Australia seal whitewash over England
Australia 326 & 276 beat England 155 & 166 by 281 runs (Australia win Series 5-0)
Australia sealed an emphatic 5-0 Ashes Series whitewash over England on day three of the Fifth Test. The morning session saw Australia continue to increase their lead over England after going into Lunch at 248-7. Rogers and Bailey put on a century partnership whilst Rogers passed a century for himself. Bailey was then dismissed on 46 by Broad before Haddin and Johnson quickly followed.
Rogers was finally dismissed in the afternoon session for 119 after being caught and bowled by Borthwick. Harris and Siddle didn't last very long and Australia were soon bowled out for 276 with a lead of 447 runs. England started their second innings in terrible fashion as Cook was edged behind on 7. Bell and Pietersen were not too far behind as England were reduced to 57-3. Carberry provided some stability and took England into Tea at 87-3.
However, England lost six wickets for 79 runs as they suffered yet another horrific batting collapse. Johnson dismissed both Carberry and Ballance before Lyon took the wickets of Bairstow and Borthwick which left England to struggle on at 95-7. Stokes and Broad entertained the crowd with some sixes and fours before Harris bowled out the both of them. It was soon all over as Rankin could only last two balls before edging behind to give Harris his fifth wicket of the innings and a massive 281 run victory for Australia. The whitewash was completed as Australia won the Ashes Series 5-0.
My Opinion:
What a terrible day and Series for England. Thankfully, it is now all over but not before the Aussies give the English plenty of stick. Rogers and Bailey took the game away from England with their century partnership and in particular Rogers' century. England managed to bowl out Australia for 276 but that meant their lead was 447 runs, something England were never going to get. Carberry, Stokes and Broad can be proud of their second innings efforts but the rest of the team were very, very poor. The bowling from Australia was strong and too much for England as they crumbled to 95-7. I guess at least England managed to score more than their first innings effort but that is the only positive that I can come up with about their second. I have to give Australia plenty of credit as they were the better team and thoroughly deserved to win the Ashes back with a 5-0 whitewash. Really disappointed with the English team as their batting throughout was below par. Their bowling was pretty decent and gave the team chances to take control of Tests but the batting just kept letting the team down. Changes may be made after this and it will take time to get over but this time we just have to put our hands up and accept defeat.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
2335: 142-4, 50 partnership between Rogers 74* and Bailey 20*.
2344: 151-4, Rogers 74*, Bailey 28*.
0033: 196-4, 100 Rogers, 100 partnership between Rogers 100* and Bailey 42*.
0039: 200-5, Bailey 46 (74), 6 fours, caught Borthwick, Broad.
0121: 239-6, Haddin 28 (40), 3 fours, bowled by Borthwick.
0125: 244-7, Johnson 4 (3), 1 four, bowled by Stokes.
0131: 248-7, Rogers 114*, Harris 1*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0213: 255-7, Rogers 119*, Harris 3*.
0215: 255-8, Rogers 119 (169), 15 fours, caught and bowled by Borthwick.
0219: 266-9, Harris 13 (10), 1 four, 1 six, caught Carberry, Borthwick.
0229: 276 all out, Siddle 4 (6), caught Bairstow, Rankin. Lyon 6*(10). Australia lead by 447 runs.
Batsman of the Innings: Rogers 119 (169)
Bowler of the Innings: Borthwick 3-33
England Second Innings:
0246: 7-1, Cook 7 (12), 1 four, caught Haddin, Johnson.
0319: 37-2, Bell 16 (19), 1 four, 1 six, caught Warner, Harris.
0338: 57-2, Carberry 23*, Pietersen 6*.
0341: 57-3, Pietersen 6 (10), caught Bailey, Harris.
0411: 87-3, Carberry 43*, Ballance 7*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0432: 87-4, Carberry 43 (63), 8 fours, caught Haddin, Johnson.
0436: 90-5, Ballance 7 (27), 1 four, lbw Johnson.
0442: 91-6, Bairstow 0 (3), caught Bailey, Lyon.
0445: 95-7, Borthwick 4 (2), 1 four, caught Clarke, Lyon.
0454: 101-7, Broad 4*, Stokes 6*.
0511: 189-8, Stokes 32 (16), 3 fours, 2 sixes, bowled by Harris.
0519: 160-8, Broad 36*, Anderson 1*.
0522: 166-9, Broad 42 (36), 3 fours, 4 sixes, bowled by Harris.
0524: 166 all out, Rankin 0 (2), caught Clarke, Harris (5 wicket haul). Anderson 1*(1). Australia win by 281 runs. Australia win the Ashes Series 5-0.
Batsman of the Innings: Carberry 43 (63)
Bowler of the Innings: Harris 5-25
Batsman of the Day: Rogers 46 runs
Bowler of the Day: Harris 5-25
Batsman of the Series: Warner 523 runs off 703 balls. Best Average: Haddin 61.62. Highest Score: Clarke 148
Bowler of the Series: Johnson 37 wickets for 517 runs. Johnson had 3 five wicket hauls.
Australian Player of the Series: Mitchell Johnson
English Player of the Series: Ben Stokes
English Batsman of the Series: Pietersen 294 runs off 591 balls
English Bowler of the Series: Broad 21 wickets for 578 runs
England collapse to put Australia on verge of whitewash
Australia 326 & 140-4 lead England 155 by 311 runs (Australia lead Series 4-0)
England have a major batting collapse as Australia storm on. The morning session belonged to Australia who reduced England to 61-5 before lunch. Harris started things off to dismiss Cook for 7, Anderson fell to Johnson for 7, Pietersen edged behind for 3 and Bell edged behind for 2, as England collapsed to 23-5.
The afternoon session belonged to Australia as they bowled England out for 155. Ballance edged behind for 18 before Bairstow was dismissed for 18. Stokes managed to score 47 before being bowled by Siddle. Borthwick shortly followed before Rankin capped things off by being bowled by Johnson. Broad scored 30 not out off 22 balls but it was not enough to mend a poor first innings effort as Australia led by 171 runs after the first innings.
