Australia on the ropes in Ashes fight
By Tom Wald, 3 Aug 2009
- Tagged:
- Andrew Flintoff, Ben Hilfenhaus, Cricket, Graeme Swann, matt prior, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson, Simon Katich, Stuart Broad, The Ashes, third Test
Australia's captain Ricky Ponting, right, is bowled by England's Graeme Swann as wicketkeeper Matthew Prior, centre, looks on and Ravi Bopara jumps on the fourth day of the third cricket test match between England and Australia in Birmingham, England, Sunday Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Australia’s Ashes defence is in danger of unravelling after England moved in for the kill on an eventful fourth day of the third Test at Edgbaston.
The touring side’s batsmen must knuckle down on the final day to dig Australia out of a hole with the weather forecast for clear conditions in Birmingham and an English side bubbling with confidence.
Needing to score 113 runs just to make England bat again, Australia were 2-88 in their second innings at stumps with Shane Watson (34no) and Mike Hussey (18no) unbeaten.
Already trailing 1-0 in the series, another loss and Australia will have to win the last two matches of the series at Headingley and The Oval to retain the Ashes.
Andrew Flintoff (74) and Stuart Broad (55) earlier looked to bat the tourists out of the contest with brisk knocks that ensured the home side had plenty of time to bowl the tourists out again.
Australia opener Simon Katich (26) missed out again after making another start, caught behind trying to drive a Graham Onions (1-30) ball that moved a little off the pitch.
Ricky Ponting (5) instantly looked uncomfortable against the energetic Graeme Swann (1-24), the off-spinner producing a memorable over to the Australian skipper.
After being unlucky not to have Ponting lbw with the fourth ball, Swann produced a beautifully flighted delivery.
It dragged Ponting forward and the ball spun sharply between bat and pad to hit middle stump.
Australia looked in all sorts of trouble at 2-52 before scratching their way to a late close still 25 runs in deficit.
Earlier, Flintoff put his ordinary bowling display in Australia’s first innings behind him with a pulsating 79-ball knock that included 10 fours and a six as England scored 376 in response to Australia’s 263.
With England looking vulnerable at 5-168, Flintoff arrived at the crease oozing confidence and even initiated a few words with a reinvigorated Mitchell Johnson (2-92) to make his presence felt in his final Test series.
Australia’s seamers had done a terrific job of keeping it tight until Shane Watson’s (0-23 off three overs) introduction with the total at 5-201.
Flintoff feasted on his modest bowling and, with paceman Peter Siddle (3-89) wayward as well, the big Lancastrian and Matt Prior (41) picked off 48 runs off six overs in their match-turning, sixth-wicket stand of 89 off 97 balls.
Even after Flintoff departed, the English tail continued the healthy scoring rate with the last three wickets coming at a cost of 69 runs thanks to Broad’s hard-hitting innings.
Ben Hilfenhaus (4-109) was the pick of the bowlers while Johnson was far better than his figures suggested.
The left-armer produced some hostile spells and was more than happy to get in the faces of the opposition, having words with Flintoff, Swann and Broad.
In one fiery moment late in the England innings, Johnson and Broad stood toe to toe and exchanged words after Broad had smacked the bowler down the ground for four.
There was concern over Johnson’s hamstring after he clutched it late in the day in the field but Australian team management said there was no issue.
© AAP 2012Snapshot of day four of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
SCORE – Australia 263 and 2-88; England 376
MAN OF THE MOMENT – Andrew Flintoff. The departing allrounder made his mark with the bat in a match-turning knock of 74 off 79 balls as England recovered from 5-168 to all out for 376. The pace handed his side plenty of time to roll Australia again.
KEY MOMENT – Since his poor showing in Cardiff, England spinner Graeme Swann has taken some big wickets in the past two Tests. He had Ricky Ponting in all sorts of trouble as soon as the Australian skipper came in and the off-spinner produced a cracking over late in the day. He was unlucky not to have Ponting lbw but two balls later produced a brilliant delivery that dragged the Tasmanian forward then turned back sharply to hit his middle stump.
STAT OF THE DAY – 508. Number of fours Andrew Flintoff has hit in Test cricket. The big man eased the load on his dodgy knee by thumping 10 boundaries and a six in his rollicking knock.
QUOTE OF THE DAY – “If we can start well and put some pressure on Australia we can probably win the Test match. However they probably think if they can get through to lunch unscathed or lose one wicket then they would be doing alright. It is a big morning for both teams.” Flintoff.
SUMMARY – Australia must bat well tomorrow to keep their series deficit at just 1-0 after England seized control on day four. Australia were back in the game with the home side at 5-168 before Flintoff swaggered to the crease and snatched the game away from the visitors. Aiding his cause was Shane Watson’s modest three-over spell that ignited his 89-run partnership with Matt Prior (41).
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August 3rd 2009 @ 9:37am
albatross said | August 3rd 2009 @ 9:37am | Report comment
Ponting must go!
August 3rd 2009 @ 6:45pm
Tom said | August 3rd 2009 @ 6:45pm | Report comment
What exactly do you suggest he do? Even Peter Roebuck was leaping to his defence today, and that is saying something. He is only as good as the cattle he has.
