NWMCA Newsletter Edition 5

George Luscombse Shield Round 5 16 NOV, 23 NOV

H Darebin Chargers Vs Preston Druids A

H Kealba Green Gully Vs Burnside Springs A

H Buckley Park Vs Aberfeldie St Johns A

H *Pascoe Vale Central Vs Northern Lions A, note this is a Sunday Match 17 nov, 24 nov.

“Gensis off to a flyer of a start in Clint Mckay shield”

 Genisis  remain  undefeated in  the 2019/20 Clint Mckay shield with 3 wins and 1 draw. This includes the win on Saturday   over the reigning premiers Buckley  Park . Captain Manith Mapa was please with the victory . Mapa said “A win is a win”,. Manith has been quite happy and excited with excellent start to the season. He said “there off to a flyer start”,.  Batsman like Kushan Jayawardena  and Dilan Gamagedon are in great form at the moment with both averaging near the 100’s and both equal top of the batting averages. Manith said “Top 5 batsman in good touch”,. On the bowling department Manith has been quite impress with what he has seen especially his front line bowler Nipuna Fonseka who has a  best figures of 6/9 which saw Pascoe Vale untied bowl out for 19. Mantis said “He is hungry for wickets and is a menace of a bowler”, . Moreover Manith is glad about his spinner Nuwantha Gamage and who is bowling well and uses him a aggressive option and would like use him more and see’s spinner as really good option to minimise the run rate. On the basis of this you would think that Genisis are favourites to win the Clint Mckay Shield  not so . As it still early days and were challenge against Western Leadbeaters escaping with a draw and were 4/27 were rain safe them.  “ Tough competition still and it is top 1 one day shield so going to be hard work” said Manith,.Manith  also said “Have not a chance to play our full side” , but Genisis are off great start to the season and want to continue this form this weekend against Darebin Chargers this week. On the name change from Gowarbranbe to Gensis this was to do with the council and club voted to change their name to genesis which fully supported by the committee and members. 

Battle of the North in  Luscombse

Darebin Chargers Vs Preston Druids, this is a big rivalry spanning for many years and will see it first time both clubs face off in the North West. Both clubs will be looking for the win  especially Darebin Chargers who still remain winless after four games. Preston Druids are sitting second on the ladder after a impressive win over Aberfeldie St Johns. This will be a tight contest with the last time they play each other was over two years ago in the North Merto cricket Association  and saw Darebin Chargers getting the win by 5 wickets. No matter where both teams are on the ladder this game will be big and both clubs will eager to get on top of it’s neighbour. 

NWMCA T20 UPDATE 

This is what headlines after round 1 of the t20 weeknight competition, next round starts 19 November and must be play by nov 30,  Round 3 is in December, more news to come in future editions ,  good luck to all. 

Buckely Park made a impressive 206 against Kealba  which included Jarrad Milczak to top score with 48. They defended quite comfortably.

Donybrook chase down 206 against Jacana(3rd side) which included a stunning 76 by number ten batsman Pardeep Singh.

In the battle of the west Wyndhamvale (2nd Side) come out top showing why going good Vtca by making a impressive 213 against Sunshine Heights.

Kelior show all class in there win against other Vtca club Wyndhamvale with chasing 122 in 14 overs.

Darebin Chargers won by mammoth margin of 90 runs against Pascoe Vale Hadfield.

Maribyrong Park collapse against St Francis De Sales by being bowl out for just 81 , St Francis chase it down in 6 overs

Ascot Vale made light work of chasing 170 against Haig Fawker with Daniel Mckenzie making top score of 49.

Moonee Valley chase down 208 against Jacana (2nd side) with Anthony Cafari making top score of 73.

Tullamarnie chase down 148 in no time against Strathmore Heights.

Jacana (1st side) chase down 112 in just 6 overs against East Coburg.

Westmeadows made a impressive 211 and defended very easily.

Gensis made light work of Roxbourgh Park with defending 169 with Roxburgh Park 8/74 off there 20 overs.

Milestones 

These are milestones for the week in batting and bowling, congrats for all who made list this week and good luck for this weekend.

