5th Ashes Test Match Thread

[mwrkhan]

Really, just a couple of wickets today and a draw becomes the most likely result.

On the other hand. If these two bat till the end of the day for another 40 odd then Australia will fancy their chances.

[mwrkhan]

Wicket for Flintoff!! One or two more and the draw looms. It's all up to England now.

[mhferdaus]

Originally posted by mwrkhan
It really does seem like only rain will save England now. Given the current situation, Australia is capable of a 200+ run lead by the end of tomorrow. England is equally capable of folding for under 200 runs in a day from an onslought by McGrath, Lee and of course Warne.

or tell all the anglos to open their zippers and make an artificial flood in the stadium that would work

[mwrkhan]

Originally posted by mhferdaus
or tell all the anglos to open their zippers and make an artificial flood in the stadium that would work

Aaah, you are reminding me of the old Dhaka stadium "brishti". Memories, memories ....

[cricman]

I wouldn't be surprised to see an innings defeat for England. Though it would depend on what Pointing wants to do.

If i was in pointings shoes I'd slog for 40 overs take a lead of 250+ and then give England an extra dose of Shane warne.

But if he does what i think he'll do is take 100 run lead and try to chase a target of 250 with in 70 overs in the final day.

[who_r_u]

Flintoff to Hayden, out Lbw!! No doubt about it, no replay required to judge that, that one jabbed back sharply, Hayden looks to drive, misses it totally and wrapped on the pads right in the line of the off stump, he is trapped absolutely plumb and Rudi feels the same, Hayden goes after a marathon innings, Flintoff does it again for England! M Hayden lbw b A Flintoff 138(303) 4s-18 6s-0

[who_r_u]

94.6 Flintoff to Katich, OUT: And another! Freddie has come to the party
at The Oval! it's the inswinger to the left-hander, the ball
pitches on and straightens, Katich shapes to play and misses,
rapped on the pad, loud shout, and Rodi Koertzen's super-slow-mo

Australia 329/5, Partnership of 6
SM Katich lbw b Flintoff 1 (11b 0x4 0x6)

[who_r_u]

wow thats great...this match is geating interesting

[who_r_u]

96.6 Flintoff to Gilchrist, FOUR!!, well pitched up and outside off too, flays at it through the covers and the ball thunders into the ropes, Gilchrist at his best, he already has hit 3 boundaries!!

[who_r_u]

Hoggard to Gilchrist, out Lbw!! Pitched right up there and moved in slightly, Gilchrist plays across and misses, hits him remarkably plumb in front, what a wicket for Hoggard and England in the last over before lunch! A Gilchrist lbw b M Hoggard 23(20) 4s-4 6s-0

[Rob]

Gilchrist hasn't made one fifty against us all series.

And everyone on here reckoned the England bowlers would be destroyed by him!

[Rob]

What a collapse from Australia! Still behind!

As soon as it starts swinging, they can't handle it.

[reverse_swing]

Aus all out for 367 and England have a lead now!!!


Edited on, September 11, 2005, 12:46 PM GMT, by reverse_swing.

[Xavier]

Great job by Hoggard and Flintoff... but now it is the crucial time of the Ashes, I guess Warne and McGrath will do their best to dismiss England for stg like 200-250 before tomorrow at lunch and then letting Australia to chase a not impossible target.

Anyway, if I was English i would be quite worried now, the dream is close... don't let it disappear in front of your eyes!

[oracle]

Bad decision to stop play. These rules are a joke.

[reverse_swing]

Agreed. Ridiculous decision by the umpires.

[cricman]

Will there be another twist in the road?

[Rob]

Another bad light break

Yes, I know the rules are stupid and it is a farce, but, hey, I want England to win the Ashes!

Edited on, September 11, 2005, 2:47 PM GMT, by Rob.

[Orpheus]

I don't know why you are cheering, trophies can only make u proud if it is earned not bought/or found/or god given.

This is really sad that weather is playing a part on this series.... I am kind of upset. I was still hoping Australia win this! I don't like change unless it's for better.

[Rob]

The weather saved Australia at Old Trafford, and it looks at the moment as if breaks in play with allow England safety in this game. Things even themselves out.

England have earnt the Ashes. They have been much the better side since Lords, and have done brilliantly to enforce that Aussie collapse this morning.

Australia on the whole wouldn't really deserve it. They have only had the odd few sessions they have won since Lords. England have been the better side, there is no doubt they have earned it.

Edited on, September 11, 2005, 4:00 PM GMT, by Rob.

Edited on, September 11, 2005, 4:06 PM GMT, by Rob.

[mhferdaus]

Australia was like a sleeping doitto always waking up late .

[mhferdaus]

Originally posted by mwrkhan

Aaah, you are reminding me of the old Dhaka stadium "brishti". Memories, memories ....

Dude, i think I am missing the jokes, neways Go Aussies Go

[fab]

Originally posted by Orpheus
I don't know why you are cheering, trophies can only make u proud if it is earned not bought/or found/or god given.

A series win is still a series win.. I think any team in England's shoes would do the same.

Anyhow, this last match hasn't been Australia versus England, it has been Australia versus (England & Australian tactics & the weather & umpire sillyness). I can't believe the Aussies accepted the light when they were batting so well! Why oh why does Ricky Ponting play defensive cricket? Then there was the awesome batting collapse (for a brief moment I thought I was watching a BD game) and then the very dodgy bad light fiasco in England's 2nd innings.

The Aussies had spinners bowling at EACH end, so it was hardly dangerous for the batsmen. Maybe they thought it was dangerous for the fielders and umpires? Who knows! In an interview, Koertzen didn't want to say the light metre result. Why the need to be so secretive about this issue and why not just say 'well the reading was whatever when the Australians were offered light, and now the reading is whatever'. Transperancy is the best option especially for such important games!

Anyhow, Australia will lose the Ashes - serves them right for leaving it to the last match knowing well that English weather sux.

[jabbar]

I hate England :P

[mwrkhan]

Originally posted by jabbar
I hate England :P

My feelings about Australia. Singularly responsible for reducing a once gentleman's game to plebian levels (bodyline excepted, but that was nearly 75 years ago).