India vs Australia Fourth Test: Cricket live scores, updates
By Suneer Chowdhary, 22 Mar 2013 Suneer Chowdhary is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- Cricket, india v australia, live blog, Michael Clarke, MS Dhoni, Shane Watson
481 Have your say
Has David Warner gone too far with his latest Twitter outburst? (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill)
Live Scores
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
|
India v Australia FEROZ SHAH KOTLA GROUND, MARCH 22-26, 2013 4th Test - IND v AUS |
|---|
| Australia 1st Inn | 262 All Out |
| India 1st Inn | 272 All Out |
| Australia 2nd Inn | 164 All Out |
| India 2nd Inn | 4/158 |
| Australia won the toss and elected to bat | |
| India won by 6 wickets | |
| India | Over:31.2 RR:5.04 | ||||
| Batsmen | Runs | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni* | 12 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 85.71 |
| CA Pujara | 82 | 92 | 11 | 0 | 89.13 |
| Australia | |||||
| Bowlers | O | M | R | W | Econ |
| NM Lyon* | 15.2 | 0 | 71 | 2 | 4.63 |
| GJ Maxwell | 11.0 | 0 | 54 | 2 | 4.91 |
| Recent Overs: | ||
| 1 1 . 1 1 1 | | . 4 4 4 . . | | . 4 | |
| Last Wicket: | Rahane, 1 (c:Lyon b:Maxwell) |
| Current Partnership: | 30 runs, 28 balls, RR:107.14 |
It’s a matter of a clean sweep for India and a face-saving win for Australia when the two sides meet in the fourth and the final Test of the series at Delhi. We’ll bring you live coverage of the action throughout the day from 3.00pm AEDT.
Australia’s tour of India has turned out to be a nightmare for the visitors.
Down 0-3 after the third Test, Australia’s problems have been compounded by Michael Clarke’s back problems going into the final game.
And let me now even broach the four-man suspension topic, one that could well be a line-in-the-sand moment in Australian cricket – and not entirely for the reasons that coach Mickey Arthur would want.
Speaking of problems, Arthur’s received lot of criticism from fans, necessitating him to shut down his Twitter account between these two Tests. That, I suspect, will be the least of his woes though.
What could be a problem is that an inexperienced Australian side could go into this Delhi Test match without their most experienced batsman and captain, Michael Clarke.
A decision on his availability will be taken on the morning of the Test match but even if he manages to get fit in time, his back will need to be monitored throughout the Test.
In the eventuality of his absence Shane Watson will take over the captaincy role.
The same Watson who threw his toys out of his pram on being suspended for the previous game after crying out against the ‘harsh’ treatment.
Then there will be the selection headaches associated with Watson’s return in case Clarke did find himself fit before the game.
If Watson has to be selected, one of Phil Hughes or Steven Smith might have to sit out, which could be a shame given the way both batted at Mohali. This could also mean that Usman Khawaja will miss out yet again.
The bowling line-up will see the return of James Pattinson who could join Peter Siddle in their two-and-a-half-pronged pace attack – with Moises Henriques being the other.
There is a school of thought that suggests that Siddle could be rested for this game given his workload all summer with Mitchell Johnson taking his place.
India have a selection problem on their own. Shikhar Dhawan had a mixed three days at Mohali and after his blizkrieg of a 185, he was resigned to the confines of the dressing room having injured his hand. He will miss this match.
With Dhawan out and Gautam Gambhir suffering from a bout of jaundice, it will be down to one of Ajinkya Rahane or Suresh Raina to make it to the Indian XI.
Rahane is the recognised opener but India haven’t been too averse to pushing middle-order batsmen up the order and converting them into reluctant openers to fit in an awkward piece of jigsaw that does not belong.
If Raina, who is one of captain MS Dhoni’s trusted lieutenant’s at the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, is selected ahead of Rahane, it will only mean that Cheteshwar Pujara will have to go up to open the innings. In the longer run, this move hardly makes sense.
Speaking of the pitch at the Feroz Shah Kotla and it is a typical Indian surface – it will be slow and keep low from very early. This may not be as bad a thing as some may reckon for the visitors given that R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have grabbed a bunch of their wickets because of the terrific bounce they have got from pitches in the first three games.
Shorn of bounce, it could lead to the spinners struggling over the first couple of days or so till at least before it becomes very difficult to counter the low nature of the track.
Eight of the last nine Tests played at the Kotla have had results with India losing only one of them – way back in 1987. Interestingly the only drawn game featured Australia – a high-scoring encounter that saw the visitors slam 577 in their first innings.
What would the Australian team give to get themselves those many runs again!
Live coverage of the game begins from 3.00pm AEDT and enjoy the end of the working week with some Test matches cricket and if you’re following along, leave your opinion in the space below.
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Game Information
India XIA Rahane
M Vijay
CA Pujara
SR Tendulkar
V Kohli
RA Jadeja
MS Dhoni
R Ashwin
Pragyan Ojha
B Kumar
I Sharma
Australia XI
EJM Cowan
DA Warner
PJ Hughes
Shane Watson
Matthew Wade
Glenn Maxwell
Steve Smith
J Pattinson
PM Siddle
NM Lyon
Mitchell Johnson
Start Time: 3.00pm AEDT
Venue: Delhi
Betting:: $1.70 India, $3.55 Draw, $5.40 Australia
TV: Fox Sports 3 (LIVE)
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1:18am
Suraj said | 1:18am | Report comment
Remember Clarke who defeated India; something Waugh, Warne and the greats could not do. This Aussie team is not great and neither are the Indians. Time was when these once great teams won overseas. This is merely an insult to test cricket and not a competition.I hope players who did well get an extended run to prove themselves and for those that failed ;I will be flailed for this [Sachin amongst a big list} be honorably passed over with huge thanks for their services.
11:33pm
Dcnz said | 11:33pm | Report comment
Did Allan Border really say at stumps it was a reasonable result for Australia and that it was a middling score while praising Cowan and Hughes ..
Not a mention of maxwell Warner and Watto ,..
Jeez standards have dropped …
10:13pm
Lancey5times said | 10:13pm | Report comment
Am I right in saying that the only player in the squad that has increased in value as a result of this series is Steve Smith? And Pattinson maybe? And Khawaja by not playing?
10:17pm
Tasman said | 10:17pm | Report comment
starc with the bat?
10:21pm
Lancey5times said | 10:21pm | Report comment
Bowlers can really only improve there stocks by getting wickets. He’s not gonna get picked for his batting
10:27pm
Tasman said | 10:27pm | Report comment
il take any positives I can at the moment.
10:28pm
Vivek said | 10:28pm | Report comment
Yes you are correct Lancey, Smith has looked good and Khawaja by not being part of the series will continue to be on the fan’s lips because he is yet to get his chance.
10:08pm
Matt h said | 10:08pm | Report comment
Well done smith, Siddle and Pattinson. Honorable mention to Cowan until he decided he has talent and tried a sweep shot. Honorable mention to Hughes. He looked the goods today even if it was too short. Bad luck Matt Wade.
And then there was Warner, Watson, Maxwell. There is nothing much to say that hasn’t been said. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. By that measure Warner and Maxwell need help. Watson’s concentration levels continue to amaze. And Mitchell Johnson has a promising career as a comedian ahead of him
10:16pm
Lancey5times said | 10:16pm | Report comment
I will give Watto’s leadership some credit though. He turned up today and led by example. Unfortunately his side followed said example and applied very little concentration and produced even less
10:06pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 10:06pm | Report comment
By any stretch if you lose only one wicket in a session, it’s yours. And when that happens after the team’s seven down, it can be considered an excellent one for sure.
India will be a tad disappointed to have not bowled Australia out after getting them down to 7/136 at one stage. However, if after losing the toss they would have been told that the visitors are going to end the day on 8/231, they would have gladly taken it.
The good news for the Indians is that the pitch hasn’t misbehaved too much and wicket-taking for the spinners has not been the easiest. That said they will be wary of the quicker men – there’s enough in the track to make life difficult for the batsmen given the up and down bounce and puffs of dusts that keep coming out.
India’s immediate task will be bowl Australia out till 250 before getting a substantial first innings lead. Australia need to bat on and if possible, get themselves to 300 and beyond. More vitally, they need to exploit the track tomorrow, and with James Pattinson back they have the necessary arsenal. They will do well to remember that every time India has had that one big partnership that has taken the game away – the rest of the wickets have fallen away rather quickly.
Back tomorrow with the second day of the final Test of the season. Ciao!
10:01pm
Red Kev said | 10:01pm | Report comment
Siddle with the top score – well done son!
10:32pm
Vivek said | 10:32pm | Report comment
Perhaps we should change our batting lineup around and let the bowlers bat first.
10:01pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 10:01pm | Report comment
So just a single off that last Jadeja over ends Australia’s day on 8/231.
9:58pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:58pm | Report comment
Another maiden from Ashwin. Two minutes to go now, which means that it’s one more over to bowl.
8/230 in 97.
9:55pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:55pm | Report comment
Change in bowling now and it’s back to the spinners. R Ashwin comes back.
9:54pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:54pm | Report comment
It’s almost 100 runs since they lost their seventh. That is a very good fightback considering that this is not going to be an easy track to bat on fourth innings.
It does look like the Indian bowling is a tad tired too, and so are the fielders. Not that BK and Ishant have bowled too many.
8/230 in 96.
9:54pm
Red Kev said | 9:54pm | Report comment
Let’s just pick 9 fast bowlers, a spinner and a wicket-keeper. Our bowlers are doing a far better job with the bat, why carry the so called specialist batsmen and allrounders?
10:07pm
Jiggles said | 10:07pm | Report comment
X-factor… Duh
9:53pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:53pm | Report comment
Another four and this time it’s for Peter Siddle, who gets some width and crunches it through the covers!
Follows it up with a glance down the fine-leg fence for another boundary…
Moves on to 46 and this is the longest he’s batted in a first class cricket innings! Highest Test score too…
8/230 in 96.
9:49pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:49pm | Report comment
That was very full but vitally for the batsman, it was very wide too and Pattinson throws his bat at it, creamed through the covers for a four!
8/220 in 95.
9:47pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:47pm | Report comment
A maiden from Bhuvneshwar Kumar with the new ball before Ishant concedes one to Siddle, who’s moved on to 36. Extremely patient batting, taken 116 balls to get there.
8/216 in the 95th
9:43pm
Matt h said | 9:43pm | Report comment
Do these partnerships mean we have officially picked 7 all rounders? Micky will be so excited. He has run inside to tell the news to his secret, full size and rather life like Jacques Kallis doll. Hell be back in a few minutes.
9:40pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:40pm | Report comment
New balls finally taken. Yep, it’s the second new ball, with the lower-order having done enough to frustrate the Indian fielders.
7/136 to 8/215 is a very good recovery on this track.
9:39pm
Christo the Daddyo said | 9:39pm | Report comment
Johnno, are you still around?
How about giving us a dinner report?
9:43pm
Jo M said | 9:43pm | Report comment
Probably still eating, he had a lot to get through there.
9:51pm
Matt h said | 9:51pm | Report comment
Yeah it was quite a menu. He might just make it back for the Ashes
10:32pm
Vivek said | 10:32pm | Report comment
Johnno went to sleep after the naan and laasi, it tends to have that effect on people(hehe)
9:39pm
Lancey5times said | 9:39pm | Report comment
Is it not embarrassing if your number 9 tops scores in your 1st dig in consecutive test matches?
9:41pm
Matt h said | 9:41pm | Report comment
Desperate times …
9:37pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:37pm | Report comment
The ninth wicket stand’s probably beginning to frustrate the Indians who would be hoping to get them out by day’s end…
…and to add to the frustration an outside edge from Siddle has Dhoni going in the wrong direction and eluding him completely!
8/215 in the 93rd.
9:34pm
Lancey5times said | 9:34pm | Report comment
Anyone out there unemployed and feel like devoting a few hours to compiling a ‘best of’ from this tours comments? There is a few rip snorters in today’s post for starters.
9:33pm
Jiggles said | 9:33pm | Report comment
Considering the Australian tail consistently gets plus 60 runs, if the NSP actually picked the 6 best batsmen Australia would be pretty hard to beat.
9:31pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:31pm | Report comment
A couple of runs for Australia in that Ishant over before Dhoni gets a head massage on the field of play. I think I can safely say that I have seen it all now.
This is after I saw Mohammad Hafeez get out obstructing the field yesterday. For changing the direction of his running between the wickets allegedly trying to prevent a run-out.
9:29pm
Chris said | 9:29pm | Report comment
I wish theroar comments would auto update. Would’ve made my life easier.
9:29pm
Matt h said | 9:29pm | Report comment
News Flash! Shane Watson, thinking “I’ll show Clarkie who’s the better captain” has decided to declare at 8 wickets down. That’s right, bugger waiting for nine down
9:24pm
Rabbitz said | 9:24pm | Report comment
Surely that scorecard must see the end of the Warner and Watson experiments.
Jebus H Christ this mob give me the irits.
9:26pm
Matt h said | 9:26pm | Report comment
We could petition the ICC, but at the moment I’m pretty sure you cannot drop a player before the second innings. And if we can only drop one, I’d be saving it for Maxwell
9:29pm
Lancey5times said | 9:29pm | Report comment
Nice
9:28pm
Red Kev said | 9:28pm | Report comment
Replays of Mitch Johnson’s carrom ball dismissal – I could watch that all day long, that’s never getting old.
