Right, I'm back...too tired last two nights to even watch properly, let alone type...but hey, I've had some sleep now. Ok, now where was I?
Monty - Bit of a shame that he didn't get picked as it goes for a number of reasons. Firstly, I think this track is going to turn alot. There is no pace in the pitch at all. Secondly, we didn't need all our batters for the first innings so the justification for leaving him out has now passed. I do understand that Fletcher's thinking has always been about individuals taking responsibility so that the rationale was 'you lot made this mess and you lot should sort it out!'. And that's just what they are doing.
The is still alot of time left to play but England are in charge. I confess to panicing when we were 45 for 2 on a real flat track but the boys came good. I find myself eating humble pie because of earlier comments about Collingwood not being a test player. However, he performed excellently and between him Bell, and KP they made the Oz attack look ordinary at times. Although Clarke is a very good prospect and I suspect he will do very well over here on the green tops.
With records being broken for the partnership of KP & Colly as well as Colly's double century everything looks good. This could all change. All the Aussies have to do is get somewhere close to our total and the match will be drawn. What I would like to see is England bowl them out by tea tomorrow. It doesn't matter then how much they have on the board - they won't have a lead and then we can set them a target on day 4 and then destroy them on day 5! Wishful thinking? Maybe.
KP's shots were just brilliant at times. A silly run out but forgiveable and he should laugh the matter off. Perhaps it's a record on its own? Which other batsman has 3 indentical High Scores?
It was interesting to see Freddie with the new ball. I have always said he should take it but it would have been nice to see Harmy flying in and bumping up Hayden, who I have noted seems to be having an ongoing slanging match with Freddie. Freddie was on top form. The ball that dislodged Langer was great. Just right. A year ago we were considered to be the only challengers to the Kings of Cricket title, but a poor tour of the Sub-Continent and injuries left us wanting. However, if we can play they way we have for the last two days then rolling Oz shouldn't be too hard.
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2 comments:
You get plenty of sleep when you die!!
I am livid about Panesar. I fear we will draw this game for lack of wicket taking ability. The Aussies have never met Monty before. He has a distinct advantage. What is Fletcher doing?
I am really starting to warm to Pietersen. His innings was genuinely mature. He can hit and he can control himself and that is hugely important. He is most definitely a huge ego, but he bats to match.
Hard to know what to say about McGrath and Warne. I can't bring myself to say that their star has finally faded, but Pietersen has sowed the seed of doubt that will prove to be a seminal moment.
Wonderful score by Collingwood. It still doesn't make him a world class number four batsman, but he brings a very unique quality to the heart of the innings which clearly Bell and Pietersen and Flintoff all appreciate. You always feel he is supporting them, drawing the pressure and giving them space.
Harmison and more especially Anderson had better bowl their socks off tomorrow.
Yes, Harmy & Anderson do need a concerted effort to justify inclusion. Can't be in the team just because you are Freddie's mate.
KP is coming along nicely. The Ego thing is good. The Aussies call him the Ego and instead of it upsetting him he thrives on it. He did say in an interview afterwards that it is all about prepartion. If he feels like he has prepared well he bats well. He was good. that ability to run down the track, change direction slightly and still hit the ball to the ropes on the half-volley is totally unique!
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