tiger_sean
New member
@Jazza said:
I think you put the knockers on us
Ponting got out 4 runs later and Watson 2 runs later.
Never the less we ended up leading by 94 with 6 wickets in hand.
Ashes 2009
- Thread starter Geo
- Start date
I think you put the knockers on us
Ponting got out 4 runs later and Watson 2 runs later.
Never the less we ended up leading by 94 with 6 wickets in hand.
G
Guest
Guest
Australia lead England by 94 runs at Headingley, with six wickets remaining
From Tom Wald in Leeds, England
August 08, 2009 Australia revitalised their Ashes campaign on the first day of the fourth Test at Headingley, claiming a 94-run lead, with six wickets remaining, after dismissing England for 102.
Peter Siddle and recalled Stuart Clark exploited England's brittle batting line-up in favourable bowling conditions, as the hosts posted their equal-lowest total at the Leeds ground in a century.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting then topped off the tourists' assault on the opening day, lashing the bowlers as he made 78 before being dismissed leg before.
Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke and Marcus North were unbeaten at the close, and they will resume on 34 and 7 respectively as the tourists pursue a series-levelling victory against a home side missing the services of both Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.
Clarke, however, is perhaps lucky to still be at the crease.
Late in the day, he copped a nasty short ball from returning quick Steve Harmison that cannoned into the back of his helmet and really shook the batsman up.
He needed some time to regather himself, and he then survived a close shout in the same over with another short ball appearing to hit the outside of his inner gloves and popping up in the air.
England couldn't believe Clarke, who carried an abdominal injury into the match, was allowed to survive.
Siddle earlier collected career-best figures, blitzing the tail after Clark had exposed England's middle order in his first Test in nine months.
"It was a good day," Siddle said.
"I got into a good rhythm and was more consistent with my line.
"I always want to do well and contribute to the team as I was a little off earlier in the series."
Australia's decision to pick a four-man pace attack paid off handsomely as Matt Prior was left stranded on 37 not out.
England were under the pump from ball one after opting to bat first against an Australia side sparked to life with the Ashes on the line.
Ben Hilfenhaus produced a sharp inswinger with the first ball of the day that struck Andrew Strauss plumb in front, but umpire Billy Bowden turned down the appeal.
The skipper departed three overs later, a disappointing end after a traumatic 24 hours in which he had to tell Flintoff that he had been ruled out and then having to cope with the drama surrounding wicketkeeper Prior's back problems before the start of play.
Prior, in chaotic scenes before play, suffered back spasms in the warm-up playing football with his teammates, before proving his fitness as the toss was delayed by 10 minutes.
"I was on so many drugs I probably won't remember today on Saturday," Prior joked of his injury.
Strauss lasted only 17 balls before edging a drive off Siddle, with North clinging onto a reflex catch high to his right at third slip.
That dismissal set the tone as the home side's batsmen failed to settle.
Clark, the leading wicket-taker in the 2006-2007 Ashes series, showed what Australia had been missing by applying the squeeze before Siddle created a procession of batsmen after the lunch break.
But Clark said the prospect of victory was far from the minds of the Australians.
"Don't think we've even talked about retaining the Ashes at this point," he said.
"We've talked about getting well in front in this game, were in a good position in this game, given that we bat well tomorrow, that's probably the furthest thing from our mind."
England had a multitude of distractions before the match, starting with inspirational allrounder Andrew Flintoff being ruled out with injury.
"It would have been a distraction, a lot of talk about Andrew yesterday, the fire alarm (in their team hotel at 5am), Matt Prior (suffering back spasms in the warm-ups), we hit one of their coaching staff with a ball during high balls, it all went in favour of us today," he said.
"Maybe it was one of those days when things do happen. Tough for captain (Andrew Strauss), who has to open the batting as well, and make decisions.
"I imagine his thoughts may have been a touch scrambled."
Shane Watson then ignited Australia's innings by smacking James Anderson for consecutive boundaries off the opening two balls of the innings.
Harmison captured the wicket of Simon Katich with the fourth ball of the second over, but Ponting then started teeing off as Australia looked to chase down England's first innings total quickly.
The skipper creamed Graham Onions for 17 runs in the seventh over, opening the onslaught by pulling the quick's first ball over the square-leg boundary.