9:43pm
Rabbitz said | 9:43pm | Report comment
Well the “golden haired child” can do no wrong so I have given up. Frankly he is a symptom of a terrible disease that is gripping CA.
9:23pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:23pm | Report comment
New ball’s not yet taken but Ishant’s coming back to bowl now.
9:22pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:22pm | Report comment
Ashwin continues to pile on the maidens. Maiden overs I mean. 15 of them.
8/205 in 90. Indians have bowled out their 90 overs for the day with 38 minutes still remaining.
9:25pm
Matt h said | 9:25pm | Report comment
He can’t pile on the maidens. They are all too busy being impressed by Red Kev’s spreadsheet!
But I must confess I have a spreadsheet where I keep track of players’ ICC rankings…
9:28pm
Jo M said | 9:28pm | Report comment
Very good Suneer. I hope he enjoys himself.
9:21pm
DJW said | 9:21pm | Report comment
Disgraceful appealing by Jadeja there. Clearly hit bat first.
9:17pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:17pm | Report comment
Aleem Dar’s poor umpiring’s meant that India are appealing for lbw appeals to ones that are hitting near-middles of the bat.
8/204 in the 89th
9:15pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:15pm | Report comment
Australia bring up their 200 for the loss of eight wickets. At one stage that looked difficult too, at 7/136.
9:11pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:11pm | Report comment
Jadeja’s taken over from Ojha and immediately gets a quicker one that spins wild and across Siddle.
The batsman’s beaten and can only wryly smile.
8/198 in the 87th
9:09pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:09pm | Report comment
Beauty of an over. Absolutely unplayable.
Going past the outside edge of the Pattinson bat thrice in that one, and Ashwin ends up bowling his 14th maiden out of 26 overs.
9:06pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:06pm | Report comment
The Indian team were shown to be in a huddle during that drinks break. Interesting, not that Australia are 2/250, wonder what tactics do you discuss after having the opposition down to 9/197?
8:58pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:58pm | Report comment
A loud appeal for an lbw and looked out for me. The bat was very near the pad and the umpire could have thought that it was hitting the bat first.
Pattinson survives.
9/193 in 84.
8:53pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:53pm | Report comment
Pattinson at the number 10 has played out the rest of the 4 balls from Ashwin easily.
8/189 in 82 overs. One hour and 7 minutes still to go for the day’s play.
8:48pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:48pm | Report comment
Finally a wicket, Smith’s inside-edged it to Rahane!
That was a quicker, flatter one from Ashwin and bowled stump-to-stump, Smith was defending at it – gets an inside edge and it flies to short-leg where the short-leg fielder takes a good catch. Rahane gets one on debut and Ashwin now has four.
4/37 in 23.2 overs for Ashwin while Australia are 8/189 in 81.2
8:51pm
Red Kev said | 8:51pm | Report comment
No! Steve what have you done? By getting out he has left Phil Hughes in the lead of the race to average 34.
Hughes 33.60
Smith 33.50
Cowan 33.21
8:56pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:56pm | Report comment
Are you sure of that figure? Smith’s scored 143 runs in the three innings so far.
9:02pm
Red Kev said | 9:02pm | Report comment
Career, and yes I’m sure, I’m a giant nerd, I have my own spreadsheet of current test players’ career stats.
9:06pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 9:06pm | Report comment
I thought you were referring to the series!
9:17pm
Lancey5times said | 9:17pm | Report comment
I bet the chicks love it when you tell them that
9:33pm
Red Kev said | 9:33pm | Report comment
I close the deal by showing them I can use a slide-rule
9:35pm
Jiggles said | 9:35pm | Report comment
Wow…
9:34pm
Richard said | 9:34pm | Report comment
makes for exhilarating reading.
8:57pm
Felix said | 8:57pm | Report comment
Steve Smith and Phil Hughes – proving Shield form doesn’t count…
Glen Maxwell – Proving… I can’t come up with anything… Any help?
9:11pm
Cuzza said | 9:11pm | Report comment
Call of the series!
9:22pm
Matt h said | 9:22pm | Report comment
It seems like there should be something really funny to say here but honestly I just can’t get over the shock that he has a baggy green
9:19pm
Matt h said | 9:19pm | Report comment
So so very close. One innings to go. Can Watson get a big enough negative score to drop below them? I would have thought its not possible but his level of incompetence is starting to defy the laws of physics
PS I am a Smith convert now, but I guess the competition for most vaguely competent batsman is not exactly fierce at the moment
8:46pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:46pm | Report comment
…that was by Siddle, excellent stuff from the number nine!
The stand’s worth 53 now, taken 27 overs to get there.
7/189 in the 81st
8:45pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:45pm | Report comment
Siddle’s done a good job here too, batted 76 balls for his 16. Getting into the Cowanesque category.
Ojha now is from over the wicket…
…paddled away to fine-leg for a four!
8:44pm
Christo the Daddyo said | 8:44pm | Report comment
Sad indictment on our batsmen when Siddle has shown more patience than most of them put together.
8:47pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:47pm | Report comment
It’s a surprise given that this has happened all through the series – batsmen have got in and batted like there’s nothing wrong after the ones before them have lost wickets in a cluster.
8:42pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:42pm | Report comment
Ashwin replaces Jadeja. And Smith’s used the wide and fuller delivery from him to smack it over deep mid-wicket for a four! Super shot.
7/185 in the 80th.
8:44pm
Red Kev said | 8:44pm | Report comment
It looked like a heave live, but on the replay he was really controlled with the shot.
8:41pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:41pm | Report comment
This has been a trend this series, after every calm has come a storm and immediately following that storm it is hard to believe that a storm had just passed. The way these two are batting it is difficult to understand whatever happened in the second session.
Much like what was the case on the fifth day of the Mohali Test.
8:52pm
Jo M said | 8:52pm | Report comment
People with ticker as we say. Am pleased for Steve Smith, might just shut 1 or 2 people up, including me.
8:54pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:54pm | Report comment
Loads of ticker Jo, and it’s not been Smith’s natural style either – usually loves to have a go at the bowlers.
9:12pm
Ken Hambling said | 9:12pm | Report comment
Smith plays spin very well
8:39pm
Red Kev said | 8:39pm | Report comment
Call of the night so far from TestMatchSofa – Warner really wants to be Australian Captain, shame he can’t play test cricket.
Followed up with – don’t they have to hand over a team sheet at the toss? who’s going to write that out for him?
8:45pm
Lancey5times said | 8:45pm | Report comment
I think we all know who would put his hand up to write that out for him. If you’re not sure I’ll give you a clue. He’d write his own name first
8:34pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:34pm | Report comment
And just as I was saying that, Smith’s used his feet against Ojha and smoked him over long-on for a six! Big, big one, over the sight-screen, takes him to 39 and this has been a very solid knock…
7/178 in the 77th
8:37pm
Lancey5times said | 8:37pm | Report comment
That was smammered!
8:37pm
Red Kev said | 8:37pm | Report comment
It has to be said, I have been very impressed by Smith in this test and the last. He may just have finally come of age as a test cricketer.
8:39pm
Lancey5times said | 8:39pm | Report comment
It’s taken good nuts to get him out as well which is as encouraging as his runs
8:32pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:32pm | Report comment
While the Australian batsmen are not finding too many demons on the wicket against Ojha, Jadeja’s troubling them for sure.
Still, the stand moves on to 36 in 22 overs while Australia trudge along to 7/172 in 76.
8:27pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:27pm | Report comment
Ojha is on 99 wickets and you would have thought that on such a track with seven wickets down he would have had his 100th. Not yet.
Cannot help but feel that once he does get it, there’s going to be a release of a lot of pent-up emotions.
7/168 in the 75th
8:24pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:24pm | Report comment
Incidentally, this partnership’s already worth 26 runs from almost 20 overs.
8:23pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:23pm | Report comment
And Smith’s driven one through the covers for a four! He’s moved into the 30s, taken him more than 20 overs, which is almost Cowanesque in nature!
7/162 in 73.
8:21pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:21pm | Report comment
An interesting discussion between Ravi Shastri and Shane Warne on TV commentary on where Australia have lacked. Technical issues apart, this is the one factor I agree with – lack of aggression on the field.
Allan Border had changed a similar culture going into the 1989 Ashes, before which they were described as almost too easy on the opposition at the end of the day’s play. Probably that’s the one thing that needs to change – IPL monies or no IPL monies.
8:18pm
Johnno said | 8:18pm | Report comment
loving Sunner’s commentary i was almost tempted to go to roar Radio with Geoff, but despite Geoffory lemon’s advances lol, and invite on here, I am loyal to Suneer my favourite blooger on the roar.
8:20pm
Red Kev said | 8:20pm | Report comment
I have been alternating – I did about 45 mins of Roar radio and have now swapped over to testmatchsofa but I keep Suneer’s thread open because it’s the most fun
8:21pm
Chris said | 8:21pm | Report comment
True.
8:30pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:30pm | Report comment
Hey thanks guys! It’s a lot of fun being a part!
8:16pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:16pm | Report comment
The second single after tea in the fourth over, as Smith gets an outside edge to third-man off Ishant. This is Test cricket at its Test-best.
7/155 in the 71st
8:11pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:11pm | Report comment
Dhoni’s playing around with his fields for Ishant. For Siddle, there’s a leg-slip in place, for Smith that goes to short mid-wicket.
7/154 in 69
8:10pm
Cantab said | 8:10pm | Report comment
At least England also had a rubbish day, NZ 250/1 at stumps, last game of the series.
8:12pm
Red Kev said | 8:12pm | Report comment
England only need a draw to retain second on the world rankings though.
8:13pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:13pm | Report comment
And with the series locked at 0-0, if New Zealand can bat another day it will be interesting to see how England go from there. The pitches in New Zealand, though, have been quite flat.
8:06pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:06pm | Report comment
And a maiden to start things off after tea, nothing new after the barrage of no-run overs before the interval.
7/153 in 68, and Ishant will continue. Exploring the possibility of reverse swing I think.
8:04pm
sittingbison said | 8:04pm | Report comment
Gentlemen, its been an honour and a privilege….I’m off home from work now (Perth), catch you all after the S15 games tomoz
8:09pm
Red Kev said | 8:09pm | Report comment
Go the sea of blue!
8:03pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:03pm | Report comment
Welcome back after the tea break and for the final couple of overs of the day. Australia have lost seven wickets in the first two sessions, can they show some more bottle in this passage?
Ravindra Jadeja has the ball. Smith on strike.
8:01pm
Jiggles said | 8:01pm | Report comment
And I thought the last Ashes was Australia’s lowest point since the early 80′s…..
7:53pm
sittingbison said | 7:53pm | Report comment
There is a little bunsen burner flame next to the title of this article, and it says “Popular article” when I hold the mouse over it.
Firstly congrats to Suneer whose enjoyable and good natured commentary no doubt leads to the popularity, secondly are we perhaps getting some enjoyment at watching this train wreck of a selected squad and teams abysmal performance? Is the only way for genuine change to reach rock bottom? Forced resignations, honourable seppuku, and perhaps a popular uprising by some ex players?
8:04pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:04pm | Report comment
Sorry about the one-sided nature of the contest but glad you like the coverage, thanks!
8:09pm
Jo M said | 8:09pm | Report comment
Very well said. I am rather enjoying sitting here watching all the comments as they come up. Who needs Fox, this is way more fun. Stumbled across this site after linking to something that Lisa Sthalekar wrote. It is great.
8:12pm
Red Kev said | 8:12pm | Report comment
I’m really glad Lisa writes here – we need one Australian cricketer we can look up to
7:47pm
JGK said | 7:47pm | Report comment
Well that was indescribably awful from Australia.
To think I’ve already booked a trip to see the Ashes this winter. What a waste of money.
8:19pm
Felix said | 8:19pm | Report comment
I had an elderly gent at my golf club genuinely offer me tickets to all 5 days of the first test in England, he said he doesn’t want to watch that team play cricket, ever. If I wasn’t destitute I’d have taken him up on it.
8:26pm
Red Kev said | 8:26pm | Report comment
I got screwed by the MCC Lords Ballot. I land the day the first test starts so wanted to go to the second but only won 1 ticket in the ballot … to day five
8:29pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:29pm | Report comment
That’s sad, quite a long trip for one day of the Ashes. No other Test?
8:34pm
Red Kev said | 8:34pm | Report comment
I’m actually going to see family – the cricket was going to be my way to get away from them all!
7:46pm
Matt h said | 7:46pm | Report comment
Please please is there any way at all that someone can turn even a small fraction of this day into a positive? I’m at a loss. The only thing I can think of is that Khawaja’s reputation continues to grow the more he doesn’t play. And that is good for the Roar because it will keeps those comments churning out on the cricket articles.
Smith hasn’t looked terrible?
Watson got through his innings without getting seriously injured (actually that’s possibly a negative)?
Cowan maintained his lofty standards?
It’s been a hard hard tour for optimists.
9:11pm
Ken Hambling said | 9:11pm | Report comment
One gets the feeling there will be at least one article on Khawaja tomorrow.
7:45pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:45pm | Report comment
That’s that then, one off the final over before tea which takes Australia to 7/153.
