Day four and five at the Gabba

Defiance is a term England batsman are unfamiliar with, year after year we see them attempt to recover from dire situations only to implode with consummate ease. Andrew Strauss (110), Alastair Cook (235 n.o.) and Jonathan Trott (135 n.o.) took this record and tore it up to rewrite Ashes history.

The tourists' seem more acquired to falling like Italian striker's who have had their knee grazed, yet they stood taller than the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai. When everyone doubted the man they dub 'the Chef', he has put all of his critics, including myself, to bed.

The trio broke a total of ten records including Cook reaching his top first-class score, achieving the highest ever partnership (329) by two batsman (Cook and Trott) at the Gabba, while the Essex batsman also claimed the highest score in a Test match after he passed Sir Don Bradman's 226.

But 517-1 is a score that I recommend that you print off and frame, for it is one that will struggle to be replicated for the foreseeable future. Strauss appeared in a different nous by showing a vast array of attacking strokes, Cook showed maturity beyond his years, and Trott reached his fourth ton for England after gaining starts on plenty of occasions.

There were some comical drops in the field, most notable Mitchell Johnson when Strauss was on 69, and Michael Clarke when Trott was on 75. Two catches that you would not expect to see in international cricket, but it summed up the body language from a miserable Aussie side.

Only part-time bowler Marcus North claimed a wicket on wicket showing so many cracks in it that you could probably lose a lifetime's worth of keys down them. Mitchell Johnson will be called into question, a wretched run of form was epitomised by his 0-170 in this Test.

Doug 'the rug' Bollinger was brought into the 13-man squad for Adelaide along with Ryan Harris, but there will be serious doubts that either team can claim 20 wickets in a match after only 11 were claimed by the respective sides. Two partnerships of over 300 underlined how much of a batting paradise these pitches are proving to be, and both captains' will need to identify bowling line-ups that they believe have the ability to wreck their opponents chances.

Simon Katich's (4) failure summed up a sorry last few days for Ricky Ponting and co, but now they have time to regroup, but also prepare for the barrage of criticism the bowling line-up will take for being as ineffective as it was.

So the Adelaide Oval is the next port-of-call, much like Brisbane, I'm expecting a high-scoring encounter. Until then, let me leave you with the fact that England's trio of heroes are the first to all achieve centuries for the nation in a single innings since 1924, when a certain Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe opened the batting.

Day three at the Gabba

When England first boarded the plane at Heathrow on the 29 October, fans, pundits and former players were saying this was the best chance in 24 years that they had at achieving mission impossible, winning the Ashes in the Baggy Green's backyard.

It's not every day that Ricky Ponting's side go into a series as underdogs, but with several first team players misfiring, and an initial 17-man squad selected, no-one was questioning it.

Yet day three at a sun-drenched Gabba saw the Aussies bring their opponents back down to earth with thump. Mike Hussey (195), who scored an confidence-boosting knock of 118 for Western Australia against Victoria eight days ago, recaptured this form is sublime fashion.

When Australia lost Marcus North yesterday at 143-5, the match was walking a tightrope and could have fallen either way. As it was, over the course of the third day the Aussies not only passed England's mediocre score, they almost doubled it.

Now England skipper Strauss should hang his head in shame for a good part of what took place in the second session today. Clearly frustrated at the lack of wickets coming their way, a series of negative field placements to dry up the run flow coming from Hussey and Brad Haddin (136) will have driven several England fans in the UK to bed.

A defining moment, amidst the endless boundaries ebbing from Hussey and Haddin, the latter lashed at a wide delivery from Steven Finn after passing his century that would have gone straight down second slip's throat. An anguished look upon Strauss's face said it all, outstretched on the deck having been the closest to the ball, the skipper knew that desperate times had caused him to remove all remaining slip catchers.

Aside from Haddin gaining reprieves through dropped catches from Paul Collingwood and Alastair Cook, the former catching him later in the day, Australia batted with delightful craftsmanship and superb intelligence. They deserve to be in the position they have put themselves in, as despite a spirited performance by debutant Steven Finn who took 6-125, the day belonged to the hosts.

