Ashes 2009

[scotthayes]

http://static.ecb.co.uk/images/670x455/ecb-logo-100296.png Vs http://newsx.com/files/images/Cricket-Australia_Logo.jpg


Well they are finally here and it's time for England to win back the Ashes.

I'm hoping this series will be as exciting as 2005 and not the hammering we took in 2006-07 (that was just not funny)

so let the sledging start (or are the Aussie's not able to do that without Warne and Gilchrist?). Sit back and watch KP smack their "fast bowlers" around all day!!!


Here's to a great summer of cricket!

[Designer Dale]

Aussies take the ceremonial first logo. Cricket Australia shield is sweet!

Dale

Yes, I know what cricket is.

[scotthayes]

Hopefully winning the toss is not the only thing we'll win in this series.

Why am I so pessimistic about our chances???


30 minutes to go and the weather looks good so far.


Let's hope Strauss and Cook can get us off to a good start.

[arkitect]

*Blegh*

So much for making a good start. :(

Cook gone for 10…

[scotthayes]

Bugger... Nice catch but soft shot from Cook.

[arkitect]

Bugger... Nice catch but soft shot from Cook.

The way Bopara's playing he's not going to last long either…

Edit:
Scratch that.
Strauss gone as well.
I thought these two purposely didn't play Twenty20 to avoid them picking up any "bad habits"… :rolleyes:

Edit 2:
Ravi's gone.
90-3 :eek:

[scotthayes]

Silly silly shot by Ravi.

Not liking the score at the moment :(


Oh bugger, Collingwood up next.

[arkitect]

Silly silly shot by Ravi.

Not liking the score at the moment :(


Oh bugger, Collingwood up next.

:o
I can see Australia putting together a huuuuuge first innings.

[fireshot91]

Innings?
I could've sworn it was called an over.

[richard.mac]

Aussies are bowling well but i can see Collingwood and Pietersen making a good score after lunch if we dont get them out.

how about Hilfenhaus' ball to Bopara? he didnt even see it, straight to the jugular.

[scotthayes]

Aussies are bowling well but i can see Collingwood and Pietersen making a good score after lunch if we dont get them out.

how about Hilfenhaus' ball to Bopara? he didnt even see it, straight to the jugular.

Was a good ball to Ravi.

Wouldn't worry too much about Collingwood.

[arkitect]

Innings?
I could've sworn it was called an over.

Nope. :)
Overs make up an innings.

[xUKHCx]

I haven't been watching all day, honest :D.

Pieterson out. I think we can make our way up to 350, 400 at a push from here. All depends on what Flintoff and Prior can do.

[xUKHCx]

Our tail enders have done a brilliant job to get the score moving along, with a useful littler partnership at the moment.

Over 400 now which puts that little extra pressure on the Australian batsmen when they come in and moves the swing of the match slightly over to England.

I can see it being 420 - 440 all out.

Lots of spin now, although Hauritz did just go for 16 in his last over :D

[arkitect]

Yesterday I didn't see them getting to 300 never mind 400!
:D

[scotthayes]

from 90-3 to 435 all out is good going.

Thought Swann was outstanding.

Is it possible we now have 3 (Flintoff, Swann & Broad) genuine all-rounders???

[xUKHCx]

The scorecard is strong all the way down and Swann did an excellent job. I agree he is looking like a strong all-rounder.

Just a shame that Monty didn't get to double figures.

Looking good for a great match and hopefully an English win.

[richard.mac]

looks like Collingwood and Pietersen did get the ball rolling after all and England's mid to lower order ended up with a solid score. Australia does this as well so expect to see a decent amount of runs from the all-rounders. but hopefully our openers will get a few runs.

[arkitect]

And Australia climbs steadily towards a massive total… methinks.

142-1

[xUKHCx]

^Indeed, good solid batsmanship displayed today, there is still a hell of a lot of batting to come. Seems like they are going to set up a massive total over the next day and a half.

Could be quite a tense last day.

Good 100s by Ponting and Katich.

[arkitect]

Harrumphh…

Day Three.

I think if there are no early wickets Australia are heading for 600+.
Perhaps they're planning on batting only once. :o

[xUKHCx]

Harrumphh…

Day Three.

I think if there are no early wickets Australia are heading for 600+.
Perhaps they're planning on batting only once. :o


That is the most sensible plan from this point, bat all of today and then depending on run rate put England in early tomorrow or even late tonight (if we really don't pick up our bowling) and then have ample time to get all of the wickets. Of course a couple of quick wickets can destory any plan.

Good start with the old ball.

Flintoff's first ball, been taking lessons from Harmison. :D

[arkitect]

Glory! At last… :)

Katich gone for 122.

[scotthayes]

Ponting doesn't look like he's going anywhere.

[xUKHCx]

Ponting - 150

Great innings by him and certainly put his side in a good position.

Got to love Monty though :)

[richard.mac]

oh noes 3 quick wickets in the morning!

[scotthayes]

Think it's time for a rain dance.

The way it's going I can see Australia batting for most of today and posting a HUGE score and then spending an hour or so tonight and tomorrow bowling us out. Without rain I can see this heading to an Innings win for Australia.

Our bowlers really don't look like they have a clue what to do. Oh for the days when Simon Jones was not injured.

[scotthayes]

not what you'd call the best start to the morning session. KP gone already and he gave his wicket up very easily. Schoolboy error from KP, looks like we've forgotten how to do the basics, like playing the bloody ball.

31-3, still over 200 runs behind and not looking like the rain will save us. Think the Aussies are going one up in the series.

[richard.mac]

dont think its going to rain, the best England can do is draw if Australia dont get another 7 wickets before the end of the day.

Australia have played bloody well though

[arkitect]

55-4… no sign of rain…

But then again why would we want rain?

I think the way England have been playing they deserve to lose.

Period.

Hopefully that'll give them a kick up the jacksy for the rest of the series.
Then again, maybe not. :(

[richard.mac]

England wants rain because if it suspends play all day it will be a definite draw which is easier than just not getting all out. but England can still win though if they get another 180 or so runs.

[remmy]

They are playing so badly, I cant really see any player lasting the day for the draw. :(

Although I'm not hoping for rain to save england, they deserve to either loose of work to get themselves out, if they do loose rather than draw its bad for the series as a competition.

^^^ England cant win, don't Australia have to bat again?

