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Has anyone (especially my British and Aussie pals) been following the current tour of Australia by India? We guys kicked some Aussie butt yesterday in the second test match!!! Even though this was a very rare case, it felt good to see our team bring down the mighty Aussies!!!

p.s. I hope we don't get our butt kicked in the next two matches, seeing that Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath are going to return.

Yes, congrats to India for a wonderful performance against the mighty Aussies. Enjoy it while it lasts as it doesn't happen too often! I suppose no team is invincible in test cricket these days. I've just read that Glenn McGrath has been ruled out for the third and final tests against India due to his ankle injury, so that augurs well for India.

As for the Barmy Army, we secured our second draw in as many games against the Sri Lankans. We're never comfortable playing on spin-friendly pitches, so that's not a bad result for us. Vaughan got his first test 100 as captain, so well done to him. The decider is this Thursday - come on England!

The_Rebel

Yeah, McGrath, Gillespie and Shane Warne are not going to play, but Brett Lee will be back. He is one of the bowlers that worries me.

As for England, the next test is on Thursday? Good Luck to England, especially with Murlitharan!!! I haven't been following that series, but I will follow this last test.

Day Two of the final and deciding Test between England and Sri Lanka. Bad day for us - we were all out for a paltry 265. Murali did most of the damage. He's in great form, with bowling figures of 40 runs for 3 wickets, including an incredible 21 maidens, in 40 overs. Incredible - 1 run per over only!
Sri Lanka replied with 264 for 2. It looks like a draw is the best result we can hope for, and even that looks unlikely at this stage, unless our bowlers manage a miracle of sorts and we improve dramatically on our second innings score.

I think the selectors should have picked Collingwood over Hussain. I've been a staunch supporter of Hussain but I think now his form is so poor that he should give way to someone younger and who's obviously playing much better than he is, especially against the likes of Murali.

The_Rebel

Ps: Hey Mmahesh, the fact that the two of us are the only ones participating in this thread regarding cricket highlights how unpopular the sport is in the States. But incredibly, the USA has officially bid for the 2007 Cricket World Cup!! And 99.99999% of the population in the US have never heard of cricket as a sport, and think that cricket is an insect rather than a game on which baseball was based upon.

Well, I just read that England lost to Sri Lanka bigtime. Too bad. An innings and 215 runs defeat? Oh man, talk about onesidedness.

Yeah, Rebel, I agree that cricket isn't quite popular, but I think that awareness is increasing. I have met some people who have heard of cricket and were interested to know how it is played. As for World Cup 2007, I think it will help gather awareness about the game.

i have heard of this sport. but dont know a thing about it. please tell

i know they carry around those wooden sticks with a curve at the end. and they whack a ball. whats the goal of the game?

I'm quite upset at how England just caved in to Sri Lanka without any semblance of a fight in the second innings. Quite disgraceful. Vaughan should be sacked and be told to just concentrate on his batting and leave the captaincy to people who know the game well.

The_Rebel

OMG! - Did you guys see Ricky Ponting play for Australia in the Test that started on Boxing Day against India? FANTASTIC. Double Centuries? - Ricky Ponting seems to have no problem just belting them out. We could not be going into better hands once Steve Waugh retires.

Poor India though, their fielding was ABYSMAL (sp?) dropped catches and letting the ball roll past them so we get fours all the time. They were so bad it got past being funny. I felt sorry for them.

Hey Schmiggens, I heard that Clive Woodward (England's Rugby World Cup winning coach) might be joining the English Cricket Team's coaching advisory panel. So I guess you guys better watch out at the next Cricket World Cup, eh?
I can't believe it. It's been more than a month since our Rugby triumph in Sydney and I'm still talking about it, in a Cricket forum no less.

The_Rebel

The last match in the series is over. I wish we had won that one. Our team should have been able to pull it off. Oh well.... sigh....

Good on Sri Lanka for making an effort despite the fact they had already lost the series. I must say I didn't expect a three-wicket victory from them.

Shane Warne is back. Go Warney!!!!!! I love him, he is such a character and although people say he brings the sport down with his "antics" I think it makes it more interesting.

