Pigeon drops the first Tri-Series 2007 Final
When I heard the news that a hamstrung Michael Vaughan had flown home, I lost all hope of a competitive final series. However, the Tri-Series is well and truly alive as England sensationally won a thrilling first Tri-Series final by 4 wickets. Matt Hayden and Ricky Ponting built a solid foundation for the Australian innings. Hayden is going great guns at the moment, locking in his opening spot for the World Cup and beyond. Funny to think his ODI career may have been over if not for a Daniel Vettori drop earlier this season.
Ponting and Hayden were dominant, taking us to 1 for 170 at the 30 over mark. According to the theory, Australia should've doubled their score at that point to reach 340, particularly with so many wickets in hand. However, a middle-order collapse becalmed Australia's innings, exposing a frail middle order without Andrew Symonds. The worst dismissal was Michael Clarke's run out, half heartedly reaching for the crease reminiscent of Damien Martyn's lazy runout in the 2005 Ashes. I still haven't forgiven Martyn for his lapse - fortunately the stakes in this game weren't quite so high (but still pretty high). The last 6 wickets fell for 23 runs with Australia all out for a well under par 252.
England's innings started disastrously, losing 3 early wickets (although Noye was robbed, Daryl Harper gave an awful LBW decision). England's form batsmen (relatively speaking) Collingwood and Bell steadied and Collingwood even started charging McGrath, Pietersen style. Fortunately it worked better for him, culminating in a straight six straight over Pigeon's head. A key moment occured when Pigeon (aka Old Man River) dropped Bell early in his innings. It was a situation similar to Adelaide Day 2. The batting side lost early wickets, looked in danger, a key batsman pulled to deep square leg where the ball was dropped and the batsman went on to score a key innings.
However, England's big hero was Collingwood who reached 120 not out (and pulled off two direct hit run-outs during Australia's innings). At Sydney, Warnie sledged him about receiving an MBE for only scoring 7 runs. After Collingwood's consecutive centuries helping England qualify for then winning the first final, he may just have his MBE upgraded to an OBE. When Bell was bowled by a searing Brett Lee yorker, a scratchy Flintoff came in and somehow eked out 35 off 36 including a six off Hodge. Eventually Watson had him caught behind (Watson's only highlight of the night conceding 50 runs and scoring 9). Dalrymple was run out shortly afterwards but the plucky Nixon offered good support for Collingwood and saw England home with 3 balls to spare.
What a turn around for England (and so much for my theory of punishing England before they leave our shores). They showed great character to pin Australia back from 1 for 170 and also rally when quavering at 3 for 15. Just to demonstrate how pathetic I am, I had a dream last night where I was playing cricket for Australia and Collingwood scored a double century against us. I also dropped a catch so maybe I was channelling Glenn McGrath. Hopefully I'll dream of a 2nd finals win on Saturday night!
| Posted by JC on Fri 9 Feb |  19 comments |
So it's your fault.
Posted by TA on 2007-02-09 22:53:36
Posted by TA on 2007-02-09 22:53:36
I commented a while back that we were playing mediocre cricket against mediocre opposition. We are still playing ordinary cricket, but against vastly improved opposition. As Ian Chappell pointed out, there have been four teams playing in this tri-series; Australia, NZ, England (bad) and England (good).
By the look of the English dressing room area after the winning runs were scored, you'd think they'd won the World Cup, or retained the Ashes, such was there obvious delight. But in a summer of disappointments, I suppose that is understandable.
A couple of observations about Australia from today's game.
McGrath's dropped catch was a shocker, but not nearly as bad as his carry-on for hours afterwards. That sooky, infantile behaviour from a senior member of the side is a bad example to set.
Secondly, I felt for the newcomers to the side, namely Hogg and Watso. Both were rusty as hell and on a hiding to nothing. Just why the selectors start experimenting with the team line up in Game 1 of the finals is beyond me.
A good game though. Hope Australia wins on Sunday and we have a thrilling finale to the season in Adelaide.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-02-09 23:05:36
By the look of the English dressing room area after the winning runs were scored, you'd think they'd won the World Cup, or retained the Ashes, such was there obvious delight. But in a summer of disappointments, I suppose that is understandable.
A couple of observations about Australia from today's game.
McGrath's dropped catch was a shocker, but not nearly as bad as his carry-on for hours afterwards. That sooky, infantile behaviour from a senior member of the side is a bad example to set.