The visitors have lost five wickets for 59 in 39 overs, which speaks volumes about the way it went for the Aussies. And for India.
Smith’s batted diligently without scoring too many, he’s on 25 off 104. Siddle’s patted out 37 deliveries too and the eighth wicket stand is 13 overs old.
This is a typical Indian pitch, not too different from the previous ones and I cannot help but feel that Australia have thrown some of their wickets away – Warner, Watson and Maxwell to name but a few.
Back in 15 after a Butter Chicken break.
7:47pm
sittingbison said | 7:47pm | Report comment
Didnt Ed the Pet throw his wicket away with an injudicious sweep?
7:38pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:38pm | Report comment
Three minutes to tea and India have already bowled 38 overs in the session.
It’s Ishant Sharma who will bowl the last over before tea.
The good news for Australia is that without Clarke as the captain the chances of a tea-time declaration are low.
7/152 in 66.
7:37pm
Geoff Lemon said | 7:37pm | Report comment
Roarers, we’re calling this game live on Roar Radio – a full audio commentary service along with Glenn Mitchell, Tim Renowden, and more. Come and join us on the airwaves if you’re so inclined.
It’s streaming live here – http://www.theroar.com.au/live/
7:39pm
Rellum said | 7:39pm | Report comment
I would love to, but I am watching it now, and you boys are about a ball and a half behind the vision.
7:39pm
Rellum said | 7:39pm | Report comment
Sorry, got that the wrong way around
7:45pm
sittingbison said | 7:45pm | Report comment
Girls??
7:40pm
yewonk said | 7:40pm | Report comment
was that a sledge on suneer, what nerve lemon.
7:36pm
Matt h said | 7:36pm | Report comment
I guess the only answer from here is to get Cowan to sneak into the Indian’s dressing room overnight and steal all their homework. Hopefully they will all be dropped mid test and have to forfeit. Why Cowan? Well he’ll do anything for approval.
7:45pm
sittingbison said | 7:45pm | Report comment
and hes a sneak
7:34pm
sittingbison said | 7:34pm | Report comment
looks like I have to take it all back, Smith is playing a mature innings….well not all back, just the bits about Smith. The bits about Ed the Pet, Watto, The Big Show, Uncle Arthur, Howard et al still stand
7:37pm
Matt h said | 7:37pm | Report comment
Surely the Big Show will now just be a trivia question? Which Australian test cricketer had the most inaccurate nickname?
9:48pm
Jo M said | 9:48pm | Report comment
Love that.
7:34pm
Rellum said | 7:34pm | Report comment
I’m back online, don’t tell me I missed the big show?
7:35pm
sittingbison said | 7:35pm | Report comment
depends what your definition is of “missed” Rellum
7:37pm
Rellum said | 7:37pm | Report comment
A show that is BIG, mainly from a certain player.
I am over the India big show.
7:44pm
sittingbison said | 7:44pm | Report comment
Cosgrove is batting well in the Shield final…is that big enough?
7:48pm
Rellum said | 7:48pm | Report comment
No, that is terrible!
7:48pm
JGK said | 7:48pm | Report comment
I think he’s the Big Mac, not the Big Show.
7:49pm
Red Kev said | 7:49pm | Report comment
Cosgrove needs to grow a moustache – Australia needs more portly cricketers with facial hair.
7:53pm
JGK said | 7:53pm | Report comment
I’m not sure he’d past Mickey’s skin fold tests.
8:04pm
Jo M said | 8:04pm | Report comment
Hahaha.
7:34pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:34pm | Report comment
So that’s 100 balls for Smith, not looked too uncomfortable but not scored too many either. Batting on 24.
7/152 in 65. This stand’s worth 16 from 11. Overs.
7:43pm
sittingbison said | 7:43pm | Report comment
I almost read that as “So that’s 100 for Smith”
7:48pm
Matt h said | 7:48pm | Report comment
100 balls is the new century for Australia. It’s called a “Cowan” and involves playing for a draw in the first innings. It should go into the cricket language like Mankad and Chinaman
8:18pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 8:18pm | Report comment
Or an adjective like Bradmanesque? Cowanesque! Averaging 100 balls per innings.
7:30pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:30pm | Report comment
The constant prodding and defending gets to Siddle who goes after Ojha, but is defeated by the turn…
…outside edge that flies over backward point for a couple.
7/151 in 63
7:26pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:26pm | Report comment
And they are obviously rushing through the overs here, the 62nd has just been bowled by Ashwin, who has figures of 3/32 in 21.
7/149 in 62.
7:21pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:21pm | Report comment
Ashwin bowled a lot of carrom-balls in the series against England and they picked it very well from the second Test onward. He went back to the drawing board and changed things around – the first two Tests this series, he bowled simple off-spin, nothing more.
It was only in the third Test that he showed a little of that carrom-ball and now that hes confident enough again, India has won the series and the wickets are tumbling, he has begun to bowl a lot more this innings.
7/146 in the 61st
7:30pm
Jo M said | 7:30pm | Report comment
Unfortunately, none of our bowlers bowl the carrom-ball do they? Others will be able to answer that one. Our batsmen can’t get practice against what no-one bowls.
7:35pm
Red Kev said | 7:35pm | Report comment
That is what Lyon’s “Jeff” ball is, but he’s not really got it perfect yet, he’s barely bowled it in match conditions so far.
8:02pm
Jo M said | 8:02pm | Report comment
Thank you for that. I wouldn’t know what ball was what if I fell over it. Just like when my son says to me “Did you see my wicket, the inswinging yorker” and I say “Yes darling” and he walks away and my husband is in hysterics because he knows that I didn’t see it at all. I am getting better though.
7:36pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:36pm | Report comment
No, it’s not a delivery that too many around in the world bowl. Even England did not have any who bowl carrom-balls, but Ashwin over-used it and made it easier for the opponents.
7:16pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:16pm | Report comment
Finally a four! Wow, didn’t see that coming now!
Quicker and on his pads, Smith’s glances it fine to the fence. Four to him, takes him to 21 from 80. Jadeja’s economy-rate takes a knock.
7/146 in the 59th
7:13pm
sittingbison said | 7:13pm | Report comment
Where is Pattinson? I thought he looked pretty handy with the bat in the summer? Or has Watto bought in a nightwatchmen??
7:11pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:11pm | Report comment
Smith looked to have come out to bat with a cue from Clarke, going down the track every now and then.
But his score is not too far removed from how Cowan bats – tap, tap and tap, without runs.
Another maiden from Jadeja, which means that Smith’s scored 17 off 78 deliveries.
7/142 in 57.
7:14pm
sittingbison said | 7:14pm | Report comment
perhaps his Ed the Pet scoring rate placed too much pressure on the Big Show??
Or if he is assuming the sheet anchor role, perhaps he could open??
7:17pm
Red Kev said | 7:17pm | Report comment
Australia’s obsession with scoring fast is mystifying to me – sometimes you need to score 20 runs from 100 balls. Look at Faf du Plessis in Adelaide. Look at Silk and Cosgrove in the shield final today. The ability to bat long and slow is not a bad thing. Cowan’s problem is that is all he can do.
7:08pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:08pm | Report comment
And now with Johnson out, Ojha’s been brought into the attack to bowl at the two right-handers.
Without exaggerations, he’s easily made 10-15 bowling changes in 55 overs of bowling, which is a lot given that it’s not 2/141 but 7/141! So wickets have been falling!
7:05pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:05pm | Report comment
Seven down for 136 then Australia and they have lost five wickets in 75 minutes. Mostly through poor batting.
7:09pm
Blaze said | 7:09pm | Report comment
If only starc were still here….
7:03pm
Christo the Daddyo said | 7:03pm | Report comment
Prediction: Johnno’s dinner order to be the highlight of the innings.
7:04pm
Johnno said | 7:04pm | Report comment
Unbackable odds Christyo the Daddyo lol.
7:14pm
boes said | 7:14pm | Report comment
It’s been the highlight of the series.
7:03pm
Elisha Pearce said | 7:03pm | Report comment
That partnership was 7 runs from 7.4 overs…
7:01pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:01pm | Report comment
Gone, bowled and Johnson is in such a shock he is hoping it was an earthquake’s that stuck Delhi.
Off-spin. Off-spin and more off-spin. Last ball of the over is the carrom-ball. Pitches slightly outside off. Turns back into the left-hander. Johnson shoulders arms and the ball finds the gap quite inviting, marches in and smacks the stumps.
Johnson’s looking stunned and waits for an eternity hoping for that earthquake to have dislodged his stumps. The MET department’s not too obliging. Nor is the umpire.
7:04pm
Red Kev said | 7:04pm | Report comment
Mitchell Johnson – allrounder
7:07pm
Disco said | 7:07pm | Report comment
He’s not an allrounder’s rear end.
7:10pm
sittingbison said | 7:10pm | Report comment
in that case he should be batting at 5
7:00pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:00pm | Report comment
They have dried up now, the runs. Three in the last five overs, 7 in 7 overs this stand.
6/136 in the 54th
6:55pm
Johnno said | 6:55pm | Report comment
I’ve just done my order at my local Indian Take away
Entree
Vegatable Samosas
Onian Bhajee
Mains
Lamb Rogan Josh (extra hot ordered tonight too ,I need it)
1 serving of Tandorri chicken
1 Bombay Beef
1 Dhal Tharka
1 Aloo Mataar
1 serving of Pappadums
2 Garlic Naans
1 Bannana cocunnut condiments
1 Mango Lassie
1 Creamy Soda
Yummy and Yabba dabba do. Can’t wait to tuck in.
6:57pm
Red Kev said | 6:57pm | Report comment
Damn, rogan josh … my favourite, you’re making me hungry Johnno.
6:59pm
Johnno said | 6:59pm | Report comment
Get to your local Red Kev, i’m not in a charitable mood tonight red kev I will enjoy the envy and jealousy with every part of the dinner lol. Im angry and starving mate. But I will enjoy it, and think of you, I send my condolences mate as I rip in, gonna be very satisfying in about 20 minutes. Delcious
7:02pm
Jo M said | 7:02pm | Report comment
Yum, just showed this to my 16 year old, guess what we are having for dinner. He loves Indian food as much as I do. Got to have lots of spice though for me.
7:08pm
Johnno said | 7:08pm | Report comment
Jo M, happy for you and your son enjoy your Indian dinner tonight. A good mum you are.
I find when Indian food is of good quality, as at my local take away it’s my favourite cuisine in the World. beats them all chinese, Thai, Italian, greek, Spanish, Portuguse, western food
A lot of flavour, nutritious often too.
Just yes a lot of flavour, makes eating enjoyable, not just a necessary requirement of peeing a person.
I agree I like it quite spicy too, adds everything to the flavour.
I like a good roast lamb or a good roast beef, or steak and chips, but give a good Indian feast any day over steak and chips, no contest.
7:27pm
Jo M said | 7:27pm | Report comment
Yep, has to be spicy. For me, very spicy, for No. 2 son fairly spicy, for hubby a little spicy, for No 1 son not spicy. Interesting cooking for my family. Dinner ordered, but have put butter chicken on the menu and rogan josh and some vindaloo for moi!!
7:33pm
Johnno said | 7:33pm | Report comment
Enjoy Jo M, I’ll be thinking of you as we both enjoy our Indian dinners.
6:58pm
Lancey5times said | 6:58pm | Report comment
Your best order yet. Stronger top order with Butter Chicken being left out
7:00pm
Red Kev said | 7:00pm | Report comment
Lol
7:02pm
Johnno said | 7:02pm | Report comment
Needed something stronger Lancey5times.
Christyo the daddyo the odds are good on that one, they’ll have to get the runs and more runs, as I ain’t giving any runs i’m hungry in no charity mood tonight, need some chilli and spicy food to calm me down mate.
7:00pm
Christo the Daddyo said | 7:00pm | Report comment
That’ll get you more runs than the Australian lineup…
7:05pm
Lancey5times said | 7:05pm | Report comment
Love it
7:04pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 7:04pm | Report comment
Why no butter chicken! I might order some for myself this afternoon.
7:10pm
Johnno said | 7:10pm | Report comment
Just felt like some tandoori chicken Sunner. Butter chicken is good though, but I will explode if I order another curry.
7:07pm
Blaze said | 7:07pm | Report comment
Make sure the creaming soda is unopened… You’ll be getting more runs than Aus…. ( I know, it’s terrible)
7:08pm
Blaze said | 7:08pm | Report comment
Damnit, sorry chisto…. You beat me…. Lol
7:08pm
Disco said | 7:08pm | Report comment
Geez, you must have some appetite.
7:10pm
Johnno said | 7:10pm | Report comment
I eat some for lunch the next day, but yes am hungry but a lot of left over for lunch too.
6:54pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:54pm | Report comment
Smith’s played 55 balls for his 13. That includes a six he hit early on.
6/135 in 51.