But Bree Lee has hurt his ankle again, what is with the Australian team lately, we are getting a lot of injuries. But it can be a good thing, gives the other guys in the team a chance to show off.

Australia has also confirmed it WILL be going to Zimbabwe later in the year. Despite various safety concerns.

Yeah, you gotta love Warney.

The India-Pakistan one day and test series is about to start. I can't believe the amount of time and space the newspapers are wasting on it. It has an emotional element given the traditional rivalry, but I am getting a little fed up. But that wouldn't stop me from following the matches though.

Well Australia are getting their butts whipped by Sri-Lanka, who would've thunk it?

Warney (last I heard) bowled 2/ 103, I mean, come on, he can do better than that with his eyes closed. The whole Australian team got 220 in the first innings and Sri-Lanka at stumps on their day one were already at 350. Something is really wrong with us this tour.

Wierd.

Well, playing Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is pretty hard, schmiggens, and Sri Lankans can play spin as well as Indians. I am waiting for Australia to tour India next year.

England touring West Indies, first test starts tomorrow. We've not beaten them on their home soil in decades, so this is our chance. Go England!

The_Rebel

Another update score. Sri-Lanka are now on 5/ 86. What a turn around by the Aussies. Woo Hoo, wish I had put money on it.

Another update:

In his first outing since coming back from a 12-month suspension for using a banned substance, Shane Warne has moved into the 500 club. He has now taken over 500 first class cricket wickets.

Go Warney!!!!

Yes, congrats to Warne and his colleagues. They were on the ropes when they were all out for 220 in the first innings, so to come back in the fashion they did was impressive.

At the end of Day 1, England has an edge over the
Windies. The latter won the toss and elected to bat on a good pitch, but achieved only 311 for 9. At one point they were 101 for 4. Lara was out for a paltry 23. The winners of the day were England's pace bowlers especially Simon Jones on his comeback from injury after 15 months.

The_Rebel

So, you've heard that the Aussie Cricketers are the World's best sledgers ... are they?

* Trueman and Aussie batsman. In a England V Australia Test during early 1960's Trueman was fielding close to the gate from the pavilllion. As a new batsman came out he turned to shut the gate, Trueman said "Don't bother son, you won't be out there long enough."

* Rod Marsh and Ian Botham. When Botham took guard in a Ashes match,Marsh welcomed him to the wicket with the immortal words: "So how's your wife and my kids?"

* Daryll Cullinan and Shane Warne. As Cullinan was on his way to the wicket, Warne told him he had been waiting 2 years for another chance to humiliate him. "Looks like you spent it eating," Cullinan retorted. Warnie bowled him first ball.

* Adam Parore and Daryll Cullinan. Because Cullinan is well known for being Warne's bunny, New Zealand keeper Parore greeted the South African,carefully playing the first ball from kiwi Chris Harris, with a cry of: "Well bowled Warnie!"

* Herschelle Gibbs and Steve Waugh. "You've just dropped the world cup". Waughs legendary words to Gibbs after he dropped him during the 1999 world cup.

* Glenn McGrath and Eddo Brandes. After Brandes played and missed at a McGrath delivery, the Aussie bowler politely enquired:"Oi, Brandes, why are you so fat?" "Cos every night i spend with your wife she gives me a biscuit," Brandes replied.

* Robin Smith and Merv Hughes. During 1989 Lords Test Hughes said to Smith after he played and missed:"You can't #ucking bat". Smith to Hughes after he smacked him to the boundary: "Hey Merv, we make a fine pair. I can't #ucking bat and you can't #ucking bowl."

* Merv Hughes and Javid Miandad. During 1991 Adelaide Test, Javed called Merv a fat bus conductor. A few balls latter Merv dismissed Javid:"Tickets please",Merv called out as he ran past the departing batsman.

* Merv Hughes and Viv Richards. During a test match in the West Indies Hughes didn't say a word to Viv, But continued to stare at him after deliveries. "This is my island, my culture. Don't you be staring at me, In my culture we just bowl." Merv didn't reply, but after he dismissed him he announced to the batsman:"In my culture we just say - piss off."

