Australia [328 & 173/0] beat England [302 & 195] by 10 wickets in the first Ashes Test, lead 1-0

[mak36]

It might be Starc who has been getting all the attention but it is Hazelwood who has delivered the goods this innings.

 

[kingusama92]

To be fair, the ball jagged off the crack on Root.

 

[Acricfan]

It might be Starc who has been getting all the attention but it is Hazelwood who has delivered the goods this innings.

Isn't that what always happens.

 

[Sin Nombre]

2nd best batsmen in the world fails to convert 80% of the time )

At least he got to maintain his average.

 

[James]

Hmm I wonder if we can beg borrow & steal our way to an awkward “maybe just maybe” 4th innings target of 180 here.

At the moment about 145 is looking more likely but that would definitely result in an Australian win.

Whereas 180 you can triumph with as a bowling side 1 or 2 times out of 10.

 

[Convict]

Story of Englands match. Stoneman, Vince, Malan, Ali in the first and Root all making great starts but nobody going on with it.
Smith on the other hand going the distance and setting up the match.

 

[Bilal7]

Root does not have the 50/100 conversion rate to get right to the top of the tree alongside Smith, Williamson & Kohli. Captain needs to dominate & lead & set matches up, not chip in a handy 50.

What is Kohli doing there? He's clearly inferior to the other three. Root may not score many centuries but he's one of the most consistent batsmen in the world.

 

[James]

Ali looks very comfortable batting in these conditions. But I don’t think he has the temperament to go big in this match situation. It needed to be 100 from Root and 50 from someone else for England to have serious fashions on victory here. That hasn’t happened. I would consider dropping Jake Ball for an extra batsman in Adelaide.

 

[Bilal7]

This should be a close game if England don't implode after lunch. The pitch is much tougher to bat on now, compared to earlier in the match.

Great contest though. Far more entertaining than the brainless six-fest known as T20 cricket.

 

[kingusama92]

What is Kohli doing there? He's clearly inferior to the other three. Root may not score many centuries but he's one of the most consistent batsmen in the world.

What?

Kohli has the best conversion rate in the world.

Conversion Rate (%)

Kohli: 56%
Smith: 48%
Root: 29%
Williamson: 40%

 

[Bilal7]

What?

Kohli has the best conversion rate in the world.

Conversion Rate (%)

Kohli: 56%
Smith: 48%
Root: 29%
Williamson: 40%

And? That makes him one of the best test batsmen in the world?

Would be nice if he used some of his conversion powers in England.

 

[Buffet]

Root does not have the 50/100 conversion rate to get right to the top of the tree alongside Smith, Williamson & Kohli. Captain needs to dominate & lead & set matches up, not chip in a handy 50.

Away tons,

Smith - 10
Kane - 10
Kohli - 10

Root - 3

Tells the entire story. Root is a good batsman, but he needs to put big tons to help his team. He does that when at home, but doesn't do it when playing outside of Eng.

 

[classic]

Mo is looking pretty comfortable now and needs to bat till the end . Barristow and Ali can play their shots and take England to 200 plus lead if they play the ball on merit. Broad and Woakes are handy with the bat so not all lost yet 60/40 in Oz favor.

 

[Aman]

Worst 50s to 100s conversion rate:
20.41 Misbah (10/49)
23.29 VVS Laxman (17/73)
25.00 A Stewart (15/60)
25.81 M Atherton (16/62)
27.03 B Simpson (10/37)
27.91 B McCullum (12/43)
28.26 JOE ROOT (13/46)
** Min 10 100s

 

[Bilal7]

Two very handy innings by Moeen Ali in this test already. So much for the whole 'the bounce will expose him' nonsense that was circulating on this forum.

The only thing left to see now is whether he can turn this handy contribution into a match-winning one.

 

[Sin Nombre]

And? That makes him one of the best test batsmen in the world?

Would be nice if he used some of his conversion powers in England.

Agreed that England is the centre of the world.

 

[Big Mac]

Two very handy innings by Moeen Ali in this test already. So much for the whole 'the bounce will expose him' nonsense that was circulating on this forum.

The only thing left to see now is whether he can turn this handy contribution into a match-winning one.

Between the overall run rate in this match and Moeen scoring a few runs, there's a few people on here that will be pretty quiet today

 

[Sin Nombre]

The match is starting to slowly drift away from Australia. Not sure if there is a plan to get Mo out outside of him throwing his wicket away, as he is somewhat prone to.

Another 80-100 runs and it is game on.

 

[Syed1]

Worst 50s to 100s conversion rate:
20.41 Misbah (10/49)
23.29 VVS Laxman (17/73)
25.00 A Stewart (15/60)
25.81 M Atherton (16/62)
27.03 B Simpson (10/37)
27.91 B McCullum (12/43)
28.26 JOE ROOT (13/46)
** Min 10 100s

Just goes to show how crappy a batsman Misbah was even in his most preferred format.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Very less crowd on a Sunday!

