Bonner continued his grit game and made sure that England bowlers throw the towel down. He along with Permaul drained England’s bowlers. The likes of Stokes who earlier in the day has changed the course too had an off color day. Permaul took small strides and scored runs and used feet against Leach.
Joe Root once again was seen helpless as of now his captaincy is by no means great. Mark Wood once again was not given the ball in hand, there may be a possibility that he is injured or going some work on his shoulder, he has had problem with this, earlier during India Test Series in England 2021; he was sidelined due to a Jarred Shoulder. Chris Woakes used all the tricks in the book but West Indies batters were ready for it. With only few overs left for the 2nd new ball, England needs to quickly take it and make sure that West Indies aren’t touching the landmark of 100 runs lead.
West Indies batsman Nkrumah Bonner has silenced all the critics by facing more than 350 odd balls. Sticking to the Crease at this pitch was an arduous task, the tail-enders have faced more than 150 balls which speaks volumes of hard work which bowlers are putting in with the bat too. Bonner’s one stand out feature has been that he hasn’t lost his concentration by any means, he gave one opportunity when he was dropped in slip by Zak Crawley on the bowling of Jack Leach; other than that he has been solid as a Rock. Bonner would be thrilled to know that his knock would open West Indies account in the Richards-Botham Trophy 2022.
Day 4 would be a Fascinating Contest where Caribbean Fast Bowlers would be Roaring to Knock off England’s Out of form batters. The debutant Alex Lees would be tested as earlier he was undone by the sheer brilliance by Kemar Roach. Skipper Joe Root who now has gone back to No.3 position would be wary of the fact that he needs to be more than ever chary as there are high chances that he may come into bat on the very 2nd ball. The Invincible Stokes will have to use all his experience to give England a chance in the 1st Test Match. West Indies on the other hand would sense that they have this Test Match under their control, only they can lose from here onwards which can happen due to their unpredictable nar ture, which is far away but this possibilities can’t be ignored. England and West Indies have had this unpredictable tag, so who knows what lies ahead on the 4th Day. All in all, just like 3rd Day the Cricket World would witness an intriguing day of Test Match where the Momentum is with West Indies.
SNAPSHOT: Nkrumah Bonner Raises his Bat after Scoring 123 Runs.
SNAPSHOT: Nkrumah Bonner Raises his Bat after Scoring a Hard-fought Century against the Courageous Britain.
In the very 1st over Bonner completed his century. There was no angry celebration from his side as he knows that his Job isn’t finished yet. Kemar Roach got run out, it can be said that the pacer played a critical role in the partnership. Roach played out 80 odd deliveries in his knock which indeed is a good job done.
Joe Root handed the ball to Leach in a hope that his turning deliveries would outfox the batters. Root made a mistake by not giving the ball to Mark Wood, his express pace would have been threatening to West Indies spinner Permaul. Leach has been bowling his heart out but nothing is happening. Root would be thinking of another spin bowling option which is no one than himself.
West Indies would be thrilled as now they have found a proper middle order batter in the form of Nkrumah Bonner. The dismissal of Roach made Bonner more responsible as now he is playing determined shots better than ever. Bonner has got ample support from Permaul as he has now got his eye in. Caribbean Pacers would be watching more keenly as the bowl is keeping low and the bowlers are getting a lot of uneven bounce and movement.
Post Drinks break, Evening Session is showing us that how this Test Match is moving. Batting is by no means easy now which means that England are in a precarious position. West Indies would be eyeing to get a Crack at England’s batters before the end of Day’s play, a small session of 5-10 overs would be icing on the cake. On the other side, England are not yet down and out, they should not let lead go beyond 100 otherwise making a comeback would be tough. All in all, West Indies look all set to win the Inaugural Richards-Botham Trophy’s 1st Test Match unless and until England play out out of their skin and produce a miraculous performance.
