PlanetCricket
Bot
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2010
Article by barmyarmy -
In the context of recent Ashes opening matches England might reflect that the first day at the Gabba could have been a lot worse. They actually recovered well from losing their captain and talisman so early, several batsmen looked in good touch even if they didn?t go on and, save for Peter SIddle, the Australian attack looked distinctly unthreatening. Had Siddle not struck with lightening-esque probability they would probably have posted a score over 350.
Of course this wasn?t the ?foot on the throat? beginning that some, caught up in the hype, had expected but the bottom line is that England are still in the hunt. This game is well poised. Winning the toss may have looked to be a mixed blessing for Strauss but if England can set Australia a target of anything over 200 England will fancy their chances in the fourth innings. Recent matches in Brisbane have seen victorious first innings scores of 260 or fewer. Indeed only two weeks ago New South Wales won by an innings after posting 260.
As supporters and pundits we must avoid the temptation to jump on the bandwagon. I say stick with the team, keep the faith and savour the eventual triumph all the more. God save your Queen.
More...
In the context of recent Ashes opening matches England might reflect that the first day at the Gabba could have been a lot worse. They actually recovered well from losing their captain and talisman so early, several batsmen looked in good touch even if they didn?t go on and, save for Peter SIddle, the Australian attack looked distinctly unthreatening. Had Siddle not struck with lightening-esque probability they would probably have posted a score over 350.
Of course this wasn?t the ?foot on the throat? beginning that some, caught up in the hype, had expected but the bottom line is that England are still in the hunt. This game is well poised. Winning the toss may have looked to be a mixed blessing for Strauss but if England can set Australia a target of anything over 200 England will fancy their chances in the fourth innings. Recent matches in Brisbane have seen victorious first innings scores of 260 or fewer. Indeed only two weeks ago New South Wales won by an innings after posting 260.
As supporters and pundits we must avoid the temptation to jump on the bandwagon. I say stick with the team, keep the faith and savour the eventual triumph all the more. God save your Queen.
More...