 

[TheRock]

Moeen bhai gone. All over for England, it seems. They need a miracle now.

 

[Big Mac]

I think that's out

 

[Sin Nombre]

Bad way to get dismissed.

 

[WengerOut]

Lyon is the best offie in the world.

 

[kingusama92]

Everytime ENG starts putting something together, a wicket falls.

Horrible.

 

[WengerOut]

40 more runs and it will be England's game to lose

 

[TheRock]

Lyon is clearly out bowling moeen bhai. Looking ominous for England.

 

[Sadevdesai]

Why is it that the Australians, fast bowlers specially, are allowed to constantly chirp after EVERY ball ???????

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Slats/Warne have to be the most biased commentary duo in existence.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Slats/Warne have to be the most biased commentary duo in existence.

Watch BT Sport. It's much better.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Watch BT Sport. It's much better.

I'm in India bro. We don't have that. Miss the days of Benaud/Lawry/Greig. Only decent OZ commentator these days is Mark Taylor.

 

[aloo paratha]

Watch BT Sport. It's much better.

They're both terrible. Swann and Fleming try to be funny and entertaining but really aren't.

Why can't we just have the sky sports team commentate

 

[Bilal7]

Agreed that England is the centre of the world.

Not the center but certainly one of the most important tests of a batsman's career. Besides, it's not like Kohli has done wonders everywhere else in the world. A paltry two tests in South Africa, none in the UAE and his heroics in Australia were the result of some pathetic pitches.

Anyways, this is not the thread to speak of Kohli.

Between the overall run rate in this match and Moeen scoring a few runs, there's a few people on here that will be pretty quiet today

Indeed. A shame he was robbed of a fifty.

Just goes to show how crappy a batsman Misbah was even in his most preferred format.

Crappy? He was pretty good. Like I said, consistent fifties can be just as useful as a few failures followed by a big ton. Depends on what the other players are like and for a team like Pakistan who were prone to collapses, Misbah was a true blessing.

Aussies cheating with the wobbly crease

That's a harsh call. Should have given it to the batsman. The crease is far too thick and even then, there is a tiiiiny bit behind/over the line.

Lyon is clearly out bowling moeen bhai. Looking ominous for England.

And Moeen has outbowled Ashwin.

 

[TheRock]

Not the center but certainly one of the most important tests of a batsman's career. Besides, it's not like Kohli has done wonders everywhere else in the world. A paltry two tests in South Africa, none in the UAE and his heroics in Australia were the result of some pathetic pitches.

Anyways, this is not the thread to speak of Kohli.



Indeed. A shame he was robbed of a fifty.



Crappy? He was pretty good. Like I said, consistent fifties can be just as useful as a few failures followed by a big ton. Depends on what the other players are like and for a team like Pakistan who were prone to collapses, Misbah was a true blessing.



That's a harsh call. Should have given it to the batsman. The crease is far too thick and even then, there is a tiiiiny bit behind/over the line.



And Moeen has outbowled Ashwin.

Ashwin has taken 4/67. Not sure which match you are talking about.

 

[Big Mac]

Ashwin has taken 4/67. Not sure which match you are talking about.

Moeen outbowled Ashwin in Australia.

Wasn't that hard to figure out what he meant.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Time for some Cummins.

 

[TheRock]

Moeen outbowled Ashwin in Australia.

Wasn't that hard to figure out what he meant.

Fair enough. maybe

But where does ashwin figure in a Eng vs Aus Ashes match, for which this thread is on.

 

[TheRock]

Congrats Aussie fans.

 

[Big Mac]

What.

An.

Idiot.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Well, that was stupid.

 

[kingusama92]

I think ENG can push them if they get to 185-190.

But it's not looking good at all.

 

[Bilal7]

Fair enough. maybe

But where does ashwin figure in a Eng vs Aus Ashes match, for which this thread is on.

It doesn't. Just a passing comment to a troll. Let's drop it and bash Bairstow for being silly.

 

[Sin Nombre]

England hard done with both the Moeen and Broad decisions. Snicko spike was clearly after the ball had went past.

 

[TheRock]

It doesn't. Just a passing comment to a troll. Let's drop it and bash Bairstow for being silly.

So, pointing out that Lyon out bowled Moeen, is basically trolling, according to you.

LMAO, it shows who is the real Troll.

 

[Big Mac]

England hard done with both the Moeen and Broad decisions. Snicko spike was clearly after the ball had went past.

Yeah the snicko thing was clearly after the ball had gone past but there was a small mark on hot spot.

 

[kingusama92]

All over.

This score isn't enough to defend.

The blame might go to the guys who did nothing but Root, Ali, and Bairstow threw it away after doing the hard work.

