Head to head: The key Ashes battles

As both captains have said, it’s time for the talking to stop. Tomorrow’s eagerly anticipated first Test contains a number of head-to-heads that could prove pivotal in the destination of the Ashes. Here, Cricinfo takes a look at seven of the most important match-ups

Ricky Ponting will be judged on his captaincy, Andrew Flintoff on how he leads if England fall behind © Getty Images

Ricky Ponting v Andrew Flintoff
The most successful England captain in Australia in recent years was rugby’s Martin Johnson, which is why Flintoff’s door-frame-filling captaincy could yet prove to be a masterstroke. He has the skill and popularity to lead from the front, and a sturdy brains trust to guide him in the big decisions, but he will only be truly tested if and when England fall behind. That’s when Ponting, older and wiser after his mauling at the hands of Michael Vaughan in 2005, could come into his own. He has proved himself as a batsman annually but, ultimately, he’s going to be judged on his captaincy.Shane Warne v Kevin Pietersen
In any other circumstances, Pietersen’s move to No. 5 in the order would be seen as retrogressive, as Warne himself was suggesting only this week. But then again, who better to appear at three-down in the mid-afternoon session, with the ball going soft and the spinners beginning to take hold? Only Pietersen has the eye and the chutzpah to beat Warne at his own ultra-attacking game and, as the Australians themselves have pointed out in the past, he can be a notoriously slow starter against the quicks.Adam Gilchrist v Geraint Jones
Warne’s none too impressed with Jones’s reinstatement either. Nevertheless, he did what he had to do in 2005, clinging on to the catches that really mattered, and combining with Flintoff superbly in the pivotal partnership at Trent Bridge. Moreover, the pacy pitches will suit his cross-batted game. As for Gilchrist, it’s a question of hunger as much as anything. By his own admission, his struggles from round the wicket were mental as much as technical. If he atones for 2005 with one of his typical Ashes performances, the battle will be more than half won.Matthew Hayden v Matthew Hoggard
Here’s an interesting decider. Round one, in 2002-03, went emphatically in favour of Hayden, who bullied a young and insecure Hoggard into utter submission, cashing in on his undisciplined inswinging line to deposit him over midwicket at every opportunity. Last summer, however, it was an entirely different scenario. Aided by some cunning field placings, Hoggard swung rings around his nemesis, reducing him to a leaden-footed shell of a batsman. Hayden has since reinvented his game, stripping it of much of its former bombast. But the scars could still be there to be picked at.

Justin Langer could be one serious blow away from retirement, and it could be Steve Harmison who delivers it © Getty Images

Justin Langer v Steve Harmison
On the last opening morning of the Ashes, a vicious rising delivery from Harmison clanged into Langer’s elbow, and thus ignited a never-to-be-forgotten contest. And once again, this battle of the openers promises to be a microcosm of the summer’s action, for each man embodies the strange fragility that lies beneath the surface of each camp. If Harmison is off-colour, England could be hung out to dry. But Langer was 36 yesterday and is arguably one serious blow from retirement. Something similar could be said for most of his team-mates.Glenn McGrath v Ian Bell
There was a moment in Jaipur during the Champions Trophy that summed up Bell’s new improved attitude to the game. Peeved at his lack of success, McGrath picked up in his follow-through and winged the ball at the batsman. Instead of flinching, Bell stood tall and looked his opponent up and down with wry amusement. How different the scene had been at The Oval last summer, when McGrath dismissed him first-ball on that fretful final morning to deliver a miserable pair. The youth has gained experience, but Mr Experience can’t regain his youth.Brett Lee v Andrew Strauss
Is this the match-up that could decide the Ashes? Quite conceivably. None of England’s top seven has played an Ashes Test in Australia before, but Strauss excelled on the bouncy wickets of South Africa two winters ago, and in the absence of Marcus Trescothick, it is up to him to blunt Australia’s sharpest tool. Lee is now 30 and knows that this is his time. Expect a plethora of cuts and pulls and high-octane action, because as England know from experience, attack is the best means of defence against the Aussies.

