WC2007: Super 8

[aussie_ben91]

any Aussie's explain why u pick an extra batsman today?

strangely negative tactic?
Nope, we just wanted to play an extra spinner. :cool:

[Eddie]

McGrath is getting murdered here ..great sight..

2.5 overs for 25 runs...

rofl!

[aussie1st]

any Aussie's explain why u pick an extra batsman today?

strangely negative tactic?

If it were that simple we would always go with 5 bowlers but that has never been the case with us. Clarke has been going well just McGrath taking some stick.

[stevie]

Fantastic stuff from these two, but they need to go on and make big scores, particularly Pietersen or we'll probably see the usual collapse. As KP launches Clarke over the ropes. :D

[aussie_ben91]

I can see Pietersen & Bell both making centuries today.

[Adarsh]

I'll bet you on that one. Neither will make a 100. Fifties at best.

[Cricketman]

Ah. Bell will get out first, KP will feel some heat and get out too, then the usual middle order collapse, the Ravi and Nixon have to save the day.
That is the story of English Cricket :)

[aussie1st]

Hopefully you are right :) Don't want England building a platform where Flintoff and Boopara can tee off from.

[stevie]

Ah. Bell will get out first, KP will feel some heat and get out too, then the usual middle order collapse, the Ravi and Nixon have to save the day.
That is the story of English Cricket :)

I would almost put money on something like that happening. Something along those lines has happened in every match in this tournament for us so far. Maybe we should send Trescothick over after scoring 256 today with 25 fours and 18 sixes. :D

[Hooper]

Yes, Symmos' bowling Medium Pacers, Fully Recoverd it seems!

[aussie1st]

Probably going to need to try out Hussey as well seeing as the spinners aren't getting much turn.

[aussie_ben91]

Hopefully you are right :) Don't want England building a platform where Flintoff and Boopara can tee off from.
Nah I predict, that Bell & Pietersen both make centuries. Bell carries his bat and makes 125 not out while Pietersen makes 124 and goes out in the 42nd over.
Australia will get off to a decent start and then Hayden will fall for 32, Ponting gone for a 2nd ball duck, Hussey will get nudged up to number 4 and go out for a golden duck and James Anderson picks up 3 wkts in an over. Gilchrist has a blinder and when we are 111 for 3, he tries to charge Panesar and gets stumped for 73 off 41 balls. Symonds gets a half-century but we fall about 80 runs short of England's 325.

[ZexyZahid]

England is now scoring very quick. It's good for the match.

[aussie1st]

Congrats to KP another good 50 by him, definitely needs to move up to number 3. And now Bell's 50.
Run rate is a worry especially with that powerplay still left.

[Hooper]

What the hell!!!!??? Ricky Ponting has dropped a catch! Symonds coulda had KP! Nooooo!!

[Eddie]

lol a drop..thats harsh..he nailed it..

more like he saved 4 runs..(was a crap ball too..lol)

[Sagacious]

What the hell!!!!??? Ricky Ponting has dropped a catch! Symonds coulda had KP! Nooooo!!

Not an easy catch, hehe you guys will be defeated anyway :happy

[aussie_ben91]

Can England get 10 an over from here on in and post nearly 400?

[Hooper]

Defeated? Are you serious? Man that's the problem with England supportors, make a 50 and your gonna win a match, take 2 wickets and the match is over!

I knew Aus shoulda gone in with an extra bowler! Hodge won't bowl, he will get slapped. But so is every other bowler, except for Bracken and a lucky break for KP again!

[angryangy]

With seven excellent attacking batsmen, almost all in excellent form, the score will have to get very high before Australia look to be in trouble.

[Ireland_Rule]

Can England get 10 an over from here on in and post nearly 400?

In a word; no.

[Hooper]

Exactly, Im predicting 270 from England which = Aus Victory!

Dropped Again! OMG, Could be costly KP! :crying

[Eddie]

LOL @ hayden..

[stevie]

Well that's it, he's surely nailed on for a hundred now. The only time I can think of him getting a hundred without getting dropped was in the ODI series in South Africa in 2005!! :eek: He might not have been dropped in the 2nd Ashes test at Adelaide in the recent Ashes, but I really can't think of any other innings.

[aussie1st]

Oh Hayden what on earth happened there. We badly needed that wicket and it would have been a bonus in a powerplay.

[Hooper]

Ooh ahhh Glenn McGrath how good is he? Got Bell at a crucial time!

[Eddie]

need Colly and Kp set up a platform for Freddy , bopara and nixon to tee-off from

[cric_craze]

australia's batting is too strong and shaun tait gets colling wood :'(

[aussie1st]

Carn Tait, excellent spell of bowling should have had 4 wickets instead of 3. Is this the usual collapse?

[stevie]

Carn Tait, excellent spell of bowling should have had 4 wickets instead of 3. Is this the usual collapse?

Damn right it is, there goes Collingwood. I'd actually send Bopara out now, not Flintoff.

[ZexyZahid]

Tait gets immediately Collingwood. This will slow the runrate.

[aussie_ben91]

This is probably the most wkts Tait has taken in an International innings. :D

[angryangy]

Let's see if Flintoff continues his form of late. You'd think he'd make 30-40 odd, just to confuse us all.

[Drewska]

Right, pack Rudi off to the retirement home, hes ballsed the game up for us.

[stevie]

Right, pack Rudi off to the retirement home, hes ballsed the game up for us.

And how have you arrived at that conclusion?

[Drewska]

And how have you arrived at that conclusion?

If he was 25 we would be 168/2 :p, you unaware of what happened the ball before Bell got out :p?

[Hooper]

Brad Hogg is a ODI legend! Freddieis turning into a Bowler who can bat a bit:)

[aussie1st]

Oh yea go Hoggy, bowled really well today. Flintoff had no idea against him and the ball before was a sign of things to come.

[ZexyZahid]

Flintoff's great form is continuing in this World Cup.

[Eddie]

Flintoff's great form is continuing in this World Cup.

no he's continuing he form forthe last 6 months..

[angryangy]

Let's see if Flintoff continues his form of late. You'd think he'd make 30-40 odd, just to confuse us all.I guess the answer is yes and I should have said 3-4. Hogg really has his number.

[Cricketman]

LOL.
They should have sent Bopara ahead of Flintoff and Nixon too. Flintoff should bat at 8, he just sucks off late at batting, especially in the middle overs.
His bowling isn't amazing either, just drop him and bring in Broad.
Beautiful bowling by Hogg, nonetheless. There was no need to charge and defend there...

[stevie]

His bowling isn't amazing either, just drop him and bring in Broad.

I do hope that's sarcasm. He has 9 wickets at 14.44 with an economy rate of 3.69 which is by far the stats for an England bowler in the WC. He was supurb against Sri Lanka as well. I'd agree more with putting him down at 8 at the moment than drop him.

[angryangy]

With England's top order, I don't see how it could hurt to put him up the order and try to get him some time at the crease. Bumping him out of the middle order is just accepting defeat and also promoting a player who isn't a middle order quality batsman for no genuine reason.