Secondly, I felt for the newcomers to the side, namely Hogg and Watso. Both were rusty as hell and on a hiding to nothing. Just why the selectors start experimenting with the team line up in Game 1 of the finals is beyond me.
A good game though. Hope Australia wins on Sunday and we have a thrilling finale to the season in Adelaide.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-02-09 23:05:36
If the Poms win either of the two remaining Finals, I think the whole team will be awarded knighthoods.
Sir Paul Nixon has a nice sound to it.
Posted by jethro on 2007-02-09 23:17:44
Sir Paul Nixon has a nice sound to it.
Posted by jethro on 2007-02-09 23:17:44
Forget Knighthoods everyone gets a GCMGs (God Calls Me God) straight away.
Posted by Jon the Pom on 2007-02-10 01:32:55
Posted by Jon the Pom on 2007-02-10 01:32:55
At Edgbaston, that run out of a lazy Martyn, the catch at short fine leg of a lazy Ponting tug around the corner, and Hayden caught at short mid off from a lazy first ball drive defined our Ashes campaign in 2005.
First Ponting hands them the initiative by sending them in, then we compound it by playing lazy, smug cricket.
Bastards!
Posted by Tony.T on 2007-02-10 09:51:33
First Ponting hands them the initiative by sending them in, then we compound it by playing lazy, smug cricket.
Bastards!
Posted by Tony.T on 2007-02-10 09:51:33
I don't think even a 5-nil whitewash can take away the pain of 2005. We need a couple more whitewashes, I think, just to be sure!
Posted by JC on 2007-02-10 10:23:19
Posted by JC on 2007-02-10 10:23:19
In fifty plus years will people recall the 5 zip Ashes whitewash, or the fact that England finally came good in the Tri-Series finals?
Tony T recalling vividly some Ashes moments of 2005 had me wondering; just what do we remember about one day games. There are so many of them that they seem to run into one another and most are highly forgettable.
I can recall specific moments, like;
Ponting's hundred in the last World Cup final.
Symonds' brutal ton against the Pakistanis in the same competition.
Bevan's heroics.
Some great catches, like Steve Waugh at night at the MCG near the sightscreeen.
But given that thousands of these matches have been crammed into our lives over the last few decades, memories are relatively light on.
Or is that just me and my advancing years!!
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-02-10 11:04:56
Tony T recalling vividly some Ashes moments of 2005 had me wondering; just what do we remember about one day games. There are so many of them that they seem to run into one another and most are highly forgettable.
I can recall specific moments, like;
Ponting's hundred in the last World Cup final.
Symonds' brutal ton against the Pakistanis in the same competition.
Bevan's heroics.
Some great catches, like Steve Waugh at night at the MCG near the sightscreeen.
But given that thousands of these matches have been crammed into our lives over the last few decades, memories are relatively light on.
Or is that just me and my advancing years!!
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-02-10 11:04:56
Did Australia play badly? Not really - they were 170-odd for 1 and then had England 15 for 3 (well 1 actually as Loye patently wasnt out and Strauss nicked his).
Did England play very, very well?
Yes, it was the kind of performance that would have had the bloggers on this site waxing lyrical about 'fighting aussie spirit' and 'embarrasing Poms' etc.
Ca't really beleive the one-eyed nature of the blogs here. Not one of you has mentioned the fact that England played great and that Colly's hundred was one of the great one day innings.
It is not Australia's right to win and frankly the last blog (i.e. do we really care about ODI's etc.) smacks of sour grapes.
All I'm asking gents is that you give credit where credit is due. We've beaten you twice now, and yes you're still the best side in the world. But the truly great are humble as well (Federer et al). Not something you could say about this Aussie side (I didn't hear Ponting talking about how well England played - just how his own side have to improve).
I know this is an Aussie blog and that I'll probably cop a load of flak for this, but folks...we're all cricket fans after all.
Posted by jim ribbans on 2007-02-10 16:19:08
Did England play very, very well?
Yes, it was the kind of performance that would have had the bloggers on this site waxing lyrical about 'fighting aussie spirit' and 'embarrasing Poms' etc.
Ca't really beleive the one-eyed nature of the blogs here. Not one of you has mentioned the fact that England played great and that Colly's hundred was one of the great one day innings.