Jayasuriya declared fit ahead of opening battle

Can India’s vital troika conjure up the right formula at Nagpur? © Getty Images

Subscribe to Cricinfo’s Live audioRahul Dravid looked bored out of his skull as he said, “I’m very excited” as the first press conference of the Videocon Cup for the seven-match one-day series against Sri Lanka ended. True to form he gave away very little at the pre-match briefing, saying many words yet not showing his hand. What he did announce was that Gautam Gambhir and Rudra Pratap Singh were two members from the squad of 15 who were definitely missing out on tomorrow’sgame.Marvan Atapattu, for his part, did not even bother to name a short-list. He did clarify that Sanath Jayasuriya, who injured his shoulder in the practice match against a Mumbai Cricket Association President’s XI, was well on the way to recovery and that he was on track to play the first one-dayer. There was also some doubt about Muttiah Muralitharan, who bowled sparingly in the nets, but that was dispelled as swiftly. “It’s not how many balls you bowl the day before the match. Murali is fit and fine.”The pitchThe last international match India played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, a Test against Australia, was on an atypical Indian pitch, with live grass on the strip. There was plenty in it for the medium-pacers and Australia’s quick men exploited this to the hilt. There’s no chance of a repeat, though. The pitch looks to be on the dry side, and unless there is significant dew in the morning, it is likely to take turn in the second half of the day.Team compositionSri Lanka certainly have the edge when it comes to picking a playing XI, or twelve, to suit the conditions they are faced with. In Upul Chandana, Farveez Maharoof and Tillakaratne Dilshan they have three cricketers who can contribute handily with bat and ball. India don’t havesuch a luxury, and all indications point to two spinners – Harbhajan Singh and Murali Kartik – playing. Logic would then dictate that Suresh Raina will be the man to miss out while S Sreesanth is used as Supersub.Tendulkar’s returnSachin Tendulkar last played a one-day international on April 17, against Pakistan at Delhi. Since then his recurring tennis elbow has kept him out of the side. His return, even though still in some discomfort, was widely welcomed by both captain and coach. “It’s very positive for us tohave Sachin back in the side. He is very excited to be back again and is hitting the ball well,” said Dravid. “I concur with what Rahul said,” added Greg Chappell, “Not just cricketwise, it’s great to have him around the group as well.”PowerplaysPowerplays could play a crucial role in this series as this will be the first time they are used on pitches that are unresponsive to bowlers. In the one-dayers that have seen this new rule in force, captains have tended to get the second and third Powerplays out of the way as early as possible. That may not be possible here if teams get off to a good start. “Obviously it will be a test for captains to see how they can use Powerplays in this series,” conceded Dravid. “As the series unfolds I think both captains will get a better idea about how to use Powerplays.”Coaches asideFor Tom Moody, who came close to getting the Indian coaching job but lost out to Chappell, this series has special relevance. Deny it as he may, there is a bit of needle involved as his team has been on the improve while India are struggling. But he refused to be drawn into commenting on the Indian team or its coach. “It’s not a contest between coaches,” said Moody, “it’s acontest between players.”TeamsIndia (probable) 1 Sachin Tendulkar, 2 Virender Sehwag, 3 Rahul Dravid (capt), 4 Yuvraj Singh, 5 Venugopal Rao, 6 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), 7 Jai Prakash Yadav, 8 Irfan Pathan, 9 Ajit Agarkar, 10 Harbhajan Singh, 11 Murali Kartik. (Supersub: S Sreesanth)Sri Lanka (probable) 1 Marvan Atapattu (capt), 2 Sanath Jayasuriya, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 6 Russel Arnold, 7 Upul Chandana, 8 Farveez Maharoof, 9 Chaminda Vaas, 10 Nuwan Zoysa, 11 Muttiah Muralitharan. (Supersub: Dilhara Fernando/Dilahara Lokuhettige)