[Hooper]

I do hope that's sarcasm. He has 9 wickets at 14.44 with an economy rate of 3.69 which is by far the stats for an England bowler in the WC. He was supurb against Sri Lanka as well. I'd agree more with putting him down at 8 at the moment than drop him.


Hahah..That post showed him...Looks like my earlier prediction on 270 will be correct.

[Eddie]

laughable that anyone criticises Freddies bowling, he's our best bowler BY MILES..

with the nature of these slow pitches, it really doesn't suit freddie to come into bad agianst the spinners..

I'd welcome him up the order to open with BELL with VAUGHAN dropping down the order as he plays spinners bettter..

[John Adams]

All I can say is -

:happy Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi Aussie io Aussie io Aussie oi oi Aussie Aussie oi oi oi!! :happy

[Pak_cricketer]

This is a bad ending from England.. With 5 Wickets in hand and 5 Overs left, I think it is time to hit out or get out.

[Eddie]

its funny really..

england are at their worst in the first 10 and last 10 overs....

probly cos 90% of the team are blockers..

[angryangy]

The sheer lack of flexibility on England's part suggests a weakness. Vaughan and Bell have to be in the top order. Why is that? What are they that no one else is? Fair enough that there are some dominating batsmen who should always open, but those who continue to raise questions must be prepared to take greater lengths to answer them.

[evertonfan]

Flintoff is not a number 6 in limited overs cricket. Period. I've missed a huge chunk of the match due to actually playing a game myself, but he hasn't even reached triple figures for the tournament yet and for a self proclaimed 'batsman who bowls' that is pathetic. Meanwhile with the shoe on the other foot, Bopara hasn't put a fut wrong in this tournament and is far more effective with the bat than Flintoff at present. Bopara up to 6 please Mr.Fletcher.

[John Adams]

lol dont pick on Freddie when Vaughan who is a specialist batsman hasnt reached tripple figures at all in his one day career...but that's another argument perhaps.

[!x!Culli!x!]

Well batted Kevin Pietersen, a ODI century for KP

[John Adams]

His first WC one right :D I like KP :)

[stevie]

I said he was nailed on for a hundred after being dropped for a second time, didn't I? :p

Well done KP, it's a shame no one could stick with you for a last 10 assault.

[evertonfan]

lol dont pick on Freddie when Vaughan who is a specialist batsman hasnt reached tripple figures at all in his one day career...but that's another argument perhaps.

I meant triple figures for the tournament aggregate. Which Vaughan hasn't reached either.

[Pak_cricketer]

Wickets falling at the wrong time, and the wrong wickets are falling for England.. KP goes..

[John Adams]

Yea I just hmm wish Vaughan played as good as he can. But I won't kid you, when he fails against us, I won't complain ever lol

[angryangy]

There might be more attitude problems with KP, he got to the hundred and practically retired himself.

[Pak_cricketer]

Well.. When I meant hit out, I didn't mean don't play your overs :p

[Adarsh]

Well, you can't do much about that really. If not for KP the English batting is dire.

[evertonfan]

Yes, it seems England took the term hit out too literally.

[Eddie]

shame we don't have just 1 half decent batsman, we're turning into a One-man-Team.

Badly missing tresco up the order..

I might be wrong but i think England scored 83-8 off the last 20 overs..

which quite frankly is a joke

[Drewska]

What a load of crap...appaling. A mixture of poor batting and decent bowling, and an intervention by Rudi which may cost us the game (not entirely his fault though).

[stevie]

Pathetic, utterly pathetic. Bell and Pietersen scored 181 runs of that total and we've collaped from 164-2. Awful team performance.

[RoboRocks]

Australia on top coming in to the 2nd innings.
Pietersen went too late and gave himself too much to do.
Englands opening bowler will have be on target from ball one to Hayden and Gilchrist or this game will be over in a hurry.

[Eddie]

thats said, our qualification doesn't rest on this game..

due to our superior runrates over WI and SAF, we actually have to beat them.

ENG V SAF will decide who goes thru to the semis

[Hooper]

Where will Hodge go in the Line-up? In Watson's spot? Number 7's a little low for a specialist batsman, but theres no ther slots, unless Hussey drops down.

[evertonfan]

On current form Vaughan and Flintoff don't merit batting places for their county sides. Now if my sources a correct, Bopara bats at 3 for Essex so why is he floating around at 7/8 for England?

Disclaimer; My sources are Stevie so they are probably wrong.

[angryangy]

It's common practice for the new guy to play low in the order. Hodge bats either at 3 or opens for Victoria. Fat chance of him doing that in this team.

[John Adams]

And then you have Glen McGrath that should bat at 13 spot :laugh

[Eddie]

On current form Vaughan and Flintoff don't merit batting places for their county sides. Now if my sources a correct, Bopara bats at 3 for Essex so why is he floating around at 7/8 for England?

Disclaimer; My sources are Stevie so they are probably wrong.


on current form you'd have Vaughan coming in no 11.

Just backs up what i thought all along, "how can a guy who has had no cricket for 12months be selected to play in the WC?"

I could understand it if it was someone like KP who is a great 1-day player..but Vaughan probly doesn't warrant his place in the 1-day team anyways..

I'd love to have seen Loye on opening with these short boundaries..

[Hooper]

I'd love to have seen Loye on opening with these short boundaries..

Why? So he can cop it in the head again?

[Eddie]

his slog swep against all these spinners and slow medium bowlers..

[John Adams]

Yea least Loye should make the innings unboring...

[A_Whitey]

On current form Vaughan and Flintoff don't merit batting places for their county sides. Now if my sources a correct, Bopara bats at 3 for Essex so why is he floating around at 7/8 for England?

Disclaimer; My sources are Stevie so they are probably wrong.

Bopara should be above Flintoff. Never put Flintoff higher than 7, his technique si not good enough. Vaughan should not play for England. So many decent county players who'd do a better job as an opener.

[angryangy]

his slog swep against all these spinners and slow medium bowlers..And his cover drive against everyone else...

Nah, he should have gone to the World Cup. Silly selectors, fast 20s and 30s are way better than what they're getting.

[John Adams]

I guess the truth is now that England keep Vaughan in for his captaincy only and dont know who else can replace him as captain correct?

[manee]

Hayden gets a chance as he is let off an LBW appeal, usually when Hayden gets a chance he makes the opponent pay for it.

[angryangy]

Nah, Hayden never gets out lbw. Silly line of attack imo.

[manee]

Why is it silly, that looked pretty plum to me.

[Hooper]

Yeah more plumb then Saj Mahmood's one.

[angryangy]

ML Hayden ODI career modes of dismissal

innings: 135

bowled : 14 10%
caught : 91 67%
lbw : 5 4%
run out: 5 4%
stumped : 5 4%
not out : 15 11%

[Hooper]

WOW! 4 lbws! Ever! Umpires must love him haha


So tired, goin to bed, watch it in the morning (Foxtel IQ ;), Aus viewers)
*Remind myself not to go into this thread or www.cricinfo.com (Spoilers)*

The chase should be an absolute cracker, with Haydos and Gilly going along nicely. Saj Mahmood's bowling a bit loose though, giving Aus easy runs.

