Champions League Match Day 2: Group Stages

Basel strike twice to shock Chelsea

Chelsea 1 v 2 Basel Hazard (45), Salah (71), Streller (82)


Two late Basel goals sink Chelsea. Chelsea dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead just before half time as Eden Hazard slotted home from close range. Basel came into the game a lot more in the second half which provided a much closer contest. Basel equalised with twenty minutes to go after Salah curled his shot past Cech. Incredibly, Basel took the lead with eight minutes to go as Streller scored with a header at the near post from a corner as Chelsea were left stunned. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Streller who scored the winning goal. Chelsea were the better team in the first half and rightly led at the break. However, Basel were much more of a threat in the second half and deserved to equalise. Nobody saw Basel winning the game though and Chelsea will be very annoyed to have let the game slip away from them. 

Marseille 1 v 2 Arsenal Walcott (65), Ramsay (84), Ayew (Pen, 90)


Arsenal claim vital away victory in Marseille. The first half was evenly contested as both teams were cautious of going forward. Gibbs denied Marseille taking the lead after the break by clearing off the line to keep the game level at 0-0. Arsenal took the lead just after the hour mark as Walcott volleyed past the goalkeeper. Ramsay gave Arsenal a crucial 2-0 lead in the last six minutes after firing in from close range. However, it was Ramsay who conceded a late penalty which Ayem duly converted. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Aaron Ramsay who starred in the Arsenal midfield. A close game which Arsenal will be delighted to have won as they may very well need all the points they can accumulate in order to progress from their challenging group. 

Best Goal: Theo Walcott with his spectacular volley.

Champions League Match Day 1: Group Stages

Opening wins for Man United and Man City

Plzen 0 v 3 Manchester City Dzeko (48), Toure (53), Aguero (58)


Man City cruise to victory away to Plzen. The first half was dominated by City who came close to opening the scoring but were denied by the post and goalkeeper. Dzeko had an early header saved before Aguero hit the post. Kolarov had a shot saved before Aguero hit the post again before half time. It was more of the same in the second half with City increasing their pressure on goal. Dzeko eased City's nerves by finding the net three minutes after the break with a placed shot into the bottom corner after Aguero's lay off. Yaya Toure doubled City's lead five minutes later with a stunning strike from distance which flew into the top corner. Sergio Aguero ended the game before the half hour mark to give City a 3-0 lead after curling his shot into the corner. Plzen nearly scored a consolation goal but their strike struck the crossbar. Aguero came close to his second goal of the night but could only blaze over the bar. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Sergio Aguero who played pivotal parts in two of the City goals. City will be really pleased with their comfortable victory which will boost their confidence in Europe. The scoreline was very kind to Plzen who could have been hit for six as City dominated the whole game.

Manchester United 4 v 2 Bayer Leverkusen Rooney (22, 70), Rolfes (54), Van Persie (59), Valencia (79), Toprak (88)


United get off to great start in champions league. Wayne Rooney settled United's nerves after converting Evra's cross to put the home side ahead. United should have been 2-0 up but Rooney somehow managed to miss an open goal after playing a cross to Van Persie. Leverkusen came out strongly at the start of the second half and levelled the match after Rolfes took a shot which deflected off a defender and beat De Gea. Van Persie restored United's lead five minutes later after scoring with a brilliant overhead kick. Rooney then scored his second of the night with a near post shot. Valencia put United 4-1 up after scoring with a driven shot that went straight through the goalkeeper. Leverkusen struck late on in the game as Toprak tapped in from close range after Reinatz header came back off the bar. Van Persie should have scored his second goal of the game in the dying moments but managed to miss an goal. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Wayne Rooney who shone in tonight's game. United should have scored two more goals but both Rooney and Van Persie missed open goals. A very dominant performance from United who will look to take this form into the weekend. 

Best Goal: Yaya Toure for his long range screamer. 

Monday Night Football Game Week 4

Michu salvages point for Swansea


Swansea 2 v 2 Liverpool Shelvey (2), Sturridge (4), Moses (36), Michu (84)

 Jonjo Shelvey had a game to remember after being involved in all four goals. It was the perfect start to his and Swansea's game as Shelvey provided a good finish to give Swansea the lead inside the second minute. However, Liverpool equalised almost straight away after Shelvey's back pass was picked up by Sturridge who coolly slotted home. Before the first half ended, Moses picked up Shelvey's misplaced pass and brilliantly smashed home from long range to put Liverpool ahead. Shelvey managed to make up for his poor passes in the first half by giving the ball to Michu, with only six minutes to go, who scored to level the match at 2-2. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match has to go to Jonjo Shelvey as he was involved in all four goals. It was a fairly even game but Shelvey cost Swansea both goals in the first half. Luckily for Swansea, Shelvey managed to provide an assist for the right team as Michu deservedly levelled the match.

