99.94 Ashes 2009: First Test Australian Review

nestaquin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:44:12 +0000

On probably the flattest pitch Australia have played a Test on since Mark Taylor equalled The Don in Peshawar, Ponting’s inexperienced team went within one wicket of an innings win in a performance that should have England very concerned as the teams head to London for the Second Test.

England vs Australia First Ashes Test – England Report Card

tootingtrumpet — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:51:49 +0000

Andrew Strauss – Two nothing scores in a match that showed his captaincy was neither inspirational nor cunning. Has much to do off the field to rouse his battered bowlers, but must switch on completely when batting to deliver the starts England needs. Alastair Cook – Despite his hand of nine centuries at the age of [...]

Ashes 2009: Several Sunday Musings

nestaquin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:33:59 +0000

A century on debut in Johannesburg and now another on debut in The Ashes shows that the selectors were on the money when they chose him to replace Andrew Symonds. His experience, temperament and technique will make him an automatic choice for No.3 in the unlikely event of Ricky being injured.

Ashes 2009: Four More

nestaquin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:40:54 +0000

Stating the obvious, wrist spinners are a cunning breed of men. While growing his beard and belly so he his first choice as Doc in the annual Snow White pantomime he conned the English administrators to employ him as a spin coach for their finger spinners. It’s akin to Ray Charles mentoring a promising guitarist because they both play music. The obvious results are there for all to see.

Ashes 2009: XI More Hasty Thoughts

nestaquin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:36:36 +0000

Did a fantastic job protecting Ponting prior to lunch and then lost the battle with Flintoff. The jingoistic English press are now informing all and sundry that Flintoff is back to his bollocking best but that is just their usual wishful hyperbole. Hughes copped a fearful examination from Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in Johannesburg yet scored twin centuries in the next encounter. Beating up a 20 year old kid is hardly triumphant especially when you consider the score at day’s end.

2009 Ashes: XI Hasty Thoughts

nestaquin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:13:22 +0000

I suspect that there was relief in the English dressing sheds when Strauss returned with the Australian team sheet. Retaining Australia’s pace attack from South Africa was a no-brainer but choosing Hauritz instead of Clark would have brought a grin to many a face.

2009 Ashes Preview

nestaquin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:50:04 +0000

The 2009 Ashes contest begins shortly at the home of Welsh cricket, Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. Obviously, there is a lot at stake in the series not least Australia’s tentative place at the peak of the Test cricket world.

Hallelujah!

nestaquin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:42:33 +0000

Seldom are prayers answered, especially when you are a natural sceptic suspicious of sky god superstitions yet Brett Lee’s timely injury has me considering spending the afternoon in the shed constructing a tiny straw and cloth facsimile of Nathan Hauritz to poke and prod with sharp instruments in the full moonlight at the stroke of midnight.

The Strauss Tapes Part XIX

tootingtrumpet — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:02:39 +0000

Click “Right gentlemen, take a seat. Belly – go and get Swanny will you? If he’s phone-flirting with Gabby Logan again, tell them him to hurry up and get in here. You’ve heard the news about the quickie then? Not Harmy, Binga. Fred’s been on the phone commiserating like it’s Edgbaston all over again. What did he [...]

England – First Test squad

tootingtrumpet — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:47:11 +0000

In 2006-7, the only real question was, “Do the old men of Australia have another series in them?” The Trumpet can’t recall the detail, but he understands that the answer was “Yes.” Two and a half years later, there are many more questions as the new look Australian squad take on a new look (or, at [...]