**Official**VB Series 2005 Australia,Pakistan,West Indies.

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

And WI don't exactly have an Akhtar do they? I'm not saying Australia's top order will fail, but if Akhtar can get a few early wickets, I'd give them much more of a chance at victory. And those early wickets could come with less runs on the board since Gilly isn't there.

Gilchrist ducks... Team score.

v SA...238/6 (50) Loss
v NZ...297/6 (50) Win
v Eng...238/8 (50) Win
v Pak...265 all out Loss
v NZ...119/1 (23) NR
v SA...198 all out Loss
v Pak...167 all out Loss
v Pak...67/1 (9.3) NR
v SL...244/5 (50) Loss
v SL...227/5 (48.3) Win
v WI...301/4 (50) Win

That's a very interesting comparison IMO. It shows that if South Africa want to beat Australia, they only have to get Gilchrist for a duck.

 

[Beleg]

Same for Pakistan.

Also, did someone else notice Lee's figures? Ten overs for 66, only one wicket.

Intrestingly enough it was Hogg who was the the miserest of bowlers, followed by Kaspa. All others got tonked for some.

 

[andyc]

this is just me, but clarke and katich seem like a strange opening option.

 

[Mr Casson]

this is just me, but clarke and katich seem like a strange opening option.

Yeah, it is just you. ;p

Nah, Clarke has opened three times so far: once with a hundred, once with a blitzkrieg fifty and... once a duck. Katich opens the batting for NSW, so they both have the credentials. Ponting just doesn't want to expose his more experienced lieutenants at the top of the order.

 

[Beleg]

Aus should win. Pretty easily.

 

[Arrow]

Akhter is looking very limp atm, no fire at all and no match for lees pace. Not even close.

 

[Mr Casson]

You're never short of entertainment when Clarkey's around... dropped one ball, creams a four the next.

 

[andyc]

Yeah, it is just you. ;p

Nah, Clarke has opened three times so far: once with a hundred, once with a blitzkrieg fifty and... once a duck. Katich opens the batting for NSW, so they both have the credentials. Ponting just doesn't want to expose his more experienced lieutenants at the top of the order.

ah. i only remembered the duck

 

[Mr Casson]

ah. i only remembered the duck

Sorry, I think I might be forgetting another one in Sri Lanka where he failed.

 

[tooextracool]

Same for Pakistan.

Also, did someone else notice Lee's figures? Ten overs for 66, only one wicket.

Intrestingly enough it was Hogg who was the the miserest of bowlers, followed by Kaspa. All others got tonked for some.

yes amazing isnt it? i mean who would have thought that kaspa would once again bowl far better than lee and who would have thought that brad hogg would continue to bowl well? wouldnt be surprised though if people continue to call for hoggs head and ask for symonds and lehmann to do the bulk of the spin bowling

 

[Mr Casson]

Sorry, I think I might be forgetting another one in Sri Lanka where he failed.

OK, I've sorted it out... He did open in Sri Lanka and failed, but has still only opened three times. I thought he opened in the last VB series against India, but perhaps he just came in at first or second drop (I remember bloody Balaji got him).

 

[Dydl]

Last time I checked, 192 were required off 222- (not sure about the balls left) with 10 in hand.

 

[Dydl]

So he failed once or twice and then he gets two consecutive 50's.

 

[Mr Casson]

So he failed once or twice and then he gets two consecutive 50's.

Better yet - 105*, 66, followed by another half century (55* off 56 at the moment).

 

[Dydl]

How long did it rain for?

 

[Mr Casson]

^ Around half an hour I think.

 

[Jono]

Just when Pakistan claw back in the game, Clarke turns it up. He's absolutely on fire.

 

[Sehwag309]

Clarke is making Afridi's innings look like a bland cameo

I personally thought he is "only v.s India" good but some f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c shots, kinda FAN puller ones

 

[Mr Casson]

Well played Clarke!! Fantastic innings.

 

[Tim]

Great innings, but a bit of a brain explosion at the end there.