6:50pm
curly said | 6:50pm | Report comment
What a joke the aussies are laughing stock lool not picking khawaja unbelievable………no lets pick maxwell smith cowen who is an absolute t*t someone has really got it in for khawaja i hope the poms whip michael clarke the powder puff captain and mickey mouse arthurs backsides…
6:53pm
Pradeep said | 6:53pm | Report comment
Time to rotate Arthur, he had go be the reason khawaja is not playing
7:05pm
Blaze said | 7:05pm | Report comment
Clarke the powder puff captain? Now your just getting silly. Clarke is a fine captain, leads by example, is aggressive and wants to win. Granted he should not be involved with the selectors, but I dare say that decision was made for him. Yes khawaja should have been picked, but I fail to see how that lays solely on Clarke… Those same ppl believed rumours that Clarke and hussey had a tiff…. Hussey’s denial seemed pretty convincing to me considering he isn’t trying to get back into the team, makes you wonder about other rumours that the haters believe without proof…. Look, all I’m asking is why do you believe Clarke is a “powder puff” captain?
7:23pm
Jo M said | 7:23pm | Report comment
Blaze, anyone who knows Clarke personally knows that he is there to win, losing is not in his mentality. Unfortunately for him, he is starting out with a team that is not very good and it is going to take time and some patience. There are some players in this team who will be very good and the rest will be weeded out. It is a young team with little international experience. I would think there is more to the Khawaja thing as he hasn’t played a game for whatever reason. But Clarke and Arthur are 2 of 5 selectors. Who knows how much say that Marsh and the others actually have, we aren’t in there when squad and team selections are happening. Clarke believes he can win every game he plays. No powder puff, but full of steel from what I have seen. My son was fortunate to play 2 games with him for his grade club earlier this season. He had to play because there was no other cricket on and he wanted the hit out. He was brilliant around the team and even though he wasn’t captain gave a lot of very helpful advice to some very young players.
6:50pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:50pm | Report comment
Another maiden, this time from Ashwin, who’s bowled his eighth maiden in 16 overs.
6/134 in 50.
6:48pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:48pm | Report comment
Six overs for seven from Jadeja including that last maiden over.
6/134 in 49.
6:45pm
Johnno said | 6:45pm | Report comment
Cricket Australia needs a total clean out, this mess is awful for aussy cricket can it get any lower.
People who should be sacked
-Chairman of selectors Inver’s, hasn’t played test cricket since 1972 , 40 years ago heck David Lord, Lordy was still probably playing 1st grade cricket then at Mosman facing Thommo.
-Sack all the other selectors
-sack ex wallaby Pat Howard
-Sack Micky Arthur
Keep Jame Sutherland, he is not so bad, but his recruitment decisons ,does leave a lot to be desired sort of. But Micky Arthur did have a good record at STH Africa and WA, so was the best candidate not his fault.
And players sack Ed Cowan, and Watto, 2 faceless man dividing the dressing room
Sack most of the player sin this match, Glen Maxwell, Steve smith, Matt Wade is a batter play him as a batter.
7:00pm
sittingbison said | 7:00pm | Report comment
Arthur did not have a good record at WA Johnno, WA was a basket case before during and after his term.
Sutherland has to go, been there two years to long. Should be 8 years max in any position like this.
6:43pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:43pm | Report comment
And now that a left-hander has come in, it’s time for Ashwin to take up the bowling. A direct hit first ball could have seen Mitch walking back…
…driven to the covers and Pujara misses from there – two yards away.
7:04pm
Jo M said | 7:04pm | Report comment
Where is Starc when we need him. Hope your operation went well Mitch.
6:43pm
Whitestar said | 6:43pm | Report comment
My day was going badly enough when I heard Watson was definitely captain, but the black dog got up on the shoulder on hearing Maxwell had got another game…..
No wonder I have no hair – I spend too much time scratching my head regarding cricket these days.
How Maxwell is even on this tour is beyond me, but playing….twice no less?!
6:43pm
Max said | 6:43pm | Report comment
You’d think at 5/117 Maxwell would construct an innings and fight for his runs so he can be there at stumps…
But now at 5/117 Maxwell comes in and plays like the talentless tool that he is and furthers our problems…
And yet Usman Khawaja can’t get a look in.. Stunned!
6:48pm
Blaze said | 6:48pm | Report comment
I’m with you max, surely your able to hold back, for at least 20mins to show the doubters that your worthy of a baggy green? It appears maxwell is incapable…
6:54pm
James said | 6:54pm | Report comment
He hit a 6 and 4 in a row and we were coming to the end of the 50 overs. What else do you want.
6:56pm
Richard said | 6:56pm | Report comment
What an absolute tool!
6:57pm
sittingbison said | 6:57pm | Report comment
lol onya James
7:31pm
Matt h said | 7:31pm | Report comment
Absolute cracker!
7:10pm
Disco said | 7:10pm | Report comment
Tell your story walking, ‘Maxi’.
6:54pm
Pradeep said | 6:54pm | Report comment
Arthur must be afraid that khawaja will get a big score and then he must pick khawaja for the ashes so keep him outside
6:55pm
Richard said | 6:55pm | Report comment
At least Usman can say he had no part in a first ever 4-0 white wash by India. Everyone else will bear the stain for the rest of their careers, including the selectors. How they will explain not playing Usman at the end of this will be very interesting
6:58pm
Pradeep said | 6:58pm | Report comment
They will come up with something to justify it, they always do, though we will all know it will be bulls….
7:18pm
Disco said | 7:18pm | Report comment
Q: So, Uncle Arthur, you’d rather lose Test matches than pick Usman Khawaja, yes?
6:42pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:42pm | Report comment
It’s Mitchell Johnson at eight. He will look to do what Starc did last game – I am not sure about his bowling but Starc’s calm batting will definitely be missed down the leg.
Interestingly Johnson comes in at eight and not Siddle, so the selectors consider Johnson to be better than Siddle with the bat but Starc’s still not as good as the Victorian?
6:44pm
Red Kev said | 6:44pm | Report comment
Clearly the bowlers do what they want and claim seniority rather than being told who’s better and who’s batting where.
6:53pm
Jo M said | 6:53pm | Report comment
Johnson has had a couple of great innings for a bowler with the bat. I think Starc is doing better this season though.
6:38pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 6:38pm | Report comment
When I sat down to eat my dinner, we were two for a hundred odd. I’m now getting up to go back to work, and we have lost three more wickets for SFA. (But thank god our team culture is improving!)
What’s going on here? And dare I ask why Khawaja has been forced to waste his time coming on this diabolical tour?
Is there a single aspect of the management of this tour that hasn’t been marred by stupidity, spite, or sheer incompetence?
Edit: Make that four more wickets.
6:55pm
Pradeep said | 6:55pm | Report comment
Well said Rob, selection on this tour has been terrible and don’t even get me started on the homework saga
6:37pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:37pm | Report comment
Gone, from one Big Show to another. Maxwell holes out off Jadeja.
The intentions were right. The execution goes horribly wrong. Playing a left-arm spinner across the line on a typical Indian track isn’t the best way to go about things. That’s what Maxwell was looking to do, does not get anywhere near the meat of the bat and it’s lobbed up gently to Ishant Sharma at mid-on.
Two wickets for Jadeja. He’s been a revelation this series. Almost makes himself undroppable as the second spinner of the side.
6/129. 4/23 after lunch.
6:39pm
Red Kev said | 6:39pm | Report comment
Ahahahahaha – I hope Arthur, Inverarity, Marsh, Bichel and Howard all get sacked for this debacle.
What the hell is Glenn Maxwell doing in a test team? Although to be fair, 10 is his test average and all he is capable of, at least he lived up to that unlike Shane ‘captain’s knock’ Watson.
6:45pm
James said | 6:45pm | Report comment
Red Kev, sometimes I disagree with you. But Maxwell is the most ridiculous player to have played for Australia since I can remember (well maybe Peter Forrest in a 1 day match). I reckon there are at least half a dozen players in the shield final who would be better at test cricket.
And some guy called Khawaja who I think must have retired as he has only played one first class match in the last 4 matches.
6:47pm
Red Kev said | 6:47pm | Report comment
Well we have Watson the most undeserving Australian captain so it makes sense he’d have the most undeserving player to ever represent Australia in his team.
Glenn Maxwell, making Scott Muller look talented since 2013.
6:50pm
Johnno said | 6:50pm | Report comment
Scott Muller actually had a good 1st class record, and still took 3 wickets in his debut in the 1st innings. He was actually not that bad, just was mucked about after 1 test.
If that joe the camera stuff didn’t happen with the greatest player we have had since Bradman , Warney he would of played a bit more.
Paul Wilson was pretty average but he had a good 1st class record.
Adam Dale and SImon Cook were good but injury prone.
6:56pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:56pm | Report comment
Didn’t Muller have that stump-micro issue with Shane Warne, because of which many think he could not kick on with his career?
6:59pm
Red Kev said | 6:59pm | Report comment
And Warney is the guy that wants Glenn Maxwell at no.3 for the Ashes!
6:51pm
Matt h said | 6:51pm | Report comment
So true
6:54pm
James said | 6:54pm | Report comment
Lol.
Forgot about Scott. His record wasn’t that bad actually – 2 tests 7 wickets at 37 and 102 first class wickets at 23.5.
I still think picking Peter Forrest for the 1 day side was hilarious given that his strike rate in both first class and list a one dayers is lower than Ed “Slow and Vaguely Steady” Cowan
6:55pm
Red Kev said | 6:55pm | Report comment
Lmao – slow and vaguely steady – that is an awesome call!
6:57pm
Pradeep said | 6:57pm | Report comment
Only Arthur can explain how maxwell was picked ahead of khawaja
7:33pm
Matt h said | 7:33pm | Report comment
Or nearly anyone else…
6:39pm
Ken Hambling said | 6:39pm | Report comment
Khawaja is clearly not good enough to be in this lineup, absoulete disgrace.
6:40pm
DJW said | 6:40pm | Report comment
Poor poor shot from the no show
6:41pm
Christo the Daddyo said | 6:41pm | Report comment
So Maxwell throws his wicket away. Gee, I wonder who could have seen that coming? Oh that’s right – every single Australian cricket fan outside of the NSP!
6:44pm
JGK said | 6:44pm | Report comment
That was horrendous form Maxwell.
I should point out that there are four Victorians in the team again. This will be over in under 3 days.
6:36pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:36pm | Report comment
Better from Ojha, with Smith keeping to his crease first five balls…
…off the last one, Smith’s back to going down the pitch but is left with defending at it.
5/129 in 46. The Australian run-rate is down to 2.8 now.
6:36pm
Johnno said | 6:36pm | Report comment
Andre Flintoff might be a better captain than Watto or Ed Cowan, is he vice captain for this match, has there been 1 appointed is it the prefect lol.
This tour is starting to give me 50 shades of gray and I am much younger than that, i will deal with that when i hit well 50 in 2030.
But this tour is reminding me of Englands ASHES tour of Australia 2006-7.
A complete disaster from the 1st ball.
6:36pm
Elisha Pearce said | 6:36pm | Report comment
I have full faith in Smith and Maxwell turning this around. Both of them proven, battle hardened real Test quality batsmen. It’s times like these all the really long innings they’ve had in their careers really reminds them they can do this rescue job.
It’d be a worry if we were 5 down and had two novices with suspect techniques and unknown temperaments at the crease trying to prevent a series white-wash.
6:40pm
sittingbison said | 6:40pm | Report comment
make that two novices who are “all rounders” not batsmen Elisha.
Except its only one now hehe
6:33pm
Disco said | 6:33pm | Report comment
No, clearly Khawaja wouldn’t be of any use to Australia’s batting. He’s no Watson.
6:33pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:33pm | Report comment
Won’t be surprised to see Ashwin replace Ojha next over.
6:31pm
Red Kev said | 6:31pm | Report comment
I have a very nasty feeling this very low slow deck and the tiny ground will suit Maxwell. Bring back Ishant to give him a concussion.
6:38pm
Felix said | 6:38pm | Report comment
Well Kev, you got your wish! Ishant is giving him a concussion, and probably a line through his name for any future test matches.
6:30pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:30pm | Report comment
A very good shot and for a six! This is from the bat of Maxwell, who goes down the track and gets his full arc of the bat…
…over the bowler’s head for the maximum.
Follows it up with a cut off a slightly shorter one! Mumbai Indians, here I come !
5/128 in the 44th
6:27pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:27pm | Report comment
So Australia’s lost half their side for 118. Glenn Maxwell has joined Steve Smith who goes down the track as many times as you feasibly can in a Test match.
And now this is getting ridiculous. Ashwin takes a wicket and is replaced by Jadeja. One over spells?
6:23pm
sittingbison said | 6:23pm | Report comment
How is this for a batting line up? The all rounders start coming in at NUMBER FOUR Watson Smith Wade Big Show.
FFS this idiocy has got to stop. The entire NSP, and CA board including that idiot Howard have to go.
6:22pm
Johnno said | 6:22pm | Report comment
Watto is not happy, coz in the bigger picture, he is unhappy not coz he let the team down, but his captaincy rival Ed snail pace cowan, has one up on him in this match. Get rid of both these 2 clowns.
ASHES 2013 1st Test team
Chris Rogers
Dave Warner
Phil Hughes
Alex Doolan
Micheal Clarke captain
Andrew Mcdonald
Chris Hartley -wicket-kepper
James Pattison
Shaun O’keefe
Mitchell Johnson if fit
Jackson Bird
12th man Pete Siddle/ or Starc would love it if Pat Cummins was fit .
And on side note Brad Hodge wanted to re-launch an ASHES bid and was hosed down, he is one of the best if not best player of spin in OZ, he would handle Swan and Panaser, heck David Hussey plays spin well too.
