to agree with the outcome.
Bravo played positively, not allowing the situation of the game to sway him from playing his natural way.
On 49 and with with the new ball imminent, Bravo was to fall, Panesar once again England's wicket taker. The Trinidadian thrust forward and got an inside edge onto his pad and enabled Cook to take his second catch under the helmet.
Panesar had taken some pace off his bowling in the evening session, opting to throw the ball up a touch more above the batters eye line. During his earlier spells he was bowling rather flat, around 56-58 mph, and now he had decided to reduce it towards the 50 mph mark.
The new ball produced an early, yet difficult chance when Denesh Ramdin flicked Sidebottom down the leg side, but the diving Matt Prior was unable to hang on.
Ramdin provided more than useful support for Chanderpaul, as they saw West Indies through to the close of play. It promises to be an intriguing final day at Old Trafford, and with the pitch still playing well the West Indies will fancy their chances, providing Chanderpaul can stick around.
England will naturally back their bowlers to complete the job, Harmison bowled much better today, and Sidebottom who was a surprise inclusion at Headingley has only enhanced his reputation since returning to the international fold. Panesar will once again be a threat, targeting the footholds and exploiting any gremlins that may appear, in what has been a wonderful Test wicket. Liam Plunkett was perhaps the one bowler that did not get it right again, and will no doubt seek out more sessions with England's bowling advisor Allan Donald.
England 370 Ian Bell 97, Alastair Cook 60, Corey Collymore 3-60, Fidel Edwards 3-94
West Indies 229 Shivnarine Chanderpaul 50, Devon Smith 40, Monty Panesar 4-50, Ryan Sidebottom 3-48
England 313 Alastair Cook 106, Kevin Pietersen 68, Darren Sammy 7-66, Dwayne Bravo 1-14
West Indies 301-5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul 81*, Runako Morton 54, Dwayne Bravo 49, Denesh Ramdin 26*, Monty Panesar 3-87, Steve Harmison 2-70
England Crush West Indies
Ruthless England needed only 33.1 overs on the fourth day to inflict West Indies heaviest ever Test defeat, by an innings and 283 runs.
Ryan Sidebottom showed his improvement on his return to the international scene, finishing with second innings figures of 4-44, and match figures of 8-86. Steve Harmison proved a useful ally with 3-37.
Only Dwayne Bravo offered any real resistance for the West Indies with a well compiled 52, as he watched his team mates perish at the other end.
England needed only 7 wickets on a particularly chilly day at Headingley, with West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan still not fit to bat and a big doubt for Old Trafford in just over a weeks time.
The visitors inability to cope when the ball is moving around was evident in this rain interrupted day.
Liam Plunkett got England up and running today when he angled one across Chris Gayle, whose footwork is genrally limited, nicked one through to the grateful Matt Prior.
Sidebottom then showcased his talents for exploiting the opposition when conditions are helpful as he removed Sylvester Joseph with his fifth LBW decision of the Test, and Devon Smith, who edged to Strauss. The Notts seamer showed why he has been recalled, continually pitching the ball up and giving it every chance to swing while bowling consistently good lines.
The partnership of Runako Morton and Dwayne Bravo offered West Indies brief hope, as they combined for a 63-run partnership.
That was until Morton failed to get on top of a short ball from Harmison and skied it to Prior to claim a regulation catch by the stumps. The wicket in effect ending any resistance the dishevelled looking visitors had, in terms of partnerships, as an end was opened up.
Denesh Ramdin received a harsh looking LBW decision from umpire Asad Rauf, Hawkeye suggesting the ball would have gone on to miss leg stump. However, Harmison is currently in no position to question fortunate decisions, and gratefully accepted his 194th career Test wicket.
The paceman from Ashington showed signs as this game wore on that he is getting closer to returning to the fast, hostile bowler England have been missing in recent times, clocking deliveries in excess of the 90 mph mark.
Bravo continued to show his ability with the bat, as he registered West Indies only half century of the match mixing good concentration with a sound technique. His fifty came up after only 61 balls, including a majestic six over the long off region from Monty Panesar.
The spinner was to gain his revenge with a clever piece of bowling as Bravo spooned one to Plunkett at mid off.
West Indies were duly put out of their misery the next ball, when Harmison banged another short ball in and Jerome Taylor rather awkwardly attempted a pull, only to see the ball deflect, via his shoulder, and gently onto the stumps.
It saw England register their first Test win since August of last year, and the confidence they will take from this against an under prepared and poor travelling side like the West Indies, you get the feeling the next win is not too far away.
