With 1,454 runs scored and only 20 wickets taken when the game between Essex and Nottinghamshire concluded on Wednesday, there was a degree of expectation surrounding this tour match, as to who would make the most of what was expected to be another batters paradise.
England Lions opener Joe Denly displayed the kind of positive strokeplay that one would associate with such a good track, that recently saw four centuries and two double centuries in the aforementioned game. However, it was all-rounder Tim Bresnan that was to star with the bat for the home side later in the day when he exhibited some solid hitting in a 129 run partnership for the eighth wicket with Stuart Broad, who scored his maiden first-class fifty.
England's second string were in trouble of achieving a well below par total when Bresnan came in, but instead he plundered a tremendous century. Often underrated as simply a big hitter down the order, Bresnan validated the subtler side to his game, with a sensibly controlled yet positive innings, to finish the day unbeaten on 116.
India fought back admirably after England's bright and breezy start, and picked up wickets consistently throughout the afternoon session, to wrestle the initiative from the batting side, that was until Bresnan and Broad gave England a competitive first innings total.
With Rahul Dravid sitting this game out as a precaution, Sachin Tendulkar took charge of the side, and his first job was to lose the toss to opposing captain Andrew Strauss, who elected to make first use of this batting track.
Strauss himself, in desperate need of a big score ahead of the First Test next week, will then have been disappointed to be defeated by Zaheer Khan, who pitched the ball up and angled it into the skipper's off stump, and sent it cartwheeling towards Mahendra Dhoni, for 1.
Owais Shah will have been in confident mood following the ODI's, where he was one of very few successes on the England side. He struck two fours in his first five balls, then he got suckered into attempting a hook off Sree Sreesanth, which he top edged down to fine leg for Zaheer to take the catch.
Meanwhile Denly was simply out there enjoying himself, punishing anything over pitched with an array of sumptuous front foot drives. In one Zaheer over, he stroked the experienced seamer for five fours, three through the off side, and two on the leg side.
Denly has made quite an impression on the County scene so far this season, he has waited in the wings for his chance to prove his capabilities at Kent, and this was reward for his excellent start. He currently averages in excess of 50 in his 20 first-class innings.
Jon Trott and the Kent opener then put together a partnership of 80 in only 18 overs, as the run rate continued to increase.
Trott, understandably looked a little flustered on his only England showings so far, against the West Indies in Twenty20 (a form of cricket which is too crude to judge a player). Here he was much more settled, given time to play himself in before imposing his style, looking particularly strong through the on side.
At lunch the Lions had scored at 5.12 runs per over, in reaching their score of 128-2, and India's bowling had been inconsistent.
Ramesh Powar had managed one over just before lunch, and he continued on resumption. It was the off spinner who managed to remove Denly, as he skipped down the pitch and was slightly deceived by Powar's flight, and failed to get to the pitch of the delivery, gifting a comfortable stumping to Dhoni.
It sparked somewhat of a mini collapse for England Lions, wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose's stay at the crease was brief, when Zaheer Khan returned for his third spell. Firstly Trott drove at a wide one, enabling Sourav Ganguly to pocket a catch at first slip, then Ambrose drove at a full pitched ball to deflect it into the hands of Dhoni. Disappointing for the Warwickshire keeper, who is in fantastic form this season, averaging 72.42 in the County Championship.
Adil Rashid was next in, and clever bowling again from Powar forced Rashid to drive too early at a well flighted delivery giving the bowler a return catch.
So at 185-6, India were in control, yet what has blighted them in the past has been their inability to see of the tail, and the Lions still had Ravi Bopara in. He was continually assessing the situation, remaining patient for his chance to hit boundaries.
One can only suspect his concentration had dwindled when Tendulkar brought himself on for the last over before tea. Bopara flicked the ball into the grasp of Dinesh Karthik, who held a sharp chance.
Tim Bresnan was progressing nicely, he hit the only six of the day lofting Powar over deep mid wicket, and was 25 not out at tea.
It is evident that India's attack lacks a bowler with real penetrative pace, that a Brett Lee or a Lasith Malinga possess, and it showed in the evening session. Ishant Sharma had struggled with no-balls throughout the day, breaching the front line on no less than 15 occasions, testament perhaps to the nerves of the 18 year old. Zaheer was struggling with his line, and Sreesanth, though he did beat the bat (Denly's in particular) on occasions earlier in the day , will be looking to improve when Test cricket comes around.
