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Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Stage set for cricket's latest twist
The inaugural Champions League Twenty20 gets underway at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday with hosts and IPL runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore taking on Cape Cobras from South Africa. Cricket's first global inter-club tournament, it is the latest twist in a format that is only seven years but has established itself as the game's main money-spinner.
A mix of state, county, regional and franchise teams will battle it out for a US$ 6 million cash prize, with $2.5 million going to the winners. The unpredictability of the format is enhanced by the fact that there is little history between the teams, though many of the players would be familiar to each other as team-mates at some level.
That element of uncertainty was summed up by Herschelle Gibbs, a key player for the Cobras. "We have a good team and a lot of the guys have been around for a while but this is Twenty20 and anything can happen. As I said earlier it is about the team performing well on a given day that wins matches, but I think Royal Challengers will be one of the favourites."
There will certainly be a lot of anticipation in Bangalore, where the game itself is to be preceded by what the organisers claim will be a lavish ceremony featuring legendary Grammy award winner Chaka Khan and British pop star Jamelia. "It has been a while since Royal Challengers have played at home", Anil Kumble, the Bangalore captain, said. "It's almost a year now... more than a year. Everybody is looking forward to that and we will certainly take advantage of home support."
The 23 matches in the 16-day tournament are spread between Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad. The 12 teams have been divided into four groups of three each with IPL runners-up Bangalore grouped with Cape Cobras and Otago, while IPL champions Deccan Chargers are in a pool with Stanford 20/20 winners Trinidad and Tobago and the Somerset, runners-up of England's Twenty20 Cup.
Delhi Daredevils are grouped with Victoria, the runners-up in the Australian domestic competition, and the Sri Lanka champions Wayamba. The other group comprises the Australian title-holders New South Wales, South Africa's Eagles and Sussex, winner of England's Twenty20 Cup.
The top two teams will qualify for the second round where two groups of four each will compete in a round-robin league. The top four teams will make it to the semi-finals, which will be played in New Delhi, on October 21, and Hyderabad, on October 22.
Labels: Cricket Live Scores, England's Twenty20 Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, ICC Cricket, ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2009
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009
New Zealand v Australia Match Photos
Labels: Australia Match Photos, Cricket Live Matches, Cricket Live Scores, Cricket Wallpapers, ICC Champions Trophy, ICC Cricket, ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2009, Match Photos, New Zealand Photos
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Monday, October 5, 2009
Live text - Australia v New Zealand
AUSTRALIA INNINGS (target 201) 13th over - Aus 24-2
Two Simons, Mann and Doull, make way for Alison Mitchell and Ian Bishop in the TMS box as Mills charges in for his seventh over, and Watson - who's been stuck on seven for four overs - nudges a single. McCullum is as chirpy as ever behind the stumps, and it's just that one run from the over.
Two Simons, Mann and Doull, make way for Alison Mitchell and Ian Bishop in the TMS box as Mills charges in for his seventh over, and Watson - who's been stuck on seven for four overs - nudges a single. McCullum is as chirpy as ever behind the stumps, and it's just that one run from the over.
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12th over - Aus 23-2
As ever in limited-overs cricket, when your two opening bowlers are so on song, how long do you leave them on for, considering they can only bowl 10 overs? Well, New Zealand have decided to give Bond a rest after five overs as Ian Butler takes over. He took an ODI-best 4-44 against Pakistan in Saturday's semi-final, but White finally reaches double figures with a square cut for four. He then drives and misses, there's an appeal for a catch behind - instant from McCullum, slightly delayed from Butler - but White remains.
As ever in limited-overs cricket, when your two opening bowlers are so on song, how long do you leave them on for, considering they can only bowl 10 overs? Well, New Zealand have decided to give Bond a rest after five overs as Ian Butler takes over. He took an ODI-best 4-44 against Pakistan in Saturday's semi-final, but White finally reaches double figures with a square cut for four. He then drives and misses, there's an appeal for a catch behind - instant from McCullum, slightly delayed from Butler - but White remains.