August 3rd 2009 @ 9:51am
Harry Callahan said | August 3rd 2009 @ 9:51am | Report comment
Perhaps these dumbass selectors will sack Katich after him getting 2 starts and no 50 this test. Probably, will elevate North and bring in McDonald as we need 700 allrounders in the team! Watson’s bowling was fantastic, wasn’t it? Neilsen’s reign of mediocrity must end imediately. What could a 2nd rate player from the worst performing cricketing state over thelast decade teach Ponting etc about batting or Johnson etc about bowling or Clarke etc about fielding. The short answer is he teaches them NOTHING and that’s what Neilsen brings to the team. From his press conferences I doubt he is even an inspirating motivator. Maybe I could swan around all over the world without any worries regarding team performance as coach for 12 months @ $250K …sounds like a good gig!
August 3rd 2009 @ 6:48pm
Tom said | August 3rd 2009 @ 6:48pm | Report comment
Good point, if they were to drop anyone it should have been Hussey. Hughes’ sacking is baffling – he scored 36 in Cardiff, which is far from a failure, and has one bad test and gets punted. Hussey has been ordinary for a while now, and yet is still there.
August 3rd 2009 @ 10:11am
old goalie said | August 3rd 2009 @ 10:11am | Report comment
I agree with Harry about Neilsen.
Judging by some of the fields Ponting sets it appears as if Neilsen has advised him on the most-clever-by-half way of getting an opponent out, and Ponting, not the best tactically, believes him.
Theres a big difference between thinking, and thinking too much. Why not try Miller’s approach? Get all the players on the field and say: “Scatter.” (!)
Bring back Warne, Alfie Langer style.
August 3rd 2009 @ 1:45pm
Brian said | August 3rd 2009 @ 1:45pm | Report comment
THe lack of scrutiny on Neilsen is surprising, how he was reappointed after losing to both India & SA was really beyond me. Many here seem to be demanding Clark plays but he was never a match winning bowler and at test level has not been effective for at least 18 months. Thats a long time for an ageing fast bowler. Likewies Macca only looking good cause he ain’t playing. Truth is either Mitch finds something or I cant see the 20 wickets needed at either Headingly or the Oval – provided they survive tonight.
August 3rd 2009 @ 10:33am
FIsher Price said | August 3rd 2009 @ 10:33am | Report comment
Johnson’s staring was hilarious, his bowling still dreadful.
As for Watson – has he finally realised he’s not up to bowling fast and altered his action? – his three overs were absolutely pitiful, Damien Martyn-lite fare.
I feel sorry for Hilfenhaus.
August 3rd 2009 @ 10:52am
Jameswm said | August 3rd 2009 @ 10:52am | Report comment
We should be able to grind out the draw.
Can’t comment on the bowling, except I did see Johnson bring a few back.
Clark has to come in. Katich needs to be more patient. What’s the rush? Ponting never started too well against spin anyway.
Hussey isn’t exactly inspiring me with confidence and there’s no Haddin. Time for someone to stand up and be counted.
August 3rd 2009 @ 11:27am
Kento said | August 3rd 2009 @ 11:27am | Report comment
I’m guttered by this. Went to sleep having watched 2 wickets fall and expected to wake seeing us right no top.
Why no Clarke?? I think the selections and team balance are the issues; not the cattle.
C’mon Aussie – don’t lose again.
August 3rd 2009 @ 11:41am
Kyle said | August 3rd 2009 @ 11:41am | Report comment
what was that (in)famous Warne aphorism….”can’t bowl, can’t bat…”. The writing has been on the wall for several years regarding the oz bowling ineffectiveness (including Brett Lee when he is fit). Glen McGrath’s retirement meant the final nail in the luke-warm bowling ‘attack’. Sadly, the batting has become brittle, too. Australia is in a rebuilding phase that may last several years (remember the West Indies…they are still trying to achieve past glories). We (oz) are inept at 20/20; lost our ranking in 50/50 (currently 3rd or 4th?); and lost the Test mantle. Ponting’s dismissal today was predictable as will (IMHO) acquiescence and an England win tomorrow.
August 3rd 2009 @ 6:51pm
Tom said | August 3rd 2009 @ 6:51pm | Report comment
Just to correct you, the quote was “he can’t bowl and he can’t throw” directed at Scott Muller, and it was a TV cameraman, not Warney.
August 3rd 2009 @ 11:46am
Jameswm said | August 3rd 2009 @ 11:46am | Report comment
Nothing like being optimistic, hey Kyle?
August 3rd 2009 @ 11:50am
Skull said | August 3rd 2009 @ 11:50am | Report comment
Have to agree Kyle, I think we are in for a long downward spiral. Even at first class level there don’t appear to be any potential match winners out there. It seems we have sunk to the level of English County cricket in that we are producing too many pie throwing medium pacers designed for limited overs and 20/20 cricket.
August 3rd 2009 @ 12:32pm
FIsher Price said | August 3rd 2009 @ 12:32pm | Report comment
Clark and McDonald should get the nod for Leeds, but who can guess what Punter and his inner sanctum will throw up?
Lee probably. He’ll be ineffective.
August 3rd 2009 @ 3:26pm
Kento said | August 3rd 2009 @ 3:26pm | Report comment
Just like he was last Ashes (and pretty much ever since…)