It is not Australia's right to win and frankly the last blog (i.e. do we really care about ODI's etc.) smacks of sour grapes.
All I'm asking gents is that you give credit where credit is due. We've beaten you twice now, and yes you're still the best side in the world. But the truly great are humble as well (Federer et al). Not something you could say about this Aussie side (I didn't hear Ponting talking about how well England played - just how his own side have to improve).
I know this is an Aussie blog and that I'll probably cop a load of flak for this, but folks...we're all cricket fans after all.
Posted by jim ribbans on 2007-02-10 16:19:08
Oh and Dan....if the only ODI moments you can recall are Aussies performing, you're probably not really a cricket fan.
What about Jayasuriya at the 1996 world cup?
Wasim Akram's two wickets in two balls against England in 1992?
Flem's hundred against South Africa in 2003?
Or did you not watch those because 'the boys in green and gold weren't playing'?
Posted by jim ribbans on 2007-02-10 16:27:01
What about Jayasuriya at the 1996 world cup?
Wasim Akram's two wickets in two balls against England in 1992?
Flem's hundred against South Africa in 2003?
Or did you not watch those because 'the boys in green and gold weren't playing'?
Posted by jim ribbans on 2007-02-10 16:27:01
To even the scales, I would regard Chris Cairns ODI 100 odd v SA @ the Gabba in '02 as one of the best I've personally seen.
Hold your breath Jim as one day a genuine replacement for Ian Botham (whom I also watched at the Gabba when he played for Qld in the '80s) will come along.
Andrew Flintoff has proved once again to me that he is a very good bowler who sometimes can bat.
p.s currently Tait none for fruit v Qld
Posted by Ian on 2007-02-10 16:44:13
Hold your breath Jim as one day a genuine replacement for Ian Botham (whom I also watched at the Gabba when he played for Qld in the '80s) will come along.
Andrew Flintoff has proved once again to me that he is a very good bowler who sometimes can bat.
p.s currently Tait none for fruit v Qld
Posted by Ian on 2007-02-10 16:44:13
Re Jim Ribbans, did you even read my blog post?
Posted by JC on 2007-02-10 16:48:27
"They showed great character to pin Australia back from 1 for 170 and also rally when quavering at 3 for 15."And my acknowledgement of Collingwood's efforts (albeit with a little sarcasm but still some admiration):
"However, England's big hero was Collingwood who reached 120 not out (and pulled off two direct hit run-outs during Australia's innings). At Sydney, Warnie sledged him about receiving an MBE for only scoring 7 runs. After Collingwood's consecutive centuries helping England qualify for then winning the first final, he may just have his MBE upgraded to an OBE."Feel free to bag Australian cricket (in fact, bring it on, I welcome O/S perspectives provided its not racist) but probably read the blog before you start bagging it.
Posted by JC on 2007-02-10 16:48:27
Jim Ribbans
Cricket is a passion of mine, Aussie cricket. If all I can remember about one-dayers is a handful of Aussie highlights, then I'm hardly likely to remember much else.
Collingwood's innings yesterday was a beauty, but hardly likely to go down in cricket history as one of much consequence.
Yet I have a much clearer recall when it comes to Test cricketing feats, of players from ALL countries.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-02-10 17:00:00
Cricket is a passion of mine, Aussie cricket. If all I can remember about one-dayers is a handful of Aussie highlights, then I'm hardly likely to remember much else.
Collingwood's innings yesterday was a beauty, but hardly likely to go down in cricket history as one of much consequence.
Yet I have a much clearer recall when it comes to Test cricketing feats, of players from ALL countries.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-02-10 17:00:00
Gents,
Thanks for your comments. Like I said, we're all cricket fans so it's nice to provoke some discussion.
Firstly to JC. I don't think anyone can 'bag' Australian cricket, you're the best in the world by a margin. However, why you'd feel the need to be sarcastic about a guy who has just scored back to back ODI hundreds in Australia (as well as taking catches, wickets and effecting run-outs) eludes me. This would be like us taking the piss out of Mark Taylor for winning the Australian of the year award or whining about Warney being a match-fixing womaniser every time time he takes the inevitable five wickets. Instead I think you'll find that most English cricket fans laud those players. Now I'm not suggesting that Colly is in Warne (or Tubbys) class, but I'm not sure he warrants any more 'got a CBE for scoring 7' jibes. He's a decent international player, knows his limits and fights like a bugger. In short he deserves to be where he is.
