WC2007: Super 8

[evertonfan]

Good lord Australia have a shedload of luck. They play Lanka when Malinga is injured and now they play NZ when Bond's out as well. It's as if God himself is Australian!

[aussie_ben91]

Gilchrist gone. His struggled all tournament. His been making a few runs due to the such low-rate bowling that his been facing.

Let's go Hayden & Punter. Let's revisit what happened in Perth!

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Gilly gone , what kind of shot was that :rolleyes: that would have been a wide ball ,really disgusting :mad:

[evertonfan]

Gilly gone , what kind of shot was that :rolleyes: that would have been a wide ball ,really disgusting :mad:

You wouldn't have been moaning if it went for four like they normally do. Take a chill pill homes.

[aussie_ben91]

Gilly gone , what kind of shot was that :rolleyes: that would have been a wide ball ,really disgusting :mad:
It was there to be hit though. :rolleyes:

Don't worry, we've got our best 2 batsman at the crease.

[aussie1st]

Very nicely done from Hayden got the run rate moving. Interesting Patel on after only 4 overs.

[angryangy]

NZ forcing the boring. I wonder when will we see the powerplays?

[aussie_ben91]

When Hayden gets out.

He goes past 50 just now.

[Sureshot]

Well they've got to get 10 overs of powerplay in, prefferably and probably before the last ten. So I reckon he'll start one in the next 4 overs. And start the other one after the first if the first is succesful or at about the 33rd over. He's hoping for a wicket, don't wait to long it can be very dangerous.

These two are playing well, not surprising though.

[Damo01]

Oh yeah 350+ is what im seeing here from these two batsmen...

Bring on 400 runs!

[aussie_ben91]

Gilchrist would be pretty disapointed at the moment. No Bond, was a huge chance to make runs.

[aussie1st]

Just need to keep picking up these singles not losing the wicket. Then we can really benefit when the powerplays are used.

[aussie_ben91]

Hayden's average ticks over 44 now. I remember argueing with an Indian fan on this forum who said Hayden would struggle to of maintained his already average of 40 at the time. :rolleyes:

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Gilchrist would be pretty disapointed at the moment. No Bond, was a huge chance to make runs.


Absolutely there was a fair chace for him to enjoy the kiwi bowlers today , but he missed out :(

[aussie1st]

7th bowler used by the Kiwis now, geez they have a lot of bowlers and that's without Oram. Only problem is the quickmen have been expensive.

[aussie_ben91]

We might very well see Hussey shifted up the order today.

[aussie1st]

Maybe even Watson seeing as he could do with some time in the middle.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Ponting out after a great knock , i thought he will get hundred today :(

[aussie_ben91]

Hayden trying to take Gillespie down now for what he did acouple of months ago. :D

[aussie1st]

Almost had Clarke run out there would have been a freakish run out too. Hopefully Hayden goes on to make a very big score, definitely need him through this powerplay.

[aussie_ben91]

They definately should've brought Symonds or Hussey in to take advantage of the powerplay.

Just as I speak, Clarke smacks 2 boundaries.

[aussie1st]

Clarke's going just fine with 18 runs in 11 balls which is doing our run rate no harm at all.

[ZexyZahid]

At the moment Australia really should reach 350 runs. And it seems Hayden is in the unstoppable mode again. Just hit two fours in a row. And there is another one. Unbelievably hit with ease.

[aussie1st]

Right now our score is pushing the 400 mark although that would require some hitting to get there. Wow what a shot from Hayden, I thought we couldn't get Styris and Vettori away but seems like that was due to no powerplay.

[ZexyZahid]

It seems that you can see the best batting in matches involving Australia and New Zealand. :)

Australia 206-2 after 30 overs. 350 runs should be reachable and even 400 runs is in sight, unless wicket falls.

And Hayden gets his century. Great player.

[aussie_ben91]

10th ODI century for Matthew Hayden! 5th already this year. I doubt Sunil Gavaskar reached these heights of domination.

[aussie1st]

Geez that Hayden is in some purple patch. 3 100s in this WC best ODI form I've seen him in he really is converting now which was a problem early on.

[aussie_ben91]

Made twice as many centuries in 3 months as he did in 13 years. Hasn't batted better in the ODI form. Still not better then what he acchieved in Test Cricket though.

4 odd centuries against NZ and Bond didn't play in any of them.

Double-Hundred on the cards?

[aussie1st]

Let's hope so, it's really annoying having to start all over again on the quest to see an Aussie make the first ever ODI 200.

[angryangy]

Stop bloody jinxing it!

[ZexyZahid]

Hayden is out, but nevertheless great century of him.

[aussie_ben91]

Err yeah... That's all your fault Sly. :)

Nevertheless, I got my prediction right that Hayden would finish his career with 10 ODI centuries.

[aussie1st]

Oh Ben why did you have to get me started :(
Won't be getting 400 today.

Looks like McCullum just dropped Clarke there one of the problems with standing up to the stumps.

[Drewska]

Hussey has just came in, which means NZ are already at the tail :p.

[angryangy]

btw, if we're being honest about averages.

Tendukar: 44.056
Hayden: 44.065

[aussie1st]

What on earth was that Clarke? Just when he was looking good he leaves a slower ball, don't know why he didn't try and smash that into the stands.

[Damo01]

Is it just me or did Clarke actually suicide his own wicket by leaving the ball to directly hit the stumps?

[aussie_ben91]

Maybe his trying to throw away Australia's chance of winning the World Cup?

[angryangy]

You'd think he'd have gotten the 50 first before kamikaze.

[aussie1st]

I still can't figure why he left that, a slower ball is going to have less bounce not go over the stumps and that was a off spinner type ball so obviously was going onto the stumps.

14 overs of Hussey and Symonds, could be in for some very quick runs and big hits.