[richard.mac]

oh yeh whoops :o:p Australia still have another innings… England cant win.

[arkitect]

England wants rain because if it suspends play all day it will be a definite draw which is easier than just not getting all out. but England can still win though if they get another 180 or so runs.

Actually my question:
"Why would we want rain?"was more of a rhetorical one. ;)
I know why they would want rain…
I was just alluding to it as a coward's way out of England's dilemma.

[richard.mac]

ahh lost in Internet translation ;)

[xUKHCx]

I agree the Aussies deserve victory from this match however with their dominance at Lords it will essentially be over for the series.

We can still get a draw if we manage to post a high enough slog 20/20 style innings to get the Aussies in to bat by the end of play (yeah right).

England usually start a series off badly so a draw would be a massive victory for us and perhaps would set up the series as more of a competition.

[Chundles]

5/70.


Ouch, that's gotta hurt.

Mind you, we thrashed you in the first test in 2005 too and look how that turned out...

That being said the first test then was at Lords and we haven't lost there since 1934. There's still the Lords test to come this time around.

[remmy]

Scorecard for England looks more like a rubbish 2020 score.

Here was I thinking Ponting had declared too late and Australia had scored too slowly.

^^^ At least in that first test in 2005 there was some good points, in this there are none.

[Chundles]

Scorecard for England looks more like a rubbish 2020 score.

Here was I thinking Ponting had declared too late and Australia had scored too slowly.

^^^ At least in that first test in 2005 there was some good points, in this there are none.

I don't remember them, 2005 has been erased from my mind...

[scotthayes]

5/70.


Ouch, that's gotta hurt.

Mind you, we thrashed you in the first test in 2005 too and look how that turned out...

That being said the first test then was at Lords and we haven't lost there since 1934. There's still the Lords test to come this time around.


90-5 now... Wahoo we got some more runs. Think we are going to struggle to get the other 150 runs needed to force Australia to bat again.


Off to watch the Grand Prix now, fingers crossed we'll still have some wickets left when the race is over.

[richard.mac]

exiting! 18 runs with 2 wickets remaining :eek:

[scotthayes]

could we bat the day out???


EDIT - Bugger. Collingwood out just as I hit 'post'

Just need to keep Monty at the non-strikers end!!!

This isn't good for a calm Sunday evening.

Edit to edit...

Thank god for that, Australia have to bat again. Plus it's two less overs left in the match!!! Could we pull it off and get a draw???

[scotthayes]

Now I know how the Aussies felt after the Old Trafford test in 2005.

We've been very very lucky. But on the bright side, best start to a Ashes series for a long time.

[richard.mac]

i dont think ive ever heard such a huge cheer for a drawn match!

[xUKHCx]

I had to survive the day without access to a telly showing the cricket and then I was in the cinema from 6 ish. I cheered when the film ended and I read the news on my phone. Brilliant.

The English camp will get a kick up the bum from this and also take a feeling of a victory.

The Australian camp while totally out classing England will feel like a massive loss.

Great start to the Ashes and at least now it won't be a total white wash.

[Chundles]

Wow. Just wow.

Somebody in the English team learnt how to bat in a test match.

[remmy]

Don't worry, he probably wont be playing in the next match.

[arkitect]

This just in… ;)

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has announced he will retire from Test cricket at the end of the current Ashes series against Australia.

The hero of England's victorious 2005 Ashes campaign has fought a constant battle against injuries and will now concentrate on one-day cricket.

The 31-year-old is currently fighting to be fit for the second Test at Lord's because of a knee problem.

Flintoff said: "My body has told me it's time to stop."

Some cynics have pointed out that sacrificing his Test career means Flintoff is saving himself for the more lucrative limited-overs formats but Agnew said Flintoff was not being selfish.
Link. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8151402.stm)

Looks like Lords is headed for a draw as well. The weather is predicted to be mostly rainy over all 5 days.
:(

[scotthayes]

Such a shame that Flintoff is having to retire.

[xUKHCx]

Such a shame that Flintoff is having to retire.

Yeah it is, I am somewhat sceptical about the reasons behind it but he has done well and is a great cricket player.


Here it goes, England won the toss and elected to bat.

[richard.mac]

will be watching from a James Bond party, go Aussies!

[arkitect]

50-0

Looks like England have learnt their Cardiff lessons. :)

Fingers crossed!

[xUKHCx]

50-0

Looks like England have learnt their Cardiff lessons. :)

Fingers crossed!

The Aussie bowlers haven't been great so far, quite a fair few easy boundary balls. Cook should've been caught by Ponting in the slips.

Cook and Strauss do seem to be more reserved and trying to build an innings rather than score quickly.

Sky seem to love showing close ups of the pitch. Lords does seem to be a much better surface in terms of quality than Cardiff.

[scotthayes]

nice steady start.

Have to give credit to Sky for the coverage (even though I think it should be on terrestrial TV) where else could you hear Bumble getting excited because he's seen Stephen Fry at Lords thus meaning he can try to out twitter him.

[arkitect]

What I find astonishing is that this, apparently, is the highest ever England opening partnership!
50?

Can that be true?

Edit: 10 4s off Mitchell Johnson in 7 overs. What a horrible day he's having.

[scotthayes]

What I find astonishing is that this, apparently, is the highest ever England opening partnership!
50?

Can that be true?

that can't be true... can it

Doing some googles now.

Would seem the highest 1st wicket score was 323 in Melbourne in 1911-12. Can't find record for 1st wicket in a match in England.

[xUKHCx]

nice steady start.

Have to give credit to Sky for the coverage (even though I think it should be on terrestrial TV) where else could you hear Bumble getting excited because he's seen Stephen Fry at Lords thus meaning he can try to out twitter him.

I thought it was hilarious :D

What I find astonishing is that this, apparently, is the highest ever England opening partnership!
50?

Can that be true?

Seems questionable, according to howstat.com the best that cook and strauss have done as openers against Australia is 45 so I can't see how in the entire history of test cricket and the vast number of players, teams we have played that we haven't managed at least 50.

edit:

that can't be true... can it

Doing some googles now.

Highest partnership for England was 130 for the 10th wicket in 1903 (http://www.itsonlycricket.com/entry/1202/). So maybe it is true.

