Both Australian teams arrived back in local territory a little worse for wear, as they were both handed defeat at the hands of the arch enemy England overnight.
In the first game of the all-important World Cup season, the National side lacked aggression and firepower when comfortably beaten by 7 wickets on a batsmen's paradise of a pitch.
Winning the toss and choosing bat first, the opening partnership of Nick Danvers and Francis Tait started in sloppy fashion and never seemed to gain any momentum, although the partnership was able to obtain 193 runs before Danvers was drawn into a superb floater by Whitehorne to be dismissed for 110.
Debut paceman Len Mellor and Jamie Tuckett most likely were in complete shock after their first 10-over spell, conceding only 38 runs when the willow is usually in free motion to penetrate the boundary - alas, only three boundaries were scored, all in the final 3 overs of the Tuckett/Mellor period.
With an understanding of the dire straits they were putting the team into, Nick Danvers quickly upped his run count, closing in on a run a ball - although this could not be read much easier from Tait.
With Danvers falling in the 40th over whilst Tait was on 77 (from 121 balls), the Western Crusaders representative bounced back to bring up a workmanlike ton, smashing 24 runs off only 12 balls as the Australian run rate crept ever so slightly to a respectable level.
At the end of the innings, the score of 2-287 was sub-standard, and against a fierce English batting attack, would create headaches as a score of 300+ would have been more realistic.
Maurice Atkinson and Simon Graham made sure to teach Danvers and Tait a lesson, scoring 64 runs off the opening Woodward/Tapp spell and never looking back.
Within the next 5 overs, Liam Heselton and Lloyd Stanton both prevailed with wickets apiece and when Atkinson fell to an overwhelming catch by Mckie in the 27th over, the Required Run-Rate skipped to 6.22.
But the damage had already been done with Jimmy Willetts and Niall Maxfield making sure to hover about 5.5 plus, the runs too easy to come by in the 48th over. Willetts signalled his authority with an unbeaten century, reiterating the importance of risk-taking and hard-hitting when the advantage is on your side.
*****
With a dusty pitch in store for the U19s and English captain - and finger-spinning magician - Gavin Hastings licking his lips at the thought of sole domination alongside his sparring mate Franny Tench, England U19 had no trouble in accounting for Australia by 66 runs at The Oval.
The Reporter's Summary pointing the game in any direction, but with Simon Akwenye and Ray Mckagen sitting out of last night's contest and a double spinner's punch for the inexperienced batsmen, little could be done.
Winning the toss and sending England in, hot batting prospect Asif Tumelo quickly stamped his authority on the game as Glen Schalk found the going difficult. Although sniping Rush for 24 in the last over of his spell, a depressing 1-40 off 5 could not stand to be impressive at all.
Leighton Spector held up his end of the spell with a reasonably consistent bowling display, although he was quickly brushed off by fellow paceman and breakthrough all-rounder Steven Loyal, immediately his presence being felt with Sinclair's dismissal for 4 in only his third ball.
A hapless opening which closely flaunted with run-a-ball aggression, Loyal and Spector deflated the free-hitting as Tumelo and wicketkeeper Malcolm Mirfin settled in for the long haul. When Jason Henno sparked the first Maiden of the game, the battle was on level footing.
The English pair eased into proceedings and it was only when they approached the century partnership that Loyal had Mirfin completely thunderstruck, Henno enjoying his first catch of his ODI career and the Run Rate spearing towards sub-4.00.
Glen Schalk settled in his final half-spell to give away only 19 runs and when Loyal concluded with 2-28 off 10, the final 10 overs needed to be under control as the middle-section proved to be successful.
Hayden Judge did not want to miss out on the fun, bringing Buckle forward to be stumped for 28, and then achieving the first hattrick of his ODI career in the final over - 4 wickets to Judge and no Australian bowler was going home without some positive out of their performance.
A spirited opening attack off hard hitting from Sol Kirby and Jack Whittaker steadied to 0-49 off 10 but Whittaker tried one too many, and was sent packing in the deep for 19.