6:25pm
Christo the Daddyo said | 6:25pm | Report comment
Who’s this Shaun O’Keefe you’ve been banging on about for weeks Johnno? I’ve never heard of him.
And have you put your dinner order in yet? Always a quality post that I look forward to!
6:27pm
Red Kev said | 6:27pm | Report comment
MacDonald has no form thanks to injury. Doolan ahead of Khawaja is a massive mistake. It’s Steve O’Keefe not Shaun. And Harris is fit again, he’s better than Siddle.
6:31pm
Johnno said | 6:31pm | Report comment
Red Kev agree on Ryan Harris, when fit he is world class. A good bowler Damien Fleming type standard bowler, not as good but close to it. Doolan has made runs, Macdonald injured if fit but won’t be then i will punt on Henriques, Khawaja is good and needs CA to back him, Alex Doolan is making runs, but like for like.
6:35pm
Red Kev said | 6:35pm | Report comment
Fair enough, we need to do something though, agree on that.
Also, I second Christo the Daddyo’s call – what’s for dinner?
6:28pm
Lancey5times said | 6:28pm | Report comment
When does Warner’s position start getting questioned?
6:32pm
Felix said | 6:32pm | Report comment
2 years ago from where I sit.
6:40pm
Jo M said | 6:40pm | Report comment
You mean Steve O’Keefe? There may be a couple of players in the team that would not be happy with that. He’s a good bowler, but some don’t get on with him. Forget Johnson, unless he does well this test. The Brits are ready and waiting to give him absolute hell and they will get under his skin like they did last time. Now that Starc has had his foot operated on, hopefully he will recover quickly and be bowling pain free, has batted better than Johnson this season as well. On Cummins, my son played against him in 1st grade last weekend, he is doing some net bowling I think, but wasn’t allowed to bowl in the game (and I can say that some of our team were very relieved). He looks really fit. Was great in the field and no problem with throwing at all. Hope he is back soon.
6:21pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:21pm | Report comment
Wade’s gone now, Ashwin’s got two!
Wade was going down the track but it’s a quicker one, hits his pads and lobs up to the silly point fielder. Pujara takes a sharp catch there but the big question is whether it came off the bat?
The first replay tells me that there’s definitely no inside edge, so now we need to spot whether the ball hit the bat after hitting the pads and en route the fielder’s hands.
The only thing quicker than the delivery itself was the umpire’s finger going up. Almost before he appealed.
6:26pm
JGK said | 6:26pm | Report comment
Howler.
6:30pm
Red Kev said | 6:30pm | Report comment
Yeah I would like to see that under review.
6:32pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:32pm | Report comment
Been a poor series for Aleem Dar, not had the best of times for one of the best umpires the ICC has. The bat was nowhere in the picture.
6:21pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:21pm | Report comment
Okay, so now Dhoni’s toying with his bowling changes. Jadeja takes a wicket and he’s off and Ashwin comes on.
This is T20 cricket at its best. No long spells, even for the spinners. And what’s more surprising is that its working for the captain.
6:19pm
Red Kev said | 6:19pm | Report comment
I guess the good news is that Phil Hughes is gradually improving, he’s increased his average and the average of the first drop position slightly this innings.
6:14pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:14pm | Report comment
So if it’s not one captain, it’s the other! Jadeja gets them all!
It was as quick as Jadeja bowls but this one turns across and for some reason Watson was going down the track, having played all this while with a straight bat. It is a good idea to play that shot against someone slower like Ojha but Jadeja’s quickness defeats Watsons outside edge.
Dhoni’s quick again and whips the bails off and this time, the third umpire’s not even needed. Watson’s failed to make use of that half-chance that he got with the earlier stumping appeal.
4/115 in the 39th
6:16pm
Red Kev said | 6:16pm | Report comment
Captain’s knock Shane!
Can the selectors wise up and send that clown packing, he is not good enough to be a test cricketer!
6:17pm
Vivek said | 6:17pm | Report comment
Still can’t believe Khawaja is not picked, its not like our batsman our firing, surely he could have been slotted in
6:17pm
Jo M said | 6:17pm | Report comment
Hahaha. You beat me to it.
6:18pm
Red Kev said | 6:18pm | Report comment
Did you see the shot of Rod Marsh with his head in his hands as it happened? He knows that short of a century in the second innings, Watson has just cost him his job.
6:26pm
Jo M said | 6:26pm | Report comment
We still have the self titled Big No Show. Haddin should have been in and been Captain. I saw someone had said he wasn’t a Captain, well he has captained NSW and the Sydney Sixers and I am sure been VC in something else. Would have done a way better job.
6:21pm
James said | 6:21pm | Report comment
What is going to be funny is when the NSP don’t pick him for the ashes as other players have played more first class cricket recently.
Come on. I’d laugh (maybe cry).
6:20pm
sittingbison said | 6:20pm | Report comment
he almost reached his 27month average of 25 Red Kev. And got out just after the break. All as predicted by Nostradamus
6:12pm
matt h said | 6:12pm | Report comment
Hang on, if we are down to the all rounders now (well Watson used ot be one and Smith is a failed one), then shouldn;t Mitchell Johnson have come in at number 4? After the Sydney test I thought he was supposed to be the next Kallis?
6:23pm
Lancey5times said | 6:23pm | Report comment
It is quite the bunch of allrounders that we have picked in this side. At 4 we have a bowling allrounder who doesn’t bowl and thinks he’s an opener. At 5 is a guy who is batsman that everyone (bar him) thinks is an allrounder. At 6 is a genuine keeper being made into an allrounder by being played as a batsman. At 7 is a fielder and at 8 is a guy who at least is batting where he should be despite calls for him to be played as an allrounder to justify his lack of wickets.
6:37pm
Disco said | 6:37pm | Report comment
Spot on.
6:12pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:12pm | Report comment
Down the track and for a six! Smith had shown a lot of positive intent in the third Test too and this is how he had played…
…bit of flight and Smith was shimmying down, much like the former skipper Clarke, and hits it straight. Over the bowler and the fence.
3/115 in 38.
6:22pm
Brumbies4ever said | 6:22pm | Report comment
Former Skipper Clarke. I thought he was just injured??????
6:25pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:25pm | Report comment
Yep and Watson will be ‘former’ skipper for the next game
6:27pm
Jo M said | 6:27pm | Report comment
We can only hope.
6:08pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:08pm | Report comment
So finally Ravindra Jadeja, with a very trimmed hair-style, comes on to bowl. Four overs without a run followed by one that’s popped up over mid-on, just eluding him.
Two for Smith.
3/109 in the 37th
6:09pm
Red Kev said | 6:09pm | Report comment
I actually thought India might have rested Jadeja since Clarke wasn’t playing.
6:14pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:14pm | Report comment
It’s Steven Smith. And Maxwell. India needs their own Big Show.
6:05pm
matt h said | 6:05pm | Report comment
I think the problem with Cowan is that by the time he reaches thirty he has even bored himself into catatonia.
But he keeps improving that average bit by bit by bit. I see it hitting high 35′s by the end of the 10 ahses tests.
6:06pm
Red Kev said | 6:06pm | Report comment
It’s okay, at this rate he will get his average to about 40 in three years by which time Ed will be 34 and forced into retirement as Jordan Silk will be ready to open for Australia.
6:10pm
matt h said | 6:10pm | Report comment
That’s optimistic Kev – the Cowan 40 average that is – Silk is on his way to a century in the Shield final after day one and I suspect he might get a trip to England with the A side.
6:12pm
Red Kev said | 6:12pm | Report comment
They’d be crazy not to put him in the A side
6:20pm
Jo M said | 6:20pm | Report comment
My son who was Under 12 played against him in a tournament when he was Under 14. Even back then, he was so far ahead of the rest of them it was ridiculous. Good to see he is going well, was always going to.
6:05pm
Johnno said | 6:05pm | Report comment
Ed Cowan,Gone for 38, with a strike rate of 38.
Ed Cowan maybe if you started to focus more on increasing your batting average and get it into the 40′s, and improve your snail pace strike rate, instead of trying to be
CA
-Chairman of cricket Australia
-CEO of Cricket Australia
-Chairman of selctors
-Higher performance manager of the Australian team
-Media Liasion officer
-Journalist/Writer
-Head coach
-Captain of the Australian test team
-Generally a teacher’s pet
Maybe if you just focused on playing, rather than be the boss of all thing at cricket Australia, you might actually contribute to the team rather than being a divided divisive figure. I didn’t miss you Ed old buddy, and with good reason too, I feel very validated after your snail pace limp knock today, and a career batting average at test level of 33, and on the wrong side of 30 soon to turn 31, not getting any younger Edward.
-Earn the right to speak up first buddy, move up the food chain and make some runs buddy, then you can have your say and be allowed to be forthright and even divisive, as you’ve earned some bargaining power, credibility, and credit points, which you have zero right now.
Ed Cowan the most overrated bloke in Aussy cricket in the last 25 years, unbelievable how much the media listen to him, and i worry some important people at the current cricket Australia set up, not very competent .
6:06pm
matt h said | 6:06pm | Report comment
Hey Johnno, good to see you’ve got that whole “copy and paste” thing working for you
6:08pm
Johnno said | 6:08pm | Report comment
It was done straight up, not copy and paste mate.
6:11pm
matt h said | 6:11pm | Report comment
Sorry Johnno, just thought I’d read the same post from you on two other articles, but you must have just been making similar points. My mistake.
6:14pm
Johnno said | 6:14pm | Report comment
all good
6:17pm
sittingbison said | 6:17pm | Report comment
its sad when your age exceeds your average
6:18pm
Vivek said | 6:18pm | Report comment
Cowan shouldn’t be our opener, I would rather have Hughes opening
6:05pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:05pm | Report comment
Suddenly and for obvious reasons the runs have dried up. More than two overs since the last one was scored.
3/106 in the 36th
6:04pm
sittingbison said | 6:04pm | Report comment
Suneer is this strange looking pitch going to find out Smith and The Big Shows lack of technique? Will it perhaps suit Wattos straight bat (but stiff) style (if he survives the break in play)??
6:10pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:10pm | Report comment
The pitch looks strange but I don’t think it assists spinners any more than the previous three tracks. If anything, it will expose the technique against pace bowling, because deliveries will keep rather low throughout the pace.
Yep, batting straight will be a good idea but equally good will be trying to score runs whenever possible.
5:56pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 5:56pm | Report comment
Bowled around his legs. Third time this series against Australia!
Ashwin changed his angle from over the wickets and pitches it up very full. Cowan was looking to sweep it in a very similar manner to what Warner and Hughes had tried at Hyderabad…
…the ball was too full to sweep, Cowan misses it and has his leg-stump rocked back.
Gone for 38. Australia are three down. And Ashwin has his first. He will get more dangerous.
5:59pm
Red Kev said | 5:59pm | Report comment
Two right-handers on strike for Australia now, been a long time since that has happened with batsmen for Australia.
6:01pm
Lancey5times said | 6:01pm | Report comment
Smith and Haddin in the last test?
6:02pm
Red Kev said | 6:02pm | Report comment
Haddin is a keeper, like Siddle and Lyon as bowlers. I mean our batsmen – we have a lot of lefties.
5:59pm
matt h said | 5:59pm | Report comment
Cowan out in the 30′s, well who would have though that?!? That’s almost as unexpected as Warner getting out in the first over going for a wild slash. And Hughes getting out playing with an angled bat.
6:19pm
Vivek said | 6:19pm | Report comment
Perhaps Cowan needs to complain to Arthur about the Indian players losing their discipline
6:00pm
Red Kev said | 6:00pm | Report comment
That is also all three of our top three that Ashwin has bowled around their legs … technique issues.
6:07pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 6:07pm | Report comment
Interestingly after those two wickets at Hyderabad, bowled around their legs, Matthew Hayden had a talk with the Australian batsmen on making the right choices while trying to play sweeps. Clearly, Cowan wasn’t listening or wasn’t at that meeting.
6:13pm
Red Kev said | 6:13pm | Report comment
Too busy changing the font in his powerpoint presentation for Uncle Arthur
6:17pm
Johnno said | 6:17pm | Report comment
lol so true, or reading classics for Inver’s.
6:00pm
DJW said | 6:00pm | Report comment
How hard is it to play with a straight bat?
6:02pm
sittingbison said | 6:02pm | Report comment
Ed the Pet exceeded all expectations, he got 5 more than his average which is extraordinary. And he made Geoff Boycott look like a dasher with his crawling. Pity he doesnt bat as long as Boycks
5:55pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 5:55pm | Report comment
A faint edge, down the leg-side off Ashwin and it rolls over for a four! Cowan got a bit of an edge there.
Australia move on to 2/106 in the 33rd.
5:51pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 5:51pm | Report comment
There was a loud appeal from the bowler last over but Dhoni did not join in till very late…
..the replays show that barring a potential problem with height, it was quite close.
5:50pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 5:50pm | Report comment
A maiden from Ashwin. Still the intent from Australia continues to remain positive, in a constant lookout for runs.
2/101 in 31.
5:50pm
matt h said | 5:50pm | Report comment
The “homework-gate” comments just never get old. Here is a cracker: SM: “May be Watto was finishing his homework during lunch and that’s why he was a little late coming out. Ed Cowan had already completed his homework few days back…”
5:44pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 5:44pm | Report comment
First up by Ojha and there’s an appeal for a catch!