West Indies started off their post drinks break Afternoon Session wittily. Bonner was playing a typical Test Match knock where he left deliveries and made sure that West Indies are in a strong position. Roach on the other side displayed immense mental application as blocking too was not an easy task. The West Indies batters now have made sure that can deepen the agony for Joe Root & Co.
Joe Root knew that the fast bowlers are tired and he gave the ball to Jack Leach. The left arm off spinner got the turn, bounce and was seen troubling the batters more often than. He opportunities twice, one for Bonner and another one was for Roach. On both the occasions the slip fielder dropped the catches and gave a life to these batters. It is often said Catches win Matches, Root would be angry and would be banging his head on the door for missed opportunities, because now the team has lost the plot and advantage.
West Indies know that any lead around 150 would seal the Test Match for them. Bonner is on the verge of a Fantastic Century whereas Roach now has started to change the gears. Roach and Bonner played out the Session and went unscathed. The partnership amongst the two batters is of 40 runs and in doing so they have consumed a lot of balls that too in excess of 140.
The Evening Session would definitely and undoubtedly give the Cricket Fraternity an idea of which way the Test Match is heading. 123 overs have been bowled so far, the new ball is distant; once again the Pacers will depend on reverse swing which indeed is a tough task. West Indies now would be aiming to get a Dominating Session, 1st Hour holds the key here; if they score 50-70 odd runs then they would believe that they are in the Driver’s Seat. On the other Side England know that they have let the opponent took the control of Test Match, the likes of Woakes and especially Wood need to rip off the remaining batters, otherwise it would be a Cake Walk for Caribbean bowlers.
SNAPSHOT: Nkrumah Bonner Making an Impact as the Lead for West Indies begins.
Post lunch session was pivotal, especially the first hour. Jack Leach, the left arm off spinner got rid of well set Joshua Da Silva. His departure made the Session spicy as later Alzarri Joseph too was dismissed. English bowlers were roaring as they got back into the groove.
Bonner, then went into ultra defensive mode as it was the need of the hour. He was making sure that he doesn’t get enticed by flighted deliveries of the left arm spinner. Root used short ball rampage to irk him but Bonner didn’t lose his cool. Craig Overton and Mark Wood tried everything to see Bonner’s back, but they were unsuccessful.
After a testing half an hour, Bonner stitched a small partnership with the lethal pacer Kemar Roach. England’s Captain was a bit impatient as he didn’t want West Indies to get a lead. Bonner is on the verge of a hard fought century whereas he knows that the longer he stays at the crease, the higher are the chances of West Indies getting a disturbing lead for England.
The phase after post drinks break could be pivotal. The deficit is in 20s and West Indies still have 3 wickets in tank. West Indies management are wary of the fact that batting 4th won’t be at all easy, they should try to put the leg on the accelerator and score runs as the pitch has started to misbehave and deteriorate. On the other side would England knows that their top order is vulnerable to the new ball and they know how Roach, Holder and Joseph created a havoc in 1st innings. All in all, this Test Match has been topsy-turvy for both the teams, England’s players are already in the field for more than 100+ overs, they would be tired and as of now the shoulders are dropping off; if West Indies play out another session then they would be literally bossing the game.
SNAPSHOT: Nkrumah Bonner holds the Fort of West Indies after an early collapse on Day 3 Afternoon Session
The dismissal of Holder in Morning Session had given Britishers a chance to make a comeback in the Test Match. The onus was on Stokes to rip off the line up of Caribbean batters. Although, he didn’t got any ample support from the likes of Wood and Woakes. Both the batters present at the crease were calm and made sure that they don’t let the game slip off.
SNAPSHOT: Bonner and Joshua irking England team and snatching the Test Match from Joe Root’s England
Bonner was literally rock while doing defence. Joshua followed the trend and he at the times was a bit scratchy too. He survived a lbw decision too which he later got it overturned. The wicket keeper batter’s strokeplay was a treat to watch. He not only took the pressure of Bonner, but made sure that the scoreboard was ticking regularly.