Bresnan's free scoring continued, with able assistance from Stuart Broad, who proved that he is not only a more than useful seam bowler, but he has acquired some of his dad's qualities with the bat, that he had so far not managed to demonstrate to such effect.
Bresnan, had only one first-class century to his name before this game, and claimed his hundred with a four flicked elegantly through mid wicket, England had now regained some control of this game.
As we entered the final 5 overs of the day, the Lions could not quite manage to see the evening session out without losing a wicket. Sreesanth was rewarded for his effort with his second wicket of the day, when Broad drove aerially to Yuvraj at point, who made no mistake.
Tremlett assisted Bresnan in seeing it through to the close. England had recovered from a precarious position to be healthily placed at 379-8.
England Lions 379-8 off 90 overs Bresnan 116*, Denly 83, Broad 50, Trott 46, Zaheer 3-99.
(Cricket Web, 13/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2012&NewsIDAuto=4207
Friday, 5 October 2007
Gayle shows West Indies the way
The rain may have interrupted this game, but not enough to interrupt West Indies impressive recent one-day form, despite being pushed right to the very end from a stubborn Scottish side.
Following on from their 10 wicket demolition of Holland, Chris Gayle led his troops from the front in registering their second win of this tournament, but it was almost too close for comfort, the win coming off the penultimate ball of the day.
Scotland would not have thought they had posted a healthy enough total off their 30 overs, with 152-7 on the board, but West Indies did their utmost to keep them in the game, once the opening partnership of 95 ended. Spinner Majid Haq was Scotland's star bowler and almost turned the game around, with an outstanding spell of 4-28 off his 6 overs, but unfortunately for him, it proved to be insufficient.
The game was only 2.2 overs old, after Gayle had inserted Scotland, when the first rain stoppage arrived. Once back on the field it did not take Daren Powell long to remove both openers and continue his excellent form and rhythm that he has found in the one-dayers. It is this form that has seen him sign for Hampshire (subject to approval from the WICB) in place of Stuart Clark who will not be returning from Australia.
Navdeep Poonia was Scotland's stand out batsman. He may be struggling to break through into Warwickshire's first eleven, but here he demonstrated his talent with forceful drives off both front and back foot, and his partnership with his captain Ryan Watson was offering signs of real hope, until Ravi Rampaul got Watson to steer the ball into Dwayne Smith's hands at second slip for 21.
Poonia, still only 21 years old, and Omer Hussain then took the score into three figures without any further mishaps, that was until Fidel Edwards was introduced. He got Poonia caught behind, fending off one of his typical short fast deliveries for 40, then in his next over wrapped Hussain on his pads to win the decision of the umpire.
With 5 overs left of the 30 over innings, rain intervened once more, with the score at 111-5.
A fantastic six from Blain in the final over off Powell, and a flurry from McCallum, took their final total to 152-7 off the 30 overs. With Duckworth-Lewis's calculations taken into account, the target for West Indies was 165 from 30.
That looked a formality as Chris Gayle and Devon Smith were quickly into their stride, and after the first 10 overs they had reached 53 without loss, Gayle in particular, looking in imperious form. His bat was soon to be raised in recognition of his 33rd ODI fifty.
Drinks brought a welcome relief for Scotland, as West Indies had cruised to 94-0 off 19 overs, and with 10 wickets still in hand, the run rate required of 6.45 seemed a mere formality.
The over following the break brought the opening wicket. Smith swept a ball from Haq, but failed to make good enough contact, and the ball looped to slip.
The run rate rose to 7 an over, and Haq again struck, this time twice in two balls, bowling Morton for 8, then inducing a false stroke, first ball, from Lendl Simmons, who played on. There was more excitement to come on his hat-trick ball, yet not the result you would expect.
The field closed in, and the anticipation grew, then Dwayne Smith took strike and duly pummelled the ball out of the ground over long off for a big six, signalling his intentions. However when he tried to hit Watson back over his head in the next over, West Indies lost another wicket, and Smith was gone caught and bowled for that solitary 6.
Denesh Ramdin was next in, and next out, in similar fashion to Simmons, and again to Haq. An attempt to run the ball down to third man, saw him deflect the ball onto his stumps, and Haq had four wickets to his name, for the first time in ODI's.