A tale of two men has given this game a plot, and now Strauss and co must give the story another twist in order to avoid going one down. The memories of Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad's partnership of 332 against Pakistan, or James Anderson and Monty Panesar against Australia at Cardiff in 2009, need to be called upon to recreate what many now say would be a miracle.

The saying is, 'form comes and goes, but the talent is always there', and if England are going to wade out of this mire, it is crucial they perform with the bat. To end the day unscathed after 15 pivotal overs was the perfect start, but the job is long from finished, and they will need to bat for at least the next four sessions if they are to get any kind of result in this game.

It is clear that the hosts' were not too fond of the underdog tag, and while Hussey and Haddin prepare to dismantle England once again, Strauss will be pondering what they have done to find themselves on the end of a potential drubbing. Chapter four, ready when you are.

Day two at the Gabba

What a perfect advert for Test cricket, a game swinging back and fourth so much that a pendulum would struggle to keep up with it. At one moment Australia are seemingly in the driving seat before a couple of quick wickets bring England steaming back in.

Yet a certain Mr. Cricket, aka Mike Hussey, was to have the last word, having survived a stroke of good fortune on his first ball. A gem of a delivery found the edge of a loose prod from the Western Australian, but sadly for England, dropped just shy of Graeme Swann at second slip.

Ever since the arrival of Twenty20, many fans, players and even clubs have been drawn in to the multi-million franchise. It is rare to find a Test match that can create 'oohhs' and 'aahhs' on every ball, so much so that every wicket or boundary is greeted by ecstasy or agony.

Tests' themselves have a similar feel to that of a story that you are reading / hearing for the first time, you simply cannot predict what is going to happen. Several people cannot understand that even after five days no result can be finalised.

But it is not the result that makes or breaks Test matches, it is the journey that you experience along the way. Boundaries, wickets, dropped catches, run-outs and referrals are just a few aspects that create the storyline for a match.

Even Shane Warne on Twitter revealed that he believes this series will be one to remember, even if the cricket isn't to the best of standards. The match in Brisbane is nicely poised and ready for someone to take the initiative.

Resuming on 25 without loss, the Baggy Green openers of Simon Katich (50) and Shane Watson (36) settled into their stride with ease. The heat was matched by the sunshine racing across the outfield, bathing the stadium for a terrific days cricket.

Watson departed first, nicking the flawless James Anderson to Andrew Strauss at slip. Skipper Ricky Ponting (10) joined the scene, taking the home side to lunch at 96-1. But a slack stroke from 'Punter', attempting to glance a leg-side delivery, only succeeded in dabbing the ball to the gleeful Matt Prior who claimed his 100th Test dismissal.

Now Michael Clarke is known for his confidence, but nerves were showing more than a child beginning their first day of school. The 29-year-old played and missed six times in a mind-numbing innings that mustered only nine runs in the space of 80 minutes.

Katich reached his half-century with a tidy knock down to fine-leg, before a fullish delivery from Steven Finn was knocked back in the direction of the Middlesex man, who somehow managed to crumble his 6ft 7inch frame to take a wonderful catch just off the deck. Shortly after, Clarke, clearly susceptible to the short delivery, eventually attempted a pull that took a top-edge to Prior.

Marcus North (1), a man whose form is as predictable as the weather, emerged as Graeme Swann's first victim, nicking the ball to Paul Collingwood at slip. The 31-year-old has now passed 25 runs in only five of his last 23 Test innings.

The afternoon session was one that England savoured, however the pendulum was to swing with one more mighty effort. Hussey produced an array of shots, including dispatching the unusually nervy Swann over mid-on for a maximum, whilst being aided by a confident Brad Haddin (22 n.o.).

So the scene is set, the characters are ready and round three is about to begin. Can you predict what will happen? The name is Test cricket.

Day One at the Gabba,

Shane Warne collected the wickets of Phil DeFreitas, Darren Gough and Devon Malcolm in successive balls in Melbourne in 1994, hysteria gripped Australia. It was only the fourth time that an Australian had collected a hat-trick against the old enemy.

However, history suggests that it is now England's turn to claim the coveted three wickets in three balls. The following tour saw Darren 'Dazzler' Gough follow suit, leaving hat-tricks claimed against one another nicely poised at four apiece.