Missing the experience of Shiv Chanderpaul clearly hampered West Indies preparations, as did Sarwan's unfortunate injury, but the batsman that did play will be only too aware of their deficiencies in this game. Too many loose shots and technical inadequacies will give the coaching staff a busy time before the sides do battle again at Old Trafford.
England 570-7 declared Kevin Pietersen 226, Michael Vaughan 103, Matt Prior 75, Corey Collymore 2-110, Daren Powell 2-153
West Indies 149 Devon Smith 26, Dwayne Bravo 23, Jermaine Lawson 23*, Ryan Sidebottom 4-42, Liam Plunkett 3-35
West Indies 141 Dwayne Bravo 52, Runako Morton 25, Ryan Sidebottom 4-44, Steven Harmison 3-37
England won by an innings and 283 runs
Cricket Web Player of the Match Ryan Sidebottom - 4-42 & 4-44
(Cricket Web, 28/05/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2016&NewsIDAuto=3956
Ryan Sidebottom showed his improvement on his return to the international scene, finishing with second innings figures of 4-44, and match figures of 8-86. Steve Harmison proved a useful ally with 3-37.
Only Dwayne Bravo offered any real resistance for the West Indies with a well compiled 52, as he watched his team mates perish at the other end.
England needed only 7 wickets on a particularly chilly day at Headingley, with West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan still not fit to bat and a big doubt for Old Trafford in just over a weeks time.
The visitors inability to cope when the ball is moving around was evident in this rain interrupted day.
Liam Plunkett got England up and running today when he angled one across Chris Gayle, whose footwork is genrally limited, nicked one through to the grateful Matt Prior.
Sidebottom then showcased his talents for exploiting the opposition when conditions are helpful as he removed Sylvester Joseph with his fifth LBW decision of the Test, and Devon Smith, who edged to Strauss. The Notts seamer showed why he has been recalled, continually pitching the ball up and giving it every chance to swing while bowling consistently good lines.
The partnership of Runako Morton and Dwayne Bravo offered West Indies brief hope, as they combined for a 63-run partnership.
That was until Morton failed to get on top of a short ball from Harmison and skied it to Prior to claim a regulation catch by the stumps. The wicket in effect ending any resistance the dishevelled looking visitors had, in terms of partnerships, as an end was opened up.
Denesh Ramdin received a harsh looking LBW decision from umpire Asad Rauf, Hawkeye suggesting the ball would have gone on to miss leg stump. However, Harmison is currently in no position to question fortunate decisions, and gratefully accepted his 194th career Test wicket.
The paceman from Ashington showed signs as this game wore on that he is getting closer to returning to the fast, hostile bowler England have been missing in recent times, clocking deliveries in excess of the 90 mph mark.
Bravo continued to show his ability with the bat, as he registered West Indies only half century of the match mixing good concentration with a sound technique. His fifty came up after only 61 balls, including a majestic six over the long off region from Monty Panesar.
The spinner was to gain his revenge with a clever piece of bowling as Bravo spooned one to Plunkett at mid off.
West Indies were duly put out of their misery the next ball, when Harmison banged another short ball in and Jerome Taylor rather awkwardly attempted a pull, only to see the ball deflect, via his shoulder, and gently onto the stumps.
It saw England register their first Test win since August of last year, and the confidence they will take from this against an under prepared and poor travelling side like the West Indies, you get the feeling the next win is not too far away.
Missing the experience of Shiv Chanderpaul clearly hampered West Indies preparations, as did Sarwan's unfortunate injury, but the batsman that did play will be only too aware of their deficiencies in this game. Too many loose shots and technical inadequacies will give the coaching staff a busy time before the sides do battle again at Old Trafford.
England 570-7 declared Kevin Pietersen 226, Michael Vaughan 103, Matt Prior 75, Corey Collymore 2-110, Daren Powell 2-153
West Indies 149 Devon Smith 26, Dwayne Bravo 23, Jermaine Lawson 23*, Ryan Sidebottom 4-42, Liam Plunkett 3-35
West Indies 141 Dwayne Bravo 52, Runako Morton 25, Ryan Sidebottom 4-44, Steven Harmison 3-37
England won by an innings and 283 runs
Cricket Web Player of the Match Ryan Sidebottom - 4-42 & 4-44
(Cricket Web, 28/05/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2016&NewsIDAuto=3956
Sri Lanka Secure Thriller!
Sri Lanka clinched a dramatic two-run victory over England when Dilhara Fernando held his nerve to remove the excellent Ravi Bopara with the last ball of the game.
Sri Lanka almost laboured to 235 after Michael Vaughan inserted them on a strange looking pitch. England in reply looked in a reasonably comfortable position at 101-2 with both Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen well set. However, as is England's way, neither batsman went on to convert their start and subsequently England stuttered as the run rate increased.
