Report
Australia complete crushing 239-run win
Australia surged to a crushing 239-run win in the opening Ashes Test, with more than a day to spare, despite being frustrated by heavy rain
The Bulletin by Andrew McGlashan
24-Jul-2005
Australia 190 and 384 beat England 155 and 180 (Pietersen 64*, McGrath 4-29, Warne 4-64) by 239 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary
How they were out
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary
How they were out
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Australia surged to a crushing 239-run win in the opening Ashes Test, with more than a day to spare, despite being frustrated by heavy rain. After sitting around for over four hours, they needed only 10.1 overs to complete a clinical demolition of England's second innings. Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne finished with four wickets each, while only Kevin Pietersen showed any defiance, reaching his second half-century on debut.
The forecast for Monday is not too impressive and Australia were in no mood to take any chances with the English weather. When play began at 3.45pmBST McGrath found his probing line and length from the first ball. In his second over of the day the merciless removal of the remaining five wickets began.
Full postSangakkara ton puts Sri Lanka in charge
Kumar Sangakkara's ninth Test hundred propelled Sri Lanka into a position of dominance on the third day at Kandy.
The Bulletin by Ranajit Dam
24-Jul-2005
Sri Lanka 150 and 340 for 7 (Sangakkara 135*, Dilshan 49) lead West Indies 148 by 342 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary
How they were out
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary
How they were out
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Kumar Sangakkara's eighth Test hundred, and his first at his old school ground of Asgiriya Stadium, propelled Sri Lanka into a position of dominance on the third day at Kandy. His patience may have been tested by a series of rain breaks that occurred throughout the day, and the West Indies attack bowled with a fair amount of heart on a difficult surface, but Sangakkara was more than a match for anything that was thrown at him. At close of play, Sri Lanka were 340 for 7, with a lead of 342. Given the weather and pitch conditions expected over the final two days, whatever target Marvan Atapattu chooses to set for the visitors from now on should be well beyond the realms of the gettable.
Batting on the third day was never going to be easy, with the continuous threat of rain hovering around the stadium, and the pitch being less than ideal. Sangakkara's workmanlike innings of 135 not out, however, belied the problems faced by other batsmen and in the process, blunted the three-pronged West Indian pace attack. Cautious and compact throughout the first two mini-sessions, he bloomed in the post-tea phase of the day. Sangakkara did not look out of his depth at any point of time, and his century, the first hundred from either team this series, will be cherished for a lot more than just the connection to his Alma Mater.
Full postWarne magic rocks England
Australia had much the better of the third day, reducing England to 156 by the close, with just five wickets left and 264 runs still required
The Bulletin by Jenny Thompson
23-Jul-2005
Close England 155 and 156 for 5 (Pietersen 42*, Jones 6*) need 264 more runs to defeat Australia 190 and 384 (Martyn 65, Clarke 91, Katich 66)
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary
How they were out
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary
How they were out
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Simon Katich starred with the bat, and Shane Warne and Brett Lee with the ball as Australia steered themselves into a commanding position on the third day at Lord's. Katich's 67 lifted Australia to a hefty lead of 419, before Warne and Lee took five wickets between them to reduce England to 156 for 5 by the close.
But, as has been the way in this match of twists and turns, Andrew Strauss and Marcus Trescothick had given England a glimmer of hope, with a solid start to their chase. They put on 80 for the first wicket, before Strauss's dismissal induced a collapse and England lurched to 119 for 5 under pressure from Warne and Lee. Kevin Pietersen once again added some stability, though, and by the time light brought an early close he was unbeaten on 42, in sight of his second half-century in his debut Test. But Australia are by far the team in the ascendancy and England still require 264 runs, with just five wickets left.
Full postSri Lanka build a healthy lead
Sri Lanka finished the second day on 146 for 2, an overall lead of 148
The Bulletin by Charlie Austin
23-Jul-2005
Sri Lanka 150 and 146 for 2 (Sangakkara 46*, Jayawardene 38*) lead West Indies 148 (Vaas 6-22) by 148 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary
How they were out
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary
How they were out
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After three unconvincing performances in this series, Sri Lanka's batsmen finally clicked to seize control of the second Test on a rain-interrupted second day. Marvan Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya laid the platform with a breezy 55-run stand and then Kumar Sangakkara (46 not out) and Mahela Jayawardene (38 not out) batted skillfully on a difficult pitch during an unbroken 89-run stand to leave Sri Lanka on 146 for 2, an overall lead of 148.