The pitch on day one was hard and flat with a green tinge to it, a standard Gabba track. The mischievous weather however decided to alter the typical situation of the opening Test, taking the sun away whilst leaving the stifling 27C heat.

Winning the toss for only the fifth time in 19 Tests between the Baggy Green and England, Andrew Strauss called his team in to bat, clearly taking note of Sir Len Hutton's and Nasser Hussain's crushing defeats after electing to field first in Test's passed.

The Gabba, pure and simply, has always given English fans little hope. It Not meaning to absolve on the negative side of the first day, but a total of 260 on a track as flat as that of Brisbane's finest, does not bode well. It was the length, pace, and precision of the only player representing the state of Victoria in the Australian squad, Peter Siddle.

Now, it being his 26th birthday was a generous bonus for him, but to dismantle England's middle order along with claiming a hat-trick was beyond most prior to the start of play. Alastair Cook (67) played a tidy, anchor-like innings, before he became Siddle's first victim.

Having been dropped when England were on 73-2 by debutant Xavier Doherty, Cook had taken his fair share of luck. Matt Prior (0) could have done little against his lone delivery, a peach of a yorker beating the Sussex man all ends up.

Step up Stuart Broad (0), a dazzling 169 against Pakistan earlier in the year had England fans hoping, but Siddle was not to be denied. Another full-length ball gave the Nottinghamshire man little room, cramped him up, rapped him on the pad, and that was that.

Prior to all the carnage, skipper Strauss (0) cut his third ball straight to a grateful Mike Hussey at gully, a ball nine times out of ten he would have belted through the gap. So with the captain back in the hutch, Jonathan Trott (29), averaging a mere 24 in five innings since arriving Down Under, stepped up to the plate.

With a threatening innings seemingly materialising, Trott played all around an up and down ball from Shane Watson to leave England at 41-2. Kevin Pietersen (43) showed typical gusto with a range of shots being brought out of the 30-year-old's locker.

A tentative prod off Siddle proved to be his downfall, with the usually rock-like Paul Collingwood (4) leaving the field soon after, having played an almost identical shot to his predecessor. Siddle's onslaught began soon after to provide the standard English collapse, going from 197-4 to a paltry 260 all out.

Graeme Swann (10) and James Anderson (11) stood their ground but could not prevent the inevitable, the latter falling to Doherty. Ian Bell (76) provided another superb display with the blade to prove that he has hit scintillating form just when needed.

Safely negotiating the last seven overs of play to end on 25 without loss, Australia will be feeling fairly smug after the taunts of the world's media over the past few weeks. It is also worth noting that in nine of England's 10 defeats at the Gabba, England's first innings score has not breached 265 runs, something worth mulling over.

Difficult Gabba Test awaits England

For English and Australians alike, it doesn’t get much bigger than this. The barbecues are fired, the beers are chilled, and there’s a brand new six-ounce cherry that is waiting to define who will own the bragging rights for the next two-and-a-half years.

From Graham Gooch to Nasser Hussain, all have failed much to the delight of our Aussie cousins. The excitement is gripping cricket fans’ in both nations, as we are now a tantalising 24 hours to what is of the most anticipated Ashes series in recent history.

Comprehensive defeats of 384 runs and 277 runs in the 2002-03 and 2006-07 tours do not sit well in English memories of the Gabba in Brisbane, but Andrew Strauss’s team know what is expected of them. A repeat performance yielding a similar result would ultimately give Australia the boost they need to reclaim the Ashes, and England a demoralising defeat which they may not recover from).

Steve Harmison is the latest Englishman to have struggled on a flat track at the home of the Queensland Bulls. When he opened the bowling from the Stanley Street end, hopes were soaring after reclaiming the Ashes 18 months earlier.

But the Gabba in Brisbane has not proven good hunting ground in recent tours of Australia for the English. A wild first ball that ended up in the hands of Andrew Flintoff at second slip began a chain reaction that never saw a recovery breach the horizon.

England have not found the Gabba to be good hunting ground for several tours now, with their latest victory coming in 1986 with Ian Botham’s last hurrah; a splendid knock of 138 proving to be his last triple figure score for England.