With six wickets down and only 133 on the board, the fact that such a thriller ensued was testament to the know how of Paul Nixon, and the cool nature of Bopara. A stand of 87 taking England to within touching distance of an unlikely victory.
As we entered the last over, England required 12 runs, and when Bopara coolly paddled Fernando over short fine leg for a boundary, off the second ball of the over, England were starting to look favourites. It came down to the final ball, and after one false start, Fernando stuck to the old adage of they miss, you hit, and clean bowled Bopara, with two runs needed for a tie.
A stunning finish, and the kind of game the World Cup deserved after some predictable one-sided matches.
Upul Tharanga provided the glue for which the Sri Lankan innings was built around early in the day, with a hard earned 62 off 103 balls on a pitch where the batsmen generally found it difficult to dominate the ball.
Sri Lanka were also thankful for a crucial 56 from skipper Jayawardene, who led impressively throughout the day.
Tom Moody's side found it difficult to gain any notable momentum towards the end of the innings, managing a modest 52 off the last 10 overs, with Andrew Flintoff showing he has lost none of his accuracy with 3-35 off his 10.
Sajid Mahmood claimed his best ODI figures taking 4-50, seemingly beating Jayasuriya for a bit of pace and also accounting for danger man Kumar Sangakkara with a clever change of pace that had the left-hander reaching well outside off and spooning a full toss to the safe hands of Paul Collingwood.
It was the same old story for England as their innings got underway, Vaughan went early after he tickled one down the legside off Vaas, which Sangakkara, stood up to the wicket, made look easy when it was far from. Then Joyce fell 10 runs later trapped on the crease from the pacy Lasith Malinga.
At 11-2, it was time to be a little circumspect, which meant England failed to capitalise on the enforced fielding restrictions, a common problem for this England team. The decision to discard the adventurous Mal Loye who was made for such a scenario in the opening overs remains a puzzling one.
Pietersen looked about the only man capable of taking this game by the scruff of its neck. His large strides down the pitch and driving of the ball on the up looked to be causing more than a few problems for Jayawardene. His intent was what England required and again a re-think may be needed to decipher exactly where he should be batting in the order.
Bell was eventually and unfortunately run out by Jayasuriya, as he deflected the ball back onto the stumps at the non-strikers end. It was a close call but a correct one from the third umpire.
The genius that is Murali then produced, what one thought at the time, was the defining moment of the game. He came over the wicket and flighted the perfect doosra on middle and leg which Pietersen clearly did not read. He attempted a flick through legside only to see the ball head directly back into the direction of Murali who secured a vital caught and bowled.
If the spectators thought that was over, they were in for a surprise. As Nixon and Bopara batted sensibly to drag England closer to a total that was unfeasible when they joined each other at the crease. That Bopara barely recognised the fact he had registered his maiden ODI half-century showed the tense stage that the game had reached.
Meanwhile, Nixon's unorthodoxy was emphasised as he reverse-swept Murali for a six!
However Fernando was to have the final say, and such credit he deserves. The paceman had been impressive throughout, using his excellent slower ball earlier in the day to completely bamboozle the out of touch Flintoff.
Recent no-ball problems must have preyed on his mind in as he ran in for that final over, but he kept his nerve as every Sri Lankan and English fan lost theirs, to record a vital win for his side.
Both sides gave their all, but it is Sri Lanka who walk away with the two points that edges them ever closer to the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka 235 all out Upul Tharanga 62, Mahela Jayawardene 56 Sajid Mahmood 4-50, Andrew Flintoff 3-35
England 233-8 off 50 overs Kevin Pietersen 58, Ravi Bopara 52, Ian Bell 47, Paul Nixon 42, Dilhara Fernando 3-41, Lasith Malinga 2-50
Sri Lanka won by 2 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match: Dilhara Fernando 2 (2) & 3-41 (9)
(Cricket Web, 04/04/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2015&NewsIDAuto=3715
Sri Lanka almost laboured to 235 after Michael Vaughan inserted them on a strange looking pitch. England in reply looked in a reasonably comfortable position at 101-2 with both Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen well set. However, as is England's way, neither batsman went on to convert their start and subsequently England stuttered as the run rate increased.
With six wickets down and only 133 on the board, the fact that such a thriller ensued was testament to the know how of Paul Nixon, and the cool nature of Bopara. A stand of 87 taking England to within touching distance of an unlikely victory.
As we entered the last over, England required 12 runs, and when Bopara coolly paddled Fernando over short fine leg for a boundary, off the second ball of the over, England were starting to look favourites. It came down to the final ball, and after one false start, Fernando stuck to the old adage of they miss, you hit, and clean bowled Bopara, with two runs needed for a tie.