[Drewska]

Hussey has just came in, which means NZ are already at the tail :p.

What did I just say :p?

[aussie_ben91]

I still can't figure why he left that, a slower ball is going to have less bounce not go over the stumps and that was a off spinner type ball so obviously was going onto the stumps.
He obviously had a brain fart. I'd imigane it's pretty hot out there, especially with the running between wickets, concentration & wearing a helmet.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Unlucky Clarke :( missed by one

[aussie1st]

He obviously had a brain fart. I'd imigane it's pretty hot out there, especially with the running between wickets, concentration & wearing a helmet.

Yea brain explosion no doubt, problem for Clarke is he seems to have a lot of these.

[Damo01]

I still can't figure why he left that, a slower ball is going to have less bounce not go over the stumps and that was a off spinner type ball so obviously was going onto the stumps.

14 overs of Hussey and Symonds, could be in for some very quick runs and big hits.


I called it suicidal. Even he might have misjudged the bounce of the ball to go over the stumps. But to me it looked like suicidal...and he was on 49 just 1 run behind of getting his half century!

[aussie1st]

Hmmm lost Symonds without enough damage done. Feels like we need about 350 which we will be lucky to get now.

[aussie_ben91]

I just think Clarke forgot what position he was in and thought it was going outside off-stump an then he realized just as the ball went past where he was and it was too late.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

I cant even see 320 now ,we lost quick wickets :(

[angryangy]

Gillespie should go back into the pavillion for that.

[aussie1st]

Lol poor Gillespie I thought Hussey was gone even forgot that I heard the no ball call before that.

Watson going the tonk now, he isn't too bad at the death after all. That lap sweep of his looks so risky but it really is paying off.

[angryangy]

Holy cripes on toast. Gillespie should definitely be back in the pavillion after that.

1nb 1lb 6 2 4 4 6

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

I cant even see 320 now ,we lost quick wickets :(



I am taking my words back :D Watson u little beauty what a way to return :hpraise

[manee]

Well, must be eying up 12 more runs to make 345 off the last 5 balls.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Hussey gone but quality innings under pressure

[aussie1st]

Shame that Hussey didn't get fully going, we could have got a much higher total with both he and Watson firing.

2 6s in that last over from Watson what a knock

[manee]

348/6 is fantastic and I believe that whether Shaun Tait fires or not will be crucial to the outcome of this match.

[aussie1st]

Hard to say with these Kiwis, they have chased this total before although with Vincent. Still got the players to do it again and with Watson back they may have a target.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Last 3 overs 59 runs :eek: 348 a great total for us :D

[John Adams]

Yea great total ;) atm it looks as if the Aussie team started this WC on club level lol. Let's hope it stays that way :)

[evertonfan]

Poor bowling from New Zealand. They really lacked firepower today without Bond. Any attack that makes Watson look threatening like that aren't going to do too well.

[angryangy]

Hard to say with these Kiwis, they have chased this total before although with Vincent. Still got the players to do it again and with Watson back they may have a target.NZ are much further undermanned than they need to be for this. This is a fair sized ground and it was evident that sixes weren't totally easy. Good bowling and good fielding can ensure that any complacency will be fatal. On merit, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Bracken should be a gamebreaking difference.

[irottev]

Whoever selected this team did not want to win this game. I am not in favor of it at all. Some of the bowlers were disgusting. How embarrising.

Not that we can't chase this, but it should be a lot smaller.

Disgraceful bowling. At least we know what 11 to play in the last 2 games. Gillespie and Mason certainly arn't included.

[aussie1st]

Fleming unluckily given it seems, was a good short ball from Tait.
Bracken last over was probably his first where he was a bit wayward.

[irottev]

Just what you need when your chasing 350. Incompetant umpires. Why can't they give bad decisions against Australia for a change? Especially when they get off to a flier. Give Hayden a bad decision for once :mad

We need to get the most out of the rest of this chase for the semi. Luckily Fleming lost the toss, if he'd won another i'd be wondering when he's going to lose one. He has to win next weeks. Better now than then.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Just what you need when your chasing 350. Incompetant umpires. Why can't they give bad decisions against Australia for a change? Especially when they get off to a flier. GIve Hayden a bad decision for once :mad


Hahaha :rtfl take it easy mate :p

[angryangy]

Fleming is done by the short ball, he's upset because it came off his arm, but any NZ fan should be upset that he played such a loose shot.

[irottev]

Hahaha :rtfl take it easy mate :p

I am. I couldn't care less about this game. The first half was humiliating. If we don't play Bond I can tell the selectors don't care about winning, despite what they said. And Bond would have wanted to play.

Fleming is done by the short ball, he's upset because it came off his arm, but any NZ fan should be upset that he played such a loose shot.

We're chasing 350 runs. He can't let Tait bowl short. It was hittable. Fleming is a good puller. It's a shame he can't play it off his arm a little better.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

I am. I couldn't care less about this game. The first half was humiliating. If we don't play Bond I can tell the selectors don't care about winning, despite what they said. And Bond would have wanted to play.


Well it is the selectore who will hve the last word . Bond cant do anything :(

[aussie1st]

McGrath does it again in his first over, first ball this time. That's 6 times he got a wicket in the first over this tournament.

[irottev]

Yes, but all before the game they said Bond would play. Bond has said he wants to play every game. So im confused as to why he didn't play. But I guess theres a positive side, we know who not to use in the finals and maybe some of the bowlers got a wake up call.

Speaking of loose shots, well, that truly was one. A true gift. 1 bad decision totally changes a game. The sooner they implement some kind of system to fix bad calls the better. LBW's are fine, but the umpires should be able to check upstairs what the ball came off for catches if you ask me.