The Captain Joe Root’s nemesis of Captaincy continue as he isn’t getting productive results neither from the Pacers nor from Jack Leach. Root knows that he is playing with fire, his captaincy is on a thin edge. He has been given a Second Life that too a short one of 3 Test Series. If he doesn’t make it count, then ECB will have to make tough calls, which they have already have started.
The Afternoon Session of Day 3 would decide the fate of the Test Match and eventually of the Test Series. Root needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat quickly, otherwise 2019 tour would be repeated. On the other side West Indies would hope that the two batters continue the good work and get a threatening lead of 100 runs. If Caribbean batters and tail enders would fret Joe Root and Co, then West Indies would be in the Driver’s Seat.
The Morning Session of Day 3 was expected to be a critical one. Holder was all set, so was Bonner. The Captain Joe Root gave the ball to Ben Stokes.
Stokes was trying his best to reverse the ball as the red ball was more than 70 overs old. Holder initially was solid in his defence. He was gritty and showcased a lot of determination to see of 1st hour.
71st over it was, Stokes was bowling his heart out. He was in his 2nd over of the day. Stokes angled the ball away from Holder and he as usual was letting the ball go. On the brink of 72nd over, Holder got a bit carried away and nicked the ball to the keeper Ben Foakes.
Stokes has made a resounding statement that Holder may be one of the Best All-rounder, but he is an All-time Great. This dismissal has just opened the Test Match for England. The deficit though remains a problem, but Holder could have inflicted a lot of damage. In 2019 Test Series, 1st Test Match it was; he was well set and then smashed a Gigantic double century. The road for England may look a bit easy now but they have a long rally ahead.
SNAPSHOT: Ben Stokes Elated and Jubilant after getting rid of the Dangerous Jason Holder
Johnny Bairstow came into bat when England were reduced to 48-4. Kemar Roach, Jason Holder and Jaydon Seales were literally on fire. They broke the back of England’s batting line up as the reset of England Cricket wasn’t quite fruitful as expected.
Bairstow and Stokes then rebuild the innings. They made sure that they get their eye in the match.
It was afternoon session when Bairstow started attacking. Attacking the bowlers in the sense, he was very much keen to rotate the Strike on a Consistent basis.
Bairstow’s peculiarity was similar to the knock he played against the Mighty Aussies at the SCG. The dashing batter made sure that Stokes played the waiting game.
In the evening session, the scintillating Bairstow went into beast mode. He was smashing boundaries on a consistent basis to the likes of Roach and Co.
Bairstow was using all shots in the book. Most of the times, he was seen using the cut shot and pull shot. He gave a glimpse of the old Bairstow who used to assert dominance over opponent.
West Indies Captain missed a trick by not giving the ball to Roach and Holder. Holder had mind boggling figures as he gave away 15 runs in 16 overs and took 2 wickets of Lawrence and Foakes.
Bairstow’s speciality this time was that he played according to the situation. The ball was doing a lot of movement as he made sure to be patient and cash in on an opportunity.
The way Bairstow handled collapses speaks a lot about his technique. The dismissal of Stokes was a blow to England’s innings as at that time the score was 115-5.
Bairstow got ample support from Ben Foakes. The wicket keeper batter had a dream comeback as he was stroking the ball smoothly. Foakes managed to score 42 runs. He made sure to up the ante as scoring was by no means means.
Bairstow notched up his 7th century and made a statement that he may be out of form, but he is not finished yet. The batter now has made a strong case for himself in England’s Middle Order.
Bairstow knows that his Job is half done yet. England’s score is 268-6. He would be hoping that England’s 1st innings score touches 350 scale mark.
The new ball is only 6 overs old. The fast bowlers can still extract a lot of swing which will make the 1st session a spicy contest. There are chances that England would score heavily and even score 400 odd runs.
West Indies Skipper would hope that his bowlers would take a leaf out of the morning session. All in all, the 1st session would decide the fate of the Iconic Richards-Botham Trophy 2022.