Dan, I think you're underestimating just how big a deal the Tri-Series in Australia is. Beating the world champions in their own back yard (in any form of cricket) is huge. That the Poms are raving about this win is to the credit of Australia.
In addition this was one of THE GREAT one day innings by an Englishman ever.
Having said that, I agree that too much one day cricket is being played these days. But I still think it's a valid form of the game (though 20/20 will overtake it I feel in the next 10 years).
My apologies if I'm ranting a bit, but I live in Singapore and we get the (one-eyed) Channel 9 commentary, which winds me up no end.
For example: yesterday as England were about to win the game (4 runs off the last over) Bill Lawrie actually said: 'This means the CB series will definitely go to a third final'.
How did he work that one out then? England have beaten Australia twice in the last two matches they've played, so how is it guaranteed to go to a third final?
Annoying!
Incedentally would be keen to get your thoughts on the 'oh so smooth' Mark Nicholas. Is he liked in Aus? 'Cos frankly he seems to know which side of the Channel 9 slice his bread is buttered and if I had my way I wouldn't allow him back into the UK.
Posted by jim ribbans on 2007-02-10 18:16:37
Thanks for your comments. Like I said, we're all cricket fans so it's nice to provoke some discussion.
Firstly to JC. I don't think anyone can 'bag' Australian cricket, you're the best in the world by a margin. However, why you'd feel the need to be sarcastic about a guy who has just scored back to back ODI hundreds in Australia (as well as taking catches, wickets and effecting run-outs) eludes me. This would be like us taking the piss out of Mark Taylor for winning the Australian of the year award or whining about Warney being a match-fixing womaniser every time time he takes the inevitable five wickets. Instead I think you'll find that most English cricket fans laud those players. Now I'm not suggesting that Colly is in Warne (or Tubbys) class, but I'm not sure he warrants any more 'got a CBE for scoring 7' jibes. He's a decent international player, knows his limits and fights like a bugger. In short he deserves to be where he is.
Dan, I think you're underestimating just how big a deal the Tri-Series in Australia is. Beating the world champions in their own back yard (in any form of cricket) is huge. That the Poms are raving about this win is to the credit of Australia.
In addition this was one of THE GREAT one day innings by an Englishman ever.
Having said that, I agree that too much one day cricket is being played these days. But I still think it's a valid form of the game (though 20/20 will overtake it I feel in the next 10 years).
My apologies if I'm ranting a bit, but I live in Singapore and we get the (one-eyed) Channel 9 commentary, which winds me up no end.
For example: yesterday as England were about to win the game (4 runs off the last over) Bill Lawrie actually said: 'This means the CB series will definitely go to a third final'.
How did he work that one out then? England have beaten Australia twice in the last two matches they've played, so how is it guaranteed to go to a third final?
Annoying!
Incedentally would be keen to get your thoughts on the 'oh so smooth' Mark Nicholas. Is he liked in Aus? 'Cos frankly he seems to know which side of the Channel 9 slice his bread is buttered and if I had my way I wouldn't allow him back into the UK.
Posted by jim ribbans on 2007-02-10 18:16:37
Re Mark Nicholas, yes, we hate him here in Australia also. There's a whole discussion thread on him from over a year ago that is still going.
Re the Channel 9 commentary team in general, again, don't take them or Bill Lawry especially all that seriously. I don't even listen to them, I mute the TV and listen to the much more professional ABC radio commentary.
However, I must mention an interview with Collingwood last night after they won. They congratulated him for winning and he replied something like "well, we still have to play well in the next two" or something to that effect. A bit of a Freudian slip there from Collie!
Note - my sarcastic crack wasn't meant to demean Collingwood who I have a lot of respect for. Just a bit of humour tieing in with the whole OBE sledging incident. That's the kind of smart arse remarks you can expect from me on this blog.
Posted by JC on 2007-02-10 18:38:25
Re the Channel 9 commentary team in general, again, don't take them or Bill Lawry especially all that seriously. I don't even listen to them, I mute the TV and listen to the much more professional ABC radio commentary.
However, I must mention an interview with Collingwood last night after they won. They congratulated him for winning and he replied something like "well, we still have to play well in the next two" or something to that effect. A bit of a Freudian slip there from Collie!
