Welcome back badgers, I have returned from my hols and am once again back in Gods own country, otherwise known as the badgerland of deepest darkest Devon. It’s been a long old week full of mirth, drinking and celebration. The hilarity and drinking consisted of sitting in a dark tavern, looking at a TV screen and shouting “ahahahaha cheer up Ponting”. It was of course the 2nd test of the Ashes. England, to be fair, managed to dig deep and the team struck a historic victory at Lords against the invading Aussie army.
To be fair it was a tough game which could have easily swung back in the Australians favour. England started well with a good 1st innings, Strauss led the way with a century and then the England bowlers demolished the Aussie batsmen in a magnificent session on the second day. With a clear lead, Strauss decided not to enforce the follow-on and England were once again back at the crease. It could all have gone hideously wrong at this point as the combination of good Aussie bowling and the poor performance of Pieterson and Bopara almost stalled England’s campaign. However, all was not lost as Prior and Collingwood ramped up the run rate and rescued the day. The end of the 3rd day finished with a final flourish of batting by Flintoff to take England to a 525 run lead.
By the end of the 4th day it looked like Strauss’ decision not to follow-on might have cost him the game as Australia’s Clarke and Haddin dug in with a great attempt at a historic run chase, but it wasn’t to be. On the 5th day the Australians again looked like they were prepared to stay at the crease all day, but a change in bowling and the dismissal of Clarke for 136 was the breakthrough that England needed. Australia soon collapsed as Swann and Flintoff took a succession of wickets to wrap the game up before lunch ensuring England’s first win against Australia at Lords for 75 years.
Recent Comments