Ashes 4th Test Day 1: Warne takes 5-for to go past 700
The guy that writes Warne's script was churning out page after page today as he took 5 for 39 in dismissing England for 159. It was his first 5-for in the series and came on a Day 1 pitch where the conditions heavily favoured the seamers. Flintoff won the toss and made the risky move of batting in murky conditions. The situation was tailor-made for Glenn McGrath who was moving the ball off the seam so sharply, Cook and Strauss weren't even able to nick the ball. Eventually, Cook was unlucky to edge a ball from Lee while trying to withdraw the bat. Lee was so excited to take a wicket, he brought back the chainsaw celebration.
Ponting delayed bringing Warne back into the attack. Perhaps Warne was waiting till the ground was completely full - the wet conditions meant the crowd didn't quite meet the expected record attendance. When Warne finally came into the attack, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Also standing were an army of security guards who marched into position around the boundary. It took Warne 3 overs to take the historic 700th wicket as he cleanbowled Andrew Strauss. Fittingly, they cut to Ray Martin applauding in the crowd - one of the few Australian celebrities whose hair is more artificial than Warne's.
The wickets fell with regularity and Kevin Pietersen was again stranded with the lengthy English tail. The selectors finally managed to make the obvious call to select Chris Read over Geraint Jones and Monty Panesar over Ashley Giles. But I'm wondering why they still hide their best batsman at #5. All it succeeds in doing is providing Australia with their only way of dismissing him - out slogging in desperation with a #11 at the other end. In the end, Flintoff made a bad call and Australia bowled well in good bowling conditions. Even Symonds moved it around dangerously. In contrast, the Australian fielding was not as sharp as earlier in the series. Gilchrist dropped two chances and missed a regulation stumping when Kevin Pietersen ran halfway down the pitch to Warne. Hayden also dropped a sitter off Strauss at gully. Fortunately England failed to take advantage of the numerous chances and were bundled for 159.
Hayden and Langer came out and immediately went the tonk, looking to open up a few scars in the England psyche that might be exploited in 2009. However, Flintoff showed he was still a force to be reckoned with, having Langer caught behind in the 2nd last over of the day. Next ball, he induced a nick from nightwatchman Brett Lee to be on a hattrick. Ponting came out and defused the hattrick ball which flew harmlessly down the legside. Australia made it to stumps on 2 for 48.
So England are in a vulnerable position but with plenty of juice left in the pitch, there's always a chance they can get back in the match if Flintoff's bowlers can back him up. It's time for Harmison to earn his pay for the tour.
| Posted by JC on Tue 26 Dec |  3 comments |
England unlucky not to have Australia on the ropes -- very hard done by with the LBW decisions against Hayden.
Having said that, to paraphrase Peter Roebuck at his best a few weeks ago, calamity dogs the feeble. Totally agree with you and Ian Chappel that Pietersen should be higher up the order. You know your side is up poop creek without a paddle when Harmood and Warne are opposite numbers on the batting order.
Posted by TA on 2006-12-26 20:23:56
Having said that, to paraphrase Peter Roebuck at his best a few weeks ago, calamity dogs the feeble. Totally agree with you and Ian Chappel that Pietersen should be higher up the order. You know your side is up poop creek without a paddle when Harmood and Warne are opposite numbers on the batting order.
Posted by TA on 2006-12-26 20:23:56
Pietersen @ 4? He is no Steve Waugh or Allan Border, who could both bat with the tail. He refuses to turn the strike over to take the brunt of the bowling, rather leaving it to the bowlers to face the music. Classic example yesterday of Pietersen taking McGrath and leaving the bowlers with Warne. He must have thought the McGrath was going to harm them at 122kph? With Pietersens current mindset, I am wondering exactly where in the top order would actually suit him? That is of course after England actually plump for a 'batsman' @ 6 and drop Flintoff to 7, the highest he should be. It should be remembered that Botham never batted above 7 and made 14 test centuries. Freddie is no Botham, rather a bowler who bats (when it suits him)
Posted by Ian on 2006-12-27 09:20:48
Posted by Ian on 2006-12-27 09:20:48
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