From Mark Allen, TMS inbox: "This game is gonna go right to the wire, and my mate David John Russell is an absolute ringer for Mitchell Johnson, just a blond version!"
11th over - Aus 19-2
New Zealand make the easy decision to take the fielding powerplay - Australia's plan still seems to be just to hang in there, as their required run rate creeps up to five runs per over. White is still on the defensive against Mills, there's another loud lbw shout, amplified by the crowd, but there was bat on that - another inside edge onto the pad. White finally breaks the deadlock with a single off the last ball, but that's still two runs in the last 30 balls.
New Zealand make the easy decision to take the fielding powerplay - Australia's plan still seems to be just to hang in there, as their required run rate creeps up to five runs per over. White is still on the defensive against Mills, there's another loud lbw shout, amplified by the crowd, but there was bat on that - another inside edge onto the pad. White finally breaks the deadlock with a single off the last ball, but that's still two runs in the last 30 balls.
From Imam Imran, TMS inbox: "Did India win the 1983 World Cup or did the West Indies lose it? And are Australia about to do the same? Come on you flightless birds, a victory here is a victory for cricket"
10th over - Aus 18-2
The "Christchurch Express" is bowling so well here, he ought to change his name to Premium Bond. It's as much as Watson can do to defend his stumps. That's another maiden - three of the last four overs have been maidens (one run from 24 balls). Bond has 1-9 from five, Mills has 1-7 from four.
The "Christchurch Express" is bowling so well here, he ought to change his name to Premium Bond. It's as much as Watson can do to defend his stumps. That's another maiden - three of the last four overs have been maidens (one run from 24 balls). Bond has 1-9 from five, Mills has 1-7 from four.
From Tom and Nic Smith, TMS inbox: "Left work knowing the Aussies would win. Got home to 6-2, now plan to have Lamb for tea and have applied for NZ passport"
9th over - Aus 18-2
Mills runs in to Watson, then holds on to the ball as he loses his footing in his delivery stride. Watson nudges a single into the off side. Simon Doull on TMS points out that although the leading run-scorer in the tournament (Punter) will receive a golden bat, the leading wicket-taker (Wayne Parnell, unless Mills takes four more wickets, Bond gets five, Butler gets six or Johnson gets seven) gets a golden ball but the leading catch-taker (currently Ross Taylor with nine) doesn't get anything - a golden handshake, a gold glove, a gold finger or anything. Personally, I can't wait to see those ICC Champions Trophy winner's jackets dished out - they appear to be either cream, bone, white, off-white, ivory or beige.
Mills runs in to Watson, then holds on to the ball as he loses his footing in his delivery stride. Watson nudges a single into the off side. Simon Doull on TMS points out that although the leading run-scorer in the tournament (Punter) will receive a golden bat, the leading wicket-taker (Wayne Parnell, unless Mills takes four more wickets, Bond gets five, Butler gets six or Johnson gets seven) gets a golden ball but the leading catch-taker (currently Ross Taylor with nine) doesn't get anything - a golden handshake, a gold glove, a gold finger or anything. Personally, I can't wait to see those ICC Champions Trophy winner's jackets dished out - they appear to be either cream, bone, white, off-white, ivory or beige.
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8th over - Aus 17-2
White stands tall against Bond, but then plays and misses against another beaut of a delivery from the "Christchurch Express". (I know he's never been called this - but let's all try to use it as often as possible and get it adopted as his semi-official nickname). Watson then comes within millimetres of being bowled... this is a fast, accurate spell from Bond and that's another maiden over.
White stands tall against Bond, but then plays and misses against another beaut of a delivery from the "Christchurch Express". (I know he's never been called this - but let's all try to use it as often as possible and get it adopted as his semi-official nickname). Watson then comes within millimetres of being bowled... this is a fast, accurate spell from Bond and that's another maiden over.
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7th over - Aus 17-2
Mills has a fairly strong lbw shout against Watson, but that's a good decision by Umpire Dar as replays show he got an inside edge onto his pad. "Hussey and Hopes, boys", calls captain/keeper Brendon McCullum, anticipating two more wickets - and Mills completes an excellent maiden over.