Best Goal: Victor Moses scored a fierce shot to the near post.

Super Sunday Game Week 4

Jaaskalainen denies Saints victory


Southampton 0 v 0 West Ham

Jussi Jaaskalainen pulled off a string of fine saves to deny Southampton from getting the winning goal. It was a fairly mundane game as both teams failed to create many chances. Rickie Lambert came the closest to getting the winner but his shot bounced back off the post. The game was largely dominated by Southampton but a stunning performance from West Ham goalkeeper Jaskalainen proved to be the difference between the two sides after multiple top saves kept West Ham in the game and ultimately gave them a point. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Jussi Jaskalainen for somehow keeping a clean sheet. Southampton will be disappointed to not have come away with a win as they dominated the game completely. West Ham didn't turn up and created nothing during the entire match. Jaskalainen just had one of those games where he saved anything and everything. 

Soccer Saturday Game Week 4

Sunderland 1 v 3 Arsenal Giroud (11), Gardner (p,48), Ramsay (67 and 76)

Ramsay double sinks Sunderland. Arsenal started the game in good fashion and in the 11th minute opened the scoring when Giroud headed in Ozil's cross. Sunderland almost immediately levelled but Diakite headed onto the bar. Altidore had a long range shot saved comfortably whilst Walcott had two shots saved as well as heading wide before half time. Two minutes into the second half and Sunderland were awarded a penalty after Johnson was fouled by Koscielny inside the box. Gardner coolly slotted the penalty into the back of the net to equalise. Sunderland thought they had taken the lead but Fletcher's goal was disallowed for offside. Gardner nearly gave Sunderland the lead but his free kick bounced off the post, only to roll across the goal face. However, it was Arsenal who took the lead as in form Ramsay volleyed in Jenkinson's cross. The referee then controversially disallowed Altidore's goal for already having blown for a free kick. Sunderland's day got even worse as Ramsay scored his second of the game by slotting home Giroud's pass. It was all too much for Di Canio who was eventually sent off from the dugout. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Aaron Ramsay who continued his great form and scoring streak. Ozil impressed in what was a dominant first half for Arsenal. However, Sunderland really deserved to lead in the second half as they were hard done by from the woodwork and officials. Arsenal got away with one there. 

Everton 1 v 0 Chelsea Naismith (45)

Naismith snatches win for Everton. Chelsea were on top in the first half but they failed to convert any of their chances in front of goal. Eto'o headed over early on before Jelavic had a header saved. Chelsea should have opened the scoring but Eto'o had his effort blocked in front of an open goal. Ramires had a shot well saved before Ivanovic headed wide. However, it was Naismith who put Everton in front after headed in from close range just before half time. The second half contained more pressure from Chelsea but Everton defended strongly. Schuurle chipped into the side netting just after time before Hazard had his shot blocked and Eto'o put the rebound wide. Mirallas came close to doubling Everton's lead but his free kick was saved before having another shot saved. In the closing minutes, Baines hit the bar with a free kick as Chelsea failed to equalise.

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Barkley for an impressive midfield performance. Chelsea certainly had their chances throughout the match but failed to convert any as Eto'o looked out of sorts. A typically solid effort from Everton who will be delighted to take victory from this game.

Tottenham 2 v 0 Norwich Sigurdsson (28 and 49)

Sigurdsson double sinks Norwich. Tottenham largely dominated the game in the first half and created plenty of opportunities to score. Soldado came close early on but his shot hit the post. Eriksen blasted over before Soldado had a shot that deflected wide. Tottenham took the lead just before the half an hour mark as Sigurdsson curled into the far corner after a neat interchange with Eriksen. Norwich created their first chance just before the break but Van Wolfswinkel's effort was blocked. Soon after the break, Sigurdsson doubled his and Spurs' tally for the afternoon by tapping in a Paulinho cross. Tottenham continued their attack as Sigurdsson had another shot well saved before Townsend had his shot blocked. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Christian Eriksen for his brilliant creativity in the Spurs midfield. Tottenham really dominated this game and should have scored a few more to reflect how the match went. A very poor showing from Norwich who will hope for better away days.

Man United 2 v 0 Crystal Palace Van Persie (45), Rooney (80)

Van Persie and Rooney give United victory. Manchester United dominated the first half but failed to create many chances. It was a poor start from Young who was given a yellow card for diving inside the box, much to David Moyes agitation. Van Persie came closest to scoring five minutes before half time after his volley crashed off the crossbar. Gayle had Palace's best chance of the first half but could only chip wide of the post. On the stroke of half time, Young was brought down legitimately inside the box after being fouled by Dikgacoi which resulted in the referee pointing to the spot. Further punishment for Palace was handed out as Dikgacoi was given a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Van Persie duly converted the penalty to give United the lead going into half time. The second half was a United onslaught but it took a while for them to double their lead. Young and Fellaini both had their shots well saved before Rooney scored with a curling free kick 10 minutes before the end. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Wayne Rooney for showing lots of quality on the ball as well as scoring with a great free kick. United ultimately deserved to win as they dominated the match but Palace will feel aggrieved by the penalty decision and resulting sending off as it was an ambiguous call from the referee. 