Hyderabad board disapproves of Laxman's omission

VVS Laxman’s omission from the Indian one-day side for Bangladesh has sent a wave of displeasure through the Hyderabad Cricket Association, who made clear their disapproval to the BCCI with strong words.”We express our utmost dissatisfaction at this move which will demoralise a talented batsman,” a letter addressed to Jagmohan Dalmiya and the national selectors stated. Then Shivlal Yadav, the secretary of the association, released a press statement making public his feelings about the move. “The Hyderabad Cricket Association wishes to place on record its surprise and anguish at the way VVS Laxman has been `rested’ from the one-day matches for the Bangladesh tour.”There is no injury that Laxman is carrying and we feel he hasn’t been `rested’ due to genuine reasons. At a time when other players in the team are carrying injuries, we are surprised to note that Laxman has been rested.” Yadav also observed that Laxman had played a role in `rigorous’ tours that involved Australia, South Africa and Pakistan, but was not afforded the opportunity against Bangladesh.However, Laxman’s one-day form has dipped after the VB Series in Australia, where he struck three centuries. His ability on the field has come into question as well.One-day figures for India’s top seven since the Asia Cup in July 2004

PlayerInningsRunsAverage100s/50s
Tendulkar729749.50/3
Sehwag1324218.60/2
Laxman1026028.90/1
Dravid1238735.21/3
Ganguly1352840.60/5
Yuvraj1229224.30/2
Kaif1226529.40/2

Maynard and Hemp give Glamorgan steady start

Frizzell County Championship Division TwoDay 1 ReportGloucestershire v Glamorgan 314 for 6 at Bristol
Scorecard
Matthew Maynard and David Hemp put Glamorgan into a strong position against Gloucestershire as they ended the first day on 314 for 6 at the County Ground. Ian Harvey made a good start to his welcome-back match for Gloucestershire when he outfoxed his fellow Australian Jimmy Maher, stumped by Jack Russell for 16. But Ian Thomas (24) and Adrian Dale (32) then made steady progress for Glamorgan before Maynard and Mike Powell stepped the innings up a gear. While Powell was happy to move up a few notches in his 42, Maynard went straight into overdrive, walloping 85 from 116 balls, including 13 fours and a six, before he was caught off Martyn Ball, who took 3 for 63. Maynard added 79 with Hemp, who hit a steady 64 not out. He resumes tomorrow with Robert Croft, who was 19 not out at the close.Other match
South Africa under-19s 646 for 9 dec. beat England under-19s 229 and 254 by an innings and 163 runs
Scorecard
It took South Africa just over 30 overs to wrap up the last six England wickets, and the three-match series, in their emphatic innings-win at Chelmsford. England resumed the day on 137 for 4 and Heinrich le Roux (4 for 60), who took three of the wickets to fall, trapped Liam Wright lbw early on for 17. Andrew Hodd was the next to go, followed by the run out of Liam Plunkett for a duck. Francois du Plessis (3 for 39) chipped in with two wickets as James Hildreth was left fighting England’s lost cause on 166 not out. South Africa won the series 2-0.

Wellington College and Epsom Girls' are schools' cricket champions

Wellington College and Epsom Girls’ Grammar School are the national schools’ cricket champions after the finals were decided in Palmerston North today.Wellington College won the Gillette Cup for boys’ while Epsom Girls’ took the Yoplait Cup.Once again bad weather meant the games had to be played on artificial pitches.In the Gillette Cup final, Kelston Boys’ High School batted first and scored 160 with Dusan Hakaraia scoring 30. Kushendra Selvamaheswaran took three for 26, James Hill two for 23 and Scott Rennie two for 33.In a rain-reduced reply, Wellington College were required to score 129 in 35 overs. They made 130/3 in 29 overs. James Hill scored 55 not out and Jay Newdick 22.Epsom Girls’ Grammar School batted first in the Yoplait final and scored 140. Catherine Bristow scored 83 not out while for New Plymouth Girls’ High School Anita Waugh took three for 25.At one stage in their reply, NPGHS were 83/8 but in an exciting finish, they were dismissed for 132 off the last ball of the 40th over. Rachel Priest scored 30, Anita Waugh 24 and Courtenay Sim 22. Amy Hodgson took three wickets for 18 runs, Morgan Walsh two for 19 and Saskia Bullen two for 30.In the Gillette Cup play-off for third and fourth, Otago Boys’ High School scored 208/8 with Stephen Brown 36. Brown and skipper Alistair Collie put on 60 for the second wicket, Collie following up the 41 he scored the previous day.St Paul’s Collegiate of Hamilton replied with 210/8 to win the game with Alex Blackett scoring 52, Peter Carey 44 and Riekart Fourie 30. Carey and Fourie added 83 in their opening stand. Mathew Harvie took three for 29.In the Yoplait Cup play-off, Burnside High School scored 153 with Cate Saunders hitting 33 and M Goodall 21. Kelly Winkley took three for 30 for Napier Girls’ High School and Zara McWilliams took two for 27.Napier Girls’ replied with 155/6 with Kelly Tunnicliffe scoring 39, Kelly Winklie 21 and Clare Richardson 23. Andrea Brown took two for 22.