Mills has a fairly strong lbw shout against Watson, but that's a good decision by Umpire Dar as replays show he got an inside edge onto his pad. "Hussey and Hopes, boys", calls captain/keeper Brendon McCullum, anticipating two more wickets - and Mills completes an excellent maiden over.
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6th over - Aus 17-2
Similarly to Mills in the last over, Bond beats White all ends up with one that pings through. White turns a comfortable two off his legs, then edges just wide of Aaron Redmond at second slip for four. "The name is Bond... Shane Bond" states a banner held up by a Kiwi fan in the crowd at Centurion.
Similarly to Mills in the last over, Bond beats White all ends up with one that pings through. White turns a comfortable two off his legs, then edges just wide of Aaron Redmond at second slip for four. "The name is Bond... Shane Bond" states a banner held up by a Kiwi fan in the crowd at Centurion.
5th over - Aus 11-2
Watson hooks a slower bouncer from Mills and helps himself to four runs, but then drives and misses at a fuller delivery that sails between bat and pad, just missing (a) his inside edge and (b) his off stump.
Watson hooks a slower bouncer from Mills and helps himself to four runs, but then drives and misses at a fuller delivery that sails between bat and pad, just missing (a) his inside edge and (b) his off stump.
From Manny, TMS inbox: "I said to myself from the start: 'This is going to be closer than everyone thinks!' Come on you Kiwis!"
4th over - Aus 7-2
Watson shoulders arms to Bond, who seems to have an extra spring in his step. The opener nudges a single to third man, then White has to take a hand off the bat as he fends off a fearsome lifter from the Kiwi speedster.
Watson shoulders arms to Bond, who seems to have an extra spring in his step. The opener nudges a single to third man, then White has to take a hand off the bat as he fends off a fearsome lifter from the Kiwi speedster.
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3rd over - Aus 6-2
Interesting change in the batting order by Australia - Mike Hussey is number four on the scorecard but they've sent Cameron White in instead. (Apparently Ferguson is fit to bat too). It's the first time he's batted at four in an ODI, although he was mightily effective at three against England recently. Mills completes a wicket maiden.
Interesting change in the batting order by Australia - Mike Hussey is number four on the scorecard but they've sent Cameron White in instead. (Apparently Ferguson is fit to bat too). It's the first time he's batted at four in an ODI, although he was mightily effective at three against England recently. Mills completes a wicket maiden.
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Another leg bye brings Ponting back on strike, Mills traps him on the back foot and he's gone! HUGE wicket for New Zealand! Game on.
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2nd over - Aus 5-1
A mixed blessing for New Zealand from that wicket is that it brings Ricky Ponting to the crease. He walks out in determined manner, and the first ball he faces is a wide. Ponting forces a quick single to extra cover. A fast yorker hits Watson on the boot - ouch - and they scamper a leg bye.
A mixed blessing for New Zealand from that wicket is that it brings Ricky Ponting to the crease. He walks out in determined manner, and the first ball he faces is a wide. Ponting forces a quick single to extra cover. A fast yorker hits Watson on the boot - ouch - and they scamper a leg bye.
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Shane Bond to take the second over as is his preference, apparently. Plenty of chat on TMS about Callum "Walt Disney" Ferguson, who jarred his knee in the field. Ian Chappell thinks Australia might hope not to need him to bat, but expects he'd be able to bat with a runner as he was able to walk off the field. But Bond strikes with his second ball as Paine edges a catch into the safe hands of the diving Ross Taylor at first slip!
1st over - Aus 2-0
Kyle Mills has two slips in for the first over. His first ball is edged by Watson, it nearly hits the stumps, Paine charges through for a run, Watson belatedly has to run to the non-striker's end and he only just makes his ground ahead of keeper Brendon McCullum's throw. Paine is off the mark with a single.