During the evening session, England took four wickets but Australia increased the lead 311 runs after ending the day on 140-4. Anderson took two wickets to dismiss both Warner and Watson before Clarke and Smith both fell. However, Rogers passed his fifty and has found some stability alongside Bailey.
My Opinion:
That was a woeful display from England today. Reduced to 23-5 at one point. Simply, that was just not good enough. Stokes, Ballance, Bairstow and Broad I can forgive because at least they scored some runs and put in some effort but the others need to have a hard look at themselves. The issue was mainly with Cook, Bell, Carberry and Pietersen who all failed miserably with the bat. To be bowled out for 155 was hugely disappointing and I'm afraid all hope of winning the final Test has gone. Australia put on 140-4 during the evening's play and now have a lead of 311 runs. Rogers is unbeaten on 73 whilst Bailey has managed to settle into the innings. I expect Australia to declare when they lead by 400 runs or more and to bowl England out in similar fashion to the first innings. England must now at least show some pride and do themselves some justice. Places in the team are now at stake after a drubbing in the whole Series so it will be interesting to see who steps up to the plate.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
2331: 8-2, Cook 7 (19), 1 four, lbw Harris.
2350: 14-3, Anderson 7 (24), 1 four, caught Clarke, Johnson.
0004: 17-4, Pietersen 3 (9), caught Watson, Harris.
00238: 23-5, Bell 2 (32), caught Haddin, Siddle.
0111: 53-5, Stokes 17*, Ballance 17*.
0130: 61-5, Stokes 23*, Ballance 17*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0216: 62-6, Ballance 18 (51), 2 fours, caught Haddin, Lyon.
0307: 101-6, Stokes 40*, Bairstow 15*.
0327: 111-7, Bairstow 18 (50), 1 four, caught Bailey, Siddle.
0332: 112-8, Stokes 47 (101), 4 fours, bowled by Siddle.
0347: 125-9, Borthwick 1 (17), caught Smith, Harris.
0406: 155-9, Broad 30*, Rankin 13*.
0411: 155 all out, Rankin 13 (22), 2 fours, bowled by Johnson. Broad 30*(22), 4 fours, 1 six. England trail by 171 runs. Tea.
Batsman of the Innings: Stokes 47 (101)
Bowler of the Innings: Siddle 3-23
Evening Session:
Australia Second Innings
0502: 27-1, Warner 16 (20), 3 fours, lbw Anderson.
0521: 47-2, Watson 9 (9), 2 fours, caught Bairstow, Anderson.
0528: 51-2, Rogers 21*, Clarke 1*.
0548: 72-3, Clarke 6 (18), 1 four, caught Bairstow, Broad.
0618: 91-4, Smith 7 (12), 1 four, caught Cook, Stokes.
0626: 99-4, 50 for Rogers.
0630: 103-4, Rogers 50*, Bailey 7*.
0701: 140-4, Rogers 73*, Bailey 20*. Australia lead by 311 runs. Close of Play.
Batsman of the Day: Rogers 73*(89)
Bowler of the Day: Siddle 3-23
Smith scores century in Sydney
Australia 326 lead England 8-1 by 318 runs (Australia lead Series 4-0)
Steve Smith saved a poor first innings for Australia with a century as they take command of the final Test. The morning session belonged to England, who took four wickets to reduce Australia to 94-4 at lunch. Broad bowled Warner before Stokes bowled Rogers. Both Clarke and Watson fell as England looked in control.
The afternoon session belonged to Brad Haddin. Smith and Haddin produced a century partnership to increase their total to 201-5 going into Tea. Haddin reached his fifty whilst Smith battled on at 48 not out. The only positive for England during this session was when Broad dismissed Bailey for 1 early in the afternoon but it was more about the Australian recovery.
It was an entertaining evening session which saw Australia bowled out for 326. Smith reached his fifty but Haddin fell on 75 to leave Australia 225-6. Borthwick took his first wicket to dismiss Johnson for 12 before Smith delighted the crowd in reaching his century. Smith and Harris produced a fifty partnership before England enjoyed a good spell of bowling as Australia fell from 325-7 to 326 all out. Siddle endured a golden duck which saw Stokes claim a five wicket haul before Smith was caught in the outfield as Australia ended their first innings. England were required to bat out the short time remaining in the day but it was Australia who had the last laugh as Johnson dismissed Carberry for 0 as England finished 8-1 at the close of play, trailing Australia by 318 runs.
My Opinion:
After a great start from England, the day got worse and worse. After winning the toss, it was really encouraging to see England take four wickets and reduce the Aussies to 94-4 at lunch. From there, England really should have bowled them out for around 200 and taken control of this Test. However, Smith and Haddin had other ideas as they produced a century partnership to put the innings back on track. Haddin left for 75 but Smith really did the damage with 115. I was really impressed with Stokes today as he took six wickets and is becoming England's best player so far on this tour. With Australia reaching 326, England really need to make 350-400 runs. However, that took a setback as Carberry failed to score and was dismissed by Johnson after nine balls. England will need to mount a strong innings tomorrow to have any chance of avoiding defeat yet again whilst Australia will be hoping they can bowl England out for under 300 runs.
Match Guide: Key Moments
England win the toss and elect to bowl
Morning Session:
Australia First Innings
2359: 28-1, Warner 16 (20), 3 fours, bowled by Broad.
0040: 50-1, Rogers 11*, Watson 19*.
0047: 51-2, Rogers 11 (39), 1 four, bowled by Stokes.
0118: 78-3, Clarke 10 (29), 1 four, caught Bell, Stokes.
0133: 94-4, Watson 43 (59), 7 fours, lbw Anderson. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0222: 97-5, Bailey 1 (8), caught Cook, Broad.
0233: 101-5, Smith 10*, Haddin 4*.
