On the day of the final, marred by rain, England had one hand firmly on the trophy. The English fans were singing, commentators and pundits were all but expecting, but somehow England's hopes of winning the tournament for the first time were shattered as they fell under pressure and crumbled after India took 4 wickets from England in the space of 7 balls to win the trophy individually for the first time.
The day started as England's finished with dreary weather that threatened to ruin the day of the final where at one point, the trophy may had to of been shared. After clearing the players to start, we found out it was going to be a match of 20 overs each, with a few people questioning whether some of England's batters, Trott and Cook, were going to be quick enough to reach the required run rate that India were to set.
After winning the toss, England sent India in to bat first, after a steady start from India many were wondering when the expected fast paced action was going to start. But after 4 overs, England had their breakthrough. Sharma falling to Broad's in-swinger and giving England some early momentum.
Then came another spell of rain, which arguably could have halted both teams in momentum but after a long delay India were back out batting again, reaching 50 runs, averaging just shy of 6 an over. But then the big wicket came, Ravi Bopara's ball, being hit on the off stump straight out to Tredwell, England now had the chance to take advantage, and they did.
After 3 slow overs in terms of India's run rate, Tredwell had his first wicket of the day, Karthik sweeping high into the air and being caught by Morgan making it 66/3. India on a run rate of just 5.5 an over.
Then followed a rampage by England's bowlers, Bopara firstly dismissing Raina for just 1 run, then the danger-man, and captain MS Dhoni came in but was immediately dismissed by again by Bopara, Dhoni guiding his shot straight into the hands of Tredwell, England were now on top.
The next few overs added some stability to India's attack, but the run rate was too low against what had been up to this point some excellent batting performances from England in previous games.
India managed to take their total to 97 in the 17th, slowly upping their run rate with Kohli on 36 but then came some expensive late overs from Bresnan, Broad and Anderson. Kohli not quite managing his half century but scoring an impressive 43, Ashwin also being run out in the last.
India - 129/7 20 Overs.
England went onto the crease knowing a run rate of 6.5 an over would be enough. However, once again Cook fell short of expectations, Cook nicking Yadav's ball, Ashwin at first slip taking the catch.
Trott, often questioned for his slower pace came in proved critics wrong, immediately helping himself to two boundaries at taking England to 17/1 off 3 overs. England carefully upped the pace but were dealt a blow when Trott was dismissed for 20, stumped by Dhoni after he came down the wicket and missed the ball. England 30/2.
Joe Root, who put in a good display in the semi-final couldn't match the good performance as he was dismissed early on for 7 runs off 9 balls. An over later, Bell was gone as well, again stumped by Dhoni, Jadeja spinning the ball away from Bell, who came down the wicket to attempt the big hit.
Perhaps advantage India, but Morgan and Bopara came in and completely swung the momentum, both players finding the sixes and putting England in control.
But then came the dramatic fall and an end to England's hopes of going into The Ashes in style. Firstly Morgan hitting the ball straight down mid wicket to Ashwin. Suddenly it was two in two, Bopara hitting the ball deep square leg again caught by Ashwin.
With 19 runs required from 12 balls, England were probably slightly in front, but with two new batsman to the crease, anything could have happened.
After a single from the first ball, Jadeja got another wicket, Butler cleanly bowled and England took only 4 off the over with Bresnan being run out.
With 15 required off the last over India had the upper hand, Tredwell and Broad having to produce some magic to give England the trophy. Broad made the boundary from the second ball giving England some hope, 11 needed off 4 balls. But just 3 off the next two balls meant England needed two boundaries off the last two to lift the trophy.
After two from the penultimate ball, Tredwell needed a 6 off the last ball but in an all or nothing situation Tredwell failed to connect and could only manage the single.
England devastated, India overjoyed, but the turning point came down to the collapse of England's batters towards the end, Morgan and Bopara the two key wickets that allowed India to take advantage. For England, the ICC Champions Trophy virginity continues, for India, they lift the trophy individually for the first time and become the second team to win the trophy unbeaten throughout.
England 124/8 20 Overs.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Sunday, 23 June 2013
First Test: Australia 21-23 British and Irish Lions
On a thrilling evening in Brisbane the Lions came out victorious after Kurtley Beale's last second missed penalty gave the Lions a 1-0 lead in the Test series.