Note - my sarcastic crack wasn't meant to demean Collingwood who I have a lot of respect for. Just a bit of humour tieing in with the whole OBE sledging incident. That's the kind of smart arse remarks you can expect from me on this blog.
Posted by JC on 2007-02-10 18:38:25
Way to go Jim R. Your brothers in Oz could have done with some of your spirit in the Test Series.
Don't mind Bill Lawry; he's an embarrassment to even us die-hards.
After the Test series, and before the one-day series even got off the ground, I actually said farewell to my fellow bloggers, citing a disinterest in the one-day form of the game. Through a change of circumstance, I've been watching the games. My disenchantment with this format remains; perhaps the rules need a major overhaul for me to become a fan.
For your information, my three favourite cricketers have been Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and David Gower. Ouch, I said it!!
Cheers.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-02-10 19:06:34
Don't mind Bill Lawry; he's an embarrassment to even us die-hards.
After the Test series, and before the one-day series even got off the ground, I actually said farewell to my fellow bloggers, citing a disinterest in the one-day form of the game. Through a change of circumstance, I've been watching the games. My disenchantment with this format remains; perhaps the rules need a major overhaul for me to become a fan.
For your information, my three favourite cricketers have been Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and David Gower. Ouch, I said it!!
Cheers.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-02-10 19:06:34
Bill even defended the pitch at the MCG (as Bill does) Clem Jones used to be belted for presenting the Gabba pitches so devoid of grass that he rolled grass clippings into them.
The G track looked nothing more than the concrete strips we used to play on in primary school cricket, so it was no wonder the very off white ball disappeared against the very off white cement, I mean, grass pitch.
Bill the 'Corpse in Pads' Lawry, should be taken to the farm where he flies his pigeons and be laid to rest.
Posted by Ian on 2007-02-10 19:15:19
The G track looked nothing more than the concrete strips we used to play on in primary school cricket, so it was no wonder the very off white ball disappeared against the very off white cement, I mean, grass pitch.
Bill the 'Corpse in Pads' Lawry, should be taken to the farm where he flies his pigeons and be laid to rest.
Posted by Ian on 2007-02-10 19:15:19
To Jim Ribbans:
Mate, I live in Singapore too so I sympathasize re the commentary. I also have been a huge fan of English cricket -- the Ashes Urn is, of course, the trophy of trophies. You've had some awesome players over the last three decades since I began watching cricket, no need to list them all. But calling Collywobble's performance "one of THE GREAT one day innings by an Englishman ever"? I'm afraid Collingwood is, at least at the moment, and at least in my books, a bit of a street fighter. He might even be a little bit like the English version of Justin Langer although he has a lot of work to do before I'll permit that comparison. And to even think that a one-day innings of 120 odd to win a match is going to be remembered by anyone outside England in three years time? I don't believe it.
Posted by TA on 2007-02-11 13:13:15
Mate, I live in Singapore too so I sympathasize re the commentary. I also have been a huge fan of English cricket -- the Ashes Urn is, of course, the trophy of trophies. You've had some awesome players over the last three decades since I began watching cricket, no need to list them all. But calling Collywobble's performance "one of THE GREAT one day innings by an Englishman ever"? I'm afraid Collingwood is, at least at the moment, and at least in my books, a bit of a street fighter. He might even be a little bit like the English version of Justin Langer although he has a lot of work to do before I'll permit that comparison. And to even think that a one-day innings of 120 odd to win a match is going to be remembered by anyone outside England in three years time? I don't believe it.
Posted by TA on 2007-02-11 13:13:15
To TA...
Mate I did qualify it by saying 'one of'. But no I'll stand by it, in terms of the pressure of the situation, the pace and timing of it and having done with England 3-15 this was one of the best. Freddie said it was the best he's seen and I would reckon he's a pretty fair judge.
2-0 eh. Nice to have something to shout about at last.
Posted by Jim Ribbans on 2007-02-11 23:09:59
Mate I did qualify it by saying 'one of'. But no I'll stand by it, in terms of the pressure of the situation, the pace and timing of it and having done with England 3-15 this was one of the best. Freddie said it was the best he's seen and I would reckon he's a pretty fair judge.
2-0 eh. Nice to have something to shout about at last.
Posted by Jim Ribbans on 2007-02-11 23:09:59
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