* Ricky Ponting and Shaun Pollock. After going past the outside edge with a couple of deliveries, Pollock told Ponting: "It's red, round and weighs about five ounces." Unfortunately for Pollock, the next ball was hammered out of the ground. Ponting to Pollock: "you know what it looks like,now go find it."

That was hilarious, Schmiggens! Yes, I've read many of such pleasantries amongst cricket players. Most of them are just harmless banter, but occasionally you do get one or two who get a little carried away and consequently bad blood persists for ages. You never see brawls during or after a cricket match - this contrasts with ice hockey where last week a Canadian player was charged with assault for breaking his American opponent's neck during a brawl in the middle of a match.

Nevertheless, if a film was ever made revolving around cricket, such banter would be very well received - definitely a laugh a minute.

The_Rebel

Ps: By the way, England beat the Windies last week by 10 wickets - haha. They were bowled out for a paltry 47 in the 2nd innings - their lowest in Test history. Steve Harmison, England's pace bowler who is rapidly being compared with the great Curtley Ambrose, achieved the ridiculous figure of 7-12.

England beat the Windies in the first test, getting them all out for 47 in their second innings the lowest the Windies have ever gotten, Steve Harmison now has the best record at that ground 7 wickets for 12 runs and 7 maidens. Marcus Trescothick and Micheal Vaughan got the 20 runs needed to win.

Australia got taken out for 120 in the 1st Innings by Sri Lanka, but we managed to get them all out for 130 something I think and in the second innings Australia is about 2/ 221 I think. Ponting is not out on 140.

We seem to be doing really badly in the first innings and then excellent in the second inninngs in the last few games, it is a bit wierd.

Usually it's the other way around - first innings scores are usually higher than second innings scores, since pitches tend to deteriorate after a few days, allowing the ball to misbehave. That is very strange indeed.

The_Rebel

I am sorry I have not updated everyone on the India-Pakistan series.

A few days ago the one-day series concluded, with India winning it 3-2, thanks to the brilliant team effort.

Now the first test match is in full swing, with Pakistan struggling to avoid follow-on after day 3. India piled up 675-5 declared, thanks to Virender Sehwag's 309 and Sachin Tendulkar's 194. Sehwag's 309 is the first 300+ score by an Indian. He virtually tore apart Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Saqlain Mushtaq and every other bowler worth his salt in the Pakistani team. It is almost ironic how he overshadowed his idol Tendulkar, even though Tendulkar played a brilliant innings. Sehwag's mastery over the opposition was majestic, almost as good as the one displayed by V.V.S. Laxman's over the Aussie bowling in the India-Australia test matches.

On another note, Tendulkar was unhappy that the team management decided to declare when he was so close to score the first double century of his life. But he is a team person and would not deliberately bring down his game.

Now Pakistan are on 364-6, and still need 112 runs to avoid a follow on.

This match is turning very interesting.

On the fourth day India were able to enforce follow on after the Pakistani first innings concluded for 407 all out. But thanks to Kumble, Pakistan are tottering on 207-9 at the end of day four, still needing 61 runs to make India bat again.

It seems that India is ready to make history by winning its first test match against Pakistan in Pakistan, and that too with a crushing margin.

India completed the formalities today by taking the last wicket. We won by an innings and 52 runs. Go India!!!

I was amazed at how we managed to win so comfortably in the end. Aparently there were complaints made regarding the flat nature of the pitch which could possibly be a reason why India werent bowled out in the first innings but then for pakistan to be bowled out twice!!! that was pretty surprising... but a nice surprise. India must have really bowled well ... great performance great result

Well done to India. It's not easy to beat Pakistan on their home turf.
As for the Barmy Army, we're 2-0 up over the Windies with only 2 more tests to go so a drawn series is the worst outcome we can have. The third test is underway, and today is day 2. The match is nip and tuck as the Windies were bowled out for 224 and England only managed 226 all out in reply, but at least Graham Thorpe had a deserved unbeaten 119.

