Today's Non-League Paper (30 March) offers an assessment of Setanta's coverage of the Blue Square Premier that seems ridiculously out of touch with reality, if personal experience is anything to go by. The man responsible is columnist John Lyons, dubbed either by himself or a benevolent editor as 'the loudest roar in non-league', and his assertion just doesn't match-up to the consensus of the fans.
The claim? "Not many people would quibble with Setanta's coverage of the Blue Square Premier this term."
But in reality, there are plenty of those who would dissent from that view. And angrily so.
The concept, from the outset, was an exciting one for fans in the Blue Square Premier. For some, it would be the first time they could get themselves on the television without having to battle through the early rounds of the FA Cup while hoping for that lucrative draw against a proper team. It showed that a television company was prepared to make a committed attempt to sell the passion and pride of the non-league to a wider audience following a half-arsed effort by Sky previously. And to start with, there were few problems.
For an example, let me use my own - Stevenage Borough. We understood that the occasional fixture would have to be moved to Thursday night for television purposes, and a return of three live games in the first 20 wasn't such a problem - after all, Boro' had started the season brightly and had briefly sat on top before establishing themselves as genuine playoff contenders. Further more, one of those games didn't need to be moved; a Bank Holiday clash with August put back from 3pm to 7.45pm. Fine, we thought - this is no big deal. After all, Boro' were on the telly for the first time in a long time and enjoying similar exposure to those Premiership clubs so willingly courted by Sky. As 2007 drew to a close, the ratio was sitting at 3/23, with two fixtures moved to a Thursday night.
Now here we are, at the end of March 2008. Since the turn of the year, Boro' have played 16 fixtures and have appeared live on Setanta five times. And all these games have involved fixture changes at the shortest of notices. Suddenly, planning ahead was no longer an option as the television company appeared to add fixtures to its schedule at a whim. Boro' fans with pre-booked tickets to Leeds for the Farsley Celtic game had no use for them when Setanta announced within a fortnight of the fixture that it would be moved to the preceding Thursday. Similarly a fixture away at Salisbury City was moved at short notice, and now there are unconfirmed rumours that the trip to Burton Albion in three weeks time may be moved. Again, a fixture where pre-booked tickets - which are planned when more or less when the fixtures are published in June are sorted out - become redundant. Not to mention the fact that Saturday's fixture with Exeter City has to be played at 5.15pm because the powers that be have Exeter playing on Thursday and Tuesday either side of the weekend.
Setanta seem unruffled by this. York fans were similarly troubled for a trip to Torquay and were only saved from an unfounded financial outlay by the generosity of a train company. That's not to mention that the coverage has been poor at the best of times. Wobbly cameras, partisan punditry from Paul Parker and ad-hoc interviews in the middle of the action have all contributed to a less than satisfactory service. And their customer services don't appear to care, if responses to fellow supporters are anything to go by.
Never mind the fact that Boro' are piss-poor on the telly, the treatment of the fans this season has slowly descended into farce and insult. And it is indicative of a trend that affects the highest level of the game too when Premiership games are shifted about for the sake of ratings. But then again, you tell me whether Setanta really are going to strike ratings gold with Grays v Droylsden before forcing fans to put up with it. Is it any coincidence that attendances are on the slide when fans are expected to make cross-country trips on Setanta's whim on a Thursday night. So, would not many people quibble with the coverage? Take a peek at what Aldershot fans think...
And what's more: Say No To Setanta
30 March 2008
A Spattering of Reviews
Clocks - Old Valve Radio (Single)
This is a single that has a) probably been released a month or two too early and b) will get lumped in with the chart-invading prowess of One Night Only. And if it’s dangerous to say it, I will anyway – I’ve not heard such a relentlessly upbeat stomper of a guitar-led summer release since Dodgy’s Good Enough over a decade ago.
O Fracas - Brouhaha (Single)
Pure indie beats drenched with ferocious hi-tempo riffs – you simply can’t beat it sometimes. The return of O Fracas after last year’s Factfinding EP is pretty much off-the-wall in all quarters and offers a captivating synergy of rolling drums and anarchic melodies from the start.
Free Blood - Part 2 (EP)
Unlikely to be seen anywhere the mainstream anytime soon, this is exactly the contradictory soundtrack for those who prefer the grimy nights out in city sub-terrains. The entire premise of Free Blood appears to be set against the awkward, awry situations that give you the highs that are twisted by their very design.
This is a single that has a) probably been released a month or two too early and b) will get lumped in with the chart-invading prowess of One Night Only. And if it’s dangerous to say it, I will anyway – I’ve not heard such a relentlessly upbeat stomper of a guitar-led summer release since Dodgy’s Good Enough over a decade ago.
O Fracas - Brouhaha (Single)
Pure indie beats drenched with ferocious hi-tempo riffs – you simply can’t beat it sometimes. The return of O Fracas after last year’s Factfinding EP is pretty much off-the-wall in all quarters and offers a captivating synergy of rolling drums and anarchic melodies from the start.
Free Blood - Part 2 (EP)
Unlikely to be seen anywhere the mainstream anytime soon, this is exactly the contradictory soundtrack for those who prefer the grimy nights out in city sub-terrains. The entire premise of Free Blood appears to be set against the awkward, awry situations that give you the highs that are twisted by their very design.
