Re: Ashes 2023
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 4:00 pmI fell asleep not long after they resumed after the first rain break, but luckily woke up just after Head walked out to bat with Australia 3 for 198.
That was as well as Head has batted. With Smith solid at the other end, the partnership stretching over 100 and the English bowlers absolutely struggling - Australia had their foot on England's throat. Root was brought on and the Australian's could've done as they pleased. Unfortunately, Head, much like Bazball itself, was unable to lower a gear and Root outsmarted him, pushing a wide ball to a pre-meditated dance down the wicket by Head and a good stumping by Bairstow with Head no where near it. Really only Head's 2nd mistake for the innings - it was a brilliant 77 that looked for all money that it was going to be the fastest century by an Australian, surpassing Victor Trumper's century off 95 balls and up until the swipe against Root, he was doing it effortlessly. Cam Green then went across the line 2nd ball and embarrassingly top edged a pull shot off Root to Anderson at mid off.
That left Carey to navigate an uncomfortable last 30 minutes before stumps and a couple with the new ball. It was a great day for Australia anyway given the overcast conditions and being sent in, but 3 or 4 down for 330 odd would've put Australia right on top. As it is, if Carey can help Smith to another Lords century and see out much of the 2nd new ball, Australia can bat on and put England out of the game.
It must have been a good innings by Warner to get a valuable 66. Khawaja batted time and Labuschagne with a decent contribution.
Smith is as hungry for runs as any batter we've seen. Look forward to hopefully he and Carey putting on a partnership, but if not, watching him up the gears and bat with the tail to push Australia's score to 450 plus. Our bowlers will like this wicket and Lyon may get some spin too. A big score on the board after being sent in and watch the English crack.
That was as well as Head has batted. With Smith solid at the other end, the partnership stretching over 100 and the English bowlers absolutely struggling - Australia had their foot on England's throat. Root was brought on and the Australian's could've done as they pleased. Unfortunately, Head, much like Bazball itself, was unable to lower a gear and Root outsmarted him, pushing a wide ball to a pre-meditated dance down the wicket by Head and a good stumping by Bairstow with Head no where near it. Really only Head's 2nd mistake for the innings - it was a brilliant 77 that looked for all money that it was going to be the fastest century by an Australian, surpassing Victor Trumper's century off 95 balls and up until the swipe against Root, he was doing it effortlessly. Cam Green then went across the line 2nd ball and embarrassingly top edged a pull shot off Root to Anderson at mid off.
That left Carey to navigate an uncomfortable last 30 minutes before stumps and a couple with the new ball. It was a great day for Australia anyway given the overcast conditions and being sent in, but 3 or 4 down for 330 odd would've put Australia right on top. As it is, if Carey can help Smith to another Lords century and see out much of the 2nd new ball, Australia can bat on and put England out of the game.
It must have been a good innings by Warner to get a valuable 66. Khawaja batted time and Labuschagne with a decent contribution.
Smith is as hungry for runs as any batter we've seen. Look forward to hopefully he and Carey putting on a partnership, but if not, watching him up the gears and bat with the tail to push Australia's score to 450 plus. Our bowlers will like this wicket and Lyon may get some spin too. A big score on the board after being sent in and watch the English crack.
