South Africa not only managed to stem the rot, but it matched the England's first innings huge total of 629/6 declared with 627/7 declared.
South Africa after the England onslaught in the first innings on the back of Stokes-Bairstow record 399 run partnership did manage to hold on to the match by a gritty performance by Skipper Amla notching a double hundred and Bavuma's maiden Test hundred.
De Villiers 88 and Du Plessis 86, too had a good outing in the match another positive from the match for the hosts.
The knocks by Amla and Bavuma for South Africa has infused new energy in the team. This will surely help South Africa in the remainder of the series with two more Tests to go.
There was every possibility of an England win in the match. Overcoming the deficit on the back of some lucky dropped chances by England, South Africa clawed it's way back in to the series and does have a hope to match the visitors strong showing in the series.
England 87/5 at Lunch on Day 5, could have secured a win and go 2-0 up. It may rue that possibility, but credit must also be given to South Africa for the temperament it showed in the match.
South Africa down by 1-0 in the series does have a chance to stop England from taking away the series after dominating performances in both the Tests.
Valleyz.Blog
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Monday, December 28, 2015
Despite Dean Elgar's ton England on top on the third day at stumps at the Durban Test 2015
South Africa were bowled out for 214 handing over a handsome lead of 89 runs to England in the first innings at Kingsmead, Durban. Dean Elgar notched a well battled hundred and carried the bat through the innings remaining not out on 118.
South Africa lost it's last six wickets for just 70 odd runs,
Questions has been raised about the way South Africa batted. Are they too much dependent on some of the players? Are they not playing spin that well?
I think England bowled really well, even in the absence of James Anderson due to a calf strain.
Dale Steyn went for a scan that made South Africa a bowler short and there were a number of dropped chances behind the stumps while Morkel bowled.
Though England is on top of the game, but South Africa didn't play that bad as it looked. England lead by 261 runs with seven wickets in hand.
I think 400 would be a total England would be looking to set for South Africa to chase in the second innings.
If South Africa can bat for long hours it can still salvage a draw, but England has got more balanced bowling unit, only a determined effort can save South Africa now.
Valleyz.Blog
South Africa lost it's last six wickets for just 70 odd runs,
SA 137/4, ENG 303 Elgar 67* Bavuma10* Stuart Broad took 3/16 and Moeen Ali 1 wicket at stumps on Day 2 at Durban. #Cricket #SAvENG #SAvsENG
— CricketCorner (@PlayingCricket_) December 27, 2015
Moeen Ali added three wickets to his overnight tally of 1 wicket and Steven Finn finished off the tail.Questions has been raised about the way South Africa batted. Are they too much dependent on some of the players? Are they not playing spin that well?
I think England bowled really well, even in the absence of James Anderson due to a calf strain.
James Anderson doubtful for Boxing Day Test against South Africa after calf scan #Cricket
— CricketCorner (@PlayingCricket_) December 23, 2015
Stuart Broad making early inroads in the South African top order with consistently probing line. Made batting difficult for South Africa batsmen taking the wickets of Van Zyl, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers.Dale Steyn went for a scan that made South Africa a bowler short and there were a number of dropped chances behind the stumps while Morkel bowled.
Though England is on top of the game, but South Africa didn't play that bad as it looked. England lead by 261 runs with seven wickets in hand.
I think 400 would be a total England would be looking to set for South Africa to chase in the second innings.
If South Africa can bat for long hours it can still salvage a draw, but England has got more balanced bowling unit, only a determined effort can save South Africa now.
Valleyz.Blog
Thursday, December 24, 2015
South Africa vs England 2015 first Test at Durban - Overview
According to reports England's James Anderson is confirmed injured due to a calf strain ahead of the first Test between England and South Africa at Durban on Boxing Day.
That is pretty bad news for the visitors as James Anderson is the spearhead of the English attack, in his absence Steven Finn is likely to play for England.
Meanwhile the hosts are confident of a solid performance with the return of Dale Steyn in the attack supported by Morkel, Rabada, Abbot and others.
Pitch is likely to suit pacers, and South Africa are likely to have the home advantage.
Many of the English players are touring South Africa for the first time. The players include, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and others.
South Africa recently lost the series to India in spinner friendly conditions.
The team will be looking forward leaving behind the loss to take on the visitors on home ground conditions.
On the paper both the teams look evenly balanced with Proteas having the home advantage.
Valleyz.Blog
That is pretty bad news for the visitors as James Anderson is the spearhead of the English attack, in his absence Steven Finn is likely to play for England.