Zimbabwe are transformed


Colin Cowdrey -Kent’s hero presented the awards
Photo © Stamp Publicity

and much happier allroundFar from resembling the dejected side they were after their recent Testseries with England, Zimbabwe now exude confidence in their play and almost a swagger in their demeanour as they dominate the NatWest Series.It was a much happier team that returned to Canterbury two months after theirinnings defeat by Kent. Then they had much on their on minds, a pay dispute with their board – which has now been negotiated – and perhaps, more importantly, the dangerous political situation at home which, also, appears to have calmed after the elections.While England and Zimbabwe are in the middle of a Test series, which must,at least, be in the back of their minds during this intervention from limited-overs cricket, Zimbabwe are totally focused on just the one goal. That in itself must be an advantage, it must be said, without taking anything away from their splendid performance in this one-day tournament.Johnson’s career bestNeil Johnson, has hit the form that served him and his country so well in theWorld Cup a year ago. Following his unbeaten 95 last week in the opening game of the series, he hit another half-century today before being run out.By then he had given his side a fine start with a new opening partner, GuyWhittall who replaced Craig Wishart and played a most prominent role in Zimbabwe’s total of 256 for four after being put in to bat.His 83 was the top score of the innings and it also equalled the highestscore of his one-day career which he had reached in October 1997 against Kenya in Nairobi. The 89-run opening stand had given an excellent foundation to Zimbabwe and later when Whittall teamed up with Alistair Campbell in another big partnership which was broken just four runs short of a century, the two had put the side well on the path of a winning total.Campbell’s unbeaten 77, scored at practically the rate of a run a ball,followed his 80 against England three days earlier.Adventurous lower-order hittingWest Indies’ batting presented a most inadequate response to a fairlysubstantial target that was set. Having lost six for 57, it was the adventurous batting of the lower order that boosted the total to 186 for eight.Nixon McLean’s half-century from 70 balls and a hard hitting 38 from only 31balls from Franklyn Rose were the two noteable batting performances, although a slower 37 from Ridley Jacobs was also a help.By virtue of this comfortable victory, by 70 runs, Zimbabwe are through tothe final, making their remaining games of academic interest while England and West Indies must fight it out for the right to play Zimbabwe in the final.Kent’s “great opportunity”Despite the near wintery conditions, grey skies, a cold wind and even astoppage for rain, a cheerful Chief Executive of Kent County Cricket Ground, Paul Millman said: “We are thrilled to be included on the circuit for the one-day international matches. Even though we are not traditionally a Test match ground, it’s great to have this opportunity. We have done our best to put on a good day and hopefully everybody has enjoyed the day.”With more and more one-day internationals around the country, we are hopingthat what we are demonstrating is that we can do it and that we will be able to do it in the future as well.”He added: “The important thing is that the game is being taken round thecountry so that all supporters of cricket, wherever they are in the country, will get a chance to see the best and I think we are on the map from that point of view.Fantastic amount of good for local cricket“We have a capacity of ten thousand and we are today just over six thousandalthough we haven’t had the final count as yet. It is a Tuesday and a cold Tuesday, so that crowd isn’t bad. But I must say for local cricket it has done a fantastic amount of good.”Finally, Millman commented on a team which he had seen earlier in the seasonon his home ground looking rather despondent. ” Zimbabwe are transformed. The Kent side beat them by an innings and they looked very down. They have obviously had a chance to re-group, they look refreshed, they look hungry and it seems now it’s the West Indies who look on the wrong end of morale.”