Jayasuriya (36) and Atapattu (19) began the Sri Lankan innings confidently after West Indies lost their last five wickets for 56 in the morning, falling short of Sri Lanka's total by two runs. Both openers entertained the 2500-strong weekend crowd with some sumptuous strokes, including one imperious pull in front of square from
Atapattu. Runs started to flow and the pair added 55 in 73 balls to hand Sri Lanka control of the game for the first time.
Full postClarke's class gives Australia the edge
Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke made a brilliant partnership of 155 in 34.3 overs
The Bulletin by Andrew Miller
22-Jul-2005
Close Australia 190 (Harmison 5-43) and 279 for 7 (Katich 10*) lead England 155 (Pietersen 57, McGrath 5-53) by 314 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
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After a first day of scarcely credible twists and turns, the Lord's Test reverted to a more familiar Ashes theme on day two, as Australia's batsmen - led by a brilliant partnership of 155 in 34.3 overs between Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke - ground their way towards an imposing first-innings lead, and a probable victory in this enthralling contest.
But, in the dying overs of the day, England's unquenchable spirit burst forth once again, as four wickets tumbled in nine frantic overs. Australia's overnight lead is a hefty 314 but, on a pitch that no longer harbours the demons of the first innings, England still believe they are in with a shout in this match.
Full postEbrahim lifts Manicaland to convincing win
Manicaland beat Midlands by 106 runs.The decisive performance of the match was the monumental innings of 188 by the home captain Dion Ebrahim
Terry Brown
22-Jul-2005
Manicaland 181 and 371 (Marumisa 59, Ebrahim 188, Nicolson 4-68) beat Midlands 239 and 207 (Matsikenyeri 3-58) by 106 runs
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Scorecard
Half an hour before the scheduled close on the third day at Mutare Sports Club, Manicaland beat Midlands by 106 runs. The decisive performance of the match was the monumental innings of 188 by the home captain Dion Ebrahim.
Ebrahim was unbeaten on 166 overnight, but he was unrecognisable as the
same player as he crept towards a possible maiden double-century before finally
slashing at one from Amos Maungwa and being caught behind for 188. He shared a century partnership for the sixth wicket with Tinashe Panyangara, who made 54. The most impressive Midlands bowler was the debutant Ian Nicolson, who worked up a fair degree of pace and surprised some of the batsmen with his bounce in taking 4 for 68.
Midlands, set 314 to win, were dismissed for 207. Again none of their batsmen was able to play the major innings required, although Innocent Chikunya was top-scorer with 46 and Ed Rainsford caused some excitement with four huge sixes in one over from Stuart Matsikenyeri while scoring 39. Matsikenyeri finished as the most successful bowler with 3 for 58 to follow his 5 for 41 in the first innings.
Full postAdvantage Mashonaland thanks to Taibu hundred
Mashonaland captain Tatenda Taibu's third hundred of his career left Matabeleland facing an unlikely target of 465 to win their Logan Cup match after a rain-affected third day at Bulawayo Athletic Club
Simon Park
22-Jul-2005
Matabeleland 220 and 34 for 2 need another 431 runs to beat Mashonaland 331 and 353 for 3 (Taibu 100*, Mufambisi 65*, Chibhabha 55)
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Taibu declared the Mashonaland's innings on 352 for 4 straight after completing his 249-ball century in 274 minutes. He received good support from Chamunorwa Chibhabha (55)and Tafadzwa Mufambisi (65 not out). By the premature close, Matabeleland had staggered to 34 for 2, still 431 short of victory.
Mashonaland resumed on 142 for 3, and Taibu and Chibhabha shared in a 97-run fourth-wicket stand before Chibhabha perished driving offspinner Gavin Ewing to midwicket where Mark Vermeulen took a brilliant catch (230 for 4).
Full postNtini blasts back
Goodyear Park in Bloemfontein saw the return to form of Makhaya Ntini - his 5 for 71 was instrumental in bowling the Eagles out for 320
Keith Lane
22-Jul-2005
Goodyear Park in Bloemfontein saw the return to form of Makhaya Ntini
being instrumental in bowling the Eagles out for 320. Having struggled
so far this season his form will be welcome relieve before the tour to
India next month
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Winning the toss and batting, the Eagles lost Davey Jacobs to Ntini with the very first ball of the game. At 52 for 3 and with Ntini bowling with aggression, the Eagles looked to be in trouble, but runs from the middle order of Loots Bosman (52), Ryan Bailey (65) and Nicky Boje (61) restored some pride before Johannes van der Wath cut loose at the end with an unbeaten 55, including four fours and two sixes. Ntini's 5 for 71 was his eleventh first-class five-wicket haul. With light failing the Warriors made the worse possible start, losing Bevan Bennet in the second over to finish on 0 for 1 when bad light stopped play with 2.4 overs remaining.