Ponting has been booed and abused since arriving in the United Kingdom, but he has always felt right at home at the Yorkshire ground, having scored centuries in his two previous visits.
Ian Bell had a chance to run the skipper out on 32, and his miss hurt England as Ponting and Watson put on 119 runs in total for the second wicket.
Watson hit Stuart Broad to the boundary as Australia passed England's total for the loss of one wicket before suffering a mini-collapse of 3-18.
Onions captured Watson's just after the opening batsman had brought up his third successive half-century, and Ponting was trapped in front by Broad soon afterwards.
Mike Hussey then fell in Broad's next over as Australia slipped to 4-151 before Clarke and North negotiated their way to the close.
From Tom Wald in Leeds, England
August 08, 2009 Australia revitalised their Ashes campaign on the first day of the fourth Test at Headingley, claiming a 94-run lead, with six wickets remaining, after dismissing England for 102.
Peter Siddle and recalled Stuart Clark exploited England's brittle batting line-up in favourable bowling conditions, as the hosts posted their equal-lowest total at the Leeds ground in a century.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting then topped off the tourists' assault on the opening day, lashing the bowlers as he made 78 before being dismissed leg before.
Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke and Marcus North were unbeaten at the close, and they will resume on 34 and 7 respectively as the tourists pursue a series-levelling victory against a home side missing the services of both Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.
Clarke, however, is perhaps lucky to still be at the crease.
Late in the day, he copped a nasty short ball from returning quick Steve Harmison that cannoned into the back of his helmet and really shook the batsman up.
He needed some time to regather himself, and he then survived a close shout in the same over with another short ball appearing to hit the outside of his inner gloves and popping up in the air.
England couldn't believe Clarke, who carried an abdominal injury into the match, was allowed to survive.
Siddle earlier collected career-best figures, blitzing the tail after Clark had exposed England's middle order in his first Test in nine months.
"It was a good day," Siddle said.
"I got into a good rhythm and was more consistent with my line.
"I always want to do well and contribute to the team as I was a little off earlier in the series."
Australia's decision to pick a four-man pace attack paid off handsomely as Matt Prior was left stranded on 37 not out.
England were under the pump from ball one after opting to bat first against an Australia side sparked to life with the Ashes on the line.
Ben Hilfenhaus produced a sharp inswinger with the first ball of the day that struck Andrew Strauss plumb in front, but umpire Billy Bowden turned down the appeal.
The skipper departed three overs later, a disappointing end after a traumatic 24 hours in which he had to tell Flintoff that he had been ruled out and then having to cope with the drama surrounding wicketkeeper Prior's back problems before the start of play.
Prior, in chaotic scenes before play, suffered back spasms in the warm-up playing football with his teammates, before proving his fitness as the toss was delayed by 10 minutes.
"I was on so many drugs I probably won't remember today on Saturday," Prior joked of his injury.
Strauss lasted only 17 balls before edging a drive off Siddle, with North clinging onto a reflex catch high to his right at third slip.
That dismissal set the tone as the home side's batsmen failed to settle.
Clark, the leading wicket-taker in the 2006-2007 Ashes series, showed what Australia had been missing by applying the squeeze before Siddle created a procession of batsmen after the lunch break.
But Clark said the prospect of victory was far from the minds of the Australians.
"Don't think we've even talked about retaining the Ashes at this point," he said.
"We've talked about getting well in front in this game, were in a good position in this game, given that we bat well tomorrow, that's probably the furthest thing from our mind."
England had a multitude of distractions before the match, starting with inspirational allrounder Andrew Flintoff being ruled out with injury.
"It would have been a distraction, a lot of talk about Andrew yesterday, the fire alarm (in their team hotel at 5am), Matt Prior (suffering back spasms in the warm-ups), we hit one of their coaching staff with a ball during high balls, it all went in favour of us today," he said.
"Maybe it was one of those days when things do happen. Tough for captain (Andrew Strauss), who has to open the batting as well, and make decisions.
"I imagine his thoughts may have been a touch scrambled."
Shane Watson then ignited Australia's innings by smacking James Anderson for consecutive boundaries off the opening two balls of the innings.
Harmison captured the wicket of Simon Katich with the fourth ball of the second over, but Ponting then started teeing off as Australia looked to chase down England's first innings total quickly.
