text:
England hit back as 14 wickets crash
Australia 75 for 4 (Smith 38*, Hughes 7*) trail England 215 (Trott 48, Bairstow 37, Siddle 5-50, Pattinson 3-69) by 140 runs
Frenzied. That barely begins to tell the story. The pent-up tensions at the start of an Ashes series frothed out into a memorable first day of eager and aggressive bowling, angsty batting and high excitement. When the nervous energy had subsided, and a sell-out crowd began to wend its way home, the first day of the Investec Test series had granted its favours slightly, without ever quite making eye contact, towards England.
In the build-up to the Test, it had been observed that the ball had not swung as much at Trent Bridge this season. It turned out that England's most genteel Test ground was just being bashful. On a warm, hazy day, swing bowling was in the ascendancy, 14 wickets fell and no batsman has yet made a half-century.
This is a slow, dry Nottingham surface, already markedly cracked and with the forecast of dry days ahead, England, who won the toss, will fancy that reverse swing and the spin of Graeme Swann will come to the fore as the match progresses. Those possessing tickets for the final day will already be looking for a back-up attraction.
The stand-out bowling figures on a turbulent day went to Peter Siddle, an indefatigable rouser of the troops, who specialises in making an impact at the start of an Ashes series, and who emphatically demanded an immediate reassessment of Australia's qualities as he took five wickets by tea with remorseless, good-length bowling and just enough swing to make it potent.
But the ball of the day was surely delivered, on behalf of England, by James Anderson. He produced a mesmerising delivery to bowl Australia's captain, Michael Clarke, sixth ball for nought, a late outswinger and a suitable way to go past Fred Trueman's landmark of 307 Test wickets. On the balcony, David Saker, England's bowling coach, really did lick his lips with pure delight.
Before then, Steven Finn had made inroads by dismissing Shane Watson and Ed Cowan in successive balls. Watson's desire to dominate brought an edge to second slip; Cowan, who had been off the field with nausea for much of the day, added to the indiscretions by carving at a wide one; and Finn came within a whisker of a hat-trick by beating Clarke's outside edge.
Finn was preferred by England to Tim Bresnan and then took the new ball as Stuart Broad remained off the field for ice treatment on his right shoulder - which required a cortisone injection less than a week ago - after he was struck by a bouncer from James Pattinson. Australia will not be wishing him well.
Chris Rogers was Australia's stabilising element, just the man to provide an additional neutron or two, but he got too far across his stumps to Anderson in an effort to cover the outswing and was picked off lbw, his call for a review narrowly failing.
Siddle was Australia's inspiration. His hat-trick in Brisbane two years ago, and Test-best 6 for 54, proved to be a false dawn for Australia as England went on to win three Tests by an innings.
When he leaked 27 runs in four overs in a first, unrewarded spell, it was symptomatic of Australia's anxious start, but his switch to the Radcliffe Road end for a one-over spell before lunch brought immediate dividends when he found some late outswing to bowl Joe Root.
Clarke unsurprisingly turned to him once more immediately after lunch. Kevin Pietersen fell to a typically flamboyant drive, whereas Jonathan Trott's booming drive at a wide one left the batsman so appalled as he dragged on that he made as if to demolish the stumps in self-admonishment. Until then, he had played with great certainty for 48, milking Australia's attack through the leg side with regularity, but even he was struck by Ashes fever.
A fourth spell accounted for Ian Bell, who was defeated by an excellent outswinger. At 178 for 4, Bell and Bairstow had been close to confirming England's superiority. Instead, Bell left with a quizzical nose scrunching, recognition that for England, overwhelming favourites for the series, things were not exactly going to plan.
They went even more awry in Siddle's next over when Matt Prior, with only a single to his name, departed ten minutes before tea. Siddle banged one in short and wide and Prior's suitably belligerent response merely presented a catch to cover.
Australia's first wicket had been the one they most desired: Alastair Cook: Cook, a remorseless compiler of 766 runs in his last Ashes series, a series which he reflected ahead of this rubber "changed me as a cricketer". This time Australia removed him for 13 and they will pray that the number is a harbinger of ill luck all summer long.
The successful bowler was Pattinson. The ball was not particularly potent, pushed wide across Cook, but he edged a loose drive to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Cook sat on the balcony, alone, and no doubt pondered on the demands of captaincy at the start of an Ashes series. Clarke, several hours later, went through the same thought process.
Pattinson had expressed his desire to avenge England's ridiculing of his older brother, Darren, when his sole England Test cap went awry against South Africa in 2005.
On the ground where Darren made his name, James launched the series nervously with a wide and a bye - a loopy bouncer followed by a ball that swung down the leg side. But he does not lack for on-field aggression. His snarl was soon evident against Root, returned with a cheeky chappie smile that might have come straight out of an old-time English music hall. He might also have picked up Pietersen's wicket when Haddin narrowly failed to intercept a glance down the leg side.
Ashton Agar, a 19-year-old left-arm spinner on Test debut, had cause to be even more jittery. An Australian spinner on debut in an Ashes series cannot bowl a ball without being aware of Shane Warne's arrival into Ashes folklore. He began with the Ball of the Century; some act to follow. Agar, gum chewing furiously, delivered a low full toss which Trott gratefully punched to the cover boundary. But his tall, springy approach and stately action promised good things to come.
England, 185 for 6 at tea, succumbed rapidly at the start of the final session, losing their last four wickets for two runs in 14 balls.
Broad's fallibility against the hook shot was underlined when he unwisely tried to attack Pattinson; Bairstow, who had played enterprisingly for 37, considering that he has spent much of the past year as a drinks waiter, was bowled hitting across a full-length ball from Mitchell Starc; Finn gave Starc two in two, reviewing a catch at the wicket to no avail; and there was no late flourish from Swann who offered only a tame prod to cover.
David Hopps is the UK editor of ESPNcricinfo
Comments have now been closed for this article
R on July 11, 2013, 16:48 GMT
@ jmcilhinney... yes, finn has probably bowled himself out of the series, but the buck stops with the capt and capt cook was very very poor to let the situation get to that... and broad on the pitch but not bowling while finn bowled that garbage?? and then broad not demanding 2 slips when he did eventually come on?? there is always more than 1 contributing factor in a fiasco... and cook now reduced to almost strokelessness is not helping his earlier poor captaincy... still its bell next so thats 25 runs in the bag
ESPN on July 11, 2013, 13:39 GMT
This has shattered a few dreams,schemes and delusions of grandeur. Apart from close associates and family no one would have expected this to happen, what a debut by Ashton Agar,it's great to have Boof at the helm and he's the type of bloke that won't take the credit but deflect them and give all the accolades to Agar.
Android on July 11, 2013, 13:18 GMT
I must. Say that batting was pretty. Ordinary. No one cud handle the swinging ball. Club level cricket. Makes a dull showing.
Android on July 11, 2013, 13:12 GMT
Overrated fin exposed again. Gone for about 5 runs pet over Agar is best batsman that aus got. Smith played beautifully. Well done aus on well deserved lead.
Android on July 11, 2013, 13:05 GMT
Well done agar turned ashes on its head. Who wud have thought that agar wud be selected for batting. Not his lackluster. Bowling. Wat a move by lehmann. Now score 100 on debut and win the first test for aus.
John on July 11, 2013, 12:59 GMT
England have to come out after lunch with renewed vigour, bowl in good areas, take that last wicket and then remind themselves that batting conditions are excellent and there's ages to go in this game. They could put on 450 in their second innings and still have two days to go, so they need to be patient - which seemed so alien in the first innings - and make the most of it. If they can bat to lunch on day 4 then Australia will have enough of a chance that they will have to go for it and that will of course increase the chance of wickets falling. It's a long way to there but with the potential in their batting and the conditions in their favour, they should be able to do it. Should is not will though.
disco on July 11, 2013, 12:57 GMT
Make no mistake, this innings by Agar is more than an astounding record breaking knock, it will colour the entire series. His innings will alter the course of events and I think from here on in we can steam ahead. I predicted that Hughes would play a defining knock and reach 270 with the tail, granted I didn't think he'd do it like this but I'll take it.
John on July 11, 2013, 12:55 GMT
That may just be the mother of all wasted opportunities. It was a great effort to get Australia to 117/9 and then England just went to sleep. Not for the first time, they seemed to expect the last man to get himself out. Steven Finn really has to take the lion's share of the blame with a truly terrible spell of bowling. It's amazing what a difference attitude makes and Agar was obviously playing with freedom and confidence and Finn was just feeding it. Allowing that partnership to continue so long has allowed Steve Hughes to grow in confidence as well, which could cost England later in the series too. It's obvious that conditions are ideal for batting but Swann and particularly Anderson had made the Australians forget that. Finn just reminded them again by bowling lots of innocuous short stuff and it was then so much harder for all the other bowlers too. Broad should have had Hughes but the fields were so ultra-defensive by then that he got away with it. Very disappointing.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 12:54 GMT
Wow! Its good to see the free flow batting of 19 year old boy Agar who arrived at the crease as 11th Man and really showed the character of a Man in his debut match...Though he was named in playing XI as spinner and did not speak with his ball much he created noise with his batting stride and takes his team to the LEAD position...Ashes has started with surprise and hope more to come from both the Teams...
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 12:52 GMT
@H_Z_0...I didnt feel aggrieved over the Rogers decision but I am thrilled with the third umpire's mistake as it's the li'l bit of luck that historically; good ol Ozstraya take to the bank and cash it in for all it is worth!! England on the other hand havent been good enough to create more opportunities to finish Australia off!
R on July 11, 2013, 16:48 GMT
@ jmcilhinney... yes, finn has probably bowled himself out of the series, but the buck stops with the capt and capt cook was very very poor to let the situation get to that... and broad on the pitch but not bowling while finn bowled that garbage?? and then broad not demanding 2 slips when he did eventually come on?? there is always more than 1 contributing factor in a fiasco... and cook now reduced to almost strokelessness is not helping his earlier poor captaincy... still its bell next so thats 25 runs in the bag
ESPN on July 11, 2013, 13:39 GMT
This has shattered a few dreams,schemes and delusions of grandeur. Apart from close associates and family no one would have expected this to happen, what a debut by Ashton Agar,it's great to have Boof at the helm and he's the type of bloke that won't take the credit but deflect them and give all the accolades to Agar.
Android on July 11, 2013, 13:18 GMT
I must. Say that batting was pretty. Ordinary. No one cud handle the swinging ball. Club level cricket. Makes a dull showing.
Android on July 11, 2013, 13:12 GMT
Overrated fin exposed again. Gone for about 5 runs pet over Agar is best batsman that aus got. Smith played beautifully. Well done aus on well deserved lead.
Android on July 11, 2013, 13:05 GMT
Well done agar turned ashes on its head. Who wud have thought that agar wud be selected for batting. Not his lackluster. Bowling. Wat a move by lehmann. Now score 100 on debut and win the first test for aus.
John on July 11, 2013, 12:59 GMT
England have to come out after lunch with renewed vigour, bowl in good areas, take that last wicket and then remind themselves that batting conditions are excellent and there's ages to go in this game. They could put on 450 in their second innings and still have two days to go, so they need to be patient - which seemed so alien in the first innings - and make the most of it. If they can bat to lunch on day 4 then Australia will have enough of a chance that they will have to go for it and that will of course increase the chance of wickets falling. It's a long way to there but with the potential in their batting and the conditions in their favour, they should be able to do it. Should is not will though.
disco on July 11, 2013, 12:57 GMT
Make no mistake, this innings by Agar is more than an astounding record breaking knock, it will colour the entire series. His innings will alter the course of events and I think from here on in we can steam ahead. I predicted that Hughes would play a defining knock and reach 270 with the tail, granted I didn't think he'd do it like this but I'll take it.
John on July 11, 2013, 12:55 GMT
That may just be the mother of all wasted opportunities. It was a great effort to get Australia to 117/9 and then England just went to sleep. Not for the first time, they seemed to expect the last man to get himself out. Steven Finn really has to take the lion's share of the blame with a truly terrible spell of bowling. It's amazing what a difference attitude makes and Agar was obviously playing with freedom and confidence and Finn was just feeding it. Allowing that partnership to continue so long has allowed Steve Hughes to grow in confidence as well, which could cost England later in the series too. It's obvious that conditions are ideal for batting but Swann and particularly Anderson had made the Australians forget that. Finn just reminded them again by bowling lots of innocuous short stuff and it was then so much harder for all the other bowlers too. Broad should have had Hughes but the fields were so ultra-defensive by then that he got away with it. Very disappointing.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 12:54 GMT
Wow! Its good to see the free flow batting of 19 year old boy Agar who arrived at the crease as 11th Man and really showed the character of a Man in his debut match...Though he was named in playing XI as spinner and did not speak with his ball much he created noise with his batting stride and takes his team to the LEAD position...Ashes has started with surprise and hope more to come from both the Teams...
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 12:52 GMT
@H_Z_0...I didnt feel aggrieved over the Rogers decision but I am thrilled with the third umpire's mistake as it's the li'l bit of luck that historically; good ol Ozstraya take to the bank and cash it in for all it is worth!! England on the other hand havent been good enough to create more opportunities to finish Australia off!
H on July 11, 2013, 12:45 GMT
@sachin_vvsfan Hughes up to 3 (he's batted sensibly here too), Clarke stays at 4 (even though I think he'd rather bat 5), Smith at 5, Haddin 6, Agar 7 and then the bowlers. Whether it's Lyon or Faulkner coming in for Cowan probably depends on how the bowlers do second time round and if Watson can bowl.
And while Agar probably should have been given out on the stumping, Rogers was harshly given out on the LBW so it's not like England can have any complaints. Finn bowled some dross to Agar and he duly dispatched it. The ball was still moving, so why on earth would you bowl short? It was clear he's no ordinary tail-ender after a few balls, so stop trying to bounce him out! He handled the short stuff better than Broad did, for starters.
Can he make it a debut century after lunch? Exciting session coming up. If the lead can get up to 100 Australia will be a couple of early wickets away from being in the driving seat, which was unthinkable at 117-9. Who said Tests were boring?
James on July 11, 2013, 12:44 GMT
Well, I said Australia had a long tail. I just didn't think it would be necessary for the last pair to outbat the entire rest of the team! Agar is at 11 because Starc and Pattinson have 30 averages and are effectivelyy bowling allrounders - while Siddle is handy too. They fell in a heap today, but with so many decent lower order players, one or two are bound to score decently in most innings. Now we just have to find a decent top order!
With all the talk about Agar, we also have to note the Hughes has looked VERY solid versus Swann and the seamers. With Smith also looking in good form, one of the "best-case scenarios" may yet unfold in this series for AUS, with two of the more maligned batters coming good!
Looks good batting conditions though. England will like batting next.
Garry on July 11, 2013, 12:42 GMT
Mohammed Usman you would put him in the team on his batting form, easy to say in hindsight but he only has a first class average of 33, which is pretty good for a all rounder but not a batsman.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 12:38 GMT
both of they keep going as well as good
sam on July 11, 2013, 12:36 GMT
Imagine if Stuey Broad been fit Aus would never have to rely on a fabulous inngs. by the kid debutant @ 11 to gain respectably . Even the so called Aus middle order will have taken the lead to 50+ and 1 or 2 would be batting 50+ prob. even set for a 100.Hope he is fit in 2nd inngs -:)
Jason on July 11, 2013, 12:35 GMT
@H_Z_O, I has suspicions he might they might get a lead, based on Last years test, and englands general inability to bowl out tails, it was also largely dependant on Broad being present to bowl.
I cant comment on Agar's batting but it looks like he could be moving up the order for the next innings or for the next test.
Not sure why england persist with fin he tends to bowl too many ppo deliveries.
sri on July 11, 2013, 12:32 GMT
Brings back the painful memories of our Eng tour (i think second test) when we let Eng slip away from some 120 for 8. We were favorites in the first innings but our bowlers were just listless and fielders just gave up and waited for Eng declaration in second innings. Not Sure if Aus can pull a surprise here. The pitch looks good for batting and cook and co should find it easy this time as the nerves also calmed down a bit.
James on July 11, 2013, 12:31 GMT
The last wicket stand may have done its bit. England must be feeling a bit demoralised by now. I can see the selector's logic in selecting Agar but still not clear why he came after Pattinson and Siddle- Agar's batting was already being talked about- hence he should have come at 9.
siddhartha on July 11, 2013, 12:30 GMT
The era of Hughes-Khwaja will begin in this ashes.The stage is set. Also i don't understand why Clarke batted at no 4. He is better at no 5.S.Waugh never compromised his no 5 or Tendulakr never compromised his no 4. So why should he do that. Clarke should go back to no 5 the position no matter what.Khwaja should be no 3 and Smith/Hughes should be no 4.
Android on July 11, 2013, 12:24 GMT
Agar is only at 11, because his a 19 year old on debut, anyone that his seen him play or even noted his scores whilst batting recently will know this kid is no mug with the bat, I'd put him in the team simply on his batting form. People like Watson who is supposed to be the player that really sets a platform for us to launch a big score has let us down when it's really mattered, he is the player that wins or loses you matches and lately his been losing them for us. He needs to control himself this is not a 1 dayer or a 20/20, you have 5 days for gods sake.
H on July 11, 2013, 12:19 GMT
Agar just took McGrath's record for the highest score by a number 11 for Australia.
Maybe Siddle and Bird aren't the new McGrath, maybe Agar is?
sri on July 11, 2013, 12:18 GMT
So whats next . Agar in place of Cowan and an extra bowler in place of agar?
siddhartha on July 11, 2013, 12:15 GMT
Damn agar should have come at no 8. he is reminding me of KP's ashes debut.