The_Rebel

We've done it! For the first time in 36 years, we've beaten the Windies on their home turf. We won by 8 wickets, with the Windies being bowled out in the 2nd innings for a paltry 94 runs. With only 1 match to go, we now have an unassailable 3-0 lead. I think a whitewash is very likely, but if that happens, Brian Lara will probably either resign or get sacked as the captain. Matthew Hoggard was the toast of our team, as he achieved the rare feat of a Test match hattrick (the 33rd in Test cricket history), and he took 4 for 35.
Finally, the sun is shining on English cricket. I think if we keep improving, we'll have a real chance against the Aussies in the Ashes series next year. The last time we beat them in the Ashes was in 1987, and beating them would be even more significant than the present victorious tour of the West Indies. Harmison, Hoggard, Jones and Flintoft will form a formidable seam and swing bowling attack, and Anderson might even feature if his form returns. Our batting line-up boasts of a mixture of young and old, with the likes of Trescothick and Vaughan with Butcher, Hussain and Thorpe. We've also got promising youngsters such as Strauss and Smith to come through. However, we lack a quality spin bowler, and that is a real worry. Maybe we can get Murali to emigrate to England!

The_Rebel

Did anyone see Brian Lara get his 400 not out? 400 in one Innings!!! Amazing. I saw bits on the news. I was gob-smacked when Hayden got 380 and for Lara to beat that is just awesome. Good on him.

Yes, congratulations are in order for Lara. It was a truly magnificent innings by him, and he deserves all the accolades heaped unto him for his amazing feat of reaching 400 not out, surpassing Matthew Hayden's previous record of 385 in the process. I think this record will take some beating - it'll be a long, long time before anyone comes close to 400 in Test cricket.
This result is all the more stunning when you consider that Lara was batting under tremendous pressure to salvage some personal pride with the series gone and his critics savaging him for his poor performances until this historic innings.

As for the match, a defeat for England is inevitable, and in fact England will be lucky merely to avoid a heavy defeat. The Windies declared at 751-5, and in reply we managed 171-5. We'll have to reach a total of 420 in both our innings to avoid our heaviest defeat of all time, and that's a tall order now. It's clear that the fight has gone out of our players. This has definitely taken the shine out of our 3-0 series lead. But today was all about Brian Lara. Let's pay tribute to a truly historic achievement by arguably one of the most gifted players of all time.

The_Rebel

I agree Lara really did pull up his socks and pulled of an amazing score...

I dont think that the large score will mean that England will lose comprehensively - they have a chance to bat out the test match to a draw... that will be difficult cos they will be tired after all the time they spent fielding on the pitch the first 3 days but it is still a flat pitch and should be difficult for any bowler once a batsman gets his eye in and stays settled and patient.

I am glad Lara got 400. I think he is one of the best batsmen of our time.

M.

Brian Lara has to be one of, if not, the best batsmen of our time but I would still put W.G. Grace and Sir Don Bradman above him in the all time best Batsmen but that may be because I am British.

Rebel, if we score too low (to the Windies score) than we would have to bat again to get up with them as it has happened before, if memory serves, quite frequently when Atherton was captain.

Tendulkar is an amazing batsman but he is no Brian Lara. I would put Tendulkar second in best batsmen of today, next to Brian Lara. Micheal Vaughan is as good as anybody on his day and so is Treskothic (I can never spell that!) but they are not as good as the afore mentioned batsmen.

I don't know. Tendulkar doesn't have a 300 with his name, but I think he has been much more consistent than Lara. He is also an equally good batsman when it comes to technique and style. It is just my opinion though.

M.

When it comes to technique and style Tendulkar is BETTER than Lara but no batsmen other than Lara has scored 501 in domestic cricket and 400 in a test match. For that reason and that reason only Brain Lara is, in my opinion, the best batsman in the world today.

Sorry about that Rebel the correct term escaped me for a time. we seem to be doing beter this time around then. I don't think that we can catch them anyway.

Some good news for England fans. England reached 345 for 2 at tea, with Vaughan getting 140. Both he and Trescothick (88) and Butcher (53 not out) and Hussain (42 not out) are establishing excellent partnerships. A draw seems likely now, as long as no disasters occur (ie. the old chestnut - batting collapse).

The_Rebel

Sorry if I am behind a bit but I am currently on workplacement at the RSPCA Stubington Ark from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and doing a paper-round that takes about 50 minutes as well, I haven't had time to check anything properly.