Aston Villa 1 v 2 Newcastle Ben Arfa (12), Benteke (67), Gouffran (73)

Gouffran steals points for Newcastle. It was a closely contested first half at Villa Park but Ben Arfa opened the scoring in the 12th minute after slotting home from Remy's cross. Villa couldn't find a reply before half time as Clark could only shoot into the side netting. Villa were a better team in the second half but they wasted plenty of chances with Agbonlahor scuffing wide before Ben Arfa had an effort saved. Benteke managed to equalise for Villa after heading in from a corner. However, their lead didn't last very long as Gouffran slotted home from a parried save six minutes later to put Newcastle back in front. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Hatem Ben Arfa who was the difference between the two teams today. Newcastle showed signs of improvement at Villa today and will hope that continues. Villa created chances but were very sloppy with their finishing in front of goal.

Stoke City 0 v 0 Man City

Stoke hold Man City to goalless draw. The first half was fairly even with both teams creating chances. Walters amazingly headed wide before Negredo curled his shot over the bar. Jones had a shot blocked before Kolarov hit a free kick over before half time. It was more of the same in the second half as neither team could convert any of their chances. Walters missed the ball from a low cross before Jovetic volleyed over. Jones headed over the bar whilst Jovetic headed wide at the other end. Hart spared Man City's embarrassment after saving from a deflection off Nastasic. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Charlie Adam who had the most creative influence on the pitch. Stoke really should have won this game but Walters just couldn't put the ball in the net. Man City didn't look very creative and deserved to only get the draw.

Hull City 1 v 1 Cardiff City Davies (40), Whittingham (59)

Whittingham earns Cardiff draw. In a closely contested first half, it was Hull who took the lead before half time. Graham had an early shot go wide before Campbell had his effort saved. Aluko shot into the side netting before Huddlestone had a shot saved. Davies opened the scoring five minutes before half time to put Hull into the lead after heading in a cross. Cardiff struck back to equalise on the hour mark as Whittingham converted from a well placed cross. Gunnarsson headed wide before Aluko had his goal disallowed for offside. 

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Aluko for being a constant threat up front for Hull. A draw was a fair result here but Hull had the better chances to come away with a win.

Fulham 1 v 1 West Brom Sidwell (21), McCauley (90)

McCauley salvages a late point for West Brom. Fulham deserved to be in the lead going into half time as they created more opportunities. However, it was Brunt who had the first shot on goal but his effort was saved. Sidwell put Fulham ahead after smashing in from a corner before Berbatov had his goal ruled out for offside. Soon after the break, Berbatov had another goal disallowed for offside before Anichebe had his shot saved. Berbatov saw his overhead kick go over the bar before Ruiz actually hit the bar with his shot. Fulham had yet another goal ruled out as Rodallega was adjudged to be offside. In a late twist to the game, McCauley scored with a header in the dying moments to equalise for West Brom.

My Opinion:

My man of the match was Steve Sidwell for being a driving force in midfield. Fulham should have won this game but Berbatov really needs to stay onside. West Brom will be pleased to snatch a late point.

Best Goal of the Day: Both Ramsay goals are today's contenders but his first goal was the better goal.

Performance of the Day: Everton played very well and deserved their win over Chelsea.

Upset of the Day: Chelsea failing to score and losing to Everton. 

England v Australia ODI 5 (Ageas Bowl)

Watson hits 143 as Australia win Series 2-1

Australia 298 (49.1) beat England 249 (48) by 49 runs (Australia win ODI Series 2-1).

Australia wrapped up the ODI Series after Shane Watson hit 143 in what turned out to be match winning innings. England got off to a decent start as Stokes and Jordan reduced Australia to 48-3 in the first 10 overs. However, a 150 partnership between Watson and Clarke turned the game in favour of Australia as they reached 211-3 at the end of the 31st over. The partnership was broken when Jordan dismissed Clarke for 75 whilst Buttler compounded the misery for Australia after stumping Bailey for 4, leaving the visitors 221-5. Watson completed his century off 87 balls before getting out for 143, putting Australia in a strong position. Stokes took his fifth wicket of the innings after dismissing Johnson for 2 before Australia were all out for 298 in the last over. 
It was not the start England wanted as they chased down their challenging target as Pietersen was run out in the first over. Things only got worse as Australia reduced England to 68-4. Morgan put on a decent 30 but was stumped by Wade after walking down the wicket. Bopara and Buttler scored well in the middle order but were both dismissed in the space of two overs as England's hopes of winning started to vanish. Stokes put on a valiant stand but England were bowled out for 249 as Australia claimed a 49 run victory and won the ODI Series 2-1. 