Titans 284 for 8 (de Bruyn 80, Toyana 52, Tweedie 3-57) v Dolphins
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Winning the toss and batting first at SuperSport Park, the Titans struggled against some good seam bowling and catching from the Dolphins. Zander de Bruyn celebrated his call-up to the national squad with an 80 that included a 125-run partnership with Geoffrey Toyana (52). Lance Klusener bowled his heart out and on any other day may have been better rewarded, but it was Andrew Tweedie who took the most wickets. Dale Benkenstein once again made the breakthrough when he had de Bruyn caught behind. The Dolphins catching was of a high standard. Two good slip catches from Benkenstein, a diving catch by Duncan Brown and two blinders by Trevor Pillay and Imraan Khan ensured that the Dolphins still had a grip on the match.
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Winning the toss and batting first at SuperSport Park, the Titans struggled against some good seam bowling and catching from the Dolphins. Zander de Bruyn celebrated his call-up to the national squad with an 80 that included a 125-run partnership with Geoffrey Toyana (52). Lance Klusener bowled his heart out and on any other day may have been better rewarded, but it was Andrew Tweedie who took the most wickets. Dale Benkenstein once again made the breakthrough when he had de Bruyn caught behind. The Dolphins catching was of a high standard. Two good slip catches from Benkenstein, a diving catch by Duncan Brown and two blinders by Trevor Pillay and Imraan Khan ensured that the Dolphins still had a grip on the match.
Lions 241 (Ackerman 77, Ontong 66, Willoughby 4-43, de Lange 3-35) lead Western Province Boland 19 for 0 by 222 runs
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At the Wanderers the pace of Charl Willoughby and the guile of Con de Lange resulted in the Lions being bowled out by Western Province Boland for 241. Justin Ontong (66) and HD Ackerman (77) fought a lone battle on a Wanderers pitch that had something in it for everyone. In reply WPBOL eased to 19 without loss with Graeme Smith (7) and Andrew Puttick (10) at the crease when time was called.
Full postScorecard
At the Wanderers the pace of Charl Willoughby and the guile of Con de Lange resulted in the Lions being bowled out by Western Province Boland for 241. Justin Ontong (66) and HD Ackerman (77) fought a lone battle on a Wanderers pitch that had something in it for everyone. In reply WPBOL eased to 19 without loss with Graeme Smith (7) and Andrew Puttick (10) at the crease when time was called.
Graeme Smith shows his class
A magnificent undefeated 187 from Graeme Smith put Western Province Boland firmly in the driving seat against the Lions at the Wanderers
Keith Lane
22-Jul-2005
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A magnificent undefeated 187 from Graeme Smith put Western Province Boland firmly in the driving seat against the Lions at the Wanderers as they took a 106-run lead with seven wickets still in hand. Smith completely overshadowed the fifties of Andrew Puttick and Gerhard Strydom as he went to his 14th first-class hundred. Never looking out of control Smith stroked 25 boundaries and was involved in partnerships of 128 with Puttick and 164 with Strydom. Almost using the Wanderers pitch for batting practice, Smith was severe on the bowlers with only David Terburgge able to contain him. The only disappointment in the Province innings was the loss of Jacques Kallis to Andrew Hall for 14.
Warriors 292 for 7 (Jacobs 102*, Boje 3-47) trail Eagles 320 by 28 runs
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At Goodyear Park in Bloemfontein, Arno Jacobs, with his second hundred of the season, made sure that the Warriors stayed in touch with the Eagles as they closed on 292 for 7, 28 runs behind on the first innings. Jacobs came to the crease after the early wicket of Steven Pope and was still there at the end, having completed a chanceless hundred. He was made to work hard - he hit only eight boundaries - as wickets fell around him. Mark Bruyns (47) and Mark Boucher (44) showed promise but both got out at crucial periods of the game. The extreme heat did not help the Eagles with Roger Telemachus spending most of the day off the field and he wasa followed off by Johannes van der Wath midway through the afternoon. Nicky Boje, using the strong wind across the ground to his advantage, gave the Eagles some hope with the quick wickets of Boucher, Pieter Strydom (2) and Robin Petersen (25). Johan Botha, not taking advantage of a chance given on 13, was trapped leg before for 16 leaving it to Jacobs and an aggressive Tyron Henderson to nurse the Warriors closer to the Eagles total. Jacobs on 102 and Henderson on 34 will continue at the start of the third day.