A stunning finish, and the kind of game the World Cup deserved after some predictable one-sided matches.
Upul Tharanga provided the glue for which the Sri Lankan innings was built around early in the day, with a hard earned 62 off 103 balls on a pitch where the batsmen generally found it difficult to dominate the ball.
Sri Lanka were also thankful for a crucial 56 from skipper Jayawardene, who led impressively throughout the day.
Tom Moody's side found it difficult to gain any notable momentum towards the end of the innings, managing a modest 52 off the last 10 overs, with Andrew Flintoff showing he has lost none of his accuracy with 3-35 off his 10.
Sajid Mahmood claimed his best ODI figures taking 4-50, seemingly beating Jayasuriya for a bit of pace and also accounting for danger man Kumar Sangakkara with a clever change of pace that had the left-hander reaching well outside off and spooning a full toss to the safe hands of Paul Collingwood.
It was the same old story for England as their innings got underway, Vaughan went early after he tickled one down the legside off Vaas, which Sangakkara, stood up to the wicket, made look easy when it was far from. Then Joyce fell 10 runs later trapped on the crease from the pacy Lasith Malinga.
At 11-2, it was time to be a little circumspect, which meant England failed to capitalise on the enforced fielding restrictions, a common problem for this England team. The decision to discard the adventurous Mal Loye who was made for such a scenario in the opening overs remains a puzzling one.
Pietersen looked about the only man capable of taking this game by the scruff of its neck. His large strides down the pitch and driving of the ball on the up looked to be causing more than a few problems for Jayawardene. His intent was what England required and again a re-think may be needed to decipher exactly where he should be batting in the order.
Bell was eventually and unfortunately run out by Jayasuriya, as he deflected the ball back onto the stumps at the non-strikers end. It was a close call but a correct one from the third umpire.
The genius that is Murali then produced, what one thought at the time, was the defining moment of the game. He came over the wicket and flighted the perfect doosra on middle and leg which Pietersen clearly did not read. He attempted a flick through legside only to see the ball head directly back into the direction of Murali who secured a vital caught and bowled.
If the spectators thought that was over, they were in for a surprise. As Nixon and Bopara batted sensibly to drag England closer to a total that was unfeasible when they joined each other at the crease. That Bopara barely recognised the fact he had registered his maiden ODI half-century showed the tense stage that the game had reached.
Meanwhile, Nixon's unorthodoxy was emphasised as he reverse-swept Murali for a six!
However Fernando was to have the final say, and such credit he deserves. The paceman had been impressive throughout, using his excellent slower ball earlier in the day to completely bamboozle the out of touch Flintoff.
Recent no-ball problems must have preyed on his mind in as he ran in for that final over, but he kept his nerve as every Sri Lankan and English fan lost theirs, to record a vital win for his side.
Both sides gave their all, but it is Sri Lanka who walk away with the two points that edges them ever closer to the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka 235 all out Upul Tharanga 62, Mahela Jayawardene 56 Sajid Mahmood 4-50, Andrew Flintoff 3-35
England 233-8 off 50 overs Kevin Pietersen 58, Ravi Bopara 52, Ian Bell 47, Paul Nixon 42, Dilhara Fernando 3-41, Lasith Malinga 2-50
Sri Lanka won by 2 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match: Dilhara Fernando 2 (2) & 3-41 (9)
(Cricket Web, 04/04/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2015&NewsIDAuto=3715
Jayasuriya Leads The Way
As West Indies stare down the barrel of early elimination from the Super Eights stage, Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya had all guns blazing in Guyana, as he registered his 25th ODI century, inspiring his side to a 113-run victory over the hosts.
Jayasuriya was ably supported by his captain Mahela Jayawardene, and they shared in a 183-run partnership after they had started shakily, finding themselves at 35-2. The pair begun cautiously, with Jayasuriya then moving the swifter of the two through the gears.
He finally fell for 115 on an exceptionally humid day, and it was that rather than the West Indies attack that caused his downfall. He appeared to be a very tired man when he drove loosely at a full ball from Darren Powell.
West Indies had recalled paceman Jerome Taylor, and he opened up impressively alongside Powell. The latter sneaking one through Upul Tharanga's defence early on and making a mess of his stumps, uprooting two of them.
Kumar Sangakkara fell closely after, edging Ian Bradshaw behind when he was squared up to a ball that straightened on him.
Then came the partnership that effectively took the game away from the West Indies. Mahela Jayawardene did not begin in good touch, but it was a crucial knock for the man who averaged a paltry 18 in 17 World Cup matches prior to today. He brought his fifty up with the first four of his innings. His timing and confidence improved as his innings went on, testament to a man unwilling to tamely give his wicket away when things were not so smooth and determinedly battling on.