[aussie1st]

Was the selectors said he had some gastric problem so Bond didn't play. If it's true fair enough no point in having your best bowler injured in a nothing match really. If not well they have managed to avoid the media flack with the excuse.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

McGrath does it again in his first over, first ball this time. That's 6 times he got a wicket in the first over this tournament.


Yes , that was the 6 times really impressive :) Stryris came now and hit a four , he is in a good form :clap

[John Adams]

Fleming tentetive again irottev? lol relax mate. :)

[angryangy]

We're chasing 350 runs. He can't let Tait bowl short. It was hittable. Fleming is a good puller. It's a shame he can't play it off his arm a little better.Did you see it? His first move was to play it off the front foot. That's why it was so awful. If he had've gone for a hook from the start, maybe he'd have gotten an edge on it. He had gotten away with the snick for four just earlier, showing that though he'd nailed a six, he didn't know everything about the pitch or the bowler; it just wasn't intelligent, especially at a point where he was ahead of the game, he could have seen a couple of balls off and then he'd be in a good position now.

[aussie1st]

Hmmm McGrath taking a bit of stick here, Styris going really well so far. Fulton has a start which is a worry as he can punish bad balls.

[irottev]

Great batting from Styris, keeps his amazing form up. We need him to score big today!

That no ball call, I must say, was worse then the one which gave Fleming out. How was that a no ball?

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Great batting from Styris, keeps his amazing form up. We need him to score big today!

That no ball call, I must say, was worse then the one which gave Fleming out. How was that a no ball?


What kind of umpiring is going on :rolleyes: really a worry

[aussie1st]

And now Tait's not given a near plumb LBW, what more gave it us runs when it hit the pad first so that's the Black Cap's even up. Looks like reverse swing after 11 overs though.

[Damo01]

Yes. Poor umpiring decisions...especially that LBW. Hawk eye suggesting that it was hitting middle stump.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Tait bowled a reverse swing ,LBW not given :mad: but Piegon got the danger man Styris :happy

[MUFC1987]

It was a no ball on the back foot, as even if it touches the tram-lines it's a no ball. I can understand that LBW not being given out as well, it was very close to being outside the line of the stumps.

[aussie1st]

That's a good fightback from McGrath, Styris was giving him all sorts of problems just couldn't place that last one good enough.

It was a no ball on the back foot, as even if it touches the tram-lines it's a no ball. I can understand that LBW not being given out as well, it was very close to being outside the line of the stumps.

Thing is it had nothing to do with that. The umpire thought it hit the bat first.

[MUFC1987]

Oh, and I just want to repeat what I said a while back.

Vettori and Franklin at 8 and 9 is very strong, at 7 and 8, it's the weakest lower-middle order in world cricket. NZ miss Oram, he makes them into a WC side as it balances the team more.

I'm surprised that Martin isn't playing either, he's meant to be looking quite good in the nets.

[aussie1st]

Finally he's given one, big wicket of Macca too. Tait is really going well now with that reverse swing. That is where he should be pitching it rather than short.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Another LBW , thanks God it has been given this time :upray Asad Rauf was taking much time but finally gave the correct decission , great bolwing from Shaun Tait :p

[angryangy]

I tell you what, more umpires should take their time to give a batsman out. Tense moments are good.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

I thought Brendon MCCullum will be coming but Franklin arrived :eek: a big surprise

[aussie1st]

Vettori and Franklin at 8 and 9 is very strong, at 7 and 8, it's the weakest lower-middle order in world cricket. NZ miss Oram, he makes them into a WC side as it balances the team more.


Actually Franklin is in at 6, it was reported on the radio yesterday actually so this came as no surprise to me.

[Will_NA]

Take a chill pill homes.

Yeah dawg! I didn't see Hayden's innings but i be hearding dat it was off da heazy. da Oz bladz look like dey gon' win dis comfy, ya hear?

[aussie1st]

Watson having some comeback runs now a wicket. Kiwis put a bit too much faith in Franklin there, surely the Kiwis can't get out of this mess.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Hogg has picked up McCullum , kiwi 116/6 :eek: they are in way for a huge defeat

[irottev]

Yeah, the sooner this is over the better. Embarrisment. The way our lower and bottom order have given wickets away you'd think they want to go home early. McMillan the exception, he actually was defeated by a good ball.

It's the kind of score where a lot of the time you either do well and get close or your bowled out trying. If you bat 50 and score 250 then you wern't trying to win. All the batters went out playing shots i'd be guessing they wouldn;t usually play if they wern't chasing 350 but for once we can't chase 300 :( I think we've had good luck with it up till now chasing the Aussies big targets but the Aussies are on top form.

My XI for Sri Lanka

Fulton
Fleming
Taylor
Styris
McMillan
Oram
McCullum
Franklin
Vettori
Bond
Patel


Despite the score in this game, I wouldn't write us off for a Finals spot, and I think to get to the fianls would be a great achievement for us. Theres only 1 side who is going to lift this trophy though. I honestly can't see Australia losing to any side. I struggle to recall them playing much better than this. They definatly look better this world cup then the last one, even maybe last 2.

[Leicester Fox]

This game could be good for new Zealand. The kick up the arse they needed like they got from Bangladesh at the start of the tournament

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Brad Hogg grabs another one in the form of Gillepie , third wicket for him he might get a 5 wicket haul today :)

[irottev]

It could go either way, it could be a wake up call that they're not good enough and need to work much harder if they want a shot at winning or it could dent their confidance. I'd say our team would take up the challenge and put in the hard work. Taylor is an important part, he needs to get into form pretty quickly. Number 3 is an important position.

