VB Final Series

[Donny]

England aim for twelfth time lucky in Sydney
Stephen Lamb - 22 January 2003

England's comprehensive victory in their last encounter with Australia at the SCG - in the final Test of the Ashes series two and a half weeks ago - gives them their best cause for optimism when the two sides meet again there in the first of the best-of-three VB series finals today.

Australia, as well as winning seven of their eight matches in the triangular series so far, have beaten England 11 times in a row in one-day internationals, but England's captain, Nasser Hussain, is refusing to be over-awed by that figure.

"I think both sides know that England can beat Australia in one-day cricket on a given day," Hussain said today. "Our record isn't very good against them recently but let's be fair.

"Look at what injuries have done to Australia, because we've been plagued by them. If we can put all parts of our game together we can beat Australia, definitely."

England could recall left-arm spinner Ashley Giles to the side following his recovery from a wrist injury, on a pitch that is often receptive to spin.

"Obviously, with it being Sydney it's nice to have the main spinner here," said Hussain. "He's got a chance. He is fit to play but whether he's stiff in the morning - because it's two months since he's played - is what we will check.

Hussain added that next month's World Cup in southern Africa was providing plenty of motivation.

"I'm a little bit mentally jaded but these are big games now. Winning the tournament here is important. It would be a boost, beating Australia out here but obviously how we go into the World Cup is more important."

"There's a lot of talent flying around in that competition and it's really going to be similar to the last World Cup, who peaks at the right times and who wins the important games," he said.

Meanwhile Australia's opening batsman, Adam Gilchrist, says he has reserved a big score for today's match. Gilchrist has made eight centuries in 150 one-day internationals, including 124 from 104 balls against England in Melbourne last month.

"I'm saving them up, saving them for the big ones," Gilchrist said. "Don't waste them in the preliminary games. That's what I'm hoping anyway."

"If you look at our past two games, they have been much closer affairs than the first two games we played them in the series. With that in mind obviously they're showing some improvement. We've definitely shown some improvement with names like Hogg and Watson, they've stepped up.

"If we're improving and they're getting closer that must mean they're on the way up to so we'll expect a tough encounter."

Australia are poised to recall leg-spinner Shane Warne after a month-long break with a shoulder injury which was followed by yesterday's announcement that he is to quit one-day internationals after the World Cup.

"He's been telling us all that he feels good and he's bowling well, so we're looking forward to having him back on the park as soon as we can," Australia one-day captain Ricky Ponting said.

Australia's pace bowlers Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Andy Bichel are also hoping to be in contention following injuries.
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As this was written yesterday, I changed a word or two to suit today.

Enjoy the game!!



Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

[Donny]

England won the toss and batted.

Australia are playing Warne, Hogg and Symonds.

Williams just bowled Hussain. Lee took out both openers.

England are 3/19 after 8.2 overs.

To have the best opening bowling combo in world cricket out injured, it's good to have a pair like Williams and Lee able to step in and bowl so well.

Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

[JLC]

1. Why was Bracken left out on his home ground after a man of match game the other night

2. How does Symonds get a game dare i say it ahead of Watson?

jlc



Essendon 2000 premiers
2001 runners up
2002 fifth
2003 ????
The slide continues

[Pies Premiers 2003]

neither watson or Symonds should be in the australian side...watson has improved but against quality will get pounded...

THE PIES GO MARCHING ON

[Pies Premiers 2003]

England in all sorts....they might not make 100..... vaughan out

Big crowd...Angry crowd....

I'm looking forward to the WC...perhaps the aussies will get some competition...

THE PIES GO MARCHING ON

[Pies Premiers 2003]

good god...another wicket...

6/40 odd....they might not make 50

THE PIES GO MARCHING ON

[Donny]

Blackwell makes 3rd. duck in a row. Bichel joins in the fun with last two wickets. 2/2 from 3 overs.

England 6/45.

Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

[Pies Premiers 2003]

If England fall over soon....would they consider another exhibition match???

THE PIES GO MARCHING ON

[Donny]

What excellent spells from Williams (10 overs, 2/24) and Lee (10 overs, 3/29).

England are on 7/93 after 33 overs.

Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

[Donny]

Warney completes a good spell with the wicket of Paul Collingwood (43). 10 overs, 1/27.

After 40 overs, England are 8/116.

Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

[Donny]

I should have waited a bit! All out for 117!

Andy Bichel: 7 overs. 2 maidens. 18 runs. 4 wickets.

Adam Gilchrist: 5 catches and a stumping. Equals the record he already shared with Ridley Jacobs and Alex Stewart.

Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

[This message has been edited by MAGFAN8 (edited 23 January 2003).]

[This message has been edited by MAGFAN8 (edited 23 January 2003).]

[Donny]

Gilchrist 51 with 12 fours!!! Third quickest 50 ever! I can't keep up. Hayden 29 from 23. Aust. 0/84.

Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

[Donny]

Can you believe that !!!

Australia 0/118 in 12.2 overs. 9.57 r.p.o.!!

Gilchrist 69 frm 37 balls with 60 in fours!
Hayden 44 from 36 balls with 6 fours and 1 mighty straight driven six!

Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

[This message has been edited by MAGFAN8 (edited 23 January 2003).]

[JLC]

Englands batsman should hang their head in shame. I didnt get to watch any as i work. However i would have thought that Trescothick, Vaughan or Knight would have to bat through the innings to have any chance. If Paul Collingwood can grit it out and make runs well then the other batsman should be able to as well. The time has come for Trescothick to stick it out and grind out an innings of some worth.

Gilchrist played a wonderful innings and represents all the good in Australian cricket as does Hayden. I remember the days when gilchrist used to play in the super 6's (i think) and used to demolish bowling line ups.

jlc

Essendon 2000 premiers
2001 runners up
2002 fifth
2003 ????
The slide continues

[Donny]

This is not a gloat but I must post these bowling figures because you will rarely see anything like them.

Caddick 3 overs 0/31
Anderson 4 overs 0/35
Hoggard 3.2 overs 0/36
Irani 2 overs 0/14


Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!