My Opinion:

England failed to improve on a good bowling start. Australia were down to 48-3 before Watson and Clarke changed the game completely with their 150 run partnership. Watson in particular was in devastating form, smashing the ball all over the field. England showed some spirit to bowl Australia out in the end but the damage had already been done by Watson and Clarke. Another poor top order start from England cost them yet again. Pietersen, Carberry, Root and Wright all under performed and it cost England dearly. Bopara and Morgan put on a decent stand whilst Buttler could not provide another majestic batting display. The England tail end was dismissed in quick succession as Australia deservedly won the match and the series. 


Match Guide: Key Moments:

Australia won the toss and elected to bat.

Australia Innings:

(3.1): 13-1, Hughes 2 (9), caught Carberry, Jordan.
(9): 47-1, Rain stops play.
(9.4): 48-2, Finch 26 (32), 6 fours, caught Morgan, Stokes.
(9.5): 48-3, Wade 0 (1), caught Buttler, Stokes.
(11): 53-3.
(18): 100-3, 50 partnership between Watson 38* and Clarke 22*.
(22): 129-3, 50 for Watson off 49 balls.
(24): 149-3, 100 partnership between Watson 78* and Clarke 31*.
(25): 152-3, Watson 78*, Clarke 34*.
(28): 180-3, 50 for Clarke off 58 balls.
(30): 202-3, 150 partnership between Watson 89* and Clarke 72*.
(32): 211-4, Clarke 75 (76), 10 fours and 1 six, caught Pietersen, Jordan.
(35.2): 221-5, Bailey 4 (14), stumped Buttler, Root.
(37): 227-5, 100 for Watson off 87 balls.
(40.3): 244-6, Voges 8 (17), caught Buttler, Stokes.
(43): 251-6.
(44.4): 282-7, Watson 143 (107), 12 fours, 6 sixes, caught Buttler, Stokes.
(45): 284-8, Johnson 2 (2), caught and bowled by Stokes (five wicket haul).
(48.4): 294-9, Faulkner 10 (19), caught Buttler, Jordan.
(49.1): 298 all out, Mckay 5 (16), caught Root, Rankin. Ahmed 4*(2), 1 four.

England Innings:

(0.4): 1-1, Pietersen 0 (1), run out by Ahmed.
(12.5): 50-2, Carberry 30 (50), 4 fours, lbw Faulkner.
(15.5): 64-3, Root 21 (36), bowled by Johnson.
(16.5): 68-4, Wright 0 (1), run out by Bailey.
(24): 100-4.
(25.1): 103-5, Morgan 30 (39), 3 fours, stumped by Wade, Voges.
(33): 152-5.
(34): 159-5, 50 partnership between Bopara and Buttler.
(35): 165-5, 50 for Bopara. 
(38): 195-6, Buttler 42 (37), 4 fours, bowled by Faulkner.
(39.1): 197-7, Bopara 62 (66), 5 fours, caught Voges, Johnson.
(41): 201-7.
(46): 236-8, Jordan 14 (25), 1 four, caught Bailey, Watson.
(46.5): 240-9, Stokes 27 (25), 2 fours and 1 six, caught Clarke, Faulkner.
(48): 249 all out, Rankin 4 (4), bowled by Ahmed, Tredwell 5 (4), 1 four. Tredwell 5*(7), 1 four.
Australia win by 49 runs and win Series 2-1.

 Player of the Day: Shane Watson for scoring 143 runs.

Bowler of the Day: Ben Stokes for taking 5 wickets.

Batsmen of the Day: Shane Watson scored 143 runs off 107 balls.

Highlight of the Day: Shane Watson scoring his century.

Disappointment of the Day: Two golden ducks for England.

England player of the Series: Jos Buttler shone with the bat and gloves.

Australia player of the Series: Shane Watson scored valuable runs in each ODI. 

England v Australia ODI 4 (Cardiff)

Jos Buttler hits 65 not out to secure victory for England

England 231-7 (49.3 overs) beat Australia 227 all out (48.2 overs) by 3 wickets (ODI Series level 1-1).

Jos Buttler scored 65 not out off 48 balls to give England victory with just three balls to go in a thrilling one day international. Australia got off to a slow start as they were reduced to 57-4 in the 14th over. Voges and Bailey managed to rebuild the Australian innings with a 50 partnership but Bopara bowled Voges for 30 as the visitors fell to 124-5. Bailey and Wade then recovered the innings further with another 50 partnership which saw Australia pass 200 runs. However, it was a minor batting collapse during the last six overs as Australia lost five wickets for 16 runs. Tredwell took a quick three wicket brace which included bowling out both Johnson and Mckay as Australia finished on 227 after 48.2 overs. 
It may have been a slow start in the Australian innings but it was even worse for England as Mckay took a hat trick at the start of the second over to reduce England to 8-3 with Trott and Root receiving golden ducks. Carberry and Morgan gave England some stability to their innings by putting on a century partnership which put them 108-3. However, Australia hit back with a rapid three wickets to reduce England to 144-6 as Morgan, Carberry and Bopara were all dismissed. Luckily for England Jos Buttler was in fine form as he hit 65 off 48 balls to win the match for England with only three balls to go after a nervous final two overs. With their 3 wicket victory, England levelled the Series at 1-1 with only one game to go. 