Cowan was looking to go down the track and it was hit to mid-wicket, where Pujara held on it, the question though is whether it went to him on the full?
The first replay wasn’t convincing but the second one makes it sure, not-out. Just bouncing short of the fielder.
Pujara wasn’t sure and he hadn’t appealed much. Ojha remains on 99 wickets.
Australia move to 100 though.
5:43pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 5:43pm | Report comment
Interesting field for Ashwin first up against Watson. There are fielders at deep square-leg, deep mid-wicket and long-on.
They need to slow the pace of runs down but this allows Australia to rotate the strike.
2/99 in 29.
5:42pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 5:42pm | Report comment
Back on after the break and it’s Ashwins who been welcomed back with a boundary by Cowan. Shortish and cut away through the covers…
5:20pm
matt h said | 5:20pm | Report comment
Meanwhile Tasmania have motored along up to 1.8 runs per over. Whoa, slow down boys! The interesting thing is that because the scoring has been so slow basically not much damage has been done (2-150).
I expect now that Ponting is in things may change. He is genetically incapable of being passive.
5:04pm
sittingbison said | 5:04pm | Report comment
Ed the Prefect has “crawled” his way to almost his average, just 5 more runs to go so should get there in an hour or so. But thats what worries me, his penchant for getting out for his average unlike normal batsmen who mix it up a bit with a few very low scores and some centuries.
And the other worry is its a break, and Watto has a penchant for getting out immediately after a break
5:12pm
matt h said | 5:12pm | Report comment
Oh yeah Watson is gone most likely. The main reason he has been at his best as an opener is that he gets to bat a whole session without a break.
Cowan has pretty nearly done his job, which in this team is to hold up an end while the attacking batsmen play around him. I know we should expect more but there it is.
5:47pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 5:47pm | Report comment
Sometimes you need to go to war with what you have.
When a side collapses as easily and well as this Australian side, a sheet anchor is called for.
5:53pm
sittingbison said | 5:53pm | Report comment
I wouldnt necessarily call Ed the Pet a sheet anchor Ian, he keeps getting out for about 32!
5:54pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 5:54pm | Report comment
Partnerships, its all about partnerships.
5:03pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 5:03pm | Report comment
So that’s that then, its lunch at Delhi, with Australia doing well to get to 2/94 in 28 overs.
This isn’t an easy pitch by stretch but the intent shown by Phil Hughes and Shane Watson towards the end of the session was exemplary.
Cowan’s been his usual unflappable self, batting out 83 deliveries for 27. He looked troubled earlier but has gritted it out.
Hughes smashed 10 fours in his 45 before a snorter softened him up for Ishant to bowl him out in the same over.
Warner was out for a duck, trying to smash his fourth delivery to the fence. IPL’s round the corner.
Back in 35 minutes.
5:00pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 5:00pm | Report comment
Too short and wide from Ojha and Watson crunches it through the extra-cover region for a four…
…and then a short one that does not turn is pulled through mid-wicket for the second four that over!
Ojha has often send down some really poor deliveries in the middle of a good spell.
2/94 in 28.
4:56pm
Pope Paul VII said | 4:56pm | Report comment
If this lot get 300 I’ll be impressed.
Rahane will probably tee off with a leisurely 250.
5:02pm
matt h said | 5:02pm | Report comment
This is a much different pitch so I think the big scores of the past two tests are less likely. But you never know …
4:56pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:56pm | Report comment
Snick-o-meter’s showing bit of a nick there, when the ball passes the bat. Not sure whether it was the bat or something else.
Of course, the Snick-o-metre cannot be used by the third ump in his adjudications.
4:54pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:54pm | Report comment
It was interesting to note that there was a caught-behind appeal too but the third umpire did not check that. Rules say, and we have seen this happen throughout this series too, that in case there’s an appeal for one element, the third ump can look at everything associated with the appeal.
The third umpire seems to have erred there, irrespective of whether or not Watson got an edge.
5:03pm
Red Kev said | 5:03pm | Report comment
Watson is lucky to be playing let alone captain, it is no surprise he is getting the benefit of the doubt from the umpires. He should buy a lotto ticket, he’s getting so much undeserved good fortune ay the moment he’d be sure to win.
4:50pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:50pm | Report comment
Loud appeal for caught behind. And an appeal for stumping.
This is close. Very, very close. Watson was beaten off one that turns away and Dhoni was quick to remove the bails. The replays show that Watson did not too much behind the crease but the umpire was probably giving Watson the benefit of the doubt.
It couldn’t have got any closer. Watson is very lucky here.
4:49pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:49pm | Report comment
For the first time in the day, some signs of turn for Ashwin. Beats the Cowan outside edge on both occasions.
And now, he gets one to straighten, which Cowan tries to cut, beats and hits his pads followed by an lbw appeal! Missing off I think.
Maiden from Ashwin.
2/80 in 25.
4:47pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:47pm | Report comment
And now Ishant’s off! Wholesale bowling changes…
…in preparation for the IPL?
Ashwin comes on.
2/80 in 24.
4:45pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:45pm | Report comment
Whoa, Watson’s taken a last-minute decision to leave a delivery, shoulders arms and the ball from Ojha slides back into the captain.
Loud appeal for an lbw but the umpire in not convinced it will hit the stumps. Not-out given.
2/80 in 24.
4:45pm
Johnno said | 4:45pm | Report comment
Ed Cowan and Watto, is like Gillard VS Rudd, they both want each others job (open the batting)
Hope they don’t try to run each other out lol .
4:51pm
Harry said | 4:51pm | Report comment
Not bad Johno.
Also both well below the standard of previous office holders, sadly. But stick to it boy!
4:58pm
Pope Paul VII said | 4:58pm | Report comment
fighting each other instead of the opposition
5:14pm
Red Kev said | 5:14pm | Report comment
Does that make Dhoni Tony Abbott?
5:17pm
matt h said | 5:17pm | Report comment
Does that make Jadeja Bronwyn Bishop?
5:18pm
Red Kev said | 5:18pm | Report comment
Winnar!
5:16pm
matt h said | 5:16pm | Report comment
Yes and while they are doing that who is actually running the team? Faceless, only marginally competent ministers who suck up and give the appearance of being very valuable while actually doing very little. If they don’t pop up every five minutes in the press you forget they are even there. Now does that describe Ed Cowan or Pat Howard?
And of course sitting on the sidelines is Joe Hockey / Mark Cosgrove
4:44pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:44pm | Report comment
There’s no to very little turn for the Indian spinners so far. Not been as difficult to play them as the previous three Tests, which could also be a testimony to the fact that slowly the batsmen are beginning to play ‘em better.
2/80 in the 24th
4:43pm
matt h said | 4:43pm | Report comment
And Hughes’ dismissal means that Cowan takes the lead in their personal battle to see who can be first to get their average back over 34 … Smith averaging 32.6 might be a dark horse here.
And just one other point on Cowan from someone with too much time on their hands. According to the official ICC rankings, Cowan’s rating has improved EVERY SERIES since selection (modestly to be fair – he is up to number 38). That’s right – no shockers, no steps back. He is the only player in the side, who can say that, either batting or bowling.
But refer below where I can;t stand to watch him bat…
4:42pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:42pm | Report comment
Seven hundreds in the series so far and only Michael Clarke for Australia. Murali Vijay appears twice in that list.
Change in the bowling now, Ojha comes in for Ashwin.
2/78 in 23.
4:40pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:40pm | Report comment
Poor delivery from Ishant and Watson needed to get some bat on it to get to the fence…
…he gets a lot of it, smashes it to the deep square-leg fence for a four!
2/77 in the 23rd.
4:38pm
matt h said | 4:38pm | Report comment
Careful Watto, Clarkie is not coming in next to save your bacon!
More seriously, here is an indictment of this team. There may be some dissent, but it could be argued that our best two batsmen (or at least the most naturally gifted) are back in the shed. They average 40.5 and 33.6. Doesn’t say much for those left behind does it.
4:36pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:36pm | Report comment
Captain Watson’s at four and he’s got off the mark with a single first ball.
That decision to bring on Ishant in place of Ojha who bowled only one over, seems to have come out as a master-stroke (and not panic I guess!)
2/73 in 22.
4:31pm
sittingbison said | 4:31pm | Report comment
Suneer the “Game Information” sidebar on this webpage has a significantly incorrect Australian XI perhaps the editors could fix it?
4:35pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:35pm | Report comment
Thanks mate, it’s been updated now.
4:30pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:30pm | Report comment
Bowled him, Hughes misses his 50!
Length ball and Hughes was a bit apprehensive there – play on the front foot, remain on the back-foot, in the end, he is playing half-cock at it, gets an inside edge that crashes into his stumps.
That previous vicious delivery seems to have done the trick for India. But if this is what the Indian quicks are managing, it may just be a good decision by Australia to play Siddle, Johnson and Pattinson.
2/71 in 21.
4:31pm
matt h said | 4:31pm | Report comment
Damn, it was good while it lasted. Time for a captain’s knock!
4:29pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:29pm | Report comment
Snorter! The first real one of the day!
Round the stumps from Ishant and off a length, it’s taken off and smashed Hughes on his helmet. Ouch!
Gosh, how do you play those, he can just count himself lucky that’s he playing cricket in the times of helmet and that he did not glove it away to a fielder.
4:32pm
matt h said | 4:32pm | Report comment
I reckon that roughed him up for the bowled.
4:37pm
Red Kev said | 4:37pm | Report comment
Which makes it good fast bowling
4:39pm
matt h said | 4:39pm | Report comment
Yep
4:26pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:26pm | Report comment
…and immediately on return is spanked to the cover boundary!
Fuller but not quick enough to test the batsman, Hughes has crashed it through the in-field for a four. Ishant also took a tumble at the end of his bowling run-up.
1/71 in the 21st.
4:25pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:25pm | Report comment
Wow, just one over from Ojha and he’s off! Is India panicking here?
It’s Ishant Sharma who comes back!
4:23pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:23pm | Report comment
Ashwin replaces BK as expected.
4:22pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:22pm | Report comment
And another four and this is off Hughes’ bat! A very delicately played shot too, against the turn, dabbed away through that favourite region of his, backward point, and to the fence.
This is a very small ground, so anything that speeds away should go to the fence – not a ground where you will see too many threes.
1/67 in the 19th
4:20pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:20pm | Report comment
Keeps very, very low and goes through for four byes!
Poor delivery from Ojha, it was pitching outside leg and turning further away and beats everyone!
1/63 in the 19th
4:20pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:20pm | Report comment
Video scenes of Watson having a long chat with his ‘boys’ before the game. The home-work joke obviously rears its head from the official broadcaster’s commentators.
4:19pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:19pm | Report comment
Been good going for Australia since that Warner wicket.
1/58 in 18.
Change in bowling and Ashwin’s replaced by Pragyan Ojha. Could be change in ends.
4:16pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:16pm | Report comment
And another boundary for Hughes brings up a half-century stand for the second wicket. Fuller in search of some swing from BK but Hughes is confident enough to go through the shot…
…driven through extra cover for a four!
1/58 in the 18th
4:14pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:14pm | Report comment
A much better from Ashwin with signs of settling down to a good lines and lengths. Hughes was tested there and he did well, playing forward to those pitched up and going back to one slightly shorter.
Maiden too.
1/53 in 17.
4:12pm
matt h said | 4:12pm | Report comment
I actually admire Ed Cowan …
I congratulate him for squeezing every last agonising drop of horribly limited talent out of his spindly little body. But geez he’s hard to watch.
4:11pm
The Gospel Luke said | 4:11pm | Report comment
Here’s a question for everyone. If you made a combined team out of the two teams playing in the Sheffield Shield Final, would they beat the current Aussie team? I reckon it would be close:
Cosgrove (Tas)
Silk (Tas)
Doolan (Tas)
Ponting (Tas)
Burns (QLD)
Hopes (QLD)
Hartley (QLD)
Butterworth (Tas)
Hauritz (QLD)
Harris (QLD)
Hilfenhaus (Tas)
4:14pm
Renegade said | 4:14pm | Report comment
No.
4:15pm
Red Kev said | 4:15pm | Report comment
They’d crush the team on the field for Australia in this test.
4:15pm
Harry said | 4:15pm | Report comment
Seriously, I’d back the Shield side …
4:35pm
Ken Hambling said | 4:35pm | Report comment
41 years of undying support for Australia and never been so dissapointed with selection. Have never seen not only such poor selection (obviously, my opinion only) but the lack of clarity on what exactly are the selectors aiming for. To stick with our failed top order despite repeated failures when you have batsmen like Khawaja sitting on the bench just does NOT make sense. Whatever his performance may have been in the scarce opportunities he has been provided with previously, there can be NO doubt that techinically and temperamentally he is better suited to these conditions than Warner and Hughes, disgraceful.
4:41pm
Pradeep said | 4:41pm | Report comment
Ken we feel your pain mate
4:16pm
matt h said | 4:16pm | Report comment
Not a chance. The step up to international crcket from the Shield is pretty high. Just ask Ricky Ponting. Siddle and Pattinson’s 5 fors in India have been worth a whole lot more than Butterworth picking up impatient and technically defficient batsmen on a seamer’s wicket in Hobart. By the same token, Hughes, Cowan, Smith, etc’s runs for Australia come a lot harder and are worth a whole lot more than Cosgrove getting a hit me ball every two overs.
