FaaipDeOiad
Hall of Fame Member
Nice. Fairly important that Clarke got a good innings in. Nice to see Watson in the runs again too.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/cricketNews/idUKL0656792820070306KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, March 6 (Reuters) - World champions Australia struggled to impose themselves on an enthusiastic but limited Zimbabwe attack and a slow, low pitch in the first of their two World Cup warm-up matches on Tuesday.
All-rounder Shane Watson, opening the innings with reserve wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, struck 81 and Michael Clarke looked in good touch, surviving a catching chance to reach 82 to take Australia to 290 for seven from their 50 overs.
After a slow start, Australia began to come to terms with a pitch which demanded late stroke adjustment to reach 105 for one.
But the middle-order then faltered with captain Ricky Ponting (2), Brad Hodge (17), Mike Hussey (15) and Brad Hogg (5) departing in quick succession.
Haddin (47), who was dropped by Sean Williams for two at point as the fielder stared directly into the sun, flourished briefly, hitting opening bowler Anthony Ireland for three fours off four balls then lofting a straight six.
Watson also profited from a dropped catch by Ireland off Williams before he was caught off the slow left-armer.
Australia fielded only 12 men in the 13-a-side match with opener Matthew Hayden and all-rounder Andrew Symonds recovering from injuries.
Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist was not considered for selection after delaying his arrival to the Caribbean until Monday because of the birth of his third child.
It's the first match for alot of the teams, give them a game to get use to the conditions and I am sure your see the scores shoot up.What's with the pitches at this WC? They're all so slow and low. None of the teams got over 300 against the minnows - that's really worrying. Are we in for a boring WC?
agreed..i actually like the low scoring ones betterIt's the first match for alot of the teams, give them a game to get use to the conditions and I am sure your see the scores shoot up.
Surely it's better if the games are close, the odd game of 350+ is great but it will be much better viewing and better for the games if the minnows can put up a fight.
i think the trick in this tournament will be playing ld school cricket...save wickets in the begining when the ball is new and then slog in the final oversdhoni looking to launch.....dont know what to say abt the indian performance....its okay i guess....a few players still need to prove their worth IMO!
i think the trick in this tournament will be playing ld school cricket...save wickets in the begining when the ball is new and then slog in the final overs
I'd rather see competitive, low scoring games than 350+ slogfests really. It'll make for a great WC if the pitches remain like we've seen so far. Ideally there'll be some variation.What's with the pitches at this WC? They're all so slow and low. None of the teams got over 300 against the minnows - that's really worrying. Are we in for a boring WC?
They haven't started batting yet I think.BAN score?
India scored exactly 300, I think thats the highest so far.Evermind said:What's with the pitches at this WC? They're all so slow and low. None of the teams got over 300 against the minnows - that's really worrying. Are we in for a boring WC?
India scored exactly 300, I think thats the highest so far.Evermind said:What's with the pitches at this WC? They're all so slow and low. None of the teams got over 300 against the minnows - that's really worrying. Are we in for a boring WC?