[Will_NA]

it's over! a hammering! aussies proving they are STILL the team to beat

[irottev]

Since when did they have to prove that? What is it? 20 world cup wins in a row? Unbelievable.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Hogg grab the last wicket , Fulton played a sensible innings , kiwi all out for 133 , We won by 214 runs :) now one more step we are in finals :happy

[Will_NA]

Since when did they have to prove that? What is it? 20 world cup wins in a row? Unbelievable.

When people were writing them off after losing the CB final and the CH trophy :rolleyes:

[siddharth2002]

Hard to see Aussies going down now, they are on a roll.

[aussie1st]

Good all round performance by the Aussies. Tait getting reverse early was a real plus, if he can get that in the semi that will be really helpful.

[Will_NA]

Hard to see Aussies going down now, they are on a roll.

[WARNING!!!!!Lame joke!!] - Maybe they're rolling down a hill :p - [WARNING!!!!!Lame joke]

[John Adams]

YAY we won! And I had so much confidence that we would win, that for the last hour I have been playing Silent Hunter 4 haha :)

[charith]

Man that was a hammering if I ever saw one. Can't be good for team moral. Hopefully SL can take advantage of that especially with the full bowling attack with Malinga back in the side.

When i heard that Bond wasnt playin I though it sounded dodgy. Am sure there was nothing wrong with him but they just wanted to shield him and not give the aussies practise like we did with Vaas and Murali. But honestly Franklin? Its like he gets worse every game? How many no balls did he bowl? He's either short of a good length or just short period. Without Bond at the top the bowling lacks the firepower. Juat seeing off Bond would be the key in the semis.

Yeah the umpiring has been bad at times. But i reckon it seems to even out in most cases. I don't think NZ were ever going chase down 350. Its not a small ground like Eden park and the aussies are really after your throat, but Flemm was unlucky.

[aussie1st]

Franklin had one of those days where he got exposed. Can't believe how many no balls he was giving the Aussies and they were getting hit for 4 so you would think he would learn but nope he kept over stepping.

[cric_craze]

expect a full house tommorow

[WARNING!!!!!Lame joke!!] - Maybe they're rolling down a hill :p - [WARNING!!!!!Lame joke]
nice ur a natural

[aussie1st]

Obviously it's going to be a full house, this will be the last time anyone sees Lara playing for the Windies.

[charith]

http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/extracover/content/current/story/291601.html

Food for thought?

[aussie_ben91]

Finally the level between talent has showed out in a match. Australia crushed New Zealand.
Don't see how you could give a bad decision to Hayden. I don't think anyone appealed for his wicket at any stage.

[moza1]

Uh great win by the aussies.

And i dont pay great attention to foreign teams very often so could someone fill me in as to why vincent hasnt been playing for NZ. I'd assume because of injury but meh.

[aussie1st]

Yea Vincent got injured during the tournament so that has affected NZ top order batting.

[John Adams]

Finally the level between talent has showed out in a match. Australia crushed New Zealand.


Nice revenge for what happened ealier in the year huh? :)

[skater]

There's all sorts of hype about Brian Lara batting for the last time in internationals today, yet I'm banking on England being so awful that the Wizzle Indies won't lose a wicket and he'll never get a chance.

[irottev]

Just still on the NZ Aussie Match. People are being harsh about Franklin. He was crap, defiantly. But at least he got 3 wickets (from good balls or average ones). Mason and Gillespie were just as bad and even worse. The only thing is that they didn't have to bowl their overs or at the death. Gillespie's injury is proving to be an extreme inconvieniance. Franklin cannot be used to bowl at the death and so really, we're skrewed in that area. Bond is the only one we can rely on. Thats really my major worry. Death bowling.

Why Martin wasn't used over Mason i'll never know. Martin is as fast as Bond is, so why not replace Bond with another fast, attacking option? Franklin and Mason are never going to cause trouble in the opening overs. There has to be at least 1 attacker between them. I'm dissapointed Martin didn't get an opportunity this world cup. Then again, had we not have had so many injuries, we wouldn't have needed him. Gillespie should have been sent home really.

It's easy to say this now of course. But at least Martin could have been used consistantly. Bringing in 2 bowlers just back from injury for the final pool game, semi and final (possibly) is stupid.

[PhilD123]

There's all sorts of hype about Brian Lara batting for the last time in internationals today, yet I'm banking on England being so awful that the Wizzle Indies won't lose a wicket and he'll never get a chance.
:p I think the guys at the top of the order would purposely lose their wicket if that was the case, after all, it is a meaningless match as far as the result goes.

Not sure that a victory in a Super 8 game when both teams have qualified can be revenge for a 3-0 series victory:p. However, Australia beating New Zealand in the final would certainly be sweet revenge.

[aussie_ben91]

The last time these two played against eachother was in the Champions Trophy right? It was also a meaningless match and it was a one man mission by Kevin Pietersen.

[siddharth2002]

Funny but I don't expect Lara to do much in today's match, English have a better chance of winning it as they seem to play well at times when everything is lost.

[Sureshot]

So anyone expecting any England changes?

Might aswell give Broad a game, some important experience. Plus he's as good a bat as Saj "pitch it short" Mahmood.

[evertonfan]

So anyone expecting any England changes?

None whatsoever.

I really hope Fletcher goes out on a high, he does deserve it after what he did for the Test team. Although it would be fitting to get hammered today to sum up his ODI reign...

[John Adams]

What did he do for the test team mate?

[PhilD123]

Broad, Plunkett and Dalrymple are in for Bell, Mahmood and Panesar.

Its on BBC Sports Ticker.

It will be interesting to see how Broad fairs. Incidently, I know Fletcher is still in charge for this game, but I expect to see players like Broad given more of a chance under Peter Moore's reign.

[Will_NA]

Funny but I don't expect Lara to do much in today's match, English have a better chance of winning it as they seem to play well at times when everything is lost.