Saad on July 11, 2013, 12:14 GMT
OMG this Ashton Agar is a beauty..look how he's playing ...a lesson for the batsmen of both team there.
H on July 11, 2013, 12:14 GMT
Hands up who thought Australia would get a lead from 117-9 with Agar getting a 50? Brilliant day's cricket so far, wickets, runs, a record broken. Quality.
uzair on July 11, 2013, 12:12 GMT
great batting by agar 2nd innings he should be opening and is this a curse on australia that every spinner of australia turns into a batsmen
H on July 11, 2013, 12:09 GMT
@disco_bob all joking aside, it's not just the runs he's scored but the way he's gone about his business. Looked like a proper batsman. Might actually merit selection as a specialist bat if this is anything to go by.
H on July 11, 2013, 12:02 GMT
That said, the lad's batted well. No number 11 has scored more on debut, none have scored 50 on debut.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 12:01 GMT
what an innings by agar under pressure #Aggression. anderson already overbowled, england flirting with danger of injuring their main bowler. poor captaincy IMO
Rajesh on July 11, 2013, 11:57 GMT
Poor stuff from Finn...short ball after short ball....what nonsense...Agar you little beauty..
H on July 11, 2013, 11:52 GMT
Those feeling aggrieved (probably rightly so) by the Rogers decision must be happy with the Agar stumping. I'm not sure why there was any talk of benefit of the doubt there because I didn't see any doubt. It was clearly out; the line is the umpire's.
There was plenty of doubt in Rogers' decision, however, and with Agar batting this well, he might just make up for it.
disco on July 11, 2013, 11:52 GMT
Finally we've found our opener, come on down, Ashton Agar.
Suraj on July 11, 2013, 11:50 GMT
Agar is showing everybody how to bat on this pitch... Good going Agar... Keep fighting...
Dean on July 11, 2013, 11:49 GMT
Broad not being able to ball is starting to hurt us, as a big lead has now turned in to a decent lead if we don't break this partnership soon it will be marginal at best!
Nicholas on July 11, 2013, 11:43 GMT
Ahhhh what is it with England not being able to knock over the tail!? This is like Tino Best almost getting a ton at no. 11 all over again! Get Agar out before celebrating!!!
damien on July 11, 2013, 11:42 GMT
Very disappointing by the aussie batsmen. It's what we all feared, undoing all the good work done by Siddle and co. To see Cowan get out like that after basically being given a reprieve was very ugly. Anderson has been brilliant as expected just knows where to put and is the best reverse swing bowler in the world bar none. Steyn is undoubtedly the number 1 bowler in the world and is a master of fast outswing but Anderson just has it on a string and his length is impeccable. As for the Swann/Haddin delivery , sure it was a good nut it turned sharply and bounced but what sort of a shot was Haddin trying to play? Second ball of his innings and he has tried to force a quality spinner off the back foot with bat away from the body! Whatever happened to bat next to pad forward defense? First time I have seen Agar bat, very handy number 11.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 11:35 GMT
Australia Coach need to Somehow get Adam Voges back into the Squad...i don't see a better batsman than him currently in Australia at least in terms of mentality.. Aussies are too nervous at the moment which caused a sudden collapse.
H on July 11, 2013, 11:35 GMT
@AussieSam "To me, a truly great delivery is a ball that does exactly what the bowler intended"
When a legendary bowler like Michael Holding says that, despite what bowlers might tell you, they have no idea what the ball will do once it leaves their hand, and that's why presenting the seam and bowling the right length (giving it every chance to do something) are so important, I'm inclined to think that expecting a bowler to get the ball to do exactly what they want for it to be a "great delivery" might be asking a bit much. By the way, Warne's even said that he didn't expect that ball to Gatting to do that. He's called it a "fluke", although I think that's too modest, he gave it a massive rip and bowled the right length, the rest happened.
Top bowlers aim to give the ball every chance of doing something special. They can't predict the amount of swing or seam movement they get, they can do some educated guess work based on previous deliveries, but nothing more.
Android on July 11, 2013, 11:32 GMT
Why play 4 bowlers? 3 can do the job for you. India were on the other side when zk gott out on day one. England got lucky at right time.
Brenton on July 11, 2013, 11:21 GMT
What a waste having Hughes not out at 6. Hughes makes centuries and having him at 3 gives him the best chance. He has looked untroubled against all bowling, even Swann and Anderson bowling well and taking wickets. Second innings: Hughes 3, Cowan 6. Second test: Cowan out, Khawaja 6.
Nicholas on July 11, 2013, 11:20 GMT
James Anderson's bowling average is now ON THE CORRECT SIDE of 30 as I type!
Suraj on July 11, 2013, 11:18 GMT
@Shaggy076 Average! The batting has been below average to be very honest.
Jason on July 11, 2013, 11:11 GMT
@5wombats, Morning MR W, are the young wombats enjoying the game?
Humayoon on July 11, 2013, 11:06 GMT
Hughes has done a great job of shielding...himself! One by one the tailenders have fallen as Hughes watches from the non-striker's end. How someone like Hussey would have handled the situation...
Daniel on July 11, 2013, 11:05 GMT
Anderson and Swann proving how hopeless Australian batting is.
Graham on July 11, 2013, 11:03 GMT
The batting has been average once Smith got out, but I will say this is the best I have seen Swann bowl against Australia. Anderson has bowled to his standard of the last few years. It was the perfect opportunity for Australia with good batting conditions and England a bowler down but the batting has been poor.
Suraj on July 11, 2013, 11:00 GMT
Man Can't the Aussies play properly when the conditions are so good! Ridiculous! It's not even overcast! Really no excuses after such poor batting...
Martin on July 11, 2013, 10:58 GMT
So @RandyOZ - how did you like the one that got Haddin -? Still think Swann is "no threat", or do you still "not understand"?
ESPN on July 11, 2013, 10:58 GMT
Full credit to Anderson who has bowled very well but we the Aussie public have heard for a couple of years how the ashes is a priority, you would think that would involve learning how to play the swinging ball. The aussie batters are making any ball that moves look unplayable.
Jason on July 11, 2013, 10:46 GMT
@thebrotherswaugh, I think that little fact about anderson had been lost.
What a Difference a Day makes, 14 Little hours.......
Speaking of which at the moment 215 is looking a good score on this pitch. Australia 114/7 (or 7/114 if you live the other way up!!).
Graham on July 11, 2013, 10:44 GMT
Beertjie - Surely it is the mediocre record that has prevented him getting the opportunities. He was next cab of the rank but done nothing since. Been given warm up games to show his value and failed. Yes Cowans record is mediocre. He got into the test team with good form - but the mediocrity of the chasing pack has enabled him to stay in the team. Khawaja shouldnt be waiting for the opportunity he should be grabbing his chances ie scoring runs in tour games, doing his homework and setting an exceptional training standard. He has done none of these. I dont blame the selectors I blame the player because there is obvioulsy a position available just do something to grab it.
disco on July 11, 2013, 10:41 GMT
Awful shot from Smith who didn't heed the warning of the previous ball. That's the sort of rubbish that is inexcusable after a good start. Swan's ball to Haddin was just too good.
However, I really fancy that this is the innings that is going to make Hughes I predict Hughes with the tail is going to get us to 270.
Suraj on July 11, 2013, 10:40 GMT
I have seen Steve Smith play aggressively for Sahara Pune Warriors against Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians etc. He is so fantastic to watch. Simple technique, nothing exaggerated about him. He keeps it simple and it pays for him big time. I really hope this kid goes on to become a legend in Australian Cricket... Good going Steve. Now wanna watch u get bigger scores...
H on July 11, 2013, 10:36 GMT
@Shaggy076 on (July 11, 2013, 5:09 GMT) Thought Siddle bowled very cleverly all innings and I'd say that's the one thing he's got that I think Jimmy often lacks. He probably isn't as naturally talented as others but makes the most of what he does have by working harder than anyone in world cricket and thinking constantly.
@Doug Symes Actually lots of Poms, including "Mr 10-0" Botham, have commented on how much better Australia look under Lehmann. We're not all as biased as FFL!
@Brad Lister Great idea RE: the DRS. I reckon they should get rid of the "orange" zone (the traffic light system) and count it as "red". In other words you need all three bits to be green to be out, otherwise it's not out (benefit of doubt). While under the current rules the Third Umpire couldn't overturn that, the original call was pretty poor, I thought. Right arm around to a left hander is normally going down. Had to be much straighter to be given out, imho.
Suraj on July 11, 2013, 10:32 GMT
Steve Smith is a wonderful Cricketer but time and again he has been made to prove that he is worth that permanent place in this team. I definitely also see him as the next Captain of Australia. He has the temperament and can really take Australia a long long way. Fantastic Cricketer. Good innings till now. Go for a Century Steve...
John on July 11, 2013, 10:06 GMT
Congrats to Anderson for becoming 3rd on the ENG all-time bowling list; he'll be at #1 within two years (injuries aside) - an absolute champion on & off the field. Smith must get a 100+ for OZ to have any chance. From the little I seen of Hughes late in the day, he looks all at sea against Swann, just lunges forward with the front foot and hopes for the best - once it starts to grip, he'll become one of Swann's 'bunnies'. I notice the general consensus from most ENG pundits is that the 1st innings was an aberration, that your fellas threw their wickets away, and it won't happen again in the series. Just remember, the OZ bowlers were pretty ordinary (apart from Siddle), and they too can improve. It's not our bowling ability that is the problem, it's our batting.
H on July 11, 2013, 10:03 GMT
@Lliam Flynn Agar bowled some absolute dross mate. I swear if England hadn't dug themselves into a hole against the seamers he'd have been punished more. Lyon should definitely have played.
I'm not writing Agar off, he's 19 and there's definitely signs of talent there, but from what I saw (and what I've seen of Lyon), Lyon's still the better bowler right now. Wasn't just the first ball full-toss (anyone can do that on debut) but he had quite a few balls dragged down the leg-side that Haddin did well to stop.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 10:01 GMT
One last thing on yesterday: it seems the umpires are now inconsistent with benefit of the doubt. It seems the batsman - in this case Rogers - gets "most" of the benefit of the doubt with DRS working out the balance. As there are two umpires it is applied inconsistently. I think it would be better if rather than staying with on field call there should be a not out decision where the ball is only clipping the stump to allow for doubt. Surely the on field call method is saying that there is doubt within the technology so we will stay with the umpire.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 9:53 GMT
one thing id definite. there is going to be a decision both the teams have eqal chances
Jason on July 11, 2013, 9:46 GMT
@VillageBlacksmith, the question as always is who would you replace Bell with, please dont say move root back down to 5 and have compton back, unfortunately that boats flown.
del on July 11, 2013, 9:42 GMT
What happens about the 8 lost overs that were not bowled on day 1 ? The ICC test match playing conditions sate than a minimum of 90 overs should be bowled less 2 for change of innings unless that occurs at lunch or tea. I thought they were supposed to be made up the following day.
Prasanna on July 11, 2013, 9:35 GMT
what a waste !! All the hard-work done by the bowlers have been thrown away yet again by the batsmen later in the day !! Day 2, the weather is very good , no clouds hanging over and an excellent day for batting !! If at all we had been 75/2, it would have sent waves of panic !!! Now we would do well to get closer to 215, if not going past it.
greig on July 11, 2013, 9:34 GMT
Wow, Australia's batting line up looks more fragile than Peanut brittle. Cowan the least talented top 5 batsman ive seen in 10 years is a laughable selection at 3. No doubt Andersen was delighted to see him in the batting line up along with another walking wicket - Phil Hughes. I almost fell off my chair when I saw Smith batting at 5. He is playing well and good luck to him, but that is a good measure on how far Oz cricket has fallen. You have Smith at T20 player batting at 5.
I thought England were reckless and gave their wickets away with careless shots. They didnt give their batting a good account of themselves, this will be thier lowest score in the series i reckon. Oz on the other hand look to be just trying to hang in there, eventhough England are a seamer down. (broad).
damien on July 11, 2013, 9:32 GMT
I want to start by saying this is not a whinge or an excuse. Just an observation that I am keen to hear what people think. Have we got the review system wrong regarding the LBW decisions? Rogers was very unlucky to be given out (IMO) there should have been enough doubt for Dharmasena ( who seems to get a lot wrong in the games I have seen him umpire) to give it not out. people on here are saying "it might have hit leg stump" or "it could have missed leg stump. The fact that you cant say for sure should save the batsmen , it is a core element of the rules that the bat gets the benefit of the doubt. In real time it looked as if it was going down. It is the sort of decision that you feel hard done by as a batsmen and usually as a bowler you think gee that was close but know that there was enough doubt.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 9:22 GMT
I think this brings into relief how good SA is right now.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 9:21 GMT
skittle the Aussies for 120, then pile on big for the rest of the day. England lead of 300 by day's end!
R on July 11, 2013, 9:18 GMT
bell again achieves his ave over last 2 years, eng management must be happy with 25 from him each go or he wd not be in the team..
Jason on July 11, 2013, 9:11 GMT
@Meety, what did you think of the inclusion of Agar over Lyon?
As for Siddle I think I called him the work horse of the bowling unit (in a complimentary way), I even picked him in my ESPN fantasy team.
It will be interesting to see how today pans out, its crucial england get early wickets with Smith, Hughes and Haddin being the key ones, if they can hang around and get within striking distance (50 runs) of Englands total the tail enders should be able to put on the remaining runs.
the next couple of days should be for batting we saw how the pitch changes when its sunny in last years WI's game when the sun came out.
Ray on July 11, 2013, 9:09 GMT
Well, dull it wasn't but, as others have said, it was a pretty poor batting display by England. After his first 4 overs, Siddle bowled a reasonable spell but it wasn't that great. The rest of the Australian attack was inconsistent; a few good balls mixed up with a load of dross. Much the same story for Anderson & Finn (especially the latter). Hope that the excitement continues (I'm sure that it will) but that the quality improves.
@electric_loco_WAP4 (July 11, 2013, 3:49 GMT": " ...Nathan Lyon who is also a much superior spinner to Swann ...." Mate, please I'm begging you, stop. I'm a middle-aged man and the laughing fit that I've just finished can't be good for me!
Mashuq on July 11, 2013, 9:03 GMT
It's not Khawaja's "mediocre record"@Shaggy076 on (July 10, 2013) that guys are complaining about - it's the lack of opportunities he receives in contrast to Cowan, Watson, and Hughes. Why are these guys retained after poor performances? Now Watson, the designated opener, most likely won't bowl again in the series. At least he's not v-c so he can and should be jettisoned if he continues to fail. Ditto for Cowan and Hughes. One can't provide unequal opportunities to certain guys (e.g., moving Hughes to the A squad) and not to others (leaving out Khawaja at Worcester), retaining guys who continue to fail (Watto and Cowan) and fail to give Khawaja a single test. There are solid grounds for complaining about the treatment he receives as someone who Invers designated as the next cab off the rank. It's such doublespeak that's undermining faith in CA structures, be they Sutherland and Arthur (the usual butts) or others. Let's hope for 'bravery' - omit Agar for the next test, pick Lyon and UTK
shaon on July 11, 2013, 8:49 GMT
For last two-three Ashes it's been a irony for the Aussie supporters to assess how good the team is compared to the history. Because the graph is just going down day by day. Even this time it's such a FUNNY team because we can sense the tail-enders coming to bat just after the fall of 2-3 wickets. And there is no real star in the bowling department. It's been the most blunt Aussie team I've ever seen.
Dhaval on July 11, 2013, 8:44 GMT
Whoa that was cracker of a start. Looks like battle of equals from result of Day 1. However looking deeper into both innings, Aus has more worries than Eng. Barring Joe Root and Bairstow's wickets, most of Eng batsmen gifted their wickets. With some more control Cook, Trott, KP and Bell can dominate Aussie attack in matches to come. Nothing to take away from Siddle, rest of Aussie attack looks like they will struggle on less supportive wickets. Biggest worry is Aussie engine room (read top 4 batsmen). In any match if both Watson and Clarke fail, remaining of batting line up is just fragile against mighty bowling of England.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 8:39 GMT
Agar is a pretty cool customer. I liked how Clarkey and the boys had a laugh with him if he bowled a bit loose. Hopefully there will be a bit more in it for the spinners by day 3/4 and he can pick up a few wickets.
Jason on July 11, 2013, 8:36 GMT
@sachin_vvsfa, I know you where having some fun with FFL,
Some of the deliveries that Simon Jones produced in 2005 where better than Anderson, then there was Andersons bowling in 2010/11, Tremlett in the Sydney test.
As for Warne, probably his best deliveries in 2005 where in the Trent Bridge test where he took the top three wickets for 1 (or 2) runs. and left england reeling and relying on Hoggard and Giles chasing a small (128 run) target.
As I said it was a good delivery from Anderson, and would have taken any quality batsmens wicket, a tailenter may have got an Edge, as they would have probably got the line wrong and ended up on the right line (if that makes sense). Its comparable to the one that Siddle used to take Root's wicket.
John on July 11, 2013, 8:34 GMT
@VillageBlacksmith on (July 10, 2013, 21:10 GMT) To be fair Bell was one of the few who didn't give his wicket away
@ScottStevo on (July 10, 2013, 22:48 GMT) England batsmen played like junk - correct. But you're saying it as if Australian batsmen showed them the way
damien on July 11, 2013, 8:17 GMT
Where are all the Siddle bashers now? Once again proved he is our most important bowler. Well done mate. Maybe this will show certain posters on here that their "must do this and must do that comments" just show a lack of cricket knowledge most of the time. As for @ Sir Anthony Plumbridge "lucky inside edges" Mate expansive shots where you lift the head against a moving ball would only be described that way by someone with a very limited knowledge of our great game. Hope the selection of Agar does not affect the outcome of this match. Way too early in his career (just my opinion formed from 35 years of watching ,playing and coaching cricket) hope he proves me wrong but I have a bad feeling about it. Lyon very unlucky to miss on this surface. All this talk about right handers, I seem to recall him bowling Sachin through the gate , he is a right hander isn't he?