 

[Aman]

Australia should try to chase this down tonight, I think they can ask for a extra 30 minutes so it's possible.

Would demoralizing the English losing within 4 days after competing the first few days.

 

[Savak]

English tail showing absolutely zero heart, ability, guts against the Aussie bouncer barrage. This is Australia and this is what they should have expected on this tour especially after what happened in 2013/14. I find it inexcusable to see the likes of Broad, Anderson, Ball backing away and being scared shitless from the bouncer and exposing their stumps. Must have more heart at this level.

 

[Aman]

England really can't play the short ball

 

[Bilal7]

All over.

This score isn't enough to defend.

The blame might go to the guys who did nothing but Root, Ali, and Bairstow threw it away after doing the hard work.

How did Ali throw it away? The guy was robbed.

 

[Big Mac]

So, pointing out that Lyon out bowled Moeen, is basically trolling, according to you.

LMAO, it shows who is the real Troll.

Lyon in England's first innings, 2-78.

Moeen in Australia's first innings, 2-74.

"clearly outbowling"

 

[Bilal7]

England still have a chance if they can get Warner within the first couple of overs and then nip another couple, including Smith.

It can definitely happen because Anderson and Broad are quality and Moeen will have some help from the pitch.

Australia are definitely the favorites.

 

[Aman]

England are going to find an answer for Warner and Smith if they want to win the Ashes.

I know, it's easier said than done, but it's Ashes over if they don't work it out.

 

[Bilal7]

Lyon in England's first innings, 2-78.

Moeen in Australia's first innings, 2-74.

"clearly outbowling"

Let's not even bother.

 

[TheRock]

Lyon in England's first innings, 2-78.

Moeen in Australia's first innings, 2-74.

"clearly outbowling"

Lyon was much more economical than Moeen. The former created much more pressure on England which scoreboard wont be able to tell.

 

[Aman]

England still have a chance if they can get Warner within the first couple of overs and then nip another couple, including Smith.

It can definitely happen because Anderson and Broad are quality and Moeen will have some help from the pitch.

Australia are definitely the favorites.

Smith is in god mode.

 

[kingusama92]

How did Ali throw it away? The guy was robbed.

True.

Paine quickly dashed over and drew a thicker line before stumping him.

How evil. Pure robbery.

 

[kingusama92]

This is it.

ENG have to come hard or Warner will take it away in 10 overs.

 

[WengerOut]

England to win by 20 odd runs. Yes, you heard it here first folks

 

[Big Mac]

 

[TheRock]

Moeen-ali-tharan getting smashed all over.

 

[JattMaula]

Ali leaking too many runs. England don't have many to spare.

 

[kingusama92]

Even a lead of 250 wouldn't have been enough with this type of bowling.

 

[Aman]

Aus should push for victory now and request the extra 30 minutes.

 

[James]

Looks like I missed the particularly ugly bits whilst I was asleep.

Shame to see such an exciting match end in such a familiar and dreary manner, but England only have themselves to blame for missing out on some key moments in the game.

Smith and Lyon have won this match for Australia. Since Smith dug in for the long haul, Australia have outplayed England.

 

[MMHS]

Bits & pieces spinners don't work in AUS - the difference between 2 sides in this Test was Lyon & Moeen - swap them (including Moeen's 78 runs in Aussie account) - it would have been a closer match. Instead of Woakes, Masson Carnie would have made this match real tight.

 

[TheRock]

Bits & pieces spinners don't work in AUS - the difference between 2 sides in this Test was Lyon & Moeen - swap them (including Moeen's 78 runs in Aussie account) - it would have been a closer match. Instead of Woakes, Masson Carnie would have made this match real tight.

Exactly.

I had mentioned the same thing earlier, but i was labelled a TROLL by someone .

The whole cricketing world can see very clearly that Lyon is a class bowler who recently made even the Indian batsmen (who are decent against spin) run for their money at Home and also made tremendous impact in the outcome of this match.

 

[Big Mac]

No, the difference was the English batsmen throwing their wickets away after getting starts in the first innings while Smith ignored the run rate and just tried to bat as long as he could.

 

[Convict]

Lyon was the best bowler in this match.

 

[MMHS]

Exactly.

I had mentioned the same thing earlier, but i was labelled a TROLL by someone .

The whole cricketing world can see very clearly that Lyon is a class bowler who recently made even the Indian batsmen (who are decent against spin) run for their money at Home and also made tremendous impact in the outcome of this match.

Traditionally, ENG picks spinners on duel purpose (apart from very few), but Aussies select spinners for bowling. Few months back, I wrote somewhere that historically, the biggest difference in Ashes had been spinners and that's statistically can be proved.

