Monthly Archives: July 2013

Are Ashes Predictions Wide Of The Mark

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Although the Ashes has been and gone from Trent Bridge, it has left behind some rather alarming questions.

One of those is whether expert’s predictions before the series began were proven to be near the outcome. In keeping with tradition, there were a fair few `5-0’ predictions flying around before the Ashes series kicked off at Trent Bridge.

In contrast with series gone by, those predictions were largely in favour of England. However, after the pulsating first Test match staged at Trent Bridge, even they look like they could be wide of the mark.

With a view to changing times, Glenn McGrath’s prediction was downgraded from the usual whitewash. Still, in true Australian spirit, the pace bowler backed Australia to win the series 2-1, an uphill battle after the tight 14-run loss in the first Test.

Overall, predictions before such a big series are often far away from the end of series score. It is hard to say what sort of form two sides are on going into Ashes series and this year has been no different. England were the form team but played far from it and Australia bettered the display predicted by many and came within touching distance of the win.

Whilst the score reads 1-0 England meaning the `5-0’ predictions could still come true, the teams seem more evenly balanced than some experts are saying. The Aussie bowling attack frustrated England in the first innings leading to many false shots. England’s batting faltered under the pressure and the 215 in the first innings after choosing to bat would have been a huge disappointment.

Throughout the game, the Aussie batsmen showed increasing signs of form which will provide optimism for their supporters. Shane Watson and Michael Clarke didn’t fire and they will be a danger for England whereas Chris Rogers, only in his second test, and Phil Hughes both showed what they are capable of.

Their tail-end batsmen also provided hope, both times nearly costing England the victory. Hughes’ and Ashton Agar’s memorable stand in the first innings provided the fans with something to shout about and Australia nearly got home on the final morning with 136 needed with four wickets remaining.

All this added together leads to a readjustment to the pre-series hype of England winning 5-0. Whilst England are still likely to win, if they produced another poor performance, the Aussies are likely to pounce. It is highly unlikely that a draw will pan out if the weather stays fine leading to a more reasoned 3-2 England win at the end of what should be a fantastic battle.

Out of The Ashes …

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… Will come a great legacy for Nottinghamshire, Trent Bridge and the game as a whole.  Tracey Francis, Head of Community Sport for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club spoke to us about the Ashes Legacy Partnership.  This scheme has been vital to secure the future of Trent Bridge as a Test Match ground, and has shown some real benefits for the local community.   Tracey told us that “The Club have always been committed to affecting change in challenging circumstances.  We are working with our partners at Lords and Durham to leave a positive legacy from the Ashes for local people.”

Gallery: Day 5

The Final Decision

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As the crowd waited for the umpire’s decision, we captured the final minutes of this nail biting test, from Anderson bowling to the final result being announced.

Ashes Live: Day Five – That’s it!

England win! Anderson gets his fourth, but only after a little more controversy from the third umpire’s room. His delivery to Haddin was claimed by Prior and the entire team appealed, but Aleem Dar was unimpressed. Haddin stood, and the decision revealed, after an extensive look at HotSpot a faint edge was found. Enough to be overturned? Just.

Jubilant scenes around Trent Bridge, with both players and fans and England take their 1-0 lead in the series by 14 runs.