Andrew on July 11, 2013, 8:10 GMT
Great performance by Siddle. On this site many have scoffed at his ICC ranking. I believe one day - the plethora of other Ozzy pace bowling talents will overtake him, but that day is still a ways off. Champion effort. == == == Day 1 went just like a lot of Ozzys thought it might, superb efforts from the bowlers - followed by mediocre batting. What not many people thought (either side of the fence) - that our hopes would rest squarely on the shoulders of Phil Hughes & Steve Tugga Smith (just want to scare a few nervous Poms with that). Maiden Test ton (1st of many) coming up for Smith.
sri on July 11, 2013, 8:06 GMT
@YorkshirePudding Yes but Warne bowled so many deliveries similar to that in this millenium(2005 Ashes?) as well. I was just taking a jab at FFL who says Anderson was the only one who produced that kind of delivery in this millenium where as in reality so many bowlers (even Indians) did that. Bhuvaneswar kumar bowled that very recently (i think against steve smith) in our home tour against Aus.
Ron on July 11, 2013, 8:05 GMT
Credit to FFL for trying to protect, with kid gloves, a team as sensitive as England. He knows they will fall if not given the false impression of being much better than Aussies. Wonder what he had for lunch to gloss over the utter incompetence of English 'young guns' who got blown away in a hurry...
Sam on July 11, 2013, 7:51 GMT
@Trickster: by the that point of the match my vision was becoming slightly impaired, but i did acknowledge it was a lovely delivery - any delivery that bowls a top order batsman usually is. i didnt say it was a straight one that clarke misread as an inswinger, i said it was an inswinger that didnt swing in like clarke thought it would (because as you said, it hit the pitch and straightened). To me, a truly great delivery is a ball that does exactly what the bowler intended and i dont think that ball did exactly what anderson intended, unlike say, the ACTUAL ball of last century, the gatting ball. i didnt get the benefit of a 'slow mo piece on sky' though..
steven on July 11, 2013, 7:23 GMT
I thought when Agar came on to bowl first time, his legs turned to jelly.
What do you mean the ashes is no time for a joke!
Seriously though, England bowlers having to rescue underperforming batsman again. This ashes is going to come down to which batting team will be the least rubbish. As for the 5th day ticket holders. Don't hold your breath for seeing much cricket as there are going to be a lot of 4 day matches.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 7:17 GMT
@Lyndon McPaul, well said mate. Smithy looked quite good to me yesterday, he seems to play almost in an english fashion, just waiting for the ball to come onto the bat and guiding it into the gaps, he really did look at ease late in the day, with he and Hughesy consistently rotating the strike they kept the pressure off each other. More of the same up until lunch today would put us in a tremendous position!
Jason on July 11, 2013, 7:12 GMT
@sachin_vvsfan, Warne bowled that delivery in 1993 which was in the 20th Century, we are now in the 21st Century so technically that could be construded as being an acurate take on the delivery. However it wasnt the best delivery I've seen, bowled, but it was very good, just when England need to get clarke and salvage some pride for the day.
richard on July 11, 2013, 7:11 GMT
Love all the predictions for the next couple of days ..... hands up everyone who predicted both things England all out 215 and Clarke a duck
Jason on July 11, 2013, 7:08 GMT
@Shaggy076, in regards your view on DRS quite agree it could have been missing but it could also have been hitting leg by quite a bit more, thats why the marginal calls stay with the onfield umpire.
I think that displaying the predicted path with the 'worst' case predictions either side of the selected prediction would go a long way.
In regards to Siddle, I saw the guy bowl in 2010/11 and he was consistently the most threatening bowler the australians had at the time, sadly a lot of people are very one eyed (on both sides i may add), and anyone who though England were just going to turn up and win were seriously deluded, I myself thought this series would be tight and have consistently said so.
Heath on July 11, 2013, 6:54 GMT
Well at least the Aussies have Siddle and Steve Smith. It could be a lot worse. However, I dread the morning. The ball's moving quite well. Pattinson will need to improve markedly next innings.
Mariam on July 11, 2013, 6:44 GMT
Sunil no doubt you have a point on including Khawaja for the next test. Cowan had more runs up in the pavilion than out on the pitch and i can't see how he can possibly hold the 3 spot over Khawaja or Hughes prefably Khawaja. Australia should have gone with an all pace battery. If Bird had been out there instead of Agar, the runs would have been kept down and England wouldn't have scored 4000 boundaries.Watson I have stood up for in the past He showed in 4 overs that his bowling is much more accurate than our specialist bowlers. But what he is picked for is batting and i hope he comes through for us in the second innings. .Starc has to pitch the bowl up and he is dangerous if he does that.. Agar I feel sorry for. He will cop some stick, be dropped, and then lose confidence like a lot of spinners since Warne but i wish the kid well, he is a good talent.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 6:44 GMT
@electric_loco_WAP4 "Peter Siddle the new McGrath? Okay, wait before any 1 sprouts contempt on me for this 'funny' query. I know it is ridiculous to compare any 1 with arguably the greatest f/m seamer of all time, even a champ like Siddle who is 1 of the best quicks in the business. But on the basis of the 1 st day's play you can get a little tempted, can't you? After all world cricket is still waiting for its next McGrath and bar Steyn to some extent no 1 has even deserved consideration for the same. What say you Aussie fans? Siddle is no where near GMcGrath he would take the new ball. The bowler with McGrath's potential perhaps is Jackson Bird as he is the only one who can replicate McGrath's control. Bird though will need to develop more wicket taking nouse on all different types of surfaces to go with his control but what made McGrath special was his fierce competitiveness. He loved being the villain of the piece but Jackson Bird maybe is too nice a bloke.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 6:33 GMT
@Sunil_Batra . Cowan's 'studied comments' are almost always pro-cricket administration and administrators! That always help a bit in marginal selection cases.
Rahul on July 11, 2013, 6:27 GMT
Shaggy076 get your names right mate, i never critised you, i think you were referring to EdwardAnderson, I said i agree with Edward, Sensation, and others who believe Khawaja is our best 3 or at least more deserving then Cowan who after 19 games still averages 30 while Khawaja sits out for 5 months waiting. I am allowed to agree with other people.
ESPN on July 11, 2013, 6:27 GMT
The appointment of Boof has started to have an effect on the team and this has not been missed by the poms, although they'd never admit it. A little bit more success here an it could see Australia dishing up a few surprises for the MCC over the series. They may not be the easy beats that they've talked themselves in to thinking they are. Worst Team Ever, ?well see,Dougyboy
vishal on July 11, 2013, 6:16 GMT
excellent display of fast bowling.. siddle frm australia in particular... and the ball of the day surely frm english bowling spearhead jamie boy... test cricket needs exactly these kinds of performances... looks like its going to be a long summer for australia.
Lewis on July 11, 2013, 6:13 GMT
@Sunilbatra spot on mate about Khawaja coming in, we might see him in the second test. A couple of things come out of the first test. Firstly Smith looks the goods. He's been the most consistent batsman since India other than Clarke. He should have secured 6th spot. Cowan must go. He's had far too many chances to come up with the goods. I'm beginning to think he's related to the head of cricket in Oz the number of chances he's been given and still has an average now of 31.85. Khawaja is the best 3 in the squad and deserves the series to show what he can do. Watson should only be there if he also bowls. otherwise I'd bring back Warner. Hughes looks as if he is starting to overcome his flaws so I'd keep him. The fast bowlers are doing their job. I thought Bird might get in ahead of Siddle but 'well done to Siddle.
reliable' comes up with the goods yet again ….how did we doubt him. 'Fraid I think its too early for
Agar. Great potential but I would have retained Lyon.
Dean on July 11, 2013, 6:06 GMT
@Joseph Langford, The problem for Aus is that out of 8 specialist batsman 5 are openers so even if they had selected Khawlja & batted him at 3 Hughes would still be playing out of position. In terms of Clarke he is Aus best batsman & generally in a test side your best batsman bats at 4. Whilst Ponting was still in the side he was still afforded the luxury of batting at 5 & there was always the safety net of Hussey at 6. Now both of those players have gone he has to step & take the responsibility of batting higher up the order.
sam on July 11, 2013, 6:03 GMT
Peter Siddle the new McGrath? Okay, wait before any 1 sprouts contempt on me for this 'funny' query. I know it is ridiculous to compare any 1 with arguably the greatest f/m seamer of all time, even a champ like Siddle who is 1 of the best quicks in the business. But on the basis of the 1 st day's play you can get a little tempted, can't you? After all world cricket is still waiting for its next McGrath and bar Steyn to some extent no 1 has even deserved consideration for the same. What say you Aussie fans?
sri on July 11, 2013, 6:01 GMT
Both teams did not live up to the hype. Batsmen were impatient and played like ODI. There was some exceptional bowling from Anderson and Siddle but mostly it was batsmen throwing it away. I would say honors even on first day and remember Aus best batting is yet to come from Starc and Siddle.
@Front-Foot-Lunge Ball of the century? I guess you do know the real 'ball of the century' by warne
John on July 11, 2013, 5:54 GMT
It's early days, but the fragility of the OZ batting is all too familiar and the only two decent top order fellas are Clarke and Smith, so I can't see us winning this one unless a miracle occurs when we bowl in the 2nd innings. I reckon we'll struggle to 190-200, then the Poms will make full use of the better batting conditions on day 2 and post a score in excess of 380+ (Prior 70+). OZ will show some fight in the 2nd dig but be all out for around 280 and ENG will be well on the way to retaining the Ashes (weather permitting). I realise that's a pretty negative view, but tour batting line-up is the weakest it's been since the mid 80's. I wonder how the ACB will 'spin' their press releases so that the bowlers get the blame for a loss? Warner back in for the 2nd test (for Cowan), bring in Bird or Harris for one of the 'batsmen', bring back the incumbent spinner, and rely on the bowling to get the job done, because the batting will continue to fail for the remainder of the series.
ToneMalone on July 11, 2013, 5:43 GMT
Credit to Siddle - he reminded us of why he deserves a place in the top three pacemen, along with Pattinson. Unfortunately Starc also reminded us of how inconsistent he is. And while Watson is a competent medium pacer, relying on him as the fifth bowler is an injury waiting to happen.
Australia were lucky England were undisciplined this time around - they should be looking to bring in Harris or Bird for a more consistent, multi-pronged attack; Faulkner to take the pressure off Watson's fragile body; and also Lyon. This is no place to be blooding a 19-year-old spinner ...
Rob on July 11, 2013, 5:41 GMT
It is weird to have to think that Steve Smith is already an old hand in this team...
John on July 11, 2013, 5:41 GMT
Agar didn't impress with the ball, far too wayward and inconsistent. I hope he does far better in the 2nd innings. Pattinson and Starc were pretty average but at least they picked up 5 wickets between them. Siddle was the standout for OZ. Anderson looks great. Finn looked good as well. Thank god for the good counter-attack by Smith, or we may well have been 6 or 7 down by close of play! The OZ top-order looks shell-shocked, which is something we OZ fans have grown used to over the last 6 months or so, especially when they're exposed on bowler-friendly wickets. Our batting woes have already been high-lighted as the 'revolving door' that is our top order are consistently 3-50 on a good day. We'll be competitive with ball in hand, but as most pundits predicted, the series will hinge on the batting, and the Pommy squad is far superior to ours - just compare the averages of the top 7 - Clarke is our only world-class batsmen. If he fails (and he's overdue for a bad series), so does the team.
John on July 11, 2013, 5:29 GMT
I have to say, I think that Brad Haddin had a good day behind the stumps. Yes, he did miss a catch but it wasn't an easy one. He did an excellent job of cleaning up the mess of what was some pretty wayward bowling at times. If Haddin scores some runs this series then Matthew Wade's international career may be all but over if someone else proves a better option before Haddin chooses to retire.
John on July 11, 2013, 5:24 GMT
A great day's play, but the majority of the wickets were due to poor shot selection / execution rather than great bowling. Anderson's dismissal of Clarke could well be the ball of the series - no RH batsmen is gonna get anywhere near that delivery at the start of an innings - an absolute 'pearler' and reinforces why he has only a 17 bowling average at Trent Bridge. AUS have to somehow claw their way to 350+ runs - this won't happen, they'll be lucky to make 250. The bowlers did the job, although they didn't make full use of the conditions (compare our first 10 overs to the Poms). But our top order batting is ever consistent - terrible, that is. Watson got himself out, whilst Cowan's first-baller was absolutely woeful and utterly indefensible - the fact that he's retained his spot for so long is a condemnation of just how poor the batting stocks are in OZ at the moment - there's no 'sugar-coating' that observation. Rogers missed a straight one, and Steve Smith continues to impress.
Graham on July 11, 2013, 5:18 GMT
I really hope Broad is ok. I have only ever seen him bowl short of length with a lot of bouncers. He will be so friendly to face on this pitch.
David on July 11, 2013, 5:15 GMT
Elsewhere on cricinfo they have a story about the 1981 Trent Bridge Test. At the end of the first day Australia had lost 4 wickets and were 152 behind. That sounds vaguely familiar.
Graham on July 11, 2013, 5:09 GMT
H-Z-O; I have read your comments regarding Siddle and acknowledge you have never had a go at him. It seems many English supporters have taken offence when comparing him with Anderson although there records are quite comparatable. I thought he was very smart today particularly the Trott dismissal, it was a poor shot but very clever bowling.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 5:02 GMT
The potential beauty of this series is the opportunity for all the players (90% Oz) who are underrated or have been completely written of to gain some respect as test players. There are probably no better examples than the 2 batsmen who are currently still not out for Oz at the moment in Steve Smith and Phil Hughes. This is also the danger that Oz presents to England because unproven test players tend to be the most hungry (a'la Steve Waugh '89)and an unexpected breakout series from a fringe player or 2 could see England in uncharted territory. My fingers are crossed for them both but there is no man I'd like to see succeed more than the supremely underestimated and much maligned Phil Hughes followed 2ndly by Steve Smith. One attribute of Smith I have noticed is his ability to play bright breezy Innings in dire situations and when all other batsmen struggle. With that being the case he might be a great candidate for that extremely elusive Oz number three. (fingers crossed of course)
Graham on July 11, 2013, 4:33 GMT
Milhouse79 : I disagree with your call on outstanding umpiring. A umpire to give the decision has to be 100% confident that the ball is going to hit the stumps. I cant see how they can make that call if the ball is only clipping. The DRS is only a predictive path and it still may have missed the stump.
Nirmal on July 11, 2013, 4:33 GMT
England 5/0 , This match ends on or before 4th day...........
Graham on July 11, 2013, 4:29 GMT
LeisureCricket; I am consistent I posted in another article that I couldn't understand the Agar selection. I know he has been warming the bench and had no opportunity to get form but that is unfortunate and now to throw him into a Ashes battle with no form is a massive gamble and I wouldn't take it.
Jason on July 11, 2013, 4:19 GMT
This was like a heavy weight boxing contest both sides trading early jabs, sizing up the opponent, I think england would have preferred to have had an extra 100-150 runs on the board, but after being bowled out for 215, they would have taken Australia being 74-4.
The morning session is crucial, if england can get early wickets and Australia out by Lunch with a 50 run lead, then they will be in control. I suspect it might just be even, with Australia having a lead, but a lot depends on Smith, Hughes and Haddin to get as a close to the england total as possible.
All in All this is turning out to be very good game.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 4:18 GMT
@sensible-indian-fan, What is wrong with Shane Watson? I think the word you are looking for is Sunil Gavaskar's favorite word in the English Dictionary - TEMPERAMENT. :) Surely, it is no coincidence that a man who seems to have it all (plays seam, swing and spin with equal comfort) is so short of big scores in this format. He lacks temperament and the perseverance to grind out consistent big scores. Good player, but a long way off from being great.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 4:11 GMT
One thing for sure is that Australia have a much better bowling line up this time around. But, to drop Lyon was an unwise decision though, If Australia keep dropping spinners after giving them opportunity for a few tests, they would never let any spinner develop to the international level. Lyon would have been of great value given his experience bowling in the Subcontinent. If England are one bowler short because of injury, Australia are one short because of (non) selection
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 4:09 GMT
Apart from the yorker bowled by Siddle and the beauty from Anderson to get rid of Clarke, rest of the cricket was of low quality. Batsmen playing poor shots to get themselves out rather than the bowling being consistently top class. Hopefully better cricket gets played through the rest of the series. Otherwise, the hype about the ashes would remain just that.
sea on July 11, 2013, 4:09 GMT
a bad show from AUS, when they bowled good deliveries they also they bowled too many bad ones as well. Still end of the day it was a good effort by AUS bowlers, but one factor remains of a worry since last few years is that even having good or best fast bowlers they are not giving the 100% result, probably they are reaching about 80% at best because they have no control on the runs, when they are going for wickets no body bother to keep the run flow under control which build pressure on opposition batsmen to get wickets faster, at least one of the quickies should case bout giving runs. this is important these days for them because their batting is week and in experienced and not consistent and not at all dependable. So i/o 215, the bowlers should have tried to pack ENG by 150-160. This may help them in future days. England too many lose shots but their bowlers are good enough, even SB is not bowling. others are enough for AUS batsmen.
sea on July 11, 2013, 4:06 GMT
a bad show from AUS, when they bowled good deliveries they also they bowled too many bad ones as well. Still end of the day it was a good effort by AUS bowlers, but one factor remains of a worry since last few years is that even having good or best fast bowlers they are not giving the 100% result, probably they are reaching about 80% at best because they have no control on the runs, when they are going for wickets no body bother to keep the run flow under control which build pressure on opposition batsmen to get wickets faster, at least one of the quickies should case bout giving runs. this is important these days for them because their batting is week and in experienced and not consistent and not at all dependable. So i/o 215, the bowlers should have tried to pack ENG by 150-160. This may help them in future days. England too many lose shots but their bowlers are good enough, even SB is not bowling. others are enough for AUS batsmen.