Batting milestones 

George Luscombe Shield Todd Newman 70 Kealba Green Gully

George Luscombe Shield Robert Montgomery 54 Preston Druids 

Vic Kyte Justin Dowden 56 Gladstone Park

Vic Kyte James Williams 58 Strathmore heights

Vic Kyte Jarin Lewis 53 Strathmore heights

Vic Kyte Jesse Goodwin 57 Oak Park

Vic Kyte Jagjit Singh 58 Hume Cricket Club

Keith Stringer Vinay Bhardwaj 82 Burnside Springs

Keith Stringer Jarrrod Milczak 157 Buckley Park

Keith Stringer Glenn King 73 Buckley Park

Keith Stringer Remy Perin 53 Preston Druids

Keith Stringer Shield William Green 72 Preston Druids

Keith Stringer Shield Harjinder Singh 69 Darebin Chargers

Keith Stringer Shield Vimal Dhillon 82 Darebin Chargers

Keith Stringer Shield Maurice Palazzolo 70 Pascoe Vale Central

Keith Stringer Shield Sasha Ristovski 54 Pascoe Vale Central

Keith Stringer Shield Brett Mcginniskin 73  Pascoe Vale Central

Althol Attwater Shield Supreet Bhullar 58 Pascoe Vale United

Althol Attwater Shield Sukhdeep Gill 54 Donnybrook

Althol Attwater Shield Joel Matthews 83 Balmoral 

Althol Attwater Shield Simon Kinder 59 Caroline Spirings

Althol Attwater Shield Ranga Ratnayake 63 Caroline Springs

Althol Attwater Shield David Collins 62 Pascoe Vale Central

Althol Attwater Shield Brendan Sacilotto 55 Pascoe Vale Central

Graham Muir Shield Ashtyn Mclntyre 98 Sydenham Hillside

Graham Muir Shield Ben Hoy 74 Ascot Vale

Seipolt Shield Saurabh Sharma 56 Sunshine Heights

Seipolt Shield Gurjinder Singh 82 Sunshine Heights

Seipolt Shield Jordan Wilson 62 West Coburg 

Seipolt Shield Shannon Muscat 101 Westmeadows

Seipolt Shield Andrew Prescott 69  Westmeadows

Seipolt Shield Thilina Fernando 60 Westmeadows

Seipolt Shield Balbir Aujla 64 Hume Cricket Club

Ralph Barron Thomas Sudholz 62 Moonee Valley

Ralph Barron Dean Lawson  58  Moonee Valley

    Ralph Barron Jesse Felle  54  Moonee Valley

    Ralph Barron Evan Grey 60 Preston Druids

      Ralph Barron Dave Polidano 63 Sydenham Hillside

One Day Competitions 

Clint Mckay Shield Ashwani Kumar 64 RMIT 

Clint Mckay Shield Andrew Pickett 100 Buckely Park

Clint Mckay Shield Dilan Gamagedon 100 Genesis

Clint Mckay Shield Kushan Jayawardena 100 Genesis

Clint Mckay Shield Tom Young 55 Airport West

Clint Mckay Shield Robert Lee 62 St Albans

Brian Moss Shield Harrison Colmer 58 West Coburg

Brian Moss Shield Andrew Raczek 62 Preston Druids

Brian Moss Shield Zakarya Butt 55 Craigieburn 

Brian Moss Shield Dinolyn Govender 63 Maribyrnong Park

Brian Moss Shield Adam Galvin 52 Maribyrnong Park

Brian Moss Shield Chris Macdonald 50 St Andrews Pascoe Vale

Andrew Knight Shield Kris Mcmulin 57 Taylors Lakes

Andrew Knight Shield Andrew Jones 86 Strathmore Heights

Andrew Knight Shield James Valentino 51 East Coburg

Andrew Knight Shield Chathura Weerasooriya 56 Northern Lions

Ern Girolami Shield Ossman Barakat 79 Maribyrnong Park St Marys

Ern Girolami Shield Jarrad Sims 58 Moonee Valley 

Ern Girolami Shield Liam Farrell 74 Moonee Valley 

Ern Girolami Shield Luke Sammut 103 St Albans

Ern Girolami Shield Kevin Forehan 59 St Albans

Russell Allen Shield Chris Platt 51 Aberfeldie 

Russell Allen Shield Matthew Hewitt 67  Aberfeldie 

Russell Allen Shield Tim Berzins 80  Aberfeldie 

Russell Allen Shield James Bicknell 59 Flemington Colts

Russell Allen Shield Christy Bennett Spark 75 West Coburg

Russell Allen Shield Jordan Lamb 61 West Coburg

Russell Allen Shield Thomas Buchan 54 West Coburg

Russell Allen Shield Manav Sharma 67 Greenvale 

Russell Allen Shield Annesley Greig 99 Haig Fawker

Russell Allen Shield Shahab Khan 61 Burnside Springs

Russell Allen Shield Fiamu Leatua 53 Strathmore heights

Barrie Clissold Shield Abdul Haseeb 78 Jacana

Barrie Clissold Shield Oliver Marshall 101 Gladstone Park

Barrie Clissold Shield Spud Harrap 79 Pascoe Vale Hadfield