And on the Vaughan issue, I don't understand why they can't just drop him? So what if he's captain? Its no barrier, when a batsman is playing poorly drop him so he works hard, and tries to earn his spot back. If Vaughan was out the captaincy wouldn't be a problem, Strauss is capable, maybe even Nixon:D?

And Plunkett! Why doesn't England pick him? He swings the ball so much and bowls balls that are sometimes unplayable. He may leak the odd boundry, but in your side you wan't someone who can either score you a hundred or get a bag of 5 wickets. Plunkett can peform the latter and should be an automatic inclusion. No-one in international cricket can confidently play swing of high-quality and it is a rarity in cricket nowadays. So he is a rare breed, and take advantage of such a young skillful bowler.

[aussie1st]

Good opening stand so far from Gilly and Hayden and at a decent 5 an over.

[AusRule]

damn Gilly hitting it straight to Collingwood at point should of just gone through with the shot :noway

[aussie1st]

Flintoff gets him again, I agree he should have gone through with the shot like he would when confident.

[angryangy]

He's tall and imposing, comes forward a long, long way (usually batting well outside his crease) and is also one of the best front foot players in the world, particularly straight and leg-side. He's also a master of the batsman's poker face, he doesn't flinch at the possibility of being out. Overall, it just isn't a very good combination for lbws. Even when he should be plumb, it doesn't look very good to umpires because it's so hard for them to tell where the stumps are in relation to his front leg; then of course, they look up at him standing confident.

What is more effective is what Flintoff will be trying to do here, keep the ball outside off and not too full.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Gilly is having problems in this World Cup :( he also need to fire like others :)

[AusRule]

well pretty weird field but Fweddie's bowling well to it must of had a few pints last night :drink as he bowls better when hungover

[aussie1st]

Ponting taking the battle up to Monty here, has mistimed a few of late but that last shot was good.

[Briggsey]

The shocking thing about Englands innings, almost embarassing if you will, was that only 3 players got to double figures. How embarassing did it look to see Pietersen's 104, Bell's 77, Bopara's 21, and then the next best score of Nixon with 8. That just sums up our batting as of late, too reliant on one partnership.

Good news though, dont know if this has been said or not but Tresco is back with a bang! He made his return to action for Somerset today in a pre-season game and scored 256 from 117 balls!! including 19 sixes and 25 fours! We really badly miss him opening the innings! Hopefully he will be back this summer, because its quite obvious we have no obvious one day openers in the team, barring Vaughan.

Just as I speak, Collingwood bowls Hayden!

[aussie1st]

That was a real good ball there, Hayden completely misread the line and Colly had no idea what happened :)
This is going to put pressure on the rest of our guys now.

[wolf]

This is going to put pressure on the rest of our guys now.

I wouldn't worry too much.

[Drewska]

Good news though, dont know if this has been said or not but Tresco is back with a bang! He made his return to action for Somerset today in a pre-season game and scored 256 from 117 balls!! including 19 sixes and 25 fours! We really badly miss him opening the innings! Hopefully he will be back this summer, because its quite obvious we have no obvious one day openers in the team, barring Vaughan.


WTF! Even if it was against Devon...that's just crazy. Welcome back Tres.

[AusRule]

good ball from Collingwood to get Hayden good bowling change by Vaughan

btw: Has any one else noticed that Strauss looks like he's put on a fair few kilos
since the Ashes only noticed when he was fielding and looked pretty Fat and slow ;)

[ZexyZahid]

The shocking thing about Englands innings, almost embarassing if you will, was that only 3 players got to double figures. How embarassing did it look to see Pietersen's 104, Bell's 77, Bopara's 21, and then the next best score of Nixon with 8. That just sums up our batting as of late, too reliant on one partnership.

Good news though, dont know if this has been said or not but Tresco is back with a bang! He made his return to action for Somerset today in a pre-season game and scored 256 from 117 balls!! including 19 sixes and 25 fours! We really badly miss him opening the innings! Hopefully he will be back this summer, because its quite obvious we have no obvious one day openers in the team, barring Vaughan.

Just as I speak, Collingwood bowls Hayden!

Yeah, I just read that earlier. Was pretty surprised about that. Never heard about such a total in an 50 overs match. And his team scored 502-4. :eek:

Trescothick back with double ton
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/counties/somerset/6537709.stm

[aussie1st]

That was some shot from Ponting to release a the pressure a bit. Every run has been hard to come by so far.

[Cricketman]

Australia look comfy spot to win this by a big margin.. :( :noway

[aussie1st]

Both guys starting to look really good now, as long as they don't get out we will cruise home, if they get out will be interesting seeing how the new batter goes.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Both guys starting to look really good now, as long as they don't get out we will cruise home, if they get out will be interesting seeing how the new batter goes.


I just hope they play the rest like this way , total steadily :)

[aussie1st]

Hmmm don't know what Ponting was thinking there, this game has got interesting now.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Ponting deserved that hunderd :( what he was thinking :eek: Hussey you have to play today

[aussie1st]

Hehe poor KP, just couldn't control his body there. Although surprised he didn't try throwing it up in the air so that he could get another go at it.

[ZexyZahid]

That was interesting to see whether Pietersen caught that or not. I was even thinking it was a six, but he threw the ball before he was over the rope.

[aussie1st]

Clarke now upping the tempo, now we are well and truely above the run rate required.

[cric_craze]

australia will struggle against new zealand and sri lanka

[aussie1st]

Another good win for the Aussies, great fightback first to restrict the English and then a good partnership between Clarke and Ponting.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

We have won the match :happy

[ZexyZahid]

Nice comfortable win for Australia. :clap

[Will_NA]

Saj's first over after drinks changed the tempo. He completely released the pressure.

[Cricketman]

Brilliant effort on that catch there by KP. I think it should have been given out because he held it for such a long time before crossing the rope, that too he threw the ball.
Wouldn't have changed the outcome but a loss of 6 wickets looks better than 7.

[aussie1st]

Problem is he wasn't stable and in the rules you have to have complete control of both the ball and your body.

Don't know why Vaughan bowled Saj, should have tried Bopara.

[Will_NA]

Problem is he wasn't stable and in the rules you have to have complete control of both the ball and your body.

Don't know why Vaughan bowled Saj, should have tried Bopara.

I agree. Why wasn't Ravi tried. He got the wicket of Hussey in his first over (i might be wrong) and hasn't bowled since. Mahmood was poor today. He bowled both sides of the wicket and released all the pressure created by Fred and Collie. He was expensive and completely ineffective. I was silently singing his praises until this match. And that slower can be read from a mile away. :mad:

[Sureshot]

Whether it's a promising thing or not, everytime England lose we can pinpoint what went wrong. If we play well we win, unfortunately that's about as likely as Mick Lewis wearing an Australian shirt in a world cup final.

[Will_NA]

Whether it's a promising thing or not, everytime England lose we can pinpoint what went wrong. If we play well we win, unfortunately that's about as likely as Mick Lewis wearing an Australian shirt in a world cup final.