My Opinion:

That was a very thrilling game with all sorts happening throughout the match. England's bowlers had a better game and gave England a reachable target. Credit must go to Tredwell for his vital part in taking those final five wickets at the end of the Australian Innings which was a poor effort from the tail enders. It looked to me as though England were going to crumble yet again after Mckay took an amazing hat-trick. Although, not sure what Trott or Root were doing playing their strokes after seeing wickets fall before them. Thankfully, Carberry showed why he was picked for the Series whilst Morgan showed resilience to get England back in the game. Another loss of three quick wickets worried me as England lost their power hitters in the middle order. Luckily for England, Buttler is a match winner and his brilliant knock literally smashed Australia out of the game. A very tense ending but Buttler dutifully finishes it off in style. England are now back in the Series at 1-1 and with one game to play it is up for grabs for both teams. 



Match Guide: Key Moments:

England win the toss and elect to bowl.

Australia Innings:

(0.1): 1-1, Finch 0 (1), lbw, Finn.
(4): 11-2, Watson 6 (11), 1 four, caught Buttler, Rankin.
(12): 50-2.
(12.5): 51-3, Marsh 25 (40), 5 fours, caught Buttler, Stokes.
(13.3): 57-4, Clarke 22 (28), 3 fours, lbw, Finn.
(27): 106-4.
(28): 107-4, 50 partnership between Voges and Bailey off 87 balls.
(30): 124-5, Voges 30 (52), 2 fours, bowled by Bopara.
(33): 142-5, 50 for Bailey off 57 balls.
(34): 153-5.
(38): 177-5, 50 partnership between Wade and Bailey.
(41): 204-5.
(42.2): 209-6, Wade 36 (40), 3 fours, caught Carberry, Tredwell.
(42.5): 210-7, Faulkner 1 (3), run out by Trott.
(45): 218-8, Johnson 4 (6), bowled by Tredwell.
(45.2): 218-9, Bailey 87 (91), 5 fours and 3 sixes, caught Buttler, Rankin.
(48.2): 227 all out, Mckay 2 (12), bowled by Tredwell. Coulter-Nile 7*(6), 1 four.

England Innings:

(2.1): 8-1, Pietersen 5 (8), 1 four, lbw, Mckay.
(2.2): 8-2, Trott 0 (1), caught Finch, Mckay.
(2.3): 8-3, Root 0 (1), caught Watson, Mckay (Hat-Trick).
(19): 50-3, Carberry 19*, Morgan 23*.
(22): 61-3, 50 partnership between Carberry 28* and Morgan 25*.
(29): 101-3, Carberry 41*, Morgan 44*.
(30.4): 108-3, 100 partnership between Carberry and Morgan.
(30.5): 112-4, Morgan 53 (92), 7 fours, bowled by Watson.
(34): 126-5, Carberry 63 (95), 7 fours, bowled by Coulter-Nile.
(38.4): 144-6, Bopara 7 (19), lbw, Faulkner.
(40): 159-6.
(45): 196-6, 50 partnership between Buttler and Stokes.
(46): 205-6.
(47): 210-6, 50 for Buttler off 41 balls.
(48.1): 219-7, Stokes 25 (29), 3 fours, bowled by Mckay. 
(49.3): 231-7, England win by 3 wickets. Buttler 65*(48), 5 fours and 2 sixes. Tredwell 1*(4).

Player of the Day: Jos Buttler for his match winning knock of 65*.

Bowler of the Day: Clinton Mckay for taking 4 wickets and a hat-trick.

Batsmen of the Day: George Bailey for scoring 87 runs.

Highlight of the Day: Mckay taking a hat-trick was special.

Disappointment of the Day: England's top order failing to deliver again. 

England v Australia ODI 3 (Edgbaston)

Match abandoned due to persistent rain

England 59-3 (15.1 overs) Match Abandoned, No Result (Australia lead ODI Series 1-0).

It was a frustrating day at Edgbaston as the rain meant the match had to be abandoned. This is the second time the match has had to be abandoned due to persistent rainfall following the no result achieved at Headingley. There was a short period of play as England were reduced to 59-3 after 15 overs but play was disrupted for the final time. Australia maintain their 1-0 lead in the series with two matches scheduled to play. 