Barrie Clissold Shield Jack Pelosi 50  Pascoe Vale Hadfield

Barrie Clissold Shield Michael Dyke 58 Sydenham Hillside

Barrie Clissold Shield Shevin Thayamkery 63 Sydenham Hillside

Musgrove Sunday One day Competition A and B 

James Mazzone 78 Keilor Park

Nathanael Smith 58 Keilor Park

Lucky Sarwara 51 Donnybrook 

Aman Singh 78 Donnybrook 

Shariff Mazin Rizvi Deen 73 Genesis

Kushan Jayawardena 78  Genesis

Bowling Milestones 5 wicket hauls

Vic Kyte Shield Mitchell Gibbs Jnr 5/50 Oak Park

Althol Attwater Shield Troy Gourlay 5/11 Abderfidle St Johns

Ralph Barron Shield Matthew Harper 5/34 Sydenham Hillside

Andrew Knight David Darcy 5/29 Taylors Lakes

Ern Girolami Shield Mohamad Barakat 6/16 Maribyrnong Park St Marys

Ern Girolami Shield Manu Poulose 5/17 Moonee Valley 

Contacts : If you got any feedback or want get any news email me @ patrickdecember18@gmail.com and my phone number is 0484 001 288

Author Patrick Morrow

Round 4 fixtures for George Luscombe Shield Two Days Games 2 Nov Sat,  Sat 9 Nov.

H Kealba Green Gully vs Pascoe Vale Central A

H Northern Lions Vs Darebin Chargers A

H Aberfeldie St Johns Vs Preston Druids A

H Burnside Springs Vs Buckley Park A

Legend H = Home , A = Away

“Preston Druids excited and proud by their brilliant start”

 The club has embark in a new journey after their inception into the league last year. Preston finally  have new clubrooms which is two years in the making.   This has help the club get its identity back. On field performances have been great with all teams competing well and all playing very competitive cricket especially there Luscombse Team. Coach Grant Hanson saids “It is exciting place to be apart of”.  Including this the recruit Matthew Harrington from Gladstone Park grant thinks“ It has given different element in our side”. On that win in Round 1 against Buckley Park chasing down 415 , Grant Hanson said “we spoke during the week we want to be competitive and bat the 80 overs and you never know Cricket what can happened,”. Grant said “Everything was falling in place”. Grant believes that win has set up season nicely and gives the club a sense of believe as they think they can beat anyone on their day. On the previous game against Northern Lions which they won Grant said “Let’s go out have a crack” also they were not deter by the conditions on Saturday. 

Grant said best players so far at the moment are Club President Robert Montgomery will been playing great cricket and young Ash Wilson who building nicely. Grant believes bowling needs to be work on as he said “Bowling has been okay quite average to be frank”.  This is pressing issue and will be tested this week against Aberfeldie St Johns.

In addition to this Grant is looking forward to the upcoming match against Aberfeldie St Johns and prefers two day matches and believes the side much suited for a two day match and will test on Saturday for his team but a good on on that.  Preston Druids sounds like back in business and the one word that comes to the mind with this club is excited and pump. 

Clint Mckay update 

Round 3 has concluded for Clint Mckay and the headlines that have generated from the comp is

Gowanbrae on top  of the ladder before the Melbourne Cup break this includes their amazing performance against Pascoe Vale Untied where they bowl the team for 19 which include amazing figures for Nipuna Fonseka with 6 wickets for 9 runs. 

 Reigning premiers Buckely Park finally get there first points with  a draw against Pascoe Vale Untied as it was rain affected match. 

RMIT were victors against Airport west with bowling out them out for 78 and with Raj Joon taking 4 for 18. 

 Finally Darien Chargers had a impressive victory against St Albans with a 208 run win.  More news about Clint Mckay shield next week. 