The skipper creamed Graham Onions for 17 runs in the seventh over, opening the onslaught by pulling the quick's first ball over the square-leg boundary.
Ponting has been booed and abused since arriving in the United Kingdom, but he has always felt right at home at the Yorkshire ground, having scored centuries in his two previous visits.
Ian Bell had a chance to run the skipper out on 32, and his miss hurt England as Ponting and Watson put on 119 runs in total for the second wicket.
Watson hit Stuart Broad to the boundary as Australia passed England's total for the loss of one wicket before suffering a mini-collapse of 3-18.
Onions captured Watson's just after the opening batsman had brought up his third successive half-century, and Ponting was trapped in front by Broad soon afterwards.
Mike Hussey then fell in Broad's next over as Australia slipped to 4-151 before Clarke and North negotiated their way to the close.
@tiger sean said:
I was thinking the same thing lol.
At the moment it looks like one of those pitches where its going to be hard to get in but once you do, runs will come quickly, bit like the old WACA i think.
Crucial morning session coming up, if Clarke and North get through the first hour then we could be looking at a 250+ run lead and really put their batting line up with no Pietersen, and Broad at 7 under pressure. If they keep it to 150 runs then maybe England could take some momentum into their 2nd innings and get back into the game, especially if the pitch flattens out.
The Poms have bowled awlful. Australia bowled full and straight where any movement would be difficult to face. England have bowled short and it just sits up.
Clarke and North are looking great. Will aim to get a good lead and bat into tomorrow and declare an hour in if they can. That should mean a huge lead, bowlers plenty of rest (not that they need it) and 2.5 days for England to survive.
Clarke and North are looking great. Will aim to get a good lead and bat into tomorrow and declare an hour in if they can. That should mean a huge lead, bowlers plenty of rest (not that they need it) and 2.5 days for England to survive.
innsaneink
Well-known member
Best thing about the Aussies sticking it right up the english is we are not subjected to
those frightful uncouth hooligans known as the bormy ormy
those frightful uncouth hooligans known as the bormy ormy
C'mon Clarkey concentrate mate….does he always have to give a chance when he's approaching a ton Ooooops spoke to soon.....he's out lbw.....Champion knock though....
Jesus I am a mock....
Jesus I am a mock....
@Geo. said:
At least North made it, big 6 nice work!
I love watching Stuart Clark bat, he just lazily has a swing and walks around with a look on his face like he doesnt care which would annoy the bowlers more when he hits a few.
Im really fired up, 10 wickets away, Strauss is a big wicket, cmon boys!!!!
tiger_sean
New member
we need 5 wickets from 3 days.
It's going to be an exciting 5th test.
It's going to be an exciting 5th test.
G
Guest
Guest
Australia need five wickets to win Headingley Ashes Test by an innings
From Tom Wald in Leeds, England
August 09, 2009 Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson produced a show-stopping performance late on day two at Headingley as Australia closed in on a thumping victory in the fourth Ashes Test.
Marcus North, who become the first century-maker of the Test, reaching three figures with a slog-sweep six over square-leg off Graham Swann, and Ben Hilfenhaus had England in trouble before Johnson set about finishing off the job to level the series at 1-1.
Needing to score 343 to make Australia bat again, England were in dire straits at 5-82 in their second innings at stumps on day two, with Matt Prior and James Anderson the unbeaten batsmen.
Johnson's performance completed a stunning turnaround considering his erratic performances in the second Test loss at Lord's that had jeopardised Australia's Ashes campaign.
Australia went into the match a bit like the Headingley ground, still very much under construction, but they have thoroughly exposed an England side missing Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.
They resumed day two on 4-196, with North and Michael Clarke at they crease, and the batsmen continued to press the tourists’ advantage before they were dismissed for 445 in reply to England’s first-innings 102.
Clarke took an instant shine to the pace bowling of Steve Harmison and James Anderson, flying to the 70s before his scoring started to ease up.
He missed his third century in as many Ashes Tests at Leeds when his sparkling innings ending on 93 just before lunch, the batsman pinned on his crease by an in-swinging yorker from seamer Graham Onions.
Clarke and North have been a thorn in England's side in this series, thwarting the home side's push for victory on the final day at Edgbaston and putting on 152 for the fifth wicket at Leeds.
