The Fight For The Urn - The Ashes 2009

ashes 2009 fifth test day 4 highlights

2009-08-24T06:27:00.001-07:00

ashes 2009 fifth test day 3 highlights

2009-08-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

Ashes 2009 fifth test day 2 highlights

2009-08-23T04:05:00.000-07:00

Ashes 2009 fifth test day 1 highlights

2009-08-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Ashes 2009 bulletin - Paul Collingwood fails once again

2009-08-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Paul Collingwood, England's middle order batsmen has been struggling, since the first test match. Paul Collingwood plays a vital role in England's fragile middle order and with the absence of kevin peterson in the line up, he needs to stand up and take the responsibility, which he has failed to do. Apart from the match saving innings of 74 in the second innings of the first match and a 64 in the first innings, Collingwood has been struggling for form in the middle. He once again failed to make an impression at oval, getting out after making a scratchy 24 to Peter Siddle. Collinwood was caught at Gully by Hussey, Australia bowled with a plan to Collingwood targeting his offside. He looked scratchy and out of sorts from the start of his innings and was poking his bat at anything offside.

After England won the toss and elected to bat first on a flat and dry pitch and the top order making a decent platform, this was Collingwood's best time to get back to some sort of form, but he failed to grab the opportunity. Collingwood needs to work on his footwork and concentration to get himself out of this trouble. With Collingwood out and England at 176-3, pressure is on Trott, to make an impression in his first ashes appearance.

Collingwoods scores in Ashes 2009:

Test 1: 64 & 74

Test 2: 16 & 54

Test 3: 13

Test 4: 0 & 4

Ashes 2009 bulletin

2009-08-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

After Englands disastrous batting performance at Leeds, they would like to redeem themselves by putting a better batting performance. Ravi Bopara batting in the crucial no.3 did not provide the innings that is expected from him, following his poor performance he has been replaced by Jonathan Trott. With Flintoff back in the England line up, we can expect a better allround performance from England. It is also time Paul Collingwood comes into the party and scores some runs.

England won the toss and elected to bat first, England the lost the early wicket of Cook when the score was 12. Ian bell joined Strauss, the pair looked scratchy and England end the first session at 108/1. Soon after resuming Strauss was picked up by Hilfenhaus at 55. Considering their earlier performance England will be quite happy with their batting performance till now.

England 1 Andrew Strauss (C), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Ian Bell, 4 Paul Collingwood, 5 Jonathan Trott, 6 Matt Prior (wk), 7 Andrew Flintoff, 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 Steve Harmison, 11 James Anderson.
Australia 1 Shane Watson, 2 Simon Katich, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Clarke, 5 Mike Hussey, 6 Marcus North, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Peter Siddle, 10 Ben Hilfenhaus, 11 Stuart Clark.

Miller rules out Trescothick for final test - Ashes 2009 news

2009-08-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

After losing the 4th test by an innings and 80 runs, England have Little option but to win the final test to win Ashes. England batting is in deep trouble, with the middle order completely out of form. It will be interesting to see which England team turns out for the final test.Trescothicks name is doing rounds, as the selectors sit to pickup the team for the 5th and final test.

England national selector Geoff Miller insists he won't ask Somerset batsman Marcus Trescothick to come out of international retirement for the deciding match of the Ashes series.
England have been struggling for runs, leading to suggestions that Trescothick could be tempted back for one match.He has been in superb form for Somerset since retiring from England duty due to a stress-related illness and the opening batsman had admitted that he would listen if England approached about a return for next week's Test at The Oval.
But Miller on Wednesday ruled out that option, insisting that he will not try to change the 33-year-old's mind.
"Marcus has many times said he's retired from international cricket, and until I hear contrary to that, he will not be a part of the selection process," Miller told Cricinfo.
"He knows where he is, he's really comfortable and playing really, really well, but he's retired from Test cricket so he's not a part of our thoughts at this moment in time."
But Miller admitted the selectors will consider 39-year-old Mark Ramprakash when they sit down to discuss the squad for the Ashes decider at The Oval.
"Mark has not stated he's not available for international cricket, so we will discuss that," Miller said.
"It's not just my decision, it's a team decision, and we'll sit down as a unit. We have a consistency and continuity angle as far as selection policy is concerned and we try to stick to that as much as possible.
"But we do want to win this series, which is a matter of winning this game in a one-match situation, so it's a very difficult equation.

ashes 2009 fourth test day 3 highlights

2009-08-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ashes 2009 fourth test day 2 highlights

2009-08-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

Ashes 2009 fourth test day 1 highlights

2009-08-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

Ashes 2009 highlights third test day 5

2009-08-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Ashes 2009 highlights third test day 4

2009-08-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Ashes 2009 highlights third test day 2

2009-08-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Australia slumped to 263/10, after resuming the day at 126/1.