That tour was the last time an Englishman came home with the urn, a fact that has haunted every captain that has led his team Down Under for the inevitable slaughter for the past 24 years. In fact, only four English captains, in the shape of Sir Len Hutton, Ray Illingworth, Mike Brearley and Mike Gatting, have emerged victorious in an Ashes series since the end of World War Two.

Traditionally, the 'Gabba wicket has been a batting paradise with a track that is known for staying flat and true throughout a Test match. The fast bowlers may get slight assistance early on, but that is the most they can expect to receive.

The last two trips out onto the field first have seen England battered by a relentless Australian bowling formation containing arguably two of the best bowlers in Test history – canny fast bowler Glenn McGrath and legendary spinner Shane Warne.

Yet it is the persistent Mitchell Johnson and the uncapped Xavier Doherty who step into their ever so large shoes. Now these shoes cannot, and probably won’t be filled for several years, but Strauss and co cannot believe that this will automatically win them the Ashes that they crave.

Johnson is an accomplished Test bowler with best figures of 8-61 in a single innings; one that none of England’s touring party can better. But a batsman’s track it remains, and despite the possibility of rain, one route must be taken.

If the option to bat first presents itself, England must take it. Scores of 492 and 602-9 declared have proved pivotal for Australia on their past two opening innings against their bitter rivals, and the tourists have wilted under the pressure.

On a flat track with a sell-out crowd against them, confidence will be the biggest factor in a series that will define many players’ careers.

Here is a list of recent results for England at the Gabba, since England last won the series in 1986-87:

2006-07: First Test: lost by 277 runs, went on to lose the series 5-0.

2003-04: First Test: lost by 384 runs, went on to lose the series 4-1.

1998-99: First Test: draw, went on to lose the series 3-1

1994-95: First Test: lost by 184 runs, went on to lose series 3-1.

1990-91: First Test: lost by 10 wickets, went on to lose the series 3-0.

England v Australia: wicket-keepers and bowlers

Matt Prior v Brad Haddin

England’s No. 1 glovesman has finally put his foot on cementing his place within Andy Flower’s squad. A stirring average of 42.13 covers the flaws that his keeping can occasionally produce, yet with Surrey’s uncapped Steve Davies waiting in the wings, mistakes must be averted if he is to retain his place. Haddin, for several years Adam Gilchrist’s second in command, is another who will fear for his place in the starting XI. Tim Paine and Graham Manou lie in wait if the New South Wales man fails to produce the goods. However, the 33-year-old did enjoy a strong spell against England in 2009, averaging 46.33 including one century.

Stuart Broad v Mitchell Johnson

The offspring of former England opener Chris Broad has proved himself to be a consistent performer who, despite the odd tantrum, will put his back out for his country to gain victory in this series. Broad must focus on confusing the Australian selectors’ even more by putting constant pressure on the host’s leading batsmen. Johnson has 166 Test wickets to his name, and recent prolific form for Western Australia has given him the status as one of few optimistic Aussie players. He will want to dispel the below par performance in the 2009 Ashes behind him, and England must be wary of this.

Xavier Doherty v Graeme Swann

Labelled as the top spinner in international cricket at present, suggests that Swann will be a dangerous character Down Under. His fearsome record of nine five-wicket-hauls in 24 Test matches is one that few current spinners can match, least of all Xavier Doherty. The Tasmanian twirler has taken part in two ODIs and has a first-class bowling average of 48.10, so England fans not to worry; the next Shane Warne hasn’t surfaced yet.

Doug Bollinger v James Anderson

Doug ‘the rug’ Bollinger has an outstanding record in his 11 Tests thus far, coming up with an average of 23.79 and looks likely to join Australia’s frontline attack ahead of Peter Siddle. Coming across as more of a lager man than a fine champagne, the burly pace bowler is sure to give England something new to consider. England stalwart James Anderson will be playing a pivotal role in giving England an edge, and he must be prepared for a roasting on some of the flattest tracks in the world. A hit-and-miss average against the Baggy Green will not inspire confidence, but as one England’s frontline bowlers he possesses the weapons to leave the Aussies in tatters, but this skill must be brought to the Gabba on Thursday morning.