ENG mostly picked spinners who could bat a bit or condition dependent (mostly 4th innings) specialist, while for Aussies, it has often been one or 2 master spinner, who were beyond wicket/condition. Starting from Trumble, Saunders, Ranji Horden, Mailey, Grimmet, O'Reily, Benaud, Warne, McGill had been the telling difference in Ashes; probably Lyon is going to do that this time. In recent memory, only decade Poms matches Aussies with spinners was 50s, when Laker, Lock won 3 or 4 Ashes. Pace attack was equally matched by Truman, Statham, Tyson vs Lindwall, Miler & Davidson; but English Spin attack was superior.

Though at Gabba, but this was probably closer to UAE than AUS wicket and ENG got the chance to bat first - don't think, they'll get a better chance than this one at SCG, MCG or Adelaide (At WACA, unless like Gabba it changed now, Aussies will bat once).

 

[Robert]

Sad to see England’s heads drop. Well, they had then on the rack at 80-4 in the first dig and lost the initiative.

Might have been worth giving Crane a go instead of Ball.

 

[Convict]

Traditionally, ENG picks spinners on duel purpose (apart from very few), but Aussies select spinners for bowling. Few months back, I wrote somewhere that historically, the biggest difference in Ashes had been spinners and that's statistically can be proved.

ENG mostly picked spinners who could bat a bit or condition dependent (mostly 4th innings) specialist, while for Aussies, it has often been one or 2 master spinner, who were beyond wicket/condition. Starting from Trumble, Saunders, Ranji Horden, Mailey, Grimmet, O'Reily, Benaud, Warne, McGill had been the telling difference in Ashes; probably Lyon is going to do that this time. In recent memory, only decade Poms matches Aussies with spinners was 50s, when Laker, Lock won 3 or 4 Ashes. Pace attack was equally matched by Truman, Statham, Tyson vs Lindwall, Miler & Davidson; but English Spin attack was superior.

Though at Gabba, but this was probably closer to UAE than AUS wicket and ENG got the chance to bat first - don't think, they'll get a better chance than this one at SCG, MCG or Adelaide (At WACA, unless like Gabba it changed now, Aussies will bat once).

Its the last ever Ashes test match at the WACA so I think they'll want a fast and bouncy wicket for nostalgia.

 

[Aman]

61 runs needed, I wonder if they'll be given the extra 30 minutes.

Might as well get it done tonight than waste everyones time showing up tomorrow.

 

[Bilal7]

Bits & pieces spinners don't work in AUS - the difference between 2 sides in this Test was Lyon & Moeen - swap them (including Moeen's 78 runs in Aussie account) - it would have been a closer match. Instead of Woakes, Masson Carnie would have made this match real tight.

Not really. Moeen and Lyon had pretty much identical figures in the first innings, with Lyon being more economical and Moeen getting his wickets at a better SR.

In the second innings, all the Australian bowlers bowled really well, except for maybe Cummins. Hazlewood getting two yesterday, Lyon getting the three left-handers at regular intervals and then Starc blasting away the tail, without allowing them to get a few extra runs were all crucial contributions.

It is extremely simplistic to put this result down to the performances of two men. I can just as easily say that switch Smith and Root and the result would be much closer, or switch one of the Aussie pacers with their English counterparts.

Australia just out performed England ever since Smith and Marsh got together for their partnership.

 

[MMHS]

Its the last ever Ashes test match at the WACA so I think they'll want a fast and bouncy wicket for nostalgia.

Hope so, but I think at Perth every wicket will be similar because of the soil & weather. They might shave the grass, but those cracks will be there and it'll be like concrete slab in new ground as well.

 

[Robert]

Traditionally, ENG picks spinners on duel purpose (apart from very few), but Aussies select spinners for bowling. Few months back, I wrote somewhere that historically, the biggest difference in Ashes had been spinners and that's statistically can be proved.

Since when? I can only think of Moeen, who is disturbingly the best spinner in the E&W system.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Australian commies are so annoying lol.

 

[Ellipsism]

Bancroft playing a quality innings, backed him since day one. An excellent technician, nice and organised.

Ten times the batsman Renshaw will ever be.

 

[Convict]

Not really. Moeen and Lyon had pretty much identical figures in the first innings, with Lyon being more economical and Moeen getting his wickets at a better SR.

In the second innings, all the Australian bowlers bowled really well, except for maybe Cummins. Hazlewood getting two yesterday, Lyon getting the three left-handers at regular intervals and then Starc blasting away the tail, without allowing them to get a few extra runs were all crucial contributions.

It is extremely simplistic to put this result down to the performances of two men. I can just as easily say that switch Smith and Root and the result would be much closer, or switch one of the Aussie pacers with their English counterparts.

Australia just out performed England ever since Smith and Marsh got together for their partnership.

Mate. Ignore the figures. Ali didn't trouble anyone but Khawaja but Lyon was dominating.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Lyon or Smith for MoTM?