Ashes 2009 third test day 1 highlights

2009-08-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

In the rain battered first day of the third test, almost 6 hours of play was lost and only 26 overs were bowled. Watson replaced Huges for the opening slot and looked impressive, eventhough he started sedately, once he settled in started to play his cuts & pulls. On the other side Kaitch looked positive and went on to score 46 before falling to Swann. Australia would like to continue the same way on the second day too.

Watch the Highlights of the First day here:

The ashes 2009 - Finally the match has started in third ashes test

2009-07-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

After more than 6 hours of delay due to rain the match has finally started. Ricky ponting won the toss and elected to bat first. As expected Shane Watson replaced Huges in the playing XI, who came opening with Simon Katich. There has been no changes in the XI, apart from Watson but the shocker for Australia has been late injury of Haddin, who is suspected to have a broken finger. Graham Manou replaces Haddin in his debut. Haddin's injury comes has a severe blow, as he was in great touch with the bat, and leading run scorer in the series.

England playing XI too had no surprises, with Ian Bell replacing injured Kevin Peterson.

Australia playing XI:

RT Ponting*, MEK Hussey, MJ Clarke, MJ North, GA Manou†, MG Johnson, BW Hilfenhaus, PM Siddle,NM Hauritz

England playing XI:

AJ Strauss(c), AN Cook, RS Bopara, IR Bell, PD Collingwood, MJ Prior(wk), A Flintoff, SCJ Broad, GP Swann, JM Anderson, Graham Onions

The ashes 2009 - Hughes dumped for the third test

2009-07-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

Phillip Hughes following his unimpressive perform ace in the first two tests, has been axed from the playing XI. This was confirmed by phil Hughes himself, through his Twitter update.

He posted:

Disappointed not to be on the field with the lads today, will be supporting the
guys, it's a BIG test match 4 us. Thanks 4 all the support!.

Shane Watson is tipped to replace Huges for the test, he could be a useful addition considering his all-round skills.

The ashes 2009 -What are Australia's bowling options before the third test

2009-07-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

With the competition entering an interesting phase, both the captain has to be on their toes to win the remaining matches.

Australia has been struggling with their bowling in this series, with Ricky ponting's men losing an Ashes test at Lord's after 75 years and the Australian media reasoning the defeat to 'collective failure', Aus. has more things to worry, but their bowling looks to be in deep trouble.

In troubled waters:
Brett Lee, Australia's premiere fast bowler, suffering from a side strain has been ruled out of the third test, leaving a severe blow to the bowling lineup. Brett Lee with his pace and bounce can take wicket in any type of pitch, also his presence in the middle would make the Aussie bowling look more formidable.

Johnson has been the biggest flop for the Aussies in this series. In the absence of Brett Lee, he was touted has the spearhead for the bowling attack but has done very little to live upto that expectation. His lackluster performance has cost Australia in both matches, failing to take the early breakthroughs. Lot of other stuff going around him is not helping him either, troubled relationship with his mother and so on. He has to put all things behind and concentrate on the job at hand, if Aus. need to make a comeback in the series.

On the Border:
Nathan Hauritz and Peter Siddle have not been outstanding but have done their job they were trusted with. Hauritz was impressive in the first test taking 6 wickets, but was not effective in Lord's, taking just 3 wickets in Eng. second innings, when the batsmen where trying to make some quick runs. Peter siddle went about his job of finishing his quota of overs without troubling the batsmen. With front line bowlers struggling, it is time for these two to raise their game to help Aus. square the series.

Brighter side:
Ben Hilfenhaus surprisingly was the most impressive of the lot, trying to swing the ball and looking like taking wicket. He looked impressive at Lord's too, taking 4 wickets on the first day on a flat pitch. His performance comes as a pleasant surprise, when others are struggling to make a mark. Much was not talked about him before the series, he was expected to fill up the overs and work as a support bowler, he turned to be the best one for Australia for the first two tests. For Edgbaston, he needs to continue the same form and take the responsibility with Johnson not at his best.