Meanwhile the hosts are confident of a solid performance with the return of Dale Steyn in the attack supported by Morkel, Rabada, Abbot and others.
Pitch is likely to suit pacers, and South Africa are likely to have the home advantage.
Many of the English players are touring South Africa for the first time. The players include, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and others.
South Africa recently lost the series to India in spinner friendly conditions.
The team will be looking forward leaving behind the loss to take on the visitors on home ground conditions.
On the paper both the teams look evenly balanced with Proteas having the home advantage.
Valleyz.Blog
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Australia wins the Carlton Mid Tri series comprehensively beating England by 102 runs in the final.
Australia won the Tri Series at the West Australian Cricket Association WACA ground in Perth on Sunday. It was a very good performance by Australia as it bounced back from early setbacks in their first innings when they lost 4 quick wickets for 50 odd runs.
Some patient batting by Man of the Match Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marshall rescued Australia from the precarious position providing a launchpad for James Faulkner later on, who belted English bowlers to score a quick fire fifty to entertain the Sunday crowd.
278 posted by Australia caused some unease in the English camp and the batsmen were not in the frame of mind they should have been while facing the likes of Mitchell Johnson, who returned to the Aussie squad after a well deserving rest for a month.
The moment Ian Bell got out to a peach of a delivery of the bowling off Josh Hazlewood, England were clueless in their style of batting and complete approach towards the chase.
James Taylor after hanging on for a while, played a poor stroke to give a low catch to Maxwell at point. Then Moeen Ali received a rising delivery which he could not fend and edged in the slips. Eoin Morgan was caught in two minds, whether to play or leave and was bowled by Johnson, who was on a hat-trick.
None of the English batsmen put on a fight or a decent partnership and the match was completely lopsided in the favour of hosts, who are looking in great touch ahead of the World Cup 2015.
James Faulkner walked off the field with a side strain and further reports are awaited. That was a cause of worry for team management ahead of World Cup, in an otherwise marvelous day of Cricket for the Australian team.
Glen Maxwell was Man of the Match for his 95 and four wickets. Mitchell Marsh was Man of the Series.
Valleyz.Blog
Some patient batting by Man of the Match Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marshall rescued Australia from the precarious position providing a launchpad for James Faulkner later on, who belted English bowlers to score a quick fire fifty to entertain the Sunday crowd.
278 posted by Australia caused some unease in the English camp and the batsmen were not in the frame of mind they should have been while facing the likes of Mitchell Johnson, who returned to the Aussie squad after a well deserving rest for a month.
The moment Ian Bell got out to a peach of a delivery of the bowling off Josh Hazlewood, England were clueless in their style of batting and complete approach towards the chase.
James Taylor after hanging on for a while, played a poor stroke to give a low catch to Maxwell at point. Then Moeen Ali received a rising delivery which he could not fend and edged in the slips. Eoin Morgan was caught in two minds, whether to play or leave and was bowled by Johnson, who was on a hat-trick.
None of the English batsmen put on a fight or a decent partnership and the match was completely lopsided in the favour of hosts, who are looking in great touch ahead of the World Cup 2015.
James Faulkner walked off the field with a side strain and further reports are awaited. That was a cause of worry for team management ahead of World Cup, in an otherwise marvelous day of Cricket for the Australian team.
Glen Maxwell was Man of the Match for his 95 and four wickets. Mitchell Marsh was Man of the Series.
Valleyz.Blog
Friday, January 30, 2015
England enters final after another win against India at Perth in Carlton Mid Tri series 2015
India set a modest total of 201 for win against England in the last league match of the Carlton-Mid Tri-series which England won after some initial hiccups.
Earlier Eoin Morgan won the toss and elected to field first. India started cautiously, Rahane and Dhawan batted well and put on a 83 run stand for the first wicket and batted for 20 Overs.
It was a perfect platform for other batsmen to put on a decent score on the board later on in the innings, but the team lost next 8 wickets in quick succession and the scoreboard was 165/9 soon.
India lost 8 wickets for just 82 runs. The last wicket pair of Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma put on a 35 run stand to take the team total to 200 giving it some respectability.
England chasing the modest target lost Ian Bell cheaply to a ball that kept low due to uneven bounce in the pitch. Bell was given out lbw to delivery by Mohit Sharma.
After a breif stand of 26 runs Moeen Ali was out for 17 caught in the deep by Rayudu, then a flurry of wickets gave India a slight hope of coming back into the match. At that point in time the England score board read 66/5.