Of that team, the only ones that I would confidently say would hold their own would be:
- Harris, but he was not left out of the Australian team – he is coming back form injury
- Ponting, because he’s a stubborn old so and so.
4:26pm
Renegade said | 4:26pm | Report comment
I didn’t want to explain it because that shield side has absolutely no chance……but if i would have explained it, it basically would have mirrored this.
Well put matt.
4:39pm
Simba said | 4:39pm | Report comment
Siddle has had an awful tour. Doesn’t trouble top order batsmen unless the pitch is really green/bouncy.
As for his 5-for in the 3rd test, four of those blokes were tail-enders and Pujara hit the cover off it.
The bloke simply does not take enough top order wickets to be considered a strike bowler.
6:09pm
James said | 6:09pm | Report comment
So the fact that Butterworth takes lots of wickets away from Hobart at under 20 per wicket doesn’t count for anything? And has been among the most successful bowlers at shield level for 3 or 4 years on a consistent basis? Although to be honest, it would be a tough call between Butterworth or Faulkner
There is obviously a clear gap between the shield and test level, but I struggle to understand why we expect someone who averages over 30 at shield level (eg Starc) to be a good bowler at test level or someone who averages under 40 as a batsman (eg Cowan) will suddenly be averaging over 40 as a test player. Obviously there are players who have talent and develop up once they join the team (Clarke is probably the best example of that) but I still don’t get why certain players who do well at shield level don’t get the opportunites to try out at test level and some who do poorly at shield level get the go ahead – and in many cases struggle at test level.
4:17pm
Johnno said | 4:17pm | Report comment
That shield all stars team would win, man on man a better team.
Betters spinners, fast bowlers, and Hopes is underrated, and can play spin, plus pointing is way better than ed cowan, and Wicket-keeper Hartley.
And in form Doolan. cheat a little and throw in chris rogers and you got a team, and big coy slaying the bat all day.
4:31pm
matt h said | 4:31pm | Report comment
Mate, refer to my post above.
But one other thing. I love Jimmy Hopes. He is a wonderful and tough player who should have got a shot in the test team in his prime, but he is definitely not a great player of spin. He loves the ball coming onto the bat.
4:10pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:10pm | Report comment
This could well be BK’s last over of this spell now that he’s conceded another boundary!
It was fuller from him and not too much swing, if any, and it’s driven through the wide mid-off region for a four by Cowan. Leaned into that shot well…
1/53 in 16.
4:07pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:07pm | Report comment
The feeling I get is that on the previous tracks it made sense to bowl a tad slower as a spinner. On this one, a spinner will need to quicken his pace up a little to get the purchase…
1/48 in 15.
4:04pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:04pm | Report comment
A drinks break later, we have Ashwin to continue to Hughes. So far, so good for the batsman.
1/47 in the 15th
3:58pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:58pm | Report comment
Poor delivery from BK and it’s on Cowan’s pads…
…who flicks it away easily to the deep square-leg fence for a four! Finally gets into double-figures.
1/45 in the 14th
3:57pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:57pm | Report comment
I was right about the change in bowling, not so about the choice. It’s BK who’s comes back to bowl at Cowan.
1/41 in the 14th
3:56pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:56pm | Report comment
Another decently played over from Hughes, not much turn for Ashwin here so far. It’s that odd delivery that bounces up that needs to be kept out for now.
1/41 in 13.
3:55pm
Cskrerd said | 3:55pm | Report comment
I am not an aussie but Makes me wonder,first its said he was not making solid runs,then his fielding is not good,and now it seems khawaja needs to learn to bowl!!Geez!!whats he gotta do to get in? And hey Maxwell and hughes might get it right and thats how crazy cricket is,but atleast give him a chance!!or atleast let him play shield,.
Its much like rahanes case,but atleast the players that got ahead were brilliant and not many can push for SRT’s place.
3:58pm
AdamS said | 3:58pm | Report comment
Remember Andy Bichel spending a whole summer as 12th man once, same happened to Hoggy for a time.
4:01pm
matt h said | 4:01pm | Report comment
And Brett Lee after coming back from injury when his place was taken by Kasper for a while.
Hmmm maybe it’s a Qld thing
3:59pm
Red Kev said | 3:59pm | Report comment
Khawaja can bowl – military mediums – he got Sanggakara in the tour match Sri Lanka played before the tests.
3:59pm
Ken Hambling said | 3:59pm | Report comment
Khawaja can bowl part timers, bowled Sangakara in the chairman’s X1 with his offies, Its just to fair to the kid, another dead rubber and we couldn’t get him in, Arthur has alot to answer for.
3:53pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:53pm | Report comment
Another maiden from Ishant, his third today. Could see a change from this end now. A second spinner probably.
1/39 in 12.
3:48pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:48pm | Report comment
Ashwin’s got only two close-in catchers. A slip and a silly-point.
The rest are in single-saving positions. Not too much turn but one of them from Ashwin hits a crack and bounces up for Hughes, who does well to play it down.
Maiden from Ashwin.
1/39 in 11.
3:44pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:44pm | Report comment
Incidentally Ashwin did not get too much turn in his first over.
3:44pm
Jayden said | 3:44pm | Report comment
So correct me if I’m wrong but Hughes has scored one run that isn’t a four?
3:44pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:44pm | Report comment
Nothing to correct there, seven fours in his 29.
3:49pm
AdamS said | 3:49pm | Report comment
Cowan has done the same.
Same but different.
Not different in a good way.
3:43pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:43pm | Report comment
Ooh, close!
Ishant pitches it right up to the bat and Cowan goes for the drive, gets the outside edge that eludes the second slip! False shot from Cowan who’s looked quite uncomfortable at the crease, unlike his partner.
1/39 in the 10th
3:50pm
Harry said | 3:50pm | Report comment
Is Cowan still plonking one foot down the crease and playing around his legs to the quicks?
3:55pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:55pm | Report comment
Cowan’s misjudging the bounce I feel, getting a little concerned about the pitch. He has been hit a couple of times off the inside edge and twice his purported leaves have resulted in the ball hitting the bat.
4:03pm
Harry said | 4:03pm | Report comment
Hang in there Ed, if he can last till lunch and ten get past 50 everything is a bonus.
3:41pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:41pm | Report comment
So BK or no BK, there’s another four! Ashwin pitched it right up to the Hughes bat, who made an effort to meet it on the full and drives it through square-leg for a four…
…and he comes down the track off the last ball of the over and drills it through that same region for the second boundary of the over!
Exciting batting here from Hughes who’s looking supremely confident!
1/35 in 9.
3:38pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:38pm | Report comment
Three fours in the last over from BK and it’s a change in bowling. R Ashwin’s on.
Expectedly.
3:37pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:37pm | Report comment
A couple of them close to the bat but Ishant’s sprayed the rest way outside the off. He’s getting some disconcerting bounce though…
…twice now Cowan has wanted to take his bat away but it’s hit the blade inadvertently.
A maiden from Ishant.
1/27 in 8.
3:36pm
jameswm said | 3:36pm | Report comment
It was predictable that Khawaja missed out. Smith and Hughes git runs last test. The 3rd test was when Khawaja would have got a go.
This could actually be our best bowling attack of the series. Johnners could go ok.
3:39pm
Red Kev said | 3:39pm | Report comment
Except for the fact Maxwell is there it is our best bowling attack of the series.
3:35pm
Cuzza said | 3:35pm | Report comment
The worlds best number 3 is in, just ask him.
3:37pm
Renegade said | 3:37pm | Report comment
Well he sure as hell is playing like it….
4:44pm
Cuzza said | 4:44pm | Report comment
Sure is
3:33pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:33pm | Report comment
And now it’s down the ground for another four! This is a good counter-attack from Hughes but poor bowling…
…too full or too short and the batsman’s going after BK.
Cannot be long before a spinner comes on.
1/27 in 7.
3:33pm
matt h said | 3:33pm | Report comment
Off Topic, but in the Shield final Tasmania have raced to 0-90 after 60 overs. Yes that’s right 1.5 runs per over. I may be a little baised being from QLD but this looks like one of the most cyncial performances in recent memory, with Tassie only have to draw to win. The juicy Hobart pitch from the entire season has also turned into a complete road.
That is the problem with allowing the home team to just draw to take the Shield. Tassie are smart to do it, it is within the rules and Qld would have done it if they were hosting.
Based on this batting I would expect around 10 overs per hours from the Tigers if Qld actually get a bat.
3:37pm
Lancey5times said | 3:37pm | Report comment
They should introduce a ‘no toss rule’ for Shield finals with the visiting team having the choice to bat or bowl
3:38pm
jameswm said | 3:38pm | Report comment
It’s been that way for a while, in shield finals
4:05pm
matt h said | 4:05pm | Report comment
Yes it has and it’s never been a good look for the showpiece game of the season. Prepare a road, win the toss. Try to make 900 over 4 days.
3:38pm
Harry said | 3:38pm | Report comment
Annoyig forQueenslanders but fair enough, thems th rules. Gotta take 20 wickets to win, unless you are playing against Michael Clarke led sides …
3:39pm
Atawhai Drive said | 3:39pm | Report comment
Showcase game of Shield season and it’s a dud.
What to do? Stage final at neutral venue, trophy shared if match drawn?
3:40pm
Renegade said | 3:40pm | Report comment
It’s a disgrace and exactly why there should be a result in the final….make them play for 7 days, i don’t care.
Tasmania are basically ‘tanking’ the game….their clearly not trying to win.
3:47pm
Disco said | 3:47pm | Report comment
It kind of makes the final redundant.
4:42pm
Big Merv's Jockstrap said | 4:42pm | Report comment
I reckon the answer is to bring in a neutral curator and tell him to prepare a result wicket.
3:32pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:32pm | Report comment
And another one! Hughes continues to exhibit some of the confidence that was on display in the third Test match…
…fuller from BK and he caresses it through the backward point area, his favourite, for a four!
1/23 in the 7th
3:34pm
matt h said | 3:34pm | Report comment
I was very strong on dropping Hughes after the second test … I hate being wrong!
3:39pm
Renegade said | 3:39pm | Report comment
We had to stick with him…..the only way he could master the conditions would be by playing on them and against good attack.
And he is delivering, this is going to be great for him and for Australia going into the Ashes.
3:30pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:30pm | Report comment
Just a thought about the Khawaja exclusion. This is a very tough wicket, it is evident from the way the top three have batted that life will not be easy for the batsmen.
So, in the hindsight and for a batsman who has not played the whole series, to expect him to get out on this wicket and perform would have been expecting a lot, and it could have dented his confidence more than anything else.
3:30pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:30pm | Report comment
Wild, wild delivery from BK and that’s thrashed by Hughes through the backward point region for a four!
Full-toss outside the off-stump and smashed away!
1/19 in the 7th
3:27pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:27pm | Report comment
A “submarine-ball”! That’s how Alan Wilkins describes one of the deliveries to Hughes that keeps a tad low.
1/14 in the 6th.
3:26pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:26pm | Report comment
Soooperb! On a difficult pitch, this is a very good shot to play…
…pitched right up and Hughes does not go after it, instead just punches it through the extra-cover and it goes for a four!
1/14 in the 6th.
3:26pm
Lancey5times said | 3:26pm | Report comment
Wonder if Clarke looked at the pitch before being ruled out. If his back had 3 days in it he would have lasted. This track is disgraceful
3:24pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:24pm | Report comment
This ball is doing things that you wouldn’t from a track in India. It’s more of an English track on a cold morning.
Just a single off the over which also saw other difficult ones…
1/10 in 5.
3:21pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:21pm | Report comment
There’s a bit of banana swing for BK. Pitching on the middle, he’s managing to square Hughes up first ball…
…off the second, it’s a tad wider outside the off and has Hughes rooted to the crease and beats him again!
But off the third, Hughes taps it through the backward point for a single to a very square third-man.
1/10 in the 5th
3:19pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:19pm | Report comment
Maiden from Ishant. A probing one.
1/9 in 4.
3:18pm
Max said | 3:18pm | Report comment
Anyone know what Usman Khawaja has done wrong?
3:36pm
Matt F said | 3:36pm | Report comment
Can’t bowl rubbish off-spin
3:17pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:17pm | Report comment
Huge appeal for…um, caught behind? Lbw? I think the fielders were going up for the lbw but the bowler went for caught-behind.
Not given and rightly so.
And interestingly, the ball hit one of the cracks and disturbed the surface! Already!
3:19pm
matt h said | 3:19pm | Report comment
Oh yeah this pitch is special. I have enjoyed the turning wickets and believe it is actually India’s duty to prepare them and preserve the variation in test pitches, but there is an expectation that you can removed chunks of the pitch with your bare hands on the first morning. that is going a little far. Reminds me of a game where Clarke took 6 for 9.
3:22pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:22pm | Report comment
I watched all days of that 6/9 game from the ground. And when I say all, I mean all two of them.
3:17pm
matt h said | 3:17pm | Report comment
My only source of joy this morning is this: NZ 1 for 245 and England doing everything they can to slow the over rate.
3:14pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:14pm | Report comment
BK’s bowling well here, getting the ball of pitch on or around the middle stump and swinging away from the left-hander…
…Cowan’s covered the swing reasonably well and now gets a single to the covers.