The England-Windies match ended in a draw. England reached 422-5 with Thorpe and Geraint Jones on the crease, after both Hussain and Butcher had each posted half centuries. With 5 overs remaining, Brian Lara somewhat controversially offered a draw to England. Perhaps he realised the futility of their efforts, since they only managed to get 5 wickets after 137 overs. But I suspect a lot of the Windies commentators will be more than a little annoyed by Lara's actions - after all, anything can happen with 30 deliveries, and England's top order had come and gone.
In retrospect, Lara's magnificent innings had ironically worked in England's favour. Due to Lara staying on the crease for such a long time, in the end the Windies simply ran out of time to get a victory. Anyway, England will be very happy with a 3-0 series win - their first in the Caribbean in more than 3 decades.

Well done to India as well. They're in the driving seat against Pakistan - 342-4 against Pakistan's 224 all out (Day 2). Dravid was 134 not out at stumps. I think they'll go on to post a commanding lead before trying to bowl Pakistan out cheaply in the second innings.

The_Rebel

phew... that was a relief. England had their backs to the walls after getting bowled out cheaply in the first innings but they fought hard to ensure a good draw.

I dont know if Laras innings counted that much against him - the windies did bowl england out cheaply in the first innings and did have a chance even though it was a batting pitch...

Come on India... i hope they continue to do well.

Hey Guys I didnt know a cricket thread was existing here. Good I gave a look here.

Welcome Sarvesh. Me and Rebel started it so that a minority like us could enjoy conversing about our favorite sport amidst all the talk about baseball, basketball, NBA, etc. etc.

M.

Yes, welcome, Sarvesh. I wish there were more people contributing to the Cricket forum. We could really do with a larger crowd!

Jay, I think the Windies' success against England in the first innings was due largely to fatigue. A lot of the players fielded for a long time under the hot sun during Lara's innings. A few of the English batsmen were rather unlucky to get out as well.
Still, a lot of people wouldn't have given England a ghost of a chance after the first innings, but Tresco and Vaughny struck form at the right time, and Hussain and Butcher's experience counted significantly as well.

The_Rebel

Thanks all.
Yes Vaugh, and tersco played really good innings to save the test match. However england has already won the series but this test could have been a big defeat.

Well India is pressing for victory in pakistan now Pak-78/3. Now Only 2 people are standing between India and victory are Inzy and Youhanna. If India gets those 2 wickets we can pockect the test macth and series today itself.

Go India Go.

Go Indiaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!

M.

Finally after 10 Seasons

India Winssssssssss
:banana :

I want to join you Sarvesh. Oh ye, oh ye, oh ye ye ye!!!



M.

Well guys its after long time so some more of it.

wow they did it!!! well done to the Indian Team but they have been improving steadily and they showed how good a test side they are in the series against the aussies down here

Hello ,


What is our teams next destination and when ??????

Nasser Husain has retired from all forms of cricket today after admitting that he cannot compete with the youth coming through the british ranks.

On reflection, it was probably the right decision, made in the interests of the English team. He has had a wonderful career and has been a faithful and dedicated servant to English cricket throughout his association with the England team. Many will remember the state of the national team prior to his tenure as captain, and he has rightly been cited by many as one of the factors that has made English cricket the force it is today. He has been unfairly criticised in the past for his fiery and aggressive approach to captaining his side, but that only underlies his commitment and single-mindedness to the England cause.
Many senior ex-players such as Alex Stewart will point out that Hussain has been one of the best tacticians they've played under. And for the ECB and the government to force him to make the decision on behalf of England in lieu of whether or not they should play the match against Zimbabwe last summer was totally unfair and uncalled for, but the manner in which he carried himself throughout the fiasco is to be admired and lauded.

How fitting for him to score his 14th Test century at Lord's and win the match for England, especially at a time when many self-proclaimed experts (such as Ian Botham) have questioned his continued presence in the squad. He should be commended for his dignified and honourable way in which he announced his retirement today, without any recriminations towards anyone.

I for one would like to pay tribute to this great player and leader who has always put England ahead of personal interests. He deserves the continued support of cricket fans around the country, and if anyone should be knighted for services rendered to cricket, it might as well be him. I wish him well in his future endeavours, and as a faithful English cricket fan, I will never forget his great service to English cricket.