Well that is a little different to the stats I am seeing, that listing is only the 10th best

http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Matches/MatchPartnerships.asp

[arkitect]

that can't be true... can it

I just rewinded Sky+ to make sure I didn't mishear. :o

OK. Seems Bumble "misspoke" ;) First he says highest for England (Which I find difficult to believe).
But a minute later he seems to infer it is the highest opening partnership between Cooke and Strauss… and they have batted together 57 times.

[xUKHCx]

I just rewinded Sky+ to make sure I didn't mishear. :o

OK. Seems Bumble "misspoke" ;) First he says highest for England (Which I find difficult to believe).
But a minute later he seems to infer it is the highest opening partnership between Cooke and Strauss… and they have batted together 57 times.

Yeah that seems to fit with my findings.

Siddle was very unlucky there with that delivery, instead of getting a wicket it goes for a four.

Cook seems to be pushing his luck.

[scotthayes]

Well that is a little different to the stats I am seeing, that listing is only the 10th best

http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Matches/MatchPartnerships.asp

I had a dumb moment and misread the stats. Looks like I edited my post as you were quoting it.

[arkitect]

England 142-0

I must be dreaming. :D

[arkitect]

Finally some good news for Australia.
England 196-1

Cook gone for 95. Bad luck that.

You gotta feel for Johnson though… how many boundaries today? :eek:

[xUKHCx]

Tis a shame for Cook, every English cricketer wants a century at Lords, so close.

As I heard a commentator say at the Cardiff test, when you think you are in a good position, think would we still be in a good position if a couple of quick wickets fell.

Now that 3 wickets have fallen 280-3 still feels like a good position to be in, although of course with England a couple of quick wickets could be 4 or 5 :o:D

Hopefully Colly and Strauss can form a good partnership, two sensible heads.

[arkitect]

Strauss is playing very well today — solid and thoughtful.
Alas, KP looked like he was going to be out almost every ball. Uncomfortable to watch. :o

Agree about Collingwood & Strauss having to hold it together now.

[xUKHCx]

I guess I'll retract my sensible head comment about Collingwood, what the hell was that shot.

And another wicket down to, all rather cheap from all bar two batsmen.

Flintoff's last test match at Lords. Hope he has a good first innings.

[richard.mac]

a few quick wickets but id say England are still going pretty well on 5 for 330.

[arkitect]

Unlucky on the Double AND Triple Nelson…

333-6 :(

[richard.mac]

Omg Flinty out Ponting takes it!

[xUKHCx]

a few quick wickets but id say England are still going pretty well on 5 for 330.

Make that 333-6

Second time today we have been caught out on a Nelson.

We will now have to rely on a good tail order to bring our score up towards the 400-450 mark.

[richard.mac]

hehe sorry i was too quick for you, arkitect caught my attention.

[arkitect]

And we're off. Day Two…

How many overs before Strauss is out?

Edit:
OH why did I ask?:eek::eek:

2nd ball and he's clean bowled. *Ouch*

[scotthayes]

Looks like normal service has resumed :mad:

[xUKHCx]

Michael Holding said yesterday, in references to Cardiff, that scoring 450 and then struggling to keep the game at only a draw isn't a sign of batting problems.

If we manage to get up to around 400+ it should put England in reasonable good stead. Australia managed to get a decent amount of wickets from frankly normal bowling yesterday, hopefully our bowlers will bring it this test.

[arkitect]

Looks like it is going to be the bowlers' day today… so at least England have an excellent chance of keeping Australia's score down.

That is the theory of course. :o

[xUKHCx]

Looks like it is going to be the bowlers' day today… so at least England have an excellent chance of keeping Australia's score down.

That is the theory of course. :o

Oh dear another wicket gone. edit: Just realised I am watching it slightly delayed so that wicket actually went about 6 or 7 minutes ago, sorry if I scared anyone.

In other news Broad's sister, Gemma, is very pretty.

[scotthayes]

I'm lost for words.

[xUKHCx]

I'm lost for words.

Yeah she does have a lovely smile :D

At least we have a semi-decent target, just imagine the damage our bowlers are going to do and they have to start from 0

Deluded? Perhaps.

[arkitect]

What's up with Siddle?
He's breathing like a wounded bull and looks severely uncomfortable.

Edit: And he's off the field.

[scotthayes]

If he keeps this up, Anderson should be batting at 6 or 7

Mitchell Johnson going at 6 an over... So much for the next great Aussie fast bowler :D

[xUKHCx]

If he keeps this up, Anderson should be batting at 6 or 7

He started the first test as 8th and did just as well as he is doing now, I agree he should be moving up the order.

IMitchell Johnson going at 6 an over... So much for the next great Aussie fast bowler :D

He does seem to be easy pickings in terms of boundaries but does have something about him where he can bowl an absolute peach of a ball.

Highest 10 wicket partnership at Lords.

Quick change up around the wicket and good catch.


425 all out. Slap bang right in the middle of my prediction yesterday.

Now hopefully our bowlers will have something about them.

[arkitect]

If he keeps this up, Anderson should be batting at 6 or 7
Although as soon as he gets moved to 6 or 7 he'll fail…
Sods law, isn't it? ;)


Mitchell Johnson going at 6 an over... So much for the next great Aussie fast bowler :D
He had a real nightmare yesterday.

Well thanks again to the tail — again — 425 is not a bad start.
Up to the bowlers now. :o

[arkitect]

Great start! :D

4-1

[xUKHCx]

Which team is the Queen supporting?

4-1, nice.

[richard.mac]

Johnson was out best fast bowler while Brett Lee was out and bowled his best figures in South Africa earlier this year.

Johnson just isnt bowling that well at Lords and he wasnt too great at Cardiff either. His action just isnt smooth and his line is off, like hes trying too hard cause its the Ashes. if you take a look at his arm at the point of release, its crooked.

EDIT: Hughes is out! off the gloves waiting for Hot Spot. haha xUKHCx i saw the Queen as well, quite bemused at the wicket.

[arkitect]

Which team is the Queen supporting?

She did look a tad confused. ;)
Just wait 'till the Mexican wave comes round…

[dalvin200]

Great start! :D

4-1

aye... great start for once :)

[richard.mac]

hmmm i reckon the ball didnt touch the gloves and Hot Spot didnt pick anything up definite, but its up to the Umpire though.

[sunfast]

Which team is the Queen supporting?

The ones in white!

