Jager
International Debutant
Didn't like how this little piece turned out at all, but the match needed a quick summary. Will do one for the big upset of the B XI tomorrow
Match #10: World E XI vs World F XI
The World E XI were eliminated from the ATG Championship after an innings and 54 run defeat at the WACA ground. Kumar Sangakkara (153) showed his true value after a mediocre start to the tournament by scoring a chanceless century, ended only after Dale Steyn’s second new-ball burst caused him to skew an ugly pull shot to third man. The Sri Lankan colossus was uncompromising, gracious through the covers yet tenacious in defense, helping the F XI to an unassailable 537-run tally in the second innings of the match.
Not for the first time during this tournament, the E XI’s top-order fragility was exposed by nagging, accurate seam bowling. Courtney Walsh moved himself to second place in the wickets tally by claiming nine scalps whilst Harold Larwood proved himself with five. Dudley Nourse’s fighting spirit was never questioned as he compiled 80 and 81 – his partnership of 167 with Arthur Morris certainly the batting highlight of the tournament for the embattled side. With Graham Gooch, Neil Harvey and Javed Miandad having scored 49, 53 and 58 runs respectively in the first two matches, it would be hard to find a more miserable group of batsmen. Morris dug himself out of a desperate mental state with a magnificent second-innings 112 that required every last bit of his prodigious batting talent to make, but it was a side note on the scorecard as the tournament dark horse once again failed to make any lasting impression on the scoresheet. Their bowling too was abysmal – an economy rate of less than four looks something of a highlight in a lineup that leaks runs everywhere.
Benaud and co. will leave for their third match in India wondering what could have been had things gone to plan in Perth. Fans will be saddened and disappointed at their inevitable exit from the tournament, but a special performance at Eden Gardens would see them leave with their heads held high. One hopes that they can muster it.
Match #10: World E XI vs World F XI
The World E XI were eliminated from the ATG Championship after an innings and 54 run defeat at the WACA ground. Kumar Sangakkara (153) showed his true value after a mediocre start to the tournament by scoring a chanceless century, ended only after Dale Steyn’s second new-ball burst caused him to skew an ugly pull shot to third man. The Sri Lankan colossus was uncompromising, gracious through the covers yet tenacious in defense, helping the F XI to an unassailable 537-run tally in the second innings of the match.
Not for the first time during this tournament, the E XI’s top-order fragility was exposed by nagging, accurate seam bowling. Courtney Walsh moved himself to second place in the wickets tally by claiming nine scalps whilst Harold Larwood proved himself with five. Dudley Nourse’s fighting spirit was never questioned as he compiled 80 and 81 – his partnership of 167 with Arthur Morris certainly the batting highlight of the tournament for the embattled side. With Graham Gooch, Neil Harvey and Javed Miandad having scored 49, 53 and 58 runs respectively in the first two matches, it would be hard to find a more miserable group of batsmen. Morris dug himself out of a desperate mental state with a magnificent second-innings 112 that required every last bit of his prodigious batting talent to make, but it was a side note on the scorecard as the tournament dark horse once again failed to make any lasting impression on the scoresheet. Their bowling too was abysmal – an economy rate of less than four looks something of a highlight in a lineup that leaks runs everywhere.
Benaud and co. will leave for their third match in India wondering what could have been had things gone to plan in Perth. Fans will be saddened and disappointed at their inevitable exit from the tournament, but a special performance at Eden Gardens would see them leave with their heads held high. One hopes that they can muster it.