Last ball of the over, Hughes plays BK for the first time today and immediately gets the ball that swings back into him! Beautiful exhibition of swing bowling!
1/9 in 3.
3:13pm
Renegade said | 3:13pm | Report comment
Hey Lancey,
I nailed it mate….pretty predictable line up i thought….it still amazes me that Maxwell is going to be playing a test but hey lets hope he delivers.
3:15pm
Red Kev said | 3:15pm | Report comment
It amazes me that this is Glenn Maxwell’s second test match. I would have thought ex-test players like Border and Waugh and Taylor would have stripped the baggygreen off his head and told him he wasn’t good enough to wear it by now.
3:18pm
Renegade said | 3:18pm | Report comment
Yeah you know we’re struggling when his wearing a baggy green!
3:24pm
Lancey5times said | 3:24pm | Report comment
You must have a direct line to Mikey and the boys. I’ve got a message you can give them…
3:27pm
Renegade said | 3:27pm | Report comment
Hahahaha i know exactly what the content of that message would be….
3:11pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:11pm | Report comment
And Hughes seems to have started from where he left off!
Fuller from Ishant and that’s drill-creamed through the covers! Four for the new man to open his account.
India will do well to get a spinner on as soon as possible at Hughes.
1/8 in 2.
3:08pm
Pope Paul VII said | 3:08pm | Report comment
Would it have killed them to select 6 batsmen?
Megastar middleorder batsmen Ponting and Hussey retire, Clarke another megastar middle order batsman is injured. They have scored about 80 centuries between them. So the NSP reckon deleting a batsman for an allrounder of dubious quality will cover it? Working well so far.
3:14pm
matt h said | 3:14pm | Report comment
Great point. It’s such a strange decision and must purely be the Kallis factor. Arthurs is conveniently forgetting there have probably only been three genuine top six allrounders in history – Kallis, Sobers and the 2nd half of Imran’s career.
3:07pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:07pm | Report comment
Would you believe it, Warner’s edged to the slips!
At this level of the game, that was a nothing ball. At best, it was a sucker ball, but given that it was only the fourth ball of the spell – and the 10th of the game – it could have been left alone easily.
Wide, on a good length and most batsmen bar Warner and Sehwag would have allowed it go through. Warner goes hard at it, gets a thick outside edge through to the slips where it’s easily held (wow, India hold a catch!). Warner perishes.
1/4 in 1.4
3:08pm
Lancey5times said | 3:08pm | Report comment
Yes I can
3:08pm
Harry said | 3:08pm | Report comment
Yes I do believe it
3:09pm
Tasman said | 3:09pm | Report comment
yes we can.
3:10pm
DJW said | 3:10pm | Report comment
My 11 I named in the other thread the other day dropping Warner for this test is now justified.
No footwork. He will be a walking wicket in the Ashes against quality swing bowling.
3:15pm
matt h said | 3:15pm | Report comment
I think we all can believe it and many of us expected it. Warner looks mentally shot to me.
3:16pm
Red Kev said | 3:16pm | Report comment
sucker ball to get out a sucker – seems like good bowling to me
3:06pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:06pm | Report comment
That’s the only scoring shot that first over. Over to Ishant Sharma to share the new ball. Incidentally, India’s new ball bowlers average 31 and 38 respectively.
3:03pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:03pm | Report comment
And the first runs of the match and they go to Cowan! A genuine edge off an out-swinger goes through the hands of the gully fielder for a four.
The slips are close-in and so is the gully.
0/4 in the 1st
3:02pm
Hansie said | 3:02pm | Report comment
Usman misses out again, but isn’t allowed to return home for the Shield final. What’s with actively depriving one of the shadow batsmen of any first class cricket for months? I think he’s the only guy in the touring party who doesn’t get a test, which ranks him behind even Maxwell and Smith. A disgrace.
4:00pm
Ken Hambling said | 4:00pm | Report comment
Disgraceful treatment, that sums it up
3:00pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 3:00pm | Report comment
Dave Warner and Ed Cowan are a constant at the top of the order, no changes there throughout the series, which cannot be such a bad thing.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will take the new ball and hope it swings. Cannot see another approach but aggression by the openers.
2:59pm
DJW said | 2:59pm | Report comment
No Khawaja is a disgrace. They are destroying him. Send him home for the Sheild final if your not going to pick him.
Probably pick him for the ashes and expect him to perform after not playing for ages. Who am I kidding, they will probably drop him from the squad now.
5:29pm
Vivek said | 5:29pm | Report comment
Hard to drop a guy when hasn’t played a game
2:57pm
Pies&Beer said | 2:57pm | Report comment
How does Khawaja not get a game? What the hell is going on? Sack Arthur immediately!!!
5:29pm
Vivek said | 5:29pm | Report comment
+1
2:49pm
wisey_9 said | 2:49pm | Report comment
Sorry, I posted this on another thread. Maybe I’ll get an answer here…
I’ve got a question for someone who would be more in the know than me.
In the SMH article, Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “The plan is for Michael to return to Sydney as soon as possible to have a series of scans and we will monitor his progress over the coming days before deciding on the best course of action…”
Does this mean that he’ll leave the team before the series is even completed? Doesn’t that seem odd to anyone else?
3:35pm
Matt F said | 3:35pm | Report comment
If he’s going home for scans then that suggests that it may be more serious then we were led to believe which isn’t a good thing. If it was just a standard spasm i.e. goes away in a few days, then he wouldn’t have scans
3:40pm
wisey_9 said | 3:40pm | Report comment
Still… given the disarray that the team is in, wouldn’t you expect him to stick around for a few days to support the team?
4:39pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 4:39pm | Report comment
Assuredly he’s still with the team, was in the dressing room. Don’t know whether he will leave on any of the remaining days though.
4:41pm
wisey_9 said | 4:41pm | Report comment
Ah excellent. Thanks for letting me know mate!
5:28pm
Vivek said | 5:28pm | Report comment
Would be weak on Clarke’s part to leave the team before the match ends, its almost like he wants to avoid the interviews if we lose this 4-0
2:48pm
JGK said | 2:48pm | Report comment
This is officially the worst Australian side to take the field in my 41 years.
And yet the disgraceful treatment of UTK continues.
4:44pm
Vivek said | 4:44pm | Report comment
Don’t get me started on the treatment of UTK, i will go nuts, i wiill try to focus on the game
2:46pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 2:46pm | Report comment
Watson’s captained Australia nine times in ODIs. Five wins and three losses.
2:44pm
jimmyk said | 2:44pm | Report comment
100% agreed red kev
What a joke indeed
2:37pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 2:37pm | Report comment
So Usman Khawaja expectedly does not get a game. His best chance was the third Test after the two successive losses but with the main guys back, Hughes and Cowan showing a bit of form and even Smith scoring a 90, it was never going to be easy making it to the side this game.
Henriques had a good start to the tour – a couple of good knocks in the warm-up game followed by another two in the first Test. Then, he went off the boil next four innings.
2:41pm
Scuba said | 2:41pm | Report comment
Some “homework” for Khawaja to read:
http://www.infopak.gov.pk/citizens.aspx
2:41pm
Red Kev said | 2:41pm | Report comment
Every player on tour except Bird who flew home before the first test has gotten a test match, even Haddin who they flew over.
Maxwell has gotten two, what a joke.
2:44pm
Christo the Daddyo said | 2:44pm | Report comment
Except for Khawaja…
2:56pm
Vivek said | 2:56pm | Report comment
I really was hoping Khawaja would play given this is a dead rubber and Clarke was out but once again he misses out. Arthur has alot of explaining to do
4:47pm
Vivek said | 4:47pm | Report comment
Khawaja should have played, its as simple as that, this is a dead rubber and Khawaja is one of our better bats, if he fails then we move on but anyone who has watched him in shield or Ryobi can tell this kid has talent. And really he should be playing against Tasmania if he was not going to play here
2:49pm
Disco said | 2:49pm | Report comment
And in the meanwhile, Khawaja’s missed out on playing the shield cricket he probably needed to do well in in order to make the trip to England.
2:34pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 2:34pm | Report comment
Dhoni at the toss: Losing tosses has happened to me before (that’s the fourth in a row he’s lost). Remembers an IPL in which he lost 28 out of 32 losses. Wow!
Ajinkya Rahane comes in for Shikhar Dhawan. Debut for the Mumbaikar.
2:31pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 2:31pm | Report comment
Toss time: Australia has won the toss and decided to bat first. Batting first has its advantages, something that Australia hasn’t taken in the three Tests they have lost.
Incidentally, regarding the pitch, VVS Laxman, who is one of the commentators for the series, has called it a “third day’s wicket”
There are five changes to the Australian side. That’s half the side changed!
Watson for Clarke, Maxwell for Henriques, Johnson for Starc, Pattinson for Doherty and Wade for Haddin.
2:36pm
Pradeep said | 2:36pm | Report comment
Wow no khawaja agaIn, this is an embarrassment
2:43pm
Christo the Daddyo said | 2:43pm | Report comment
Can a journalist please ask the NSP why he was selected for this tour. Utter waste of time.
If he is going to be selected for the Ashes (although I would have my doubts now), it would have been far more useful to have him back in Australia playing Shield cricket.
2:47pm
Sydney Kiwi said | 2:47pm | Report comment
+1 Here, here. It ok Usman NZ will take you!
2:54pm
Vivek said | 2:54pm | Report comment
So let me get this right, he is not allowed to play the shield final and doesn’t get picked, out of the 18 blokes there he is the only one not to play, this is disgraceful CA.
3:57pm
Ken Hambling said | 3:57pm | Report comment
Absoute joke Vivek. I agree
2:24pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 2:24pm | Report comment
The buzz is that Shikhar Dhawan’s replacement will be Ajinkya Rahane after all. Not Suresh Raina. But we’ll have to wait for the toss to confirm this.
2:22pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 2:22pm | Report comment
…and yes Clarke has been ruled out of the game, which not only means that Watson is the new Australian captain. It also allows the side one lesser headache – straight swap between Clarke and Watson without having to worry about which batsman to leave out.
Some school of thought that the captaincy might bring out the best from Watson. Australia definitely need it.
2:19pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 2:19pm | Report comment
Pitch report:
Ravi Shastri says that the pitch is not good to look at. Abrasive, patchy, dry in certain areas, some grass. Cracks are moving already (on Shastri pushing his hand there) and he hopes it plays better than how it looks.
Allan Border reckons it will wear and tear.
Personally I reckon that the ball will keep a lot lower, and will come out a lot slower than the first three Tests. So scoring runs will be difficult here. Not sure whether over the period of Test, it will be as easy to pick up wickets as the previous three.
2:19pm
Brett McKay said | 2:19pm | Report comment
Watson to Captain, as has been mentioned, Wade is also back and wil be VC. Final XI to be named at the toss…
2:15pm
Lancey5times said | 2:15pm | Report comment
May be that last weeks team doesn’t last long as the worst side chosen in recent memory
2:15pm
Suneer Chowdhary said | 2:15pm | Report comment
Hello everyone, welcome to the first day’s play at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. India are looking for a clean sweep after having themselves been beaten 4-0 in Australia.
The visitors, on the other hand, need a much better show to stall the Indians. A huge first innings score will help, but isn’t necessarily a surety that they need to win/draw the game. Five days of good cricket required.
2:11pm
Renegade said | 2:11pm | Report comment
Clarke is out and the pitch is a dustbowl which means they will play the Spinning all rounder…..Maxwell – SMH!
I’m guessing the team will be
Cowan, Warner, Hughes, Watson (c), Smith, Haddin/Wade, Maxwell, Pattinson, Johnson, Siddle, Lyon.
2:14pm
Lancey5times said | 2:14pm | Report comment
I think Doherty will play ahead of Johnson. Two spinners on the dust bowl. Lyon as one and the other two as half a spinner each
2:19pm
Renegade said | 2:19pm | Report comment
I can’t see them picking Doherty and Maxwell.
If i was a selector, i would ask Watson to bowl and therefore opt for Doherty instead of Johnson and bring Khawaja in for Maxwell.
This would give Doherty, Lyon and Smith as spin options and Siddle, Pattinson and Watson for seam……and we would have six batsman in the line up.
With Watson not bowling though, i think they will go with the original line up i posted above.
2:31pm
Lancey5times said | 2:31pm | Report comment
There will be a lot said on this site and elsewhere if Johnson plays. This will leave UTK as the only tourist not to get a game on tour….
2:08pm
matt h said | 2:08pm | Report comment
Clarke is confirmed out. Watson to captain.
2:10pm
Red Kev said | 2:10pm | Report comment
Amusing really – a Cricket Australia tweet signals the apocalypse.
2:35pm
matt h said | 2:35pm | Report comment
Hey he won the toss, so he can’t be a complete disaster
2:53pm
Red Kev said | 2:53pm | Report comment
Because winning the toss and batting has worked so well for us thus far on tour.
3:29pm
Matt F said | 3:29pm | Report comment
I half-expected he’d forget to actually call the toss so I’m pleasantly surprised
2:02pm
Lancey5times said | 2:02pm | Report comment
I’m expecting 4 changes for the Aussies but I really hope I’m wrong. Pattinson for Starc, Maxwell for Henriques, Watson for Clarke, Wade for Haddin