Australia: Barnes, Folau, Ashley-Cooper, Leali'ifano, Ioane, O'Connor, Genia; Robinson, Moore, Alexander, Douglas, Horwell, Mowen, Hooper, Palu
British and Irish Lions: Halfpenny, Cuthbert, O'Driscoll, Davies, North, Sexton, Phillips; Corbisiero, Youngs, Jkones, Wyn Jones, O'Connell, Croft, Warburton, Heaslip
On an evening of high and intense drama it was no surprise it came down to one kick of a ball. The game started as it finished with high intensity from both sides, but the game was stopped after just 53 seconds when Leali-Ifano, a debutant for Australia, had to be stretchered off in what looked like a serious looking injury.
It took 12 minutes before the first points went on the board though; against the run of play Australia, receiving high pressure managed to clear their lines and win themselves a penalty, taken early by Gania, a pacey run into the Lions half saw him offload to Folau who surged pass the Lions back line to send the Wallabies fans into raptures.
The try was converted by O'Connor, second time lucky for him, 10 minutes later though the Lions were awarded a penalty, 40 metres out, coming at a time where they were playing at their worst in the game so far. There was never any doubt though as Leigh Halfpenny stepped up to make it 7-3 to the Wallabies.
Then came some masterclass, George North who came on a couple of weeks back and was tipped to be an up and coming great, proved his worth when he went on a 40 metre run, going past 4 before hitting the line and getting Warren Gatland off his feat applauding it.
One again there was no doubt on Halfpenny's finishing touch as the Lions took a 3 point lead making it 7-10.
The Lions were now on top, some excellent by Jonathan Sexton nearly allowing North to get his second try but after some time going to the TMO decision, no try was awarded.
But the Lions dominance did not stop there, another awarded penalty gave them a 6 point lead going into the final 10 minutes of the half.
Then came some masterclass from the hosts, Folau again showing some immense skill sidestepping Sexton from 30 metres out and closing the lead to 1 point. O'Connor, not on his best form so far again missed the conversion giving the Lions a 1 point lead going into half time.
Half Time - Australia 12-13 British and Irish Lions
The second half started as the first ended, this time some class from Cuthbert, finding the gap and steaming through it to open the gap back up to 6 points, the Wallabies claimed an obstruction but was rubbished by the TMO decision.
Halfpenny, after surprisingly missing the kick at the end of the first half made no mistake in opening the gap to an 8 point lead, the biggest so far in the game.
The Lions now seemed in control, all they had to do was defend the lead and not give away silly penalties... but they never make it easy for themselves, O'Connor this time delivering and closing the gap back to 5 points.
Tension then started to rise as Kurtley Beale came on and took over from O'Connor to make it 18-20, game on. It was now a case of take any points you could get, Halfpenny again sending it between the posts and making it 18-23 before Beale then went and done the same after a fantastic bit of individual play from himself.
At 21-23 it could have gone either way, Beale missing the opportunity to send Australia into the lead but with 5 minutes remaining he sent his kick wide of the right post keeping the Wallabies two behind.
But the thrilling game came down to one lat kick and Beale was awarded a second chance to win the game for Australia. On an all or nothing kick Beale slipped and the Lions were awarded the win. Perhaps lucky but the Lions will take it, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Full Time - Australia 21-23 British and Irish Lions
Australia: Barnes, Folau, Ashley-Cooper, Leali'ifano, Ioane, O'Connor, Genia; Robinson, Moore, Alexander, Douglas, Horwell, Mowen, Hooper, Palu
British and Irish Lions: Halfpenny, Cuthbert, O'Driscoll, Davies, North, Sexton, Phillips; Corbisiero, Youngs, Jkones, Wyn Jones, O'Connell, Croft, Warburton, Heaslip
On an evening of high and intense drama it was no surprise it came down to one kick of a ball. The game started as it finished with high intensity from both sides, but the game was stopped after just 53 seconds when Leali-Ifano, a debutant for Australia, had to be stretchered off in what looked like a serious looking injury.
It took 12 minutes before the first points went on the board though; against the run of play Australia, receiving high pressure managed to clear their lines and win themselves a penalty, taken early by Gania, a pacey run into the Lions half saw him offload to Folau who surged pass the Lions back line to send the Wallabies fans into raptures.
The try was converted by O'Connor, second time lucky for him, 10 minutes later though the Lions were awarded a penalty, 40 metres out, coming at a time where they were playing at their worst in the game so far. There was never any doubt though as Leigh Halfpenny stepped up to make it 7-3 to the Wallabies.
Then came some masterclass, George North who came on a couple of weeks back and was tipped to be an up and coming great, proved his worth when he went on a 40 metre run, going past 4 before hitting the line and getting Warren Gatland off his feat applauding it.
One again there was no doubt on Halfpenny's finishing touch as the Lions took a 3 point lead making it 7-10.