They're just discussing her lunch menu on TMS...

[xUKHCx]

hmmm i reckon the ball didnt touch the gloves and Hot Spot didnt pick anything up definite, but its up to the Umpire though.

The camera from the rear showed it touching the glove quite clearly, there was also a definite sound as the ball passed the glove area.

Hot spot was filmed from the front and did show a small white mark on the nail end.

She did look a tad confused. ;)
Just wait 'till the Mexican wave comes round…

Surprised Harry isn't there in some barmy fancy dress

edit: The English fielders seems very confident about that, although not totally sure what that was.

[arkitect]

Wow! Up to the 3rd umpire now.

Edit:
Woooooooo!
Ponting gone for 2.
:D

[richard.mac]

dammmn Ponting's gone.

[xUKHCx]

Wow! Up to the 3rd umpire now.

Edit:
Woooooooo!
:D

Anderson was appealing for LBW and then the fielders were appealing for a catch.

Not totally sure that it came off the bat but the look on Ponting's face was priceless.

[arkitect]

the look on Ponting's face was priceless.

There will be blood. :D

However I agree I am not sure it came off the bat.

[xUKHCx]

There will be blood. :D

However I agree I am not sure it came off the bat.

Looking at the replays and rewinding a fair few times I am quite sure that it didn't. His bat hits his boot and twists without making contact with the ball, the ball then strikes the pad and goes for a catch.

Although he was plum lbw as well so either way he would've been gone.

[richard.mac]

yeh saw the replay with the snicko didnt get an edge but hid the pad LBW anyway.

[gauchogolfer]

Hus out, Aussies 111-4. That's looking like trouble.

[arkitect]

Holy smokes! :eek:

I cannot believe what I'm seeing. Someone please don't wake me up. :)

[WinterMute]

A remarkable effort after a dodgy patch this morning.

114-5 now, lets hope we don't let up.

[scotthayes]

This just keeps getting better.

Are we going to see the Aussie's following-on at Lords

[arkitect]

And North's gone as well… a follow-on looks inevitable now.
139-6

[xUKHCx]

Can't believe what I am Reading.

Can't believe I had to go out.

What is the follow-on target?

[arkitect]

What is the follow-on target?

I would have thought 225.
But who knows? :)

What a day!

Edit:
And play can continue up until 1900

[scotthayes]

somewhere around 226 to avoid it


Somebody pinch me I think I'm dreaming :D

So funny, Sky switch to the commentary box to speak to Russell Crow and down goes another wicket.
152-8 and 74 short of avoiding the follow on...

[xUKHCx]

152-8 and 74 short of avoiding the follow on...

That is a massive target for the tail to get. It would be a huge boost to get the follow-on.

From BBC live text (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/8157208.stm):

BBC Sport's Oliver Brett on Twitter: (http://twitter.com/bbcsport_oliver) "Just spotted an Australian selling his ticket to an England fan. Oh dear."

Made me laugh. :D

[arkitect]

It could all be over today (OK, being a tad optimistic…).
Which would be a pity since I was looking forward to 3 more days…

Ah well. :D

Edit: Of course had Engand lost the toss on Thursday and Australia had batted first we'd probaby be down in the dumps right now.

[scotthayes]

Be nice to get rid of the tail in the first half hour and if they are 6 or 7 wickets down by the end of the day then we'll have a great chance. Of course, can't rule out us having to get 150-200 and failing miserably.

[arkitect]

Australia: 215 all out

Soooo.
1. Enforce the follow on? But today's wicket is definitely not the same bowling heaven as yesterday, which means Austtralia could get past the 200 deficit and rack up a decent total for England to catch up to.

2. England go in and add up a massive total — running the risk of not being able to bowl Australia out again so cheaply and the game ending in a draw.

Decisions, decisions. :)

[Markleshark]

Surprised England didn't force the follow on, but if they can get a lead of 500 up tonight (which at their current RR they wont) they have 2 days to bowl the Auzzies out.

On another note, how good is SkyPlayer? :eek:!!!!!! I need this for the next PL season.

[xUKHCx]

Surprised England didn't force the follow on, but if they can get a lead of 500 up tonight (which at their current RR they wont) they have 2 days to bowl the Auzzies out.

Having watched the early afternoon session I can see it both ways. Not a great bowling wicket so good to get the batters in and notch up the score.

That said it also hasn't been a great batting wicket either. It would be good to have a go at them this evening but I would say that the plan depending on run rate is to declare either over night or really quite early tomorrow having had a smash around.

On another note, how good is SkyPlayer? :eek:!!!!!! I need this for the next PL season.

I haven't set mine up just yet but will most likely do so. Is it totally free?

[Markleshark]

I haven't set mine up just yet but will most likely do so. Is it totally free?

I can't decide. I seem to remember that for July and August it is, but of course there isn't much that actually makes it way onto there because of various broadcasting rights and such. At the moment though, it's most wonderful for The Ashes.

[scotthayes]

I can't decide. I seem to remember that for July and August it is, but of course there isn't much that actually makes it way onto there because of various broadcasting rights and such. At the moment though, it's most wonderful for The Ashes.

Seems pretty good but I'll stick with my slingbox.

So, what lead will we have when we declare??? I think around 500-520

[xUKHCx]

Seems pretty good but I'll stick with my slingbox.

So, what lead will we have when we declare??? I think around 500-520

I think we need to get up and around 500 and to do so quickly. I have been surprised how good the weather has been so it would be great to get them in and hopefully knock a couple over tonight as wouldn't want the rain to take this match into a draw.

[Markleshark]

Seems pretty good but I'll stick with my slingbox.

So, what lead will we have when we declare??? I think around 500-520

Just been listening to Sir Ian, I think getting the Auzzies in for 5 overs tonight sounds like a plan, have Freddie chuck a few in their faces. Collingwood and Prior flying.

Edit: Just as I say it, Prior ran out.

[scotthayes]

521 lead and two days to go at them.

Question is, (assuming we declare) is 521 enough???


Weather at Lords (http://uk.weather.com/weather/hourByHour-St-Johns-Wood-NW8?dayNum=0&flag=1) not looking good for tomorrow.

[Markleshark]

521 lead and two days to go at them.

Question is, (assuming we declare) is 521 enough???

You have bowled EXTREMELY poor if it's not. Thats almost 100 more than the all time record for successful run chases.