When the spin bowling hit the deck, the fearless became the fearsome - Franny Tench and Gavin Hastings each collected 7 wickets and when Dave Hamshaw and Paul Warlock's 71-run stand was ceased by a spectacular Mirfin stumping, the wickets tumbled.
7-23 eventuated, the Australian U19 side feeling the pain of a dusty pitch playing into the hands of Tench and Hastings, the game was over but there was many positives to gain from this effort.
Loyal was praised by coach Khilden for his solid bowling attempts, the same response dished off to Leighton Spector for his 0-34 off 10. Warlock's skilled keeping cleaned up Buckle and a pair of catches alongside his match-defining 28 with Hamshaw was indeed one of the stronger points of the game.
Both sides are keen to get their own back at the Adelaide Oval and the MCG - they should deliver some exciting cricket as the new ODI season rolls into full swing.
Wednesday 27 June 2007
Tuesday 26 June 2007
Australian seniors/U19 prepare for seasonal reappearance
The Australian ODI squads arrived at Heathrow last night in preparation for tonight's opening games of the new season - with great anticipation for the newly-formed U19 squad announced by khilden on The Pavilion Sunday evening.
As far as the National Senior squad is concerned, the importance of opening the account for the World Cup season is significant, especially against the dangerous English side.
Six losses, including a double-header failure against Sri Lanka were all part of coach Madman's efforts to mould a side worthy of achieving the long overdue World Cup honours. A fatigued Terry Elsegood was of little benefit to the squad but he is scheduled to re-join the team later in the season, alongside a new inclusion to be made within the next few weeks.
When Australia last graced the stunning Lords ground, awesome success on a Hard And Fast pitch eventuated. David Tapp snared 4/26 and a 146-run partnership between Francis Tait and Shaun Swanton carried the baggy greens toward a morale-boosting victory for their new coach.
Alas, returning to local territory was no advantage - England sharing the points at the end of the double-header to win by 8 runs.
Since these two cricket titans clashed in late February, the changes have flowed in as preparations kick into full swing for the World Cup, held in New Zealand for this season.
For the English, wicketkeeper Francis Daniell and fast bowler Graeme Poutney have both been relieved of their contracts for Andy Stonebridge and Len Mellor.
Stonebridge represents the highly respected IV side 2nd Chance, with their opening batsmen and wicketkeeper responsible for the major success of his club and their Sensational top order. Performing above-standard in his stint in the U19 side last season, he scored 399 runs at an average of 49.88, or 30.69 when counting out the NOs which is above standard.
Len Mellor will debut in an English guernsey as a heavily-experienced strike bowler. Bowling only 55 overs this season for an incredible 42 scalps at 2.69, he could become the key to targeting the early wickets which bypass the bowling attack on many occasions for England.
Depending on the effort coach Madman decides to put into his side for tonight, there is no doubting the rocklike approach of the Australian batsmen. It is difficult to penetrate the openers and even then does the middle order hold the fort with brilliance, headed by Niall Spiller.
*****
The Oval will grace 22 unknown teenagers in the opening match of the International U19 Season between England and Australia.
With an undeniable bias towards the Australians as I have assisted in the production and formation of the U19 side, there is no doubting that if the 11 players of the U19 side become a network and a team, that they will pursue towards victory faster than most other coaches have been able to achieve for their squad.
We know all too well about the Australian U19s - the England U19 are supported greatly by 18YOs and it could serve well for success this season, but quite possibly not the following and most important World Cup season.
The English may have more player opportunities but with fitness becoming one of the most significant keys to success in Battrick, the Australian U19 side have the upper hand. This could hold true when the two sides hit the pitch later tonight.
The recent expulsion of the England U19 coach before the first game may lead the squad into disarray but with little knowledge needed to obtain this coaching position prior to any gametime, temporary coach GM-Smiley_Neil should have no problem in forming a superior XI for competition as elections take place.