The Lions were now on top, some excellent by Jonathan Sexton nearly allowing North to get his second try but after some time going to the TMO decision, no try was awarded.
But the Lions dominance did not stop there, another awarded penalty gave them a 6 point lead going into the final 10 minutes of the half.
Then came some masterclass from the hosts, Folau again showing some immense skill sidestepping Sexton from 30 metres out and closing the lead to 1 point. O'Connor, not on his best form so far again missed the conversion giving the Lions a 1 point lead going into half time.
Half Time - Australia 12-13 British and Irish Lions
The second half started as the first ended, this time some class from Cuthbert, finding the gap and steaming through it to open the gap back up to 6 points, the Wallabies claimed an obstruction but was rubbished by the TMO decision.
Halfpenny, after surprisingly missing the kick at the end of the first half made no mistake in opening the gap to an 8 point lead, the biggest so far in the game.
The Lions now seemed in control, all they had to do was defend the lead and not give away silly penalties... but they never make it easy for themselves, O'Connor this time delivering and closing the gap back to 5 points.
Tension then started to rise as Kurtley Beale came on and took over from O'Connor to make it 18-20, game on. It was now a case of take any points you could get, Halfpenny again sending it between the posts and making it 18-23 before Beale then went and done the same after a fantastic bit of individual play from himself.
At 21-23 it could have gone either way, Beale missing the opportunity to send Australia into the lead but with 5 minutes remaining he sent his kick wide of the right post keeping the Wallabies two behind.
But the thrilling game came down to one lat kick and Beale was awarded a second chance to win the game for Australia. On an all or nothing kick Beale slipped and the Lions were awarded the win. Perhaps lucky but the Lions will take it, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Full Time - Australia 21-23 British and Irish Lions
Saturday, 22 June 2013
ICC Champions Trophy Final: India vs England - Preview
England go into the final of the ICC Champions Trophy with the chance of winning the tournament for the very first time and taking themselves into The Ashes in the best possible fashion.
However, their opponents have cruised into the final, captained by MS Dhoni, India have put together some fine batting performances in what is going to be a thrilling final at Edgbaston.
England come off the back of a surprisingly comfortable semi-final victory over South Africa, with Jonathan Trott on fine form managing to see the game out on an unbeaten 82 and reach the Proteas score with 13 overs to spare.
Although South Africa's batting was clearly not up to scratch, England's bowlers made the most of the surface and got off to the perfect start when both Ingram and Amla were dismissed for a combined score of 1 run, Anderson and Finn taking wickets for Ingram and Amla respectively.
Throughout the match England's bowling and fielding was superb, with Butler excelling behind the wicket taking the catch of De Villiers for a duck and sending him back to the stands.
With 176 needed, England knew that a comfortable 4 an over would easily be enough to take them to the final, but it was never going to be that straight forward. Cook being dismissed for just 6 runs early on raised a few eyebrows but Trott came in with confidence and stability and reached his 82 not out off 84 balls. Joe Root nearly made his half century but fell two short when he was bowled out by Duminy but England made it through to the final in 37 overs and the "choking" tag once put on South Africa continued.
India made the final in similar fashion, it took just 35 overs for them to overcome a poor batting display by Sri Lanka, who clawed their way to 181/8 but India's batting was too much for the Sri Lankan bowlers, Shikhar Dhawan reaching 68 and the other opener Rohit Sharma accumulating 33.
Virat Kohli reached his half century and ended up on 58 not out, but it was all routine for India who will favour their batting over England come Sunday.
However, their opponents have cruised into the final, captained by MS Dhoni, India have put together some fine batting performances in what is going to be a thrilling final at Edgbaston.
England come off the back of a surprisingly comfortable semi-final victory over South Africa, with Jonathan Trott on fine form managing to see the game out on an unbeaten 82 and reach the Proteas score with 13 overs to spare.
Although South Africa's batting was clearly not up to scratch, England's bowlers made the most of the surface and got off to the perfect start when both Ingram and Amla were dismissed for a combined score of 1 run, Anderson and Finn taking wickets for Ingram and Amla respectively.
Throughout the match England's bowling and fielding was superb, with Butler excelling behind the wicket taking the catch of De Villiers for a duck and sending him back to the stands.
With 176 needed, England knew that a comfortable 4 an over would easily be enough to take them to the final, but it was never going to be that straight forward. Cook being dismissed for just 6 runs early on raised a few eyebrows but Trott came in with confidence and stability and reached his 82 not out off 84 balls. Joe Root nearly made his half century but fell two short when he was bowled out by Duminy but England made it through to the final in 37 overs and the "choking" tag once put on South Africa continued.