My Opinion:

Another disappointing day as the rain forced the players off. Two matches have now been abandoned so this Series has turned into a best of three Series. England got off to another woeful start in the time they did have at the crease so it was probably for the best that the rain came. The top order really needs to stop losing early and cheap wickets if they want to have a chance of winning a ODI against Australia. There are two more matches left to play so England still have a chance of turning things around but I don't remain hopeful after seeing how poorly they have played so far. 



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Australia win the toss and elect to bowl.

England Innings:

14.00: Rain delays the start of play.
(1): 5-1, Carberry 1 (3), run out by Mckay.
(5.3): 26-2, Pietersen 6 (17), 1 four, caught Bailey, Johnson. 
(12): 51-2, Trott 26*, Root 11*.
(13.3): 52-3, Root 12 (24), 1 four, caught and bowled by Voges.
(15.1): 59-3, Rain stops play.
19.09: Match Abandoned due to rain. No Result.

Player of the Day: Jonathan Trott scored an unbeaten 26 runs.

Bowler of the Day: Voges for his one wicket.

Batsmen of the Day: Jonathan Trott for scoring 26 not out.

Highlight of the Day: Players coming out to play.

Disappointment of the Day: The persistent rainfall. 

England v Australia ODI 2 (Old Trafford)

Clarke scores century as Australia take first blood

Australia 315-7 (50 overs) beat England 227 (44.2 overs) by 88 runs. (Australia lead ODI Series 1-0).

Australia captain Michael Clarke set a fitting example to the rest of his team by scoring a match winning century. England won the toss earlier in the day and decided to bowl in what turned out to be a poor decision. Australia didn't get off to the best start as Marsh was dismissed by Finn from the fourth ball of the ball innings. However, the visitors came back strongly as Clarke hit 105 whilst Bailey smashed 82 as Australia scored 315-7 after their 50 overs. England got off to a terrible start as they were reduced to 38-3 in the 11th over. Pietersen and Morgan both hit fifties but were dismissed soon after as England struggled. Jos Buttler entertained with a blockbuster 75 off 65 balls but was caught in the field by Johnson as all England's hopes were crushed. Finn prolonged the innings for a while longer Mckay dismissed him for 16 as England were bowled out for 227 in the 45th over as Australia claimed an 88 run victory to lead the ODI Series 1-0.

My Opinion:

Disappointing bowling and top order batting effort from England as they really struggled. Australia were very impressive the bat and in particular Clarke and Bailey for their large contributions. England had the potential to chase down their target but am awful start to their innings left them fighting an inevitable fate. Carberry, Trott and Root couldn't manage double figures between them and that really is just not good enough. Morgan and Pietersen gave it a decent go with their fifties but when both had been dismissed that was the end for me. I really enjoyed Buttler's innings of 75 as he turned into a batting monster. However, he was caught on the boundary and that was that. England will need to improve their bowling and batting at the top if they want any hope of beating a decent Australia side. 



Match Guide: Key Moments:

England won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Australia Innings:

(0.4): 0-1, Marsh 0 (4), caught Buttler, Finn.
(11): 51-1, 50 partnership between Finch 19* and Watson 32*.
(12.4): 60-2, Watson 38 (51), 6 fours and 1 six, caught Buttler, Bopara.
(20): 104-2, Finch 39*, Clarke 26*.
(21.1): 110-2, 50 partnership between Finch 41* and Clarke 32*.
(21.5): 116-3, Finch 45 (45), 4 fours and 1 six, caught Root, Tredwell.
(29): 151-3, Clarke 46*, Bailey 21*.
(30): 159-3, 50 for Clarke.
(31): 170-3, 50 partnership between Clarke 58* and Bailey 28*.
(36): 204-3, Clarke 76*, Bailey 43*.
(38): 220-3, 50 for Bailey, 100 partnership.
(42): 259-3, Clarke 93*, Bailey 80*.
(43.1): 269-3, 100 for Clarke, 150 partnership.
(43.3): 271-4, Bailey 82 (67), 5 fours and 4 sixes, caught Tredwell, Bopara.
(46.2): 283-5, Clarke 105 (102), 14 fours, caught Buttler, Rankin.
(46.3): 283-6, Wade 0 (1), bowled by Rankin.
(49): 307-6, Voges 15*, Faulkner 18*.
(49.2): 308-7, Faulkner 18 (11), 2 fours and 1 six, caught Morgan, Finn.
(50): 315-7, Voges 16*(16), Johnson 6*(4), 1 four. 