1 over in the morning and declare.

[arkitect]

You have bowled EXTREMELY poor if it's not. Thats almost 100 more than the all time record for successful run chases.

1 over in the morning and declare.

I'd agree with Botham on that strategy. But saying that, Strauss seems to lack that killer instinct to put the boot in.

Let's hope he listens to some good advice.

[scotthayes]

You have bowled EXTREMELY poor if it's not. Thats almost 100 more than the all time record for successful run chases.

1 over in the morning and declare.

But this is England and as we all know, anything is possible with us and Cricket.

If it's dry in the morning then I'd have a couple of overs and then get Flintoff and Anderson out with the new ball.

[xUKHCx]

I'd say declare, with rain stopping play this evening and showers tomorrow need all the time possible to have a decent chance of getting them out.

[remmy]

Really hate it if the Aussies are saved by the rain.

I hope Strauss is brave tomorrow, that 521 I think is 100 more than the best ever?? and this Aussie side is good but not the greatest side ever.

[xUKHCx]

35-2

Great start, I would say that the ball probably just didn't carry to the Strauss and the benefit of the doubt should go to the batter.

[arkitect]

35-2

Great start, I would say that the ball probably just didn't carry to the Strauss and the benefit of the doubt should go to the batter.

That was very bad umpiring.
Especially considering yesterday's query to the 3rd umpire over the Hauritz catch…

[remmy]

Agreed, two mistakes from the umpires, they were having a good series so far weren't they?

Yesterdays decision showed to me that you cannot rely on video replays to always give the answer. Have to wait to the highlights tonight to see what happened today :(

[scotthayes]

35-2

Great start, I would say that the ball probably just didn't carry to the Strauss and the benefit of the doubt should go to the batter.

You win some, you lose some :D

Nice start though. Don't think it will matter too much if a fair amount of time is lost to rain today, tomorrow is looking good. If we can take them through tomorrow with 5 or 6 down then happy days!!!


EDIT: Ricky's gone :D

[Chundles]

Today should be a cracker if the boys can hold together.

Runs shouldn't be a problem but we've gotta stop getting out. Grind em out lads, grind out those runs.

Would be an epic run chase if we did mow it down, biggest ever run chase to be precise and a great way to go 1up in the series.

Tonight is gonna be good, hopefully.

[xUKHCx]

It would be a great achievement, however it is a hell of a lot of cricket to play for both Clarke and Haddin. If Clarke gets out I am not sure that it will be achievable.

And Haddin just got out. Will be very difficult to recover from here I think. Doable yes however will require a hell of a lot of resistance.

I think the wickets will eek out and England win.

[xUKHCx]

Clarke bowled by Swann. A devistating blow I feel for the Aussies. He needed to stay around for much longer. He did very well and has put Austrailia in the position they are in.

160 to get.

edit: Flintoff gets Hauritz. Serious trouble for Austrailia now, a long way to go (but not impossible).

[xUKHCx]

Great to see Flintoff get his fivefor. Great to see and English victory.

Valiant effort from the Aussies. The total they achieved in the final innings would've been one of the top run chases in history but it was just too high.

[arkitect]

Well done England. :D:D
At last… first time since 1934.

Now comes the difficult part… repeat X 2. :o
I am not sure KP is any way near being "in-form" and as for Flintoff he really bowled his guts out this test, but how many of those kind of overs has he got left?

I cannot imagine Australia are going to take this "lying down" so to speak.

And those 3 umpire decisions didn't help much towards a "fair" game.

[richard.mac]

Well Done England and good bowling Flintoff. Clarke, Haddin and Johnson didnt give up but unfortunately we didnt make the target.

[remmy]

At the beginning of the series I did not expect this.

Well done to Flintoff with the bowling, such a shame he will be retiring, that aggressive bowling is one of the things that make these matches good.

[arkitect]

Not that he has been performing brilliantly this series, but still a blow.
:(

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series against Australia after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the 29-year-old had an operation on Wednesday and will be out of action for up to six weeks.

Link… (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/8162048.stm)

[remmy]

May be a bit of blessing in disguise, a good batsman to have but must be badly hampered by the injury, but who will replace him? Bell is not that good sometimes.

[arkitect]

Test number Three coming up…

And already the weather is playing a role. :o

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46130000/jpg/_46130660_water_credit.jpg

[remmy]

Well that is quite a start this morning

1st 2 balls = 1st 2 wickets

[arkitect]

Well that is quite a start this morning

1st 2 balls = 1st 2 wickets

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. :)
What a start!

Edit:

And the good news continues… Ponting gone for 38.

[xUKHCx]

What a session 126-1 -> 203-8 :eek:

Glad I was able to watch unlike yesterday where I was reliant on Sky Player on a Sky internet connection which totally disappeared :mad:

[arkitect]

What a session 126-1 -> 203-8 :eek:

Glad I was able to watch unlike yesterday where I was reliant on Sky Player on a Sky internet connection which totally disappeared :mad:

Astonishing collapse… (Just checked again to see if it isn't England batting. :D)

I am in shock. I can only imagine what Australian supporters must feel. :eek:

Wow!

[arkitect]

England 3-1…

Let's not be counting any unhatched chickens just yet. :o

[xUKHCx]

England 3-1…


Definitely a bowlers day today.

[xUKHCx]

60-2

Bopara dragging on, a little disappointing to be honest. Hopefully Bell will have a good innings.

[scotthayes]

Nice steady start from Bell. Let's hope he can push a to at least a 50

Didn't realise Strauss is 4th in the all time list of converting 50's in to 100's


On a side note, Yesterday and today I had to walk past the Edgbaston shuttle buses on my way to work. Was so tempting to just get on one and forget about work for the day.

[arkitect]

Here we go again…

Better chance of a result this time?

[xUKHCx]

England won the toss and selected to bat which I think is the right choice given the conditions as described on the commentary.

Hopefully the weather will allow for a full game. The last test was good but just lost too much time.

[arkitect]

Hopefully the weather will allow for a full game. The last test was good but just lost too much time.

Some rain forecast for today and Monday… so fingers crossed.

Hummm. No spinners for Australia. Ponting likes his seamers… curious to see just how wayward Johnson gets. :D

[richard.mac]

England won the toss and selected to bat which I think is the right choice given the conditions as described on the commentary. …

damn! i dont know why but i always hope we win the toss. not like theres a huge advantage of winning the toss and batting, but i definately think it helps.