Jayasuriya meanwhile, was in typically belligerent mood following a sombre and watchful beginning. He paid the opening attack due respect before unleashing four sixes in his favourite maximum hitting area, between square leg and long on.
Tillakaratne Dilshan's multi-dimensional skills are integral to the balance of this Sri Lankan side. Aswell as handy contributions with the bat in the middle order, he bowls useful off spin and patrols the backward point area with great technique, speed and agility. Today he added extra impetus in the closing stages of the innings, smashing his way to 39 not out off 22 balls, to set the hosts a daunting target of 304.
For the West Indies to succeed in this chase, a solid start was essential and not losing 3 wickets with the score at 43, which was what did happen.
Chris Gayle skied one when he was on 10 off the quirky Lasith Malinga. The Jamaican unable so far in this tournament to replicate his outstanding Champions Trophy form.
Dwayne Bravo was promoted to opener, and he had reached 21 before being undone by the inswing of Chaminda Vaas, who then went on to take the prize wicket of Brian Lara, thanks to some smart work by Sangakkara, stumping him for 2.
Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shiv Chanderpaul, both Guyanese, then carefully constructed a 92-run partnership, but Sarwan also left his ground when attempting a wild sweep off Jayasuriya, needless to say Sangakkara again did the rest. The shot was born out of a rapidly growing run rate that had continued to climb throughout.
As wickets continued to fall the tail were left with a near impossible task, and as a result, subsided without too much trouble, despite Chanderpaul's best efforts.
He stood firm and even had the audacity to hit Muralitharan for four well executed sixes, however, he was fighting a lonely battle and eventually lost his off stump to Malinga for 76.
Sri Lanka were dominant in all aspects of the game, none more so than in the field. Where as the home team looked flat, lacklustre and generally sloppy, Sri Lanka were energetic, alert, and certainly not in the mood to give away any easy runs.
Ian Bradshaw was the man left not out, his name and number on the back of his shirt fading, as if to mirror West Indies hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka 303-5 Jayasuriya 115, Jayawardene 82
West Indies 190 all out Chanderpaul 76, Jayasuriya 3-38
Sri Lanka won by 113 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match: S. Jayasuriya
(Cricket Web, 01/04/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2015&NewsIDAuto=3699
Jayasuriya was ably supported by his captain Mahela Jayawardene, and they shared in a 183-run partnership after they had started shakily, finding themselves at 35-2. The pair begun cautiously, with Jayasuriya then moving the swifter of the two through the gears.
He finally fell for 115 on an exceptionally humid day, and it was that rather than the West Indies attack that caused his downfall. He appeared to be a very tired man when he drove loosely at a full ball from Darren Powell.
West Indies had recalled paceman Jerome Taylor, and he opened up impressively alongside Powell. The latter sneaking one through Upul Tharanga's defence early on and making a mess of his stumps, uprooting two of them.
Kumar Sangakkara fell closely after, edging Ian Bradshaw behind when he was squared up to a ball that straightened on him.
Then came the partnership that effectively took the game away from the West Indies. Mahela Jayawardene did not begin in good touch, but it was a crucial knock for the man who averaged a paltry 18 in 17 World Cup matches prior to today. He brought his fifty up with the first four of his innings. His timing and confidence improved as his innings went on, testament to a man unwilling to tamely give his wicket away when things were not so smooth and determinedly battling on.
Jayasuriya meanwhile, was in typically belligerent mood following a sombre and watchful beginning. He paid the opening attack due respect before unleashing four sixes in his favourite maximum hitting area, between square leg and long on.
Tillakaratne Dilshan's multi-dimensional skills are integral to the balance of this Sri Lankan side. Aswell as handy contributions with the bat in the middle order, he bowls useful off spin and patrols the backward point area with great technique, speed and agility. Today he added extra impetus in the closing stages of the innings, smashing his way to 39 not out off 22 balls, to set the hosts a daunting target of 304.
For the West Indies to succeed in this chase, a solid start was essential and not losing 3 wickets with the score at 43, which was what did happen.
Chris Gayle skied one when he was on 10 off the quirky Lasith Malinga. The Jamaican unable so far in this tournament to replicate his outstanding Champions Trophy form.
Dwayne Bravo was promoted to opener, and he had reached 21 before being undone by the inswing of Chaminda Vaas, who then went on to take the prize wicket of Brian Lara, thanks to some smart work by Sangakkara, stumping him for 2.
Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shiv Chanderpaul, both Guyanese, then carefully constructed a 92-run partnership, but Sarwan also left his ground when attempting a wild sweep off Jayasuriya, needless to say Sangakkara again did the rest. The shot was born out of a rapidly growing run rate that had continued to climb throughout.
As wickets continued to fall the tail were left with a near impossible task, and as a result, subsided without too much trouble, despite Chanderpaul's best efforts.
He stood firm and even had the audacity to hit Muralitharan for four well executed sixes, however, he was fighting a lonely battle and eventually lost his off stump to Malinga for 76.
Sri Lanka were dominant in all aspects of the game, none more so than in the field. Where as the home team looked flat, lacklustre and generally sloppy, Sri Lanka were energetic, alert, and certainly not in the mood to give away any easy runs.
Ian Bradshaw was the man left not out, his name and number on the back of his shirt fading, as if to mirror West Indies hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka 303-5 Jayasuriya 115, Jayawardene 82
West Indies 190 all out Chanderpaul 76, Jayasuriya 3-38
Sri Lanka won by 113 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match: S. Jayasuriya
(Cricket Web, 01/04/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2015&NewsIDAuto=3699
Chanderpaul Ton Sees Hosts Home
The West Indies eased their way past Ireland in their final group game with a convincing and confidence boosting eight-wicket victory, picking up a very handy two points to take with them into the Super Eights.
The win came courtesy of a disciplined bowling display, at times breathtaking fielding exhibition and Shivnarine Chanderpaul's sixth ODI century, and his first in the World Cup.
The Irish, who it is fair to say, have over achieved so far in the tournament, won the toss and elected to get runs on the board in an attempt to build some pressure on the host nation. It merely resulted in a very conservative effort of 183-8, after 48 overs, the time when the rain came in.
With West Indies having the same amount of overs to chase down the revised total of 190, the outcome of the game seemed a formality, even more so when Chris Gayle appeared to be in the mood to finish it before the first drinks break! However, after bludgeoning three fours, he was caught out by Dave Langford-Smith's slower one.
Chanderpaul remained unperturbed by the loss of his partner, and continued to combine excellent touch play, with some lusty blows, and brought his hundred up in 108 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes.
Earlier in the day, Ireland's best partnership came when Eoin Morgan joined Jeremy Bray at the fall of the first wicket. William Porterfield registered his second duck of the competition when he edged Darren Powell to the safe hands of Gayle in the second over.
Morgan has come to this competition with a big reputation, but has so far failed to deliver the goods, and after he had put 58 on with Bray, he fell attempting to hook Powell, only to sky it to keeper Dinesh Ramdin, who take a spectacular diving catch.
Bray was particularly strong on anything outside his off stump as he struch seven fours in his 41.
From there on the West Indies refused to let them get away. The economically impressive Gayle bowled his ten overs conceding only 23 runs, with two in his wicket column, and both Powell and Ian Bradshaw were too much for Ireland to contend with.
Jerome Taylor, at this stage in his international career, will be liable to concede ample runs, but his wicket threat certainly keeps the batsmen honest.
For Ireland, there was plenty of starts but there will be much disappointment with the fact nobody was able to take advantage and register a big score. Something that will need to addressed in the Super Eights.
The combination for the West Indies of Gayle and Chanderpaul at the top seems to be a good one, complimenting each others styles and averaging 49.15 for the first wicket.
Once Gayle fell, Ramnaresh Sarwan gave Chanderpaul good support, as they accumulated 119 for the second wicket, but it was Marlon Samuels brought this game to its conclusion when he dispatched a waist high full toss over mid wicket for a six, epitomising the ease of the West Indies victory.
Ireland will be strengthened in the next game with the return of captain Trent Johnson, who sat this game out, and whatever happens in the next phase should not detract from what the Irish have achieved in reaching this stage.
Ireland 183-8 Jeremy Bray 41, Chris Gayle 2-23, Daren Powell 2-24
West Indies 190-2 Shivnarine Chanderpaul 102*
West Indies win by 8 wickets
Cricket Web Man of the Match: Shivnarine Chanderpaul (102*)
(Cricket Web 23/03/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2016&NewsIDAuto=3648
The win came courtesy of a disciplined bowling display, at times breathtaking fielding exhibition and Shivnarine Chanderpaul's sixth ODI century, and his first in the World Cup.
The Irish, who it is fair to say, have over achieved so far in the tournament, won the toss and elected to get runs on the board in an attempt to build some pressure on the host nation. It merely resulted in a very conservative effort of 183-8, after 48 overs, the time when the rain came in.
With West Indies having the same amount of overs to chase down the revised total of 190, the outcome of the game seemed a formality, even more so when Chris Gayle appeared to be in the mood to finish it before the first drinks break! However, after bludgeoning three fours, he was caught out by Dave Langford-Smith's slower one.