The New South Welshman's departure saw North take control in the middle as he negotiated his way against Swann despite looking uncomfortable against the spinner.
England took the second new ball shortly after lunch, and Harmison produced a menacing spell, his second ball bringing Brad Haddin undone with a short ball climbing on the wicketkeeper-batsman.
Johnson then played a responsible hand with the bat, making 27 before Stuart Broad returned and wrapped up the innings despite being on the receiving end of some big hits from Stuart Clark.
North took matters into his own hands with the tourists eight down having made 96 in the previous Test at Edgbaston.
The left-hander went down on one knee and launched a ball from off-spinner Swann into the crowd before removing his helmet and yelling “you beauty”.
Clark then produced some shots of his own for the highlights package as he made 32, launching Swann for a towering straight six and then pulling Broad for consecutive sixes in the next over.
Broad deservedly collected career-best Test figures of 6-91 by knocking over the tail after having stemmed the bleeding late on day one.
The right-armer paid credit to the Australians.
"They're a very talented side," Broad said.
"You've got five or six players who average over 50 with the bat and they've got some talented quick bowlers."
England lost 5-20 in 44 balls late in the day, Ben Hilfenhaus trapping captain Andrew Strauss and Ravi Bopara in front with consecutive balls to start the rot.
There were some question marks over the latter's dismissal, and the No.3 has now scored just 105 runs at 15 for the series.
The dismissals of Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood were more clear cut as Johnson started exposing England's middle order.
The left-armer then had opener Alastair Cook caught behind and had Prior dropped by North at third slip off the final ball of the day.
Taking the pressure off Johnson by removing him from new ball duties has seemed to have worked as he steamed in and importantly had the ball tailing back in at the right-handers.
As the players left the field at the end, the players parted for Johnson to walk off first but he stopped and pushed North in front of him.
North said Johnson deserved the plaudits.
"All players have their ups and downs and we know he's had a difficult month, but showed great signs at Edgbaston," he said.
"Great to see a guy getting the rewards he deserves."
But North said there was still work to be done.
"We have still got five wickets to get," he said.
"The game is not in the bag just yet we have to apply ourselves to create a few more opportunities tomorrow."
From Tom Wald in Leeds, England
August 09, 2009 Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson produced a show-stopping performance late on day two at Headingley as Australia closed in on a thumping victory in the fourth Ashes Test.
Marcus North, who become the first century-maker of the Test, reaching three figures with a slog-sweep six over square-leg off Graham Swann, and Ben Hilfenhaus had England in trouble before Johnson set about finishing off the job to level the series at 1-1.
Needing to score 343 to make Australia bat again, England were in dire straits at 5-82 in their second innings at stumps on day two, with Matt Prior and James Anderson the unbeaten batsmen.
Johnson's performance completed a stunning turnaround considering his erratic performances in the second Test loss at Lord's that had jeopardised Australia's Ashes campaign.
Australia went into the match a bit like the Headingley ground, still very much under construction, but they have thoroughly exposed an England side missing Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.
They resumed day two on 4-196, with North and Michael Clarke at they crease, and the batsmen continued to press the tourists’ advantage before they were dismissed for 445 in reply to England’s first-innings 102.
Clarke took an instant shine to the pace bowling of Steve Harmison and James Anderson, flying to the 70s before his scoring started to ease up.
He missed his third century in as many Ashes Tests at Leeds when his sparkling innings ending on 93 just before lunch, the batsman pinned on his crease by an in-swinging yorker from seamer Graham Onions.
Clarke and North have been a thorn in England's side in this series, thwarting the home side's push for victory on the final day at Edgbaston and putting on 152 for the fifth wicket at Leeds.
The New South Welshman's departure saw North take control in the middle as he negotiated his way against Swann despite looking uncomfortable against the spinner.
England took the second new ball shortly after lunch, and Harmison produced a menacing spell, his second ball bringing Brad Haddin undone with a short ball climbing on the wicketkeeper-batsman.
Johnson then played a responsible hand with the bat, making 27 before Stuart Broad returned and wrapped up the innings despite being on the receiving end of some big hits from Stuart Clark.
North took matters into his own hands with the tourists eight down having made 96 in the previous Test at Edgbaston.
The left-hander went down on one knee and launched a ball from off-spinner Swann into the crowd before removing his helmet and yelling “you beauty”.
