After the Ashes are done and dusted it is now time for the post-mortems and the reviews to follow. In a two part series, Srivathsa gives his take on both the sides performances over the last 5 matches.
Australia:
Simon Katich-341 runs at 42.62 in 8 innings
One of the six players to have featured in that morale sapping defeat in 2005, Katich, was the solid obdurate opener expected to shepherd the Aussie top order. He has an unconventional style of play that includes the use of a lot of bottom hand, but he used it to good effect producing some crucial starts at the top of the order. He was brilliant at Cardiff with a well constructed 122, albeit on a wicket that helped the batsmen, but failed at Lord's in the second innings when his side needed him to provide a good start in chase of a huge total. He got starts in both the innings at the Oval, but failed to capitalise on either one, as he fell to Graeme Swann on both occasions. He is still developing as a player and struggled to pick Swann. Has a glaring weakness against spinners - especially finger spinners as he lunges at the ball instead of smothering it. His bowling was not utilised properly by Ponting and he got limited chances to roll his arm over.
Verdict - Pretty good overall, but could have done more at crucial junctures in the series.
Shane Watson-240 runs at 48.00 in 5 innings
Pitchforked into the opening slot for the third Test after the omission of Phil Hughes, Shane Watson shone as an opener with 3 consecutive fifties at Edgbaston and Headingley. Like his opening partner Katich, he too got starts in both the innings at the Oval, but fell at the wrong time from an Aussie viewpoint. He was authoritative with his stroke play when he got in, but was repeatedly found wanting by the ball that darted back into him and was out LBW in 4 of the 5 innings he played in the series. Stuart Broad and Graham Onions exploited this weakness by bowling straight and trapping him in front. The irony was that having been picked as a bowling all-rounder, he rarely got an opportunity to display his bowling skills.
Verdict - Did well considering his sudden elevation to the opener's slot. Needs to work on some technical shortcomings to ensure longevity at the Test level.
Ricky Ponting-385 runs at 48.12 in 8 innings
One of the best batsmen of his generation, Ponting came into the series wanting to erase the glaring blemish in his record - the Ashes loss of 2005. Unfortunately, that failed to materialise. He played a high quality innings of 150 at Cardiff to set the tone for his side, and after that knock, everyone believed that this was Ponting's Ashes with the bat, but he tapered off - failing until the 1st innings at Headingley. At the Oval, he looked in sublime form in what could well be his last innings on English soil in an Ashes Test match, but Freddie Flintoff chose that moment and occasion to leave a lasting stamp in his final Test match, and Ponting was on his way back to the pavilion.He flourished when the ball was not swinging and struggled when it was. As a captain, he was at times thoughtless, and his glaring omission of Hauritz at the Oval further eroded his status as a decision maker.
Verdict - Pretty average series by his own high standards. Was left wanting in the captaincy stakes too.
Mike Hussey-276 runs at 34.50 in 8 innings
Hussey saved his Test career in the 2nd innings at the Oval, playing what was perhaps his finest innings. That knock showed how much of a fighter Hussey is as he brought all his qualities (determination, doggedness and grit) to the fore. Until that innings, Hussey was a shadow of the batsman who averaged 80 in his first 20 Test matches. He did not know where his next run would come from as he shouldered arms to deliveries that he should have been playing. Was under severe pressure throughout the series and looked very nervous and fidgety at the crease. The English team viewed him as the most vulnerable and exploited it to the hilt.
Verdict - Poor series and one which could have ended his Test career if not for the innings of 121 at the Oval
Michael Clarke-448 runs at 64.00 in 8 innings
Without a shadow of a doubt, the batsman of the series from either side. He came off age with some stunning performances in the first four matches of the series. Almost took Australia to victory with a chanceless innings at Lord's. He never looked out of place nor was he ever found wanting when his side needed him - except in the final Test when he flopped twice to make England's job easier. He is one of the best players of spin in the world and it was a delight to watch him take on Swann and emerge victorious. The form player and a bedrock in the Australian middle order.