Chanderpaul remained unperturbed by the loss of his partner, and continued to combine excellent touch play, with some lusty blows, and brought his hundred up in 108 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes.
Earlier in the day, Ireland's best partnership came when Eoin Morgan joined Jeremy Bray at the fall of the first wicket. William Porterfield registered his second duck of the competition when he edged Darren Powell to the safe hands of Gayle in the second over.
Morgan has come to this competition with a big reputation, but has so far failed to deliver the goods, and after he had put 58 on with Bray, he fell attempting to hook Powell, only to sky it to keeper Dinesh Ramdin, who take a spectacular diving catch.
Bray was particularly strong on anything outside his off stump as he struch seven fours in his 41.
From there on the West Indies refused to let them get away. The economically impressive Gayle bowled his ten overs conceding only 23 runs, with two in his wicket column, and both Powell and Ian Bradshaw were too much for Ireland to contend with.
Jerome Taylor, at this stage in his international career, will be liable to concede ample runs, but his wicket threat certainly keeps the batsmen honest.
For Ireland, there was plenty of starts but there will be much disappointment with the fact nobody was able to take advantage and register a big score. Something that will need to addressed in the Super Eights.
The combination for the West Indies of Gayle and Chanderpaul at the top seems to be a good one, complimenting each others styles and averaging 49.15 for the first wicket.
Once Gayle fell, Ramnaresh Sarwan gave Chanderpaul good support, as they accumulated 119 for the second wicket, but it was Marlon Samuels brought this game to its conclusion when he dispatched a waist high full toss over mid wicket for a six, epitomising the ease of the West Indies victory.
Ireland will be strengthened in the next game with the return of captain Trent Johnson, who sat this game out, and whatever happens in the next phase should not detract from what the Irish have achieved in reaching this stage.
Ireland 183-8 Jeremy Bray 41, Chris Gayle 2-23, Daren Powell 2-24
West Indies 190-2 Shivnarine Chanderpaul 102*
West Indies win by 8 wickets
Cricket Web Man of the Match: Shivnarine Chanderpaul (102*)
(Cricket Web 23/03/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2016&NewsIDAuto=3648
Aussies Destruction Continues
Australia continued to lead by example when demonstrating how to contend with the minnows. Following their battering of Scotland, they were equally dismissive when faced with the Netherlands at St. Kitts today.
Brad Hodge registered his maiden ODI century with an innings that was exceptionally well paced, and he was ably supported by Michael Clarke who made 93 not out, as they shared a World Cup record fourth wicket partnership of 204. Ricky Ponting's side reached 358, with 138 runs coming in the last 10 overs.
The Netherlands were blown away by Australia's attack and survived only 26.5 overs of their allotted 50, making 129, to lose by a massive 229 runs.
When Ponting won the toss he had no hesitation in deciding to bat in an attempt to inflict more misery on the Netherland's attack following their battering off South Africa's batsmen on Friday.
There was certainly no let up for the Dutch as Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden got after them with typical intent. When Hayden fell in the 12th over, going for a big shot over the off side with what could be described as a wild swing, the score had hurried on to 73.
The dangerous Gilchrist fell for 57, while Ponting seemed in ominous form for the minnows, and another destructive innings seemed inevitable. However, he was to offer Ten Doeschate a caught and bowled chance on 23, which he gratefully accepted with a smart catch taken low down to his right. Relief for Bas Zuiderent who had earlier dropped Ponting, as he was attempting to throw the ball in the air in celebration.
Perhaps in hindsight it was a bigger mistake by Ten Doeschate as Clarke and Hodge were then joined at the crease and inflicted merciless pain on the Dutch attack.
Both batsmen were circumspect early on, and a certain rebuilding process was in order. The Australian duo reached their fifties in the 40th over, Hodge taking 61 balls, Clarke 60. Then the fireworks began, as Hodge continuously targeted the area from square leg round to mid on, and delivered a barrage of punishing blows, to bring his century up off only 82 balls, the second 50 coming off a mere 21 deliveries.
The Victorian was finally cleaned up by Peter Borren for 123, and it was Clarke who then continued the blitz, smashing a few sixes of his own. The innings finally came to an end for the bowling side, with Holland facing the unenviable task of making 359.
Despite a useful opening stand of 36, coming at a decent rate, one got the feeling a collapse was only round the corner. Nathan Bracken started the demise with the wickets of Darron Reekers who made a bright and breezy 25 and Alexei Kervezee was trapped in front second ball.