India made the final in similar fashion, it took just 35 overs for them to overcome a poor batting display by Sri Lanka, who clawed their way to 181/8 but India's batting was too much for the Sri Lankan bowlers, Shikhar Dhawan reaching 68 and the other opener Rohit Sharma accumulating 33.
Virat Kohli reached his half century and ended up on 58 not out, but it was all routine for India who will favour their batting over England come Sunday.
Friday, 21 June 2013
Wimbledon - First Round Draw - Women's
Serena Williams(USA x1) v Mandy Minella (LUX)Caroline Garcia (FRA) v Zheng Jie (CHN)
Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN) v Carina Witthoeft (GER)
Alexandra Cadantu (ROM) v Tamira Paszek (AUT x28)
Sabine Lisicki (GER x23) v Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Elena Vesnina (RUS) v Andrea Hlavackova (CZE)
Olga Puchkova (RUS) v Arantxa Rus (NED)
Anna Schmiedlova (SVK) v Samantha Stosur (AUS x14)
Maria Kirilenko (RUS x10) v Laura Robson (GBR)
Mariana Duque Marino (COL) v Julia Goerges (GER)
Ayumi Morita (JPN) v Marina Erakovic (NZL) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) v Peng Shuai (CHN x24)
Romina Oprandi (SUI x31) v Alison Riske (USA)
Mallory Burdette (USA) v Urszula Radwanska (POL)
Kaia Kanepi (EST) v Tara Moore (GBR)
Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) v Angelique Kerber (GER x7)
Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x4) v Yvonne Meusburger (AUT)
Timea Babos (HUN) v Mathilde Johannson (FRA)
Heather Watson (GBR) v Madison Keys (USA)
Monica Niculescu (ROM) v Mona Barthel (GER x30)
Anastasia Pavlyunchenkova (RUS x21) v Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL)
Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) v Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK)
Anna Tatishvili (GEO) v Petra Martic (CRO)
Karolina Pliskova (CZE) v Nadia Petrova (RUS x13)
Roberta Vinci (ITA x11) v Chanelle Scheepers (RSA)
Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) v Jana Cepelova (SVK)
Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor (ESP) v Irina-Camelia Begu (ROM)
Maria Elena Camerin (ITA)v Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x18)
Klara Zakopalova (CZE x32) v Daniela Hantuchova (SVK)
Nina Bratchikova (RUS) v Annika Beck (GER)
Olga Govortsova (BLR) v Simona Halep (ROM)
Michaella Krajicek (NED) v Li Na (CHN x6)
Sara Errani (ITA x5) v Monica Puig (PUR)
Silvia Soler Espinosa (ESP) v Misaki Doi (JPN)
Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) v Lesia Tsurenko (UKR)
Eva Birnerova (CZE) v Varvara Lepchenko (USA x26)
Sloane Stephens (USA x17) v Jamie Hampton (USA)
Pauline Parmentier (FRA) v Andrea Petkovic (GER)
Petra Cetkovska (CZE) v Donna Vekic (CRO)
Estrella Cabeza Candela (ESP) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x9)
Marion Bartoli (FRA x15) v Elina Svitolina (UKR)
Christina McHale (USA) v Alexa Glatch (USA)
Camila Giorgi (ITA) v Samantha Murray (GBR)
Stefanie Voegele (SUI)v Sorana Cirstea (ROM x22)
Lucie Safarova (CZE x27) v Lauren Davis (USA)
Lucie Hradecka (CZE) v Karin Knapp (ITA) Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) v Melanie Oudin (USA)
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Maria Sharapova (RUS x3)
Petra Kvitova (CZE x8) v Coco Vandeweghe (USA)
Kiki Bertens (NED) v Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)
Garbine Muguruza (ESP) v Anne Keothavong (GBR)
Johanna Larsson (SWE) v Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x25)
Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x19) v Lourdes Dominguez Lino (ESP)
Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) v Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO)
Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) v Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ)
Virginie Razzano (FRA) v Ana Ivanovic (SRB)
Jelena Jankovic (SRB x16) v Johanna Konta (GBR)
Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) v Vesna Dolonc (SRB)
Ajla Tomljanovic (CRO) v Bojana Jovanovski (SRB)
Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) v Kirsten Flipkens (BEL x20)
Alize Cornet (FRA x29) v Vania King (USA)
Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) v Maria Tatjana (GER)
Elena Baltacha (GBR) v Flavia Pennetta (ITA)
Maria Joao Koehler (POR) v Victoria Azarenka (BLR x2)
Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN) v Carina Witthoeft (GER)
Alexandra Cadantu (ROM) v Tamira Paszek (AUT x28)
Sabine Lisicki (GER x23) v Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Elena Vesnina (RUS) v Andrea Hlavackova (CZE)
Olga Puchkova (RUS) v Arantxa Rus (NED)
Anna Schmiedlova (SVK) v Samantha Stosur (AUS x14)
Maria Kirilenko (RUS x10) v Laura Robson (GBR)
Mariana Duque Marino (COL) v Julia Goerges (GER)
Ayumi Morita (JPN) v Marina Erakovic (NZL) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) v Peng Shuai (CHN x24)
Romina Oprandi (SUI x31) v Alison Riske (USA)
Mallory Burdette (USA) v Urszula Radwanska (POL)
Kaia Kanepi (EST) v Tara Moore (GBR)
Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) v Angelique Kerber (GER x7)
Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x4) v Yvonne Meusburger (AUT)
Timea Babos (HUN) v Mathilde Johannson (FRA)
Heather Watson (GBR) v Madison Keys (USA)
Monica Niculescu (ROM) v Mona Barthel (GER x30)
Anastasia Pavlyunchenkova (RUS x21) v Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL)
Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) v Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK)
Anna Tatishvili (GEO) v Petra Martic (CRO)
Karolina Pliskova (CZE) v Nadia Petrova (RUS x13)
Roberta Vinci (ITA x11) v Chanelle Scheepers (RSA)
Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) v Jana Cepelova (SVK)
Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor (ESP) v Irina-Camelia Begu (ROM)
Maria Elena Camerin (ITA)v Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x18)
Klara Zakopalova (CZE x32) v Daniela Hantuchova (SVK)
Nina Bratchikova (RUS) v Annika Beck (GER)
Olga Govortsova (BLR) v Simona Halep (ROM)
Michaella Krajicek (NED) v Li Na (CHN x6)
Sara Errani (ITA x5) v Monica Puig (PUR)
Silvia Soler Espinosa (ESP) v Misaki Doi (JPN)
Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) v Lesia Tsurenko (UKR)
Eva Birnerova (CZE) v Varvara Lepchenko (USA x26)
Sloane Stephens (USA x17) v Jamie Hampton (USA)
Pauline Parmentier (FRA) v Andrea Petkovic (GER)
Petra Cetkovska (CZE) v Donna Vekic (CRO)
Estrella Cabeza Candela (ESP) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x9)
Marion Bartoli (FRA x15) v Elina Svitolina (UKR)
Christina McHale (USA) v Alexa Glatch (USA)
Camila Giorgi (ITA) v Samantha Murray (GBR)
Stefanie Voegele (SUI)v Sorana Cirstea (ROM x22)
Lucie Safarova (CZE x27) v Lauren Davis (USA)
Lucie Hradecka (CZE) v Karin Knapp (ITA) Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) v Melanie Oudin (USA)
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Maria Sharapova (RUS x3)
Petra Kvitova (CZE x8) v Coco Vandeweghe (USA)
Kiki Bertens (NED) v Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)
Garbine Muguruza (ESP) v Anne Keothavong (GBR)
Johanna Larsson (SWE) v Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x25)
Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x19) v Lourdes Dominguez Lino (ESP)
Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) v Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO)
Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) v Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ)
Virginie Razzano (FRA) v Ana Ivanovic (SRB)
Jelena Jankovic (SRB x16) v Johanna Konta (GBR)
Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) v Vesna Dolonc (SRB)
Ajla Tomljanovic (CRO) v Bojana Jovanovski (SRB)
Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) v Kirsten Flipkens (BEL x20)
Alize Cornet (FRA x29) v Vania King (USA)
Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) v Maria Tatjana (GER)
Elena Baltacha (GBR) v Flavia Pennetta (ITA)
Maria Joao Koehler (POR) v Victoria Azarenka (BLR x2)
Wimbledon - First Round Draw - Men's
(1) Novak Djokovic (Ser) v Florian Mayer (Ger)
Bobby Reynolds (USA) v Steve Johnson (USA)
Blaz Kavcic (Slo) v Jan-Lennard Struff (Ger)
Ryan Harrison (USA) v (28) Jeremy Chardy (Fra)
(19) Gilles Simon (Fra) v Feliciano Lopez (Spa)
Ricardas Berankis (Lit) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (Fra)
Wayne Odesnik (USA) v Jimmy Wang (Tpe)
Dmitry Tursunov (Rus) v (13) Tommy Haas (Ger)
(9) Richard Gasquet (Fra) v Marcel Granollers (Spa)
Andreas Haider-Maurer (Aut) v Go Soeda (Jpn)
James Blake (USA) v Thiemo De Bakker (Ned)
Bernard Tomic (Aus) v (21) Sam Querrey (USA)
(27) Kevin Anderson (Rsa) v Olivier Rochus (Bel)
Philipp Petzschner (Ger) v Michal Przysiezny (Pol)
Daniel Brands (Ger) v Daniel Gimeno-Traver (Spa)
Martin Klizan (Svk) v (7) Tomas Berdych (Cze)
(4) David Ferrer (Spa) v Martin Alund (Arg)
Roberto Bautista-Agut (Spa) v Teymuraz Gabashvili (Rus)
Horacio Zeballos (Arg) v Santiago Giraldo (Col)
Gastao Elias (Por) v (26) Alexandr Dolgopolov (Ukr)
(17) Milos Raonic (Can) v Carlos Berlocq (Arg)
Alex Kuznetsov (USA) v Igor Sijsling (Ned)
James Duckworth (Aus) v Denis Kudla (USA)
Ivan Dodig (Cro) v (16) Philipp Kohlschreiber (Ger)
(12) Kei Nishikori (Jpn) v Matthew Ebden (Aus)
Leonardo Mayer (Arg) v Aljaz Bedene (Slo)
Michael Llodra (Fra) v Jarkko Nieminen (Fin)
Denis Istomin (Uzb) v (23) Andreas Seppi (Ita)
(29) Grigor Dimitrov (Bul) v Simone Bolelli (Ita)
Grega Zemlja (Slo) v Michael Russell (USA)
Guido Pella (Arg) v Jesse Levine (Can)
Albert Ramos (Spa) v (8) Juan Martin Del Potro (Arg)
(5) Rafael Nadal (Spa) v Steve Darcis (Bel)
Lukasz Kubot (Pol) v Igor Andreev (Rus)
Stephane Robert (Fra) v Alejandro Falla (Col)
Adrian Ungur (Rom) v Benoit Paire (Fra) (25)
(18) John Isner (USA) v Evgeny Donskoy (Rus)
Pablo Andujar (Spa) v Adrian Mannarino (Fra)
Dustin Brown (Ger) v Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (Spa)
Lleyton Hewitt (Aus) v (11) Stanislas Wawrinka (Swi)
(15) Nicolas Almagro (Spa) v Jurgen Zopp (Est)
Marinko Matosevic (Aus) v Guillaume Rufin (Fra)
Radek Stepanek (Cze) v Matt Reid (Aus)
Kyle Edmund (Gbr) v (24) Jerzy Janowicz (Pol)
(30) Fabio Fognini (Ita) v Jurgen Melzer (Aut)
Julian Reister (Ger) v Lukas Rosol (Cze)
Rogerio Dutra Silva (Bra) v Sergiy Stakhovsky (Ukr)
Victor Hanescu (Rom) v Roger Federer (Swi) (3)
(6) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Fra) v David Goffin (Bel)
Edouard Roger-Vasselin (Fra) v Ernests Gulbis (Lat)
Fernando Verdasco (Spa) v Xavier Malisse (Bel)
Tobias Kamke (Ger) v Julien Benneteau (Fra) (31)
(22) Juan Monaco (Arg) v Bastian Knittel (Ger)
Lukas Lacko (Svk) v Rajeev Ram (USA)
Kenny De Schepper (Fra) v Paolo Lorenzi (Ita)
Marcos Baghdatis (Cyp) v (10) Marin Cilic (Cro)
(14) Janko Tipsarevic (Ser) v Viktor Troicki (Ser)
Andrey Kuznetsov (Rus) v Albert Montanes (Spa)
