| England vs Austrailia, 1st Ashes Test, Edgbaston Day 3 |
| England finally got the message on the third morning, and brought on someone who could bowl the ball in the general direction of the opposing batsmen - England's no. 3 Mark Butcher. After getting wickets he was praised by the commentary team - the fact is that he only got wickets from the Aussies trying to hit 4-balls for 6... Austrailia were soon dismissed though, and England got on with the task in hand - blowing the test match completely. Trescothick was playing well, so Atherton apparently assumed only one opener per innings was allowed to get a good score, and was out cheaply to Glenn McGrath. Incidentally there is a lot of talk about the contest between Atherton and McGrath, but as Atherton rightly states there is none - McGrath says "you're out" and Atherton walks. Butcher came in and played decently, getting another 40 before finally getting out. Yet again the fall of this wicket exposed the tail. England did stumble on some good fortune when Brett Lee managed to break Hussain's fine china finger, rendering him unfit for the second test. One has to wonder if his fingers are made of disintegrating breadcrumb, as they seem to crumble when they contact another substance... This time England fell apart completely, and I will not bother with a day 4 report as it didn't last long with the way England played. I hope that there's more to report from the second test. Some key points: - The only England shirt Ian Ward should be allowed to wear is a replica shirt bought in the shop - Afzaal showed that he doesn't struggle under pressure; he completely falls apart - Butcher had by far the best bowling figures for England - food for thought? - Caddick looked more comfortable than anyone else against the Aussie bowlong attack - food for thought? - Giles is not so much a spinner as a full TOSSER - England really need Peter Such back... and should get some fielding coaching off Phil Tufnell... - The only England player who can catch the ball in his hands is Nasser Hussain. Unfortunately you're not meant to do it when you have a bat in your hand... Ciao for now Back to the Homepage To The Daily Crigg |