Clark then produced some shots of his own for the highlights package as he made 32, launching Swann for a towering straight six and then pulling Broad for consecutive sixes in the next over.
Broad deservedly collected career-best Test figures of 6-91 by knocking over the tail after having stemmed the bleeding late on day one.
The right-armer paid credit to the Australians.
"They're a very talented side," Broad said.
"You've got five or six players who average over 50 with the bat and they've got some talented quick bowlers."
England lost 5-20 in 44 balls late in the day, Ben Hilfenhaus trapping captain Andrew Strauss and Ravi Bopara in front with consecutive balls to start the rot.
There were some question marks over the latter's dismissal, and the No.3 has now scored just 105 runs at 15 for the series.
The dismissals of Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood were more clear cut as Johnson started exposing England's middle order.
The left-armer then had opener Alastair Cook caught behind and had Prior dropped by North at third slip off the final ball of the day.
Taking the pressure off Johnson by removing him from new ball duties has seemed to have worked as he steamed in and importantly had the ball tailing back in at the right-handers.
As the players left the field at the end, the players parted for Johnson to walk off first but he stopped and pushed North in front of him.
North said Johnson deserved the plaudits.
"All players have their ups and downs and we know he's had a difficult month, but showed great signs at Edgbaston," he said.
"Great to see a guy getting the rewards he deserves."
But North said there was still work to be done.
"We have still got five wickets to get," he said.
"The game is not in the bag just yet we have to apply ourselves to create a few more opportunities tomorrow."
@Geo. said:
hahahahahahaha!
It's not just before a ton he's got a real weakness in the 10 minutes leading up to a break. This time it was the 10 minutes before lunch. All mental. Still makes a lot of good runs though.
Great innings by North. He's had a great series with the bat! He did drop a regulation catch at 3rd slip on the last ball of the day though. We should have only needed 4 today. Shouldn;t make any difference though :slight_smile:
Yeah Soflaw…What a great day it's going to be....Off to the WSFS...back home watch the replay on IQ....the watch the Pommies lose the 4th Test.....Doesn't get much better....Hilfy to clean the tail....
Dead set I was typing that as Clarke leading Edge popped past short cover.....then before I could hit submit he got OUT...Your right approaching breaks he needs to lift the concentration for sure....
Dead set I was typing that as Clarke leading Edge popped past short cover.....then before I could hit submit he got OUT...Your right approaching breaks he needs to lift the concentration for sure....
1-1 with 1 to play, its well posied now!
Good comeback by the team, especially Siddle in the first innings and Johnson in the 2nd with 5 for's!
Innings and 80 runs, its gonna take a big effort by the poms, cant get complacent though.
By the way, dont know about you guys but this ashes is reminding me of the tigers season, we've played pretty well this series, there's been some strange team selections and now we're making a late charge after these changes!
Good comeback by the team, especially Siddle in the first innings and Johnson in the 2nd with 5 for's!
Innings and 80 runs, its gonna take a big effort by the poms, cant get complacent though.
By the way, dont know about you guys but this ashes is reminding me of the tigers season, we've played pretty well this series, there's been some strange team selections and now we're making a late charge after these changes!
G
Guest
Guest
Australia win fourth Ashes Test against England in Leeds by innings, 80 runs
From Tom Wald in Leeds, England
August 10, 2009 Mitchell Johnson put an exclamation mark on Australia's crushing victory in the fourth Ashes test at Headingley, claiming a five-wicket haul as the side marched within sight of a successful Ashes defence.
England batsmen Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann's scintillating century stand took a little gloss off the touring side's performance before Johnson cleaned up at the end to secure Australia's first Test triumph in five outings, and to square the Ashes series at 1-1, by an innings and 80 runs.
"It has been an enjoyable week and I am proud of guys and way they bounced back,'' Australia captain Ricky Ponting said after tasting Ashes success in England for the first time since the first Test of the 2005 series at Lord's.
"All credit to our bowlers and the way they played."
Ponting's men displayed the ruthlessness associated with the renowned sides of the past as they demolished a weakened England side in just over seven sessions.
Broad, who made 61 off 49 balls, and Swann, who made 62 off 72 balls, handed Australia's bowlers a late touch-up with a rollicking eighth-wicket stand of 108 off 79 balls that brightened the mood of the Headingley crowd.