Options:
With an unimpressive performance by his men , Ricky Ponting is under pressure to make changes especially in the bowling line up, what options he has infront of him & do they have the potential to turn things around for Aus., only time will tell.

Stuart Clark, present in Aussie squad, is a tall fast bowler who could be useful in the docile Edgbaston pitch by generating bounce with his height. He is Mcgrath type, bowls line and length and leaves the rest to the ball & pitch. Making his case easier is the performance of Johnson, who is struggling visibly with his bowling. He is a strong possibility for the third test.

Shane Watson, all-rounder could also find himself in the team in place of Hughes, who is struggling at the opening slot and Aus. having a weak bowling, could double up has a bowler. We may even both the changes happening for the third test, scheduled to be started on 30th July.

England squad for third test announced - THe Ashes 2009 update

2009-07-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

England has announced their 13 member squad for the third test which starts on 30th july. Following Achilles injury kevin pieterson has been replaced by Ian bell, who is expected to play in the 3rd test. Despite Andrew Flintoffs concern over his fitness, has been named in the 13 member squad along with Harmison who will play in the third test if Flintoff is unfit.

13 member squad:

J Strauss (capt), AN Cook, RS Bopara, PD Collingwood , MJ Prior (wkt), A Flintoff, SCJ Broad, GP Swann, JM Anderson, MS Panesar, IR Bell, G Onions, SJ Harmison

Doubtful Brett Lee ruled out of Edgbaston test - Ashes 2009 update

2009-07-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Australian bowler Brett Lee, 32, who was suffering from side strain was ruled out of the third test after the bowler failed to pass the fitness test.

Vice captain Micheal Clarke confirmed today, that Lee will not recover in time for the third test.

Clarke said:

I don’t think that Brett is going to be right for Thursday. He only bowled off three or four steps today in the net.
He is doing plenty of fitness work and is working very hard to get himself right.
I am not sure exactly how far away he is but I think he is out of contention for Thursday.

Clarke also expressed his surprise about the Edgbaston wicket being dry and he feels spinners would play a major part in the third test.

Ponting surprised over the heckling at Lord's - Ashes 2009 news

2009-07-25T21:02:00.001-07:00

Ponting expressed his surprise over the heckling he received from the Lord's crowd during the second ashes test. Ponting was continuously booed at the home of cricket after he queried the umpires decision to refer the catch to taken by Andrew Strauss.

Ponting wrote in daily telegraph:

I'm not sure why I was so much the bad guy with the fans," Ponting wrote in the
Daily Telegraph.
Lord's is the one place around England where you don't expect to get heckled. You tend to get a more subdued, cricket-loving crowd and one that's more focused on what's happening in the game.
But I guess any Australian captain is going to cop it over here. Some people have said it's because I'm the last one out of that group of players who had a lot of success
in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Perhaps it's just payback time.

Ponting has more things to worry about than getting booed by the crowd, they need to lift their game if they want to make any impression in the coming tests.

Pieterson aggravated his injury during IPL - Ashes 2009 update

2009-07-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

In a development which could cause furor in England against the participation of English players in IPL, and bring England players participation in the IPL under further scrutiny. It emerges that Kevin Pieterson aggravated his Achilles injury during his stint in the IPL 2009 edition according to Bangalore Royal Challengers assistant coach & physiotherapist Evan speechly. He told to cricinfo that,

Pietersen had sustained the injury during England's tour of the West Indies but aggravated it while jogging along a Durban beach during the second edition of the IPL.

We knew there was a problem there and we monitored it very carefully. I think he was just feeling so good about it that he got a bit carried away and tried to run on it too soon. He woke up one morning and decided to go for a run along the beachfront in Durban. It flared up again after that. He returned slightly the worse for wear because of that.

He came to us in great shape. The England Cricket Board sent us his whole medical history. We were informed he had a problem with the Achilles. We monitored him throughout and placed him on a special exercise program. It was very strict what he could and could not do. We didn't train all that much, but he was not to run, only play in the nets, when we were. He was doing the eccentric exercise, Speechly added.

Player participation in IPL has been a sensitive issue in England with Andrew Flintoff being injured playing for Chennai, which ruled him out of the West Indies tour and T-20 world cup. Now it's the turn of Kevin Pieterson, who will miss the all important Ashes series because of playing in IPL.