England Innings:

(3.5): 8-1, Carberry 4 (11), 1 four, caught Clarke, Johnson. 
(4) 9-2, Trott 0 (1), caught Wade, Johnson.
(10.2): 38-3, Root 3 (15), bowled by Faulkner.
(14): 53-3, Pietersen 35*, Morgan 8*.
(18), 83-3, 50 for Pietersen off 54 balls.
(19): 88-3, 50 partnership between Pietersen 55* and Morgan 22*.
(22.1): 97-4, Pietersen 60 (66), 6 fours and 2 sixes, caught Faulkner, Watson.
(24.3): 103-4, Morgan 32*, Bopara 1*.
(24.4): 103-5, Bopara 1 (7), caught and bowled by Voges.
(32): 140-5, 50 for Morgan off 64 balls.
(33): 151-5.
(33.3): 153-5, 50 partnership between Morgan and Stokes.
(33.4): 154-6, Morgan 54 (69), 4 fours, caught Clarke, Mckay.
(36): 167-7, Stokes 5 (7), caught Bailey, Mckay.
(36.3): 169-8, Tredwell 1 (1), run out by Finch.
(39); 187-8, 50 for Buttler off 49 balls.
(41); 201-8, Buttler 63*, Finn 3*.
(43.2): 216-9, Buttler 75 (65), 5 fours and 3 sixes, caught Johnson, Ahmed.
(44.2): 227 all out, Finn 16 (23), 1 four and 1 six, caught Voges, Mckay. Rankin 1*(1).

Australia win by 88 runs.

Player of the Day: Michael Clarke for a match winning century.

Bowler of the Day: Clinton Mckay for taking 3 wickets for 47 runs.

Batsmen of the Day: Michael Clarke for scoring 105 off 102 balls.

Highlight of the Day: Jos Buttler smashing 75 off 65 balls.

Disappointment of the Day: England playing rather poorly overall. 

England v Australia ODI 1 (Headingley)

First One Day International abandoned due to rain

The first of five one day Internationals between England and Australia was abandoned due to persistent rain at Headingley. Australia will be looking for revenge after their 3-0 Ashes Series defeat to England in the one day format of the game. The Twenty20 matches were a sign of improvement for Australia as they bagged their first win in the opening game. However, England drew the series level with a victory in the second match. 

My Opinion:

There was never going to be a chance of any play at Headingley today as the rain just kept pouring down. Therefore, the one day internationals will not start until the second match in Manchester. I expect a closer series compared to the Ashes Test matches as Australia have plenty of power hitting in their batting lineup. Hopefully England can continue their fine form and dish out another blow to Australia during the next four matches.

Match Guide: Key Moments:

10.30: Rain postpones start of play.

13.30: Match abandoned due to rain.

2013 Race 12 - Italian GP (Monza): Race

Vettel wins the Italian Grand Prix at Monza

Sebastien Vettel dominated from start to finish to win the Italian Grand Prix. It was a routine victory for the German in his Red Bull finishing ahead of Alonso and Webber on the podium. Fernando Alonso climbed one place into fourth after a decent start from the grid before passing both Massa and Webber to take second. Mark Webber managed to take third place after losing out to Fernando Alonso. Felipe Massa maintained his fourth place position from the grid in a fine race for the Brazilian whilst Nico Hulkenberg dropped back to fifth. Nico Rosberg and Daniel Ricciardo had a fairly incident free race as they both drove their cars home safely from start to finish. Romain Grosjean and Lewis Hamilton both climbed into the points whilst Jenson Button dropped a place to take the final point. Kimi Raikkonen and Sergio Perez just missed out on the top ten and points as they both struggled with poor races. Not the day Paul Di Resta wanted as he fell victim to a racing incident on the first corner with Grosjean forcing him to retire the car. 

My Opinion:

Not surprised to see Vettel storm to victory as he truly dominated that race. Mark Webber will be disappointed to fall a place to third but will be satisfied with the podium finish. Alonso is trying desperately to keep his title hopes alive and I was really impressed with his performance today to finish second. Massa kept the Ferrari fans happy with his finish in fourth whilst Ricciardo in his Toro Rosso was again impressive. Surprised by Hulkenberg as he only dropped two places from the grid so a decent result for Sauber. Mercedes had a mixed day as Rosberg drove well but couldn't improve from sixth but Hamilton managed to salvage some points after a disappointing weekend. A poor weekend for Lotus who could only get Grosjean into the points as Raikkonen finished in 11th. A similar story for Mclaren who will be pleased with Button taking the final point but they still don't have the competitive car they want. Had to feel sorry for Di Resta for suffered a really bad dose of luck in the first corner as Grosjean put him out of the race. 