Milestones

Congrats on the guys who made the list this week, contact me  down below if anyone broken any club record, games record or association record.

Milestones for the previous round 26 OCT

Game Milestone Brian Fielding Strathmore Heights 400 Game congrats and well done an keep enjoying your cricket. 

Batting milestones 

Athol Attwater Shield  Adnan Khan Chargers Cricket Club 224 not out

George Luscombe Shield Robert W Montgomery Preston Druids 74

   Seipolt Sheild Ramneet Singh Donybrook 109

    Seiplot Sheild Callum Newton West Coburg 106

  Brian Moss Shield Tyler Willis West Coburg 75

     Brian Moss Shield Yasindu Athukorala Gowanbrae 72

  Andrew Knight Shield Videsh Dassanayake Northern Lions100

 Andrew Knight Shield Ali Zain East Coburg 88

Andrew Knight Shield Glenn Watts Tullamarine 79

Andrew Knight Shield Michael Fiteni Tullamarine 77

Russell Allen Shield Brett Paterson Aberfeldie 100

Russell Allen Shield Gurpal Singh Ascot Vale 100

Russell Allen Shield Charanjit Singh Burnside 105

Russell Allen Shield Mikaele Tominiko Strathmore heights 100

Barrie Clissold Shield Muhammad Chohan Jacana 88

Musgrove Shield Sunday One Grade A Gourav Sharma Jacana 104

Musgrove Shield Sunday One Grade A Guriqubal Dandiwal Jacana 70

Musgrove Shield Sunday One Grade A Sam Tempone Kelior Park 80

Musgrove Shield Sunday One Grade A  Vikas Sharma Shakti Lions 100

Musgrove Shield Sunday One Grade A Syed Ali 71

Bowling Milestones 5 wicket hauls 

 Musgrove Shield Sunday One Grade B Gurinder Sing Hume Cricket Club 5/13

Ern Girolami Shield Cassidy Box Moonee Valley 5/19

Andrew Knight Shield Gamamadaliyanage Mendis Northern Lions 5/17 

Ralph Barron Shield Shanon Williams Pascoe Vale Central 5/26 

Ralph Barron Shield Michael Alvaro Preston Druids 5/47

Contacts  

If we have any information about your club you like to talk about or some feedback My contact’s are email is patrickdecember18@gmail.com and phone number is 0484 001 288.

Darebin Chargers  kick off their Luscombe debut against Burnside . 

Darebin had a successful start to their debut in Luscombe Shield match against Burnside. On day one  Darebin made a impressive first innings total off 264 off 57 overs. Burnside needed bat 23 overs and at the end day one they were 3 for 61. This made the run chase quite tight it seem until day two. Darbein Capatain Bikram Sidhu was pleased with the total but would like to bat the 80 overs. Moreover they were excited for the opening season and were coming off a big preseason which started in August. Moreover the debut of their new Wicketkeeper Manjot Singh for Darbein from Preston Bassballers is important key player to the team. In addition to this the plan  for the game for Darbein  was to look play 80 overs . Sidhu said “ good contributions by everybody but annoy not batting the 80 overs that is our challenge”, .  On day two Burnside were the better side with chasing down the runs with plenty overs to spare with opening batsman Paul Sammut making a important 123 and captain Anthony Fawcus made a century as they  pass total with lot of time still left in the game, it gave Burnside a chance to go for outright with a 86 run lead and 35 overs to bat. Darbein were able to bat the 35 overs with two wickets to spare which meant they only loss on first innings. Overall Darbein will be disappointed on the lost but there many positives from their inclusion into Luscombse and for the growth of the North West.  

  Preston Druids Shock Buckley Park in chasing one of highest scores ever in Luscombse Shield History 

If you told me Preston Druids would of chase down 415 against Buckely Park I would laughing but no they did something that must pundits would never think would happened they chase it down. Day one saw Buckley Park sent in and took to full advantage with Captain Justin Baker making a double hundred and Raja Sandhu who made a century as well as Buckely Park made a enormous total of 415 declared to make Preston bat for 16 overs and which they survived. Preston came out day two full gun’s blazing with young gun Ashley Wilson made a impressive 138 and Matthew Nyhus made 91 which help in chasing this enormous target. Robert Montgomery 36 not out was the most crucial innings for the game as Preston chase the total down with 3 balls to spare. It one highest run chases in Luscombse history. 