If that was the case, we should have lost the Ashes 3-2! :mad:

But seriously, you're right, England seem to play their best when there's nothing to play for.

Broad, Plunkett and Dalrymple are in for Bell, Mahmood and Panesar.

Its on BBC Sports Ticker.

It will be interesting to see how Broad fairs. Incidently, I know Fletcher is still in charge for this game, but I expect to see players like Broad given more of a chance under Peter Moore's reign.

that means either ravi or KP will move up the order

[PhilD123]

that means either ravi or KP will move up the order
I'd like KP to, it'd mean that he can get after the West Indian pace bowlers, who haven't got the class of South Africa or Australia.

[masterkhan]

I really want to see KP as a opener that will be great.

[PhilD123]

I really want to see KP as a opener that will be great.
I doubt he'll play as an opener, the likelihood is that him or Bopara will go up to 3 with Strauss going up to open.

[Will_NA]

Ravi must bat before Flintoff so Fred can come in with the quicks back for their last spell

[PhilD123]

Ravi must bat before Flintoff so Fred can come in with the quicks back for their last spell

Yeah it should be (I mean the order)...

Vaughan
Strauss
KP
Collingwood
Bopara
Dalrymple
Flintoff
Nixon

Thats the batting obviously. To be honest, it depends what situation we're in, we'll be chasing, which I'm not too keen on as we tend to get the wobbles.

[Griffo]

bopara is at 3 and broad is playing

[aussie_ben91]

I'd keep Bell in the XI. His your best batsman out of Joyce, Strauss & Bell. Strauss seems incapable of scoring consistantly without Trescothick.

Give Bopara a shot at opening.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

bopara is at 3 and broad is playing


Both are quite good move :)

[skater]

They've dropped Sajid Mahmood!! woooo!

[aussie_ben91]

I can Broad getting mauled by Lara & Gayle. His going to look like a child bowling to them.

[Will_NA]

lara is supposed to bat at six!? :eek:

[PhilD123]

They've dropped Sajid Mahmood!! woooo!
I'm fed up at the constant having a go at Saj Mahmood. He was our best bowler against Sri Lanka, bowled well against Bangladesh and is only young.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

They've dropped Sajid Mahmood!! woooo!



Mahmood has been dropped may be for Broad , any more chnage England have made ;)

[skater]

I'm fed up at the constant having a go at Saj Mahmood. He was our best bowler against Sri Lanka, bowled well against Bangladesh and is only young.

Sajid Mahmood pitches the ball short and wide too much when he plays for England and he gets punished because of this. In my opinion, he needs to play at least two full seasons of county cricket before he should even be considered for selection by England. Peter Moores will probably select him due to his age though.

[PhilD123]

Sajid Mahmood pitches the ball short and wide too much when he plays for England and he gets punished because of this. In my opinion, he needs to play at least two full seasons of county cricket before he should even be considered for selection by England. Peter Moores will probably select him due to his age though.
Oh yeah because you get a 4-fer against Sri Lanka in a world cup game and 2 4-fer's in 8 tests if you're not ready. :rolleyes: The only way he can get better is by playing international cricket against top quality batsmen.

[Leicester Fox]

Wheres Broad :( I'm not a Mahmood fan as Phil knows :p Now Fletchers gone I can see Broad getting more of a chance anyway because Moores has spent a lot of time with him in the academy. Oh and say what you like about Broad but he would never have bowled this many wides to start off with. Oh and when i say wheres broad i mean to open the bowlign lol not that hes not playing :p

[PhilD123]

Now Fletchers gone I can see Broad getting more of a chance anyway because Moores has spent a lot of time with him in the academy.
Yeah I think that, I think he'll get more of a chance.

To be honest I think Broad should have opened the bowling. Lee, I'm waiting for you to have a go at Plunkett now, horrid first over. :rolleyes:

[skater]

I like Liam Plunkett. In my opinion, and in many others, Sajid Mahmood is useless.

[Drewska]

I'm fed up at the constant having a go at Saj Mahmood. He was our best bowler against Sri Lanka, bowled well against Bangladesh and is only young.

But when he's bad he's absolutely shocking, and he bowls bad too many time.

[Leicester Fox]

broad got smashed :o but he didn't bowl that badly thats just what Gayle can do

[PhilD123]

This is the typical English mentality though.

Take a look at the Aussies, they pick Tait, yeah fair enough he's going to go for a few and can bowl shockingly sometimes, but picks up wickets. Now Mahmood isn't as good as Tait but its a similar kind of story. Mahmood will pick up more wickets than Plunkett, but concedes too many runs. Instead of the Aussies let us get em mentality, we slip in to the English mentality of he'll give away too many runs.

Nice over from Plunkett:rolleyes: . He doesn't bowl any bad balls Lee does he. :rolleyes:

[evertonfan]

Sajid Mahmood is not useless. Stop using him as a frigging scapegoat will you!

On the match though, all you can do is have a giggle at our bowlers really. I guarantee that when we are batting we won't even have half of these runs. Only England could get a man who has been in desperate form so far in this tournament (Gayle) back into supreme touch like this.

[Sagacious]

Gayle 50 from 29 balls... finally he found some form. but... too late I guess. :D

[skater]

If I was the captain, I wouldn't use Paul Collingwood as a bowler so much.

[madmusician]

If I was the captain, I wouldn't use Paul Collingwood as a bowler so much.
I remember the CT Final in 2004 when Vaughan used Collingwood as a bowler instead of Giles - it didn't work and we lost.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Gayle is playing excellent :) where was this form when it was required so much :rolleyes:

[Sureshot]

Sajid Mahmood pitches the ball short and wide too much when he plays for England and he gets punished because of this. In my opinion, he needs to play at least two full seasons of county cricket before he should even be considered for selection by England. Peter Moores will probably select him due to his age though.