Maybe he'll wear while sitting in the stands :D

[MUFC1987]

Meh, it's not such a big deal today. Our remaining games are against the teams around us, so in theory, if we win all of them, we should be in the semis.

[Will_NA]

Meh, it's not such a big deal today. Our remaining games are against the teams around us, so in theory, if we win all of them, we should be in the semis.

We've also got to face the number 1 ranked team in the world. And just because Bangladesh beat them doesn't mean we will

[MUFC1987]

My point is that it's still in our hands, or at least should be. We don't need to rely on one team beating another just yet. Let's just hope we get a turner against South Africa.

[Will_NA]

Let's follow the example set by Australia and go after Shaun Pollock

[MUFC1987]

It looked as though we were trying to do that to McGrath, but after his first spell, they just didn't bother.

[Will_NA]

Bell was unlucky. It was the right idea but he just toed it. That was the turning point of the match. I wonder how it would have panned out if he had cleared cover.

[MUFC1987]

Or if Rudi didn't dive in the way of Pietersen's pull shot which kept it to one.

[Will_NA]

He didn't actually dive. He just didn't get out of the way. The plonker! :mad:

[MUFC1987]

If you look though, it's going wide of him, then he decides to do a star-jump for some bizarre reason and gets hit in the leg. He deserved to get hit for his own stupidity after that.

[Will_NA]

It took him soooooo long to react. What the hell was that about? :mad:

[LA ICE-E]

If England won today things could have got interesting but now they are back to just holding on with one more loss and they are out. Bang,Eng,WI all have about the same amount chance to make it to the semis now.

Uh what?!?! That wasn't an odd game. They have a chance to make it to the semis, i don't count them out on beating any of the teams that are coming up. They might win them, they might not but that's sports. I don't think any team use all their talent in almost every match. Ashraful's been performing since he's been back.

Hmm, They have only 4 overseas players and the rest is homegrown. But still you would do well to read this- http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/story/287886.html
Really? Then how were they produced?

And how was I stupid, saying that both the teams deserve their spots? Hell no, I'm not. They definitely deserve their spots and have proven it- Irelands been competitive and never giving up while bangladesh just justified their spot by beating south africa. Both deserves their spot more than big money- india and pakistan. But i guess hating like this will never stop. Even if they won the world cup you guys would find to way to take deserved credit away from them.
Most people who say Bangla and Ireland don't deserve to be in the Super 8 are either Pakistan or India fans who are in denial. Face it, you get beaten fair and square, Bangladesh have proved they deserve to be in the Super 8 and even if Ireland don't win another game, they beat Pakistan and nearly beat Zimbabwe for gods sake!

Oh and you're moaning about Ireland, we have 4 players who were born overseas, what about England? Strauss, Pietersen, Joyce. You're just trying to find an excuse now but Bray, Langford-Smith, Botha and Johnston all live in Ireland and are now Irish citizens.

Oh and about you saying the WC is about winning lots of games, well not it isn't, the game of Cricket has been done a lot of good by teams like Ireland and Bangladesh, a lot of other countries will see this and think they can do the same.
Sorry, but that's just rubbish. The four non-Irish born players all moved to Ireland for non-cricketing reasons. And their best players weren't produced by their system? Ed Joyce? Eoin Morgan? Niall O'Brien?

And Dalrymple.

Of course everyone in Australia's squad was born in Australia weren't they?
And so before talking crap about Bangladesh and Ireland or any other associates
check your the facts 1st. Bangladesh and Ireland made this world cup better in a wc overshadowed by a death. They performed well and have lively spirits. Hope Ireland will continue performing against NZ tomorrow.

[John Adams]

YAY it's always nice to beat England. "Ye old enemie" lol

[irottev]

TBH, if given the chance I can see Hodge doing a better job with the ball then either Johnson or Clark tonight.


I doubt he'd make it into our International side anyway. Smart move on his part.
.

Except it wasn't his choice to come here for cricket. He's been here since he's been a kid. How can you say smart move? I thought you Aussies lacked all-rounders. (Well decent ones)

Bhahahah, did Mills not see what Hayden did to Pollock? Who at the time had a rating of over 900.

I have the article and it's another media thing where they totally take a comment out of context. Mills didn't say it in an attacking way, just as a comment while saying Hayden was the best batsman so far in the tournament. He never made mention of Pollock either.

Brad Hogg is a ODI legend! Freddieis turning into a Bowler who can bat a bit:)

Thats what he's always been. But now he's a bowler who can't bat for s.....you know. Rhymes with bit.

And Plunkett! Why doesn't England pick him? He swings the ball so much and bowls balls that are sometimes unplayable. He may leak the odd boundry, but in your side you wan't someone who can either score you a hundred or get a bag of 5 wickets. Plunkett can peform the latter and should be an automatic inclusion. No-one in international cricket can confidently play swing of high-quality and it is a rarity in cricket nowadays. So he is a rare breed, and take advantage of such a young skillful bowler.


Because England don't seem to want to win games. They take that horrible Mahmood over him. Plunkett swings the ball, he just needs experiance and he's get better and better. He also looks more like a batsman then Vaughan, Flintoff and half the top order and can attack at the end to ensure a decent score. England scored bugger all near the end of the innings. Partly due to wickets being down, partly because Pieterson's selfish batting, partly because the bottom order just can't hit sixes/fours at the end anyway, but look at the Aussie/NZ batting line ups. Both these sides wouldn't be throwing in the towel and playing singles. Players like Oram, McCullum, Franklin, Hussey, Hodge, even Symonds down the order hit big! Not using Plunkett is a mistake.

Good news though, dont know if this has been said or not but Tresco is back with a bang! He made his return to action for Somerset today in a pre-season game and scored 256 from 117 balls!! including 19 sixes and 25 fours! We really badly miss him opening the innings! Hopefully he will be back this summer, because its quite obvious we have no obvious one day openers in the team, barring Vaughan.


That is Good news, thats a crazy score. Now England need to break Joyce's arm so they can replace him.

Easy win for Aussies. Job well done. Tait was great early, English batting was typical really. Ponting's innings was great. Some nice shots smashing Panesar over the top. The ball hitting Rudi was funny. I don't see how it cost England the game. Aussies coulda chased any score England managed to get anyway.

[Hooper]

Originally Posted by Hooper
Brad Hogg is a ODI legend! Freddieis turning into a Bowler who can bat a bit

irrotev
Thats what he's always been. But now he's a bowler who can't bat for s.....you know. Rhymes with bit.

Well he said in an interview a couple of days ago, and said that he regarded himself as a batsman who bowls! But he admitted that the bowling is on top at the moment and said he "..Must score some runs pretty damn quick!".

[angryangy]

When Brad Hogg first played for WA, he was a batsman. He can still bat a fair bit, mind you, just doesn't have to do much game saving these days.

[Hooper]

Uh.. Angry, where talking about Freddie Flintoff lol.

[irottev]

Why would Flintoff have played for WA?

Thats interesting info. I noticed they interviewed him before the match and he said he wouldn't mind a bat ;) Good luck getting one at this rate.

[Hooper]

Now, Im confused:)

Anyways, Yeah, well Huss can't even get a 20-Ball innings so I don't see Hogg getting a bat anytime soon.