0323: 151-5, 50 partnership between Smith 22* and Haddin 38*.
0359: 183-5, 50 for Haddin.
0411: 201-5, 100 partnership between Smith 48* and Haddin 59*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0434: 206-5, 50 for Smith.
0447: 225-6, Haddin 75 (90), 13 fours, caught Cook, Stokes.
0525: 253-6, Smith 73*, Johnson 9*.
0543: 269-7, Johnson 12 (32), caught Sub, Borthwick.
0557: 289-7, 100 for Smith.
0605: 302-7, Smith 112*, Harris 2*.
0618: 325-7, 50 partnership between Smith 115* and Harris 22*.
0621: 325-8, Harris 22 (27), 2 fours, 1 six, caught Anderson, Stokes.
0624: 325-9, Siddle 0 (1), caught Bairstow, Stokes (5 wicket haul).
0628: 326 all out, Smith 115 (154), 17 fours, 1 six, caught Sub, Stokes. Lyon 1*(3).
Batsman of the Innings: Smith 115 (154)
Bowler of the Innings: Stokes 6-99
England First Innings
0652: 6-1, Carberry 0 (9), caught Lyon, Johnson.
0703: 8-1, Cook 6*, Anderson 1*. Close of Play. England trail by 318 runs.
Batsman of the Day: Smith 115 (154)
Bowler of the Day: Stokes 6-99
Rogers guides Australia to victory
England 225 & 179 lost to Australia 204 & 231-2 by 8 wickets (Australia win Series 4-0)
Rogers scored 116 to ease Australia to a comfortably 8 wicket victory. The morning session saw Rogers and Warner put on a fifty run partnership before Warner was dismissed by Stokes for 25. Rogers passed his fifty before putting on a fifty partnership with Watson, guiding Australia into lunch at 148-1.
The afternoon session saw Australia dominate the English bowlers. Rogers and Watson put on a 100 second wicket stand as they raced to 167-1. Rogers completed a century of his own before Watson passed fifty. There was one last moment of glory for England as Panesar dismissed Rogers for 116 but Watson and Clarke comfortably took Australia to an 8 wicket victory as they reached 231-2. Australia now lead the Series 4-0 with only one Test remaining.
My Opinion:
Inevitable but nevertheless disappointing. The damage was done yesterday but Australia were simply too good once again. Rogers made a brilliant century whilst Watson scored 83 not out off just 90 balls. England managed to take two wickets but that was nowhere near good enough or enough to dampen the pain. It really did show how poor England batted during both of their innings as they were completely shown up today. This was a really good chance for England to claim a win but they let the chance go way too easily. Maybe that was due to the thumping they had already received during the last three Tests or because they were just not good enough. Australia now lead the Series 4-0 and England will have one last chance to salvage something from this Ashes Series.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
2351: 53-0, 50 partnership between Rogers 30* and Warner 25*.
0008: 64-1, Warner 25 (47), 2 fours, caught Bairstow, Stokes.
0026: 80-1, 50 for Rogers.
0048: 102-1, Rogers 66*, Watson 10*.
0100: 118-1, 50 partnership between Rogers 70* and Watson 22*.
0128: 148-1, Rogers 81*, Watson 36*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0216: 152-1, Rogers 84*, Watson 42*.
0230: 167-1, 100 partnership between Rogers 93* and Watson 48*.
0241: 176-1, 100 for Rogers.
0246: 190-1, 50 for Watson.
0259: 200-1, Rogers 116*, Watson 58*.
0300: 200-2, Rogers 116 (155), 13 fours, caught Bairstow, Panesar.
0326: 231-2, Watson 83*(90), 11 fours. Clarke 6*(20), 1 four. Australia win by 8 wickets.
Batsman of the Innings: Rogers 116 (155)
Bowler of the Innings: Panesar 1-41
Batsman of the Test: Rogers 61 & 116
Bowler of the Test: Johnson took 10 wickets
Lyon puts Australia back in control
England 225 & 179 lead Australia 204 & 30-0 by 200 runs (Australia lead Series 3-0)
Australia put themselves back in control of the Fourth Test after bowling England out for 179 in their second innings. The morning session saw Haddin reach his fifty whilst Lyon provided good back up for the tenth wicket. Eventually, Anderson dismissed Haddin for 65 to bowl Australia out for 204, giving England a 21 run lead after both teams finished their first innings. It was a great start to the second innings for England as Cook and Carberry both remained unbeaten going into the lunch break 54-0.
However, the afternoon session belonged to Australia as they took four wickets for 61 runs. Cook and Carberry both fell lbw to Johnson and Siddle respectively before Root was run out Johnson for 15. Things went from bad to worse as Bell was dismissed for a golden duck by Lyon to leave England struggling on 87-4. Pietersen and Stokes restored some stability to take England into Tea at 115-4.
The evening session again belonged to Australia as they took a further six wickets to bowl England out for 179. Stokes fell for 19 early into the evening session before three quick wickets saw Bairstow, Bresnan and Broad all sent back to the pavilion, reducing England to 174-8. Lyon then completed a five wicket haul with the dismissal of Pietersen for 49. It didn't take long to claim the final wicket as Johnson caught Panesar lbw for 0 as England finished their second innings for only 179, leaving Australia to chase down 231 runs to win. Rogers and Warner remained unbeaten for the remainder of the day to take Australia to the close of play at 30-0, trailing by 200 runs.