But Jos Butler joined a patient James Taylor, the duo put on a 121 run stand for the sixth wicket that brought England on the verge of the victory. James Taylor and Jos Butler then were out and England won by two wickets in the end.
Stuart Binny scalped three English batsmen on a docile pitch which supported seam bowling, justifying his selection in the playing eleven.
Valleyz.Blog
Earlier Eoin Morgan won the toss and elected to field first. India started cautiously, Rahane and Dhawan batted well and put on a 83 run stand for the first wicket and batted for 20 Overs.
It was a perfect platform for other batsmen to put on a decent score on the board later on in the innings, but the team lost next 8 wickets in quick succession and the scoreboard was 165/9 soon.
India lost 8 wickets for just 82 runs. The last wicket pair of Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma put on a 35 run stand to take the team total to 200 giving it some respectability.
England chasing the modest target lost Ian Bell cheaply to a ball that kept low due to uneven bounce in the pitch. Bell was given out lbw to delivery by Mohit Sharma.
After a breif stand of 26 runs Moeen Ali was out for 17 caught in the deep by Rayudu, then a flurry of wickets gave India a slight hope of coming back into the match. At that point in time the England score board read 66/5.
But Jos Butler joined a patient James Taylor, the duo put on a 121 run stand for the sixth wicket that brought England on the verge of the victory. James Taylor and Jos Butler then were out and England won by two wickets in the end.
Stuart Binny scalped three English batsmen on a docile pitch which supported seam bowling, justifying his selection in the playing eleven.
Valleyz.Blog
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
A must win game for England and India at Perth in Carlton Mid Tri series 2015
India and England meet at Perth in a semi-final like clash despite England having won a group stage match against India with a bonus point.
Washed out game at SCG provided India with the much needed life line and the team need to make the most of the opportunity.
Both England and India have been below par their potential in the tournament so far. Both the teams would be looking to make amends at Perth.
For India bowling is a big concern. Even if the batsmen put on a handsome total, Indian bowling department lacks wicket taking bowlers while containing the batsmen.
Despite the pitch at Perth traditionally supporting the bowlers, I personally think the team should go in with four bowlers, as this is not a game to experiment with the combination, but to go for an all out win. So going in with the best of ability should be the option.
Though England batting is not as strong as India's on the paper, Indian bowling still lack the control and the ability to provide crucial break through at regular intervals.
In Melbourne India lost wickets early and that held back the team to post on a big total, the team should prepare for alternative techniques while batting on fast and bouncy pitches.
Steve Smith and Dave Warner present the most solid technique one should have, while batting in Aussie conditions.
Smith shuffles around the stumps and doesn't allow the bowler to attack his off stump, and with his elegant stroke play on the on-side, he is a nightmare for the bowlers.
Warner on the other hand, no matter how good length you bowl at him, just finds a way to drive through the covers given slightest of width from the bowler.
Indian batsmen should adapt to the conditions fast and be at their best at attacking the poor balls and leaving alone the good ones. That's one area that Indian batsmen could improvise in on this tour.
The way Rohit Sharma batted at Melbourne had given India much relief as he was short of runs on this tour, but his injury is a concern for India in run up to the World Cup 2015, hopefully he recovers fully in time for warm up games.
Virat Kohli has remained quiet in the tri-series so far. Ajinkya Rahane didn't look like staying on for longer duration at crease.
And Shikhar Dhawan's form is a concern for the team, the opener is having a lean patch at the top. In my view he is still the best opener India can play despite his nagging form.
In the bowling department, I would prefer India should go in with Umesh, Shami, Bhuvneshwar and Ashwin.
England on the other hand has risen up to the occasion and posted the first 300 plus total of the tournament at the picturesque Bellerive Oval, Hobart, courtesy a well crafted hundred by an in form Ian Bell.
English camp also has experienced bowlers in James Anderson and Stuart Board. And most importantly Steven Finn is among the wickets for England.
The match should be an ideal preparation for the up coming World Cup 2015 for both the teams.
The pitch at Perth at WACA is known for fast conditions with bounce and carry.
Here's a web link providing some details of the WACA pitch in Perth
Perth Pitch Report by Sporting Life.com
Another web link to the WACA stadium.
WACA.com.au
Valleyz.Blog
Washed out game at SCG provided India with the much needed life line and the team need to make the most of the opportunity.
Both England and India have been below par their potential in the tournament so far. Both the teams would be looking to make amends at Perth.