[aussie1st]

He was just using Hogg as an example.

[formula1man]

i think bangladesh winning and england losing has given the windies a good shot at making it into the semi's if they can beat s.africa

[genghis_khan]

We're really looking ominous here, we appear to be back to the sort of form we displayed in the CT and early in the CBS. NZ look like the only team that could challenge us from here on in, but if we play at our best i believe we are still a class above the black-caps.

[aussie_ben91]

How many people actually ruled us out of winning this competition?

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

How many people actually ruled us out of winning this competition?



See the poll :p , England can still be in semi though its quite tough

[angryangy]

NZ look like the only team that could challenge us from here on inI really don't know where people are getting this from. Apart from in past and recent instances (well, in recent instances, many teams have been more competitive), NZ haven't done anything at all in this tournament to suggest they're playing brilliant cricket. They haven't had to. England, Kenya, Canada, West Indies and Bangladesh. Of course, now there's tonight's blockbuster against Ireland. Their hardest match of the tournament was the warm up against Sri Lanka.

Their last 3 matches are the toughest run any team will face, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia. They could well be defeated in all three.

[irottev]

Their last 3 matches are the toughest run any team will face, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia. They could well be defeated in all three.

Yeah, it works out well, we'll already be guarenteed a place by then. I'd still like us to win 2/3 or even 3/3. SA are playing poor cricket. Id be dissapointed if we lost that game. We've played SL and Aussies a lot lately and won so could go either way. If we p[lay good cricket, thats the main thing. The Semi and Final games are what will be the big ones.

[Sagacious]

Only team which is standing between Australia and WC 2007 is Sri Lanka, I don't see any other team challenging them here on!

[Eddie]

anyone else see the High-lights on BBC1 last night..

anyone explain why Hayden wasn't given out in Anderson's 1st over? Hawkeye had it hitting middle half-way up..

then with score on 5 Saj had Gilchrist struck on his BACK LEG infront of off stump..

2 absolute shockers there..would have been interesting to see how the game would have progressed from 5/2....

[John Adams]

Meh I think an lbw or two went Englands way as well, and if you really want to an answer, then phone the adjudicating umpire. Only he can answer you correctly lol

[PhilD123]

We've also got to face the number 1 ranked team in the world. And just because Bangladesh beat them doesn't mean we will
They're not the number one side in the world now. Australia are officially after SA's loss to Bangladesh.

Disappointed with yesterdays result. The fact is that after being 160-2, players like Collingwood and Flintoff didn't come to the party, we should have been looking for at least 275, and instead we could only manage a poor 247. Well played KP and Bell, can't fault them one bit, but others just didn't perform.

No early wickets with the new ball which was crucial and a missed run out of Ponting.

It's a tall ask to go through, but even though we aren't playing well, I still think we have a chance of going through.

[John Adams]

They're not the number one side in the world now. Australia are officially after SA's loss to Bangladesh.



:happy YAY :happy now I want Ponting as the number one bastman as well. lol

[masterkhan]

I thought South Africa as going to win the world but I will change my mind Now
After they lost to bangladash

[formula1man]

even though i want aussies to win i think new zealand will

[evertonfan]

How many people actually ruled us out of winning this competition?

I actually put a real life tenner on Australia winning the WC. As soon as they were battered in New Zealand I knew they'd win it.

[Will_NA]

They're not the number one side in the world now. Australia are officially after SA's loss to Bangladesh.

Disappointed with yesterdays result. The fact is that after being 160-2, players like Collingwood and Flintoff didn't come to the party, we should have been looking for at least 275, and instead we could only manage a poor 247. Well played KP and Bell, can't fault them one bit, but others just didn't perform.

No early wickets with the new ball which was crucial and a missed run out of Ponting.

It's a tall ask to go through, but even though we aren't playing well, I still think we have a chance of going through.

Well, Collie has rescued us another times to expect some sort of a payment but Freddie just doesn't look up to it. Bell looked great as always. Shame he didn't get a hundred. KP batted the best as always

[irottev]

Only team which is standing between Australia and WC 2007 is Sri Lanka, I don't see any other team challenging them here on!

You have a short memory. NZ and SA have both beaten the Aussies in their last say 6 games, about 50/50. Sri Lanka actually havn't for a while. Maybe it's a long time comming.

[Ireland_Rule]

Bad start by Rankin, Carn the Irish!

Rankin Strikes! Fleming gone, NZ 35/1!

[symonds_sixes]

Great win Australia had. Looking good for the cup!

[John Adams]

*Does the Irish shingle* Haha I think that's what Ian Smith called it lol

[masterkhan]

I think the Iraland can win this match but Fulton is helping New Zealand alot

[formula1man]

can another cricket giant be upset? hope so

[ZexyZahid]

This is very interesting.

Dilhara tactic deliberate - Vaas

Sri Lankan bowler Chaminda Vaas has conceded his team employed gamesmanship before the final ball of their epic contest against England last Wednesday.

"A bowler has the right to test a batsman at any time," Vaas explained to the BBC's Sinhala Service.

"I think, as an experienced bowler, Dilhara deliberately did it."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/sri_lanka/6539207.stm

[Will_NA]

I guess it's allowed but poor sportsmanship. Cricket should be played in the right spirit.

[irottev]

Has been excellent bowling by Ireland. They're looking to keep us to probably 280 max, unless they really let things slip. I'd say we should look at 260 minimum. Oram is the key wicket, McCullum is important too.

I doubt they can chase much over 200 but at least they will go away feeling like they put up a fight. This is a good test for us, i'm always a little nervous with us batting first. Defending we can chase anything, but we need practice setting. A few silly dismissals, none of the batsmen carrying on and now Fulton out right before they go off for rain, typical really. We usually see this happen with the stop starts. Defiantly hasn't helped us but lets hope the rain goes away to get this game over. I wanna go to bed lol.


And on the Fernando ball, I think it's a load of rubbish. He was fully entitled to do it and power to him. I would shake his hand for such an act. Good thinking, he has brains. He wanted to win. Doing that wasn't bad sportsmanship in my books.

[formula1man]

Has been excellent bowling by Ireland. They're looking to keep us to probably 280 max, unless they really let things slip. I'd say we should look at 260 minimum. Oram is the key wicket, McCullum is important too.

I doubt they can chase much over 200 but at least they will go away feeling like they put up a fight. This is a good test for us, i'm always a little nervous with us batting first. Defending we can chase anything, but we need practice setting. A few silly dismissals, none of the batsmen carrying on and now Fulton out right before they go off for rain, typical really. We usually see this happen with the stop starts. Defiantly hasn't helped us but lets hope the rain goes away to get this game over. I wanna go to bed lol.


And on the Fernando ball, I think it's a load of rubbish. He was fully entitled to do it and power to him. I would shake his hand for such an act. Good thinking, he has brains. He wanted to win. Doing that wasn't bad sportsmanship in my books.
what time is it over there

[John Adams]

Hey I forgot to mention that in the second over, all but one wide seemed to be too harsh in calling them wides agree?

[irottev]

its 5am.