Leeds: Ian Poveda back at Thorp Arch

Leeds United starlet Ian Poveda is currently back at Thorp Arch as he continues his comeback from injury.

What’s the story?

During a Q&A for Leeds Live, Beren Cross revealed: “He’s back at Thorp Arch at the moment going through his rehab programme because it’s more convenient with where he lives rather than traipsing over to Blackburn every other day. He seems to be making good progress based on his Instagram profile. The expectation this season, if he gets back in time, would be for him to play for Blackburn again.

“When he was first sent out on loan the noises we heard suggested this was very temporary and there was a long-term home for Poveda at Leeds. Much depends on how his pre-season goes under Marsch, you would think. As we know, wingers are not readily used by the American in his system.”

Could be exciting under Marsch

While Poveda’s loan spell at Championship side Blackburn came to a shuddering halt back in November following injury, there’s no questioning that he has the kind of exciting talent and ability that could thrive under Marsch.

In fact, after seeing what Poveda produced after coming on as a substitute for Helder Costa against Liverpool last season, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan made it clear that the young winger was a refreshing change to the Portuguese man.

He told Football Insider: “There is something there that is not right because Poveda came on and did more in that short time than Costa did in the 60 minutes he was on the field.

“He is fourth in the pecking order in terms of wingers for me. Poveda has to come before him now. He is direct, exciting and wants to take people on. He wants to do his job as a winger and Costa does not. He plays it safe and he’s negative. At least Poveda runs at people. He is positive and that is what a winger should do.”

Paul Robinson added to the £10k-a-week forward’s admirers, saying last year: “I think we’re going to see Poveda come through next season. Leeds have signed him for a reason, Bielsa knows he’s a top, top player.”

While there has been a change in manager, Poveda coming back from injury and returning to Leeds this summer could give the Whites an intriguing option heading into next season.

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Given he’s only played 20 times for the first-team at Elland Road, Whites fans should be excited at the fact he’s still considered a long-term prospect from those behind-the-scenes.

AND in other news: Phil Hay drops exciting Leeds United transfer update that’ll delight supporters

Wes Agar, Clinton Hinchliffe in Australia U-19 World Cup squad

Wes Agar, the brother of Australian spinner Ashton Agar, and Clinton Hinchliffe were named in Australia’s 21-member squad for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.Wes, a fast bowler, generated good pace and impressed in the Under-19 Championships, taking ten wickets in eight matches, including a five-wicket haul at an average of 22.60. Fellow South Australian Michael Cormack, who topped the wicket charts with 21 scalps at 16.57 was also included.Hinchliffe was the leading run-getter in the Under-19 Championships with 446 runs to add to 10 wickets, and eventually reaped the Player-of-the-Series award. Tom O’Donnell, the son of former Australian all-rounder Simon O’Donnell, and Sam Elliott, the son of former Test batsman Matthew Elliot, also found a place in the squad.Also named was Newcastle’s Jason Sangha, the only cricketer to advance to the Under-19 National Championships from the School Sports Australia Under-15 Championships.Cricket Australia’s National Talent Manager Greg Chappell believed that the squad had all bases covered in addition to plenty of leadership options.”The squad the National Youth Selection Panel has picked is one we believe could win the World Cup,” Chappell said.”There is a vast array of all-round talent here that can post big scores and restrict opposition teams with the ball and in the field; there is also plenty of leadership within the group.”The squad will be trimmed to 15 on December 28 as per ICC regulations. Australia, who are placed in Group A alongside India, Nepal, and New Zealand, begin their campaign against India on January 28 in Mirpur.Squad: Wes Agar, Michael Cormack, Kyle Gardiner, Jordan Gauci, Brooke Guest, David Grant, Sam Grimwade, Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Clint Hinchliffe, Henry Hunt, Caleb Jewell, Jonathan Merlo, Arjun Nair, Tom O’Donnell, Jonte Pattinson, Patrick Page Jnr, Jhye Richardson, Jason Sangha, Ben Taylor, Henry Thornton.