22 March 2008
England Cricket Team
Don't care about search engine optimisation. If anyone finds this, they'll probably agree:
Now a waste of space. Woo! Win the Ashes in 2005 and spend the next three years being rubbish? No ta. Will someone a) take responsibility and b) get rid of Strauss. I would have scored more in this series than him.
Don't anyone say they're missing key players. Jacob Oram, who's he? England cricket team? Dangerously close to an utter joke.
Now a waste of space. Woo! Win the Ashes in 2005 and spend the next three years being rubbish? No ta. Will someone a) take responsibility and b) get rid of Strauss. I would have scored more in this series than him.
Don't anyone say they're missing key players. Jacob Oram, who's he? England cricket team? Dangerously close to an utter joke.
11 March 2008
Musey Newsy
Le Sac Is Back
After bloodying the noses of the great and good with 2007’s salient singles Thou Shalt Always Kill and Beat That My Heart Skipped, Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip have channelled their finely tuned electro-pop into a debut album that will be hitting the shelves in May.
The Kids Are Growing Up
Tongues are already wagging about Black Kids since they first came across the pond, and it looks as if they’re making themselves at home over here. Not content with merely playing second fiddle to both Kate Nash and Sons and Daughters of late, it’s now time to up the ante and take the controls themselves as they prepare for their first UK headline tour
Massive Tour Is No Mystery
You wouldn’t believe it until you saw the size of it yourself – Mystery Jets are back with a big bang and are going on a huge bender to celebrate.
They Throw Parties, You Buy Tickets
Cardiff's darling own indie starlets Los Campesinos! are coming to a town near you after announcing that they'll be touring the nation in April. Admittedly five of the dates are in London, but a tour has been a long time coming so you should be grateful that the chance has fallen into your lap.
Bigger Names For Bigger Oxegen Festival
This year's Oxegen Festival is set to be the biggest and best ever, and one glance at some of the names on recently announced line-up will go some way to proving that. And not only that, for this year's event will be growing in size which means continuing on into a third day for the first time ever. How good are those organisers?
Grasshider
Famed for banging out the best in drum’n’bass across the nation, Radio 1 DJ Grooverider will now have to acquaint himself with the finer sounds of cell bars. The DJ – real name Raymond Bingham – has landed himself a four-year jail sentence in the United Arab Emirates after being arrested at Dubai Airport in November with some cannabis.
News jiffy.
After bloodying the noses of the great and good with 2007’s salient singles Thou Shalt Always Kill and Beat That My Heart Skipped, Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip have channelled their finely tuned electro-pop into a debut album that will be hitting the shelves in May.
The Kids Are Growing Up
Tongues are already wagging about Black Kids since they first came across the pond, and it looks as if they’re making themselves at home over here. Not content with merely playing second fiddle to both Kate Nash and Sons and Daughters of late, it’s now time to up the ante and take the controls themselves as they prepare for their first UK headline tour
Massive Tour Is No Mystery
You wouldn’t believe it until you saw the size of it yourself – Mystery Jets are back with a big bang and are going on a huge bender to celebrate.
They Throw Parties, You Buy Tickets
Cardiff's darling own indie starlets Los Campesinos! are coming to a town near you after announcing that they'll be touring the nation in April. Admittedly five of the dates are in London, but a tour has been a long time coming so you should be grateful that the chance has fallen into your lap.
Bigger Names For Bigger Oxegen Festival
This year's Oxegen Festival is set to be the biggest and best ever, and one glance at some of the names on recently announced line-up will go some way to proving that. And not only that, for this year's event will be growing in size which means continuing on into a third day for the first time ever. How good are those organisers?
Grasshider
Famed for banging out the best in drum’n’bass across the nation, Radio 1 DJ Grooverider will now have to acquaint himself with the finer sounds of cell bars. The DJ – real name Raymond Bingham – has landed himself a four-year jail sentence in the United Arab Emirates after being arrested at Dubai Airport in November with some cannabis.
News jiffy.
9 March 2008
FAO: English Cricket
1) The term 'building for the future' is rhetoric and most certainly not an excuse for this shower of shite being served up in Hamilton.
2) The mid-1990s was not a glorious spell for England's cricketing fortune. Trying to revive it now
for whatever reason, be it nostalgia or something, is not met with the approval of fans both here and on tour.
3) The idea of surrendering meekly is a French trait and in no way indicative of what used to be perceived of English grit and determination even if not slightly good. Stop being charitable.
4) Harden the fuck up.
2) The mid-1990s was not a glorious spell for England's cricketing fortune. Trying to revive it now
for whatever reason, be it nostalgia or something, is not met with the approval of fans both here and on tour.
3) The idea of surrendering meekly is a French trait and in no way indicative of what used to be perceived of English grit and determination even if not slightly good. Stop being charitable.
4) Harden the fuck up.
6 March 2008
Blogging the (Fake) Ashes 06/07 - 5th Test, Sydney
At the ground fondly remembered for some of Donald Bradman's greatest exploits, observers could have been forgiven for thinking England may take their foot off the gas and allow a way in for the Australians to steal in to regain some pride after the visitors regained the Ashes with victory in Melbourne last time out.