This batting is a disgrace. Wasn't worth staying up for really. All these batters being caught. Not smart shots. Oram is a villian for taking up so many balls and holing out in the deep. Vettori just was unlucky. 230 is looking more a max now with these setbacks. We've done an England. :(

The pitch doesn't seem as good as was first thought. In my opinion it looks slow and as if the ball isn't quite comming on so well. Suits Irelands attack as they're all pretty slow. SHould suit some of our bowlers as well.

[Will_NA]

its 5am.

This batting is a disgrace. Wasn't worth staying up for really. All these batters being caught. Not smart shots. Oram is a villian for taking up so many balls and holing out in the deep. Vettori just was unlucky. 230 is looking more a max now with these setbacks. We've done an England. :(

but against Ireland which is even worse :cool:

[irottev]

They made the top 8, and no one can say Ireland are playing badly. They arn't your average minnows.

[Will_NA]

They made the top 8, and no one can say Ireland are playing badly. They arn't your average minnows.

Andrew Nixon will slap you. :p

[evertonfan]

See, it's not just England who don't do well against the minnows. Sometimes you just pay them too much respect.

Didn't expect this from New Zealand though, I was looking forward to them giving Ireland the run around with a batting line-up as quality as theirs.

[MUFC1987]

New Zealand were always going to choke at some point, it's down to Morgan or O'Brien getting a century to take it close though.

[evertonfan]

I hope it's O'Brien as he's the only bloody player left in my Fantasy squad who can give me some points!

[ZexyZahid]

Shane Bond used to be a policeman. Had no idea about that.

So far New Zealand is doing a good job restricting Ireland.

[Will_NA]

Before this match, he had 120 wickets in 63 matches!

[Vcassano]

And on the Fernando ball, I think it's a load of rubbish. He was fully entitled to do it and power to him. I would shake his hand for such an act. Good thinking, he has brains. He wanted to win. Doing that wasn't bad sportsmanship in my books.

Agreed. As an Englishman it pissed me off but to be honest he had every right to do it. Ravi should have pulled out next ball to his own back, though.

[Sureshot]

He had every right to do it?

How, exactly?

[FreddieFan]

This is very interesting.

Dilhara tactic deliberate - Vaas

Sri Lankan bowler Chaminda Vaas has conceded his team employed gamesmanship before the final ball of their epic contest against England last Wednesday.

"A bowler has the right to test a batsman at any time," Vaas explained to the BBC's Sinhala Service.

"I think, as an experienced bowler, Dilhara deliberately did it."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/sri_lanka/6539207.stm

Interesting indeed. I suppose there's nothing about it in the rules but in my opinion it's taking gamesmanship to the very limit, undeniably intelligent but a very sneaky tactic to see how Bopara was going to play it. It would be like the batsman backing away at the last minute to see where the bowler was going to bowl the ball. I think England would have struggled to win it even if Fernando had bowled what I might call 'properly'. In a way it's reminiscent of Trevor Chappell bowling underarm against New Zealand fr that last ball once - he ddn't seem to back himself to play it normally.

[PhilD123]

Well, Collie has rescued us another times to expect some sort of a payment but Freddie just doesn't look up to it. Bell looked great as always. Shame he didn't get a hundred. KP batted the best as always
Yeah to be honest, I wasn't blaming Colly. He can't do it every time.

[aussie1st]

Those Black Caps are looking in real good shape, should be an awesome clash when we meet.

[irottev]

Good bowling boys. I was a little critical of our batting. But we got enough runs in the end easily as I thought we would anyway. Great finish from McCullum and Franklin with the bat, really gave us a boost.

[Sagacious]

WI playing SAF today, very crucial match for both teams, a win for WI will keep them in the competition.

[Sagacious]

P W T L Pts NRR
Australia 4 4 0 0 8 1.51
New Zealand 3 3 0 0 6 1.44
Sri Lanka 4 3 0 1 6 1.55
South Africa 4 2 0 2 4 -0.63
England 4 1 0 3 2 -0.06
West Indies 4 1 0 3 2 -1.18
Bangladesh 4 1 0 3 0 -1.78
Ireland 3 0 0 3 0 -0.9

If you look at the points table, you will see how crucial this match for WI, if they can win today, they will definitely go to the semis.

[John Adams]

WI playing SAF today, very crucial match for both teams, a win for WI will keep them in the competition.

YAY I got my chocolate, potato chips, red bull drink, and vanilla ice cream to really enjoy the match! :D

[irottev]

P W T L Pts NRR
Australia 4 4 0 0 8 1.51
New Zealand 3 3 0 0 6 1.44
Sri Lanka 4 3 0 1 6 1.55
South Africa 4 2 0 2 4 -0.63
England 4 1 0 3 2 -0.06
West Indies 4 1 0 3 2 -1.18
Bangladesh 4 1 0 3 0 -1.78
Ireland 3 0 0 3 0 -0.9

If you look at the points table, you will see how crucial this match for WI, if they can win today, they will definitely go to the semis.

The updated points table has us at the top ya know ;) The top! Though i'm sure Aussies will take over that spot again once they thrash Ireland.

[surendar]

ok, Kiwis won.... but the attitude which they started was wrong. I came to knw, Fleming said that he is feeling nervous during the toss. This shouldn't be there.. I wonder why he said this.. Fear of loosing should never never be there.. Once it get into ur mind, it will eat u!

[aussie_ben91]

What's wrong with being nervous? Nerves only mean you want to succeed.

[surendar]

What's wrong with being nervous?

I guess, the last line in prev post says the answer :)

And also, in general, i am against the attitude of nervousness in all not only in cricket.. even in life everywhere. Stay positive and u wud get it what you deserve.. why unnecessary fear and troubling ourselves :p

[Sagacious]

The updated points table has us at the top ya know ;) The top! Though i'm sure Aussies will take over that spot again once they thrash Ireland.

Yeah...enjoy the position even though it's temporary ;)

New Zealand 4 4 0 0 1.73
Australia 4 4 0 0 1.51
Sri Lanka 4 3 0 1 1.55
South Africa 4 2 0 2 -0.63
England 4 1 0 3 -0.06
West Indies 4 1 0 3 -1.18
Bangladesh 4 1 0 3 -1.78
Ireland 4 0 0 4 -1.39

[John Adams]

Flemming looks tentative when batting these days. He's like Vaughan in that when they both get going, they are brilliant, but both are struggling atm. Flemming is another Captain I'm a fan of though. And he and I are the same age, have the same hair colour, and are both left handed batsmen as well :D

[Sureshot]

If South Africa win then the Super 8s are all over imo.

[Dare]

so whens the Sri Lanka vs Australia game? that one would be great to watch.

[masterkhan]

Come on Sri Lanka
they are doing really well.

[irottev]

Flemming looks tentative when batting these days.