… Hopefully the weather will allow for a full game. The last test was good but just lost too much time.

heres hoping!

Hummm. No spinners for Australia. Ponting likes his seamers… curious to see just how wayward Johnson gets. :D

and no Lee! interesting.

[xUKHCx]

Some rain forecast for today and Monday… so fingers crossed.

Hummm. No spinners for Australia. Ponting likes his seamers… curious to see just how wayward Johnson gets. :D

Lets not forget we have Harmison :D The lack of dedicated spinners is an odd one as Hauritz was playing really well. Ponting did say that there a few options from Clarke and North (I think).

Strauss was plum lbw on the first ball, decent amount of swing (hopes the clouds disappear soon).

edit: Silly stroke by Strauss 11-1.

edit 2: Bopara out, caught at gully 16-2 :o

[arkitect]

Aaaaaaargh! :(

On the phone with Companieshouse and when I look again! 2 down. :(

Bleghhh.

[xUKHCx]

^

You better not be on the phone to them again

39-3 Bell caught in the slips from a gloved bouncer :o

[arkitect]

Colly gone. Bugger.
Australia's day?

42-4…
Seems Ponting was right… who needs spin? :o

[xUKHCx]

Looks like we will get a bowl today so hopefully we can make use of the wicket too.

Finally two batsmen into double digits. :o

edit: Cook out now 63-5, will we even make it to tea?


Can we just call today a practice and start tomorrow?

3rd highest score is from extras and that is not from poor bowling by any means.

[arkitect]

Lunch… 72-6…

Impressive.

Can we just call today a practice and start tomorrow?

I had the same thought. :D
Maybe I'll wake up later.
*slaps self*

[xUKHCx]

72-6 at lunch.

Pretty damaging, don't think England can survive from such a wounding in this test. Momentum Australia.

[remmy]

72-6

Be lucky to get 100 :(

I guess it was too good to last

[arkitect]

Tom Fordyce (BBC Sport) on Twitter:
"Just seen the lunchtime menu at Headingley: humble pie for England, Australia having their cake and eating it."

[richard.mac]

[quoting users posting 72-6]

great bowling Aussies! quite a suprise! Ponting read the pitch well.

EDIT: 92-7 now! great bowling from Siddle to edge Swann's drive and a great catch from Clarke in 2nd slip.

[remmy]

[quoting users posting 72-6]

great bowling Aussies! quite a suprise! Ponting read the pitch well.

Not doubting Ponting's abilities but I would put more of reason that the score is such due to the English batsman being a bit useless.

More recently out of the top four only Strauss has been any good so getting him out early and cheaply such a big advantage.

[arkitect]

And the collapse is complete.
102 all out.

Wow.

3
30
1
8
0
37
3
0
0
3
and Mr. Extras 17

[xUKHCx]

I would put more of reason that the score is such due to the English batsman being a bit useless.

The wickets seems to be mainly edges to the slips, good bowling attack but I agree it is more weak batting that caused this slump.

Advantage Australia.

[scotthayes]

Well that was a pretty shocking start to the day.

What chance of rain for the next 4 days???

[arkitect]

It's a bowler's wicket definitely.

Aus 14-1

[richard.mac]

nooo early first wicket.

[scotthayes]

Nice warm welcome for Ponting from the crowd :D

[xUKHCx]

nooo early first wicket.

Lets hope for some more, after all we don't want this to be embarrassing. Crazy crazy day so far.

Ponting is getting booed heavily :D

[richard.mac]

Nice warm welcome for Ponting from the crowd :D

haha i was going to post that. i was reading Ponting doesnt mind a bit of booing, it makes him play better… maybe shouldnt of said that Ricky! oh well he probably doesnt care.

[arkitect]

Harmison… 12 runs off 1 over.

Ouch, my head hurts…
Maybe England's luck will turn if I stop wtaching? :o

[xUKHCx]

Hairy arms is out lbw :)

38 run lead 7 wickets in hand, Austrialia are still very much in control.

[arkitect]

Hussey gone for 10.

That's more like it. :D

[xUKHCx]

What a day of cricket so far ~270-14.

Of course England take the minority-majority but still what a day and still a reasonable amount of time left.

[richard.mac]

marvelous batting Aussies. keep it going… bat on.

[arkitect]

marvelous batting Aussies. keep it going… bat on.

oops.
Now you've done it. ;)

Clarke lbw just shy of his (deserved) century…

Aus. 303-5

[tooz]

Lunch on the 2nd day and we are already winning by over 200 runs :p
:D:D:D:D

[richard.mac]

terrible Hat-trick ball from Siddle :o

[scotthayes]

Think this test match is going to be all over by lunch tomrrow :(

[scotthayes]

Not what you'd call a great start to the morning.

The big question now is, can we score enough so that we only lose by an innings and less than 200 runs.

[arkitect]

And here we go again. :D

1-1… Australia with the psychological edge?

Fred's last hurrah, he'll probably put his heart into it.

Good luck!

Edit:
Cook gone for 10… bugger.

[scotthayes]

What a session for England 8 wickets for only 72 runs.

Just need to polish of the tail enders and put another 250-300 on the board and it will be game over (unless the weather screws us)

[arkitect]

Incredible.
Who'd have thought Broad had it in him? :D

Mind if I was Strauss I'd put Aus back in to bat straight away (if there was option of a follow on) and bowl them out again…

[scotthayes]

They've just about scored enough to avoid the follow on.

Plus you really don't want to be batting last on that wicket.

[arkitect]

They've just about scored enough to avoid the follow on.

Plus you really don't want to be batting last on that wicket.

True about batting last, but I'd still have gone for the jugular (if a follow on was an option) and bowled them out straight away.

The way that wicket is crumbling there is no guarantee England aren't also going to get out cheaply… :o

[scotthayes]

If we can take a lead of 150+ in to the second innings then think we'll be OK and get our hands back on the lovely little urn

[scotthayes]

That has to be the most shocking decision in a summer of shocking decisions. How the hell did he give that out???

[arkitect]

That has to be the most shocking decision in a summer of shocking decisions. How the hell did he give that out???

Ouch.
When things go against you… Wow.
I have just seen a small mushroom cloud appear towards the East… must be Ponting going ballistic!