A) What do you know of Moores?
B) Plunketts been better?

Saj got pummelled in the last game but before that he was good imo.

But when he's bad he's absolutely shocking, and he bowls bad too many time.

Twice in 6 world cup games, against Australia and South Africa teams who have both scored 400+ and are known to attack.

http://statserver.cricket.org/guru?sdb=player;playerid=45098;class=odiplayer;fil ter=basic;team=0;opposition=0;notopposition=0;seas on=0;homeaway=0;continent=0;country=0;notcountry=0 ;groundid=0;startdefault=2004-07-04;start=2004-07-04;enddefault=2007-04-17;end=2007-04-17;tourneyid=0;finals=0;daynight=0;toss=0;schedule dovers=0;scheduleddays=0;innings=0;result=0;follow on=0;seriesresult=0;captain=0;keeper=0;dnp=0;recen t=;runslow=;runshigh=;batposition=0;dismissal=0;vi ewtype=bow_list;bowposition=0;ballslow=;ballshigh= ;bpof=0;overslow=;overshigh=;conclow=;conchigh=;wi cketslow=;wicketshigh=;dismissalslow=;dismissalshi gh=;caughtlow=;caughthigh=;caughttype=0;stumpedlow =;stumpedhigh=;csearch=;submit=1;.cgifields=viewty pe

Compare top half to bottom half. He has improved.

Finished article? No.
Should he be playing? Plunketts hardly done better has he? And at least Saj would've mixed it up when Gayle was attacking.


He has been used as a scapegoat. Sure he was shocking against Sri Lanka and has had bad games since then. But he's been better than Anderson in an attack that's looked unthreatening.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Gayle looking extremely possitive , but Smith is lagging , maybe he is providing the support :p

[evertonfan]

Lara time. He'll either get a 0 or a 100. It's up to England to decide which.

And without wanting to sound gay, how fresh faced does Broad look? He's got the face of a bloody 4 year old!

[Griffo]

saj is easy to target but he doesnt really deserve the criticism he recieves anyone who can make bowling that fast look easy must have something going for him

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Lara time. He'll either get a 0 or a 100. It's up to England to decide which.

And without wanting to sound gay, how fresh faced does Broad look? He's got the face of a bloody 4 year old!


Yup , Lara time , i want to see a hundred from him :) Gayle was unlucky he missed that :(

[Griffo]

if its up to england i think anwars record may be broken :)

[evertonfan]

Well that takes the 0 out of the equation. Time for the 100 now...

[skater]

A) What do you know of Moores?

I know that Peter Moores was a former academy coach so he is likely to be interested in young players and build towards the 2011 World Cup.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

if its up to england i think anwars record may be broken :)


If Lara fires tonight , lots of chances are there , still i doubt as much overs are not left , btw Smith reached fifty :clap

[Adarsh]

It's high time someone runs Devon Smith out. Awful innings.

[Griffo]

anybody familiar with sarcasm... sarcasm anyone? no ok then

[Adarsh]

320 is possible here as they have wickets in hand. Hopefully Smith gets out and then the likes of Sarwan and Samuels can go after it.

EDIT: Forget about that Griffo.

[Griffo]

of course it wasnt i never said it was...

[Adarsh]

Vintage Collingwood. A blessing in disguise for West Indies, this is what they wanted (what I wanted anyway). Awesome catch.

[Cricketman]

Yes, Brilliant catch from Colly. Just plucked it out of the air.
Lara going well so far, 18 off 17. I really want him to get a score here, somewhere around 70+. A century would be sweet.

[skater]

Run out. Sorry mate. :crying

[Leicester Fox]

what a catch by colly,not bad by stuey either :p Laras out and what a way to go. You know Pietersen loved that. Stueys bowling well here,bye Brian!

[evertonfan]

Good wicket for England that. Sums up the closing stages of his career really.

[skater]

Sad way to go though. Would have been nice to have seen him score a century.

[Cricketman]

What a sad way to go for such an excellent player, a legend really.
I hate samuels, its his fault for this.
Thanks for the memories, Brian. Thanks alot.

Yes, Brilliant catch from Colly. Just plucked it out of the air.
Lara going well so far, 18 off 17. I really want him to get a score here, somewhere around 70+. A century would be sweet.

WHY DID I HAVE TO SAY THIS?

[evertonfan]

Would have been nice to have seen him score a century.

Not for me it wouldn't, I want us to win a game for a change!

Rohit, it's a bit harsh to say you hate Samuels. He didn't run him out on purpose.

[skater]

Yeah, shame his last match was against England!

[Cricketman]

Not for me it wouldn't, I want us to win a game for a change!

Rohit, it's a bit harsh to say you hate Samuels. He didn't run him out on purpose.

Well, emotions are high, ect ect. I switched off the tv now so i've calmed down a bit :p
ever since he's done that match fixing stuff i've lost respect for the guy, and its a shame he's still allowed to play. It was his call anyways so i guess it is his fault in a way.

[evertonfan]

Lucky wicket for Plunkett. Would have been a wide that. The Windies have just lost the plot all of a sudden and England are on a high.

[Cricketman]

who's out...cmon Windies..Sarwan to pull 'em out of danger again? This is crap.
EDIT: woops, Sarwan is out :p
Well then, I hope England enjoy coming in 5th in this WC!

[Adarsh]

Sarwan is out.

[madmusician]

Yeah, shame his last match was against England!
And Duncan Fletcher's last match - I want both teams to win!

Bye Lara - possibly the greatest batsman of the modern era. :crying

[Recluse]

Real shame to see Lara leave international cricket in that fashion, you can tell he wanted some time in the middle to play the kind of shots that we have become accustomed to when he's at the crease. He probably felt a bit silly receiving applause after that knock, so instead of lapping it up, he just hurried off. Farewell to one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

[evertonfan]

Hmm, Samuels is going to get a 100 here.