But that would be presuming wrong. In a series that has ultimately shown the England team to be at the very peak of their game, the icing on the cake was perhaps this victory at the SCG when the odds seemed to stacked against them at more than one point over the five days. And the manner in which the visitors secured the win demonstrated an urgency and confidence so delightful to see in Michael Vaughan's men.
It was a good pitch coming into the first day, and Australia rightly opted to bat after winning the toss. And it is fair to say that the Barmy Army may have felt this was the game in which the Aussies finally asserted themselves; something that hadn't happened much over the past few weeks. Jaques and Ponting hit quite brilliant tons, while Hayden fell six short in between, hanging the usually-potent England bowlers out to dry. Declaring on 457/3 in the circumstances was a tad generous on the visitors, what with Clarke set on 31 not out, and Symonds back in the team and looking to impose himself with the bat.
In reply, England struggled from the off. Cook fell early, and despite half centuries from Vaughan and Bell, 166-3 was not a score England wanted to be. That became 172-4 when Collingwood was dismissed cheaply but the much-needed rally came in the form of Pietersen and Hayman, two batsmen so dominant over the course of the series. Alas both fell short of centuries, Hayman becoming the start of an important spell of pressure from Hilfenhaus who accounted for entire lower order. Mustard made a decent cameo with 58 but the tail buckled and England were all out for 383. For the first time, England looked in trouble. Trailing by 74 runs, and facing the prospect of chasing on a fourth innings pitch, Australia could really pile on the pressure.
And for the first time this series, the hosts capitalised on their advantage. Both Jaques and Ponting again made centuries, as Australia motored to 377/2 before declaring with a lead of 451 at tea on the fourth day. Time was against whoever sought a result, and England could quite happily have tried to see out the draw, but that was never the intention. Yet, it could have gone horribly wrong and provided an undignified way to end an imperious campaign.
Cook fell before there was the chance to see out the end of day four, but not an event that made England reconsider their approach. Instead, Vaughan and Bell pushed on, sharing an incredible partnership of over 300 to see England to tea on day five needing just around 100 runs from the final session with nine wickets in hand. If only things were so simple...
Both Vaughan and Bell fell after tea, as did Collingwood and Pietersen without much trouble to the scorers. 332-1 became 339-4, and soon again to be 353-5. Hayman and Mustard came together and reignited the England charge with an hour's play remaining; the former hitting a 26-ball half century to dazzle the hosts. But the urgency got the better of the rookie and he holed out to Hayden and mid-on from Hilfenhaus' bowling. Flintoff came and went fairly quickly, leaving Hoggard and Harmison together on 446-8. Five was the required amount, but the tail has been less than fruitful with the bat on several occasions and nails were still being bitten.
But experienced heads saw England home to a third victory, a massive chase successfully completed, and a brilliant series brought to a close from a traveller's perspective. England retained the Urn in style, and left the Aussies questioning what would become of the new-look side. Well, they'd find out with the forthcoming CB Series, and before that, the Twenty20 match. Pride is still very much at stake down under.
Final series score: England 3-0 Australia (5)
But that would be presuming wrong. In a series that has ultimately shown the England team to be at the very peak of their game, the icing on the cake was perhaps this victory at the SCG when the odds seemed to stacked against them at more than one point over the five days. And the manner in which the visitors secured the win demonstrated an urgency and confidence so delightful to see in Michael Vaughan's men.
It was a good pitch coming into the first day, and Australia rightly opted to bat after winning the toss. And it is fair to say that the Barmy Army may have felt this was the game in which the Aussies finally asserted themselves; something that hadn't happened much over the past few weeks. Jaques and Ponting hit quite brilliant tons, while Hayden fell six short in between, hanging the usually-potent England bowlers out to dry. Declaring on 457/3 in the circumstances was a tad generous on the visitors, what with Clarke set on 31 not out, and Symonds back in the team and looking to impose himself with the bat.
In reply, England struggled from the off. Cook fell early, and despite half centuries from Vaughan and Bell, 166-3 was not a score England wanted to be. That became 172-4 when Collingwood was dismissed cheaply but the much-needed rally came in the form of Pietersen and Hayman, two batsmen so dominant over the course of the series. Alas both fell short of centuries, Hayman becoming the start of an important spell of pressure from Hilfenhaus who accounted for entire lower order. Mustard made a decent cameo with 58 but the tail buckled and England were all out for 383. For the first time, England looked in trouble. Trailing by 74 runs, and facing the prospect of chasing on a fourth innings pitch, Australia could really pile on the pressure.
And for the first time this series, the hosts capitalised on their advantage. Both Jaques and Ponting again made centuries, as Australia motored to 377/2 before declaring with a lead of 451 at tea on the fourth day. Time was against whoever sought a result, and England could quite happily have tried to see out the draw, but that was never the intention. Yet, it could have gone horribly wrong and provided an undignified way to end an imperious campaign.
Cook fell before there was the chance to see out the end of day four, but not an event that made England reconsider their approach. Instead, Vaughan and Bell pushed on, sharing an incredible partnership of over 300 to see England to tea on day five needing just around 100 runs from the final session with nine wickets in hand. If only things were so simple...