SNAPSHOT: Jonny Bairstow scores a Brilliant unbeaten knock of 109 runs.
England would be astonished that they deferred Aussies a victory. Aussies were looking in full control that too till the last ball, yet England attained a draw which would be remembered for Ages. As of now England would be relieved that 2006-07 & 2013-14 feat (*5-0 white-wash) won’t be attained by Aussies.
SNAPSHOT: James Anderson & Stuart Broad took England home (Draw) after a hard-fought Match.
Aussies had won the toss & elected to bat first. Rain intervened a lot on the 1st Day of Test Match. For the first time Australia’s top-order was exposed as the likes of Warner, Harris, Smith & Labuschagne were back in the dressing room, while the score was 242-5. Usman Khawaja came into the team as Travis Head had tested positive for Covid-19.
SNAPSHOT: Usman Khawaja playing a pull shot & getting his eye in after a long gap of Cricket.
On Day 2 Khawaja made the most of the opportunity & rescued Australia’s ship by smashing a century. He scored 137 runs in 200 deliveries. It was looking as if Khawaja was a regular part of team. His calmness & composure was spot on. For England the presence of Khawaja proved to be a surprise package as Khawaja had played his last test match in 2019 Ashes. Khawaja got ample support from the rest of the batters. Australia declared after posting a mammoth 1st innings total of 413-8.
SNAPSHOT: Usman Khawaja delighted after Scoring a Hundred.
“The Old Horse” Stuart Broad proved his mettle by picking up a 5 wicket haul. This was the first time where an England bowler took 5 wickets in 7 innings. Broad was looking determined as ever as there were no freebies. England’s bowlers looked dedicated as getting rid off top-order quickly sensed that England are heading in the right direction.
SNAPSHOT: Stuart Broad pumped up & reignited old rivalry with David Warner.
England came out to bat & went unscathed (* 5 overs before day’s play) which was surprising given the history of openers in Series. On Day 3 Aussies continued their domination & dragged England to 36-4. It was looking that this Test Match would end quickly, then Ben Stokes & Johnny Bairstow came.
SNAPSHOT: Johnny Bairstow & Ben Stokes keeping an eye on scoreboard & one on the bowlers.
It was understood that Bairstow’s career as a red ball cricketer would be finished. He just went into attacking mode as he scored a barnstorming century of 113 runs in 158 balls. His celebration was evident that he is still an integral part of the Team.
SNAPSHOT: Johnny Bairstow thrilled after notching up 100 runs & saving his Test Career.
Even Stokes was looking threatening but he was foxed by the craftiness of Nathan Lyon. Stokes contributed 66 runs in 91 balls to England’s Scoreboard. The dismissal of both the batters meant that Aussie got a lead. England were bowled out for 294 runs. Aussies got a lead of 122 runs.
SNAPSHOT: Ben Stokes playing a shot through covers/off side & looking ominous.
Australia’s hero/wicket-taker with the ball was none other than Scott Boland. He took 4 wickets & was as immaculate as ever with the line & length. Mitchell Starc was taken to the cleaners & he looked a bit drained in his spells. There were instances where catches where dropped by Alex Carey, slip fielders & Marnus Labuschagne.
SNAPSHOT: Scott Boland continuing his purple patch from 3rd Test Match.
On Day 4 once again the top-order failed to score size-able runs. The score was 86-4. Usman Khawaja made a solid case for himself as he smashed a turbulent century of 101 runs in 138 balls. The peculiarity of Khawaja’s knocks this time was that he played according to the conditions.
SNAPSHOT: Usman Khawaja ecstatic after scoring twin centuries in SCG.
Khawaja scored his 2nd Century of Test Match & made a strong case for the upcoming Asian Test Tours (Pakistan, Sri Lanka & India). Both the dug-outs lauded Khawaja’s performance as he was at his best. He along with Cameron Green ruined England’s chances of making a come-back. Green played a flamboyant knock of 74 runs in 122 balls. Aussies declared on 265-6 & posted a total of 388 runs for Britishers.