Indian win will make net run rate key for semi-final slot

Graeme Smith will have one eye on the net run rate, lest a heavy defeat against India allows New Zealand to slip into the semis through the back door © Getty Images

There’s just one match to go in the Super Eights stage of the WorldTwenty20 Cup, but Group E still holds plenty of interesting possibilities:South Africa, New Zealand and India all have a chance of making it to thesemi-finals, but none of them have secured a place in the last four yet.With two wins in their first two games, it seemed New Zealand might haveassured themselves of an early entry into the semis, but their two winswere both by very narrow margins, which gives them a net run rate which isvery narrowly positive: +0.05. Both South Africa and Indiahave a higher NRR than that, which means that India – who are currentlytwo points behind New Zealand and South Africa – only need to win, by anymargin, to make it to the semis. South Africa can get there even if theylose to India, but the margin of defeat has to be narrow enough to ensuretheir NRR doesn’t slip below 0.05.For example, if India bat first and score 170, South Africa will have toscore at least 143 to ensure their NRR is better than New Zealand’s, whowill then miss out on the last four. If South Africa bat first and score170, India will have to chase it down in less than 16.4 overs to eliminateSouth Africa from the tournament.Of course South Africa can avoid all the arithmetic if they beat India,in which case they will top the group and stay in Durban for thesemi-final on Saturday. And there’s no question about who New Zealand willbe supporting in this game: all they need to make the cut is for SouthAfrica to beat India and push them out of the tournament.

Australia in final after 34-run win

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

Big wicket: Australia celebrate as Stephen Fleming walks back to the hutch © Getty Images

Australia broke their semi-final jinx at the Champions Trophy with a34-run triumph over a spirited New Zealand at Mohali to enter their firstfinal. In a game which turned out to be a lot closer than expected, New Zealand,seemingly down and out at 35 for 6 chasing 241, fought back with anincredible 103-run stand between Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram. Vettorimade 79, his second-highest score in ODIs, but even his effort wasn’tenough to make up for the shocking collapse of their top order.As has been the norm in this tournament, this pitch was another on whichrun-scoring wasn’t easy. The New Zealand bowlers showed that after StephenFleming won the toss, as Kyle Mills – who finished with 4 for 38 – reducedAustralia to 4 for 2 by the third over. Half-centuries by Ricky Pontingand Andrew Symonds – both scored 58 – lifted Australia to a competitive240, but that seemed more than sufficient when New Zealand’s top order wasblown away by Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken.Perhaps wary of the fact that this was the same pitch on which SouthAfrica’s bowlers bundled Pakistan out for 89, New Zealand’s approach atthe start was to play cautiously and see off the new-ballchallenge posed by Lee and McGrath. They survived five overs withoutlosing a wicket, then lost six in a heap as their technical deficiencieswere horribly exposed.McGrath began the slide, defeating Lou Vincent outside off like he hasdone countless batsmen in his distinguished career. A peach of a deliveryfrom Lee – pitching just off, and ducking in at a furious pace – was fartoo much for Nathan Astle to handle, while Hamish Marshall soon becameMcGrath’s second victim. Fleming shaped well, then edged a drive, whilePeter Fulton and Brendon McCullum were soon swept away as well.The crowd at Mohali would have been preparing for a very early finish, butVettori and Oram had other ideas. Australia had an early chance to nip thepartnership, but Michael Hussey made a mess of a regulation slip catchwhen Vettori was on 5. Neither batsman needed a second invitation as theyslowly got on top of the attack, as the pronounced seam movement graduallyeased. The fast bowlers, so potent at the start, suddenly lookedinsipid as Oram and Vettori found the gaps at will. Oram stood tall andclipped the ball effortlessly through the on side, while Vettori preferredto move to leg and squeeze it through backward point and third man.The runs came thick and fast, the asking rate hovered at around six anover, and Ponting was forced to turn to the spin of Symonds, who finallybroke the stand, turning it enough to beat Oram and have him stumped.Vettori kept the fight going, audaciously shuffling outside off andclipping it to leg when Ponting packed the areas square on the off side.Even after he was bowled off the pads, Mills and Bond continued the fight,adding 26 for the last wicket before finally succumbing.New Zealand fought hard with the bat, and they were similarly competitivein the field earlier in the afternoon, as all the bowlers except JamesFranklin gave the Australian top order plenty to ponder about. However, unlike NewZealand’s shockingly brittle top order, Australia had the class to combatthe conditions.