As far as the National Senior squad is concerned, the importance of opening the account for the World Cup season is significant, especially against the dangerous English side.
Six losses, including a double-header failure against Sri Lanka were all part of coach Madman's efforts to mould a side worthy of achieving the long overdue World Cup honours. A fatigued Terry Elsegood was of little benefit to the squad but he is scheduled to re-join the team later in the season, alongside a new inclusion to be made within the next few weeks.
When Australia last graced the stunning Lords ground, awesome success on a Hard And Fast pitch eventuated. David Tapp snared 4/26 and a 146-run partnership between Francis Tait and Shaun Swanton carried the baggy greens toward a morale-boosting victory for their new coach.
Alas, returning to local territory was no advantage - England sharing the points at the end of the double-header to win by 8 runs.
Since these two cricket titans clashed in late February, the changes have flowed in as preparations kick into full swing for the World Cup, held in New Zealand for this season.
For the English, wicketkeeper Francis Daniell and fast bowler Graeme Poutney have both been relieved of their contracts for Andy Stonebridge and Len Mellor.
Stonebridge represents the highly respected IV side 2nd Chance, with their opening batsmen and wicketkeeper responsible for the major success of his club and their Sensational top order. Performing above-standard in his stint in the U19 side last season, he scored 399 runs at an average of 49.88, or 30.69 when counting out the NOs which is above standard.
Len Mellor will debut in an English guernsey as a heavily-experienced strike bowler. Bowling only 55 overs this season for an incredible 42 scalps at 2.69, he could become the key to targeting the early wickets which bypass the bowling attack on many occasions for England.
Depending on the effort coach Madman decides to put into his side for tonight, there is no doubting the rocklike approach of the Australian batsmen. It is difficult to penetrate the openers and even then does the middle order hold the fort with brilliance, headed by Niall Spiller.
*****
The Oval will grace 22 unknown teenagers in the opening match of the International U19 Season between England and Australia.
With an undeniable bias towards the Australians as I have assisted in the production and formation of the U19 side, there is no doubting that if the 11 players of the U19 side become a network and a team, that they will pursue towards victory faster than most other coaches have been able to achieve for their squad.
We know all too well about the Australian U19s - the England U19 are supported greatly by 18YOs and it could serve well for success this season, but quite possibly not the following and most important World Cup season.
The English may have more player opportunities but with fitness becoming one of the most significant keys to success in Battrick, the Australian U19 side have the upper hand. This could hold true when the two sides hit the pitch later tonight.
The recent expulsion of the England U19 coach before the first game may lead the squad into disarray but with little knowledge needed to obtain this coaching position prior to any gametime, temporary coach GM-Smiley_Neil should have no problem in forming a superior XI for competition as elections take place.
Sunday 24 June 2007
The highly fancied Australian U19 Squad released.
Australia's new National U19 Coach khilden has announced the U19 Squad in it's entirety for Season 7 of 2007. The Pavilion staff were lucky enough to receive the list and will be the first to publically announce this squad.
The United Internazionale club coach was appointed last month with some doubts over his commitment towards his new role, but they have been banished into space with gruelling study over credentially players to form the 16 players who will don the baggy green as of next week.
This season's squad is as follows:
The centrepiece of the squad for this season will no doubt be Dave Hamshaw, trained to perfection and has the highest wage amongst all players selected for this season's team.
khilden: "Team captain Dave Hamshaw hails from NSW. Currently playing his cricket with division two side Off with their heads, Hamshaw quickly established himself at club level scoring a maiden ton only weeks after his debut. An exciting young player, he is the rock of the batting lineup."
Although unknown to the majority of Assistant Coaches amongst the Australian U19 camp, it was clear that Bobby Sellars would be hot property as a batsmen amongst his peers.
khilden: "Victorian Sellars was spectacularly drafted into the starting lineup of Underdogs CC just five days after his promotion from the youth academy. Although he made a slow start to his career, since making a century in January this year he hasn't looked back."