They put pace bowlers Stuart Clark, who took 0-74 off 11 overs, and Peter Siddle (1-50 off 12 overs) to the sword, but their partnership only delayed the inevitable as Australia dismissed England for 263.
Ponting said that he felt his side had the momentum going into the fifth Test, at The Oval in London from August 20, in which they now need only avoid defeat to retain the Ashes.
"Our attitude has been spot on," Ponting said.
"We dominated from first ball and won in two-and-a-half days, and some of our guys are hitting from at the right time.
"We got a lot of momentum from the final day at Edgbaston, and that is very pleasing."
Not since 1965-1966 have the sides head into the final match of an Ashes series with the scores tied.
England resumed at 5-82, but nightwatchman James Anderson lasted only three balls before edging a ball from Ben Hilfenhaus to second slip.
Wicketkeeper Matt Prior then showed plenty of backbone before he was drawn by an outswinger from Hilfenhaus, with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin taking a sharp diving catch.
Broad and Swann then frustrated the Australians, and Siddle planted a short ball on the off-spinner's back.
That only encouraged the batsmen to take on the touring side's attack, and they plundered 49 runs from three overs - with 32 coming off Clark's first two overs of the day.
The crowd mockingly applauded Clark's every movement as he moved around near the boundary rope, and he good-naturedly waved back to the fans.
Siddle dropped Broad early in his innings, and then Johnson put down another difficult chance in the deep when the batsman was on 53, the ball spilling over the boundary.
Broad, on 57, then hooked Clark with Simon Katich unable to take a difficult diving catch in the deep.
Just as the ghosts of Ian Botham's heroics in the famous Headingley Test of 1981 appeared to be springing to life, Broad holed out at deep square-leg off Siddle.
The partnership may have come with the match out of reach, but England are going to cling on to any positive to come out of the match.
Johnson had Swann caught behind after lunch and then bowled Graham Onions for a duck to complete the rout.
England skipper Andrew Strauss acknowledged that his side had been outplayed, but he said he would not press the panic button.
"It's a time to be calm, and not panic," Strauss said.
"If we win at The Oval, we win the Ashes."
Strauss also said that selectors would not make a decision on Andrew Flintoff, who missed this game through injury, until the last minute.
"We will pick a side to win," he said.
"We will see how Freddie is, and see if he is fit to play.
"We need to not get too emotional, and think things through.
"We're hopeful for the Oval, but it is a case of seeing how he is, and then make a decision."
From Tom Wald in Leeds, England
August 10, 2009 Mitchell Johnson put an exclamation mark on Australia's crushing victory in the fourth Ashes test at Headingley, claiming a five-wicket haul as the side marched within sight of a successful Ashes defence.
England batsmen Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann's scintillating century stand took a little gloss off the touring side's performance before Johnson cleaned up at the end to secure Australia's first Test triumph in five outings, and to square the Ashes series at 1-1, by an innings and 80 runs.
"It has been an enjoyable week and I am proud of guys and way they bounced back,'' Australia captain Ricky Ponting said after tasting Ashes success in England for the first time since the first Test of the 2005 series at Lord's.
"All credit to our bowlers and the way they played."
Ponting's men displayed the ruthlessness associated with the renowned sides of the past as they demolished a weakened England side in just over seven sessions.
Broad, who made 61 off 49 balls, and Swann, who made 62 off 72 balls, handed Australia's bowlers a late touch-up with a rollicking eighth-wicket stand of 108 off 79 balls that brightened the mood of the Headingley crowd.
They put pace bowlers Stuart Clark, who took 0-74 off 11 overs, and Peter Siddle (1-50 off 12 overs) to the sword, but their partnership only delayed the inevitable as Australia dismissed England for 263.
Ponting said that he felt his side had the momentum going into the fifth Test, at The Oval in London from August 20, in which they now need only avoid defeat to retain the Ashes.
"Our attitude has been spot on," Ponting said.
"We dominated from first ball and won in two-and-a-half days, and some of our guys are hitting from at the right time.
"We got a lot of momentum from the final day at Edgbaston, and that is very pleasing."
Not since 1965-1966 have the sides head into the final match of an Ashes series with the scores tied.