Both Vaughan and Bell fell after tea, as did Collingwood and Pietersen without much trouble to the scorers. 332-1 became 339-4, and soon again to be 353-5. Hayman and Mustard came together and reignited the England charge with an hour's play remaining; the former hitting a 26-ball half century to dazzle the hosts. But the urgency got the better of the rookie and he holed out to Hayden and mid-on from Hilfenhaus' bowling. Flintoff came and went fairly quickly, leaving Hoggard and Harmison together on 446-8. Five was the required amount, but the tail has been less than fruitful with the bat on several occasions and nails were still being bitten.
But experienced heads saw England home to a third victory, a massive chase successfully completed, and a brilliant series brought to a close from a traveller's perspective. England retained the Urn in style, and left the Aussies questioning what would become of the new-look side. Well, they'd find out with the forthcoming CB Series, and before that, the Twenty20 match. Pride is still very much at stake down under.
Final series score: England 3-0 Australia (5)
Blogging the (Fake) Ashes 06/07 - 4th Test, Melbourne
Firstly, a disclaimer. Given the reality of current events in NZ, with England's bowling attack looking terribly impotent at the best of times, a morale boost is required...
In one of the world's great sporting venues, England arrived for the traditional Boxing Day test knowing that anything other than an Australian win would guarantee that they would retain the Ashes - something that was beyond the dreams of some fans ahead of the series. And if the tourists had written a script with a glass half full beside them, they probably wouldn't have come to predicting the quite magnificent victory at the MCG that secured both the series with one to play, but also possession of the hallowed Urn until 2009.
The test couldn't have started in a less anti-climactic manner, with some uncharacteristically dismal weather that had contributed towards a rather damp pitch. It was no surprise, then, to see the visitors insert the Aussies into bat upon winning the toss and set about trying to restrict the hosts to a low score. And there were team changes to boot for both sides. For England, Hayman was pushed up the order after his fine form in the previous tests to open in place of Alistair Cook, who made way for an extra bowler in Ryan Sidebottom. Meanwhile the Aussies brought in Nathan Bracken at long last at the expense of Andrew Symonds, a puzzling decision considering Roy's ability with both bat and ball.
Under the grey skies on day one, Hayden and Jaques appeared to make a decent enough start for the hosts, sharing a opening stand of 55 before Harmison and Sidebottom removed them respectively after both men had made starts. Ricky Ponting again steadied the ship before become the first of what would be a marvellous fifer for Paul Collingwood on 44. Clarke, Hussey and Haddin all too got in and got out when more was perhaps promised, and England rattled through the tail to keep the Aussies down to 241 in poor conditions as Collingwood took 5-83.
England's response was stunted by a rain break in the late afternoon of day one and things weren't helped by the early dismissal of Hayman in single figures. Fortunately, Vaughan and Bell were imperious in getting on top of the new ball, and the England skipper was unlucky to be bowled by Gillespie on 45. Bell, and then Pietersen earned half centuries in a scorecard that saw little of note after that except for Flintoff's unbeaten 41. With just 301 on the board come the end of the England innings, the visitors may have felt slightly disappointed that all they gained was a lead of 60.
And that lead was wiped out without much fuss in the Australian second innings by Hayden and Jaques before a bizarre run out cost the wicket of Hayden. Jaques followed very soon after, as did Ponting as Australia slipped from 62-0 to 73-3. Michael Clarke provided a foundation for recovery posting 62 but after Hussey fell to Collingwood for 27, little support was offered to Clarke. He fell, leaving the hosts on 193-7, a precarious position for them, and one not helped as Collingwood wrapped up the innings by removing Lee and MacGill without conceding a run. It was an effort that saw Australia rather stagger their way to a mere 200, a lead of just 140. And with two days left, there was definitely going to be a result.
Yet again, hearts pounded as they did in 2005 at Trent Bridge as England sought victory. Hayman hit a quick fire 30 before a needless dismissal saw him depart at 43-1. Vaughan too made 30, albeit more measured, at the score on 90. By now, it appeared England could not throw this away. But both Bell and Pietersen fell looking to push things on quicker than necessary, an example of impetuosity at a time when England could have taken as much time as they liked. It was the approach that saw Collingwood guide England home with Flintoff largely a spectator before hitting the winning runs with a boundary to send the Barmy Army into raptures.
Australia now travel to Sydney playing for pride only, but England may seek to maintain the momentum ahead of the CB one-day series after the tests come to a close. And what could be better than the promise to rack up a third victory and humiliate the Aussies in their own back yard.
Series score: England 2-0 Australia (4)
In one of the world's great sporting venues, England arrived for the traditional Boxing Day test knowing that anything other than an Australian win would guarantee that they would retain the Ashes - something that was beyond the dreams of some fans ahead of the series. And if the tourists had written a script with a glass half full beside them, they probably wouldn't have come to predicting the quite magnificent victory at the MCG that secured both the series with one to play, but also possession of the hallowed Urn until 2009.
The test couldn't have started in a less anti-climactic manner, with some uncharacteristically dismal weather that had contributed towards a rather damp pitch. It was no surprise, then, to see the visitors insert the Aussies into bat upon winning the toss and set about trying to restrict the hosts to a low score. And there were team changes to boot for both sides. For England, Hayman was pushed up the order after his fine form in the previous tests to open in place of Alistair Cook, who made way for an extra bowler in Ryan Sidebottom. Meanwhile the Aussies brought in Nathan Bracken at long last at the expense of Andrew Symonds, a puzzling decision considering Roy's ability with both bat and ball.