Kyle Mills has two slips in for the first over. His first ball is edged by Watson, it nearly hits the stumps, Paine charges through for a run, Watson belatedly has to run to the non-striker's end and he only just makes his ground ahead of keeper Brendon McCullum's throw. Paine is off the mark with a single.
1800: Umpires wave to the New Zealand team, who come onto the field and have a Michael Vaughan-style "huddle". Even though they've been sitting around the boundary for 20 minutes or so. The Kiwi huddle is overtaken by Aussie openers Shane Watson and Tim Paine. The Aussies are overwhelming favourites here - but Simon Mann on TMS keeps alluding to the 1983 World Cup final, when a similarly-unfancied India side shocked the all-conquering West Indies. I still remember that astonishing catch Kapil Dev took.
From David Waldron, TMS inbox: "On over-rates, if a team goes over the time to get through the 50, every over bowled outside the time should be deducted from their total overs. See how much spit Punter has left in his dry mouth then!"
1757: Both teams are ready, so we could be starting a bit earlier than 1815, but the ground staff are still attending to the wicket (and the flying ant carcasses).
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1754: Start delayed until 1815 BST. Come on, get rid of those ant carcasses!
From Kev, Bristol, TMS inbox: "Although Aussies struggled against Pakistan they should knock these off with at least five overs to spare unless NZ can get two or three early wickets, including Punter"
1745: As Alison notes (below), dead flying ants are holding up the start of the second innings (as they did on this ground for Australia-England). Some interesting chat on TMS - the Independent on Sunday's Stephen Brenkley says the England selectors have been meeting today, but the squads for South Africa won't be announced for a few days. Apparently they're decided on about 13 of the tour party, but there are discussions over the likes of Harmison and Bopara. Surely they can't be thinking about whether Harmison should go? He's been effective in home Tests, but has been pretty dire at the start of the last three or four overseas tours.
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1723: Right, time for Mitch's Mad Sandwich Dash as I try to make it to the BBC tea bar and back in time for those pesky slow-over-rate merchants Australia to begin their reply at 1745 BST. Have yourself a merry little manual refresh to see Australia's target appear.
NEW ZEALAND INNINGS
50th over - NZ 200-9
We're looking at a much-shortened break between innings here (and a big, juicy over-rate fine for Australia) as we're 18 minutes over time - Patel steers the first ball of Lee's final over for one to mid-on, Bond digs one out and they scamper a single. Patel backs away, Lee follows him and pings in a head-high bouncer which Patel has to hit the floor to avoid. He then has to duck another bouncer, I thought you were only allowed one per over? But New Zealand have made it through to the last ball of the innings, which Patel carves over backward point for a first-bounce four! So the Kiwis reach a round 200 - who'd have thought it?
49th over - NZ 194-9We're looking at a much-shortened break between innings here (and a big, juicy over-rate fine for Australia) as we're 18 minutes over time - Patel steers the first ball of Lee's final over for one to mid-on, Bond digs one out and they scamper a single. Patel backs away, Lee follows him and pings in a head-high bouncer which Patel has to hit the floor to avoid. He then has to duck another bouncer, I thought you were only allowed one per over? But New Zealand have made it through to the last ball of the innings, which Patel carves over backward point for a first-bounce four! So the Kiwis reach a round 200 - who'd have thought it?
Watson to complete his allocation - Bond works a single, Patel misjudges a slower ball but then slaps a single to long-off. Two off the over, but will every run be precious?
From David, TMS inbox: "To Heather (34th over) - that wasn't gloating, that was astonishment"
46th over - NZ 184-8
Hauritz in for his last over, Mills drills a single to long-off and Patel works one to deep mid-wicket. Mills reaches double figures with a single, Patel nudges one to square leg and Mills keeps the strike with another carefully-placed single. Hauritz finishes with 3-37 from 10.
Hauritz in for his last over, Mills drills a single to long-off and Patel works one to deep mid-wicket. Mills reaches double figures with a single, Patel nudges one to square leg and Mills keeps the strike with another carefully-placed single. Hauritz finishes with 3-37 from 10.