Verdict - Brilliant. The 'Pup' has now grown in stature to become the 'Bulldog' and it will not be long before he assumes the mantle as the Australian skipper in all the three versions of the game
Marcus North-367 at 52.42 in 8 innings
He was the third highest run-getter for the Aussies in the series, yet he had some innings that he would like to forget in a hurry. He played a horrendous shot to get out at the Oval in the 2nd innings at a time when he was expected to support Hussey. He got runs at Cardiff and Headingley when the sun was out and the ball stopped swinging. His technique requires some tinkering as he shuffles in an ungainly fashion at the crease. He was unlucky on a few occasions with some marginal umpiring decisions going against him, but when he did get in, he made it count as a couple of hundreds to his name would testify. Bowled quite well at the Oval extracting appreciable turn and at times some bounce as well. He could develop into a good part-time spinner in the future.
Verdict -An up and down series. No immediate threat to his place in the side as Australia lack a high quality reserve at Number 6
Brad Haddin-278 runs at 46.33 in 6 innings
He batted quite splendidly to bring up his maiden Ashes ton in the 1st innings at Cardiff. His broken finger just before the start of play at Edgbaston then ruled him out of the match. He came back to play the final two matches of the series without impressing with the bat, playing one shot too many and holing out at the Oval in the 2nd innings to hasten his side's demise. With the gloves, he was quite untidy as he struggled to cope with the slope at Lord's. Gave away a lot of byes and looked quite clumsy at times.
Verdict-An average series. If he continues to slip up, there are people like Manou and Tim Paine waiting in the wings to take over
Mitchell Johnson-105 runs at 17.5 in 6 innings, 20 wickets at 32.55 in 9 innings
The biggest disappointment of the series for Australia, he came with a huge reputation and left with his confidence ripped apart. Apart from a few threatening spells at Headingley, he was listless with the ball all series. spraying it all over the place and at times looking like a man desperately wanting to be somewhere else. His scatter-gun approach helped England race to 195/0 in a huge momentum changing opening stand at Lord's. It should surprise him that in spite of bowling so poorly he managed to take 20 wickets - which was as much due the English batsmen's inability as it was due to his bowling. His lack of bowling form ate away at his mental fortitude as he failed to shine with the bat as well. After his duck at the Oval he cut a forlorn figure as he trudged back to the pavilion.
Verdict - Mediocre. To go from being proclaimed as the next big thing before the series to getting close to being dropped takes some doing
Nathan Hauritz-45 runs at 22.5 in 3 innings, 10 wickets at 32.5 in 5 innings
Hauritz came into the Ashes series with a huge burden on his shoulders - that of filling in Shane Warne's mighty boots. To his credit he performed admirably. He out-bowled both Swann and Panesar at Cardiff, justifying his selection. And in a truly brave effort at Lord's he hurt his hand but continued to play through the pain. He was omitted for the last two matches as Australia went in with an all seam attack, and his omission at the Oval became the single biggest talking point after Australia lost the Ashes on a dry wicket. He batted with pluck and determination whenever he got an opportunity.
Verdict -A good series, considering the pressure he was under. He could have been quite a handful on the Oval wicket. Still remains the number 1 spinner in the team
Peter Siddle-91 runs at 18.2 in 6 innings, 20 wickets at 30.8 in 9 innings
Siddle was the pantomime villain whom the English crowds hated for his fierce swagger. He looked out of his depth and confused in the first 3 matches of the series until he burst into life with a 5 wicket haul at Headingley. Initially, he either bowled too short or too full and was easy meat for the English batsmen. When the conditions did not favour him, he did not quite know what to do, and seemed to be searching for the magic ball that would get batsmen out. He improved considerably in the last 2 matches to finish with 20 wickets. With the bat, he was a stodgy customer and looked quite capable of handling the willow. Never gifted his wicket away and stuck it out till the end.
Verdict -A mixed series. Some sharp spells, coupled with hugely inconsistent ones made him an unreliable performer. Still good enough to be the 3rd seamer
Ben Hilfenhaus-40 runs at 20 in 6 innings, 22 wickets at 27.45 in 9 innings
Hilfenhaus came into the Ashes series knowing that only an injury to one of the pre-series first choice seamers would grant him a place in the eleven. That is exactly what happened when Brett Lee injured himself in the tour game at Worcester and Hilfenhaus was drafted in. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and emerged as the leading wicket taker of the series. He swung the new Duke cherry at a fair pace and troubled all the batsmen. He was Ponting's go-to man whenever he needed a wicket and he delivered most of the time. He had Ravi Bopara completely sorted, dismissing him 5 times and bringing his international playing days to a mid-career halt. The Tasmanian brick layer also has a huge heart as he bowled long spells without showing signs of fatigue. Batted quite stoutly for a Number 11 and frustrated the English bowlers at times.