Marc Gicquel (Fra) v Vasek Pospisil (Can)
Robin Haase (Ned) v (20) Mikhail Youzhny (Rus)
(32) Tommy Robredo (Spa) v Alex Bogomolov Jr. (Rus)
Nicolas Mahut (Fra) v Jan Hajek (Cze)
James Ward (Gbr) v Yen-Hsun Lu (Tpe)
Benjamin Becker (Ger) v (2) Andy Murray (Gbr)
Bobby Reynolds (USA) v Steve Johnson (USA)
Blaz Kavcic (Slo) v Jan-Lennard Struff (Ger)
Ryan Harrison (USA) v (28) Jeremy Chardy (Fra)
(19) Gilles Simon (Fra) v Feliciano Lopez (Spa)
Ricardas Berankis (Lit) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (Fra)
Wayne Odesnik (USA) v Jimmy Wang (Tpe)
Dmitry Tursunov (Rus) v (13) Tommy Haas (Ger)
(9) Richard Gasquet (Fra) v Marcel Granollers (Spa)
Andreas Haider-Maurer (Aut) v Go Soeda (Jpn)
James Blake (USA) v Thiemo De Bakker (Ned)
Bernard Tomic (Aus) v (21) Sam Querrey (USA)
(27) Kevin Anderson (Rsa) v Olivier Rochus (Bel)
Philipp Petzschner (Ger) v Michal Przysiezny (Pol)
Daniel Brands (Ger) v Daniel Gimeno-Traver (Spa)
Martin Klizan (Svk) v (7) Tomas Berdych (Cze)
(4) David Ferrer (Spa) v Martin Alund (Arg)
Roberto Bautista-Agut (Spa) v Teymuraz Gabashvili (Rus)
Horacio Zeballos (Arg) v Santiago Giraldo (Col)
Gastao Elias (Por) v (26) Alexandr Dolgopolov (Ukr)
(17) Milos Raonic (Can) v Carlos Berlocq (Arg)
Alex Kuznetsov (USA) v Igor Sijsling (Ned)
James Duckworth (Aus) v Denis Kudla (USA)
Ivan Dodig (Cro) v (16) Philipp Kohlschreiber (Ger)
(12) Kei Nishikori (Jpn) v Matthew Ebden (Aus)
Leonardo Mayer (Arg) v Aljaz Bedene (Slo)
Michael Llodra (Fra) v Jarkko Nieminen (Fin)
Denis Istomin (Uzb) v (23) Andreas Seppi (Ita)
(29) Grigor Dimitrov (Bul) v Simone Bolelli (Ita)
Grega Zemlja (Slo) v Michael Russell (USA)
Guido Pella (Arg) v Jesse Levine (Can)
Albert Ramos (Spa) v (8) Juan Martin Del Potro (Arg)
(5) Rafael Nadal (Spa) v Steve Darcis (Bel)
Lukasz Kubot (Pol) v Igor Andreev (Rus)
Stephane Robert (Fra) v Alejandro Falla (Col)
Adrian Ungur (Rom) v Benoit Paire (Fra) (25)
(18) John Isner (USA) v Evgeny Donskoy (Rus)
Pablo Andujar (Spa) v Adrian Mannarino (Fra)
Dustin Brown (Ger) v Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (Spa)
Lleyton Hewitt (Aus) v (11) Stanislas Wawrinka (Swi)
(15) Nicolas Almagro (Spa) v Jurgen Zopp (Est)
Marinko Matosevic (Aus) v Guillaume Rufin (Fra)
Radek Stepanek (Cze) v Matt Reid (Aus)
Kyle Edmund (Gbr) v (24) Jerzy Janowicz (Pol)
(30) Fabio Fognini (Ita) v Jurgen Melzer (Aut)
Julian Reister (Ger) v Lukas Rosol (Cze)
Rogerio Dutra Silva (Bra) v Sergiy Stakhovsky (Ukr)
Victor Hanescu (Rom) v Roger Federer (Swi) (3)
(6) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Fra) v David Goffin (Bel)
Edouard Roger-Vasselin (Fra) v Ernests Gulbis (Lat)
Fernando Verdasco (Spa) v Xavier Malisse (Bel)
Tobias Kamke (Ger) v Julien Benneteau (Fra) (31)
(22) Juan Monaco (Arg) v Bastian Knittel (Ger)
Lukas Lacko (Svk) v Rajeev Ram (USA)
Kenny De Schepper (Fra) v Paolo Lorenzi (Ita)
Marcos Baghdatis (Cyp) v (10) Marin Cilic (Cro)
(14) Janko Tipsarevic (Ser) v Viktor Troicki (Ser)
Andrey Kuznetsov (Rus) v Albert Montanes (Spa)
Marc Gicquel (Fra) v Vasek Pospisil (Can)
Robin Haase (Ned) v (20) Mikhail Youzhny (Rus)
(32) Tommy Robredo (Spa) v Alex Bogomolov Jr. (Rus)
Nicolas Mahut (Fra) v Jan Hajek (Cze)
James Ward (Gbr) v Yen-Hsun Lu (Tpe)
Benjamin Becker (Ger) v (2) Andy Murray (Gbr)
Thursday, 20 June 2013
ICC - England vs South Africa Review
England progressed to the ICC Champions Trophy final for the second time after taking full advantage of a poor batting display from South Africa which saw them accumulate a lackluster 175/10, giving England, whose batsmen were already on fine form, the chance to get their ticket to the final on Sunday.