From David, Manchester, TMS inbox: "The best way to solve the over rate is for every over completed after the allotted time to add onto the score of the batting team the equivalent number of runs based on the average runs per over scored. So, if they scored at six runs an over and two overs were completed after the allotted time, then the target would be increased by 12 runs. This would soon stop it happening as the extra overs would effectively be counted twice"
45th over - NZ 179-8
Patel scored a first-class century for Warwickshire earlier this year, but Australia will feel they ought to be able to knock him over here. He cuts the recalled Johnson for one, then Mills takes on Hussey's arm at backward point again but the throw is just wide and Mills completes the single. Then Patel dabs to Hussey and runs, Hussey hits the stumps this time but Patel (who's a bit quicker than Mills) comfortably makes his ground. Mills flashes and misses and then run a bye as White at slip takes his eye off the ball.
Patel scored a first-class century for Warwickshire earlier this year, but Australia will feel they ought to be able to knock him over here. He cuts the recalled Johnson for one, then Mills takes on Hussey's arm at backward point again but the throw is just wide and Mills completes the single. Then Patel dabs to Hussey and runs, Hussey hits the stumps this time but Patel (who's a bit quicker than Mills) comfortably makes his ground. Mills flashes and misses and then run a bye as White at slip takes his eye off the ball.
From Rich, Bristol, TMS inbox: "Following on from Noel & his Walt Disney comment, a well-known internet encyclopaedia has a list of nicknames used in cricket. Stuart 'Boyband, Westlife' Broad's did make me laugh. Quite loudly"
44th over - NZ 175-8
Jeetan Patel is New Zealand's penultimate batsman, playing his first game of the tournament. He nudges the last ball for a single off his pads.
Jeetan Patel is New Zealand's penultimate batsman, playing his first game of the tournament. He nudges the last ball for a single off his pads.
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With the powerplay overs concluded, Punter still has to work two overs of spin in before the end - so Hauritz is back in the attack and Mills dabs him for a single to third man. Butler then plays all around a straight one, it hits him low on the pad and Hauritz has his third wicket.
From John Jones, TMS inbox: "Re: Noel in Edinburgh [34th over]. Is it possible that Mickey Mouse has a Callum Ferguson watch?"
43rd over - NZ 173-7
This is the last powerplay over, what can the Black Caps make of it? Ian Butler, in a sleeveless sweater, is the new batsman but it's Watson to Mills first up and he cuts a single to the point boundary. Butler plays and misses at his first ball, then chips the ball over the off-side ring of fielders for two. He has a big swing at the last ball, and steers it to the cow corner boundary, where it bounces just inside the rope for four.
This is the last powerplay over, what can the Black Caps make of it? Ian Butler, in a sleeveless sweater, is the new batsman but it's Watson to Mills first up and he cuts a single to the point boundary. Butler plays and misses at his first ball, then chips the ball over the off-side ring of fielders for two. He has a big swing at the last ball, and steers it to the cow corner boundary, where it bounces just inside the rope for four.
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Lee back for his seventh over. (Sorry to the estimated 28,799 of you who e-mailed in suggesting Broom should try a "sweep" shot - it didn't happen). Franklin tips-and-runs a quick single, Lee can't pick up cleanly and both batsmen make their ground. Mills is a capable hitter, and upper-cuts his first ball over the keeper and slip for four. A thick inside edge brings the Andy Murray lookalike a single to fine leg, but Lee finds the yorker and knocks over Franklin's off stump.
41st over - NZ 160-6
Franklin turns the last ball for a single to ensure he takes strike in the next over rather than new batsman Kyle Mills.
Franklin turns the last ball for a single to ensure he takes strike in the next over rather than new batsman Kyle Mills.
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A big heave at a half-tracker from Watson brings Broom four past mid-on, to reach 33 - that's his highest ODI score. He then blasts Watson over mid-off for four more, so that's overtaken his highest international score in any format, having once scored 36 in a Twenty20 international. But his innings is ended when he dabs to Mike Hussey at backward point, there's some awful hesitation and "Mr Cricket" throws to the bowler's end where Watson gleefully demolishes the stumps.