England resumed at 5-82, but nightwatchman James Anderson lasted only three balls before edging a ball from Ben Hilfenhaus to second slip.
Wicketkeeper Matt Prior then showed plenty of backbone before he was drawn by an outswinger from Hilfenhaus, with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin taking a sharp diving catch.
Broad and Swann then frustrated the Australians, and Siddle planted a short ball on the off-spinner's back.
That only encouraged the batsmen to take on the touring side's attack, and they plundered 49 runs from three overs - with 32 coming off Clark's first two overs of the day.
The crowd mockingly applauded Clark's every movement as he moved around near the boundary rope, and he good-naturedly waved back to the fans.
Siddle dropped Broad early in his innings, and then Johnson put down another difficult chance in the deep when the batsman was on 53, the ball spilling over the boundary.
Broad, on 57, then hooked Clark with Simon Katich unable to take a difficult diving catch in the deep.
Just as the ghosts of Ian Botham's heroics in the famous Headingley Test of 1981 appeared to be springing to life, Broad holed out at deep square-leg off Siddle.
The partnership may have come with the match out of reach, but England are going to cling on to any positive to come out of the match.
Johnson had Swann caught behind after lunch and then bowled Graham Onions for a duck to complete the rout.
England skipper Andrew Strauss acknowledged that his side had been outplayed, but he said he would not press the panic button.
"It's a time to be calm, and not panic," Strauss said.
"If we win at The Oval, we win the Ashes."
Strauss also said that selectors would not make a decision on Andrew Flintoff, who missed this game through injury, until the last minute.
"We will pick a side to win," he said.
"We will see how Freddie is, and see if he is fit to play.
"We need to not get too emotional, and think things through.
"We're hopeful for the Oval, but it is a case of seeing how he is, and then make a decision."
Hahaha get that up ya pommies…....... Great performance by the team and an all round dominating victory. Now to clinch game 5...
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By the way where have all the wingeing knockers gone who have inhabited the previous 9 pages of this thread????? Bunch of clowns with no idea :slight_smile:
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By the way where have all the wingeing knockers gone who have inhabited the previous 9 pages of this thread????? Bunch of clowns with no idea :slight_smile:
Juro
Well-known member
I think I will save any gloating until after the result of the next test. We have dominated the 1st and 4th tests, England dominated 2nd and 3rd. Who knows what will happen next…
**Shane Watson - Australia’s most overrated sportsperson**
Yes he has just scored half centuries in each of his last 3 test innings. Yes he has played a role in the turnaround in Australia’s fortunes in the Ashes. But no, Shane Watson is most certainly not Australian cricket’s messiah.
Nor would anyone seriously suggest he is anything more than a stop-gap measure who has taken his chances.
Here is why Shane Watson is up there with the most overrated and annoying Australian sportspeople in recent memory.
Put simply, he’s not good enough. Before these last 3 innings, he was averaging 19 from his only 8 test matches and had made just the one 50.
For someone who was supposedly a great all rounder, he has taken just 14 test wickets and averages 37 with the ball.
These statistics don’t come close to the man he replaced, Phil Hughes.
Despite an alleged weakness against the short stuff, Hughes averages more than 60 in first class cricket and averages over 50 in the 5 tests he has played.
Wish I had that weakness.
Hughes was a little unlucky with his dismissals in the first two Ashes tests and whilst Harmison gave him a working over in a tour game, that was no reason to drop such a prodigious talent in favour of the most overrated player in Australia.
A story about Shane Watson would not be complete without mentioning his injuries. Where do we start?
Stress fractures in the back meant he missed the 2003 World Cup. He dislocated a shoulder in the field against the Windies in 2005\. In 2006 he missed a series against the Bangladeshis with a calf strain. Also in 2006 whilst in India, Watson was carted off to hospital claiming to have had a heart attack … when all that had happened was he had succumbed to a dodgy beef vindaloo.
Then in 2006, Watson was lauded as our great all rounder hope for the home Ashes series, but he managed to pull a hamstring whilst bowling and missed the whole series. Even before this current series, Watson again strained a hamstring and was unable to bowl in the nets.
It is interesting that Ponting has only bowled him for 3 overs in the past 2 tests. This means that Watson can’t be considered an all rounder. And, as an opening batsman, he just doesn’t cut it.
