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*Official* England v Zimbabwe
- Thread starter Neil Pickup
- Start date
luckyeddie
Cricket Web Staff Member
The more churlish amongst us might suggest that he has been somewhat fortunate (should have been caught).
However, it's another fifty for McGrath - and even allowing for the lack of penetration of the attack in the evening session) he is just oozing class.
However, it's another fifty for McGrath - and even allowing for the lack of penetration of the attack in the evening session) he is just oozing class.
Rik
Cricketer Of The Year
Is it sunny up there? There's certainly hay being made.
Fair play on McGrath, he's managed to do what Key never has (ie scored runs). Though most people would love to have their 1st Tests against such cannon fodder. He'll probably go into the ODers feeling like this International Cricket lark is rather easy, then bang, he plays against a good attack and gets out cheaply. Such is life
Fair play on McGrath, he's managed to do what Key never has (ie scored runs). Though most people would love to have their 1st Tests against such cannon fodder. He'll probably go into the ODers feeling like this International Cricket lark is rather easy, then bang, he plays against a good attack and gets out cheaply. Such is life
luckyeddie
Cricket Web Staff Member
You could be right, but remember that he's not exactly done great against county attacks in the past. Test cricket's all about the occasion, though. Key froze, McGrath blossomed.Rik said:Is it sunny up there? There's certainly hay being made.
Fair play on McGrath, he's managed to do what Key never has (ie scored runs). Though most people would love to have their 1st Tests against such cannon fodder. He'll probably go into the ODers feeling like this International Cricket lark is rather easy, then bang, he plays against a good attack and gets out cheaply. Such is life
It might well change in the future, but he's grabbed his chance - and how.
Key will get another opportunity, but I don't think it will be in the first couple of games against South Africa. For me, Thorpe is a must-play.
PY
International Coach
I agree, always like Thorpe as a international player....plays the same game in Tests as he does ODI because it is suited to both.
Key looked good when he played that back-foot cover drive but then mucked it up with an appalling pull/swipe thing.
McGrath looked in command today........I admit I thought it was dodgy selection at first but he hasn't done at all badly. And to people who say that it's only Zimbabwe I say you can only hit what is put in front of you and he has............especially that juicy 6 he hit arrow straight over the bowlers' head. Hmm-mmm that was tasty.
Key looked good when he played that back-foot cover drive but then mucked it up with an appalling pull/swipe thing.
McGrath looked in command today........I admit I thought it was dodgy selection at first but he hasn't done at all badly. And to people who say that it's only Zimbabwe I say you can only hit what is put in front of you and he has............especially that juicy 6 he hit arrow straight over the bowlers' head. Hmm-mmm that was tasty.
Neil Pickup
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I must admit, McGrath is showing plenty of that "X" factor that makes you think, "yeah, he's a Test Cricketer" rather than some one who has played in a Test (Key at present).
If Thorpe can keep his current form up, he'll be back for South Africa, and what price Hussain to call it a day at the end of the summer?
If Thorpe can keep his current form up, he'll be back for South Africa, and what price Hussain to call it a day at the end of the summer?
luckyeddie
Cricket Web Staff Member
For about half an hour today, Douglas Hondo looked to be a real test bowler. Pitched the ball up, swing, bounce (OK, lack of pace, but that's not always everything), I was quite impressed.
Then it all went pear-shaped again. Just shows there's something in there.
Once again, I fully expect England to get a lot more out of the conditions tomorrow (after tea would be a good time to start bowling), but if Zimbabwe can strike early, we just might have a test match.
Then it all went pear-shaped again. Just shows there's something in there.
Once again, I fully expect England to get a lot more out of the conditions tomorrow (after tea would be a good time to start bowling), but if Zimbabwe can strike early, we just might have a test match.
luckyeddie
Cricket Web Staff Member
Re: Oh for hindsight...
Good call, Rik. Now about this McGrath chap....Rik said:
Rik
Cricketer Of The Year
Wow, that's got to be one of the fastest 5 Wickets hauls in Test Cricket...or at least maiden 5 Wicket hauls! Johnson gets Streak LBW. 7.4-3-18-5
Zimbawae 35-7 off 15 overs. 5 LBWs, Johnson 4 of them. 4 LBWs and a caught behind = straight bowling on the stumps. None of this short wide rubbish or trying to bounce people out.
Zimbawae 35-7 off 15 overs. 5 LBWs, Johnson 4 of them. 4 LBWs and a caught behind = straight bowling on the stumps. None of this short wide rubbish or trying to bounce people out.
luckyeddie
Cricket Web Staff Member
The Streak (?) decision (padding up) was one of the best decisions I have seen in recent years. Well played, Darrell Hair