Short-listed from day dot when khilden's reign began, Sol Kirby will be given excellent support with his destructive style of batting of great benefit.
khilden: "Sol Kirby has been dubbed the next Matthew Hayden and for good reason too, an aggressive opener who never takes a backward step, his run a ball maiden century spoke volumes of this young mans pedigree."
From the simple beginnings of a seventeen year old trainee, the National board have watched over Jack Whittaker, and he is granted with an Australian guernsey for this season.
khilden: "Jack Whittaker farts a lot. Since being promoted from the youth academy at fartland he has maintained his dream is to fart all over the English."
As far as the eighteen year olds are concerned, khilden has committed to the active presence of fellow coach dplank and his prospect Richard Marthinus, named as one of two specialist batsmen set to fly the flag in Season 8's U19 World Cup.
khilden: "Richard Marthinus is one of the most promising young players to come out of the Victorian youth system. Currently playing for the Redundant Double Negatives in division two, he's had more experience at the top level than many senior players."
The other has also been respected since his commencement of cricket life. Jacob Kidd's presence will be felt amongst his superior and older team-mates.
khilden: "Jacob Kidd is a fine example of serendipity. He packed his bags and left Pride of Mersey Side at a tender young age to be picked up by the Newcastle Knights. A useful lower order player for the novocastrians, Kidd is sure to impress on the big stage."
Holding the gloves with a bright future ahead is Paul Warlock, who has been drafted with the additional skills in batting helping his cause.
khilden: "An old head on young shoulders, Paul Warlock has proven a steady man behind the sticks for Brighton CC, who's title hopes this season rest partly with Warlocks batting and catching."
One of the hottest prospects and a superior all-rounder, Steven Loyal is devilish, despite a slow start at club level is bound to improve and take flight in International waters.
khilden: "The golden boy of New South Wales, Steven Loyal has only played a handful of matches but is one of the most highly rated young men in Australia. A useful batter and bowler with the world at his feet."
Supporting the talents of All-Rounder Steven are Ray Mckagen and his awesome talent with the ball - coupled by a handy ability with the bat puts this long-locked nineteen year old in good company.
khilden: "There's no more terrifying sight than Ray Mckagen charging down the pitch, wild mane blowing in the wind, letting fly with a flipper or googly. This youngster has played two seasons with the famous Marconi Stallions who rate his skills very highly."
The third All-Rounder, one which also flew under the radar amongst the majority of scouters was Andrew Morton, although khilden's excitement is billowing with another hot prospect on the verge of greatness this season.
khilden: "Andrew Morton has burst onto the scene in recent times, although he has only played four matches he showed his class by smashing 166 on debut. The finest attraction the ACT has to offer."
As far as the bowling is concerned, this writer admits there is no greater bowling attack in the world, than the Season 7 U19 Australians. Headlined by Glen Schalk.
khilden: "Glen has often been described as 'scary' or 'extreme'. It's no suprise that he plays for Scary Extreme of NSW. A born and bred bully, Schalk loves nothing more than destroying the wickets."
Hayden Judge brings seam, swing and consistency into the line-up, the only Medium pacer for now - but a strength of titanic proportions on his own.
khilden: "The metronomic Hayden Judge has always adhered to the mantra of "line, length and subtle variation" over brute pace. A special young man who's bowling talent is matched only by his ability to get sunburnt."
Although relatively fatigued, one U19 Squad could not be without Mat Pearson, who is expected to uphold his mantle as the best paceman in Australia within a month's time.
khilden: "Mat Pearson of East Coast Bruddas loves to "chill in da 'hood with his boyz" when he isn't terrorising batsmen on the field. A very efficient bowler, it's a suprise he has never taken a 5 wicket haul."