Shaun Tait again displayed pace to trouble the best batsmen, and he picked up Holland's talented all-rounder Ryan Ten Doeschate with a ball that appeared on him quicker than he had anticipated.
Despite some mid to lower order resistance, Brad Hogg wrapped things up for the Aussies with a 4.5 over spell that saw him collect four wickets for 27 runs. Daan Van Bunge top scored for the Netherlands with 33, bringing some light relief following his torment after bowling his famous over to the unforgiving Herschelle Gibbs in their last match.
So another display of professionalism from the current World Champions sets them up nicely for the final group game against South Africa, where one would expect them to be pushed somewhat harder.
The day was sadly overshadowed by the tragic death of highly respected Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, who was found unconscious on the floor in his hotel room in Jamaica. A knowledgeable and well thought of person, Bob Woolmer will be sadly missed by one and all.
Australia 358-5 Hodge 123, Clarke 93*, Gilchrist 57 de Leede 2-40, ten Doeschate 2-76
Holland 129 Van Bunge 33 Hogg 4-27
Australia won by 229 runs
Cricket Web Player of the Match Brad Hodge (Australia) 123
Cricket Web (18/03/2007)
http://cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=1&NewsIDAuto=3617&ImageURL=newsimages/australia_illustration20061229213645.jpg
Brad Hodge registered his maiden ODI century with an innings that was exceptionally well paced, and he was ably supported by Michael Clarke who made 93 not out, as they shared a World Cup record fourth wicket partnership of 204. Ricky Ponting's side reached 358, with 138 runs coming in the last 10 overs.
The Netherlands were blown away by Australia's attack and survived only 26.5 overs of their allotted 50, making 129, to lose by a massive 229 runs.
When Ponting won the toss he had no hesitation in deciding to bat in an attempt to inflict more misery on the Netherland's attack following their battering off South Africa's batsmen on Friday.
There was certainly no let up for the Dutch as Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden got after them with typical intent. When Hayden fell in the 12th over, going for a big shot over the off side with what could be described as a wild swing, the score had hurried on to 73.
The dangerous Gilchrist fell for 57, while Ponting seemed in ominous form for the minnows, and another destructive innings seemed inevitable. However, he was to offer Ten Doeschate a caught and bowled chance on 23, which he gratefully accepted with a smart catch taken low down to his right. Relief for Bas Zuiderent who had earlier dropped Ponting, as he was attempting to throw the ball in the air in celebration.
Perhaps in hindsight it was a bigger mistake by Ten Doeschate as Clarke and Hodge were then joined at the crease and inflicted merciless pain on the Dutch attack.
Both batsmen were circumspect early on, and a certain rebuilding process was in order. The Australian duo reached their fifties in the 40th over, Hodge taking 61 balls, Clarke 60. Then the fireworks began, as Hodge continuously targeted the area from square leg round to mid on, and delivered a barrage of punishing blows, to bring his century up off only 82 balls, the second 50 coming off a mere 21 deliveries.
The Victorian was finally cleaned up by Peter Borren for 123, and it was Clarke who then continued the blitz, smashing a few sixes of his own. The innings finally came to an end for the bowling side, with Holland facing the unenviable task of making 359.
Despite a useful opening stand of 36, coming at a decent rate, one got the feeling a collapse was only round the corner. Nathan Bracken started the demise with the wickets of Darron Reekers who made a bright and breezy 25 and Alexei Kervezee was trapped in front second ball.
Shaun Tait again displayed pace to trouble the best batsmen, and he picked up Holland's talented all-rounder Ryan Ten Doeschate with a ball that appeared on him quicker than he had anticipated.
Despite some mid to lower order resistance, Brad Hogg wrapped things up for the Aussies with a 4.5 over spell that saw him collect four wickets for 27 runs. Daan Van Bunge top scored for the Netherlands with 33, bringing some light relief following his torment after bowling his famous over to the unforgiving Herschelle Gibbs in their last match.
So another display of professionalism from the current World Champions sets them up nicely for the final group game against South Africa, where one would expect them to be pushed somewhat harder.
The day was sadly overshadowed by the tragic death of highly respected Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, who was found unconscious on the floor in his hotel room in Jamaica. A knowledgeable and well thought of person, Bob Woolmer will be sadly missed by one and all.
Australia 358-5 Hodge 123, Clarke 93*, Gilchrist 57 de Leede 2-40, ten Doeschate 2-76
Holland 129 Van Bunge 33 Hogg 4-27
Australia won by 229 runs
Cricket Web Player of the Match Brad Hodge (Australia) 123
Cricket Web (18/03/2007)
http://cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=1&NewsIDAuto=3617&ImageURL=newsimages/australia_illustration20061229213645.jpg
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