For India bowling is a big concern. Even if the batsmen put on a handsome total, Indian bowling department lacks wicket taking bowlers while containing the batsmen.
Despite the pitch at Perth traditionally supporting the bowlers, I personally think the team should go in with four bowlers, as this is not a game to experiment with the combination, but to go for an all out win. So going in with the best of ability should be the option.
Though England batting is not as strong as India's on the paper, Indian bowling still lack the control and the ability to provide crucial break through at regular intervals.
In Melbourne India lost wickets early and that held back the team to post on a big total, the team should prepare for alternative techniques while batting on fast and bouncy pitches.
Steve Smith and Dave Warner present the most solid technique one should have, while batting in Aussie conditions.
Smith shuffles around the stumps and doesn't allow the bowler to attack his off stump, and with his elegant stroke play on the on-side, he is a nightmare for the bowlers.
Warner on the other hand, no matter how good length you bowl at him, just finds a way to drive through the covers given slightest of width from the bowler.
Indian batsmen should adapt to the conditions fast and be at their best at attacking the poor balls and leaving alone the good ones. That's one area that Indian batsmen could improvise in on this tour.
The way Rohit Sharma batted at Melbourne had given India much relief as he was short of runs on this tour, but his injury is a concern for India in run up to the World Cup 2015, hopefully he recovers fully in time for warm up games.
Virat Kohli has remained quiet in the tri-series so far. Ajinkya Rahane didn't look like staying on for longer duration at crease.
And Shikhar Dhawan's form is a concern for the team, the opener is having a lean patch at the top. In my view he is still the best opener India can play despite his nagging form.
In the bowling department, I would prefer India should go in with Umesh, Shami, Bhuvneshwar and Ashwin.
England on the other hand has risen up to the occasion and posted the first 300 plus total of the tournament at the picturesque Bellerive Oval, Hobart, courtesy a well crafted hundred by an in form Ian Bell.
English camp also has experienced bowlers in James Anderson and Stuart Board. And most importantly Steven Finn is among the wickets for England.
The match should be an ideal preparation for the up coming World Cup 2015 for both the teams.
The pitch at Perth at WACA is known for fast conditions with bounce and carry.
Here's a web link providing some details of the WACA pitch in Perth
Perth Pitch Report by Sporting Life.com
Another web link to the WACA stadium.
WACA.com.au
Valleyz.Blog
Friday, January 23, 2015
Australia leads the points table in the Carlton Mid Tri Series with another win against England
Australia won against England in their second round robin tie at picturesque venue, Bellerive Oval in Hobart today by three wickets. Set 304 to score Australia reached the target in the penultimate ball of the match.
Skipper Smith once again played the captain's innings and scored a century to win man of the match award at Blundstone arena.
With this win Australia remains at the top of the table with fifteen points, England in the second position with 5 points. Two matches remain to decide the team to play Australia in the final.
On 26th January India play Australia at Sydney and on 30th India will play against England. India need to win both the games to qualify for the final and England has to win at least one match with a better net run rate to pip India at the post.
Australia was without Warner and Shane Watson but still managed to beat England shows the depth of the Australian bench and it remains the favorite team to win the Tri-Series.
England could have put pressure on Australia after Ian Bell scored a big century, but couldn't capitalize on the platform provided by Ian Bell.
Earlier England scored at a brisk space to reach 100 run mark in 16th Over and 150 run mark in 25th Over.
Ian Bell reached 5000 runs in his 153 appearance for the England team.
India has struggled with both the ball and the bat in this tournament, electing to bat it lost out at the Gabba and in MCG Australia chased down the Indian total of 269 runs quite comfortably.
But the Toss could be vital at SCG, as the pitch is getting slower as the day progresses and is not easy to score runs under pressure.
Valleyz.Blog
Skipper Smith once again played the captain's innings and scored a century to win man of the match award at Blundstone arena.
With this win Australia remains at the top of the table with fifteen points, England in the second position with 5 points. Two matches remain to decide the team to play Australia in the final.
On 26th January India play Australia at Sydney and on 30th India will play against England. India need to win both the games to qualify for the final and England has to win at least one match with a better net run rate to pip India at the post.
Australia was without Warner and Shane Watson but still managed to beat England shows the depth of the Australian bench and it remains the favorite team to win the Tri-Series.
England could have put pressure on Australia after Ian Bell scored a big century, but couldn't capitalize on the platform provided by Ian Bell.
Earlier England scored at a brisk space to reach 100 run mark in 16th Over and 150 run mark in 25th Over.
Ian Bell reached 5000 runs in his 153 appearance for the England team.
India has struggled with both the ball and the bat in this tournament, electing to bat it lost out at the Gabba and in MCG Australia chased down the Indian total of 269 runs quite comfortably.
But the Toss could be vital at SCG, as the pitch is getting slower as the day progresses and is not easy to score runs under pressure.
Valleyz.Blog
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Batsmen need to fire for England and India in the 3rd ODI of Carlton-Mid Tri series
Australia comfortably won both the ODI's against England and India in a comprehensive manner. Both India and England have disastrous starts in their innings courtesy some fast and accurate bowling from Mitchell Starc who has now taken 10 wickets in two matches including a career best haul of 6/43 of 10 Overs in the match against India.
Australia are easily a stand out team in the tournament doing well with both bat and the ball to outplay the opposition. The main reason behind is the bench strength of Australia being so strong, that in the absence of pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson, Starc has provided Australia with breakthroughs.
But the long season ahead of 2015 World Cup could eventually have an effect on a team which is at it's best at the moment. Both India and England were below par their potential. If batsmen in England line up like Joe Root and Ian Bell fire for England, the side can pose questions to the opposition.
England didn't do that bad in the bowling department, at Sydney the pitch got slower and slower and batsmen earned their runs in one's and two's and it was not easy for the batsmen, as Dave Warner held the fort and made sure that the target is within the reach with a brilliant 127.
It will be interesting to see how the two teams England and India fare in the third ODI to be played on Tuesday.
India playing two off spinners and going in with 5 bowlers didn't helped the side much. India failed to put on a challenging total. At one stage the side was cruising at 159-3 after 31 overs and ended up adding only 108 runs in the remaining 19 Overs, shows that Indian middle order collapsed and could not pose a challenging total.
Though Indian top order failed to score, but given Rohit Sharma's big century and a 126 run partnership with Raina provided the stage India to fire later on in the innings.
Twin failures, the Indian top order and the lower middle order failing to fire put an arduous task on the bowlers. Given the strong response from Australia openers in Aaron Finch and Dave Warner, India tried hard. And at one stage tried to crawl back in to the match with some quick wickets of Bailey, Finch and Maxwell. There were not enough runs on the board to put the pressure on the batsmen.
Same was the case with England as the top order collapsed, Skipper Eoin Morgan resurrected the team in the middle with a well crafted 121 runs which included 11 fours and 3 sixes off 136 deliveries, but the lower middle order failed to fire to dash the teams hopes in the match.
Only team showing consistency so far is Australia which is leading the points tally.
Valleyz.Blog
Australia are easily a stand out team in the tournament doing well with both bat and the ball to outplay the opposition. The main reason behind is the bench strength of Australia being so strong, that in the absence of pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson, Starc has provided Australia with breakthroughs.
But the long season ahead of 2015 World Cup could eventually have an effect on a team which is at it's best at the moment. Both India and England were below par their potential. If batsmen in England line up like Joe Root and Ian Bell fire for England, the side can pose questions to the opposition.
England didn't do that bad in the bowling department, at Sydney the pitch got slower and slower and batsmen earned their runs in one's and two's and it was not easy for the batsmen, as Dave Warner held the fort and made sure that the target is within the reach with a brilliant 127.
It will be interesting to see how the two teams England and India fare in the third ODI to be played on Tuesday.
India playing two off spinners and going in with 5 bowlers didn't helped the side much. India failed to put on a challenging total. At one stage the side was cruising at 159-3 after 31 overs and ended up adding only 108 runs in the remaining 19 Overs, shows that Indian middle order collapsed and could not pose a challenging total.
Though Indian top order failed to score, but given Rohit Sharma's big century and a 126 run partnership with Raina provided the stage India to fire later on in the innings.
Twin failures, the Indian top order and the lower middle order failing to fire put an arduous task on the bowlers. Given the strong response from Australia openers in Aaron Finch and Dave Warner, India tried hard. And at one stage tried to crawl back in to the match with some quick wickets of Bailey, Finch and Maxwell. There were not enough runs on the board to put the pressure on the batsmen.
Same was the case with England as the top order collapsed, Skipper Eoin Morgan resurrected the team in the middle with a well crafted 121 runs which included 11 fours and 3 sixes off 136 deliveries, but the lower middle order failed to fire to dash the teams hopes in the match.
Only team showing consistency so far is Australia which is leading the points tally.
Valleyz.Blog
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