On late notice did Leighton Spector arrive to the National scene, and the Australians could not have done without him.
khilden: "With his wholesome boy next door looks Leighton Spector was set to become the face of Queensland cricket. Unforetunetly he adopted a liking for shouting "COME ON!!!" and making strange hand motions whenever he took a wicket and became vilified for his overzealous passion. Leighton has no regrets though, off the field he just finished grade four so he has every reason to be happy."
He kept delivering in the training nets, and Jason Henno has been rewarded for Gooric CC, one of the club's up-and-coming stars.
khilden: "Jason Henno is the wildcard and the joker. A devilish fast bowler he channels the energy and pomp of Dennis Lillee at his finest. Under the guidance of Gooric Henno has gone from a crazed and underprivileged youth to a crazed and overprivileged youth who can throw a cricket ball at people. really hard!"
There was only one specialist spinner to be considered - he is hot property and on the rise with a beautiful skill. Simon Akwenye does not need to wait any longer to gain his baggy green.
khilden: "Simon Akwenye's addition to the U19 team has been questioned by many quarters. To these people i say. He gave me more sexytimes than the rest of you so..."
As far as the addition of two more players to come, khilden said: "There are still two spots in the team, we are looking for two possible 18 year olds to fill these gaps. Primarily we are interested in batters though a 19 year old wicketkeeper who has the appropriate skills will also be given due consideration."
The first match against England is set to be played on June 26 - after this week's double header, the final two players are expected to gain inclusion to the side.
There are still two spots in the team, we are looking for two possible 18 year olds to fill these gaps. Primarily we are interested in batters though a 19 year old wicketkeeper who has the appropriate skills will also be given due consideration
The United Internazionale club coach was appointed last month with some doubts over his commitment towards his new role, but they have been banished into space with gruelling study over credentially players to form the 16 players who will don the baggy green as of next week.
This season's squad is as follows:
The centrepiece of the squad for this season will no doubt be Dave Hamshaw, trained to perfection and has the highest wage amongst all players selected for this season's team.
khilden: "Team captain Dave Hamshaw hails from NSW. Currently playing his cricket with division two side Off with their heads, Hamshaw quickly established himself at club level scoring a maiden ton only weeks after his debut. An exciting young player, he is the rock of the batting lineup."
Although unknown to the majority of Assistant Coaches amongst the Australian U19 camp, it was clear that Bobby Sellars would be hot property as a batsmen amongst his peers.
khilden: "Victorian Sellars was spectacularly drafted into the starting lineup of Underdogs CC just five days after his promotion from the youth academy. Although he made a slow start to his career, since making a century in January this year he hasn't looked back."
Short-listed from day dot when khilden's reign began, Sol Kirby will be given excellent support with his destructive style of batting of great benefit.
khilden: "Sol Kirby has been dubbed the next Matthew Hayden and for good reason too, an aggressive opener who never takes a backward step, his run a ball maiden century spoke volumes of this young mans pedigree."
From the simple beginnings of a seventeen year old trainee, the National board have watched over Jack Whittaker, and he is granted with an Australian guernsey for this season.
khilden: "Jack Whittaker farts a lot. Since being promoted from the youth academy at fartland he has maintained his dream is to fart all over the English."
As far as the eighteen year olds are concerned, khilden has committed to the active presence of fellow coach dplank and his prospect Richard Marthinus, named as one of two specialist batsmen set to fly the flag in Season 8's U19 World Cup.
khilden: "Richard Marthinus is one of the most promising young players to come out of the Victorian youth system. Currently playing for the Redundant Double Negatives in division two, he's had more experience at the top level than many senior players."
The other has also been respected since his commencement of cricket life. Jacob Kidd's presence will be felt amongst his superior and older team-mates.
khilden: "Jacob Kidd is a fine example of serendipity. He packed his bags and left Pride of Mersey Side at a tender young age to be picked up by the Newcastle Knights. A useful lower order player for the novocastrians, Kidd is sure to impress on the big stage."