Lack Leach made the most of the turning tracks as he took 4 wickets. The rest of the bowlers were bowling on foot-marks which made the batting extremely difficult. Overall, the bowlers were spot on. Khawaja & Green made the bowlers to bowl according to their strengths.
SNAPSHOT: Jack Leach enthralled after bamboozling the “Greatest of all Time” Steven Smith.
In response to 388 target (*Day 4) England once again went wicket-less in dressing room as they scored 30 runs in 11 overs. Attaining target looked plausible as scoring 358 runs in 3 sessions is a bit unrealistic. Both the openers in this Test Match blunted the new ball which made the task easier for the rest.
On Day 5 England’s batters showed a lot of character. Pat Cummins the skipper was grinding for each & every wicket as this time England were staunch in their defense. Cummins would be unhappy as his strike bowler Mitchell Starc’s wicket-column was empty. Not only he was wicketless but he also gave away runs with an economy of more than 3.5. Starc’s inability of taking a wicket proved to be a decisive factor.
SNAPSHOT: Mitchell Starc looking grumpy because of Stokes’s resistance.SNAPSHOT: Pat Cummins the skipper tried everything for a victory through attacking mindset.
This Test Match was played with a lot of things under scanner as Aussies wanted to dominate while England wanted to prove a point. England would be grinning that they defied the odds, this Australian team looks similar to the Legendary Ricky Ponting’s & Michael Clarke’s team.
England found a lot of positive aspects as Ben Stokes (“Mr. Incredible” termed by his mates) got back into his groove & Johnny Bairstow saved his place by cracking up a hard -fought century. This time pacers toiled & showcased results which was optimum. England now needs to take one more step ahead & win the TEST Match at Hobart which would be the proper way to sign off. All in all, England looks back on track in Test Cricket
Aussies have a habit of finding replacements quickly. Cameron Green has some shades of the Legendary Shane Watson. They have the pedigree of All-rounders which makes them invincible & challenging. The Top 2 World Class batters of Australian line up haven’t scored a century till now (*8 innings) which augurs a lot about Australia’s Camaraderie on & off the field.
Ashes is a Gripping Rivalry which keeps the Cricketing Fraternity & the entire Globe thrilled. England & Australia are the only 2 Nations for whom Test Cricket is Pinnacle, as this Rivalry is Ancient which got started way back in 1882-83. Australia has had the wood over England where Aussies have retained the “Urn” 38 times whereas England 33 times. Ashes is mouth watering as England’s ‘Barmy Army’ pressurizes the Mighty Aussies via witty statements & sometimes smirky remarks, in 2019 Ashes Barmy Army brutally trolled Smith, Warner & entire Cricket Australia (CA) for their ball tampering saga.
SNAPSHOT: Pat Cummins & Joe Root booming with a Smile as the Greatest Rivalry Resumes
Australia
Australia have taken a bold decision to give leaderhip duties to Steven Smith (*as a deputy) & made the No.1 fast bowler Pat Cummins as the Skipper. Cummins is the first fast bowler to captain Australian Test team in the last 65 years. Deceased Ray Lindwall was handed a one match captaincy in India in 1956 which makes him the only specialist fast bowler of Australia to captain in TESTS.
Cummins inclusion as a skipper means that Australia can’t rest him. Cummins hasn’t missed a single test Match since 2018 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. CA have gone backwards as they have recalled Usman Khawaja back into the frame. Khawaja is the only batter present apart from Smith who was a part of an excruciating Ashes 2010-11 Campaign where England had outclassed Australia by 3-1. 2010-11 Ashes was a Historical Feat as Britishers won Test Series in Australia after 24 years. Khawaja & Smith have seen the agony of a shambolic performance which makes their presence invaluable (*Khawaja is not named in playing 11 for 1st Test Match).
