Today brought down the curtain on what is arguably one of the most entertaining draws I have seen in a while. While some might moan about how this just proves the pointlessness of Test cricket where after toiling for five days, neither team can be sure of walking off with an advantage, I believe that this match just showed how entertaining test cricket can still be. After England's dismal first inning total 0f 260 (thanks largely to a 50 odd partnership between Cook and Bell) was overshadowed (for the lack of a better word) by Australia's 480 (Hussey and Haddin's partnership rescuing an otherwise dismal batting performance) no one would have predicted that the English batsmen (only the top 3 infact) would each come out and score in the triple digits (Strauss 110, Cook 235* and Trott 135*) to take England to a massive 517/1d. I must admit, I was disappointed by the result given the action provided on the first two days, but it wasn't for lack of turn. North (the only wicket-taker for the Aussies in the second inning) and Doherty (poor fellow had a forgettable debut) were getting enough turn. The ball was moving for the seamers as well. So where, then, did things go wrong? Well it wasn't the Gabba of ages past which became a minefield towards the end of the match. To top that, the Aussies dropped five catches, and as the addage goes, "Catches win matches", not to take away anything from the Englishmen who, in my opinion, batted brilliantly and, with the exception of Strauss, patiently. Risks were at a minimum, running between the wickets was wonderful, and the periodic boundaries made sure the scoreboard was never stagnant for too long. For those who find test cricket boring, it would be interesting to note that all the innings in the game had a run-rate over 3 an over and the 4th inning (Aus. 107/1 from 26 overs) saw runs being scored at a touch over 4.1 an over. All in all, the excitement from the bowling department on Day 1 (Siddle taking a hat-trick on his 26th birthday) failed to carry on through the match and provide a result. England's positives from this game would be their second inning batting definitely. Australia will rue the missed chances which MIGHT have gotten them a better result. Mitch Johnson (0/66 and 0/104) had a match to forget and the Bollinger call-up might mean that he misses out on Test 2 unless Hilfenhaus or Siddle are axed (highly improbable). Doherty might get another go at Adelaide unless Ponting opts for Hauritz on a traditionally batsman's track.
For the Fantasy Players
Alright if you are playing Fantasy Games for the Ashes, here is my advice:
- Pick Trott. He is playing his favourite team in their backyard and is out for vengeance, with a capital V.
- Watto would provide a wonderful all-round option and his performance can only get better this series.
- Stay away from spinners for the Adelaide test. Until further pitch details are revealed, I would suggest a 4 bowler attack of Broad, Anderson, Siddle and Bollinger.
My Fantasy Team for the second Test:
- Hussey
- Cook
- Bell
- Trott
- Collingwood
- Watson
- Haddin
- Siddle
- Bollinger
- Broad
- Anderson
That will be all for now. I will post again following the India v. New Zealand ODI 2.
