Goblin on 28/12/2006 at 07:52
Dang, missed most of this test. At least managed to catch most of the Hayden/Symonds maelstrom yesterday.
Anyone ready to concede re: Hoggard? He was the second most-expensive bowler of the test (average/over), behind Mahmood, and only one wicket.
Flintoff may do well to keep him in reserve a bit in Sydney, maybe step Mahmood up a bit more.
zacharias on 28/12/2006 at 08:33
Hoggard's the least of their problems. The bowling stats from this match will be a bit skewed since england only bowled once anyway.
Just check out the overall averages for this series and you'll realise you're barking completely up the wrong tree:
(
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/averages/default.stm)
Goblin on 28/12/2006 at 11:40
Compare his stats for the whole series to the last test. Then do the same for Mahmood. Come on, get your calculator out.
Paz on 28/12/2006 at 12:46
That went well, didn't it! Good to see Read doing ok at least.
I disagree pretty strongly with dropping Hoggard (EVERYONE did shit in this game, he's been as decent as anyone across the series), but the point is moot because there's absolutely no-one to replace him.
In his first spell in this test, he bowled something like 9 overs for 20 runs and 1 wicket. We kept using him, even though he was knackered and a fat partnership were bedded in - so he got smacked around a bit for another 60+ runs on his next 12 overs. Obviously costly, but the bowling attack all share the blame for being unable to dislodge Hayden/Symonds (Hayden was also given a couple of 'lives', but that's by the by).
Also, I believe he bowls better with balls that have a more prominent seam than the Kookaburra. Back home he should be getting more swing again.
zacharias on 28/12/2006 at 16:27
Quote Posted by Goblin
Compare his stats for the whole series to the last test. Then do the same for Mahmood. Come on, get your calculator out.
It's meaningless to go on figures of a specific test match (again where they only bowled once) and then go on a rate of improvement from match to match; you've really gotta look at overall averages to get the broader picture.
It seems as if you've not been watching much of the cricket because Hoggard has done fine, the stats don't lie and they say he's been the best of the english quicks. Back in the uk conditions he'll be very useful again.
Something odd is going on where they've picked Mahmood only to seem to not have much faith in him, but that's really got nothing to do with the Hogg.
In short: the posting of rubbish. Please cease and desist.
Paz on 2/1/2007 at 00:08
Looks like we're about to get a practical demonstration of England's bowling attack without Hoggy - he's out with a thigh injury.
It's also raining at the moment, so I expect Super Freddie will win the toss and opt to bat in the fucking dark again.
[edit] ok, it turned out alright ... SO FAR
[edit part deux] oh well, at least we're seeing some classic BBC ball-by-ball updates:
Quote:
1050: Eng 124-9Harmison and Anderson stand on the bridge of the sinking ship, snorkels at the ready. Hey - at least we can all have an early night. Except I slept all day so I'd be able to stay awake all night to write this, so I can't even dull the pain with a long succession of zzzzzz's. Anyone want to join me on Hammersmith Bridge at about 3am English-time to stare blankly at the swirling waters below?
and later ...
Quote:
1116: Eng 147-9Warne might have over 700 Test wickets, and he might be about to finish his Test career with a spectacular thrashing of the old enemy, but can he stop Harmison slogging him through midwicket for four? No he cannot. It's like watching your house burn down, only to find a bonus 20p in the lining of your coat as you do so.
Genius.
Another 40 runs for 5-0? You'll be lucky to get another 4, you cads!
Hioncoffee II on 5/1/2007 at 10:30
And it's a whitewash!!
Legion of Zombies on 5/1/2007 at 12:01
Yeah, I called it first ;). Seriously though, I knew that losing vaughan and jones to injury was going to be a key factor. Trescothick abandoning ship, must've sent out bad signals as well.
Jakeyboy on 5/1/2007 at 12:04
A whitewash, sprinkled with the ashes of English cricket.
Aegeri on 6/1/2007 at 03:10
It's a real shame to see the English go down 5-0, but the writing was on the wall even all the way back from early last years series against Sri Lanka. When Englands bowling attack couldn't take 20 wickets in the second test in good time (that they should have won) and then collapsed dramatically in the 3rd game (where Murali took 8-41 or so) I knew the Ashes would be gone.
It's such a shame to see that prediction borne out. The English had no backbone in batting and a bowling attack that lacked any teeth.