Race Guide: Key Moments:

Start: Vettel, Massa (up 2), Webber (down 1), Alonso (up 1), Hulkenberg (down 2), Rosberg, Ricciardo, Perez, Vergne (up 1), Raikkonen (up 1).
Lap 1: Di Resta OUT after locking up and crashing into Grosjean. Raikkonen gets front wing damage after collision with Perez. 
Lap 3: Alonso into 3rd after passing Webber. Webber gets front wing damage.
Lap 8: Alonso into 2nd after passing Massa. Rosberg into 6th after passing Ricciardo. Button into 10th after passing Hamilton. 
Lap 15: Vergne OUT after engine failure.
Lap 24: Vettel makes a pit stop which gives Alonso the lead.
Lap 25: Webber into 5th after passing Massa through pit stop strategies.
Lap 27: Alonso makes a pit stop which gives Vettel the lead.
Lap 29: Hamilton into 7th after passing Rosberg.
Lap 32; Hamilton into 5th after passing Hulkenberg.
Lap 38: Grosjean into 10th after passing Perez.
Lap 43: Raikkonen into 12th after passing Gutierrez.
Lap 44: Hamilton into 13th after passing Gutierrez.
Lap 45: Raikkonen into 11th after passing Sutil. Hamilton into 12th after passing Sutil. Grosjean into 8th after passing Button.
Lap 49: Hamilton into 11th after passing Raikkonen.
Lap 50: Hamilton into 10th after passing Perez.
Lap 51: Hamilton into 9th after passing Button.
Lap 52: Raikkonen into 11th after passing Perez. Sutil OUT after retiring the car.
Lap 53: Vettel wins the Italian Grand Prix. Alonso second. Webber third. 

Italian Grand Prix Result:

1. Vettel (Red Bull) 1.18.33.352
2. Alonso (Ferrari)
3. Webber (Red Bull)
4, Massa (Ferrari)
5. Hulkenberg (Sauber)
6. Rosberg (Mercedes)
7. Ricciardo (Toro Rosso)
8. Grosjean (Lotus)
9. Hamilton (Mercedes)
10. Button (Mclaren)

Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1.25.849

Driver Standings:

1. Vettel (Red Bull) 222pts
2. Alonso (Ferrari) 169
3. Hamilton (Mercedes) 141
4. Raikkonen (Lotus) 134
5. Webber (Red Bull) 130

Constructor Standings:

1. Red Bull 352
2. Ferrari 248
3. Mercedes 245
4. Lotus 191
5. Mclaren 66

Performance of the Day: Fernando Alonso for finishing second after starting fifth.

Most Overtakes of the Day: Lewis Hamilton with 9.

Shock of the Day: Kimi Raikkonen failed to get into the points.

Disappointment of the Day: Hamilton finishing ninth and Button tenth. 

2013 Race 12 - Italian GP (Monza): Qualifying

Red Bull front row for Monza GP

Sebastien Vettel qualified in pole position ahead of Mark Webber as Red Bull locked the front row out for the Monza Grand Prix. Vettel dominated every qualifying session and beat team mate Webber to claim pole. The surprise package of the day saw Nico Hulkenberg qualify third ahead of the Ferrari's of Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso. Nico Rosberg could only manage sixth but Lewis Hamilton struggled more after failing to make the top 10. A good qualifying session for Torro Rosso, who use the Ferrari engine package, as both of their drivers qualified in the top 10 with Ricciardo 7th whilst Vergne will start in 10th. Both Mclarens will start in the top 10 as Perez edged ahead over Button to claim 8th. It was a disappointing qualifying for Lotus who failed to get either of their drivers into the top 10 as both Raikkonen and Grosjean got knocked out in the second qualifying session.

My Opinion:

A dominant showing from both the Red Bulls with Vettel never looking in doubt of claiming pole position. With the Red Bulls starting on the front row I expect them to pull away at the start and finish the race in first and second place. Hulkenberg opted to use his soft tyres to set a fast qualifying lap and very impressively took third to start on the second row. However, I can't see him on the podium and expect the Sauber to fall back throughout the race. Ferrari pleased their fans with one of their best qualifying sessions of the year and will hope to get at least one of their drivers on the podium. Rosberg had a decent qualifying session but it was a nightmare for Hamilton who missed out on a top 10 starting slot with a poor second qualifying session. I was surprised to see both Torro Rosso's in the top 10 as it is normally just Ricciardo who makes the cut but it was good to see Vergne step up to the plate. Mclaren will be hoping for a good race from both of their drivers and will look to score some valuable points. A shocking day for Lotus as both Raikkonen and Grosjean failed to make the top 10. They will be a lot stronger in the race and I expect to see them amongst the points. Alonso will be looking to entertain the Ferrari faithful in the race and he will be looking for one of his lightning fast starts to get amongst the Red Bulls going into the first turn. 



Qualifying Result and Starting Grid:

1. Vettel (Red Bull) 1.23.755
2. Webber (Red Bull)
3. Hulkenberg (Sauber)
4. Massa (Ferrari)
5. Alonso (Ferrari)
6. Rosberg (Mercedes)
7. Ricciardo (Torro Rosso)
8. Perez (Mclaren)
9. Button (Mclaren)
10. Vergne (Torro Rosso)

Performance of the Day: Nico Hulkenberg putting his Sauber on the second row.

Shock of the Day: Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton failed to qualify in the top 10.

Disappointment of the Day: Lewis Hamilton qualifying in 12th.