Verdict - Outstanding. From being considered the 4th or 5th seamer before the Ashes, he is now the top one by a long way.
Stuart Clark-38 runs at 12.66 in 3 innings, 4 wickets at 44 in 4 innings
He failed to force his way into the side for the first three games and when he finally did get a chance at Headingley, he made an immediate impact by picking up 3 wickets to setup Australia's victory. After that performance, everyone questioned his non-inclusion in the earlier part of the series, but he was pillaged by Broad and Swann in the second innings and failed to justify his inclusion at the Oval with some poor bowling. He has lost a yard of pace as well. In favourable conditions, he was probing, but when the conditions didn't suit him, he found it hard to contain batsmen, let alone pick up wickets. Slogged his way to 32 at Headingley and did little thereafter with the bat.
Verdict -Average series. Might have to force his way back into the side with some strong domestic performances
Phil Hughes-57 runs at 19 in 3 innings
Like Mitchell Johnson, Hughes came into the Ashes high on confidence after plundering runs against South Africa and also for Middlesex in the warm up to the series. But it was all one huge bubble which suddenly burst - first when Steve Harmison bounced him out twice at Worcester in a tour game and then when the English seamers relentlessly exploited his weakness against the short ball. He has a dodgy technique where he stays leg-sideish of the ball and attempts to flay it on the off side leaving him susceptible to the rising delivery. He never looked comfortable at the crease and was found wanting, before being dropped after the Lord's Test.
Verdict -Poor. An eye opener for this young man and a reminder that Test cricket can be a cruel game. Needs to fight his way back into the opener's slot
Graham Manou-21 runs at 13 in 2 innings
Called up as a last minute replacement for the injured Brad Haddin, Manou kept quite superbly at Edgbaston. He looked a far more accomplished keeper than Haddin and his glovework was exemplary. Did not do much with the bat as he failed to show he has the technique to succeed at this level.
Source
Australia:
Simon Katich-341 runs at 42.62 in 8 innings
One of the six players to have featured in that morale sapping defeat in 2005, Katich, was the solid obdurate opener expected to shepherd the Aussie top order. He has an unconventional style of play that includes the use of a lot of bottom hand, but he used it to good effect producing some crucial starts at the top of the order. He was brilliant at Cardiff with a well constructed 122, albeit on a wicket that helped the batsmen, but failed at Lord's in the second innings when his side needed him to provide a good start in chase of a huge total. He got starts in both the innings at the Oval, but failed to capitalise on either one, as he fell to Graeme Swann on both occasions. He is still developing as a player and struggled to pick Swann. Has a glaring weakness against spinners - especially finger spinners as he lunges at the ball instead of smothering it. His bowling was not utilised properly by Ponting and he got limited chances to roll his arm over.
Verdict - Pretty good overall, but could have done more at crucial junctures in the series.
Shane Watson-240 runs at 48.00 in 5 innings
Pitchforked into the opening slot for the third Test after the omission of Phil Hughes, Shane Watson shone as an opener with 3 consecutive fifties at Edgbaston and Headingley. Like his opening partner Katich, he too got starts in both the innings at the Oval, but fell at the wrong time from an Aussie viewpoint. He was authoritative with his stroke play when he got in, but was repeatedly found wanting by the ball that darted back into him and was out LBW in 4 of the 5 innings he played in the series. Stuart Broad and Graham Onions exploited this weakness by bowling straight and trapping him in front. The irony was that having been picked as a bowling all-rounder, he rarely got an opportunity to display his bowling skills.
Verdict - Did well considering his sudden elevation to the opener's slot. Needs to work on some technical shortcomings to ensure longevity at the Test level.