The_Rebel

Ian 'Beefy' Botham has been one of Nassers biggest critics during his time in the england set up. Nasser has been probably the best captain England has had in a long time but it was the right time for him to step down as both captain when he did and player.

he said today that he could think of no better way to retire than getting the winning century at lords, in his favorite area to strike the ball, taking a few catches and running some people out, one on the opposition team and one on his own.

We all wish Nasser luck in whatever he chooses to do from now on.

Hey guys.
If i had known this thread was here i'd have been here earlier. I'm another mad aussie cricket fan. Just been following the Aussie tour of Zimbabwe which had the obvious result. The tests were cancelled and Australia easily won the 3 one dayers. I think it was an absolute farce but i think the tests should have gone on anyway. I mean they are worried about the message its giving the Zimbabwe cricket union, so why do they even bother with the one dayers.
Looking forward to seeing the tests, Australia v India. This will really settle whos the no 1 team when they meet soon in India.

Indeed Schultz. I am waiting for the series to begin too. It will be fun.

M.

Can some one answer this question for me, Who is Andrew Strauss? Who does he play for? how long has been going? what is his average run rate? you know basic cricket info on him.

http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/PLAYERS/...SS_AJ_01007023/

M.

Strauss seems to be quite an accomplished batsmen and could occupy the Nasser Hussain spot quite well but of course only time will tell.

Andrew Strauss is the captain of Middlesex. He's 27 years old , and has played in 6 ODIs and 1 Test match.

His batting figures :

1)ODI (6 matches, 5 innings) : avegare run rate 35.00; highest score 67 (vs Windies)

2)Test (1 match, 2 innings) : average run rate 97.50; highest score 112 (vs Kiwis)

3) First class matches - including County and National c'pionship matches (83 matches, 143 innings) : average run rate 43.21; highest score 176; total runs 5,747

So, preliminary evidence suggests that he's got great potential as a Test player, perhaps not so for the limited overs game.

By the way, England is currently playing the Kiwis at Headingley in their second Test match. Rain has delayed much of proceedings and only 1 hour has been played, but England has achieved the breakthrough - 36 for 1 as Martin Saggers (in for the injured Simon Jones) edged Mark Richardson with his first Test ball on English soil. For your information, England beat the Kiwis by 7 wickets in the first Test at Lord's, successfully chasing down the Kiwis' 281 runs.

The_Rebel

Just a quick heads up on the current score between England and New Zealand on Day 4 of the second test at Headingley.
England sent in the Kiwis to bat on Day 1 and they posted an imposing first innings score of 409 all out. England have just completed their first innings with 526 all out, with a lead of 117. This is quite remarkable, considering that England was 248-4 at the end of Day 3 yesterday on a supposed bowling picth. Trescothick scored 132 and Geraint-Jones our new wicket-keeper underlined his batting pedigree with a test century. Flintoft also did well posting 94, just missing out on another deserved test century. There're 37 overs to go for today, and the Kiwis have just started to bat.

Although England have a healthy advantage, as with everything in cricket, it's all about momentum and England needs some quick wickets to keep the momentum going. Ideally, they wouldn't want to bat last to chase a huge total as the pitch is already showing signs of uneven bounce. But, as long as they keep the run rate down, it'll probably be too late for New Zealand to pose a big second innings total and then undertake the huge risk of declaring, so the worst case scenario for England is probably a draw. However, if they bowl well then a victory is still a likely possibility.

The_Rebel

Another update for English cricket fans. At the close of play on Day 4, the Kiwis slumped to 102-5 in the second innings, and they still trail England by 15 runs. Surely now a heavy defeat is on the cards for the Kiwis. The England bowlers did exactly that was asked of them, which was to bowl to the right areas on an increasingly erratic pitch. With good weather being forecast for tomorrow, if England doesn't wrap up the series by tomorrow they should kick each other in the backsides. They've done all the hard work and it'd be a shame not to finish the job tomorrow.