My Opinion:
From what should have been a winning position, England are worryingly close to losing yet another Test match. It was good to see Australia bowled out for only 204 but Haddin and Lyon were certainly not going down without a fight. Cook and Carberry took England to lunch in a very strong position as things looked to be going really well. However, the rest of the day was disastrous. Australia managed to take 4 wickets in the afternoon session which meant England were reduced from 65-0 to 87-4. Thankfully, Pietersen and Stokes maintained themselves and took England into Tea 115-4. It all got a lot worse for England during the evening session and this is possibly where they could lose control and any hope of winning the Test. A batting collapse occurred as England somehow managed to lose another 6 wickets for only 64 runs. Only Pietersen can be exempt from any criticism with a knock of 49. However, he could have scored more but was forced to hit out after everyone else around him was being dismissed. Panesar lasted eight balls before being dismissed lbw as England crumbled to 179 all out and only 230 runs ahead. Australia compounded England's misery but finishing the day without the loss of a single wicket at 30-0. Thus, they only require a 201 runs to win with 10 wickets in hand. England are going to need to bowl extremely well to avoid defeat and take victory but they way things have gone so far this tour, I fear the worst. Australia will be so confident after putting themselves in control today. It would seem more likely that they will win this Test tomorrow but stranger things have happened.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
2349: 181-9, 50 for Haddin.
0004: 202-9, Haddin 65*, Lyon 18*.
0013: 204 all out, Haddin 65 (68), 7 fours, 1 six, caught Bairstow, Anderson. Lyon 18*(34), 3 fours.
Batsman of the Innings: Haddin 65 (68)
Bowler of the Innings: Anderson 4-67
England Second Innings:
0118: 53-0, 50 partnership between Cook 40* and Carberry 5*.
0130: 54-0, Cook 41*, Carberry 5*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0234: 65-1, Cook 51 (64), 7 fours, lbw Johnson.
0305: 86-2, Carberry 12 (81), 1 four, lbw Siddle.
0312: 86-3, Root 15 (24), 1 four, run out by Johnson.
0315: 87-4, Bell 0 (1), caught Johnson, Lyon.
0335: 100-4, Pietersen 7*, Stokes 7*.
0411: 115-4, Pietersen 14*, Stokes 13*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0445: 131-5, Stokes 19 (55), 1 four, caught Smith, Lyon.
0504: 153-5, Pietersen 39*, Bairstow 6*.
0532: 173-6, Bairstow 21 (28), 2 fours, 2 sixes, caught Haddin, Johnson.
0549: 174-7, Bresnan 0 (8), bowled by Lyon.
0554: 174-8, Broad 0 (3), caught Clarke, Lyon.
0604: 179-9, Pietersen 49 (90), 6 fours, caught Harris, Lyon (5 wicket haul).
0612: 179 all out, Panesar 0 (8), lbw Johnson. Anderson 1*(6). England lead by 230 runs.
Batsman of the Innings: Cook 51 (64)
Bowler of the Innings: Lyon 5-50
Australia Second Innings:
0700: 30-0, Rogers 18*, Warner 12*. Close of Play. Australia need 201 runs to win.
Batsman of the Day: Cook 51 (64)
Bowler of the Day: Lyon 5-50
England bowlers fightback on day two
England 225 lead Australia 164-9 by 91 runs (Australia lead Series 3-0)
Broad led an English fightback on day two as Australia trail England by 91 runs after being reduced to 164-9 at the close of play. The morning session started with Australia bowling England out for a further 29 runs as Johnson stormed to a five wicket haul, dismissing Bresnan, Pietersen and Broad along the way. Lyon bowled Panesar out for 2 as England ended their first innings on 255. However, it was England who went into lunch with the momentum as Warner and Watson were both sent back to the pavilion as Australia were reduced to 36-2. The afternoon session was slow but Anderson bowled Clarke for 10, leaving the hosts 62-3. Rogers passed his fifty whilst alongside Smith, Australia went into the Tea break 96-3. The evening session belonged to England as they took a further six wickets for 68 runs. Smith, Rogers and Bailey were the first victims to go before Johnson, Harris and Siddle all followed suit. Haddin remains unbeaten on 43 as Australia ended day two 91 runs behind England on 164-9.
My Opinion:
That was much more like it. The English bowlers really put in an inspired effort as they put their team in a very good position for the Test. It was a terrible end to the English first innings though as they were quickly rattled out by Johnson for 255. However, the early wickets of Warner and Watson set the tone for the rest of the day. A brilliant evening session saw six more wickets fall as Australia collapsed to 164-9. Annoyingly, it is Haddin who is still 43 not out but apart from that it was a very pleasing day for England. It puts the team in control of the Test at this point going into day three. England will be looking to take that last wicket really early on tomorrow morning and then build a big lead with their second innings. Australia will be looking to score as many runs as possible to limit the damage and pretty much do the same to England with their second go at bowling.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
2335: 230-7, Bresnan 1 (14), caught Bailey, Johnson.
2340: 231-8, Pietersen 71 (161), 5 fours, 1 six, bowled by Johnson.
2358: 242-9, Broad 11 (16), 2 fours, lbw Johnson (5 wicket haul).
0012: 250-9, Anderson 8*, Panesar 0*.
0023: 255 all out, Panesar 2 (16), bowled by Lyon. Anderson 11*(24), 1 four.
Batsman of the Innings: Pietersen 71 (161)
Bowler of the Innings: Johnson 5-63
Australia First Innings:
0100: 19-1, Warner 9 (14), 2 fours, caught Bairstow, Anderson.
0124: 36-2, Watson 10 (15), 2 fours, caught Bairstow, Stokes.
0132: 38-2, Rogers 16*, Clarke 2*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0241: 50-2, Rogers 22*, Clarke 8*.
0306: 62-3, Clarke 10 (34), bowled by Anderson.
0407: 96-3, 50 for Rogers.
0412: 96-3, Rogers 50*, Smith 14*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0433: 101-3, Rogers 53*, Smith 14*.
0504: 110-4, Smith 19 (77), 3 fours, caught Bell, Broad.
0516: 112-5, Rogers 61 (171), 8 fours, caught Pietersen, Bresnan.
0544: 122-6, Bailey 0 (19), caught Bairstow, Anderson.
0620: 151-6, Haddin 37*, Johnson 2*.
0624: 151-7, Johnson 2 (30), caught Anderson, Bresnan.
0649: 162-8, Harris 6 (27), 1 four, caught Root, Broad.