Clint Mckay Shield Update 

Buckley Park Reigning premiers have loss two around now after falling 5 runs short against Airport west 

Runners up Pascoe Vale United are look strong after their win against Airport west in Round 1

Gowanbrae looking good after a strong performance against St Albans in Round 1

RMIT were hunted down by Western Lead beaters in the opening match in Round 1

More news about this comp coming soon 

Milestones for this week include

Justin Baker 212 for Buckley Park Luscombe shield 

Jatinder Bhatt 130 for Chargers CC Vic Kyte Shield

Adnan Khan 201 for Chargers CC Althol Attwater Shield

Glenn Spicer 147 for Gladstone Park  Vic Kyte Shield

Sameer Aryabhagat 157 for Donnybrook Seipolt Shield 

Hat tricks include Jack Boyd from Caroline Springs Seipolt Shield

5 Wicket Hauls include

Matthew Collins Caroline Springs Seipolt Shield 

Colin Slater St Francis Seipolt Shield

Gurjinder Singh Sunshine Heights  Seipolt Shield

Congrats on your performances and best of luck for the season. 

Contacts :If you got any feedback or news for north west cricket my email is patrickdecember18@gmail.com

“Pascoe Vale Central pump up for 2019/20 season”

After speaking with Cameron Hare, captain of Pascoe Vale Central Luscombe Shield side, it sounds like the club is firing up for another strong season. With six senior teams – five two-day teams and a one-day team – and a stand-alone women’s side for the first time in the NWMCA competition, the club is ready to compete.After the initial merger with Aberfeldie St John’s, Cameron said the women’s game will be the “prime focus” of the club. They will be coached by Mick D’Cruz and the women are eager to take the field. Young players like Nathaniel Briggs and James ford are ready for to play and are well positioned alongside the big recruits for the season, Danny Campbell and Harry Bassi. Campbell is back and fit after an extended break and Bassi is a champion bowler who comes from Buckley Park. On being the reigning premieres of the Luscombe Shield , Cameron saids “There is always pressure, we have not miss the finals in the past six years and I have played Luscombe Shield for 17 years and in that time we have won in six premierships”.

Cameron’s calm head is key for his batting success, which is vital in the up-coming season. While he believes the competition will be even, he knows that new recruits can easily change the mix. Cameron has some great advice for batting as he topped the batting average last year he said “To be fair, [the] last couple years I have [had] some good years and by focusing on the team wins – and not being too worried about it and being relaxed – if I cop a good ball, that’s life.” It sounds like Pascoe Vale Central are in a great position. If you have any enquiries or you’re interested in playing at Pascoe Vale Central, go here at http://www.pascoevalecentralcc.com.au.

Strathmore Heights blend youth with senior experience for the upcoming season

Strathmore Heights are raring to go for the 19/20 season and coming off a big pre season which has included a training session at junction oval. Coach Josh McQueen is in his second year of coaching and looking forward to the new season.
After making the semis in Vic Kyte last season, McQueen was sure he could make the necessary changes for continued success. Strathmore heights will be boasting four teams with two two-day team and two one day teams.

“I said to the committee we will change culture, especially in training standards and being competitive. It was a good result for us.”
In addition, McQueen will have a right hand man with Assistant Coach Jason Blake from Glenroy. McQueen believes Blake will provide a new dimension to coaching and his previous experience will be a benefit to all.
Moreover the Heights will continuing to build their club through youth with players like Marcus Andropof who will be building on a great season last year with debuting in the ones last year and will be looking forward to get more games in the ones.
When McQueen said “In the future we want to play the highest standard possible”, he wasn’t joking. Stramore heights are in great spot and have big expectations with having goals of playing Luscombse in the near future.
If you got any enquiries in playing at Strathmore Heights this season go here on their website which is http://strathmoreheights.vic.cricket.com.au.

Rule Changes for 2019/20 season

Rule 1.2.4 Safety Rules – players over 18 (helmets)
Everyone must wear a helmet when batting and fielding close or keeping up to the stumps even if you are over 18 and the umpire will tell you to wear it or you can do what you do on a Saturday afternoon. Basically no helmet no play today.

Rule 1.2.6 Extreme Heat – changes to process

So everybody you don’t need call Melbourne Airport on that late Saturday afternoon to check if it’s 39 degrees now you can check Bureau of Metrology app for Melbourne Airport temperature or phone in 1196 and if it is 36 degrees for a under game game the game is stop and you must wait till drops at the airport same for seniors but the temperature at 38 degrees and you know the drill.