With 33 required off the remaining 24 balls, West Indies seemed intent on throwing the game away, the pressure of the situation proving too much for young Austin Richards. He wandered from his crease and missed the ball off Watson and was stumped for 2, and in this passage of play West Indies had lost all six wickets for 38 runs, to produce an unlikely tense finish.
Despite Gayle's cool exterior, he must have been utterly bewildered by what was taking place down at the other end, and he knew if they were going to get home, then he had to show the way.
A six over cover from Gayle, and four leg byes in the next over eased the pressure, and when nine was required in the last over, Darren Sammy smashed a four through cover, to induce heavy sighs of relief, felt all round the Caribbean.
Sammy completed the win with a one down to fine leg with only a ball to spare. Not as convincing as it could and probably should have been, but West Indies are getting that winning feeling back.
They are indeed indebted in this game to Chris Gayle, who remained composed, while all around lost their heads. He finished on 85 not out off 94 balls, and Sammy's innings was also crucial at the death, closing on 18 not out.
Scotland 152-7 off 30 overs Poonia 40, McCallum 27, Watson 21, Powell 3-38, Edwards 2-17
West Indies 165-6 off 29.5 overs Gayle 85*, D.S.Smith 32, Haq 4-28, Watson 2-21
West Indies won by 4 wickets
(Cricket Web, 12/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2016&NewsIDAuto=4200
Following on from their 10 wicket demolition of Holland, Chris Gayle led his troops from the front in registering their second win of this tournament, but it was almost too close for comfort, the win coming off the penultimate ball of the day.
Scotland would not have thought they had posted a healthy enough total off their 30 overs, with 152-7 on the board, but West Indies did their utmost to keep them in the game, once the opening partnership of 95 ended. Spinner Majid Haq was Scotland's star bowler and almost turned the game around, with an outstanding spell of 4-28 off his 6 overs, but unfortunately for him, it proved to be insufficient.
The game was only 2.2 overs old, after Gayle had inserted Scotland, when the first rain stoppage arrived. Once back on the field it did not take Daren Powell long to remove both openers and continue his excellent form and rhythm that he has found in the one-dayers. It is this form that has seen him sign for Hampshire (subject to approval from the WICB) in place of Stuart Clark who will not be returning from Australia.
Navdeep Poonia was Scotland's stand out batsman. He may be struggling to break through into Warwickshire's first eleven, but here he demonstrated his talent with forceful drives off both front and back foot, and his partnership with his captain Ryan Watson was offering signs of real hope, until Ravi Rampaul got Watson to steer the ball into Dwayne Smith's hands at second slip for 21.
Poonia, still only 21 years old, and Omer Hussain then took the score into three figures without any further mishaps, that was until Fidel Edwards was introduced. He got Poonia caught behind, fending off one of his typical short fast deliveries for 40, then in his next over wrapped Hussain on his pads to win the decision of the umpire.
With 5 overs left of the 30 over innings, rain intervened once more, with the score at 111-5.
A fantastic six from Blain in the final over off Powell, and a flurry from McCallum, took their final total to 152-7 off the 30 overs. With Duckworth-Lewis's calculations taken into account, the target for West Indies was 165 from 30.
That looked a formality as Chris Gayle and Devon Smith were quickly into their stride, and after the first 10 overs they had reached 53 without loss, Gayle in particular, looking in imperious form. His bat was soon to be raised in recognition of his 33rd ODI fifty.
Drinks brought a welcome relief for Scotland, as West Indies had cruised to 94-0 off 19 overs, and with 10 wickets still in hand, the run rate required of 6.45 seemed a mere formality.
The over following the break brought the opening wicket. Smith swept a ball from Haq, but failed to make good enough contact, and the ball looped to slip.
The run rate rose to 7 an over, and Haq again struck, this time twice in two balls, bowling Morton for 8, then inducing a false stroke, first ball, from Lendl Simmons, who played on. There was more excitement to come on his hat-trick ball, yet not the result you would expect.
The field closed in, and the anticipation grew, then Dwayne Smith took strike and duly pummelled the ball out of the ground over long off for a big six, signalling his intentions. However when he tried to hit Watson back over his head in the next over, West Indies lost another wicket, and Smith was gone caught and bowled for that solitary 6.