0658: 164-9, Siddle 0 (5), caught Bresnan, Broad. Haddin 43*, Close of Play. Australia trail by 91 runs.
Batsman of the Day: Rogers 61 (171)
Bowler of the Day: Broad 3-30
Johnson torments England in Melbourne
England 226-6 (Australia lead Series 3-0)
It was a slow start to the morning session on the opening day of the Fourth Test. England made a steady start to their innings but were knocked back when Cook was dismissed by Siddle to leave the team 48-1. The afternoon session started poorly for England as they lost Carberry for 38 before Root was dismissed by Harris for 24. Pietersen and Bell produced a fifty partnership during the evening session before Bell edged behind, leaving England 173-4. Pietersen went on to reach his fifty as England passed 200 runs. However, two late wickets from Johnson saw Stokes and Bairstow sent back to the pavilion as England struggled to 226-6 at the close of play.
My Opinion:
It was a poor first day of the Fourth Test for England. With the Series gone, England needed to show some spirit and fightback against the Aussies. However, they ended it feeling the pressure once again. The morning session goes to England for me as they made a decent start, going into lunch only one wicket down. However, the afternoon and evening sessions both go to Australia as they took five wickets during these periods. It was a case of England players getting themselves in and settling in but getting out before they made a substantial score. Cook, Carberry, Root and Bell were all prime examples whilst Stokes and Bairstow failed to make a lasting contribution. Pietersen deserves credit for they way he handled his innings today and hopefully he can go on and score a much needed century for the team tomorrow. England will need to get their score up to the 300 run mark but Australia will be looking to end this innings much quicker than that.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Australia win the toss and elect to bowl
Morning Session:
England First Innings:
0043: 48-1, Cook 27 (47), 3 fours, caught Clarke, Siddle.
0051: 51-1, Carberry 19*, Root 3*.
0130: 71-1, Carberry 26*, Root 11*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0239: 96-2, Carberry 38 (103), 6 fours, bowled by Watson.
0258: 100-2, Root 22*, Pietersen 0*.
0320: 106-3, Root 24 (82), 2 fours, caught Haddin, Harris.
0412: 135-3, Pietersen 20*, Bell 11*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0455: 150-3, Pietersen 28*, Bell 17*.
0511: 158-3, 50 partnership between Pietersen 33* and Bell 20*.
0543: 173-4, Bell 27 (98), 1 four, caught Haddin, Harris.
0607: 184-4, 50 for Pietersen.
0619: 201-4, Pietersen 53*, Stokes 14*.
0621: 202-5, Stokes 14 (23), 1 four, 1 six, caught Watson, Johnson.
0642: 216-6, Bairstow 10 (17), 1 six, bowled by Johnson.
0705: 226-6, Pietersen 67*, Bresnan 1*. Close of Play.
Batsman of the Day: Pietersen 67*
Bowler of the Day: Johnson and Harris took 2 wickets each
Australia win the Ashes
Australia 385 & 369-6 declared beat England 251 & 353 by 150 runs (Australia win Series 3-0)
Australia wrapped up a 150 run victory over England to win the Ashes Series 3-0. The morning session saw Stokes and Prior put up a minor fightback with a fifty partnership. However, Johnson dismissed Prior for 26 to reduce England to 296-6. The moment of the day for England came when Stokes produced a fine innings and secure his century. Stokes and Bresnan took England into the afternoon session on 332-6 but it all went wrong for the tourists when Stokes edged behind off the bowling of Lyon. The next three wickets fell within the space of half an hour as Johnson and Lyon finished the job off as England were bowled out for 353, 150 runs short of Australia.
My Opinion:
Disappointed but it was expected that Australia would win back the Ashes today. Pleased to see Stokes and Prior show some spirit and bat out most of the morning session. Especially impressed by Stokes who showed the rest of his team up by scoring a mighty hundred on a tough wicket. As soon as Stokes was dismissed, it did not take very long for Johnson and Lyon to bowl England out. Swann, Bresnan and Anderson all failed miserably with the bat as Australia claimed a dominant 150 run Test win. Now that the Ashes are gone, I expect England to make some changes for the remaining two Tests as England have been very poor so far this Series.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
0313: 272-5, 50 partnership between Stokes 86* and Prior 14*.
0350: 296-6, Prior 26 (72), 3 fours, caught Haddin, Johnson.
0359: 309-6, 100 for Stokes, Bresnan 0*.
0430: 332-6, Stokes 117*, Bresnan 7*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0519: 336-7, Stokes 120 (195), 18 fours, 1 six, caught Haddin, Lyon.
0529: 347-8, Swann 4 (6), 1 four, caught Smith, Lyon.
0536: 349-9, Bresnan 12 (40), 1 four, caught Rogers, Johnson.
0538: 350-9, Broad 0*, Anderson 1*.
0545: 353 all out, Anderson 2 (8), caught Bailey, Johnson. Broad 2*(7). Australia win by 150 runs and win the Ashes. Australia lead the Series 3-0.
Batsman of the Innings: Stokes 120 (195)
Bowler of the Innings: Johnson 4-78
Batsman of the Day: Stokes 48 runs
Bowler of the Day: Johnson 3 wickets
Batsman of the Test: Stokes 120 (195)
Bowler of the Test: Johnson 6 wickets
Australia on verge of winning the Ashes
Australia 385 & 369-6 declared lead England 251 & 251-5 by 253 runs (Australia lead Series 2-0)
Australia only need five more wickets to win the Ashes. The morning session saw Watson race his way to a century before being dismissed for 103 via a Bresnan run out. Smith and Haddin both fell but Clarke decided to declare on 369-6, with a 503 run lead over England and five sessions left to play. England's second innings got off to the worst start possible as Cook was bowled by Harris for a golden duck as England went into lunch 24-1. Carberry and Root produced a fifty partnership before Carberry was caught lbw by Watson. England fell to 76-3 as Root was next to depart the innings. Pietersen reached 45 before being dismissed, leaving England to struggle on 121-4. Bell and Stokes settled the innings back down with a 99 run partnership before Bell was the last wicket to fall on day four, leaving the team 220-5. Stokes battled on to reach 72 not out at the close of day four but England still trail by 253 runs with only five wickets remaining.