[arkitect]

Now England have to keep their wits about and not get out too cheaply… I suspect Australia are going to come out fighting.

Edit:
As suspected England are having the same uphill struggle batting on that wicket.
48-3

[scotthayes]

Here we go again.

Would like to see a lead of at lest 330. So a minimum of 100 more runs please chaps.

[Chundles]

Well, looks like we've got a big fight on our hands. There's no doubt the Aussies have the talent to pull this off but for the first time in a long time I see a team of eleven players who aren't prepared to step up and take charge. If the bowlers finally get some aggro about them and get quick regular wickets, not this stupid nonsense of getting 8 wickets and letting the last few guys put on 80 or 90, then it could be a cracking final innings if our batsmen turn up.

[scotthayes]

What a fantastic start to the morning.

90-2... That little urn will soon be back in the rightful hands...

[DoFoT9]

UGH really?? *turns tv on*

we will fight.

[scotthayes]

Do love Aussie optimism :D

Think it will be the Broad and Swanny show again today.


What a difference 979 days make :)

[DoFoT9]

thats right give broad a rest, he needs it :rolleyes:

[richard.mac]

Australians will not give up until the last ball… bat it out lads! regardless ill bet there will still be a few aggressive and dangerous shots here and there… dont want to make it too boring do we?

[DoFoT9]

Australians will not give up until the last ball… bat it out lads! regardless ill bet there will still be a few aggressive and dangerous shots here and there… dont want to make it too boring do we?

haha your not wrong, ponting has been making those crappy pull shots left right and centre!! i wish he would stop it, the pitch is not made for it!

[bjorn989]

Great stuff...

I didn't think those two would last till lunch.. so many tense moments for an Australian supporter.

This is what I love about test cricket

[DoFoT9]

Great stuff...

I didn't think those two would last till lunch.. so many tense moments for an Australian supporter.

This is what I love about test cricket

very good stuff..

why do you think they called it "Test Cricket" hahahaha

[dalvin200]

Come on England, Come on England... :D

If we lose this Ashes series now, we never deserve to play cricket ever ever EVER again.. in fact, they should ban it being played in England :eek:

[scotthayes]

Just 3 more wickets... Can I really start to believe that we are going to win this?

[scotthayes]

We've done it!!!



http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/107400/107425.jpg


Perfect choice for man of the match. Broad is going to be a huge talent over the next 8 years or so.

[DoFoT9]

ugh did yous really win it??

i wouldnt exactly say it was because of raw talent from that broad fella.. more that his bowling style suited your pathetic pitch :rolleyes:

[scotthayes]

ugh did yous really win it??

i wouldnt exactly say it was because of raw talent from that broad fella.. more that his bowling style suited your pathetic pitch :rolleyes:

And the excuses start!!!

You should have bowled Monty or Anderson out in those 11 over at Cardiff. You were shockingly bad in the first inning at Lords and at the Oval. Mitchell Johnson was bloody awful in the first 3 tests.

[DoFoT9]

And the excuses start!!!
i wouldnt call them excuses, i would call them well-informed observations :cool: dont forget, we did beat you 5-0 in the last ashes :rolleyes:

You should have bowled Monty or Anderson out in those 11 over at Cardiff. You were shockingly bad in the first inning at Lords and at the Oval. Mitchell Johnson was bloody awful in the first 3 tests.
it takes a while to build a team back up after loosing so many players, im surprised we did so well. we need to invest in the future and not get these one-hit wonders such as Johnson and Haddin. it will take some time.

[Chundles]

And the excuses start!!!

You should have bowled Monty or Anderson out in those 11 over at Cardiff. You were shockingly bad in the first inning at Lords and at the Oval. Mitchell Johnson was bloody awful in the first 3 tests.

Yep, 100% correct. We were thoroughly out-played in both tests England won, shockingly inept across the whole series at getting the last three wickets in ANY innings and our batsmen, excluding our big innings in Cardiff, were very disappointing.

Well done England, see you guys down here in two years.

I must say these series are far more interesting than they used to be when we'd thrash you from pillar to post. I just hope next time we can put up a bit more of a fight.

[DoFoT9]

I must say these series are far more interesting than they used to be when we'd thrash you from pillar to post. I just hope next time we can put up a bit more of a fight.

i agree, except with us winning :p

[arkitect]

Well done England — Comes the Hour Comes the Man!
Who would have thought Broad would be the one though. Before the match a lot of "pundits" were ready to write him off.
Tell you what though with Trott in the team earlier England may have added a few more centuries to their tally.

ugh did yous really win it??
i wouldnt exactly say it was because of raw talent from that broad fella.. more that his bowling style suited your pathetic pitch

At least try and be a bit gracious in defeat — even Ponting managed it, albeit through bloodied and gnashed teeth.
The series was even before the Oval, 1-1.
Both teams had their chances and it was England who grabbed theirs with both hands.

Does this Ashes win rank up there with the euphoric win of 2005? Probably not — and I do hope we're spared the drunken open-bus parade. Times have changed and the public mood isn't what it was.

Hang about… England are off touring South Africa starting September… hummmmm. Maybe we should get in some celebrating while we can! :D:D

it takes a while to build a team back up after loosing so many players, im surprised we did so well. it will take some time.
Just grab a couple of South Africans… lots of them floating about. They do wonders for a team… ;)

[DoFoT9]

At least try and be a bit gracious in defeat — even Ponting managed it, albeit through bloodied and gnashed teeth.
The series was even before the Oval, 1-1.
Both teams had their chances and it was England who grabbed theirs with both hands.
maybe i dont want to :p

both team didnt really have their chances if you think about it. the deteriorating wicket basically gave it to you. broad was the right bowler for that wicket and that gave you the advantage because you batted first.

its rather frustrating when the win is there for the taking, but you just cant perform the tasks. physically you are there but mentally things just dont always work out. that will come with experience and in 5 years we will be fighting fit again :D


Just grab a couple of South Africans… lots of them floating about. They do wonders for a team… ;)

is that even allowed lol?

[dalvin200]

hopefully it doesn't go to their heads after receiving a OBE (or was it CBE? never remember) after winning the 2005 ashes series..