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At Goodyear Park in Bloemfontein, Arno Jacobs, with his second hundred of the season, made sure that the Warriors stayed in touch with the Eagles as they closed on 292 for 7, 28 runs behind on the first innings. Jacobs came to the crease after the early wicket of Steven Pope and was still there at the end, having completed a chanceless hundred. He was made to work hard - he hit only eight boundaries - as wickets fell around him. Mark Bruyns (47) and Mark Boucher (44) showed promise but both got out at crucial periods of the game. The extreme heat did not help the Eagles with Roger Telemachus spending most of the day off the field and he wasa followed off by Johannes van der Wath midway through the afternoon. Nicky Boje, using the strong wind across the ground to his advantage, gave the Eagles some hope with the quick wickets of Boucher, Pieter Strydom (2) and Robin Petersen (25). Johan Botha, not taking advantage of a chance given on 13, was trapped leg before for 16 leaving it to Jacobs and an aggressive Tyron Henderson to nurse the Warriors closer to the Eagles total. Jacobs on 102 and Henderson on 34 will continue at the start of the third day.
Dolphins 326 for 6 (Khan 150, Watson 65) lead Titans 290 (de Bruyn 80, Toyana 52, Tweedie 3-57) by 36 runs
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A maiden hundred from Imraan Khan gave the Dolphins a 36-run lead on the first innings as the Titans bowlers toiled hard in the wind and the sun on a SuperSport Park pitch still offering a bit to both batsman and bowler. The Dolphins only needed 3.3 overs to finish off the Titans innings and restrict the log leaders to 290. An opening partnership of 168 between Doug Watson and Khan then put the Dolphins firmly in the driving seat. Watson, who struggled with his timing throughout, persevered before being caught behind off a poor shot for 65. Khan, who scored freely square of the wicket both on the leg and off sides, was caught at third man playing an extravagant cut shot for 150. As for the rest, only Hashim Amla (42) managed an innings of any significance, although he did struggle against the spin of Paul Harris. With little batting to come, the Titans will look to keep the deficit to under 50.
Full postScorecard
A maiden hundred from Imraan Khan gave the Dolphins a 36-run lead on the first innings as the Titans bowlers toiled hard in the wind and the sun on a SuperSport Park pitch still offering a bit to both batsman and bowler. The Dolphins only needed 3.3 overs to finish off the Titans innings and restrict the log leaders to 290. An opening partnership of 168 between Doug Watson and Khan then put the Dolphins firmly in the driving seat. Watson, who struggled with his timing throughout, persevered before being caught behind off a poor shot for 65. Khan, who scored freely square of the wicket both on the leg and off sides, was caught at third man playing an extravagant cut shot for 150. As for the rest, only Hashim Amla (42) managed an innings of any significance, although he did struggle against the spin of Paul Harris. With little batting to come, the Titans will look to keep the deficit to under 50.
Vaas leads Sri Lankan fightback
Daren Powell successfully grabbed the bowling spotlight from his troubled new-ball colleague Jermaine Lawson with a career-best performance that left Sri Lanka red-faced
The Bulletin by Charlie Austin
22-Jul-2005
Close West Indies 92 for 5 (Ramdin 8*, Deonarine 36*) trail Sri Lanka 150 (Powell 5-25) by 58 runs
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How they were out
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How they were out
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Daren Powell successfully grabbed the bowling spotlight from his troubled new-ball colleague Jermaine Lawson with a career-best performance that left Sri Lanka red-faced and under pressure after their third unconvincing batting performance against a side missing ten leading players. Local pre-match hopes that Sri Lanka would cruise to a 2-0 series win were quickly extinguished as they were bowled out for a pathetic 150 in 46.1
overs.
However, Chaminda Vaas struck back almost immediately for Sri Lanka, taking 3 for 15 during a fine opening burst either side of the tea interval that left West Indies in tatters on 27 for 4. When Vaas trapped the shuffling Shivnarine Chanderpaul (13) lbw, their only Test class batsman, it looked like Sri Lanka could finish on top despite Daren Powell's careeer best 5 for 25.
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