My Opinion:
It seems inevitable that Australia win wrap the Test up tomorrow along with the Ashes Series. It was not the start the English Bowlers needed or wanted as Watson raced to 103 off 108 balls. Eventually the misery ended as the Australian lead passed 500 runs. However, Cook falling to the first ball on the second innings was disastrous and started the beginning of the end for me. Carberry and Root managed to stabilise things up but the loss of both of them before Tea was not ideal in any respect. Pietersen being dismissed was another nail in the coffin but Bell and Stokes seemed to be prepared to put up a fight. Unfortunately, Bell edged behind on 60, leaving England in a desperate state at 220-5. Stokes looks in good nick and it would be a tremendous achievement if he could convert the century. England finished the day 251-5 but they still require a further 253 runs. Everything points to the Aussies winning the Test and the Ashes. Hopefully, Stokes, Prior and the tail end can delay the inevitable and prolong the day but I don't hold out much hope of England batting out the day.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
0235: 256-3, Watson 49*, Smith 6*.
0242: 259-3, 50 for Watson.
0249: 273-3, 50 partnership between Watson 60* and Smith 12*.
0300: 301-3, Watson 84*, Smith 15*.
0305: 301-4, Smith 15 (50), caught Sub, Stokes.
0323: 328-4, 100 for Watson.
0336: 331-5, Watson 103 (108), 11 fours, 5 sixes, run out by Bresnan.
0341: 340-6, Haddin 5 (6), 1 four, caught Swann, Bresnan.
0345: 369-6, Clarke declares, Bailey 39*(30), 3 fours, 3 sixes, Johnson 0*(0). Australia lead by 503 runs.
Batsman of the Innings: Warner 112 (140)
Bowler of the Innings: Bresnan 2-53
England Second Innings:
0400: 0-1, Cook 0 (1), bowled by Harris.
0430: 24-1, Carberry 8*, Root 7*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0541: 54-1, 50 partnership between Carberry 25* and Root 15*.
0602: 62-2, Carberry 31 (53), 6 fours, lbw Watson.
0645: 76-3, Root 19 (88), 1 four, caught Haddin, Johnson.
0712: 95-3, Pietersen 24*, Bell 6*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0737: 103-3, Pietersen 32*, Bell 6*.
0752: 121-4, Pietersen 45 (57), 6 fours, 1 six, caught Harris, Lyon.
0823: 152-4, Bell 20*, Stokes 21*.
0837: 172-4, 50 partnership between Bell 43* and Stokes 23*.
0858: 203-4, Bell 49*, Stokes 42*.
0908: 206-4, 50 for Bell.
0928: 220-5, Bell 60 (93), 7 fours, 1 six, caught Haddin, Siddle.
0930: 228-5, 50 for Stokes.
0958: 251-5, Stokes 72*, Prior 8*. Close of Play. England trail by 253 runs.
Batsman of the Day: Stokes 72*(96)
Bowler of the Day: Siddle 1-56
Warner century torments England
Australia 385 & 235-3 lead England 251 by 369 runs (Australia lead Series 2-0)
David Warner scored a century in Australia's second innings to stretch the lead to 369 runs over England. It was a great start to the day's play for Australia as two early wickets saw Bell and Stokes both dismissed. England continued to struggle during the morning session with Prior, Broad and Bresnan losing their wickets cheaply, reducing the tourists to 233-9. The innings was over by lunch as Siddle dismissed Anderson, leaving England 251 all out and 134 runs still behind Australia. Warner and Rogers then produced a 150 run strong partnership before Rogers was dismissed shortly after passing his fifty. Warner passed his century as Australia put themselves in full control of the Test. England finished the day with two late wickets, dismissing both Warner and Clarke. However, at the close of play on day three, England trail by 369 runs.
My Opinion:
England are certainly not going to win this Test after a terrible day in Perth. The morning session saw England lose six wickets for only a further 61 runs, leaving them 134 runs behind Australia. If England could limit Australia to around 250 runs after their second innings then they could still have a chance of winning the Test. However, Warner and Rogers dashed all hope with a 150 run opening partnership. England managed to take three wickets but Australia are firmly in control at 235-3. I would expect nothing less of Clarke than to make his team bat on until they lead by around 450-500 runs, leaving themselves over a day to bat England out and win the Ashes. It is going to take some real grit and determination from England's bowlers who need to take early wickets tomorrow morning whilst the batsman need to bat out at least a day to salvage a draw.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
0242: 190-5, Bell 15 (71), 2 fours, lbw Harris.
0301: 198-6, Stokes 18 (57), 3 fours, caught Haddin, Johnson.
0303: 202-6, Prior 8*, Bresnan 3*.
0319: 207-7, Prior 8 (24), 1 four, caught Haddin, Siddle.
0346: 229-8, Broad 5 (13), 1 four, lbw Johnson.
0357: 233-9, Bresnan 21 (29), 4 fours, caught Haddin, Harris.
0413: 251-9, Swann 19*, Anderson 2*.
0421: 251 all out, Anderson 2 (9), caught Bailey, Siddle. Swann 19*(23). Australia lead by 134 runs. Lunch.
Batsman of the Innings: Cook 72 (153)
Bowler of the Innings: Siddle 3-36
Afternoon Session:
Australia Second Innings:
0556: 50-0, 50 partnership between Rogers 16* and Warner 34*.
0619: 82-0, 50 for Warner.
0641: 104-0, 100 partnership between Rogers 31* and Warner 73*.
0710: 123-0, Rogers 42*, Warner 81*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0743: 143-0, 50 for Rogers.
0752: 151-0, 150 partnership between Rogers 52* and Warner 91*.