Denesh Ramdin was next in, and next out, in similar fashion to Simmons, and again to Haq. An attempt to run the ball down to third man, saw him deflect the ball onto his stumps, and Haq had four wickets to his name, for the first time in ODI's.
With 33 required off the remaining 24 balls, West Indies seemed intent on throwing the game away, the pressure of the situation proving too much for young Austin Richards. He wandered from his crease and missed the ball off Watson and was stumped for 2, and in this passage of play West Indies had lost all six wickets for 38 runs, to produce an unlikely tense finish.
Despite Gayle's cool exterior, he must have been utterly bewildered by what was taking place down at the other end, and he knew if they were going to get home, then he had to show the way.
A six over cover from Gayle, and four leg byes in the next over eased the pressure, and when nine was required in the last over, Darren Sammy smashed a four through cover, to induce heavy sighs of relief, felt all round the Caribbean.
Sammy completed the win with a one down to fine leg with only a ball to spare. Not as convincing as it could and probably should have been, but West Indies are getting that winning feeling back.
They are indeed indebted in this game to Chris Gayle, who remained composed, while all around lost their heads. He finished on 85 not out off 94 balls, and Sammy's innings was also crucial at the death, closing on 18 not out.
Scotland 152-7 off 30 overs Poonia 40, McCallum 27, Watson 21, Powell 3-38, Edwards 2-17
West Indies 165-6 off 29.5 overs Gayle 85*, D.S.Smith 32, Haq 4-28, Watson 2-21
West Indies won by 4 wickets
(Cricket Web, 12/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2016&NewsIDAuto=4200
Sri Lanka secure series victory
Sri Lanka eventually hammered the final nail into Bangladesh's coffin today, despite a record partnership in Test cricket for Bangladesh, between Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfiqur Rahim, who accumulated 191 for the sixth wicket.
Bangladesh started the day on 69-4, with Sri Lanka no doubt hopeful of a Bangladesh collapse, that has blighted their Test match cricket so far, with disturbing regularity.
The collapse was to arrive later in the day, but for the large majority of the day, Murali and co could not find the answer to dislodge Bangladesh skipper Ashraful, who finished unbeaten on 129, or his willing ally Rahim (80).
Wicket-keeper Rahim was playing in only his third Test, and made his way to the crease early in the day. Fernando had tested Habibul Bashar out with a short ball, which he uncontrollably pulled for four, before following it up with a fast full length ball that Bashar had no answer to.
At 78-5, one could not help but think that lunch time would coincide with the close of play. However, that was not taking into account the style and quality of play that was to be demonstrated by the two Bangladeshi youngsters.
With their well known tendency to play unnecessary extravagant shots, sensible cricket was the order of the day, as they so capably did.
The expansive strokeplay was put to one side, and the patience to wait for loose deliveries was rewarded in this record breaking stand.
Any claims that Sri Lanka currently possess the finest bowling attack in the world, looked a little off the mark during this partnership. Ashraful and Rahim played Murali with great skill and use of footwork, while Lasith Malinga and his fellow pacemen could get no life out of a pitch that offered very little in the way of pace or movement.
With the recent promotion of Shiv Chanderpaul up West Indies ODI batting order, you have the feeling that Ashraful, batting in this vein, must follow suit, to give himself every chance of influencing a Test match.
By lunch Bangladesh had moved onto 174-5, Ashraful bringing up his half century off the penultimate ball of the morning session. An indication of his watchfulness is shown by the 98 balls it took him to reach it. Rahim joined him on fifty after lunch, when he came down the track to flick Murali into the leg side. With that single he became the second youngest Bangladeshi to score a half century, the man at the other end was the youngest.
Sri Lanka's patience was finally rewarded, and it came predictably from Murali, who forced Rahim to drive tamely back to him, taking him a step closer to Shane Warne's record.
The new ball was due in a little over 2 overs, and the inevitable collapse was on the horizon.
Meanwhile Ashraful had brought up his fourth Test century, to emphasise the talent this man possesses, and what can be achieved with correct application.
If Sri Lanka were relieved to break the partnership that had gone unbroken for the complete second session, they were ecstatic that the game was put to bed with only 7.2 overs of the new ball required.
Chaminda Vaas struck twice in the first over with the new ball, when he got the ball to move typically back into the right-handers to trap both Mohammad Sharif and Mashrafe Mortaza lbw.