Rule 1.7 Players dress
Very simple just wear cricket attire no shorts when playing and for Luscombe shield must have NWMCA logo on right side of shirt.
Four Rule Rule 2.1.7 Forfeiting a match – giving a walkover – changes to process
The process of this has change you must notify people such as opposition club and the umpire 24 hours prior to the game and email the NWMCA on forfeits@nwmca.com.au. More details on the NWMCA Website and the rule book.

Rule 2.2.2 Open Age Two Day grades – One Day matches . Paragraph 5 (b) added – late start caused by one side and Rule 2.3 2 Open Age One Day grades – Paragraph 5 added = late start caused by one side

We all hate late starts but just make this clear umpire must be attendance for this rule to be used so for all the sneaky captains please don’t try because you end up in trouble, so the rule follows if one team is ready for the start of play and the second team is not and the delayed is more then 5 minutes then that team loses their entitlement batting overs reduced by one over for every full 3 minutes of playing time lost.

3.2.2 General Eligibility to play in finals – changes to days played and clarification changes
So basically for any grade if you have been named 5 days of that competition that includes washouts, heat outs and everything that can abandoned cricket match it counts and eligible to play in the semi final and for all captains out there remember to put in the team sheet with the full squad for that game no matter what.

4.1.6.1 Unacceptable conduct – added to definition of Level 1 and Level 2 offences
So anything that goes against spirt of the game which is seen by the umpire as an offence they laid a formal charge and follows steps of rule 4.1.1.

Junior Rules

2.5.8 Under 12 match rules – based on Australian Cricket Junior Formats Stage 2
These rules are found on the cricket Aus Website and have been discuss at Junior cricket forums.

3.1.2 Adjustment to points due to adverse weather – clarification changes with examples
Points for when it has rain out is normally a draw no matter has change but now if less than half of the games that were completed will be a draw but more then half of the games are play then points rewarded for a win or tie.

3.2.2 General Eligibility to play in finals – changes to days played and clarification changes paragraph 9 So a player who has qualified to play finals in a competition section and who is age same as the competition an example is an under 14 player who can play under 12’s and has been named in 5 days of that team he or she is eligible to play in that final.

So there the rules change for the season any issues go on the website nwmca.vic.cricket.com.au and read the rule book and always ask umpire if you unsure because they know the rules.

Milestones
Strathmore Heights Club legend Brian Fielding will play game 400 on the 26 October round 3 against Greenvale Kangaroos at Boeing reserve. He also waiting for round 3 as he can play with his sons and supported by family members at the game. Brian has been apart of the club for over 30 years and Coach Josh McQueen has praise Brian for his hard work at the club. “Brian is club stalwart and has the bar name after him,” saids McQueen. I wish Brian good luck and enjoy the day.

Contact :For all the club’s out what to have a chat about cricket and milestones or anything else my number is 0484 001 288 and email is patrickdecember18@gmail.com.

Afghanistan have put into themselves a great spot on day two. After making 342 on day one with Rahmat Shah making the first century for the country and his first in test cricket and Asghar Afgan making 92, eights run’s short of his first test century .

Rashid Khan first game as captain has been great one with him making 51 and was spinning a web on day two with four wickets. Bangladesh seem they could not get themseveles on the turning pitch with only one fifty by Mominul Haque and the next best was Liton Dias with 33. But it was Afghanistan day with a great bowling effort by all and Mohammed Nabi took 2 wickets.

Bangladesh will want to fight back to avoid a first test loss against Afghanistan. Day three will be a huge day and could see history in the making with Afghanistan in a commanding position with a lead of 148 runs. They will be looking to take the last two wickets to bat again so they are able make it hard as possible for Bangladesh to chase anything down and as pitch is making batting unbearable Afghanistan very good opportunity to create history in Chattogram.

The second test match has been quite thrilling, the rain has made the test match more interesting than expected. England batted quite well in the first innings on a seaming pitch. John Barstow made a crucial 52 and Rory Burns made 53. But again England batsman could not get carry on and make a hundred. England score of 258 looks pretty good when Australia lost a wicket late on day two. Day three was mare by rain but England was on top with the ball and were 4 for 80 at the end of day three.