Ricky Ponting-385 runs at 48.12 in 8 innings
One of the best batsmen of his generation, Ponting came into the series wanting to erase the glaring blemish in his record - the Ashes loss of 2005. Unfortunately, that failed to materialise. He played a high quality innings of 150 at Cardiff to set the tone for his side, and after that knock, everyone believed that this was Ponting's Ashes with the bat, but he tapered off - failing until the 1st innings at Headingley. At the Oval, he looked in sublime form in what could well be his last innings on English soil in an Ashes Test match, but Freddie Flintoff chose that moment and occasion to leave a lasting stamp in his final Test match, and Ponting was on his way back to the pavilion.He flourished when the ball was not swinging and struggled when it was. As a captain, he was at times thoughtless, and his glaring omission of Hauritz at the Oval further eroded his status as a decision maker.
Verdict - Pretty average series by his own high standards. Was left wanting in the captaincy stakes too.
Mike Hussey-276 runs at 34.50 in 8 innings
Hussey saved his Test career in the 2nd innings at the Oval, playing what was perhaps his finest innings. That knock showed how much of a fighter Hussey is as he brought all his qualities (determination, doggedness and grit) to the fore. Until that innings, Hussey was a shadow of the batsman who averaged 80 in his first 20 Test matches. He did not know where his next run would come from as he shouldered arms to deliveries that he should have been playing. Was under severe pressure throughout the series and looked very nervous and fidgety at the crease. The English team viewed him as the most vulnerable and exploited it to the hilt.
Verdict - Poor series and one which could have ended his Test career if not for the innings of 121 at the Oval
Michael Clarke-448 runs at 64.00 in 8 innings
Without a shadow of a doubt, the batsman of the series from either side. He came off age with some stunning performances in the first four matches of the series. Almost took Australia to victory with a chanceless innings at Lord's. He never looked out of place nor was he ever found wanting when his side needed him - except in the final Test when he flopped twice to make England's job easier. He is one of the best players of spin in the world and it was a delight to watch him take on Swann and emerge victorious. The form player and a bedrock in the Australian middle order.
Verdict - Brilliant. The 'Pup' has now grown in stature to become the 'Bulldog' and it will not be long before he assumes the mantle as the Australian skipper in all the three versions of the game
Marcus North-367 at 52.42 in 8 innings
He was the third highest run-getter for the Aussies in the series, yet he had some innings that he would like to forget in a hurry. He played a horrendous shot to get out at the Oval in the 2nd innings at a time when he was expected to support Hussey. He got runs at Cardiff and Headingley when the sun was out and the ball stopped swinging. His technique requires some tinkering as he shuffles in an ungainly fashion at the crease. He was unlucky on a few occasions with some marginal umpiring decisions going against him, but when he did get in, he made it count as a couple of hundreds to his name would testify. Bowled quite well at the Oval extracting appreciable turn and at times some bounce as well. He could develop into a good part-time spinner in the future.
Verdict -An up and down series. No immediate threat to his place in the side as Australia lack a high quality reserve at Number 6
Brad Haddin-278 runs at 46.33 in 6 innings
He batted quite splendidly to bring up his maiden Ashes ton in the 1st innings at Cardiff. His broken finger just before the start of play at Edgbaston then ruled him out of the match. He came back to play the final two matches of the series without impressing with the bat, playing one shot too many and holing out at the Oval in the 2nd innings to hasten his side's demise. With the gloves, he was quite untidy as he struggled to cope with the slope at Lord's. Gave away a lot of byes and looked quite clumsy at times.
Verdict-An average series. If he continues to slip up, there are people like Manou and Tim Paine waiting in the wings to take over
Mitchell Johnson-105 runs at 17.5 in 6 innings, 20 wickets at 32.55 in 9 innings
The biggest disappointment of the series for Australia, he came with a huge reputation and left with his confidence ripped apart. Apart from a few threatening spells at Headingley, he was listless with the ball all series. spraying it all over the place and at times looking like a man desperately wanting to be somewhere else. His scatter-gun approach helped England race to 195/0 in a huge momentum changing opening stand at Lord's. It should surprise him that in spite of bowling so poorly he managed to take 20 wickets - which was as much due the English batsmen's inability as it was due to his bowling. His lack of bowling form ate away at his mental fortitude as he failed to shine with the bat as well. After his duck at the Oval he cut a forlorn figure as he trudged back to the pavilion.