Andrew Symonds boosted Australia in the middle overs with 58 in as many balls © Getty Images

After their openers left early, the rest of the batsmen all contributedcrucial knocks, with Ponting and Symonds leading the way. The key wasregular partnerships – the third, fourth and fifth wickets put together66, 54 and 65, ensuring that New Zealand never had the luxury of bowlingto two new batsmen during the middle overs.Ponting and Damien Martyn – whose innings of 26 was worth a lot more -started the recovery process. The early part of his knock was patchy, butonce Ponting got into his stride the Mohali crowd was treated to somegorgeous strokeplay, with his driving down the ground being absolutelyexhilarating. When Martyn was trapped on the sweep, Michael Hussey,promoted to No.5, took over, playing second fiddle perfectly to anincreasingly aggressive Ponting.Fleming marshalled his resources well, shuffling his bowlers around anddelaying the third Powerplay when Ponting and Martyn were tonking it allaround, but Australia’s depth in batting ensured that New Zealand neverseized the initiative. Ponting’s dismissal, for example, brought Symondsto the middle, which meant little respite for New Zealand as heimmediately got stuck into Vettori. A straight hit over long-on for sixwas followed by a slog-sweep for four as Vettori leaked 28 in his lastfour overs after conceding 13 in his first six.Australia lost their way in the last ten overs, though – despite havingsix wickets in hand, they only managed 52 as New Zealand finished stronglyin the field. A total of 240 promised a competitive match, and despite thewashout at the start, there was enough drama to keep the Mohali crowdentertained till late at night.How they were outAustraliaShane Watson c Fulton b Mills 0 (3 for 1)
Fetched one from outside off and top-edged a pull to mid-offAdam Gilchrist c Oram b Mills 3 (4 for 2)
Lobbed a flick to square legDamien Martyn lbw b Vettori 26 (70 for 3)
Missed a sweep and trapped plumb in frontRicky Ponting c Vettori b Mills 58 (123 for 4)
Miscued a pull to mid-onMichael Hussey c Marshall b Franklin 35 (188 for 5)
Short ball cut straight to pointAndrew Symonds b Bond 58 (211 for 6)
Shuffled too far across; leg stump pushed backMichael Clarke c Vettori b Mills 14 (220 for 7)
Slogged to third manBrett Lee b Bond 5 (223 for 8)
Made room to flay and missedMitchell Johnson run out 3 (236 for 9)
Direct hit by the bowler at the non-striker’s endNew ZealandLou Vincent c Ponting b McGrath 1 (16 for 1)
In the corridor, edged to second slipNathan Astle b Lee 0 (20 for 2)
Perfect indipper, crashed between bat and pad into middle stumpHamish Marshall c Gilchrist b McGrath 5 (30 for 3)
Tried to cut, and edged to the keeperStephen Fleming c Ponting b Bracken 15 (30 for 4)
Full delivery swinging away, edged to second slipPeter Fulton b McGrath 2 (34 for 5)
Shouldered arms to a straight ball on off stumpBrendon McCullum c Martyn b Bracken 1 (35 for 6)
Inside-edged a flick to mid-onJacob Oram st Gilchrist b Symonds 43 (138 for 7)
Daniel Vettori b Johnson 79 (180 for 9)
Kyle Mills c Gilchrist b Lee 21 (206 all out)

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