Woakes and Broad were strong in the damp conditions. Day Four was a thrilling and great promotion of test cricket. Steve Smith was excellent with the bat and his courage was on full display with being hit by a sharp ball by Jofra Archer. He made 92 and was the only who look comfortable at the crease. Moreover, Archer spell made everybody remind them of the famous west indies attack from the ’80s. Also, Australia lower order was crucial in going close to England first inning but was bowl out for 250 before tea.

England came out to bat late on day four with an 8 run lead and was greeted by Pat Cummins who took some early wickets to have England in a lot of trouble. But England rebounded to have a lead of 84 runs at stumps even though we’re four down. Day Five was of late drama and was a day out for Ben stokes who made 115 and was crucial to England having a chance to an unlikely win. England declared with 48 overs to bowl and Australia needed 267 runs to win which was possible.

But bring out Jofra Archer he was more freighting then ever and taken 3 wickets and bowl extremely well. Archer bowl a bumper to the Marnus Labuschagne [Sub in for Steve smith delay concussion after he was hit on day four] that hit him on the the grill which looks out something of the west Indian bowling attack from the eighties.

You could call Labuschagne a “Super sub” as he saves the test and was caught off a debatable catch by captain Joe Root. Travis Head and Patrick guided the last 8 overs and save the test match. This test match had great entertainment and had everything from laughter, drama and some nervous Aussie and English fans but the good news for the Aussies they 1-o up in the series.

England

So let’s start with England and let’s be honest they only had few bright spot’s, so let’s go through the players and my ratings for the players. I be a bit harsh as they were losing team but they did not perform at the standard they should of.The ratings are like fifia ratings so for example if you 90 overall you are really good but the lower you go like 50 overall you have not great game, let’s start shall we and they are brief.

Rory Burns , 80 Overall

Highest score 133, batted well in the first innings but could not achieve same feat in the second inning.

Jason Roy, 60 Overall

Highest score 28. Did not have great game because I think he is still in one day mindset.

Joe Root , 70 Overall

Highest score 57. Needs to convert into hundreds.

Joe Denly , 50 Overall

Highest score 18. Will need to improve if he want’s to hold his spot.

Jos Bulter, 50 Overall

Highest score 5. Had a horrible game.

Ben Stokes, 70 Overall

Highest score 50. Did not bowl well but batted quite well in the first inning but needed to bat better in the second innings.

Jonny Bairstow, 55 overall

Highest score 8, Did not bat well and kept okay but will need to improve batting.

Moeen Ali , 45 Overall

Had a shocker not even going to put his score up and his bowling was quite poor.

Chris Woakes , 75 Overall

Highest score of 37, did his job with the bat , should of bowl more in the second innings.

Stuart Broard, 75 Overall

Bowl well and needed his partner in crime fit so they were chance winning the test match.

James Anderson N/A *

No rating as he only bowl four overs and did not do a lot with bat.

Australia

Play very well and were save by Steve Smith superb batting but Australia will need to bat better and I think still question on who should open the batting. Moreover the bowlers were amazing and were helpful in the win especially Lyon who was great on the fifth day and same rating system.

David Warner, 55 Overall

Highest score 8, did not have a great return game and I not think the real warner was at the crease and will need to bat better.

Cameron Brancroft, 60 Overall

Highest score 8, Same as Warner did not have great comeback but flied well at short leg.

Usman Khawaja, 65 Overall

Highest Score 4o Needs to perform better and should made more.

Steve Smith , 99 Overall

Highest score 144. No words but just a freak and play marvellous.

Travis Head , 70 overall

Highest score 51, needed to convert into hundreds but will like his chances at lords.

Matthew Wade, 80 Overall

Highest score 104 ,Play well and should be very proud of his hundred and shut up the critics.

Tim Paine, 80 Overall

Highest score 34, was very good in the plan in beating England and kept well.

James Pattinson, 80 Overall

Highest score 47,Batted well when the game was on line and great see him fit and firing with ball. Great return back to test cricket.

Patrick Cummins, 80 Overall

Highest score 26, Batted well in the second innings and bowl really well and prove world why he is the number one bowler in the world.

Peter Siddle, 80 Overall

Highest score 44, great return to test cricket with bat and ball.

Nathan Lyon, 81 Overall

Play really well especially on the final day of the test match taking 6 wickets.