Under the grey skies on day one, Hayden and Jaques appeared to make a decent enough start for the hosts, sharing a opening stand of 55 before Harmison and Sidebottom removed them respectively after both men had made starts. Ricky Ponting again steadied the ship before become the first of what would be a marvellous fifer for Paul Collingwood on 44. Clarke, Hussey and Haddin all too got in and got out when more was perhaps promised, and England rattled through the tail to keep the Aussies down to 241 in poor conditions as Collingwood took 5-83.
England's response was stunted by a rain break in the late afternoon of day one and things weren't helped by the early dismissal of Hayman in single figures. Fortunately, Vaughan and Bell were imperious in getting on top of the new ball, and the England skipper was unlucky to be bowled by Gillespie on 45. Bell, and then Pietersen earned half centuries in a scorecard that saw little of note after that except for Flintoff's unbeaten 41. With just 301 on the board come the end of the England innings, the visitors may have felt slightly disappointed that all they gained was a lead of 60.
And that lead was wiped out without much fuss in the Australian second innings by Hayden and Jaques before a bizarre run out cost the wicket of Hayden. Jaques followed very soon after, as did Ponting as Australia slipped from 62-0 to 73-3. Michael Clarke provided a foundation for recovery posting 62 but after Hussey fell to Collingwood for 27, little support was offered to Clarke. He fell, leaving the hosts on 193-7, a precarious position for them, and one not helped as Collingwood wrapped up the innings by removing Lee and MacGill without conceding a run. It was an effort that saw Australia rather stagger their way to a mere 200, a lead of just 140. And with two days left, there was definitely going to be a result.
Yet again, hearts pounded as they did in 2005 at Trent Bridge as England sought victory. Hayman hit a quick fire 30 before a needless dismissal saw him depart at 43-1. Vaughan too made 30, albeit more measured, at the score on 90. By now, it appeared England could not throw this away. But both Bell and Pietersen fell looking to push things on quicker than necessary, an example of impetuosity at a time when England could have taken as much time as they liked. It was the approach that saw Collingwood guide England home with Flintoff largely a spectator before hitting the winning runs with a boundary to send the Barmy Army into raptures.
Australia now travel to Sydney playing for pride only, but England may seek to maintain the momentum ahead of the CB one-day series after the tests come to a close. And what could be better than the promise to rack up a third victory and humiliate the Aussies in their own back yard.
Series score: England 2-0 Australia (4)
5 March 2008
Blogging the (Fake) Ashes 06/07 - 3rd Test, Perth
England arrived in Perth understandably buoyant having taken a one-nil lead in the series at Adelaide. But at the same time, the pressure would be on to make sure that the advantage wasn't squandered. And for the third consecutive game, the visitors were able to field an unchanged team, meaning Andrew Strauss was still unable to force his way into the team.
On a hard, bouncy track, England would have taken great comfort from winning the toss and being given the chance to put some runs on the board having opted to bat first. But it couldn't have started any badly as Brett Lee continued his new-found form from Adelaide and removed both Cook and Vaughan to leave the tourists on 6-2. As Kevin Pietersen settled in and found his rhythm fairly quickly, both Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood also fell before England had reached 100. It was looking as if England's series lead was severely under threat, with a score less than 300 being unacceptable.
As Hayman teamed up with Pietersen, another epic partnership involving the rookie followed - this time a combined of 209 with both men reaching hundreds. Phil Mustard chipped in with a valuable 62 before England fell to 390-9, still short of an ideal score. Finally, however, the tail wagged with Panesar and Harmison adding 51 to the score to leave England on 441.
The Australian response was the most assured it had been all series. Even though Ponting and Clarke failed by their high standards, Hayden's 121 and an unbeaten 91 for Haddin powered the hosts onto 463 and a first innings lead of 22. Flintoff did most of the damage for England with figures of 4-71, and provided the visitors could bat competently in the second innings, a draw was fast becoming the most probable outcome.
And it was contributions all round that boosted England second time out as Cook, Pietersen and Collingwood all fell agonisingly short of half centuries, while Vaughan holed out on 98. But yet again there was a century for Hayman before Flintoff came in and added 66 to push England further towards their eventual resting point of 439. With the hosts requiring over 400 for victory on a worsening pitch with two and a half sessions to get there, it was an outcome that would not come to pass. The question was whether England could force yet another remarkable victory.
Alas no. Battling half centuries from Jaques, Hayden and the unbeaten Ponting kept Australia well and truly alive for the draw despite a fantastic spell of bowling from Paul Collingwood. The medium pacer managed to take 3-35 including ducks for Clarke and Symonds but it was in vain as Australia made the end of the match on 195/4 to keep their chances alive of turning things around in the series.
England will take heart from their batting but will look to be more clinical with the ball at Melbourne on Boxing Day. The bottom line, however, is that anything less than an Aussie win at the MCG will mean that England take the Urn back with them in the New Year, and that is a very relishing prospect.