England won the toss on a dreary morning at the Oval and chose to bowl first and got off to the perfect start dismissing Colin Ingram for a duck off only 5 balls, this good start was just about to get better. Hashim Amla then went for an LBW off only 3 balls and scoring only one run, England were no doubt in control.
However, South Africa weren't going to roll over and have their bellies itched that easily, in came Robin Peterson to restore some hope for the Proteas. Peterson was accompanied by Du Plessis and together they put together a steady 50 run partnership. However this was a semi final and looking at England's batting performances so far, the Proteas run rate wasn't high enough.
Peterson was dismissed for 30 off 41 but Du Plessis off 39 balls could only score 26 runs giving England an easy target so far.
Furthermore Proteas captain De Villiers went for a duck as well after another fine catch from England's wicket keeper Jos Butler but David Miller gave South Africa some hope with his half century followed by Kleinveldt's 43 runs off 61 balls.
But the wicket of Kleinveldt upped England's game, Broad successfully taking two wickets in a row to dismiss Tsotsobe and give themselves a target of 176 for the win.
Although seeming an easy target Captain Cook didn't help the case when he was caught by De Villiers off Christopher Morris's bowling. However England were never too worried. Trott came in at number three and gave stability to England's batting, he went on to score 82 off 84 and drew England closer to their second final of the ICC.
Ian Bell's dismissal gave Joe Root the chance for everybody to witness his fine batting, producing 7 fours on his way to his half century but was denied of it when Jean-Paul Duminy bowled him out.
Bur for England it was a matter of when and Eoin Morgan came in and polished off the dust on the ICC Trophy, himself and Trott reached the target with over 12 overs to spare and sent England into the final bringing back to the surface the "choker" tag that has been marked on South Africa in this tournament.
England won the toss on a dreary morning at the Oval and chose to bowl first and got off to the perfect start dismissing Colin Ingram for a duck off only 5 balls, this good start was just about to get better. Hashim Amla then went for an LBW off only 3 balls and scoring only one run, England were no doubt in control.
However, South Africa weren't going to roll over and have their bellies itched that easily, in came Robin Peterson to restore some hope for the Proteas. Peterson was accompanied by Du Plessis and together they put together a steady 50 run partnership. However this was a semi final and looking at England's batting performances so far, the Proteas run rate wasn't high enough.
Peterson was dismissed for 30 off 41 but Du Plessis off 39 balls could only score 26 runs giving England an easy target so far.
Furthermore Proteas captain De Villiers went for a duck as well after another fine catch from England's wicket keeper Jos Butler but David Miller gave South Africa some hope with his half century followed by Kleinveldt's 43 runs off 61 balls.
But the wicket of Kleinveldt upped England's game, Broad successfully taking two wickets in a row to dismiss Tsotsobe and give themselves a target of 176 for the win.
Although seeming an easy target Captain Cook didn't help the case when he was caught by De Villiers off Christopher Morris's bowling. However England were never too worried. Trott came in at number three and gave stability to England's batting, he went on to score 82 off 84 and drew England closer to their second final of the ICC.
Ian Bell's dismissal gave Joe Root the chance for everybody to witness his fine batting, producing 7 fours on his way to his half century but was denied of it when Jean-Paul Duminy bowled him out.
Bur for England it was a matter of when and Eoin Morgan came in and polished off the dust on the ICC Trophy, himself and Trott reached the target with over 12 overs to spare and sent England into the final bringing back to the surface the "choker" tag that has been marked on South Africa in this tournament.
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Lions Tour - British and Irish Lions 12-14 Brumbies Review
Warren Gatland saw his first Lions defeat as the Brumbies made the most of a weakened Lions side, winning by two points on a lovely day in Canberra.
Team Line Ups
Brumbies: Mogg, Speight, Kuridrani, A. Smith, Rathbone, Toomua, Prior, R. Smith, Siliva, Sio, Power, Carter, Fardy, Faingaa, Kimlin
Lions: Kearney, Wade, Barritt, Twelvetrees, Williams, Hogg, B. Youngs, Grant, Best, Stevens, Evans, Gray, O'Brien, Tipuric, Faletau
Team Line Ups
Brumbies: Mogg, Speight, Kuridrani, A. Smith, Rathbone, Toomua, Prior, R. Smith, Siliva, Sio, Power, Carter, Fardy, Faingaa, Kimlin
Lions: Kearney, Wade, Barritt, Twelvetrees, Williams, Hogg, B. Youngs, Grant, Best, Stevens, Evans, Gray, O'Brien, Tipuric, Faletau
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