[masterkhan]

I not happy about brian lara getting out

not a nice way to get out by a run out in your last match

[John Adams]

We are the Army , the barmy army. How come we dont hear that much in this wc like we did in the 06 07 ashes lol.

Yea ill miss Lara :( too bad we gotta get old huh...

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

I missed Lara's short knock , we had powercut for 30 mins :mad: then i heard ,really a sad end for such a legend :hpraise

[formula1man]

i used to like kp. not any more!
why drop bell vaughan would have been a better choice.

gayle's 50 was a bit like the 50's we get on BLIC07

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Samuels gone after a fantastic 50 :clap

[Cricketman]

300 all out, a ball left.
Mini-collapse in the end, good work off his own bowling by Flintoff with 2 run outs.
WI should be happy though. Maybe 10-15 runs short, but with Englands batting form its enough i think.
Vaughn was handy, hey he should be a specialist spinner and bat at 9,10, or 11!!

[masterkhan]

they just made 300 well let see if England can beat that.And I went to see KP open

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

300 is quite a good score , if Windies can manage early wickets then there will be huge pressure on middle orders .

[masterkhan]

Vaughan opening? I want to see KP open

[Adarsh]

The last time England chased 300 was in 2000/2001 :rolleyes: .

[evertonfan]

The last time England chased 300 was in 2000/2001 :rolleyes: .

Aye. What I wouldn't give for Graham Thorpe to be in the side now...

[John Adams]

Aye. What I wouldn't give for Graham Thorpe to be in the side now...

So he can be a Thorpe in the West Indies side? Hehe

Strauss got out in my cricket game just a few minutes ago as well! :eek:

[Adarsh]

Vaughan is actually (deep breath in) batting well :eek: . I don't think they're gonna do it though.

[evertonfan]

A six for Vaughan! Come on sunshine, shut everyone's mouths.

Cripes, he's injured himself.

[stevie]

Typical. Vaughan decides to turn up when it's too late. I've never understood why Michael Vaughan doesn't look to be more positive in ODI's, he is a far better batsman when playing positively than how he has played in the majority of his ODI innings. Infuriating!!

[masterkhan]

will Vaughan finally score a hunderd?

[Adarsh]

I hope this isn't a free ticket for him in ODIs. One meaningless innings here shouldn't change the reality.

[evertonfan]

Lol and he's dropped the very next ball after reaching his 50! Come on Vaughan, as if you needed any more incentive to score a bloody hundred!

Three wickets as well; Not a bad performance from Mick is this.

[Adarsh]

I hope he doesn't get a 100. As much a fan I am of England, I would hate it if he gets it in a dead rubber.

[themuel1]

I hope he doesn't get a 100. As much a fan I am of England, I would hate it if he gets it in a dead rubber.

Maybe this innings be proof to himself that he can play ODI cricket. It's not dead rubber - FLetchers last game and Lara's final international game.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Finally Windies got a breakthrough , Ravi Bopara is out :) great throw from Bravo

[evertonfan]

I'm sick of saying it, but this is typical England. A solid partnership broken with two quick wickets and we are in the mire after being comfortable. Flintoff is in such bad touch that even Sarwan makes me wince when watching him bowl at Fred.

[Leicester Fox]

is freddie the most stupid cricketer in the world? Straight down his throat! A 5 year old can spot the problems with the England team,every match. Not usually,every match we do this

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Another run out:eek: Darimple gave his wicket so easily :p

[RoboRocks]

Just A gift from Flintoff and poor run from Dalrymple.
The way England are playing they don't derserve to win a One Day game.

[Leicester Fox]

Nice tight finish here,good innings from Nixon in what will probably be his last ever international innings,thats been a bit forgotten because of Lara which is fair enough. This is why KP's number 1 in the world. If he played in a proper team he'd be even better :p Fantastic 100,what a 6!

Now hes out lol but Plunkett and Broady are more than capable

[borncricketer]

HAHAH lol soo KP hits a 6 and gets his 100 and next ball, BOWLED haha

Didnt expect that to happen :p Sooo love tight finishes:)

How unlucky was Vaughn He started out brialliantly, i thought he was gonna get his first 100 in ODIS but no he wanted to get run out:p, oh well looks like we will have to wait for some more time to see an ODI 100 from Vaughn...

[Leicester Fox]

Broadys in :happy: @ the windies you only sing when you're winning :p

shot Nicco! 4 runs closer! Lets see the leicestershire lads take us home in Niccos last game (probably)

what an over,should give us the game but you never know with 2 wickets left,4 byes is shocking at this stage

[borncricketer]

wow nixons 3 4's and then 4 byes, lucky england, 13 from 13
Such an awesome game dont care who wins:)

[Leicester Fox]

yay Broadys on strike! 2 6's please :p this is a cracking game
shot Broady! :D 4 Nicco you beauty! we really should win now but this is ODI cricket...
Broadys back on strike,finish with a 6 :p 1 more,great ball by ball coverage from me. Me >> cricinfo :p

[borncricketer]

haha u soo want Broad to hit a 6:p well he gets a single...looks like the match is in englands pocket now...

[!x!Culli!x!]

C'mon England! Win for this once!

[Leicester Fox]

Broads on strike for the last over! What a match,much better than the ones that matter :p

[Afridi no 1]

"Broad just has to keep his end up in the gathering gloom."

[Leicester Fox]

Nixons out! lol what a match,c'arn Jimmy :p

[borncricketer]

AAHAHA Nixons bowled by bravo WOW ODI cricket...