Android on July 11, 2013, 3:49 GMT
Aussie lose 4 Wicket but Steve Smith Who is not origional part of The Ashes Tour now doing brillient in pressure time and he is score quickly and he can bowl leg spin and he also brillient filder any position anyway aussie make great selection. Better luck smith and Ausssie
sam on July 11, 2013, 3:49 GMT
Is'nt it great to see Steven Smith send 'pay me some attention' Swanny all over the park- literally - in Trent Bridge? Does he also have plans to end Swanny's career in couple of tests or so later? If so he's looking good going by yesterday's show. Ominous signs for Swann when you consider that a certain Michael Clarke has not even started his explosion of run scoring which will soon manifest in doubles and triples which he likes to deal in very soon. When a young bloke like Nathan Lyon who is also a much superior spinner to Swann has a fight on his hands for his place, you got to say that Swanny is up against it.
ESPN on July 11, 2013, 3:44 GMT
As an England fan, I'm looking forward to watching Swann bowl on day 4.
Sensible on July 11, 2013, 3:36 GMT
I can see how UNBELIEVABLY frustrating it must be for Aussie fans when it comes to Shane Watson. That guy plays like Viv Richards and suddenly gets out like Rohit Sharma.
The same happened in India tour too. He was smashing all bowlers - pacers and spinners and suddenly he would fall to Ashwin or Jadeja or Bhuvaneshwar Kumar.
You would like - "What the hell? He looked sooo good till now. Maybe next innings".
And guess what happens? The same thing continues the next innings.
This guy has NO problems as far as technique, defence or balance is concerned (at least to my small knowledge). He just gets out. Regularly. Without any sign.
His shot selection sometimes is bad. But yesterday, I didn't feel that was a ball to get out. I felt his execution was bad.
Gosh, Shane Watson can frustrate you like hell.
What is wrong with that guy? Answer: Nothing and everything.
Rahul on July 11, 2013, 3:31 GMT
Selectors got the Cowan selection wrong. I like Ed Cowan. I like his attitude. But he isn't good enough to be a Test cricketer. I can only think that he is a selection panel favourite. Khawaja may not be the second coming of Ricky Ponting but it's a disgrace that a guy like him is getting piles from the amount of time he spends sitting in the dressing room while an inferior player like Cowan keeps going through the motions.Throw Khawaja in. He is our best number 3 and bats there for his state side and handles swing bowling well, shouldn't his selection be common sense. Can't be said enough time,Khawaja deserves a go, give him this series to show his stuff at 3, i think he will come through and if he doesn't we move on.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 3:21 GMT
Complete bonehead shot from Cowan. He gets the perfect situation to play his natural defensive game, and defend away until stumps, and he does the polar opposite and throws his wicket away. Unreal. Would have been nice to be 2 or so down at stumps with Clarke at the crease, and put the pressure on England. I think batting will be easier tomorrow if the clouds stay away, so it is vital Smith and Hughes form a big partnership and the tail score a few as well.
Brenton on July 11, 2013, 3:14 GMT
Cowan out, Hughes 3, Khawaja 6. When Warner comes back replace him with whoever isn't performing.
Of all of the talk about Hughes not able to handle swing there was not one false shot during his 17 balls on the first day, including against Swann. Cowan is better is he?
I wish Khawaja would lift his game, score some runs and force his way into the side, he made only one decent score and averaged just 32 in the warm-up games against county teams.
sam on July 11, 2013, 3:11 GMT
Siddle, you beauty. Only word to describe the show put on by the most skillful and classy bowler in the Ashes. That peach to up'Root' the stems of the new Bradman-in-waiting Joe - according to some Eng fans anyway but who I think is no better than a poor man's Steve Smith and will not even be 1/3 the player Smith is now -, and send him on his bike to the dugout has to be the 2nd 'ball of the century' - nothing will ever match Warnie's world famous 1 though ever. It had everything didn't it? 95mph with banana swing and the stumps in disarray. A sight rarely seen nowadays, not since the days when Brett Lee set stadiums alight in his heyday. It is no surprise that Siddle has as many of the prized Baggy Green caps as he has and also spearhead the no.1 pace attack in the world and which includes among the best young pace talents to emerge In last few years like the world's fastest in Pattinson. Waiting for some more bags of 5wkts in the coming matches.
Android on July 11, 2013, 3:04 GMT
Cowan was lucky Khawaja didn't grab his chance in the practice match... Unless he does something substantial in the 2nd innings i doubt he will retain his place... What Aus need now is for Hughes, Smith and Haddin to repay the faith shown in them, if they don't at least draw level another Herculean bowling effort will go to waste and they will likely miss third best chance to bring it up to England
James on July 11, 2013, 2:52 GMT
Woops I mean against Northants! Still you get the point.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 2:50 GMT
Agar wasn't disgraced either. He may have gone wicketless but didn't bowl too many overs and didn't leak many runs. Looking forward to see how he goes when the pitch is a little more worn.
James on July 11, 2013, 2:49 GMT
Stand out batting performance of the day, 200 for Simon Katich, shame it was against Lancashire rather than England, still at least they are looking to the future with a promising young batsman like Rogers!
Brenton on July 11, 2013, 2:45 GMT
So it's up to Australia's two 24 year olds to rescue the innings. Watson got a straight one, Cowan, well who knows what he was thinking, Clarke and Rogers were unlucky. Smith looked comfortable, especially against Swann, he may form a good partnership with Hughes who is comfortable against pace. Let's hope Hughes can fill Hussey's vacant role and score a century.
Robert on July 11, 2013, 2:44 GMT
What a day of test cricket. As expected from our bowlers who really didn't bowl as consistently as you would like, but still knocked them over for not too much. As for Australia's batting, that was woeful application again. I can't understand why we are persisting with Cowan. Not only is he not scoring but the manner in which he is getting out makes me wonder what they see in this guy. Sure Khawaja is also not posting big scores to tear the selection door down, but I think he is harder to dismiss and deserves a spot over Cowan in this selected squad. Especially at 3. Credit to England bowlers for fighting back so well, though our best batsmen are still to come ;).
Graham on July 11, 2013, 2:40 GMT
Sunil Batra " I would take a hard long look at any biases you have against Khawaja out mate. " - I'm sorry didn't realise that you were the only person that was allowed an opinion. Calling me biased have you ever heard the expression pot calling the kettle black. Your posts are unashamedly biased towards Khawaja - my posts are on cricket as a whole and my only issue with Khawaja is the amount of runs he has scored.
Daniel on July 11, 2013, 2:40 GMT
One day England will bat well first at the start of a series.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 2:32 GMT
Why the insistence on Clarke pushing up the order to number 4? Someone has one of the greatest test-batting years of all-time at number 5, and yet there is some sort of no-sense push to, for some mythical reason, get him up the order. Why was Steve Waugh never demanded to bat higher?
If he has found success at 5 that he hasn't elsewhere, then surrely he should play at his best and most effective position, rather than shoehorning him in higher?
Rob on July 11, 2013, 2:23 GMT
Decent bowling by Siddle in particular but a few of the England batsmen will be kicking themselves. Good toss to win as the pitch is cracked due to the dry weather, this did give Aussie the best of the bowling conditions and they made hay with a little help. If England can roll them over with a small lead, parity they will be strong favorites. Nice to see the 'neutrals' slighting England as a poor No.3 despite losing their last 2 test series to them (6 tests to 1). Glad the series has started there is nothing like an Ashes series or anywhere near.
John on July 11, 2013, 2:16 GMT
Both teams will fancy themselves a chance at this point but the only thing that's for sure is that we're going to get a result in this game. If the sun comes out on day 2 then batting could get somewhat easier and a good partnership now could end up with a lead of 50-100 or more for Australia, their having quite a strong tail. If England keep bowling like they have been and Broad is fit, which is expected to be the case, then Australia could get rolled for 150 or less. If Broad is not fit then England could be in real trouble and the extra work for Finn and Anderson could be telling for the rest of the series too. Looking ahead, Australia will be looking to bowl more consistent lines in the second innings and England will be looking to bat with more patience. Most of the England batsmen looked relatively comfortable so that's hopefully a good sign, if they can cut out the prods and wafts. Bell and Root in particular were done by good bowling though, so hope for Australia too.
Mark on July 11, 2013, 2:13 GMT
To all cricket fans their is a God. To be able to witness 10 Ashes Test Cricket matches evenly and fairly contested with a healthy rivalry is the pinnacle of sport. After enduring the Indian tour and their wickets doctored beyond the point of fair and reasonable play this makes cricket a refreshing proposition too hard to refuse.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 2:10 GMT
Anderson's ball that got Clarke was good, but he got out this way recently against srilanka and jadeja, if this was tailender batting people would say he didn't cover for the seam movement played too early and didn't know where his stumps are... I say the same thing about Clarke, but still Anderson bowled well.
David on July 11, 2013, 2:09 GMT
Hey landl47, don't look at me - I never said Siddle should be left out. But I agree, there's plenty who did. Why does the TV coverage call Steve Smith an allrounder? You might as well call Jimmy Anderson an allrounder because he bats occasionally. Let's get this clear - Smith is a specialist batsman, who might get a bowl if England are 2/350. And Anderson's ball of the day? My immediate thought was that Trott probably would have hit that through midwicket for four. There is an advantage on playing outside in to balls on the stumps - covers the away movement. Clarke tried to play straight and see what happened. Great chance on Day 2 for Smith and Hughes to make names for themselves.
Hamish on July 11, 2013, 2:02 GMT
I didn't get to watch the first day, but I heard that the pitch is dry and flat, but there was swing all throughout. To bowl England out in less than 60 overs in their conditions on the first day when they elected to bat first - regardless of manner of dismissals - is a fantastic effort. Siddle proving everyone his worth, as usual. Watson proving everyone HIS worth, as usual. I saw the replay, just loves to plonk that front foot out doesn't he?? 'But no @mitty, stop the repetitive bagging of Watson, he has more talent in his little finger than Cowan has at all!! He played well in the warm up games, and hasn't played cricket for the last two years with an average of under 25 and this will do well these ashes!'Pfft. Watson will remain the perennial underachieving prima Donna that causes division within the ranks and imbalance in the team with his injuries (either bat or bowl mate).
We're only 140 runs behind, that's little with a strong tail. If we don't get a lead Ill be disappointed.
Hamish on July 11, 2013, 1:53 GMT
Khawaja has done absolutely nothing since the Hobart test. You'll find during the Indian series that I was the first to want khawaja in the squad - for no other reason than everyone was failing and there was no reason to persist with them. But... Khawaja's work ethic was (once again) called into question as he failed to complete a simple task and so was left out for the next test (and should've been released to QLD for the shield final). Since then, he has failed in the A games and failed in the warm up games. Cowan averaged around 43 this county season, and had better warm up games then Cowan. Cowan's committed and doesn't warrant non-selection; whereas khawaja is evidently uncommitted and doesn't in any way warrant selection. To top it off, khawaja has a worse conversion rate for centuries than Cowan in both FC and tests (usman hasn't got a century yet, let alone against the worlds best bowling attack), so for those suggesting that usman come in for Cowan because he converts starts..
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 1:47 GMT
If Steve Smith score a century today, i will eat all my humble pie about all my opinion to him.
Hell, make him Clarke's successor. He seems to be ahead of Warner anyway in the pecking order now
Richard on July 11, 2013, 1:27 GMT
Hmmm, an interesting day's cricket. Nice to roll the Poms for 215 but that result rather flatters our bowlers. We really did bowl an awful lot of rubbish but the England batsmen were kind enough to help us out quite a lot. I think England are in front given that the pitch looks to be a turner from about mid-game and after the Poms were dismissed I reckoned we'd need to make 350-400 to counteract having to bat last, an estimate that looks very optimistic at this point. Nevertheless it would appear that if not out injured then Broad will at least be hindered from here on so it's not all doom and gloom either, and if we can bat with some intent (and likely some luck) today we may still make the game interesting. I hold little hope that we'll win the series but I'll be very, very disappointed if we don't at least make England earn the win. Losing I can accept, but I can't be happy with surrender. We don't expect that our boys will always win, but we do expect them to fight.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 1:23 GMT
Did not expect that kind of capitulation from England against (let's be honest) some pretty bog average bowling. Did, however, expect the most brittle top order in international cricket to collapse, so all in all, everything going to plan. Australia should hope for more unlucky chop ons in Englands second dig.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 1:23 GMT
It was good trundling out the Poms for a score well-below par, but it was galling to once again see the bowler's hard work go to waste. Watson once more continued his career trend of trashing the opposition in the warmups then getting out cheaply. Cowan being out to a wide ball so late in the day was inexcusable. Clarke got moved up a spot, and the usual thing happened to him when he is moved up the order. Lastly, no nightwatchman! This was a great opportunity for most likely Agar to block everything and see out the day. Very disappointing. On the plus side, the track will get flatter, Broad might still be suffering from his issues over the past few days, and Australia bat to 11. Even so the game is currently weighted towards England. Fingers crossed Aus can play watchfully (they have the time to do so) and post something competitive on Day 2. The game's not over, not by a long shot.
Neil on July 11, 2013, 1:15 GMT
Terrible judgement from Dharmasena on the Rogers lbw call. Dubious at best. Dharmasena and Dar both have shown a high propensity for making shocking lbw mistakes and now we've got them in tandem for the most important test of the year! Makes you wonder why the organizers continue to insist on excluding English and Aussie umpires - who currently contribute 8 of 12 members of the Elite Panel!
Peter on July 11, 2013, 1:06 GMT
@ Taij Chand. I think I know a fair bit having played it for so long & still playing it & at a fairly high standard too, & the help me understand why runs will be "virtually" impossible to get. The very nature of the game is to score runs set & that has been proven millions of times by so many teams over so many competitions it isn't funny. It could well be difficult, but impossible? I think I know who knows very little about cricket. Do yourself a favour & save embarrassment, don't comment whatever the result.
James on July 11, 2013, 0:56 GMT
The first hour of day two will probably decide the game, just as it did for the Perth test vs SA. Batting will get easier after that point, so if Australia negotiate that period, they will be in a strong position. But if they lose two or three wickets, they will basically have surrendered the game to Eng, as they will then get to bat in the best conditions. One thing going for Australia, is that we probably have the best tail ever for an Oz team, with three of them averaging around 30, and Siddle being handy with the bat as well.
I would expect Australia to post a total somewhere around the same as England's, but if they dig in they could push it to around 300, a best case scenario.
H on July 11, 2013, 0:36 GMT
@GrindAR Thought Bairstow played a loose shot myself.
@Shaggy076 never dismissed Siddle as a trundler mate. I was actually surprised to hear the commentators on TV saying Siddle doesn't swing it. I wondered if they've seen him since he worked with McDermott. He's a totally different bowler.
Only 28 too, his peak is about now. The next two years could see that wicket tally skyrocket, assuming Australia don't drop him for a younger model (like they did to Lyon). There's a reason he's number 5 in the world, especially when you consider how well he bowled to that South African batting unit (and no, I don't mean Trott, Pietersen and Prior ;)).
I'd say the day was balanced but the first hour tomorrow's crucial. If Australia get through it without loss then it's advantage Australia. But you'll want to bat big and avoid batting last (or at least chasing too many) on this pitch. Looks like it'll get a bit uneven as the game goes on; big cracks on a very dry surface.
Dale on July 11, 2013, 0:23 GMT
@Moppa you're forgetting about the second strongest part of our batting lineup... Starc Pattinson and Siddle are all handy with the bat and i wouldn't be surprised if one or even two of those three are involved in our biggest partnership, Agar is pretty useful with the bat too.
Clarke in at 4 was silly. Why move him from 5 when he has been the most prolific batsmen in the world at 5 and his results at 4 are average at best. We finally figured out that Watson is at his best opening then we do the same thing moving Clarke around like an out of place piece of furniture.
Personally i thought Cowan should have been gone a long time ago. Surely this is his last chance and Khawaja needs a go
Azam on July 11, 2013, 0:17 GMT
Shaggy076: And how many wickets in warm up games did Ashton Agars pick? Khawaja has been traveling with the team and idling on the bench when domestic cricket was being played in Australia. Ed Cowan has made one fifty in FC games since April of this year.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 0:13 GMT
As ever the armchair experts are confident in pointing out who is "test standard". They would have been the same people saying Steve Waugh wasn't test standard early in his career. I wonder what they would have said about Shane warne after Ravi shastri smashed him all over the place on debut?
Still as much as I want to it is hard to defend Cowan after that shot. Truly a shocker. But batsmen only get one ball. Sidle was excellent today but only after 4 overs of rubbish early. Cowan will get the second innings and the next test to prove he can step up. Anyone with a test century against SA can bat a bit.
The selection of Agar seems like a classic hit and hope decision.
I think everyone needs to remember that watching the likes of Waugh, McGrath, Warne, Ponting, et al has inflated what we mere mortals expect from a test cricketer.
Dummy4 on July 11, 2013, 0:05 GMT
Australia's team selection was awful. Faulkner should have been chosen in place of Agar. Warner & Khawaja are certainly better than the 'scholarly' Cowan & 'elderly' Rogers.