Holding the gloves with a bright future ahead is Paul Warlock, who has been drafted with the additional skills in batting helping his cause.
khilden: "An old head on young shoulders, Paul Warlock has proven a steady man behind the sticks for Brighton CC, who's title hopes this season rest partly with Warlocks batting and catching."
One of the hottest prospects and a superior all-rounder, Steven Loyal is devilish, despite a slow start at club level is bound to improve and take flight in International waters.
khilden: "The golden boy of New South Wales, Steven Loyal has only played a handful of matches but is one of the most highly rated young men in Australia. A useful batter and bowler with the world at his feet."
Supporting the talents of All-Rounder Steven are Ray Mckagen and his awesome talent with the ball - coupled by a handy ability with the bat puts this long-locked nineteen year old in good company.
khilden: "There's no more terrifying sight than Ray Mckagen charging down the pitch, wild mane blowing in the wind, letting fly with a flipper or googly. This youngster has played two seasons with the famous Marconi Stallions who rate his skills very highly."
The third All-Rounder, one which also flew under the radar amongst the majority of scouters was Andrew Morton, although khilden's excitement is billowing with another hot prospect on the verge of greatness this season.
khilden: "Andrew Morton has burst onto the scene in recent times, although he has only played four matches he showed his class by smashing 166 on debut. The finest attraction the ACT has to offer."
As far as the bowling is concerned, this writer admits there is no greater bowling attack in the world, than the Season 7 U19 Australians. Headlined by Glen Schalk.
khilden: "Glen has often been described as 'scary' or 'extreme'. It's no suprise that he plays for Scary Extreme of NSW. A born and bred bully, Schalk loves nothing more than destroying the wickets."
Hayden Judge brings seam, swing and consistency into the line-up, the only Medium pacer for now - but a strength of titanic proportions on his own.
khilden: "The metronomic Hayden Judge has always adhered to the mantra of "line, length and subtle variation" over brute pace. A special young man who's bowling talent is matched only by his ability to get sunburnt."
Although relatively fatigued, one U19 Squad could not be without Mat Pearson, who is expected to uphold his mantle as the best paceman in Australia within a month's time.
khilden: "Mat Pearson of East Coast Bruddas loves to "chill in da 'hood with his boyz" when he isn't terrorising batsmen on the field. A very efficient bowler, it's a suprise he has never taken a 5 wicket haul."
On late notice did Leighton Spector arrive to the National scene, and the Australians could not have done without him.
khilden: "With his wholesome boy next door looks Leighton Spector was set to become the face of Queensland cricket. Unforetunetly he adopted a liking for shouting "COME ON!!!" and making strange hand motions whenever he took a wicket and became vilified for his overzealous passion. Leighton has no regrets though, off the field he just finished grade four so he has every reason to be happy."
He kept delivering in the training nets, and Jason Henno has been rewarded for Gooric CC, one of the club's up-and-coming stars.
khilden: "Jason Henno is the wildcard and the joker. A devilish fast bowler he channels the energy and pomp of Dennis Lillee at his finest. Under the guidance of Gooric Henno has gone from a crazed and underprivileged youth to a crazed and overprivileged youth who can throw a cricket ball at people. really hard!"
There was only one specialist spinner to be considered - he is hot property and on the rise with a beautiful skill. Simon Akwenye does not need to wait any longer to gain his baggy green.
khilden: "Simon Akwenye's addition to the U19 team has been questioned by many quarters. To these people i say. He gave me more sexytimes than the rest of you so..."
As far as the addition of two more players to come, khilden said: "There are still two spots in the team, we are looking for two possible 18 year olds to fill these gaps. Primarily we are interested in batters though a 19 year old wicketkeeper who has the appropriate skills will also be given due consideration."
The first match against England is set to be played on June 26 - after this week's double header, the final two players are expected to gain inclusion to the side.
There are still two spots in the team, we are looking for two possible 18 year olds to fill these gaps. Primarily we are interested in batters though a 19 year old wicketkeeper who has the appropriate skills will also be given due consideration
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