Flemings our highest run scorer in the tournament I think. He was last I looked anyway. he's just scored a few 40's and a hundred and he makes 1 mistake and already people are on his back. Jeez. lol. I think he's in great form. He played a shot and unfortonatly got caught. Happens to all batsmen. So how is Fleming struggling? lol (don't take this bad, i'm just confused by your statements)

There is a gulf between Fleming and Vaughan. Fleming is 20 times the ODI player Vaughan is. Sure Fleming is low on Hundreds, but at least he actually has hundreds. Usually he misses out because unlike some players, he doesn't take singles for it near the end. He will go after the ball and get caught out. He's a team player 100%. Fleming can hit the middle very early and plays some beautiful shots. He's good althrough, not just when he 'gets going'

All this "When Vaughan gets going" nonsence. Well he isn't getting going. It's been years since he's made a decent score. He's had games against minnows and against top sides. Hasn't suceeded in any.

I hope I didn't upset anyone by this. You should all be able to see though that Vaughan isn't contributing with the bat. Not many of the English batsmen are. Pieterson and Bell are carrying England by themselves.

[Will_NA]

P W T L Pts NRR
Australia 4 4 0 0 8 1.51
New Zealand 3 3 0 0 6 1.44
Sri Lanka 4 3 0 1 6 1.55
South Africa 4 2 0 2 4 -0.63
England 4 1 0 3 2 -0.06
West Indies 4 1 0 3 2 -1.18
Bangladesh 4 1 0 3 0 -1.78
Ireland 3 0 0 3 0 -0.9

If you look at the points table, you will see how crucial this match for WI, if they can win today, they will definitely go to the semis.

Bangladesh have 3 points from beating SA

[aussie_ben91]

There is a gulf between Fleming and Vaughan. Fleming is 20 times the ODI player Vaughan is. Sure Fleming is low on Hundreds, but at least he actually has hundreds. Usually he misses out because unlike some players, he doesn't take singles for it near the end. He will go after the ball and get caught out. He's a team player 100%. Fleming can hit the middle very early and plays some beautiful shots. He's good althrough, not just when he 'gets going'

All this "When Vaughan gets going" nonsence. Well he isn't getting going. It's been years since he's made a decent score. He's had games against minnows and against top sides. Hasn't suceeded in any.
Yeah injuries plagued his career. What's to say he wouldn't have had another great run? He seemed to lose it as soon as he was given the captaincy. Even in Test Cricket. Flemming is better at the moment but he'll never be of the class of Vaughan reached. The major difference is that Flemming rarely dominated attacks, if any at all while Vaughan dominated in Australia against Australia when McGrath & Warne in their prime.

[John Adams]

It's ok irottev, it's good you are passionate for your countries team captain. I guess I should of said that the times I have seen him bat, he's been tentative lol :)

[angryangy]

South Africa in a spot of bother.

[ZexyZahid]

Well not anymore! Mr. who-one-knows-one-pace-only is scoring heavily. Already scored 37 runs of 22 balls, including one six. He just scored 18 runs of the over. :)

[masterkhan]

South Africa Are scoring Fast Now

[angryangy]

As for Vaughan, I completely agree with irottev. Vaughan hit a hot streak of 12 tests where he scored 1500 runs against 3 quality teams. Before that hot streak, he had a test average of 31 in 16 tests. After that period he has averaged 37 in 36 tests, which is also what he averages for Yorkshire. He didn't fall apart, he just played outside himself for a few months and was fortunate enough to be able to bank an international career on it.

[masterkhan]

JH Kallis is scoring fast
come on west indies get him out

[Vcassano]

Flemings our highest run scorer in the tournament I think. He was last I looked anyway. he's just scored a few 40's and a hundred and he makes 1 mistake and already people are on his back. Jeez. lol. I think he's in great form. He played a shot and unfortonatly got caught. Happens to all batsmen. So how is Fleming struggling? lol (don't take this bad, i'm just confused by your statements)

There is a gulf between Fleming and Vaughan. Fleming is 20 times the ODI player Vaughan is. Sure Fleming is low on Hundreds, but at least he actually has hundreds. Usually he misses out because unlike some players, he doesn't take singles for it near the end. He will go after the ball and get caught out. He's a team player 100%. Fleming can hit the middle very early and plays some beautiful shots. He's good althrough, not just when he 'gets going'

All this "When Vaughan gets going" nonsence. Well he isn't getting going. It's been years since he's made a decent score. He's had games against minnows and against top sides. Hasn't suceeded in any.

I hope I didn't upset anyone by this. You should all be able to see though that Vaughan isn't contributing with the bat. Not many of the English batsmen are. Pieterson and Bell are carrying England by themselves.

I Entirely agree, Vaughan's domestic one day average is about 28 so how can we say he is due a score or has the potential to do it? If he can't do ti against lesser county bowlers why can he at International level? In fact why was he ever picked for the one day team?

Incidentally I don't understand the criticism of Kallis' batting. Sure he is a little slow most of the time and that will cost South Africa the odd game but you need an anchor in your team. And anyway he averages frickin' 45 in ODIs! I noticed that the other day, uch to my surprise.

[Sureshot]

Well I can't see Vaughan being dropped due to his captaincy, this current management set up (and selectors) wouldn't have the balls to pass on the ODI captaincy to someone else, Strauss impressed me when he was captain, at an outside shot why not someone like Bell or Nixon?

[John Adams]

Strauss impressed me when he was captain

He impressed me as well, remember in that Ashes match Flintoff went off feild and Strauss was put in charge? Then we saw good field placings appear for a bit lol

[angryangy]

Criticism of Kallis after the loss against Australia was much too heavy. If you make 30 off 40 balls, you can accelerate in less than one over. What you can't do is stop your partner bugging out at the other end. Ponting and Clarke carefully constructed their partnership; they didn't race away at six an over from the outset like Gibbs tried to. They started slow and ramped up well beyond six an over. Strong partnerships won the game for Australia, too many weak partnerships left South Africa in disarray.

[masterkhan]

if South Africa keep playing like this then they can score 300+

[angryangy]

It will be very bad for them if they don't convert 1/150 into 300+

[masterkhan]

I think AB de Villiers want to score his frist ODI Century

[Will_NA]

Well done AB

[Adarsh]

He's smacking the bowling now. Lara has screwed the powerplay up. 41 overs and still 5 powerplay overs left. 320 is possible here.

[angryangy]

Finally got that crucial 3rd wicket. Maybe now it's safe to take the final powerplay.

[John Adams]

Yea whos out?

[masterkhan]

AB de Villiers scored 145 thats his Highest Individual Score now

[John Adams]

wow! k thanks :)

[angryangy]

It'd be nice if the West Indies showed the mental resolve to chase this score down, but it would be a tremendous turn around in their behaviour (they have the talent to do it). They just don't seem to have the self-belief to do it, especially as the total is rocketing beyond 350.

[Sureshot]

Well with the way it's going so far I'd say the 4 semi finallists have been decided.

77 runs in this Powerplay, possibly the most ridiculous calculation in Powerplay history. Just one more over to go

To quote CricInfo.

Is this really a powerplay or does the commentator mean "Powerplay" as in, it's powerful hitting?

[Drewska]

Well with the way it's going so far I'd say the 4 semi finallists have been decided.



To quote CricInfo.

Is this really a powerplay or does the commentator mean "Powerplay" as in, it's powerful hitting?