SNAPSHOT: Apart from Labuschagne the duo of Smith & Khawaja is pivotal
Australia should take a leaf out of 2013-14 & 2017-18 Ashes performance as their prowess is to bowl out England. The pitches of Australia aren’t that spicy as compared to England, bowlers need to toil a lot to squeeze a wicket. The role of Nathan Lyon becomes critical as more often than not he is under the pump as other bowlers most likely won’t get productive results. Australia know that one brutal spell of Starc can create havoc for England as ECB’s (England Cricket Board) Intolerant approach towards racism is under scanner.
Playing 11: David Waner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (Wk), Pat Cummins (c) , Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
England
ECB have shown faith in skipper Joe Root as earlier he failed to retain the Urn, in 2017-18 Ashes & 2019 (in England where the series was levelled by 2-2). Joe Root so far has a prolific year with the bat where he has amassed 1,455 runs where he has scored 6 centuries. Root has been the one man army so far for England where he has scored the bulk of runs. Root would be blostered by the presence of Stokes who not only bowls but provides a complete package of a Cricketer.
SNAPSHOT: Joe Root in 2021 having a dream run as runs are accumulating at large scale.
England once again are with a new bunch of openers in the form of Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed & Rory Burns which has now become a funny template. Jonny Bairstow would be gutted to show that he still has the passion for Test Cricket because the selectors have ignored him blatantly in the past 1 year (*Ollie Pope has pipped him for 1st Test Match). The duo of Stuart Broad & James Anderson would be banking on their 2010-11 feat; as they are the only Cricketers who were a part of that Momentous Achievement (* Anderson according to management is rested for 1st Test Match to focus on work-load)
SNAPSHOT: James Anderson & Stuart Broad would hope that they rip off Australia’s line up.
England would be eager to stamp their authority as their last 2 tours at Australia were a nightmare; in 2013 they were got whitewashed & in 2017-18 they avoided an embarrassment in the form of 0-4. England are high on batting line up but that doesn’t mean that they should throw away their starts. England have a golden chance to deepen CA nemesis as once again their culture is under spotlight.
Playing 11: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c) , Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (Wk), Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Jack Leach
The 1st Test Match is scheduled at The Gabba, Brisbane. India in 2021 had breached Gabba Fortress after 32 years that too by a second string team. England would be Roaring & would hope that they would shell-shock Australia again as the 1st Test Match will determine their fate.
Last 4 Ashes Series Down Under (*Australia as Hosts) :
2006-07
Australia won
5-0
2010-11
England won
3-1
2013-14
Australia won
5-0
2017-18
Australia won
4-0
2013-14 Ashes was considered to be a riveting contest as England had the former Skipper Sir Alastair Cook, Swashbuckling Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell & a lot of puissant members, yet Australia buried them.
The same applied for 2010-11 Ashes as the Legendary Former Captain Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich & Co were bruised as the Dynamic England handed Kangaroos 3 inning defeats.
#Past 4 series gives us a clear cut indication that making a comeback & winning Ashes in Australia is literally impossible no matter who is in your team.
Keys for Winning/Retaining Ashes
The Task is cut out for England, they have to dominate Australia from the word go. Ben Stokes holds the key as his bowling can be a decisisve factor. If Stokes can squeeze out 2-3 wickets in a Test Match then England would be in the Driver’s seat. 300 odd runs would mean that they are giving Australia a straight-forwward chance.
Australia once again are back to the drawing board. They need to show the fire as England’s pacers are also too hot. Aussies have a bad habit of falling like a pack of cards which should be avoided, as scoring 3 runs per over is decent. The rookie Cameron Green’s role is crucial as he is the only recognized bowling option after the quartet.
Predicted Winner
Australia looks ominous to retain the Ashes & win the Series. Bad times for Aussies don’t last long as the recent testimony is of Ashes 2019, after 18 years Australia had retained Ashes in England. This doesn’t mean that it was a cake walk as there were horrendous times for Oz’s, yet that didn’t hampered them.
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