Series score: England 1-0 Australia (3)
On a hard, bouncy track, England would have taken great comfort from winning the toss and being given the chance to put some runs on the board having opted to bat first. But it couldn't have started any badly as Brett Lee continued his new-found form from Adelaide and removed both Cook and Vaughan to leave the tourists on 6-2. As Kevin Pietersen settled in and found his rhythm fairly quickly, both Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood also fell before England had reached 100. It was looking as if England's series lead was severely under threat, with a score less than 300 being unacceptable.
As Hayman teamed up with Pietersen, another epic partnership involving the rookie followed - this time a combined of 209 with both men reaching hundreds. Phil Mustard chipped in with a valuable 62 before England fell to 390-9, still short of an ideal score. Finally, however, the tail wagged with Panesar and Harmison adding 51 to the score to leave England on 441.
The Australian response was the most assured it had been all series. Even though Ponting and Clarke failed by their high standards, Hayden's 121 and an unbeaten 91 for Haddin powered the hosts onto 463 and a first innings lead of 22. Flintoff did most of the damage for England with figures of 4-71, and provided the visitors could bat competently in the second innings, a draw was fast becoming the most probable outcome.
And it was contributions all round that boosted England second time out as Cook, Pietersen and Collingwood all fell agonisingly short of half centuries, while Vaughan holed out on 98. But yet again there was a century for Hayman before Flintoff came in and added 66 to push England further towards their eventual resting point of 439. With the hosts requiring over 400 for victory on a worsening pitch with two and a half sessions to get there, it was an outcome that would not come to pass. The question was whether England could force yet another remarkable victory.
Alas no. Battling half centuries from Jaques, Hayden and the unbeaten Ponting kept Australia well and truly alive for the draw despite a fantastic spell of bowling from Paul Collingwood. The medium pacer managed to take 3-35 including ducks for Clarke and Symonds but it was in vain as Australia made the end of the match on 195/4 to keep their chances alive of turning things around in the series.
England will take heart from their batting but will look to be more clinical with the ball at Melbourne on Boxing Day. The bottom line, however, is that anything less than an Aussie win at the MCG will mean that England take the Urn back with them in the New Year, and that is a very relishing prospect.
Series score: England 1-0 Australia (3)
3 March 2008
Happiness is...
Fuck search engine optimisation.
Here's a story that makes me feel all warm inside. Listen up indie clones, this is how it's done...
"Won me a mocking bird..."
Here's a story that makes me feel all warm inside. Listen up indie clones, this is how it's done...
"Won me a mocking bird..."
Blogging the (Fake) Ashes 06/07 - 2nd Test, Adelaide
After narrowly missing out on what would have been a remarkable victory in Brisbane, some England supporters may have been forgiven for thinking that there was a sniff of a possibility of a chance of taking a series win in Australia. But at the same time, was the near miss going to lull the tourists into a false sense of security? What better way to test the resolve and credentials of the English than to get straight back into the action in Adelaide.
And what a result it proved to be. If a draw in the first test was a great result, then this victory must have exceeded all expectations and then the wildest dreams of England fans. And much of the credit for the win probably has to go to a quite literally fantastic 300 first innings partnership between Andrew Flintoff and the rookie Hayman. And there was a valuable contribution from Steve Harmison just when it was required.
Australia never looked settled after opting to bat first and quickly lost Jaques and Ponting to leave the score at 46-2. But Hayden and Clarke came together to strengthen the hosts' cause, although both missed out on milestones with 49 and 98 respectively. Symonds added a half century but there was little else but the cameo 25 from Brett Lee as English pace-men rattled through the last six wickets for 61 runs; Harmison with 4-70 and Flintoff picking up 3-73 as Australia staggered to 302.
Frustratingly, in response, England stuttered and were already staring down the barrel at 62-5 with Vaughan and Bell both getting out to dismal run outs. Gillespie took Pietersen and Collingwood out of the action with neither of the two batsmen breaking into double figures. So when England hauled themselves to 135 before Mustard fell, there was only once chance left to make an impression. And my, what an impression was made. Not a wicket fell for the next 300 runs as Hayman followed up an impressive start in Brisbane with an even better 209 here, ably assisted by Freddie Flintoff who made it to 141 before falling to Gillespie. The last three wickets fell cheaply but courtesy of what must be a record 7th-wicket stand for England (I haven't checked Wisden), the visitors found themselves looking mighty at 457, possessing a first innings lead of 155.
In Australia's response, they cancelled out the deficit with the loss of two wickets, but then batsmen started to fall around the imperious Ricky Ponting. When the captain eventually went for 114, bowled by Hayman, only Andrew Symonds offered any resistance finishing unbeaten on 32 as England mopped up the tail. Australia had once again staggered to a stop, and their tally of 304 this time around meant that England required just 150 for victory. Three wickets collected by Harmison, Panesar and Hayman second time out.
Anyone who remembered the 4th Test at Trent Bridge in 2005 may have thought that it could be a bridge to far for a fledgling England team. After all, Brett Lee had to come to the party at some point, and boy, did he. After a solid start for England, Lee accounted for both Cook and Bell in the space of two runs. Yet, at the other end, England were afforded freedom, and it was duly taken by a man you can't give much room to - Kevin Pietersen. With Vaughan, they established a 50 partnership although they became over-zealous in trying to secure the victory. Vaughan went for 44 trying to hoik MacGill over long-off only to miss the flight and lose his bails, while Pietersen holed out in an undignified manner to Hayden off Lee at mid-on for 58.