[arkitect]

maybe i dont want to :p Fair enough! :) I quite understand!

both team didnt really have their chances if you think about it. the deteriorating wicket basically gave it to you. broad was the right bowler for that wicket and that gave you the advantage because you batted first.
I should think if Ricky wants to stay captain he should take some lessons in tossing… a coin I mean. ;) He lost what… 4 out of 5 coin spins? The last one really was fatal.

that will come with experience and in 5 years we will be fighting fit again :D
Looking forward to that. One thing I did not enjoy in this series was a miss-firing Australian team. Nothing came together — apart from Headingley…

is that even allowed lol?
Apparently… England has 3 of them. ;)

hopefully it doesn't go to their heads after receiving a OBE (or was it CBE? never remember) after winning the 2005 ashes series..
That is my concern as well. All too easy for England to sit back and rest on those laurels…

[DoFoT9]

Fair enough! :) I quite understand!
:( i dont like losing lol, especially to you lot! you have a knack of "rubbing it in ones face".


I should think if Ricky wants to stay captain he should take some lessons in tossing… a coin I mean. ;) He lost what… 4 out of 5 coin spins? The last one really was fatal.
some you lose, others you lose. either way you lose, well Ricky does anyway :rolleyes:

Ponting is a great batter and fielder when he has his mind set on it, but since he has been captain everything else has gone down hill.. especially his fielding! i remember when we used to run out 2/3 wickets per innings (where is symonds when you need him?), now its just the usual methods (caught, bowled etc).


Looking forward to that. One thing I did not enjoy in this series was a miss-firing Australian team. Nothing came together — apart from Headingley…
nah a lot of our batters didnt perform, same with the bowlers. where are the Haydens and Beavans and Waugh's, Tailors etc? nowhere..


Apparently… England has 3 of them. ;)
:eek::eek: i didnt know that! thats not really fair!! cheaters! :D

[scotthayes]

I think your batters did perform, your 8 100+ to our 2. All the way down your lineup you had good scores. You had two shockingly bad innings (Lords and Oval) and that's what lost it for you. We were able to take advantage of those two bad innings and turn them in to wins. You did it once at Leeds.

Don't think you can go blaming the wicket at the Oval though. We had to bat on it twice too. It was (once again) that middle order collapse that did it.

But just to make you feel a little better about things... We are England, we'll see you in 18 months time and be there ready for a smacking.

[DoFoT9]

inconsistency is the main problem yup, i dont get why we are using players that are good - we should be chasing those that are great. but i guess that is all we have for the time being.

the wicket pretty much decides who wins or loses! the wicket that your greenskeeper presented the players with was a pretty big insult, i dont know what went wrong but i would have been extremely angry to play on that. even over here in australia at my local ground we can prepare wickets that would be of higher standard - or maybe he was made to prepare it like that? ;)

[edesignuk]

ZOMG, we actually won!? ...at cricket!? ...against the Aussies!? :eek: :eek: :confused:

[arkitect]

inconsistency is the main problem yup, i dont get why we are using players that are good - we should be chasing those that are great. but i guess that is all we have for the time being.

the wicket pretty much decides who wins or loses! the wicket that your greenskeeper presented the players with was a pretty big insult, i dont know what went wrong but i would have been extremely angry to play on that. even over here in australia at my local ground we can prepare wickets that would be of higher standard - or maybe he was made to prepare it like that? ;)

I agree about the wicket. It was crap. Not suitable for an international test match — much less the final decider of the Ashes… In their haste to prepare a "result" wicket the groundsmen screwed it up. Luckily for them the coin fell right for England.
However I would not see any conspiracy in that, because as strategies go that is one hell of a risky one. What if Ponting had decided to play Hauritz — then that patchy, crumbly wicket could have played against England.
Here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8217181.stm)'s a link to the post match interview with Ponting. He admits that "we picked the wrong side".

Anyway. Now that we've had the main course (test series) I look forward to the dessert… the One Day series and Twenty20s…

ZOMG, we actually won!? ...at cricket!? ...against the Aussies!? :eek: :eek: :confused:
:D
But you'll be pleased to know it still wasn't an easy victory… it never is. Hard life being an England supporter.

[DoFoT9]

I agree about the wicket. It was crap. Not suitable for an international test match — much less the final decider of the Ashes… In their haste to prepare a "result" wicket the groundsmen screwed it up. Luckily for them the coin fell right for England.
However I would not see any conspiracy in that, because as strategies go that is one hell of a risky one. What if Ponting had decided to play Hauritz — then that patchy, crumbly wicket could have played against England.
ahwell these things happen i guess you cant do much about it.. but -you did have another 30 pitches to pick from LOL! (opposed to our 3 max on our grounds). i donno why we didnt play Hauritz, but TBH he isnt that special.. doesnt get much turn, doesnt deviate too much..

Here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8217181.stm)'s a link to the post match interview with Ponting. He admits that "we picked the wrong side".
i dont know what they were thinking..

Anyway. Now that we've had the main course (test series) I look forward to the dessert… the One Day series and Twenty20s…
i think at this current point the aussie team is much better suited for one-dayers (and unfortunatey 20-20s). we can score at high rates, but not keep our wickets that well, for the moment. it will be interesting to see how your ponies handle the pressure of having to score fast


:D
But you'll be pleased to know it still wasn't an easy victory… it never is. Hard life being an England supporter.
looked pretty easy from my point of view! we seemed to give it away to you lol!

on another note: what does everybody think of 20-20's?

[scotthayes]

I'll post the series stats later on, interesting reading, shows just how close this really was.

[DoFoT9]

looking forward to it :)

[scotthayes]

This sums up the Ashes perfectly.

ENGLAND deserved to win the Ashes. Figures can be misleading. That Australia provided five of the six highest scorers and the three leading wicket takers and still lost is merely a quirk. Cricket is not to be put in a statistical box. It is a hot-blooded game, a contest to be won and lost. Plain and simple, England produced the three most incisive spells of bowling in the series - Andrew Flintoff's thunder at Lord's, Jimmy Anderson's waspish swingers in Birmingham and Stuart Broad's irresistible intervention at The Oval. Bowlers win matches. Australia produced three low first-innings totals, and paid the penalty. Wobbly middle-order batting and inspired bowling stints undid the visitors. In three out of five matches, the visitors lost heavily on the first innings. The rest is talk.

Link (http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2009/08/24/1251001857670.html)

[remmy]

A really entertaining series, all the matches had something going on. Going to miss it now all is finished.