Showing off with experimentation should be AFTER getting some grip over the series; not before! Bravado may, sometimes click in 20-20; not in tests!
Jo on July 10, 2013, 23:58 GMT
Clarke, If you like to get some advice on best result producing batting order for the team you have for this test.
Open with Cowan & Watson 3rd-> Rogers 4th-> Hughes 5th-> Yourself 6th-> Smith 7th -> Haddin 8th -> Starc Can shuffle 9-11 based on situation. (Agar can be tried at 9, you never know, he may resist well)
You have a choice to switch Hughes and Haddin between their places. Haddin @ 4 in Second innings could be vital.
Recent tests showed how a 9th and 10th wicket partneships can play crucial role. You will be paid back for the respect you show to those partnerships.
Guy on July 10, 2013, 23:41 GMT
@maddy20, Rogers was exactly what Australia needed. In fact, we needed two of him, but Ed Cowan failed miserably to do his job and see off the tough conditions, and instead exposed his captain to an absolute pearler of a delivery. As much as Australia's batting is inferior to England, cricket changes in unpredictable ways to events at key moments and we had a golden opportunity to put England under serious pressure. If Australia had scraped to stumps at 2 or 3 down, with Clarke still in, there'd be a fair chance Clarke would rack up 150 tomorrow and we could build a decent lead. As it is, I don't see where the team is going to scrape another 150 together from. This match increasing reminds me of the Perth Test v South Africa (and not just due to Cowan getting a first baller on the first evening) - good omens for England.
Brady on July 10, 2013, 23:40 GMT
England - with Australia 4 down and a lead of 140 - are marginally ahead in the game. Assuming Broad will not be able to bowl tomorrow (given the inflammation will probably get worse), the key for Australia is seeing out the first hour of Finn/Anderson tomorrow morning. If my beloved Australia don't lose a wicket in the first hour they are a very good chance of taking a first innings lead. Big opportunities for Smith and Hughes to cement their place in the team with a century.
England's score probably below par given the conditions. The Australian bowling performance was good but not enough to warrant the low score. Cook and KP definitely threw away their wickets. I'm expecting something big from Cook in the 3rd innings.
Graham on July 10, 2013, 23:35 GMT
I think the game is evenly balanced, this track is flat and slow. Best batting will be in the next couple of days and late in the game the ball will have some variable bounce. Australia need to bat out tomorrow and try and build up as big of lead as possible. Well done to Siddle, and although he has a career average of 28 for his 150 wickets has been written of by so many English posters as a trundle. Now you get to see why he is #5 in the world. The plans to the English batsman especially those wickets of Trott and Pietersen were predictable. I thought Starc was a bit down today, but have no issue with serving up boundary balls to get wickets.
Graham on July 10, 2013, 23:31 GMT
LeisureCricket; I'm sure Khawaja will get a go when he averages above 30 in warm up games. If he can manage to string together a couple of tons. One score of 70 is not enough to force your way in to a test side. The reason Cowan is in the side is because Warner has played no cricket and Khawaja doesn't give the selectors any reason to pick him. I would imagine as Warner and Khawaja have no opportunity to play cricket before the next test that Cowan will still be in.
Jo on July 10, 2013, 23:12 GMT
In both innings majority of wickets fell on poor short selection, including top orders. Actually speaking, the batsmen from both teams failed to tune themselves to tests. They played like a T20 match except few, oddly Eng -3 Aussie 1 so far. When I reviewed the fallen wickets are to the balls that shouted, "If you dont hit me, I will leave you alive", kind of balls. Only 2 wickets that are real balls of merrit, Bairstow and Clarke. Slip cardon catches are not to be ball of merrit in most cases other than a deflected inswinger, which is also a bad shot. KP would have been the innings builder, had he played that shot without pulling in at the last sec - Low confidence?
Overall the quality is of batting is not upto the mark to suggest the bowling figures are the great ones as it appears on paper. As I keep saying, tail enders will show how to bat in tests. Probably Aussie need to move the 8-11 down to 3-9, retaining the positions of smith, haddin and clarke.
Azam on July 10, 2013, 23:03 GMT
So, when will Khawaja get a chance?
Peter on July 10, 2013, 23:00 GMT
@Wombats. Jaffa describes that delivery perfectly! This is the reason why test cricket is the pinnacle. Nothing was too surprising, our pace attack was always going to do well no matter who we went with, Watson continued his form of the past 3 years (for those Cowan knockers, Watson's figures are far worse!),Rogers showed why he should have been considered earlier & Smith is showing the result of his work on his technique & application. Don't forget the Gabbe later this year.
Scott on July 10, 2013, 22:48 GMT
@Sunshine_Pom, great name for a fairweather supporter - didn't see you here earlier when England batted like junk and got rumbled - by a pace attack who had a bad day no less!!! Then turn up running your mouth when a few wickets tumbled - typical! At 4 down there's still some way to go in this innings, yet some here are under the impression it's already completed! With Broad being Pattinsons first casualty (probably not the last either), if he can't bowl tomorrow, then we need to cash in when they bowl their second stringers like Root, Trott and Pieterson - and to some extent Swann, who doesn't hold very good figures against Aus. Thankfully for England, they've been preparing dry wickets as they're scared of our pacers and assume that we won't be able to combat spin, which will at least help their part timers out a bit. As expected, England's batsman were once again 'complacent', hopefully our remaining batsmen can cash in on just another of their numerous recent failures.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 22:48 GMT
Anyone who knows anything about cricket, knows that whatever runs is put on the board by England, it will be virtually impossible for Australia to get it. It really doesn't matter who bat where, the end results will be the same. They do have quality Test Bowlers like Siddle and Starc, and only one batsman in the side. That being Clarke. Can 3 or 4 players pull off a Test win against England in England ?
The score is now 75 for 4. If my little write up is incorrect, then I will shut my mouth for the rest of the 2 Ashes!
Rohanj on July 10, 2013, 22:36 GMT
Yeah I agree with the Cowan bashers, how many more chances is the guy going to get? He's just not international standard, nothing wrong with that, he's just not is all! And fair dinkum, memo messrs Watson and co, what's the point giving your wicket away when there are going to be deliveries bowled that can get out the best,eg. Anderson to Clarke! Next test, Cowan out for good, Khawaja in, PLEASE!
Dean on July 10, 2013, 22:26 GMT
@Joseph Langford, The problem for Aus is that out of 8 specialist batsman 5 are openers so even if they had selected Khawlja & batted him at 3 Hughes would still be playing out of position. In terms of Clarke he is Aus best batsman & generally in a test side your best batsman bats at 4. Whilst Ponting was still in the side he was still afforded the luxury of batting at 5 & there was always the safety net of Hussey at 6. Now both of those players have gone he has to step & take the responsibility of batting higher up the order.
John on July 10, 2013, 21:55 GMT
What a strange , topsy turvy day of cricket which I'd say is pretty even at the moment and with the weather (I think) set fair there will surely be a result but who wins is the million dollar question.
Not sure I've seen so many tame dismissals from 2 teams in one day. We should have realised that Siddle was due for a starring role after Australia's most popular commenter slated his selection recently.
Re the Aus dismissals - as AussieSam talks about - I felt that Watson was not so bad as he has been having success playing aggressively and made a promising (if brief) start to the inns. Cowan and Clarke's 1st ball shots were really awful. Clarke's dismissal was to a snorter from Jimmy but his 1st ball shot was awful for the captain and lynchpin of the side.
PS anyone who likes a flutter may have been wise to put money on an England win at approximately July 10, 2013, 13:32 GMT
John on July 10, 2013, 21:52 GMT
An exciting day's play! I have no idea who is ahead at the moment- if a couple of wickets fall early tomorrow, England will be looking for a first innings lead, but with a score as small as 215 it only takes a couple of half-decent partnerships and Aus will be on top.
Strange that all the Aus fans who said Siddle should be dropped haven't mentioned the fact that they were dead wrong and are celebrating how well Aus did in the field.
RandyOZ, you really are the least enlightened poster here. The substitute is fielding for Broad, one of England's four bowlers. Do you seriously believe England would field a sub and lose a bowler, or are you just not bright enough to follow what is happening? Hpw did your 'Siddle must be dropped' campaign turn out, by the way?
GARY on July 10, 2013, 21:32 GMT
@ usernames Come on then jackanory, tell us all the names of these Ozzies bowlers who aren't even playing for Australia who are better than Anderson, we all could do with a big laugh.
What happened to all the talk about how fast the likes of Pattinson & Starc were. The funny thing was Jimmy Anderson was bowling the same pace as them, 86/88mph and he swings the ball both ways round corners and Finn was consistently faster than all the Ozzies. consistently well over 90mph.
Patrick on July 10, 2013, 21:31 GMT
Well so much for Eng's batting prowess, Aussie bowling was all over the shop and should have been punished through to tea. Cook was worked over well in Patto's one patch of consistency but the rest of the top order through it away. With Day 1 nerves out of the way Aust should settle into a couple of decent parynerships and hold a handy lead into tea. Hopefully we'll see Broad fit & dropping short to see us to 320. Cracking start first round but loose all round. Nice ball from Ando but no more impressive than Sids tumbling of root, rare to see an opener clean yorked in test cricket, Rogers can count himself a little unlucky, a not out and Eng review would have seen him stay on. Bye Eddie, nuff said, stay fit Harris & Lyon, your consistency sorely missed this morning, big improvement from Starc or make way for a line & lengther.
paul on July 10, 2013, 21:23 GMT
@AussieSam Wrong, let me get this straight, you reckon that ball from Anderson was basically a straight ball that Clarke misread as a inswinger, lol come off it. If you do think that you're either taking the proverbial or you haven't even seen it. The reason that ball beat Clarke all ends up is because he got the ball to swing in and then it hit the seam straightened and moved away from him. They did a slow mo piece after the game about that delivery on Sky Sports where they showed exactly what it did. It's funny yet unsurprising that you're the only person who thinks that Clarke missed a straight one.
S on July 10, 2013, 21:13 GMT
Nerves and the desire to prove who the bigger bully is dominated the day. As both batting sides tried to prove a point, ended up looking like high school bullies and gifted way more wickets than the pitch contained. I suppose Trott finally succumbed to pressure of being constantly ostracized as a new Boycott and played one too many uncharacteristically aggressive strokes, gifting away his wicket in a manner which would make high school kids hang their heads in shame. Anderson as usual reserved his best for the best and Clarke fell to the ball of the match.
R on July 10, 2013, 21:10 GMT
wow what a 25 from bell, i really didnt think he would score that many in the whole series... what a great player, and well done for getting out and not having to bat with the tail, cos thats another thing u cant do
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 21:05 GMT
Some poor batting by both sides today, but the game is in the balance, with a slight favour towards England. The first session of the second day will give a large indication as to which way this game will go. Superb delivery by Anderson to dismiss Clarke, who was certainly squared up.
John on July 10, 2013, 20:57 GMT
What a strange , topsy turvy day of cricket which I'd say is pretty even at the moment and with the weather (I think) set fair there will surely be a result but who wins is the million dollar question.
Not sure I've seen so many tame dismissals from 2 teams in one day. We should have realised that Siddle was due for a starring role after Australia's most popular commenter slated his selection recently.
Re the Aus dismissals - as AussieSam talks about - I felt that Watson was not so bad as he has been having success playing aggressively and made a promising (if brief) start to the inns. Cowan and Clarke's 1st ball shots were really awful. Clarke's dismissal was to a snorter from Jimmy but his 1st ball shot was awful for the captain and lynchpin of the side.
PS anyone who likes a flutter may have been wise to put money on an England win at approximately July 10, 2013, 13:32 GMT
VaRUN on July 10, 2013, 20:46 GMT
I think both teams need to learn how to play defence before they are allowed to play test matches! They way both teams are playing, this is going to be a very tightly contested series between two very average sides who lack skill and temperment.
Mick on July 10, 2013, 20:41 GMT
So where to from here. If you ignore day 1, Australia are 160 behind with 6 wickets in hand and Broad possibly not able to bowl, at his best anyway. Add in a tail that usually scores more runs than the top order. This test is anyones. See off Anderson's and Finn's first spells and the Aussies are favourites but that will take some doing. A 50 run lead will give England some concern. A lead of 80 will have them under enormous pressure. Dare I say it - An Australian win would set this series up as one of the best ever with England trying to come back and Australia trying to hold on. An English win and the writing would be on wall.
Patrick on July 10, 2013, 20:39 GMT
FANTASTIC DAY OF CRICKET! Peter Siddle showing that he is comfortably the best bowler contesting this series, laughable hearing some people touting Anderson over him. Chalk the big wicket of Clarke up to cracks in the pitch, not bad batting or good bowling. Steven Smith looks ominous against this second rate English attack, should hit a nice 150 tomorrow when conditions are a bit easier, not last session under lights. Looks like Australia should close this out comfortably, probably an 8 wicket win. No real surprises around Australia's dominance.
Mahbubur on July 10, 2013, 20:32 GMT
Hope Australia will recover tomorrow from ashes. A first innings score of 350 will do it for aus i guess though at this stage it is very hard to get more 275 runs. Hughes will play a lifetime game tomorrow, i hope.
uvi on July 10, 2013, 20:27 GMT
Ashes on baby !! Well done Pete and company and what a brute reply from Anderson and Finn, O boy that's grandiloquent All said and done, Aussie do possess a formidable bowling attach and that was on display on day 1. whats going on with the team selection How do you justify Ed Cow over D Warner, I mean that's not even comparable John ? and why Nathan Lyon is not given his earned place in playing 11, Is he old too now?
mukesh on July 10, 2013, 20:24 GMT
What was cowan doing there ?? worst way to get out , especially when you are coming one down and the ball is swinging and seaming around ,he just exposed Australia top order to the new ball and shifted the balance in England's favor, this guy is all talk and no action , and khawaja , a younger and better player is still warming the bench. also what a delivery from Anderson to get Clarke out ! i don't think there are many in the world who would have survived that !! total class !
Harjinder on July 10, 2013, 20:15 GMT
Even this Match is looking in balance but AUsS bowlers stole the show on first day .....English long bating line-up could not put good runs on the board.215 runs from the Team that is looking more favourite, now lloks under a huge pressure....i think Khawaja been good if Clark shown more faith on him.....but it happens in every team ....????? Let s see
Michael on July 10, 2013, 20:01 GMT
That was an odd day to say the least,but we were warned about England batting at Trent Bridge of late,and given a whole load of stats to prove it. I think Trott really could have avoided getting out and one or two others but it was not an easy day for batsmen considering the rate of boundary scoring. I guess the start of an Ashes is high intensity way beyond, say, the start of a Kiwi series. The only ball to really rise all day took out Broad, though with his injury rate it was predicable. There may be a cunningly hidden leaf or twig somewhere which will further indispose him as it turns all too lethal, and sends him hurtling 50 yards through space. Anyway Anderson bowled a ball he won't forget to Clarke and got a lucky decision later while Finn picked up 2 in 2 early on. If England bowl right they should pick up a small to medium lead which may prove sufficient. Otherwise Beefy's predictions will have proved shortlived. Can anyone take 49 more Ashes days?
Khehla on July 10, 2013, 19:54 GMT
Good start to the ashes. Day 1 has told us everything we already knew about both teams: Although England have a good batting line-up they are prone to collapses, Aussies have a good bowling attack and Siddle is worthy of his ranking. The Aussie batsman aren't good enough and Anderson seems to bowl out the best batsman of the opposing team... Wish for the Aussies get a 40 run lead to make the game exciting on day 4 or 5 with Swann spinning it on this dry pitch. Bring on Day 2.
Rakesh on July 10, 2013, 19:50 GMT
Australia batting Unit lets see Watson a One day and T20 Specialist, rogers a 35 year old opening batsman who made his debut in 2007 and playing his second test, Cowan who can get out at any ball and has an average of 31 after 18 test with one century against NZ i think. smith another one day and t20 spcialist 4 out of their first 6 are just not test match material and the great huges can't play spin and can't play short pitched bowling just like the Great VINOD GANPAT KAMBLI. End of the ASHES guys . RIP AUSTRALIAN TEST match TEAM.
Michael on July 10, 2013, 19:44 GMT
Nice ball by Anderson a few more like that and you may finish the Ashes with a respectable ave under 30 like all the truly great bowlers you get compared to. But those early tests have inflated your ave quite a bit, not the only inflated thing around in these comments ERR front foot laddie
omkar on July 10, 2013, 19:44 GMT
You are very amusing. Your preoccupation with taunts supersedes your knowledge of cricket.
Jon on July 10, 2013, 19:35 GMT
Hopefully this dismal batting display will dispel the myth that we are so dominant over the "worst Aussie side ever". The build up to this game was so infuriating even as an English fan as yet again the media seemed to ignore our poor record since the Indian home series. We have been poor against Pak, Sri Lanka, SA and New Zeland and Oz have been pretty good against most sides, excluding their away series against India. This will be a tightly contested series between two relatively well matched teams. I do believe that we have the edge ever so slightly but it is marginal. I think we are carrying some baggage, look at Bell's record post 2011 and he has never been questioned. For the remainder of the game we must bowl Aus out for under 275 and we must bat better in the second innings. No more getting starts and getting out to a flaky shot. We need some guys to stand up and practice what they preach, ie getting big 100's.