0803: 157-1, Rogers 54 (135), 8 fours, caught Carberry, Bresnan.
0817: 171-1, 100 for Warner.
0830: 183-2, Warner 112 (140), 17 fours, 2 sixes, caught Stokes, Swann.
0909: 200-2, Watson 19*, Clarke 7*.
0934: 223-3, Clarke 23 (53), 2 fours, bowled by Stokes.
0959: 235-3, Watson 29*, Smith 5*. Close of Play. Australia lead by 369 runs.
Batsman of the Day: Warner 112 (140)
Bowler of the Day: Harris/Johnson/Siddle all took 2 wickets
Late wickets put England on back foot
Australia 385 lead England 180-4 by 205 runs (Australia lead Series 2-0)
Two wickets in the evening session put Australia on the front foot on day two. Wickets from Broad and Anderson reduced Australia to 338-8 early in the morning session but Siddle and Lyon scored vital runs to boost their total to 385 before Bresnan took the final wicket of the Australian first innings. Cook and Carberry managed to bat out the final part of the morning, taking England 24-0 into lunch. The opening pair survived up until 85-0 before Carberry was bowled by Harris. Root soon followed as England were reduced to 91-2 going into Tea. The evening session saw Cook pass fifty before being dismissed for 72 by Lyon. It wasn't much longer until Pietersen followed his captain back to the dressing room as England fell to 146-4. Bell and Stokes batted out the rest of the day as England finished day two on 180-4, trailing Australia by 205 runs.
My Opinion:
Not the ideal start to England's first innings. It was pleasing to see England reduce the Aussies to 354-9 as well as taking the key wicket of Smith. However, it took an age to take the final wicket as Siddle and Lyon scored 31 more valuable runs. Things were looking good when Cook and Carberry took England to 85-0. Sadly, that's when the batting started to badly. Carberry and Root both lost their wicket in quick succession whilst Cook and Pietersen were dismissed soon after each other in the evening session. It is going to take a big effort from Bell and Stokes to restore the innings as England really need to score 300 to 350 runs plus. Hopefully, England can bat well tomorrow and push themselves up to Australia's first innings score otherwise Australia could be well ahead by the close of play tomorrow.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
0235: 326-7, Johnson 39 (62), 6 fours, caught Prior, Broad.
0252: 338-8, Smith 111 (208), 14 fours, 2 sixes, caught Prior, Anderson.
0256: 350-8, Siddle 8*, Harris 8*.
0314: 354-9, Harris 12 (19), 1 four, caught Root, Anderson.
0355: 385 all out, Siddle 21 (36), 3 fours, caught Prior, Bresnan. Lyon 17*(25), 4 fours.
Batsman of the Innings: Smith 111 (208)
Bowler of the Innings: Broad 3-100
England First Innings:
0431: 24-0, Cook 15*, Carberry 6*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0544: 53-0, 50 partnership between Cook 26* and Carberry 25*.
0632: 85-1, Carberry 43 (76), 8 fours, 1 six, bowled by Harris.
0653: 90-2, Root 4 (16), 1 four, caught Haddin, Watson.
0712: 91-2, Cook 42*, Pietersen 0*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0752: 102-2, Cook 45*, Pietersen 3*.
0800: 108-2, 50 for Cook.
0840: 136-3, Cook 72 (153), 10 fours, caught Warner, Lyon.
0854: 146-4, Pietersen 19 (59), 3 fours, caught Johnson, Siddle.
0906: 153-4, Bell 1*, Stokes 4*.
1000: 180-4, Bell 9*, Stokes 14*. Close of Play.
Batsman of the Day: Cook 72 (153)
Bowler of the Day: Anderson with 2 wickets
Smith century spoils England's day
Australia 326-6 (Australia lead Series 2-0)
Steve Smith scored an unbeaten century to put Australia on top at the end of the first day in Perth. England enjoyed a good start to the Third Test, reducing Australia to 107-3 at Lunch as Rogers, Watson and Clarke were all dismissed. Australia fought back during the afternoon as Smith and Haddin put on a fifty strong partnership to take their total to 220-5 by Tea. Stokes managed to dismiss Haddin for 55 to break a 100 partnership with Smith. However, Smith battled on for his century and even put on a fifty partnership with Johnson as Australia finished day one on 326-6.
My Opinion:
The day started well for England but things started to go back in Australia's favour as the day went on. It looked to be an encouraging morning session as Australia were reduced to 106-3. Things seemed to be going very well for England when Warner and Bailey were both dismissed, leaving Australia 143-5. However, Smith and Haddin put on a century partnership to save the Australian innings. Haddin went for 55 but it was Smith who ruined England's hopes on the first day, scoring an unbeaten century. Even Johnson raced to 39 not out at the close of play. Not the finish to the day England were hoping for but they need to bowl the Aussies out for under 350 otherwise they will be chasing the Test. Australia dug in deep today and recovered well from a tough stance. If they can score close to 400 then they will be in a strong position for the rest of the Test.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Australia win the toss and elect to bat first.
Morning Session:
Australia First Innings:
0243: 13-1, Rogers 11 (9), 2 fours, run out by Anderson.
0318: 52-1, Warner 22*, Watson 18*.
0324: 52-2, Watson 18 (29), 3 fours, caught Swann, Broad.
0414: 105-2, 50 partnership between Warner 47* and Clarke 24*.
0422: 106-3, Clarke 24 (44), 5 fours, caught Cook, Swann.
0430: 107-3, Warner 49*, Smith 0*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0511: 108-3, 50 for Warner.
0534: 129-4, Warner 60 (77), 8 fours, 1 six, caught Carberry, Swann.
0553: 143-5, Bailey 7 (12), 1 four, caught Pietersen, Broad.
0607: 153-5, Smith 22*, Haddin 6*.
0648: 196-5, 50 partnership between between Smith 50* and Haddin 14*.
0653: 203-5, Smith 55*, Haddin 21*.