But by this point there was no real worry for England, with the score at 142-4. The eight runs needed for victory were duly taken by Collingwood (13) and Hayman (1) to secure a fantastic victory and one that continued England's rise in the ascendency. Brett Lee finished with 3-75 in the end, a decent effort considering the circumstances, and perhaps now starting to find ominous form. Next, it's onto Perth and England will be looking to continue their good run of form - a win in Western Australia would guarantee that England retain the Ashes.
Series score: England 1-0 Australia (2)
And what a result it proved to be. If a draw in the first test was a great result, then this victory must have exceeded all expectations and then the wildest dreams of England fans. And much of the credit for the win probably has to go to a quite literally fantastic 300 first innings partnership between Andrew Flintoff and the rookie Hayman. And there was a valuable contribution from Steve Harmison just when it was required.
Australia never looked settled after opting to bat first and quickly lost Jaques and Ponting to leave the score at 46-2. But Hayden and Clarke came together to strengthen the hosts' cause, although both missed out on milestones with 49 and 98 respectively. Symonds added a half century but there was little else but the cameo 25 from Brett Lee as English pace-men rattled through the last six wickets for 61 runs; Harmison with 4-70 and Flintoff picking up 3-73 as Australia staggered to 302.
Frustratingly, in response, England stuttered and were already staring down the barrel at 62-5 with Vaughan and Bell both getting out to dismal run outs. Gillespie took Pietersen and Collingwood out of the action with neither of the two batsmen breaking into double figures. So when England hauled themselves to 135 before Mustard fell, there was only once chance left to make an impression. And my, what an impression was made. Not a wicket fell for the next 300 runs as Hayman followed up an impressive start in Brisbane with an even better 209 here, ably assisted by Freddie Flintoff who made it to 141 before falling to Gillespie. The last three wickets fell cheaply but courtesy of what must be a record 7th-wicket stand for England (I haven't checked Wisden), the visitors found themselves looking mighty at 457, possessing a first innings lead of 155.
In Australia's response, they cancelled out the deficit with the loss of two wickets, but then batsmen started to fall around the imperious Ricky Ponting. When the captain eventually went for 114, bowled by Hayman, only Andrew Symonds offered any resistance finishing unbeaten on 32 as England mopped up the tail. Australia had once again staggered to a stop, and their tally of 304 this time around meant that England required just 150 for victory. Three wickets collected by Harmison, Panesar and Hayman second time out.
Anyone who remembered the 4th Test at Trent Bridge in 2005 may have thought that it could be a bridge to far for a fledgling England team. After all, Brett Lee had to come to the party at some point, and boy, did he. After a solid start for England, Lee accounted for both Cook and Bell in the space of two runs. Yet, at the other end, England were afforded freedom, and it was duly taken by a man you can't give much room to - Kevin Pietersen. With Vaughan, they established a 50 partnership although they became over-zealous in trying to secure the victory. Vaughan went for 44 trying to hoik MacGill over long-off only to miss the flight and lose his bails, while Pietersen holed out in an undignified manner to Hayden off Lee at mid-on for 58.
But by this point there was no real worry for England, with the score at 142-4. The eight runs needed for victory were duly taken by Collingwood (13) and Hayman (1) to secure a fantastic victory and one that continued England's rise in the ascendency. Brett Lee finished with 3-75 in the end, a decent effort considering the circumstances, and perhaps now starting to find ominous form. Next, it's onto Perth and England will be looking to continue their good run of form - a win in Western Australia would guarantee that England retain the Ashes.
Series score: England 1-0 Australia (2)
1 March 2008
Blogging the (Fake) Ashes 06/07 - 1st Test, Brisbane
Isn't this what all cricketing fans would have been waiting for? After the fireworks in England during the hacienda summer of 2005, England went halfway around the world in search of a first series win Down Under for the best part of two decades, and going out there was a fairly inexperienced squad. But similarly, the Aussies had upheavals to deal with, and their old guard of Warne and McGrath were no longer around to torment the England batsmen.
England team to face Australia: Vaughan (c), Cook, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Hayman, Mustard (wk), Flintoff, Hoggard, Harmison, Panesar
Australia team to face England: Jaques, Hayden, Ponting (c), Clarke, Hussey, Symonds, Haddin (wk), Hilfenhaus, Lee, Gillespie, MacGill
Probably the biggest surprise to you, dear reader, is the self-indulgent inclusion of all-rounder Hayman. But that aside, Strauss didn't earn a starting berth, leaving Vaughan to open the innings alongside Cook. Surprisingly for Australia, Hilfenhaus was preferred to left-handed paceman Nathan Bracken, but that's not my fault.
Toss won by Australia, and somewhat strange on a decent Brisbane track England were inserted into bat to get the proceedings off to a start. Far better than the Harmison delivery to gully eh? And England enjoyed a fairly solid opening, with both Cook and Vaughan surviving the early ball to notch up a 100 partnership before the first wicket fell without the score advancing any further into three figures, as it was left to Stuart MacGill to remove the England captain for 51. Cook soon fell for 69, and Pietersen could only muster three runs, but the tourists managed to get themselves to a respectable 295-4 when Collingwood fell for 68. Ian Bell racked up the first century of the tour, while Flintoff also hit a half century as the tail fell apart around him leaving England five runs shy of a psychologically-boosting 400.