Android on July 10, 2013, 19:33 GMT
Smith will reach 100 hughes In the 70s haddin will get quickfire 50 siddle, pattingson and starc will get 15 to 30 runs each ashton Agar will get 0 to 10 runs and aus will have 350 plus
ian on July 10, 2013, 19:29 GMT
Random thoughts on day one of (theoretically) 100! This Test will do well to get to the 4th day. Root can open - he looked very secure & unruffled (sorry, Nick C). The best ball from any Ozzie bowler was Siddle's yorker to JR. Jimmy's surgical removal (think surgical strike) of Clarke was also in the masterclass category. England's batting was largely remininiscent of the run out & stretching exercises that the public was charged to watch in Chelmsford, conducted with the same degree of application. England should have got 300 -340 even on a day when the quicks had some assistance. There's been too much t20 stuff around recently & it does not Test batsmen make! The classic example of this was Watson (strike rate: 92.85). What happened to the old-fashioned discipline in batting technique? Unluckiest player today? Chris Rogers - did everything right (really looked a Test opener) until given out on a highly marginal decision. Dharmasena really shouldn't have given it. Anybody's game yet!
uzair on July 10, 2013, 19:25 GMT
if australia win this ashes everyone of us would consider it a miracle and would also give credit to darren lehmann and CA for their good decisions and clarke for his captaincy
Android on July 10, 2013, 19:21 GMT
Hughes will get 70 odd 2moro, smith will have a century haddin a quickfire 50 and the tail will wag to get them to 300+
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 19:21 GMT
a dramatic start to the ashes campaign....England batted poorly against an attack (siddle the exception) that seemed to lack discipline, but at the end of the day, their shot selection was daft, as if Eng were playing an ODI.....England bowled better than they batted and Smith & Rogers aside, the aussie batsmen looked clueless how to play Anderson & Finn....tomorrow should be bright and sunny so the first session is crucial, if Smith & Hughes can settle in then Australia are still capable of building a first innings lead....all to play for!!
Karun on July 10, 2013, 19:21 GMT
England may be thinking they are firmly poised to win this from here, but provided they bowl out Australia for less than 250. Australia aren't out of this yet - they need to make sure Hughes & Smith score big- or relatively big. If they get to 150 without losing another wicket which is very possible considering the lack of swing there should be on a sunny morning tomorrow & the older ball. Then they will have the confidence to get 250+ with 5 wickets remaining. Finn & Swann are not going to be a threat at this stage (Finn's wickets were more bad shot selections), & Anderson is only effective if it swings- which it is unlikely to. I firmly believe Australia will win this match still & I am a neutral.
Nicholas on July 10, 2013, 19:13 GMT
...Also just saw on the news recently that young 'Ashton Charles Agar' played at a cricket club near me here! Tough day (baptism of fire?) at the office for him today, but hardly a train-wreck either. Lyon eh? Hauritz eh? O'Keefe eh? Production line is growing nicely for Ashes series down under...
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 19:13 GMT
Strange quality of cricket on display today. Some ordinary batting by England, credit to the Australians for putting the ball in areas where England then made mistakes. Good comeback by England's bowlers, considering they were one short, and what a superb delivery by Anderson to dismiss Clarke. The game is in the balance, and I think the first session tomorrow should give a good indication as to how this match will go. I think England might just be slightly ahead.
John on July 10, 2013, 19:09 GMT
Aus still on top imo. Eng a bowler down and tomorrow sunshine and excellent batting conditions. Put these 2 together and unless Aus batting is utterly useless they should put up a decent score even with 4 down. Pretty much gone to script tbh. Lord's 2005, Cardiff 2009, Brisbane 2010, Trent Bridge 2013...another below par first inning score from England. Get in get out....story of this batting lineup the past couple of months.
Matthew on July 10, 2013, 19:06 GMT
Terrible batting. Just what you'd expect from the third and fourth ranked teams really
Nicholas on July 10, 2013, 19:06 GMT
Beautiful days play - what a way to start the series! Great captaincy by Clarke: really utilised his bowlers well, and O.K. some of Siddle's wickets were handed to him on a silver platter (especially Prior) but you just can't keep a fella like that out of your bowling attack. Kudos to Bairstow and Smith for hanging in there while it looked for all the world like chaos was setting in, and the fielding by both teams was top notch (Watson and Root taking sharp catches). The four late wickets there by England, including Clarke back in the hutch, have set the game up really nicely for an important and nervous second day. Makes you wonder what might have happened had Broad been there, fit and in top form too...
V.L on July 10, 2013, 19:06 GMT
As a neutral I still think Aus have pretty good chance of a 50-run lead. The ball has stopped swinging around the 15 over mark, Smith is well set and Hughes looked like the most comfortable of the Aussie batsman(barring Smith). If Smith can hang around for another 25-30 overs they would be close to erasing the deficit. Haddin and the pretty good Aussie tail(Siddle, Starc, Pattinson are pretty capable batsmen for tailenders). Rogers and Cowan are probably the worst picks here. An attacking young batsman like Warner should have been played in place of Rogers. From what I have heard playing Khawaja instead of Cowan many not be a bad idea for the next game.
fatir on July 10, 2013, 19:04 GMT
What an awesome day of cricket.Cowan was pathetic,yet again and I believe this should be his last chance.Give Khawaja the next 4 games and I'm sure he'll play pretty well.England missed someone like Compton,but Bairstow played well and to drop him wouldn't be a wise decision.Honestly,I like Ashton Agar. My prediction for tomorrow is that,Smith will go after scoring aa good 60-70. Philip Hughes will score 120 and Haddin around 75. Australia going on to score 320 or something
Sean on July 10, 2013, 19:00 GMT
Well that was fun. We were promised a flat pitch and blazing sun and got neither. All to play for tomorrow. Wouldn't fancy chasing more than, well, 160? batting last on this. No news on Broad's injury? Critical for the match you'd think.
Earl on July 10, 2013, 18:55 GMT
All this talk about the ball of the day that bowled Clarke is rubbish.An 11 yr old observed that he had not gotten behind the ball and just pushing forward.Good ball poor execution by the batsman.We saw that all day.
Sam on July 10, 2013, 18:55 GMT
@front foot lunge: sorry mate but the one that got clarke wasnt the ball of the century or even the match... It was an attempted inswinger that didnt swing, only reason clarke missed it is because he expected anderson to get it to swing but he didnt. Not saying it was a bad delivery though
Martin on July 10, 2013, 18:51 GMT
All in all - a sparkling days entertainment. And some people wonder why The Ashes is the marque event in world cricket! England really did not bat well - 215 was a poor score. But then Finn and Jimmy started exploiting what is actually an indifferent batting surface. I have always backed England's bowlers as the strong suit of the team and I'd be confident that England will go on to take a 1st Innings lead here. Australia will have to bat last on this most unusual Trent Bridge pitch so it really doesn't look that good for going into the 5th day. And what about that one that one from Jimmy to bowl Clarke! Phew! what a JAFFA!!!
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 18:50 GMT
As predicted .... Australia's fate is with the bowlers .... both with the ball and the bat. Well done Mr. Siddle!!!
All I can say is ..... the selectors still haven't got a clue when it comes to batting structure.
Moving Cowan to No.3 was just stupid. I am not going to defend his shot ... but its a different psychological batting position. On a day when you are on top and not give the countries best opening batsman ... and he is Australia's best opening batsman ... the decision to put him as No.3 was just silly and immature. Why experiment in the 1st Test?? And for all the knockers .... a draw out 30 was exactly what Australia needed today!!!
And how many times do I have to say Clarke is not a No.4 Batsman ... he is a No. 5 Batsman. Just look at his stats .... HE IS A No.5 BATSMAN!!!
Ps. Again a review for a clear nick (Finn) showing how cricket players know that the system has a flaw with faint edges not showing up on the bat. It's simple physics.
Jay on July 10, 2013, 18:48 GMT
Well.. England played like a no. 3 team. Poor shots coupled with lack of intent on their batsmen's part. Australia on the other hand played even worse. Their no.4 ranking is not justified. They played like a no.7 team. I know it's only the first day and there are 400 days more to go for a test match to end BUT, England will be the happier of the 2 teams. Good bowling by Siddle. It's disheartening to see batsmen throw away bowlers' hard work. Watson simply cannot play test cricket. His flamboyance and aggressive nature suits only for limited overs cricket. This series will be the make or break for him.
Jo on July 10, 2013, 18:48 GMT
Just pinching myself.... did they like my prediction? Eng stumbled and trying to recover... so far so good a contest... as I said the differentiating runs are going to be from tail enders... actually, eng managed to get 2 pricy wickets and 2 virtual tail enders.... atleast 5 more special batsmen are stilll out there... I see Aussie getting close to 250ish in their first...
Btw, Jimmy, Clarke did not play that defense wrong, why his bails are down? Best choice to try that one.
PS: Cook did not loose his cool yet.
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 18:48 GMT
England are slightly ahead on day 1..
Anand on July 10, 2013, 18:45 GMT
Great 1st day of an ashes contest. Eng have the upper-hand, but if Steve Smith and Hughes can stitch a partnership they'll score fairly quickly as well to put Eng under pressure. If the weather stays this way then probably the Oz may have some sort of a chance, but if it is warm, the ball reversing Anderson will probably run through Aus,and Eng will pile on the runs in the 2nd innings only for Swann to apply pressure in the 4th innings. 1-0 England already!? I seem to have this predicted just about right. And then again it may rain the next 4 days and we start 0-0....
Swastik on July 10, 2013, 18:40 GMT
@Front-Foot-Lunge: Not even the ball of that minute, mate. There's bowlers in Australia better than Anderson who aren't even getting to play for their states.
Rahul on July 10, 2013, 18:39 GMT
I repeat my words three south Africans will be the difference in the series prior kp and kp. Rest all r all not more than ordinary
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 18:34 GMT
A lot of Australian fans didn't like Siddle before. I have no idea why. He is a very good, accurate, fiery bowler. Where are those naysayers now?
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 18:32 GMT
@RandyOZ: Genuine question: who would you replace Cowan with?
Alex on July 10, 2013, 18:32 GMT
Aussie needs kawaja to pyut meat in score. Kawaja is good for 50 runs. He may not make century early but i think he deserve chance than hughes , smith and rogers. Not sure what aussies are thinking with selection.
Shanmugam on July 10, 2013, 18:32 GMT
@Front-Foot-Lunge, there is still some way to go in this test. Let's hope Broad recovers quickly and we dismiss 6 Aussie batsmen cheaply tomorrow morning and then bat long. Clarke is not going to fail every time.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 18:30 GMT
There is still aways to go in the match but IF Australia don't win this one then they're going to have something to think about, I can't see England putting too many shocking performances with the bat like todays offering!
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 18:30 GMT
People please get back to reality! This is team no 2 playing team no 4 in the world. The Anderson delivery was a peach of a ball ball but the delivery of the day and perhaps the test but nothing more or nothing less. Really !!
Shanmugam on July 10, 2013, 18:29 GMT
Any update on Broad? If there was any time England needed him most, this is it. A night's rest will hopefully make him get better. This Steve Smith is an irritant and so is Brad Haddin. Hughes? Where is Flintoff when we need him?:-) We need to get these 3 guys out early in the morning tomorrow, get a decent lead and then bat out of our skins. With less cloud cover expected tomorrow, batting might be easier.
I think our batting, sans Cook, has not been consistent for a while. We know KP bats like that. Whatever happened to Trott? While he has been excellent in ODIs, his test form hasn't been that great since the last Ashes. I mean, he has always been a great asset to us but I thought he has been a tad inconsistent. Bell has been consistent since last year. Consistently poor. I wouldn't be harsh on Root and Bairstow. Prior was due a poor run and he has took off from where he left in the NZ series. I hope it is a very brief poor run.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 18:28 GMT
Wow this is what we call Ashes,the cricket,the unexpected expected,siddle who was not in form with many experts expecting bird instead of him,did wonders with the change of end,and it's time for batsmen,top 4 failed,but we can expect from likes of Steve smith,Hughes and haddin,as they have tailenders who are equally capable of giving them the support.What australia need is to play 2 full sessions tomorrow as with the likes of smith,hughes and haddin,they all like to hit quick runs and if smith survives he could tackle well swann like clarke does,as he uses his feet,and with broad injured they have greater chance. English would want a fitter broad on field tomorrow if they dont take wickets in first session,tomorrow first session mostly decides where the match goes and who's it is,who has better chance. Australia banks on Smith-I like this guy this days has matured a lot,he could do a dhoni for them not a good technique but a strong and mature lad.
Saad on July 10, 2013, 18:16 GMT
What superb bowling by Aussies clearly shown great courage and showed fight!! What has English writers got to say about this performance of Australia and poor performance of their team with the bat? The Same writers who were writing Australia down and predicting 10-0 Ashes win for England and huge humiliation for Australia?
Adrian on July 10, 2013, 18:12 GMT
Anderson's LBW was more out than Rogers's one, yet Rogers was given out and Anderson was given not out. They need to get rid of "umpire's call" in DRS as it just looks stupid in these situations. Either both are out or both are not out. Or, if just one is out, it has to be Anderson's. There is no way that Rogers is out and Anderson is not out. Both were reviewed, both were bad decisions, but neither were overturned. Fix DRS! Get rid of umpire's call!
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 18:10 GMT
FFL I hardly think Anderson beats Pattinson for pace. Patto is about 10kmh quicker. The conditions for batting changed later in the day as they do in England. Hence thepoms lodt 4/2 and the Aussies had a top order collapse. Well done Steve Smith!
achint on July 10, 2013, 18:06 GMT
Excellent start of this long back to back ashes season. It was a eventual day with ENG edging over AUS. According to tomorrow's forecast, the first 40 mins will have a cloud cover but it will be a sunny afterwards, so ENG will have to take wickets from first 40 mins otherwise AUS will get the crucial lead.
Colin on July 10, 2013, 17:57 GMT
I think the Rogers dismissal is interesting; He is certainly unlucky but I never get why commentators say it is a good decision from the umpire when they give it not out when it is clipping. That is completely wrong; it is an outstanding decision if the umpire gives it out and it is clipping. Still, certainly unlucky for Rogers but outstanding umpiring from Dharmasena.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 17:55 GMT
England will get rid of the night watchman Smith first thing in the morning. A lead of around 100 looks likely, with no Clarke to save their backsides.
Steve on July 10, 2013, 17:51 GMT
A great day's cricket, but I ask one thing: how can you have drinks intervals on an overcast day and then in six and a half hours only manage to get through 80 overs? I got my tickets for Durham, but they cost a fortune. In future I might think twice.
H on July 10, 2013, 17:39 GMT
@Punjabi Munda Cook failed under the pressure of being a captain who wants to win the series more than get records for himself. Maybe your batsmen could learn something from that.
Oh, and you're right, Root's overrated. Just the 73 on debut in...oh yeah, India. And I'm sure Indian batsmen would never get out to Siddle in swing-friendly conditions. Just the 23 wickets at 18.65 against you lot last time you were in Australia, with a best of 5-49 in 15 overs (at Adelaide, where the pitch is fairly flat but it can swing).
Today Siddle's figures were 5-50 in 14 overs. Yeah, huge difference, I can see why our batsmen are so overrated and yours are the best in the world. Funnily enough your beloved Sachin was one of those 5, out for 25 off 69 balls. Root scored 30 off 64 balls. Now I'm not saying Root's anywhere near as good as Sachin (I'm not that stupid) but maybe you should stop harping on about people being overrated, eh?
Or maybe Sachin was just cheated by some elaborate conspiracy?
John on July 10, 2013, 17:39 GMT
What a day that was! Some good work at the end there by Finn and Anderson but they could have done with a burst from Broad too as Anderson looked to be blowing pretty hard towards the end. Hopefully Broad is recovered from that blow tomorrow and England can salvage a lead after what was a fairly ordinary batting performance. Australia bowled well after tea, having been rather inconsistent beforehand. Siddle was the pick but even he got a couple of wickets off some poor balls. England will definitely need to improve with the bat but I look to the last Ashes for inspiration in that regard. Most of them looked fairly comfortable until they played a silly shot. Cook looks out of form so that might be an issue. Root, Trott and Bell looked comfortable with Trott playing a very poor shot (and didn't he know it) but Bell and particularly Root getting good deliveries. Bairstow got out exactly how Nasser Hussain said on commentary that he has before so that could be an issue going forward too.
Rahul on July 10, 2013, 17:34 GMT
Cowan should watch how Smith and Rogers fought it out, shame Rogers got a tough call. RandyOz and Mary agree with you that Khawaja should come in. @sensation boof will give Khawaja his chance, he is a solid number 3 and key batsman for that position. Cowan has one more innings but i think if he hasn't been able to do it after 20 tests, one more innings won't do. Did anyone else notice that Smith has tightened his technique, well done young man.
Owen on July 10, 2013, 17:32 GMT
Well I reckon the Aussies are in the better position. They are only 140 behind with plenty of batting in the tail and if the ball isn't swinging tomorrow they could easily post a 100 run lead
stuart on July 10, 2013, 17:29 GMT
to all you people who derided Siddle guess you were wrong.Funnily enough most of the negative comments came from Aussies.We quite like hardworking honest cricketers who are not all flash and bang and Siddle is a good quality tryer and a good quality bowler.
David on July 10, 2013, 17:20 GMT
@ Big_Maxy_Walker. For anything positive I said about Cowan I apologise, withdraw, & admit sincere regret. Difficult & painful as it was, I even admitted that Randy was dead right! (Aaaarrggghhhh)
Thanks Ed Cowan. With one of the stupidest & most unnecessary strokes I've ever seen you promptly made me look about as dumb as a rock! What was I thinking, backing an Aussie? Surely I should know better?
From now on I'm sticking to being a neutral, which means saying nothing about #3 vs #4, and simply enjoying the quiet satisfaction of being at the top!
(Oops - there goes Rogers. Ah well…)
Eddie on July 10, 2013, 17:16 GMT
@FFL. Anderson has bowled well that's for sure. He might even get his average under 30 if he keeps going!! If he keeps improving and maturing he might one day have as good a average as Siddle. You were awfully quiet when England were batting.