Steven Finn v Ben Hilfenhaus

England’s youngest recruit has not been daunted by the big stage thus far, but it doesn’t get much bigger than this for an English cricketer. A couple of series against minnows Bangladesh and a misfiring Pakistan team is not the greatest of experience, but the 21-year-old Middlesex man has proved that the necessary tools are there to produce the highest level of cricket. Tasmanian bowler Hilfenhaus was one of the few Australian bowlers that walked away from England in 2009 with his head held high. A string of stirring performances in a Glenn McGrath like manner had England in disarray on several occasions while he was also the top wicket taker for the series with 22 at an average of 27.45. England will have to learn from their mistakes if they are to conquer the 27-year-old.

So, with the first ball due to be bowled in the next 24 hours, let the carnage commence.

England v Australia, head-to-heads (batsmen)

Strauss v Ponting
England's skipper knows all to well that this has been the best chance for England to win the Ashes Down Under since the victorious tour in 1986-87. Ponting however, does not want to be the first Australian captain to lose three series to England and will attempt to use home strengths to his advantage.

Cook v Katich
A misfiring Cook has finally found some form in the recent tour matches, but the left-hander must be wary of being caught in the headlights as he was before in 2006-07. New South Wales batsman Katich has also been struggling to find his feet, as a series of disappointing displays with the bat will keep him looking over his shoulder.

Pietersen v Clarke
England's star batsman has not been able to produce the form that propelled him to stardom in recent months, but despite the comings and goings of the form, Pietersen will be in his element against Australia. Clarke averaged a sublime 77.80 on England's last tour to Australia, and the New South Wales player will seek to replicate this form to devastating effect.

Bell v Hussey
Warwickshire batsman Bell seems right at home in Australia, with a terrific knock of 192 coming against Australia 'A' coming just a week prior to the first Test in Brisbane. He also averaged 33.10 on the last tour in 2006-07, the third highest by an Englishman behind Strauss and Pietersen. Hussey, or 'Mr. Cricket' as he's known, averaged an outrageous 91.60 in 2006-07 against the English, and despite some indifferent form of late, will be relishing facing Strauss and co once again in his own backyard.

Watson v Trott
The all-rounder can be a useful asset to the Baggy Greens’ chances of reclaiming the urn, if he fires on all cylinders. Averaging 48.00 with the bat in the 2009 series was confidence personified, and as a fifth bowler, will provide Australia with a new dimension. Trott marked his debut against Ponting’s men with a century at the Oval and he will look to continue this trend. In danger of becoming the nation’s favourite South African, the 29-year-old will play a key role in whether or not England can achieve glory.

North v Collingwood
The Western Australian cannot anticipate which player will turn up each day, an unflattering failure to get beyond 31 in 22 of his 32 innings will undoubtedly play on his mind. Yet five centuries in such a short space of time confuses analysts even further, so it is up to North who turns up on day one. England’s old faithful, in the shape of the athletic Paul Collingwood, may well be singing his last hurrah Down Under. The 34-year-old has enjoyed two Ashes series victories, along with humiliation in 2006-07, despite scoring 206 at Adelaide in a defiant stand with Kevin Pietersen. A man who will not let the team down at any cost.

Tomorrow, the wicket-keepers and bowlers.

Weekends are a sportsman's paradise

Weekends in sport don't get much bigger than that. Sebastian Vettel claiming the world title in Formula One, England claiming their biggest victory over Australia in 34 years in the autumn international at Twickenham, and Chelsea hammered at home 3-0 by Sunderland.

This is what sport is all about, shocks and surprises, a jolt in the predictable line of results. On Friday, Spaniard Fernando Alonso looked odds on to win the drivers' title, many expected England to bottle it again to the Aussies, and Chelsea would walk all over a lacklustre Sunderland side.

But that's when you see sport at it's best, you can never predict a result until it has been finalised. Vettel sat 15 points behind Alonso when they lined up in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, but the wheels began to turn when Vettel kept Lewis Hamilton at bay on turn one, with Alonso dropping behind Jenson Button into fourth.