Verdict - Mediocre. To go from being proclaimed as the next big thing before the series to getting close to being dropped takes some doing
Nathan Hauritz-45 runs at 22.5 in 3 innings, 10 wickets at 32.5 in 5 innings
Hauritz came into the Ashes series with a huge burden on his shoulders - that of filling in Shane Warne's mighty boots. To his credit he performed admirably. He out-bowled both Swann and Panesar at Cardiff, justifying his selection. And in a truly brave effort at Lord's he hurt his hand but continued to play through the pain. He was omitted for the last two matches as Australia went in with an all seam attack, and his omission at the Oval became the single biggest talking point after Australia lost the Ashes on a dry wicket. He batted with pluck and determination whenever he got an opportunity.
Verdict -A good series, considering the pressure he was under. He could have been quite a handful on the Oval wicket. Still remains the number 1 spinner in the team
Peter Siddle-91 runs at 18.2 in 6 innings, 20 wickets at 30.8 in 9 innings
Siddle was the pantomime villain whom the English crowds hated for his fierce swagger. He looked out of his depth and confused in the first 3 matches of the series until he burst into life with a 5 wicket haul at Headingley. Initially, he either bowled too short or too full and was easy meat for the English batsmen. When the conditions did not favour him, he did not quite know what to do, and seemed to be searching for the magic ball that would get batsmen out. He improved considerably in the last 2 matches to finish with 20 wickets. With the bat, he was a stodgy customer and looked quite capable of handling the willow. Never gifted his wicket away and stuck it out till the end.
Verdict -A mixed series. Some sharp spells, coupled with hugely inconsistent ones made him an unreliable performer. Still good enough to be the 3rd seamer
Ben Hilfenhaus-40 runs at 20 in 6 innings, 22 wickets at 27.45 in 9 innings
Hilfenhaus came into the Ashes series knowing that only an injury to one of the pre-series first choice seamers would grant him a place in the eleven. That is exactly what happened when Brett Lee injured himself in the tour game at Worcester and Hilfenhaus was drafted in. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and emerged as the leading wicket taker of the series. He swung the new Duke cherry at a fair pace and troubled all the batsmen. He was Ponting's go-to man whenever he needed a wicket and he delivered most of the time. He had Ravi Bopara completely sorted, dismissing him 5 times and bringing his international playing days to a mid-career halt. The Tasmanian brick layer also has a huge heart as he bowled long spells without showing signs of fatigue. Batted quite stoutly for a Number 11 and frustrated the English bowlers at times.
Verdict - Outstanding. From being considered the 4th or 5th seamer before the Ashes, he is now the top one by a long way.
Stuart Clark-38 runs at 12.66 in 3 innings, 4 wickets at 44 in 4 innings
He failed to force his way into the side for the first three games and when he finally did get a chance at Headingley, he made an immediate impact by picking up 3 wickets to setup Australia's victory. After that performance, everyone questioned his non-inclusion in the earlier part of the series, but he was pillaged by Broad and Swann in the second innings and failed to justify his inclusion at the Oval with some poor bowling. He has lost a yard of pace as well. In favourable conditions, he was probing, but when the conditions didn't suit him, he found it hard to contain batsmen, let alone pick up wickets. Slogged his way to 32 at Headingley and did little thereafter with the bat.
Verdict -Average series. Might have to force his way back into the side with some strong domestic performances
Phil Hughes-57 runs at 19 in 3 innings
Like Mitchell Johnson, Hughes came into the Ashes high on confidence after plundering runs against South Africa and also for Middlesex in the warm up to the series. But it was all one huge bubble which suddenly burst - first when Steve Harmison bounced him out twice at Worcester in a tour game and then when the English seamers relentlessly exploited his weakness against the short ball. He has a dodgy technique where he stays leg-sideish of the ball and attempts to flay it on the off side leaving him susceptible to the rising delivery. He never looked comfortable at the crease and was found wanting, before being dropped after the Lord's Test.
Verdict -Poor. An eye opener for this young man and a reminder that Test cricket can be a cruel game. Needs to fight his way back into the opener's slot
Graham Manou-21 runs at 13 in 2 innings
Called up as a last minute replacement for the injured Brad Haddin, Manou kept quite superbly at Edgbaston. He looked a far more accomplished keeper than Haddin and his glovework was exemplary. Did not do much with the bat as he failed to show he has the technique to succeed at this level.
Source
No comments:
Post a Comment