It's a real powerplay taken from 45-49 overs. Brian Lara is either stoned, drunk or just totally retarded.

[angryangy]

I tell you what, Mark Boucher might have stepped up another level in the past year. With at least five years left in him, he might be able to attain a standing outside of the shadow of the Gilchrists and Sangakkaras.

[Drewska]

As for Vaughan, I completely agree with irottev. Vaughan hit a hot streak of 12 tests where he scored 1500 runs against 3 quality teams. Before that hot streak, he had a test average of 31 in 16 tests. After that period he has averaged 37 in 36 tests, which is also what he averages for Yorkshire. He didn't fall apart, he just played outside himself for a few months and was fortunate enough to be able to bank an international career on it.

However poor his ODI batting is, he is still able to play test cricket. He has shown he can be a world class batsman with that run of form in 2002-3 but it isn't like he has dropped off completely. For example he made twin hundreds at Lord's in 2004, 82 and 54 at Jo'burg in 2005 and that 166 at Old Trafford.

[masterkhan]

What Are a hitting by South Africa 352 is hard score to chase down

[Sagacious]

Great batting by SAF team, can't believe that, other day the same team surrendered meekly against BD :eek:

[Adarsh]

Well, if anyone wanted to know what it would be like if a powerplay is taken in the final overs, think no more. What a stupid, stupid decision. Uttery foolish. That has cost them a lot. The bowlers weren't any good either. Few teams now are good at the last overs. New Zealand and Sri Lanka are the only ones who come to mind. Australia at times are expensive, but Bracken is a very good death bowler.

However poor his ODI batting is, he is still able to play test cricket. He has shown he can be a world class batsman with that run of form in 2002-3 but it isn't like he has dropped off completely. For example he made twin hundreds at Lord's in 2004, 82 and 54 at Jo'burg in 2005 and that 166 at Old Trafford.
Those innings are so few and far between. In that period he has got out cheaply numerous times.

[Will_NA]

Bravo was brilliant in the final overs. Yorkers and slower balls. That's why SA didn't get to 380. He showed the way for the rest of the bowlers who failed to take note.

[angryangy]

I don't envy Lara's position. That was not a nice innings to have to choose powerplays for and I tend to think avoiding giving the third powerplay to de Villiers was logical enough. In all honesty, powerplay or not, they were going to cop at least 10 runs an over at the end. 13 rpo isn't a total failure; without powerplay restrictions, they went for 11 rpo off the last 5 overs against Australia.

[Drewska]

Those innings are so few and far between. In that period he has got out cheaply numerous times.

So, when it matters he can come up with the goods. He is our classiest batsman, averages over 40 and has bossed Australia in their own backyard. Bit stupid to drop him.

[Adarsh]

On recent form, I don't think Vaughan deserves a place. Then again, I don't think England have the bench strength to be able to drop him.

[masterkhan]

That was stupid of lara for taking a powerplay right at the end of the innings

[Sureshot]

On recent form, I don't think Vaughan deserves a place. Then again, I don't think England have the bench strength to be able to drop him.


We have some players at home who should be out there, Cook and Tres, though for non-cricketing reasons he isn't Also Shah should be out there imo.

[angryangy]

England the nation have the bench strength to drop Vaughan, but England the squad don't and selectors definitely don't have the strength of will to sentence the people's hero.

I think Collingwood is the batsman with the most class. He does most of the match saving, is the most versatile, the most athletic and the one who makes you think he can genuinely stay at the crease for as long as he is needed.

[masterkhan]

Vaughan still need to score a ODI Hundred

[angryangy]

He doesn't even need to score runs. Scoring a hundred is just a ridiculous ask.

[Sagacious]

Can King Lara save WI :(

[masterkhan]

Can King Lara save WI :(
No he's out :rolleyes:

[angryangy]

For the sake of the West Indies, Lara really has to call it a day. They need too much saving and he's their enabler.

For now, lets see what this 19 year old brings.

[masterkhan]

is his debut match let hope he play well

[ZexyZahid]

Well, Pollard is gone. The win is now save for South Africa.

[masterkhan]

scoring 10 on a debut match is not good

[aussie1st]

Cya later West Indies. Their top order has hit a form slump when they needed them most. Such a shame as Chanderpaul and Gayle was a dam good sight to watch when in form.

[manee]

Brilliant shot, it is not over yet:p

[masterkhan]

I think West indies is playing well but 356 is alot.

[Cricketman]

Brilliant shot, it is not over yet:p
Over, and the WC in my book is dead.

[rashik007]

Yup WI lost

[prarara]

I think West indies is playing well but 356 is alot.

I agree, they posted a good total, but it was out of reach. Oh well, hope Lanka or Bangladesh goes far now.

[irottev]

It's ok irottev, it's good you are passionate for your countries team captain. I guess I should of said that the times I have seen him bat, he's been tentative lol :)

I am, and even more so because we get twits in our media like Adam Parore trying to say Fleming should retire, Fleming should give up captaincy. That Parore needs to keep his mouth shut. The day before SA were beaten by Bangladesh he also said the minnows are ruining the world cup.


As for this game, I wondered how SA managed to bash the ball around so much in the last 10 overs. Looks like Lara messed up badly there. Can't wait to see the highlights. Thats a big total. They were never going to get it really. Death bowling obviously isn't their strength and from what cricinfo says, there were some shocking balls. Just can't afford to bowl badly at the end let alone in a powerplay at the end. Taking that powerplay later may have worked if more wickets had fallen in the middle. With no fear for your wicket, it's going to be pretty easy to slog some boundaries with 2 men protecting. Pretty strange decision to keep it if you ask me. At least someone tried it.

[cric_craze]

We will all be happy tommorow if Bangladesh knocks out England :)

[irottev]

You never know what you could get from either sides. Could be quite a good and exciting match.

[Sagacious]

Go England, go and beat arrogant minnows :cool:

Bangladesh are likely to find conditions here different from the slow, low pitch that allowed them to stifle South Africa in Guyana on Saturday. Bell broke into a smile at the thought of the England pace attack bowling to young batsmen raised to play off the front foot.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/cricket/article1637523.ece

Happy news for England :cheers

[John Adams]

Mice can smile huh? Hmm lol

[Sagacious]

Mice can smile huh? Hmm lol

???

[John Adams]

???

lol nevermind, if you don't know what I meant, then it won't be funny to you. Just makin fun of Bell lol...

[irottev]

And good news for NZ fans and probably Aussie fans. Malinga is out of at least these 2 games.

http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/current/story/289943.html

Ankle Tear. It's obviously a shame for Sri Lanka and Malinga, he's going to be out for the biggest 2 games of the Super8's, but hey, we've had our fair share, it's about time other sides have players out for a while ;)

[evertonfan]

Oh that's so unfair. Why the hell couldn't he be injured for the game against us? :)

Mind you, I doubt it would have made any difference...

[Sureshot]

So we are expecting a pacy wicket?

Bowl first, we do better chasing.

[Hooper]

Whos playing tonight? I can look it up, but I'm too lazy! ;)

Malinga out! Yes! (From an Aussie point of view), now SL will have nothing for us;)