England vs Australia the biggest rivalry in cricket, lets preview it shall we.

So you ask when does it start?

It all start’s in Edgbaston on the 1 August and every ball of the Ashes is live on Channel Nine and play starts for Eastern Australia time 8PM or WA viewers 10PM.

Who are the squads ?

Well the squads follows

Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

England squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vc), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

Is this apart of that ICC test Championship ?

Yes it is and will be the first test match of this tournament and every win counts with 120 points overall in the series and 24 points for each in win for a 5 test series.

So what will the Pitch be like ?

Well thoughts it could be green deck like one at Lords but Coach Justin Langer saids “It’s very similar to the world cup final … it was the same grass, but it wasn’t green grass”. It seems it will much flatter pitch also there will be weather around with day three, four and five looking like it will rain so test match could be gear by mother nature.

My Prediction

Well this be very interesting series and could be most tighest one in long time. This does reminder me of Allan Border 1989 ashes series which the english press thought they will not win and the english were quite cocky. I think Australia retain the Ashes in England and win the series in 3 to 2 and think will come down to last test match. Also stay tune for more news on the Ashes.

Ireland came to lords to find the pitch was very green and England who coming off that epic world cup final elected to bat first which seem normal to all cricket fans. But what happened next question the integrity of the so-called home team advantage came into question as England the WORLD CHAMPIONS were bowl out for 85 with a little know Middlesex player Tim Murtagh taking 5 for 13 and getting himself on the honour board at lords and being the first Irish player to be on board.

Then in reply Ireland were bowl out for 207 and fell two overs off finishing day one with Andrew Balbrine top-scoring with 55 and for the English bowlers Stuart Board, Sam Curran and Olly Stone all taken 3 wickets on this green deck at lords. 20 wickets fell on day one which does question England tactic as asking for a lively surface. Day two got crazier with the Nightwatchman Jack Leach making 92 and made the wicket look like a road. Jason Roy world cup hero also stars with the bat with 72.

Those two innings were crucial to England winning the test match as England collapse again with next best Sam Curran with 37. The best of the Irish bowlers was Mark Adair with 3 wickets for 66 runs. Ireland needed to come back on day 3 to take the last wicket which fell straight away and needed 182 for a historical victory and would put themselves in test folklore.

But the class of England shine through as Stuart Board and Chris Woakes demolished the Irish batting as they were bowl out for the 6 lowest test score and the lowest and fastest inning at lords 38. This finish the test match England won by 143 runs.

It was an anti-climax to a great game of cricket and plenty take out this game is that Ireland is scary good with the ball if they play in those swinging conditions. The issue Ireland batting, let’s be honest how many have face a bowler that swing and pace in not many so that was going to be the fear. But the ICC should continue with developing Ireland and Afghanistan to be competitive as both nations have shown they can match with the best. So I hope as a cricket lover that all test nations can play against these unique teams and the more games the improvement will ultimately see the so call minnows winning test matches.

If you told me Ireland vs England in test cricket was going to happened on would laugh you off. But now it gives me a sense of curiosity and anything is possible in cricket as we just have seen from the World cup final. Ireland will be no pushover as the conditions will be similar to the conditions for their first test match against Pakistan which saw Ireland fight back to beat by the class of a establish test team.

Ireland has come along way from qualifying for 2007 world cup which saw Ireland claim some huge wins in that time from beating Pakistan to beating England in 2011 and knocking off Zimbabwe in an ODI series just now.

Ireland team for this test against the old enemy will have players like Will Porterfield who is a journeyman who has played county cricket for over 13 years and could off been tempted to play for England but took a risk and now is captaining Ireland and for Boyd Rankin who play against his former side as he only player to represent England and Ireland in test cricket. Both players will be ready to knock off the English and Porterfield said in a press conference before Wednesday “It right up there, if not the pinnacle for everything that’s been achieved with Irish cricket “. Ireland squad consists of Ireland squad: W Porterfield (c), M Adair, A Balbirnie, A McBrine, J McCollum, T Murtagh, K O’Brien, B Rankin, S Singh, P Stirling, S Thompson, L Tucker, G Wilson, C Young. Four of the players could be playing test cricket for the first time which could be a great thing.

The English squad is Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

This test match could be a flop but either way, this match will achieve a chance for cricket to grow and hopefully if a minnow can beat a test giant maybe this will give hope to the other test hopefuls like Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.