This raises the question, 'Are players considering money over national duty?'. With KP also joining the other two Flintoff & Sehwag, who missed the important series for their respective countries. Already one (Virendar Sehwag), proved to be very costly for the Indian team in the T20 world cup. Could this (KP' absence) cost England dearly? only time will tell.

Swine Flue in Ashes 2009

2009-07-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

After facing a scary spell of bowling from Andrew Flintoff on the last day of Ashes test, Australian team suffered a swine flu scare after one of the journalists covering Australian team was reported to have a similar symptoms. Cricket Australia were quick to act when News Limited reporter Ben Dorries found he may have been infected. Dorries became ill during the second Ashes Test at Lord's this week and a British doctor suggested that he could have swine flu, although that has not been officially confirmed.
He has been asked to stay away from the team for the next three days but Cricket Australia said that no member of the squad had shown any symptoms of swine flu.

Watson may replace Hughes - Ashes 2009

2009-07-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson may replace the struggling opening batsmen Hughes. Watson has been included in the squad as a specialist batsmen, with his bowling abilities, he could make a comeback in the test. With Mitchell Johnson struggling,& Brett Lee not sure for the next match, Watson could well make a cut as a bowler too.

The Australians, who are down 1-0, head to Northampton on Wednesday to prepare for Friday's tour match, Watson's first game of the tour. Watson after coming back from a thigh injury feels that he may be able to bowl anywhere between 12 to 15 overs a day. He also believes with his all-round abilities could give more balance to the side. We need to wait until 30th July to know Australia's combination for this crucial match

Ashes 2009 - Kevin peterson ruled out for the rest of the series.

2009-07-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

With England conquering Lord's and the whole country in elation, the news of kevin Peterson's injury comes as a dampener. Kevin Peterson has been ruled out for the next 6 weeks following his ankle injury. The star batsmen has been struggling with an achilles tendon problem but was initially expected to only miss the upcoming Third Test, but has been ruled out for the entire series. Following this Kevin Peterson said:

'As an England cricketer the Ashes are the pinnacle of the game so I'm absolutely
devastated to be missing the rest of this series'.
'Up until now the achilles injury has been manageable but it recently reached the point where we needed to look at other options in terms of treatment.
'I hate missing matches for England and especially during an Ashes summer but now that the decision has been made to undergo surgery I'm confident I can return to the England team injury-free following a course of rehabilitation'

What could this mean for chances of England in this series, Peterson is a very important player in that batting line up at no.2, he brings in aggression & momentum to the innings. He may not be at his best, but he is one of those players who can bounce back at any time. England, won the Lord's test because of the heroics of their bowlers, their batting never looked formidable, with just one centurion (Strauss) from the 4 innings England has played. Kevin Peterson's exit from the series could be a big blow for England. (Ian Bell may replace Peterson for the rest of the series).

England made history after 75 years - Ashes 2009

2009-07-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

England defeated Australia by 115 runs, rewriting history which haunted them for 75 years from 1934. Andrew Flintoff appearing for the last time in Lord's for a test match, came up with an inspiring bowling performance on the last day to seal the match for England. In the build up to this match English players were reminded of their dismal record and there was more pressure to give a perfect farewell gift to one of their talented all-rounder, & they did in convincing fashion.

On the final day Eng. required 5 wickets to the achieve the dream any cricketer playing for Eng. would have dreamt of. England knew that their dream would soon become a nightmare if the pair of Clarke & Haddin continue to play for another session. But they came up with the right idea of opening with Flintoff, who was at his scorching best clocking more than 90mph almost all deliveries. Haddin(80) was the first one to fall for him when the score was at 313/6. It was now the turn of Swann to etch his name in this historic win, by picking up dangerous Micheal Clarke for 136, foxing him with a dipping delivery. The crowd erupted & the camera panned towards the Australian team showing dejected faces.

It was now a matter time for England to achieve the invincible, ' Ashes victory at Lords. Once again it was Andrew flintoff providing double break through of Hauritz (1) & Peter siddle (7)adding his tally to 5. Swann then consumed the last wicket of Johnson (63) to win it for England. The Crowd (Full house) erupted, & " England had rewritten history"

Full scorecard

(Listen to the 1934 audio highlights - last time England won at Lords in an ashes match:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8057949.stm
Click here for ashes 2009 Match 2 highlights)

(Also share your thoughts on this historic victory)