But the main worry for England was the fact that already a spinner had done the damage, with MacGill taking seven scalps for 100 runs. Yet if it was a worry, then Monty Panesar did enough to ease the minds of England chiefs. In their first innings reply, Australia were restricted to 401, not the run-fest England bowlers may have had to endure although Ricky Ponting ended not out on 166. Panesar took four wickets for 99 runs while Hayman, Hoggard and Harmison took two apiece.
England, just six runs behind going into the second innings, made another assured start with Cook and Vaughan sharing 110 together before valuable contributions through to Andrew Flintoff boosting the England score. None more so than the maiden test century for Hayman, but while the tail enders of Hoggard, Harmison and Panesar upped their score, neither got out of single figures. But, for Panesar, it was another not out for him. And this time it was Hilfenhaus who did the major damage, taking 6-114 whereas the elder statesmen now, Lee and Gillespie, were struggling to contain the batsmen.
Australia then entered the fourth innings requiring 398 for victory, needing the runs in just one day's play. Not a formality, but not exactly unattainable... or so they may have believed. Any thoughts of a home victory had to be abandoned once Monty Panesar had single-handedly reduced the hosts to 60/3 before the spinner teamed up with Harmison and Flintoff to rattle through Australian wickets to leave the score on a perilous 203/8 with two overs left. Hussey was hanging in there, but was off strike for Panesar's last over of the game. And with the first ball of the penultimate over, a chance to pouch Gillespie was spurned by Pietersen. Although the wicket came four balls later (KP off Panesar), Hussey was left to face the last over of the game and assuredly defended.
So, shades of the 2005 Old Trafford test reminded the Aussies that the English meant business, and the visitors were aggrieved not to have secured the win. But the chance will come again as Adelaide awaits next time out.
Series score: England 0-0 Australia (1)
England team to face Australia: Vaughan (c), Cook, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Hayman, Mustard (wk), Flintoff, Hoggard, Harmison, Panesar
Australia team to face England: Jaques, Hayden, Ponting (c), Clarke, Hussey, Symonds, Haddin (wk), Hilfenhaus, Lee, Gillespie, MacGill
Probably the biggest surprise to you, dear reader, is the self-indulgent inclusion of all-rounder Hayman. But that aside, Strauss didn't earn a starting berth, leaving Vaughan to open the innings alongside Cook. Surprisingly for Australia, Hilfenhaus was preferred to left-handed paceman Nathan Bracken, but that's not my fault.
Toss won by Australia, and somewhat strange on a decent Brisbane track England were inserted into bat to get the proceedings off to a start. Far better than the Harmison delivery to gully eh? And England enjoyed a fairly solid opening, with both Cook and Vaughan surviving the early ball to notch up a 100 partnership before the first wicket fell without the score advancing any further into three figures, as it was left to Stuart MacGill to remove the England captain for 51. Cook soon fell for 69, and Pietersen could only muster three runs, but the tourists managed to get themselves to a respectable 295-4 when Collingwood fell for 68. Ian Bell racked up the first century of the tour, while Flintoff also hit a half century as the tail fell apart around him leaving England five runs shy of a psychologically-boosting 400.
But the main worry for England was the fact that already a spinner had done the damage, with MacGill taking seven scalps for 100 runs. Yet if it was a worry, then Monty Panesar did enough to ease the minds of England chiefs. In their first innings reply, Australia were restricted to 401, not the run-fest England bowlers may have had to endure although Ricky Ponting ended not out on 166. Panesar took four wickets for 99 runs while Hayman, Hoggard and Harmison took two apiece.
England, just six runs behind going into the second innings, made another assured start with Cook and Vaughan sharing 110 together before valuable contributions through to Andrew Flintoff boosting the England score. None more so than the maiden test century for Hayman, but while the tail enders of Hoggard, Harmison and Panesar upped their score, neither got out of single figures. But, for Panesar, it was another not out for him. And this time it was Hilfenhaus who did the major damage, taking 6-114 whereas the elder statesmen now, Lee and Gillespie, were struggling to contain the batsmen.
Australia then entered the fourth innings requiring 398 for victory, needing the runs in just one day's play. Not a formality, but not exactly unattainable... or so they may have believed. Any thoughts of a home victory had to be abandoned once Monty Panesar had single-handedly reduced the hosts to 60/3 before the spinner teamed up with Harmison and Flintoff to rattle through Australian wickets to leave the score on a perilous 203/8 with two overs left. Hussey was hanging in there, but was off strike for Panesar's last over of the game. And with the first ball of the penultimate over, a chance to pouch Gillespie was spurned by Pietersen. Although the wicket came four balls later (KP off Panesar), Hussey was left to face the last over of the game and assuredly defended.
So, shades of the 2005 Old Trafford test reminded the Aussies that the English meant business, and the visitors were aggrieved not to have secured the win. But the chance will come again as Adelaide awaits next time out.
Series score: England 0-0 Australia (1)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)