Put bluntly, Watson is an injury prone crock.
Maybe it is the blonde highlights and the obligatory blonde girlfriend (who admittedly does a passable job reading Fox Sports News) which adds to the annoyance factor.
Or perhaps it is the way he came out in press conferences during this current series and said he was keen to be considered as an opening batsman (a few days later, Hughes was dropped); at a later press conference he said it was too risky to consider Brett Lee for the 4th Test due to his comeback from injury.
Aaaagh the irony, Shane. You, of all people, commenting on someone else’s injuries! What a great team player you are. I bet you are popular in the dressing room right now.
Or, maybe it is just because he is called SHANE. And a pale imitation he is of the great Warnie
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Good article there. This bloke needs to concentrate on his own game and keep his mouth quiet. I also remember saying he will be the countrys all-rounder a years ago when something happened to Symonds.
Hopefully the boys can win this last match and hold the best test ranking.
Yes he has just scored half centuries in each of his last 3 test innings. Yes he has played a role in the turnaround in Australia’s fortunes in the Ashes. But no, Shane Watson is most certainly not Australian cricket’s messiah.
Nor would anyone seriously suggest he is anything more than a stop-gap measure who has taken his chances.
Here is why Shane Watson is up there with the most overrated and annoying Australian sportspeople in recent memory.
Put simply, he’s not good enough. Before these last 3 innings, he was averaging 19 from his only 8 test matches and had made just the one 50.
For someone who was supposedly a great all rounder, he has taken just 14 test wickets and averages 37 with the ball.
These statistics don’t come close to the man he replaced, Phil Hughes.
Despite an alleged weakness against the short stuff, Hughes averages more than 60 in first class cricket and averages over 50 in the 5 tests he has played.
Wish I had that weakness.
Hughes was a little unlucky with his dismissals in the first two Ashes tests and whilst Harmison gave him a working over in a tour game, that was no reason to drop such a prodigious talent in favour of the most overrated player in Australia.
A story about Shane Watson would not be complete without mentioning his injuries. Where do we start?
Stress fractures in the back meant he missed the 2003 World Cup. He dislocated a shoulder in the field against the Windies in 2005\. In 2006 he missed a series against the Bangladeshis with a calf strain. Also in 2006 whilst in India, Watson was carted off to hospital claiming to have had a heart attack … when all that had happened was he had succumbed to a dodgy beef vindaloo.
Then in 2006, Watson was lauded as our great all rounder hope for the home Ashes series, but he managed to pull a hamstring whilst bowling and missed the whole series. Even before this current series, Watson again strained a hamstring and was unable to bowl in the nets.
It is interesting that Ponting has only bowled him for 3 overs in the past 2 tests. This means that Watson can’t be considered an all rounder. And, as an opening batsman, he just doesn’t cut it.
Put bluntly, Watson is an injury prone crock.
Maybe it is the blonde highlights and the obligatory blonde girlfriend (who admittedly does a passable job reading Fox Sports News) which adds to the annoyance factor.
Or perhaps it is the way he came out in press conferences during this current series and said he was keen to be considered as an opening batsman (a few days later, Hughes was dropped); at a later press conference he said it was too risky to consider Brett Lee for the 4th Test due to his comeback from injury.
Aaaagh the irony, Shane. You, of all people, commenting on someone else’s injuries! What a great team player you are. I bet you are popular in the dressing room right now.
Or, maybe it is just because he is called SHANE. And a pale imitation he is of the great Warnie
–---------------------------------------------
Good article there. This bloke needs to concentrate on his own game and keep his mouth quiet. I also remember saying he will be the countrys all-rounder a years ago when something happened to Symonds.
Hopefully the boys can win this last match and hold the best test ranking.
Who wrote it…Don Brogda?
G
Guest
Guest
Hi guys,
This is my first post on the new forum.
I'd just like to know who said Watson was overrated?
The selectors have always loved him and nothing will change.
He is a good player IMO, just struck down by a string of injuries…
I'm looking at him in the #5 position when Mr Cricket goes :mrgreen:
This is my first post on the new forum.
I'd just like to know who said Watson was overrated?
The selectors have always loved him and nothing will change.
He is a good player IMO, just struck down by a string of injuries…
I'm looking at him in the #5 position when Mr Cricket goes :mrgreen: