STRUGGLING AGAINST BANGLADESH

[stampy]

see we are struggling at the minute 6/145 still two hundred and plenty behind, i just wonder whether this is another case of not paying the respect we should be to the opposition - just like during the ashes series last year? we were 6/93 at one stage and it could still be disaster, so Gilly old sond prove me wrong (i think he has lost it) and thrash the shite out of "em

[noone]

for anyone with foxtel:

is Australia playing badly, as in clearly not focused frame of mind and not taking it seriously.. or are bangladesh actually playing well (or both?)

[ORDoubleBlues]

I wan't to make it clear that I am a bigger Brett Lee fan than I was about 18 months ago. Yesterday though he seemed more intent on intimidating the Bangladeshi batsman than bowling line and length. I guess though that if he had hit one or two in the head or rib cage it would have been considered a good tactic.
Let's also not forget that Bashar in particular is a batsman of some quality. He did make 3 50's out of 4 digs in the two test series here in Australia in 2003 and just going off memory, I seem to remember Bangladesh scoring over 300 on at least one occasion during that series.

[Adelaide Hawk]

I am only going on reports from others, but it would appear the Aussies were very lack lustre in the first session. Ponting's captain was hopeless as usual, poor field placements and use of bowlers. He didn't bring MacGill on to bowl until 1/204. Nice one Ricky. Bangladesh attacked the bowling, especially Warne. This is always the best way to play Warne. The moment batsmen start prodding and pushing at Warne their days are numbered.

The pitch was supposed to be a belter, but it isn't. It has two speeds, variable turn, and worse still, varying bounce. Our batsmen weren't making the ball come onto the bat as the Bangladesh players were doing. Australia is being outplayed in all aspects of the game, and I wonder if Bangladesh may be so bold as to query the Test status of Australia based on this performance.

[Booney]

6/140 odd with Gilly 51 and BLee 14,needing 80-odd to avoid the follow on.

Does any one think this series has come along just at the right time for the Bangladeshi's? A long summer involving 6 tests against Smithy's men,and now we go to Bangladesh with nothing to gain...Who would be motivated at this point in time for the Aussies?

[Rik E Boy]

Been watching a fair bit of this match on Foxtel. Day one, a road with a tired attack trying to bowl bouncers and getting jack shit out of the wicket. Warney into the attack and he looks sore. Lee badly in need of a rest and blow me down these Bangers can actually bat when the ball is in their half. No surprise that the two most effective bowlers are blokes who did not tour South Africa with it's bowler friendly wickets.

Day two the wicket has turned feral with as many balls keeping low as the MCG at it's early 1980's worst. Matty Hayden, Punter and Marto all out to balls that kept low..this is on the second day mind you. 5/80 then Gilly dug in for us to recover to 6/145. The Bangladeshis are seriously fired up, bolting around the field like rabbits running away from greyhounds and using the home conditions to perfection. Rafique is bowling a beatiful line and length and is getting a lot of turn.

They have outplayed a weary Australian unit in all facets of the game and should go on to capture their second test win. Make no mistake, it will take a huge performance from the Aussies to save this game. However, it is fantatistic cricket to watch and a win here by the home side would be a huge bonus for the game in Bangladesh. Perhaps Punter should have kept is mouth shut!!

regards,

REB

[drebin]

and Marto all out to balls that kept low..this is on the second day mind you

I agree with your summary there REB but Damian Martyn seriously needs to review his dismissal. He played back to a ball that pithced about 2 feet in front of the crease. If he played forward it would have almost been a full toss and he should have slapped it through the covers for a boundary. Terrible shot making decision in the end. Overall I was very suprised how much the Australians played back last night - much to their own peril as it turned out?

[JK]

6/140 odd with Gilly 51 and BLee 14,needing 80-odd to avoid the follow on.

Does any one think this series has come along just at the right time for the Bangladeshi's? A long summer involving 6 tests against Smithy's men,and now we go to Bangladesh with nothing to gain...Who would be motivated at this point in time for the Aussies?

Given our assignment next summer perhaps it's come along at the right time for us too? Generally our poorest cricket has been played in a lack-lustre manner riddled with complacency, so a poor result against these guys could further strengthen our resolve to make improvements prior to the Ashes series?

[eags]

Looks like next test could see Johnson and Cullen make their debut.

With a population the size of Bangladesh and a good coaching structure in place, it is only a matter of time before they will become a strong cricketing nation.

[Rik E Boy]

Looks like next test could see Johnson and Cullen make their debut.

With a population the size of Bangladesh and a good coaching structure in place, it is only a matter of time before they will become a strong cricketing nation.

...on their own decks. None of the subcontinental nations have ever come to grips with the extra bounce of Australian pitches.

regards,

REB

[blink]

Looks like next test could see Johnson and Cullen make their debut.

You are right about Cullen eags, he has been flown over to Bangladesh today as cover for Warney, as his shoulder has been playing up. Bracken has also joined him, and looks like being elevated before Johnson should the need arise...

[stan]

7/178, still 50 runs before we reach the follow on. Hang in there Dizz.

[BobNorth]

Lee was out LBW.

[Rik E Boy]

Even if we get knocked over the Bangers won't enforce the follow on. The last thing they would want to do is bat last and have to chase 150 on that deck.

regards,

REB

[blink]

This is Dizzy's batting speciality, if anyone can hang around it is him.
Also noticed that Gilchrist's strike rate is around only 60! Don't think there would have been many, if any, times when his strike rate has been that low when he has been on 70 odd not out!

[spell_check]

200 up.

7/201
Gillespie 16*
Gilchrist 86*

[eags]

You are right about Cullen eags, he has been flown over to Bangladesh today as cover for Warney, as his shoulder has been playing up. Bracken has also joined him, and looks like being elevated before Johnson should the need arise...

Clark and/or Lee may miss the next test with injuries.

[spell_check]

Lunch 7/226

Best partnership of the innings so far - 70*

Gilchrist - 104* - joins a select group to score a century against every Test playing nation
Gillespie - 24* - 2nd top scorer in the innings.

[Dissident]

Lunch 7/226

Best partnership of the innings so far - 70*

Gilchrist - 104* - joins a select group to score a century against every Test playing nation
Gillespie - 24* - 2nd top scorer in the innings.

Only two aren't there?
Or at least, two before this one.

Steve Waugh? Or was it Mark - I can't remember. And .. Lara?

[LionsGalSA]

This is Dizzy's batting speciality, if anyone can hang around it is him.

Jason values his wickek and has alwys given his heart and soul whenever he plays for Australia, he's a fighter. This is why I always believed he would make it back into the test team and prove everyone wrong

now we know why 9 and ABC arent covering it - they dont want to have to commentate while dizzy perfomances leave them with egg on their face

Great tone by Gilly - even though its the bangers but in the context of where the game is at, this is up there with his best.