Anyway, whatever happens tomorrow, I think the team has really come of age. With a strong batting lineup - Geraint-Jones bats at no. 7 - and a fast improving seam attack, I think the team may well be ready for truly strong teams like Australia and India. You always get the feeling that even when the chips are down, 2 or 3 batsmen from 1 to 7 will play brilliantly to get them out of trouble and put them in commanding positions. This has been the pattern in the last 10 Test matches England has played. The one glaring weakness is the lack of a world-class spinner (no disrespect to Ashley Giles who got 21 crucial runs today).
Here's to hoping for a comprehensive victory by 6 or 7 wickets tomorrow!

The_Rebel

It's all over for the Kiwis. Needing just 45 runs to win, England got the winning runs half an hour before lunch and won by a massive margin of 9 wickets.

Well done lads!!

The_Rebel

Third and final Test at Trent Bridge (England vs. New Zealand), Day 4 :

England has done it again, defeating the Kiwis by 4 wickets with a run chase of 284 runs. This marks our first series whitewash (ie. 3-0) against New Zealand in 26 years. This was one of the most exciting ends to any Test match I've ever witnessed - the match hung in the balance for most part, and victory seemed almost assured for the Kiwis when Flintoft got out when England was only 162 for 5. Thorpe and Giles were the heroes, with Thorpe scoring an undefeated 104 and Giles provided able support to reach 36 not out. However, it has to be said that the Kiwis were far from their best, with almost a third of their squad ravaged by injuries. Still, it's a fantastic achievement.

Once again, well done lads!

The_Rebel

Ashley Giles has become the first English Spinner to get 9 wickets in two innings at Lords.

Micheal Vauhan has become only the third batsman in history to get a century in both innings at Lords.

Englang beat the Windies easily thanks to spectacular innings by Andrew Strauss, Robert Key and Micheal Vauhan. Also due to Giles great bowling and not forgetting Andrew 'Freddy' Flintoff

Congrats to the English lads - Vaughnie and his merry men have just beaten Ganguly and co by 70 runs in the second ODI of the Natwest Challenge at The Oval today. They were put in to bat by India and reached 307 for 5, with Flintoff starring with a magnificent 99 and Collingwood with an unbeaten 69. Flintoff was particularly impressive - as he has been all summer in the Tests against New Zealand and the Windies, matches in which England achieved consecutive whitewashes (3-0 and 4-0) - he steadied the ship when England was in danger of collapsing at 105-4, and together with Collingwood added 174 runs for their 5th wicket partnership, hitting 9 fours and 4 sixes. In reply, India could only manage 237 all out with 4 overs to spare. This is the first time in more than 18 months that England has won an ODI batting first - their recent Archilles heel. But it has to be said that India was without its talisman, Sachin Tendulkar, who is suffering from tennis elbow.

In the first match earlier this week, England had beaten India by 7 wickets after winning the toss and putting India in to bat (India 170 all out in 43.5 overs and England 171-3 in 32.2 overs).

The real test starts next week with the ICC Champions' Trophy. I don't think we'll win it but I'm positive that we'll give a good account of ourselves. Everyone in the team is on a high and brimming with confidence following our recent unprecedented Test successes. I still think that England's real strength lies in Test matches (ranked no. 2 in the world) rather than ODIs (ranked no. 5), so it'll be interesting to see how we fare in our next Test away to South Africa in November, and then next summer against the old enemy Australia in the Ashes. I reckon if we keep improving, we might cause an upset or two then, although the Aussies are still odd-on favourites to retain the Ashes.

The_Rebel

ICC Champions' Trophy - Semifinal (Edgbaston, 22/9/04)
England vs Australia

Australia put in to bat by England, reached 259-9. England in reply reached 262-4 with 3.5 overs to spare, beating the Aussies by a comfortable 6 wickets.

My, my, how the mighty have fallen. Well, maybe a trip rather than a fall, but the Aussies have finally been beaten by England after 5 and a half years and 14 consecutive ODI wins over us.
Although this result can be justifiably regarded as a one-off (as most ODIs are), nevertheless it underlines the level of progress England has made over the past 18 months. There's still room for improvement, and if we continue to improve, I think the Aussies are in for a real contest come the Ashes next summer. Bring it on!

The_Rebel