Whew; we've almost survived the first week of the New Year; we reckon that bodes better for us than this week bodes for an Australian cricket supporter.
Yes; the Ashes series will be decided this morning, and all Australia can do is to postpone the inevitable. The reverse swing bowling of Anderson, Tremlett and Bresnan late yesterday was superb, and the Aussie batsmen had no answer to it. The Barmy Army will ensure that the SCG does not lack atmosphere when play resumes later today, but we doubt that there will be many Australian fans there to witness the almost-certain humiliation of a third innings defeat in the five-match series.
Therein lies the difference between the teams. Australia's highest score in the series is 481. England has gone past 500 four times, including thier highest ever score on the SCG yesterday - 644. English batsmen have scored nine centuries in the series; Australian batsmen have managed a paltry three. And the English bowlers have regularly knocked Australia over. Out of 100 possible series wickets, Australia has lost 88. England, by virtue of having only batted once in two tests so far, and very likely a third has lost only 56 wickets. Australia has been comprehensively outplayed in all departments.
Now it's the Black Caps' turn, although results against Pakistan must sadly always be taken with a truckload of salt. The first test begins this morning in Hamilton, and if Dan Vettori wins the toss he will surely insert the visitors in what will be splendid swing bowling conditions. We will follow the test with interest.
In other news the Phoenix has unearthed a star in young midfielder Marco Rojas. The nbest news of all; he's eligible to play for the All Whites. Let's enjoy his time in the A-League for it is sure to be brief; this young man is bound for big things.
But cricket is the focus today, and we leave you with Vic Flowers (aka Jimmy Saville), the public face of the Barmy Army. If anyone has deserved the right to sing today, it's these guys ...
The floor is, as ever, yours ....
2 comments:
A comprehensive win to South Africa B but I think it is fair to say neither side would be able to hold out against India or South Africa who fought out a drawn series in SA.
The 5th test was very absorbing and both sides deserved credit on a drawn test on a challenging wicket. The batting of Kallis, Tendulkar, and Gambhir was outstanding. While Steyn, Khan, Morkell Harbajhan, Sreenath and the new coloured SA guy were almost always on the job.
The 3 test series was drawn 1 each.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the sight of the Aussies being tonked by the Brits.
All the Aussies are good at is AFL and thats only played across the ditch.
The drawback with the Brits winning the Ashes is that it will get the supporters of the english Rugby Team all excited, and all that entails.
As for young Rojas, a mate I play soccer with knows his dad. He's come through the grades in the 'tron and is well thought of. I just hope that he manages to avoid the attentions of cynical and crusty old centre backs who delight in taking young turks, such as he down a notch or two.
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