Two kamikaze run outs followed to conclude the Bangladesh innings for 299 and complete the series victory for Sri Lanka by an innings and 90 runs.
Kumar Sangakkara was rightly awarded man of the match for his immense effort of 200 not out in Sri Lanka's only innings.
Bangladesh's spirits will have been lifted by that partnership, but it is the rest of the batting line-up that now have to put their hands up if they are to gain any pride when the third Test at Kandy gets underway on July 11.
Bangladesh 62 & 299 Ashraful 129*, Rahim 80
Sri Lanka 451-6 dec Malinda Warnapura 82, Kumar Sangakkara 200*, Mahela Jayawardene 49
Sri Lanka won by an innings and 90 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match : K.Sangakkara 200*
(Cricket Web, 05/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2010&NewsIDAuto=4162
Bangladesh started the day on 69-4, with Sri Lanka no doubt hopeful of a Bangladesh collapse, that has blighted their Test match cricket so far, with disturbing regularity.
The collapse was to arrive later in the day, but for the large majority of the day, Murali and co could not find the answer to dislodge Bangladesh skipper Ashraful, who finished unbeaten on 129, or his willing ally Rahim (80).
Wicket-keeper Rahim was playing in only his third Test, and made his way to the crease early in the day. Fernando had tested Habibul Bashar out with a short ball, which he uncontrollably pulled for four, before following it up with a fast full length ball that Bashar had no answer to.
At 78-5, one could not help but think that lunch time would coincide with the close of play. However, that was not taking into account the style and quality of play that was to be demonstrated by the two Bangladeshi youngsters.
With their well known tendency to play unnecessary extravagant shots, sensible cricket was the order of the day, as they so capably did.
The expansive strokeplay was put to one side, and the patience to wait for loose deliveries was rewarded in this record breaking stand.
Any claims that Sri Lanka currently possess the finest bowling attack in the world, looked a little off the mark during this partnership. Ashraful and Rahim played Murali with great skill and use of footwork, while Lasith Malinga and his fellow pacemen could get no life out of a pitch that offered very little in the way of pace or movement.
With the recent promotion of Shiv Chanderpaul up West Indies ODI batting order, you have the feeling that Ashraful, batting in this vein, must follow suit, to give himself every chance of influencing a Test match.
By lunch Bangladesh had moved onto 174-5, Ashraful bringing up his half century off the penultimate ball of the morning session. An indication of his watchfulness is shown by the 98 balls it took him to reach it. Rahim joined him on fifty after lunch, when he came down the track to flick Murali into the leg side. With that single he became the second youngest Bangladeshi to score a half century, the man at the other end was the youngest.
Sri Lanka's patience was finally rewarded, and it came predictably from Murali, who forced Rahim to drive tamely back to him, taking him a step closer to Shane Warne's record.
The new ball was due in a little over 2 overs, and the inevitable collapse was on the horizon.
Meanwhile Ashraful had brought up his fourth Test century, to emphasise the talent this man possesses, and what can be achieved with correct application.
If Sri Lanka were relieved to break the partnership that had gone unbroken for the complete second session, they were ecstatic that the game was put to bed with only 7.2 overs of the new ball required.
Chaminda Vaas struck twice in the first over with the new ball, when he got the ball to move typically back into the right-handers to trap both Mohammad Sharif and Mashrafe Mortaza lbw.
Two kamikaze run outs followed to conclude the Bangladesh innings for 299 and complete the series victory for Sri Lanka by an innings and 90 runs.
Kumar Sangakkara was rightly awarded man of the match for his immense effort of 200 not out in Sri Lanka's only innings.
Bangladesh's spirits will have been lifted by that partnership, but it is the rest of the batting line-up that now have to put their hands up if they are to gain any pride when the third Test at Kandy gets underway on July 11.
Bangladesh 62 & 299 Ashraful 129*, Rahim 80
Sri Lanka 451-6 dec Malinda Warnapura 82, Kumar Sangakkara 200*, Mahela Jayawardene 49
Sri Lanka won by an innings and 90 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match : K.Sangakkara 200*
(Cricket Web, 05/07/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=%2010&NewsIDAuto=4162
Friday, 29 June 2007
West Indies Gain Twenty20 Win
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)