Doug on July 10, 2013, 17:05 GMT
@Big_Maxy_Walker Cowan scores his 30 odd runs as an opener, not number 3. I have to say his shot was horrible, and as an opener he should know not to play anything he shouldn't have to play. I was disgraceful, it must have been nerves. Clarke usually scores big at number 5. They changed things and the results changed. Watson and Rogers failed as an opening combination, worse than Warner/Cowan. I'll reserve my judgements until after the game though. Cowan may play an important knock in the 2nd innings, and Watson may do something special too. Maybe they won't. If Cowan supporters should eat humble pie, then so should those who think Watson and Rogers are a better opening combination than Warner/Cowan because so far they are worse.
j on July 10, 2013, 16:58 GMT
Ball of the century by James Anderson. To say it was ball of the day is doing it a huge disservice. Interesting that no Oz fans have spoken about it. There again not much was said about 24 wickets in the last Ashes too, I do wonder why...
Randolph on July 10, 2013, 16:58 GMT
And yet another substitute fielder, shock, horror.
Ross on July 10, 2013, 16:55 GMT
RandyOz i think we all know this test is Cowan's last chance, Arthur is not there to protect him anymore.This is exactly the reason i don't understand why we persist with Cowan when we have a young batsman in Khawaja waiting, give him the full series at 3, if he doesn't come through then move on, but anyone who has seen him in shield knows this kid can bat and especially against swing bowling. As a bulls fan i have seen a few of those innings myself. Clarke is the only one who got an unplayable delivery. Watch how Rogers is playing, really toughening it out, a lesson for the other batsman.
Randolph on July 10, 2013, 16:53 GMT
Where are the likes of @mitty2 now supporting Cowan?
David on July 10, 2013, 16:43 GMT
Well, I guess those questions about Cowan's selection were answered in one ball. Randy certainly nailed that one, I must admit. I guess Cowan's only answer, not that it means much, is that he didn't score any less than his skipper! Unless he goes big in Aus' 2nd innings - at this rate due sometime just after lunch on day 3 - he might soon be opening with Warner again - in Zimbabwe!
j on July 10, 2013, 16:42 GMT
As I predicted, England know how weak Australia are and turned up with grins on their faces at the prospect of facing Agar, Pattison and co, made 30 and got out. Pietersen played just like that: He realized this isn't quite the big occasion it should be and hardly batted an eyelid at the Aussies. They were 70 runs short in the end. Anderson beat trundlers like Pattison for pace as well as his famous skills. Australia fans must have that familiar sense of foreboding setting in, it's all looking very much as we all predicted: England naturally are way better and look the stronger unit even on a seamers paradise. It's a shame Lyon isn't playing, his outswingers would work well on this pitch.
Sam on July 10, 2013, 16:41 GMT
Seems like some here enjoy complaining and deriding players more than actually watching the game. I'm shattered that all siddle's work could have been undone already but i'm loving what an exciting day one of the series this has been. Just hope that rogers and smith can prove that they deserved to be picked now. Really disappointed by cowan and watto... Both of those balls were screaming to be left, boof might have to remind them that playing "aggressive" doesnt necessarily mean playing every ball.
VaRUN on July 10, 2013, 16:39 GMT
This is exactly the reason why these teams are ranked 3 and 4. Such ugly swipes across the line! Everyone hell bent on throwing their wickets away!
Muhammad on July 10, 2013, 16:35 GMT
no no "randy oz" cowan is a very good player.. a player who play 18 test in a row and have just 1 century with avrge of around 31 and playing in this match b/c he play spin very well in india.. he is just playing 18 test in a row b/c he has captain support and khwaja has no support neither of micky arthur or clarke.. now with lehman he may given a chance in this series and he need 4 to 5 matches to show his temprament not 1 or 2 matches and then thrown away.. for 6 months he is a bench boy and now aus has to give him a chance to prove himself..
Mariam on July 10, 2013, 16:33 GMT
RandyOz i was thinking the same thing, i think we will see Khawaja come in for the next test. Clarke got a peach of a delivery, unplayable, but Cowan played at one he shouldn't have and that wicket for me has got England back on top. Its cruical now that Rogers and Smith see it through today.
Brenton on July 10, 2013, 16:32 GMT
The ball Clarke received would have gotten anyone out, the best bowlers keep the best balls for the best batsmen.
Why is Hughes batting at 6? He should be at 3, Khawaja 5 and Smith 6. When Warner comes back he replaces whoever isn't performing.
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 16:32 GMT
Clarke gone for 0...unplayable stuff from Anderson...
Amith on July 10, 2013, 16:31 GMT
RandyOz spot on mate, Cowan's dismissal shows that we need Khawaja in, there are not many better batsman of swing bowling(just watch his innings against Tasmania where he outscored them by himself), surely its time to get him in at 3, that way Clarke won't be exposed so early to the new ball. Good to see Rogers fighting it out.
Jason on July 10, 2013, 16:29 GMT
hmmm....Interesting turn of events.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 16:27 GMT
Game on! Aussies 3 down already, another couple this evening would be nice!
John on July 10, 2013, 16:24 GMT
The Australian fans have gone very quiet all of a sudden.
Sammy on July 10, 2013, 16:24 GMT
Cook is well on his way to reaching Sachin's stats. Pietersen was so right!
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 16:19 GMT
Ed cowan!!!what a pathetic player..awful shot...Finn on fire...
Eddie on July 10, 2013, 16:19 GMT
Ed Cowan supporters are going to have a tough time today. As I recall, he has done nothing to be dropped they say, and takes the shine off the ball. Accumulates runs off lots of balls. Interesting........
sri on July 10, 2013, 16:18 GMT
Some fans already celebrating Eng fall. I would wait till Aus finishes its first innings to conclude who has upper hand in this test. If Siddle repeats this feat in the second innings then i wonder what RandyOz has got to say about him. But remember Cook might just grind them out of this test in second innings like in 2010-11.
Game on guys . Ditching that meaningless ODI series between Ind vs SL
Rakesh on July 10, 2013, 16:18 GMT
Australia should have got the latest citizen(One of Worlds best spinners) in the squad. What is the point of fast forward citizenship otherwise.
Randolph on July 10, 2013, 16:15 GMT
How can Cowan keep get chances despite pathetic performance after pathetic performance? Surely now his time is up and Khawaja HAS to come in.
John on July 10, 2013, 16:15 GMT
@RandyOZ - The sub fielder will run out Clarke.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 16:14 GMT
The only thing that surprises me about another poor England batting performance is that anyone should be surprised. England have played 20 test matches since the home 4-0 win over India and have only managed to score over 400 (in either innings) eight times, and only one of those was over 500. This puts a lot of pressure on the bowlers who generally respond well, but leave every England supporter hoping that Anderson and Swann stay fit. Just as I type, Finn gets two wickets in two balls; hopefully our bowlers can get us out of jail again. Can't help but feel sorry for people who have bought fourth day tickets for this series though!!
disco on July 10, 2013, 16:13 GMT
Still plenty of time for England to be batting before close.
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 16:11 GMT
Watson gone...11 wickets already today..great test match
John on July 10, 2013, 16:10 GMT
And as if by magic, Australia's powderpuff top order falls over yet again. Get Clarke cheaply, and this is back on.
Brenton on July 10, 2013, 16:10 GMT
Cowan's shot looked like an out of form Shaun Marsh and Rob Quiney. He can't cut it in test cricket, let alone number 3.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 16:10 GMT
watson gone.cowan duck. aus weak batting is up against good bowling conditions . match over in 3 days. poor for supporters who aid for day 5 tickets.
ESPN on July 10, 2013, 16:01 GMT
If broad cant bowl (he is off the field now) who dose England have to bowl seam up other than Finn and Anderson?
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 16:00 GMT
cook failed again when expectations are laid on his shoulders.at this pace cook will need around 700 more tests and he will not cross dravid's test record let alone sachin. btw, joe was uprooted by siddle and he is overrated batsman.
ESPN on July 10, 2013, 16:00 GMT
What I really hate is that our batsmen seem to be reliant on our bowling unit to produce the magic. They have no desire to graft themselves. It's really sad.
Dean on July 10, 2013, 15:53 GMT
Desperate effort from our batsman. To win the toss and not bat the day out is nothing short of a disaster. Six of the top 7 have got themselves in but nobody even went on the register a 50 which is criminal. Fair play to Siddle he's been much malinged on the pages in recent weeks & has really set Aus up in this game now. Even if we bowl well its dfficult not to see aus getting a decent first inns lead if we don't bowl well this game could be over before the weekend!
Randolph on July 10, 2013, 15:52 GMT
England starting with a substitute fielder. Surprise, surprise.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 15:46 GMT
215 all out. guess what , result is a possibility now and australia well on top. where are the commentators harping about 5-0 aus lose. i guess it cud go 5-0 aus win. australian pace attack one of best in the world on green tops although they were disappointing on indian rank turners where they were listless.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 15:45 GMT
Things aren't looking good for England but I have faith that our bowling attack can get us back into this. England always bat poorly in the first innings of a series, all is not yet lost!
Owen on July 10, 2013, 15:43 GMT
Also, can't help thinking it was a very poor decision by Cook to bat first. With clouds about, and at Trent bridge it would have been a great opportunity to put an already un-sure Aussie batting line-up under more pressure. But the rules are that you have to bat first if you win the toss and as we know, Cook will stick rigidly to the rule book. Instead, all the pressure was on England and how they wilted!
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 15:37 GMT
England is reeling...9 gone
Owen on July 10, 2013, 15:36 GMT
Well that was predictably poor from England. Pitch to flatten out on day two and three, so England need to have Clarke in and out by the end of the day today. Can't really see it happening though.
Android on July 10, 2013, 15:31 GMT
ohh ashes goes to aussies
ESPN on July 10, 2013, 15:26 GMT
Looks like only Victorians can get wickets..... Might be time to give Rodgers a bowl.
Sam on July 10, 2013, 15:08 GMT
@severe i think i read USA is one of the countries where its being streamed on youtube.
English commentary needs an aussie in there (where's warnie?) Love bumble and holding but need some more excitement and noise when a wicket falls
Android on July 10, 2013, 15:04 GMT
After seeing the warm up matches and the ongoing tussle i don't feel that this Ashes is going to be a one sided affair... Eventhough I don't like Aussies, one always likes to support the underdogs(As an Indian we spent our entire life doing that;-) )...
siddhartha on July 10, 2013, 15:01 GMT
Hope fully it will be 1989 once again.GO AUSSIES!!
Stephen on July 10, 2013, 15:00 GMT
Well, glad that the series has started at last after all the hype...was looking forward to a good England score.but Peter Siddle is the difference! haven't been impressed by the Australian bowling- except for Siddle, and he is the one bowler whom many Aus fans didn't want to play, can't think why, he's always been, in my opinion, the most reliable and consistent of the Australian bowlers and that's why he's up there in the rankings. Really has showed his class and experience today (altho' Prior gifted him a wicket!)
David on July 10, 2013, 14:57 GMT
Two Australian players have been constantly criticised in posts over the last few weeks, with many strongly opposing their selection. I don't think of either as world beaters or legends in the making, but do respect their consistent work ethic, experience and the level heads they have shown. I tend to value maturity and experience over young talent, especially in test cricket. Siddle & Cowan I felt deserved selection, particularly because this team sorely needs maturity.
50 overs gone and Siddle has a five for. Not all his wickets have been especially well earned, but results are results. He was a touch expensive at first, but has tightened up and, most importantly, put Aus in a very strong position. Quite a few commenters here already need a large spatula to get all the egg of their faces! If he bats like he did in the Dehli test (unlikely given his career ave,) they'll be dining on humble pie too.
We'll see what Cowan does. I suspect he may prove Randy & co wrong, again!
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 14:55 GMT
@Greatest Game, little point in wearing down the ball when it just keeps on swinging, if England bowl as Aus have I don't see Cowan doing well.
S on July 10, 2013, 14:54 GMT
Any idea how I can watch this series here in USA? WillowTV is not broadcasting this.
rahul on July 10, 2013, 14:54 GMT
siddle got 5 . england now struggling with wkts down for 180 & some body said yesterday that cook, kp & trott will make daddy hundreds against aussie bowlers .
Raghuraman on July 10, 2013, 14:53 GMT
Well, I had commented before the start of the match - irrespective of the nature of the pitch, the best condition for England and worst condition for Australia is to have Australian openers out and the worst condition for England and best condition for Australia is to have England openers out. That is what has happened :D England having won the toss should have put Australia into bat because batting is Australia's biggest weakness. Now with their bowlers tasting quite a bit of success, batsmen will be more relaxed! Advantage Australia already as I see it.
Jason on July 10, 2013, 14:49 GMT
Glad to see Siddle get a 5-fer, as I have him in my Fantasy team, shame the English batsmen didnt get that many runs but we'll see what Egnaldn do with the ball hoping for an Anderson 6 wicket haul.
Android on July 10, 2013, 14:49 GMT
siddle expectation were high for todays condition. good success
H on July 10, 2013, 14:48 GMT
Dear John Inverity,
Next time Australian fans ask you to leave out a Test match bowler ranked number 5 in the world, with 150 Test wickets, please listen to them.
Yours Sincerely,
Alastair Cook
John on July 10, 2013, 14:47 GMT
This is undoubtedly not Australia's best bowling performance, with quite a bit of wayward stuff, but thanks to Siddle and England's lack of patience, they are well on top. Only Root and probably Bell can say that they didn't throw their wickets away so England will be looking for far better application the second time around. All is not lost though. If the conditions are similar when England bowl then they will hopefully be able to control the ball more than Australia have done and return the favour. George Dobell billed this series as a battle of two flawed teams and it's looked that way so far. Certainly the Siddle doubters have been proved wrong and hopefully Bairstow can continue in his current vein and do the same for his critics.
Jonny on July 10, 2013, 14:46 GMT
This is what happens when you are overconfident and underestimate the opposition. Australia have been a world class Cricket team for a reason even in tough times. Australia will win this Ashes. Joe Root is overrated.
Sam on July 10, 2013, 14:43 GMT
Go siddle!! Not surprised he came back after a rough start... Not the first time. Great performance. The others can at least finish off the job now.. Patto should get it done before close but i'd like to see starc and agar get one or two. I'm sure everyone is starting to think now the more seasoned spinner (who has got a bad wrap as he has had a very decent start to his career stats wise) lyon would have been a smarter, and safer, selection. More reason for clarke to stick to captaining and batting and staying away from the selection side of things.
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 14:41 GMT
prior gone...England seriously underestimated the Australians..siddle on fire..
Ray on July 10, 2013, 14:31 GMT
@Surajrises on (July 10, 2013, 10:08 GMT): "Guess Peter Siddle will come steaming in to get the first few wickets...". Good prediction, mate. Any tips for tomorrow? I'd like to get a few bob on it.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 14:30 GMT
siddle running through english batting like hot knife . wat a turn around after his dismal outing in 4-0 series loss. aus to win inside 4 days.
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 14:28 GMT
Gone..Bell gone...siddle is all over England now...Brilliant captaincy from Clarke...bowling siddle in short spells..wonderful test cricket from Australia...
Gary on July 10, 2013, 14:26 GMT
Looks like we will be stuck with Siddle again. He is the modern day Merv. Bowls trash then picks up the wickets. I think the selectors will be forced to use Bird and Harris thankfully as Starc and Pattinson so far very ordinary. Starc seems unable to pick a line and length and stick to it. Looks to be changing every delivery. Still cant believe Cowan gets a game more than a dozen tests averaging 33. No one else has been given this opportunity for as long as I can remember apart from our captains that is.Get rid of him. Nice to see Haddin still consistently giving byes at record levels.
Jason on July 10, 2013, 14:24 GMT
@gsingh7, we wont know the state of the game until both teams have had a bat, England over the last few years have started series badly in the first innings, Look at Brisbane 2010/11, Lords 2011, India First test 2012, NZ first test in both series in 2013.
This is how england are.
John on July 10, 2013, 14:22 GMT
Still not worried by the Aussie bowling line-up. Siddle has bowled well, by as a unit I think they are some way off. If we can post 300, I would still fancy our chances of winning this Test match.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 14:13 GMT
@RandyOZ, I agree. The Agar and Cowan selections could backfire bigtime i think, way too many boundary balls from Agar so far, he has talent but jst too loose. And Cowan coming in at three makes me cringe at the momemnt, will wait an see.
H on July 10, 2013, 13:58 GMT
@R_U_4_REAL_NICK yeah, I wish they'd left him out too ;). I did say I thought he'd have a very good series and surprise a few people.
@Greatest_Game Worrying to think how far on top Australia would be if they had bowled more consistently (and I agree they've been inconsistent).
@gsingh7 Problem is the overcast conditions weren't expected to last beyond the second session. The pitch otherwise doesn't look that good for bowlers, quite dry and flat. Putting them in would have been a huge gamble.
@ben.p This is exactly why I wasn't happy with Compton being dropped, but still, Bairstow's in the team so I'm going to try and get behind the lad and hope he gets some runs and proves his worth.
David on July 10, 2013, 13:50 GMT
For all the criticism of Cowan, his is exactly the batting England have needed today. Knuckle down, defend your wicket, wear down the ball & the bowlers and give the middle order a platform to work off. A solid defense is the foundation of a successful attack, in war and in test cricket. Right now England seem hell bent on a "Charge of the Light Brigade." No question their batting has looked "Light," & mindless. Compton must have a wry smile on his face right now!