EDIT u beat me to it:P
And as the comentators said it reminds me of India vs West Indies, Yuvi on strike, 2 runs to win, last wicket in hand, bravo slower ball and gets Yuvi bowled:(

[Afridi no 1]

just 3 runs to Win...

[Leicester Fox]

I'm nearly as quick as Jimmys gonna send this ball racing to the boundary :p

[isrararrafi]

cracking match. 3 to win from 4 balls

[Afridi no 1]

Who won guys?.. this damn cricinfo is too slow

[Leicester Fox]

shot jimmy :p come on Broady!

[siddharth2002]

Just woke up and WOW.... Come on Jimmy you can do it mate :p

[borncricketer]

Who won guys?.. this damn cricinfo is too slow
lol match not yet over, 2 off 3

EDIT Dot ball to Broad, 2 off 2....

[Leicester Fox]

Broady looked like he was going to be sick there! Come on super stu! Englands future number 8!

[siddharth2002]

Who won guys?.. this damn cricinfo is too slow
A lot faster http://www.cricbuzz.com/WI_Eng.html

[borncricketer]

And England win!!! Broad hits a 4....

Laras last match, he gets run out and a defeat:(

[Leicester Fox]

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We don't want your world cup because Broady hit the winning runs! Yes the 2nd best batman in the world and the best bowler ever :p Go Broady!!

[isrararrafi]

and england wins. and Lara chases the ball to end his careeer :cheers

[Afridi no 1]

WOW. what a great match.. Congratulations England.

Thanks for the site siddharth2002.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Colleymore screwed the whole thing :mad: Windies must be saying Sorry Caps we are not worthy to give you a good farewell

[siddharth2002]

Funny but I don't expect Lara to do much in today's match, English have a better chance of winning it as they seem to play well at times when everything is lost.
yes, I can just quote myself and get something to eat.

[evertonfan]

What a barnstormer. Such a shame that this is going to go down as the best game of the tournament because honestly, can you see Australia being pushed that close?

It wasn't really a good performance from England, just that Vaughan, Pietersen and as usual Nixon, were excellent.

It was Jimmy who won that game for us. The best leg-bye ever.

Colleymore screwed the whole thing :mad: Windies must be saying Sorry Caps we are not worthy to give you a good farewell

They fought back 3 times from positions of defeat when they were bowling. I suppose that went unnoticed from idiots like you though.

[skater]

Bloody hell. England chase 301. :eek:

[AbBh]

Colleymore screwed the whole thing :mad: Windies must be saying Sorry Caps we are not worthy to give you a good farewell
Yeah Nixon batted wonderfully but giving 4 byes was horrible considering the stage of the match.
The best game of the WC imo

[!x!Culli!x!]

What a game! Sad to see Lara lose that way though, what a great player :(

It was Jimmy who won that game for us. The best leg-bye ever.
Yeah too right, he looked scared though bless him ;)

[barmyarmy]

Blimey, did we just win the World Cup? Vaughan should be MoM today, he gave the team the momentum we've been lacking during the power plays and made it possible to chase the total down. Our middle order on the other hand need shooting (KP excepted obviously!).

[Leicester Fox]

Goodbye Lara,Fletcher and probably Nicco, hello broady! What a way for Fletcher to go

[masterkhan]

Thats was the best match in this World cup so far But if England have play like this vs Sri Lanka They would have been in the Semi finals.

[evertonfan]

I know I don't want Nixon in the England Test team, but bloody hell he deserves a go after his performances in this World Cup!

A bit of credit to Bopara as well; Helped us recover from the early wicket of Strauss.

[!x!Culli!x!]

Don't wanna jinx things but who thinks the series coming up with West Indies will be another cracker like this game. Two decent teams with a lot to prove, sounds good to me :D

[evertonfan]

Goodbye Lara,Fletcher and probably Nicco, hello broady! What a way for Fletcher to go

What about Dean Conway!!

[Leicester Fox]

What about Dean Conway!!
Didn't know he was going! I liked having an unfit physio!

[John Adams]

Great match, the most exciting in a long time, well done England, KP's fiancee is hot lol, and thanks Lara cya :)

[masterkhan]

Good Bye Lara We all will miss you But I really hope you play your 300th match.:(

[Cricketman]

What a match! Just what this world cup needed! Exciting!
I'm so sad to see such a great man leave the game in such away. But just as the commentators said, this one match does not take away from his legendary, lusterous career.
Thank You Brian Lara, for your entertainment.

[aussie1st]

Sad end to Lara's career no cricketing God's here today.
Vaughan made a last ditch effort to show hes still got it even managed 3 wickets. Guess the English will have to give him a few more games to see if that was a one off or the start of Vaughan ODI career.

[Cricketman]

Good Bye Lara We all will miss you But I really hope you play your 300th match.:(
He already retired, so i guess he's out on 299 :(

:crying
I was put to tears when he made his speech, what a legend...

[cric_craze]

goood game

[Will_NA]

Didn't know he was going! I liked having an unfit physio!

Dean Conway should race that Sri Lankan physio. Vaughan played beautifully. He looked ever so fluent and comfortable at the crease.

But, the question is, 'Was it worth the wait?' or, maybe the even bigger question is, 'Will he do it again?'.

Find out, next week on Worrisome England's one-day woes..........

[formula1man]

congrats to you england i'm glad youse won something. why is nixon going though

[aussie_ben91]

That's not the first time Vaughan's made a vital 80 odd in a ODI. Considering his only opened the batting 21 times.

Pietersen ruined the party for Lara. In a sense, KP's been doing what Lara's been doing over the last few months as to which Lara's been doing for most of his career.

[irottev]

How did Vaughan not get player of the match. 3 wickets at the best economy in the game and 80 runs. Thats a top all-round performance.

[aussie_ben91]

I laughed when Devon Smith raised his bat to the crowd as he trudged off.