0712: 220-5, Smith 58*, Haddin 35*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0756: 246-5, 100 partnership between Smith 76* and Haddin 43*.
0802: 254-5, Smith 76*, 50 for Haddin.
0847: 267-6, Haddin 55 (100), 5 fours, 2 sixes, caught Anderson, Stokes.
0924: 302-6, 100 for Smith, Johnson 18*.
0948: 323-6, 50 partnership between Smith 103* and Johnson 36*.
0958: 326-6, Smith 103*, Johnson 39*. Close of Play.
Batsman of the Day: Smith 103*
Bowler of the Day: Broad/Swann both took two wickets
Australia win the second test match
Australia 570-9 declared and 132-3 declared beat England 172 and 312 by 218 runs (Australia lead Series 2-0)
It took Australia just over an hour to bowl England out for 312 and take a 2-0 series lead. Broad put on a show for a crowd entertaining 29 off 26 balls but soon fell to Siddle. Swann lasted 14 balls before edging behind to the slips as England were reduced to 293-8. Prior played well and took England over the 300 run mark but was soon dismissed by Siddle for 69. Panesar offered little resistance and seven balls later was dismissed by Harris as England were bowled out for 312, losing by 218 runs to Australia. Australia now lead the series 2-0 after two tests.
My Opinion:
Well I can't say I'm surprised as England didn't have a chance but it was all over rather quickly. Broad decided to hit out and it worked for a short spell before getting caught. Swann didn't look up to it and returned back to the pavilion after 14 balls. It was good to see Prior get some much needed runs for the team and himself but when he fell to Siddle the writing was on the wall. Australia didn't have to wait very long to take the final wicket as Panesar was gone after seven balls. Overall, it was a better batting effort in general by England during their second innings and they will need to find some big scores from somewhere during the third test. Australia look in fine form and have nothing to worry about. Warner and Johnson are very dangerous players to face right now and England will need to find ways of stopping them from being so destructive.
Match Guide: Key Moments:
Morning Session:
0016: 255-7, Broad 29 (26), 3 fours and 1 six, caught Lyon, Siddle.
0037: 282-7, 50 for Prior.
0054: 293-8, Swann 6 (14), caught Clarke, Harris.
0056: 301-8, Prior 69*, Anderson 2*.
0057: 301-9, Prior 69 (102), 12 fours, caught Harris, Siddle.
0110: 312 all out, Panesar 0 (7), caught Rogers, Harris. Anderson 13*(14), 2 fours.
Australia win by 218 runs and lead the series 2-0.
Batsman of the Innings: Root 87 (194)
Bowler of the Innings: Siddle 4-57
Batsman of the Test: Clarke 148 (344)
Bowler of the Test: Johnson with 8 wickets
Australia on the brink of victory
Australia 570-9 declared and 132-3 declared lead England 172 and 247-6 by 283 runs (Australia lead Series 1-0)
Australia only require four more wickets on the final day to win the second test match. Clarke decided to declare on 132-3 just before the start of play which left the Australian bowlers two days to bowl England out. It was not the start England were hoping for as they were reduced to 65-2 by lunch, with Cook and Carberry both being dismissed. Root and Pietersen offered some resistance with a 100 run partnership but Siddle bowled Pietersen out to leave England struggling on 131-3. Bell only lasted 19 balls before being sent back to the pavilion as England fought their way to 143-4 at Tea. Two more wickets fell during the evening session as Australia closed in on victory. Lyon managed to take the important wicket of Root, who fell on 87 before Stokes edged behind as England finished the day on 247-6 and 283 runs behind.
My Opinion:
Australia are inevitably going to wrap things up tomorrow and I fully expect it to be before lunch is taken. A bold decision by Clarke at the start of the day to declare but it gave his bowlers two full days to bowl England out. It was disappointing to see both openers dismissed cheaply and early on as it set a bad tone for the rest of the order. Root and Pietersen tried their best and looked as though they could offer some resistance but as soon as Pietersen was dismissed it was the beginning of the end for England. Bell quickly followed as England were down four wickets by Tea. Losing Root was disastrous for England and marked the point where all England's hopes had gone. Stokes put in a shift but England needed so much more. It would be naive to hope England can score another 283 runs or even bat out the whole fifth day so expect Australia to take a 2-0 series lead tomorrow.
Match Guide: Key Moments:
Morning Session:
23.59: 132-3 declared, Warner 83*(117), 9 fours and 1 six, Smith 23*(34), 2 fours.
Batsman of the Innings: Warner 83*(117)
Bowler of the Innings: Anderson 2-19
England Second Innings:
0011: 1-1, Cook 1 (7), caught Harris, Johnson.
0053: 20-2, Carberry 14 (39), 2 fours, caught Lyon, Siddle.
0151: 56-2, Root 26*, Pietersen 12*.
0215: 65-2, Root 29*, Pietersen 18*, Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0303: 70-2, 50 partnership between Root 32* and Pietersen 20*.
0329: 102-2, Root 49*, Pietersen 35*.
0337: 104-2, 50 for Root.
0353: 128-2, 100 partnership between Root 59* and 50 for Pietersen.
0414: 131-3, Pietersen 53 (99), 2 fours and 3 sixes, bowled by Siddle.
0444: 143-4, Bell 6 (19), 1 four, caught Johnson, Smith.
0449: 143-4, Root 66*, Stokes 0*, Tea.
Evening Session:
0509: 151-4, Root 74*, Stokes 0*.
0548: 171-5, Root 87 (194), 9 fours, caught Haddin, Lyon.
0643: 200-5, Stokes 20*, Prior 16*.
0704: 210-6, Stokes 28 (90), 5 fours, caught Clarke, Harris.
0736: 247-6, Prior 31*, Broad 22*, Close of play. England trail by 283 runs.
Batsman of the Day: Root 87 (194)
Bowler of the Day: Siddle 2-21
Player of the Day: Joe Root