From there it would go downhill for the two-time champion, a mistimed pit-stop brought him out behind little known Russian Vitaly Petrov, who held his ground for the remainder of the race. Vettel held off the McLaren's to become the youngest drivers' champion in the sport's history, and what a fitting end to have three champions on the podium.

In the rugby, New Zealand romped home as expected against a poor Scotland team, Ireland were made to work for the victory against Samoa and world champions South Africa struggled against a spirited Wales side, but inevitably emerged as winners, just. England wanted to break the mould, and came out with a victory margin that has not been seen since a 23-6 mauling 34 years ago.

Flying Northampton winger Chris Ashton brought an excitement to the field that has not been seen since the likes of Jeremy Guscott, and that in itself was a sight to behold. Stealing possession on their own try-line, England lock Courtney Lawes found Ashton who ran in a 90-yard try to bring Twickenham back to life with one of the tries of the autumn.

The game never looked like slipping from England's grasp, a refreshing sight for any fan considering inconsistencies that seem to plague Martin Johnson's men. Most certainly a step in the right direction for English rugby.

Arsenal claimed a win at Everton, Manchester United snatched a late draw, Tottenham utilised their talisman in Gareth Bale, but Chelsea were all at sea this weekend. A sight rarely seen in English football as Carlo Ancelotti's men were torn to shreds by Steve Bruce's Sunderland.

A goal to nil could be considered lucky, but for the Black Cat's to put three past Petr Cech without reply from Anelka and Co is astonishing. The Blues never looked like they had an interest in the game, and how they were made to pay by a team that were expected to be bowled over.

Nedum Onouha, an on-loan Manchester City defender waltzed past three defenders in scintillating fashion to put them ahead on half-time before a slick team move resulted in Asamoah Gyan expertly slotting past the onrushing Cech. Many around me were puzzled at this scoreline, and even more confused at how the champions of England were putting in such a dire display.

Granted, we can't expect them to perform out of the ordinary each week, but Ashley Cole's comical 'pass back' to Cech, which resulted in Danny Welbeck helping himself to Sunderland's third, summed up a quite miserable performance. Despite the shock, it came as a breath of fresh air; to see that a team like Chelsea can be conquered so convincingly leaves the title tantalisingly open to all.

This is why sport comes to life at the weekends, Saturday's and Sunday's give people a freedom that makes football, rugby, formula one and most other sports what they are today. Anomalies or the shifting of confidence amongst sporting teams is a joy to behold, and with it, we continue to predict the unpredictable.

Ipswich Town, the first of many....

Now, Ipswich are a club that many would call a 'yo-yo' side, one that refuses to remain in one division or another. Having last flirted with the Premier League in 2001/02, isn't it about time that the Tractor Boys started living up to their reputation?

When Irish stalwart Roy Keane emerged as the clubs new manager 18 months ago, many Ipswich fans embraced a new era that looked rosy on all fronts. Yet, mid-table mediocrity is what fans have had to suffer with.

So when will the club's fortunes turn? Last season it took until the 15th game of the season for Ipswich to prove that they were the better team on the field. A scraped 1-0 win over Derby was greeted to rapturous applause from the fans, they were the last team in any professional league to achieve a win.

The Rams have just beaten Town on their own patch last Tuesday, sparking fresh resignation claims from the fans. It comes as no surprise as indifferent form has plagued the side in recent weeks, a run of three successive defeats followed by back-to-back wins states that this teams mentailty is not in the right place.

Yet it is not all doom and gloom, sitting just outside the play-offs with several teams around them struggling to string wins together is a position that many managers would enjoy. The signing of Jason Scotland combined with Tamas Priskin finding his poaching boots has given the Blues a strikeforce that they have not enjoyed since the likes of Darren Bent and Shefki Kuqi.

The promise of Connor Wickham has allowed many to believe that a future England star has been born, and with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal sniffing around, who can blame them. Keane has slapped a £10 million price tag on him that should keep the poachers' at bay, but it may well come down to participation at the highest level, if Ipswich are not there, what would keep him?

So, with a Barnsley side that haven't won away in the league this year visiting on Saturday, Ipswich can hope to begin the rectification of the indifferent form.