The Aussies will be narked that Ponting was given out caught at slip when he didn't touch the ball, that in the second innings Phil Hughes didn't have that catch referred, that Simon Katich was given out off a no-ball and Mike Hussey was given out when the ball beat the edge.
The fact remains however, that had Koertzen not thought Ponting had hit the ball Ponting would have been given out LBW - which he was, plumb as you like - Hughes and Katich both chased balls to slip and only Hussey could feel aggrieved, even though like a true pro he gave no sign of dissent.
Australia lost because they batted almost unbelievably badly in the first innings, and showed little heart in the second until they were already five down. But more importantly, they bowled badly - it is significant that Australia have yet to bowl England out twice. I noted that they would struggle without Brett Lee - and they have. Maybe he'll be back for Edgbaston and the unlucky if deserving Nathan Hauritz will be fit again - but oh boy how serious it is for Australia, to lose at Lord's where they have such a good record.
I thought Australia were favourites before the series. Cardiff did nothing to alter that. Right now, I'm not so sure. Edgbaston is usually happy hunting for England. If they go 2-0 up there then they should win the Ashes again and avenge that horror tour of Australia.
0 comments:
Post a Comment