In my short time as a trainee cricket correspondent, this is proving the hardest blog to write. That England have contrived to lose this 2nd test after amassing 551 for 6 at the end of day two, simply beggars belief. When it came down to it today, in what was still a 50/50 game, the Australians showed why having genuinely great players in your line up will guarantee you win more often than not.
There is something more though - the recognition that an opportunity is presenting itself, and the ability to grab it with both hands. All the Australian bowlers did that today, bowling as accurately as it's possible to do, resulting in England's scoring rate stagnating whilst they continued to lose wickets - a terrible and ultimately fatal combination.
England still had a chance as Australia began their 2nd innings - if they bowled tight and fielded well, they might salvage a draw or just possibly, a miraculous win. Despite the loss of both Langer and Hayden early on, the class of Ponting and Hussey saw them to their target of 168 with relative ease, and the inescapable truth is that England have effectively fought these past two test matches with two bowlers, Matthew Hoggard and Andrew Flintoff.
When a game is in the balance, the real competitor will win the day, whatever the sport. Shane Warne demonstrated that today, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck. By contrast, Steve Harmison and Ashley Giles simply didn't do it when their Captain Freddie needed them most, bowling poorly under pressure instead of relishing the challenge of the occasion.
The England dressing room will be a desolate place this evening, and it will require a monumental effort to pick themselves up from this disastrous defeat. Duncan Fletcher has been a fantastic coach for England, and his key selection principle has been loyalty to his players. That principle must surely change now, and a different approach is essential for the Perth test match, starting in just over a week.
Ashley Giles has done a solid job for England over the years but he has bowled in this match with a complete absence of any threat. His dropped catch off Ponting on day 3 will haunt him for a long time. James Anderson has also struggled terribly, with his captain clearly reluctant to bowl him when it really mattered. Steve Harmison, though he bowled better than in Brisbane, still went wicketless and never really looked like winning the game for England.
Assigning blame is a natural thing to do, but in this case should be avoided by England. Instead, they should throw caution to the wind - they have nothing to lose now - and pick Panesar, Mahmood, possibly Plunkett and, if he's definitely fit, Michael Vaughan, to open with Andrew Strauss.
Thus, on the back of another awful loss, it's goodbye to the beautiful city of Adelaide and a night of solemn reflection on a match I'm still struggling to believe we lost.
Wello
Comments (9)
An amazing result and says a lot for the "ageing" champions. The pity is that the momentum that Endland had built up over 4 days has now been lost...
Posted by Andy | December 5, 2006 10:39 AM
Posted on December 5, 2006 10:39
Bring 'em home.
Save any future embarrasment. 2002 was bad enough and half the team was missing, this is just awful!
Posted by Maurice | December 6, 2006 1:12 PM
Posted on December 6, 2006 13:12
wello - when you get to sydney give me a shout and come and visit newcastle. some beach time may take your mind off the 2nd test and keep your eyes off the newspaper headlines.
0402224788 or 02 49634104
safe travels
rob.
Posted by rob - dubbo | December 6, 2006 9:33 PM
Posted on December 6, 2006 21:33
That's the first time for ages when I have felt anger about an England performance.....it was just such a waste of all that hard work & it's killed the series off. I can't see the team bouncing back from this in a hurry.
Good luck in Perth, we're off to Groot Drak this weekend.
Posted by bernie | December 7, 2006 6:36 AM
Posted on December 7, 2006 06:36
Wello,
Commisserations from Groot Drak. Sorry to see your lads go down the way they did. Really enjoying your blog, didn't know you had it in you Wello ! By the way Alfie asks if his bet is still on ?
Rgds
Brian
Posted by Brian Davis | December 7, 2006 8:55 AM
Posted on December 7, 2006 08:55
Is Alfie still batting at 3 for Groot Drak?! I hope so. Never before have I seen such a ball striker and fielder.
Posted by Andrew Cox | December 8, 2006 11:38 AM
Posted on December 8, 2006 11:38
How do Wellage, I too have had time for a bit of solemn reflection since returning home from the colony. I met up with a few lads I know who tour regularly, and the general consensus among all of us, is anger towards " the arrogant Rhodesian ****". How dare he not pick our best team. A lot of loyal fans have been deprived of seeing our nations finest, in place of which, we get Dunc's old faithfuls.
I'm off out to buy my Pakistan shirt. Enjoy Perth you Dog.
Posted by Webby | December 9, 2006 10:09 AM
Posted on December 9, 2006 10:09
Hi Coxy,
Alfie is still playimg for GD and so now are both of his sons, Alaine & Ashley.
Best wishes, b
Posted by bernie | December 10, 2006 7:20 AM
Posted on December 10, 2006 07:20
Thoroughly enjoying your account of things Wello. One day the English fan club will arrive in Melbourne at Christmas with the series still alive. Instead It could be an early visit to that Pub with the topless barmaids. I forget its name..!
Any chance at Perth?? We got humiliated there last time
Posted by Bobby T | December 12, 2006 12:34 PM
Posted on December 12, 2006 12:34