Ben on July 10, 2013, 13:37 GMT
Missing a bit of solidity, ( aka Nick Compton ), at the top of the order, are we, Miller?
gurinder on July 10, 2013, 13:32 GMT
4 down now. lets see if england can save this test as they usually lose first test rather easily. they underestimated aus bowling as conditions are in bowlers favour. now aus is one big innings from clarke away from winning first test.
David on July 10, 2013, 13:31 GMT
Australian bowling has not been consistent, with a mixture of wayward and threatening deliveries. Some very unimpressive wides and loose rubbish wasting good bowling conditions. Cook & Pietersen gave their wickets away to balls that were good enough to tempt some loose wafting, but by no means unplayable. Siddle's dismissal of Root was simply a beauty. The wise old "war horse" outfoxed him - a very well earned wicket amongst some unfocussed & expensive bowling. Kudos to him. Watson is looking like the most disciplined bowler by far.
Smart captaincy from Clarke, bringing Siddle on in short bursts & changing ends. Batsmen had no time to settle in against him. Trott looks comfortable - started off like he was on fire, though bound to slow down & dig in. The only Eng player looking at threatening. Bell looks at sea. Oh oh - Trott's just thrown away his wicket. Siddle does it again. If Eng's lower order don't make a stand now, Aus might wrap this up by tea! Weak start for Eng. Oz on top!
disco on July 10, 2013, 13:30 GMT
Sid you beauty, big big pressure on Bairstow, not least of it caused by Bell. I don't think Jonny is going to keep Ian company for very long.
Nicholas on July 10, 2013, 13:29 GMT
And to think a lot of Aus. fans didn't want Siddle to play... PAH! I wish he hadn't now.
H on July 10, 2013, 13:28 GMT
Maybe those Aussie fans predicting England 150 all out weren't so far off the mark.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 13:27 GMT
No surprise that Siddle is starting the series strongly, did the same in the first Test in 2009.
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 13:26 GMT
Trott gone...siddle you beauty...:-)
Randolph on July 10, 2013, 13:21 GMT
The decision to pick Cowan will blow up in our faces yet again. Absolutely terrible selection.
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 13:18 GMT
Australia letting the momentum run away from them by bowling some wayward deliveries..poor stuff
Bob on July 10, 2013, 13:02 GMT
The old familiar England with their first test failngs again..
Owen on July 10, 2013, 13:02 GMT
Not convinced Cook is going to have a great series. He might post one big score but I don't think he'll do much the rest of the time. Not sure why, just a gut feeling but I hope I'm wrong. The same gut however is telling me Bell is going to storm it this year
Amith on July 10, 2013, 12:59 GMT
EdwardAnderson i echo your words champ
disco on July 10, 2013, 12:58 GMT
@ Surajrises, Mate would you mind predicting Trott cruises to a serene ton, I think it's the only way we can get him out.
Android on July 10, 2013, 12:58 GMT
good stuff from the boys! had a feeling kp wasnt gonna stick around long after lunch. trott is the main worry now. i think he started to look a little iffy facing agar. some short stuff to knock that gum out of his mouth might be called for too
H on July 10, 2013, 12:52 GMT
@disco_bob What did you eat for breakfast this morning? As you predicted, KP out right after lunch.
Lewis on July 10, 2013, 12:40 GMT
Shaggy mate will you ever give Khawaja a break mate. He was second top shield scorer in Decmeber when he was plucked for the Aussie side and has been 12th man since then. Fair to say that if Cowan fails here Khawja will come in and about time i say. How good would it have been if Haddin took that catch, tough take though.
Ray on July 10, 2013, 12:38 GMT
Great, if nervy, start by both sides to 'THE SERIES'.
Honours about even. Next hour or so crucial for both sides. Aussie bowling a pandora's box; some wayward dross and some great deliveries. Terrible shot by Cook although, in fairness to Patto, Cook had been beaten twice in the over so maybe that played on his mind? After a dreadful 1st ball, the young lad looked OK. Good call by Lehmann; much more threatening than Lyon would have been.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 12:37 GMT
@Disco_Bob, In Haddin's defence it did swing back towards him very late, hard to deal with when you are in mid fight and fully extended just trying to reach it.
Honors even at lunch I think, Australia have done their best to go hard for wickets early and have therefore let the runs go a bit, but with the overhead conditions here to be followed by four days of sunshine (apparently) then that sort of approach is warranted. They won't want England 3-250 at stumps, 7 or 8 for 300 would be a much better idea.
Md.Nurul on July 10, 2013, 12:37 GMT
Haddin grew old but he is still Australia's best WK/Batsman. Phil Hughes & Steve Smith have to prove their selection and so is Ashton. Good Luck to him though.
disco on July 10, 2013, 12:35 GMT
@ Surajrises on (July 10, 2013, 12:03 GMT) if your comment works as well as your previous one then we should see KP out pretty soon after lunch.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 12:31 GMT
Judging from this first session and the first warmup game, Starc is tightening up and going for fewer runs. He still gives the boundary ball but is improving, good to see ( i would have liked to see lyons improvement too!). Not convinced with the Agar selection, i can't handle yet another spinner being tossed aside - hopefully lyon comes back, he has 2 years experience!! Not to say Agar is bad but even if he gets a 5fer here, he still needs a couple of years to develop in first class cricket, we need to rebuild not chopping and changing and throwing people to the lions.
Not too bad at 98-2 first session, but i feel Australia have to be on top not even stevens.
Graham on July 10, 2013, 12:31 GMT
Mary786; He top scored with 73 - He wasnt the incumbent. However if he made a really decent score he could have been playing this test. With back to back tests and no chance for a game for Khawaja to put runs on the board Im pretty sure Cowan will have the next 2 games no matter how he goes this game.
John on July 10, 2013, 12:28 GMT
Cook really didn't look at all comfortable and really brought about his own downfall with a big swish with little foot movement. That's not to take away from the bowler, who put several balls in just the right spot to tempt him into such a shot, but someone of Cook's stature and experience should have done better. Root looked fairly good but got a very good ball from Siddle. I'd say that honours are about even at the moment, with England having won the toss. England do need a big partnership from Trott and KP to get on top though. Trott is looking good so far and KP has plenty of time to get himself back into the swing of red-ball cricket. The stage is set.
Graham on July 10, 2013, 12:20 GMT
Sunil_Batra, You are right. But correct me if I am wrong 40 is higher than 30? I didnt say Cowans form was great I just said Khawaja form is not saying I must be picked. It looks like the Australian selectors agree with me. Its a simple equation for Khawaja start making a lot of runs, dont worry about anyone elses form you make big scores you will be picked.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 12:15 GMT
its not over until watto n pup bats
Dean on July 10, 2013, 12:14 GMT
Evenish sort of morning. Aus will be pleased to have prized out both openers, however they won't be so happy that Eng are scoring at close to 4 an over. You have to fill that if Eng can get 400 it may well be a match winning score given Aus recent batting woes & the fact they are going to have to bat last on a pitch that you would expect will be turning all over the place by day 4.@R_U_for_ Real_ Nick. I'm not surprised Eng went with Finn. Given we are highly likley to see a lot of bright warm sunshine over the next few days & the cracks that are already on the surface likley to start to open up, I think he is far more likley to be able to use those cracks to his advantage than Bres.
Mariam on July 10, 2013, 12:04 GMT
Shaggy he top scored in the last game he played, if Cowan fails he comes in next game
Suraj on July 10, 2013, 12:03 GMT
Excellent run rate now being maintained by the England batsmen. I have a great feeling that we are gonna see Kevin Pietersen murder the Aussie bowlers and that would certainly be a treat to my eyes :-)
Jason on July 10, 2013, 12:03 GMT
Never judge a pitch until both sides have had a bat is what i've always been told. I seem to remember people complaining about Melbourne in 2010/11, then it 'flattened' out when england started to bat only to mysteriously change again when Aus where batting.
Shame about Root getting out, but all credit to Siddle for a good delivery.
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 12:03 GMT
Siddle the workhorse strikes...Root gone..:-)
Jonathan on July 10, 2013, 12:01 GMT
I'm surprised they picked the untried Agar ahead of Lyon - I can only assume they still think KP is vulnerable to left-arm spinners?
Rahul on July 10, 2013, 11:57 GMT
Shaggy correct me if i am wrong but Cowan averaged 40 in county not once getting a century, hardly great figures. Khawaja was 12th man for the boxing day test, sydney test and then 3 of the 4 tests in India nto counting the Mohali test where the homework saga(which was a bit of a joke given the inconsistent treatment Warner got). Then after this 5 month break his first games were for Aus A where he got second highest score of 50 in game 1 and was 27 not out in game 2 when Smith declared on day 1 at tea. He top scored in the last warm up game he played in the only win we had in the warm ups. You can't compare apples with oranges, Khawaja has done as well as Cowan in the limited games he has played and outscored him in the only game they played together in the first warm up game. And you can't ignore that Cowan has had 20 games in a row averaging 30 and Khawaja hasn't even got 1 game during this time. I would take a hard long look at any biases you have against Khawaja out mate.
disco on July 10, 2013, 11:49 GMT
Haddin fluffed a catch off a KP edge. Not a good look, we cannot win this Ashes if we cannot hold on to those.
Android on July 10, 2013, 11:47 GMT
What a flat track to offset superior Australia pace attack. Same tactic used against said but that backfired as amazing and Smith batted for days. Now roots stumps have been uproot, if he is best English youngster. Then cupboards are bare
disco on July 10, 2013, 11:42 GMT
Brilliant move by Clarke, Siddle goes for nearly 7 an over but Clarke give him a change of ends and the wicket follows.
Suraj on July 10, 2013, 11:38 GMT
Suddenly Australians are bleeding runs and the pitch is starting to look better. This might well be a good toss to win for Cook. If Clarke doesn't pull out rabbit out of his hat right now, then I see only England getting a mammoth score and getting Australia cheaply...
Jason on July 10, 2013, 11:36 GMT
I cant believe my Eyes Trott is scoring with an SR of 85, has someone reminded him we're playing test cricket NOT and ODI......
Graham on July 10, 2013, 11:33 GMT
hycIass - he has scored 190 runs at tour at 30. Cowan gets a game by default simply because Khawaja is not performing above him. The issues are with Khawaja, 3 centuries in 3 years and not with selection. Alll he needs to do is churn out the type of runs that Hughes does. Least Cowan got into the test team after several centuries in a short space of time. Yes the Khawaja fans are passionate which makes them blind to his mediocre record.
Android on July 10, 2013, 11:31 GMT
Cook gone. Maybe he never was capable of catching Sachin's record of 100 hundreds. And now that kp have praised him so much he buckled under pressure and expectation, let's see if he can do any better next game.
Mariam on July 10, 2013, 11:24 GMT
Hyclass great points, i trust boof's judgement and if Cowan or Hughes don't perform then Khawaja will come in for the next game. Also i just read that Warner is heading back to join the Aus A squad and will need to perform there before being considered, i think having a hit there will be good for him.
Phil on July 10, 2013, 11:09 GMT
Surely this has to be Cowan's last chance. Surely Khawaja's chance has to be close, the kid has been 12th man since the boxing day test. I agree that some of UTK's fans are passionate but you can't blame them. And if you look at it cowan has had 20 games in a row now, how many more chances does he get. If his numbers were signifantly better then Khawaja then it would matter but the fact remains they are not. In his last innings Khawaja top scored with 72 and didn't get a game in the second warm up game, even you can't deny that the kid is being treated unfairly, i hope Cowan converts his start this game but if he doesn't then hopefully common sense prevails and we finally give Khawaja a few games in this series, with boof in charge i hope we do because this kid is not getting treated fairly.
ESPN on July 10, 2013, 11:01 GMT
I think England are hoping Finn's height will help extract something from an otherwise flat looking track. With the cracks that are there already, and Australia batting second, it is looking like a good decision.
Patrick on July 10, 2013, 10:59 GMT
39-1, Cook looked hopeless all innings but Trott looks in incredible form. Gonna be tough to remove him.
Dummy4 on July 10, 2013, 10:56 GMT
Though on paper England seem to be the stronger team, in the middle it will be Trott and Prior who will end up shoring their defences. I have a gut feeling that this Aussie team will spring some surprises and end up winning the Ashes. Lehman's appointment was a masterstroke and he seems to have instilled some much needed team spirit and discipline which will start paying dividends in the middle.
Varun on July 10, 2013, 10:56 GMT
Patto looks fired up along with the recently claimed scalp of Cook he should hopefully be a really dangerous bowler in this series. Starc looks like he can get a decent amount of swing from the Duke's ball and Siddle will always give his 110%. From Australia's perspective their bowling looks commendable, however as is usually the case their batting line-up will be put under the test, let's' hope those order changes do it...
Android on July 10, 2013, 10:53 GMT
I think the youngster more valuable Agar
Android on July 10, 2013, 10:50 GMT
this england side is average at most .if Aussies can't win them they r no more world beaters
Nicholas on July 10, 2013, 10:45 GMT
Cook gone already... now then, it's time to see if moving Root up to open was the correct move or not! Huge pressure...
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 10:44 GMT
cook gone...I m with Randyoz this time...going to cheer for underdogs..:-)
Nicholas on July 10, 2013, 10:40 GMT
I'm surprised England have gone with Finn-knee. Bresnan is the better batsman and fielder; coin-toss between them regarding the bowling. Finn-knee can be erratic, but hostile; Bresnan tends to be more accurate and nagging and hard-working, but less hostile.
Agar over Lyon for Aus. was not really a surprise. 'Secret-Weapon' some say... Good choice to leave out Warner though; if Smith and Cowan perform well, I see hard times ahead for Warner getting back into test whites for quite some time.
ESPN on July 10, 2013, 10:38 GMT
Aussies have been handing out caps to anyone who can spell spinner forget about bowling . They take Lyon for granted
Suraj on July 10, 2013, 10:35 GMT
After 8 overs, 19-0 is a fantastic start for the home side right now. Root looks rooted to the crease and is doing a good job for now.
Daryl on July 10, 2013, 10:14 GMT
I can feel the tension 10000 miles away sitting in my lounge room. Even cook looks uncomfortable. The ball is moving around like a bananna. Go the Aussies
Jason on July 10, 2013, 10:11 GMT
I'm not conviced for over the argument for picking Agar over Lyon, it was always a margin call for Finn or Bresnan, Finn may well give them more trouble due to his aditional hieght.
Lets see how the day pans out.
Suraj on July 10, 2013, 10:08 GMT
The Australian bowlers are looking Nervous right now... Guess Peter Siddle will come steaming in to get the first few wickets or its gonna be England all the way...
John on July 11, 2013, 2:16 GMT
Both teams will fancy themselves a chance at this point but the only thing that's for sure is that we're going to get a result in this game. If the sun comes out on day 2 then batting could get somewhat easier and a good partnership now could end up with a lead of 50-100 or more for Australia, their having quite a strong tail. If England keep bowling like they have been and Broad is fit, which is expected to be the case, then Australia could get rolled for 150 or less. If Broad is not fit then England could be in real trouble and the extra work for Finn and Anderson could be telling for the rest of the series too. Looking ahead, Australia will be looking to bowl more consistent lines in the second innings and England will be looking to bat with more patience. Most of the England batsmen looked relatively comfortable so that's hopefully a good sign, if they can cut out the prods and wafts. Bell and Root in particular were done by good bowling though, so hope for Australia too.
Khehla on July 10, 2013, 19:54 GMT
Good start to the ashes. Day 1 has told us everything we already knew about both teams: Although England have a good batting line-up they are prone to collapses, Aussies have a good bowling attack and Siddle is worthy of his ranking. The Aussie batsman aren't good enough and Anderson seems to bowl out the best batsman of the opposing team... Wish for the Aussies get a 40 run lead to make the game exciting on day 4 or 5 with Swann spinning it on this dry pitch. Bring on Day 2.
Suraj on July 10, 2013, 10:08 GMT
The Australian bowlers are looking Nervous right now... Guess Peter Siddle will come steaming in to get the first few wickets or its gonna be England all the way...
Jason on July 10, 2013, 10:11 GMT
I'm not conviced for over the argument for picking Agar over Lyon, it was always a margin call for Finn or Bresnan, Finn may well give them more trouble due to his aditional hieght.
Lets see how the day pans out.
Daryl on July 10, 2013, 10:14 GMT
I can feel the tension 10000 miles away sitting in my lounge room. Even cook looks uncomfortable. The ball is moving around like a bananna. Go the Aussies
Suraj on July 10, 2013, 10:35 GMT
After 8 overs, 19-0 is a fantastic start for the home side right now. Root looks rooted to the crease and is doing a good job for now.
ESPN on July 10, 2013, 10:38 GMT
Aussies have been handing out caps to anyone who can spell spinner forget about bowling . They take Lyon for granted
Nicholas on July 10, 2013, 10:40 GMT
I'm surprised England have gone with Finn-knee. Bresnan is the better batsman and fielder; coin-toss between them regarding the bowling. Finn-knee can be erratic, but hostile; Bresnan tends to be more accurate and nagging and hard-working, but less hostile.
Agar over Lyon for Aus. was not really a surprise. 'Secret-Weapon' some say... Good choice to leave out Warner though; if Smith and Cowan perform well, I see hard times ahead for Warner getting back into test whites for quite some time.
Rajesh on July 10, 2013, 10:44 GMT
cook gone...I m with Randyoz this time...going to cheer for underdogs..:-)
Nicholas on July 10, 2013, 10:45 GMT
Cook gone already... now then, it's time to see if moving Root up to open was the correct move or not! Huge pressure...
Android on July 10, 2013, 10:50 GMT
this england side is average at most .if Aussies can't win them they r no more world beaters
Android on July 10, 2013, 10:53 GMT
I think the youngster more valuable Agar