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40th over - NZ 151-5
Siddle's fine to bowl his last over but Franklin whips a four off his hips before dabbing a well-run two to third man to bring up the fifty stand (off 78 balls). The tall left-hander steers a single to mid-off (or as I nearly typed, a singlet to mid-off. Remember those Aussie singlets at the first World Twenty20 here in 2007? Yellow tabards over grey under-shirts - yuck). Broom taps a single, Franklin thumps a straight-driven four. That's 12 off the over which puts a bit of a dent in Siddle's figures - he started marvellously but finishes with a still very acceptable 1-30 from 10 overs.
Siddle's fine to bowl his last over but Franklin whips a four off his hips before dabbing a well-run two to third man to bring up the fifty stand (off 78 balls). The tall left-hander steers a single to mid-off (or as I nearly typed, a singlet to mid-off. Remember those Aussie singlets at the first World Twenty20 here in 2007? Yellow tabards over grey under-shirts - yuck). Broom taps a single, Franklin thumps a straight-driven four. That's 12 off the over which puts a bit of a dent in Siddle's figures - he started marvellously but finishes with a still very acceptable 1-30 from 10 overs.
From Alex, TMS inbox: "Mark, I was once umpiring a match, where it was 0-3 after one ball. The first ball was a no-ball, but the non-striker tripped and got run out, the second was stumped off a wide and the third spooned a catch straight back at the bowler. It would have been 0-4 (and a hat-trick), as the next ball was a wide and stumped again, but the other umpire couldn't be sure on that one. No third umpire at lower league cricket in Holland in the 80s, I'm afraid"
39th over - NZ 139-5
The shaven-headed Aussie physio trots on to have a quick word with Siddle after that last over. Hauritz looks set to bowl - but then Umpire Gould signals that the batting powerplay is going to be taken, so Watson will bowl instead. Broom nurdles a single, but Franklin's cover drives can't beat the patrolling Punter in the covers. He punches a quick single to mid-off, then Broom swipes a slightly fortunate four through third man as he danced down the track and tried to blast it to long-off.
The shaven-headed Aussie physio trots on to have a quick word with Siddle after that last over. Hauritz looks set to bowl - but then Umpire Gould signals that the batting powerplay is going to be taken, so Watson will bowl instead. Broom nurdles a single, but Franklin's cover drives can't beat the patrolling Punter in the covers. He punches a quick single to mid-off, then Broom swipes a slightly fortunate four through third man as he danced down the track and tried to blast it to long-off.
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38th over - NZ 133-5
Siddle in for his penultimate over - New Zealand must be thinking about when to take the batting powerplay, but Australia are presumably keeping Lee's last three overs back for that. Broom turns a single off his hips, but has taken 52 balls to score 22. Franklin rotates the strike, then Broom keeps the strike with a single. The way he's batting, Australia may not mind that too much.
Siddle in for his penultimate over - New Zealand must be thinking about when to take the batting powerplay, but Australia are presumably keeping Lee's last three overs back for that. Broom turns a single off his hips, but has taken 52 balls to score 22. Franklin rotates the strike, then Broom keeps the strike with a single. The way he's batting, Australia may not mind that too much.
From Richard, Watford, TMS inbox: "Re the two batsmen out... I know it's not quite the same but my dearly departed grandfather, a handy opening bat, had the distinction of being run out in both innings of a match for Lensbury 3rd XI without facing a ball. I believe his opening partner went by the name of Shah"
37th over - NZ 130-5
Franklin takes Hauritz on with a lofted straight drive, but it only brings him a single. Broom shuffles across his crease, gets an edge to where first slip would/should be and they scamper three.
Franklin takes Hauritz on with a lofted straight drive, but it only brings him a single. Broom shuffles across his crease, gets an edge to where first slip would/should be and they scamper three.
From Daniel McCormack, TMS inbox: "SafferWill [11th over] - I would prefer to be a gloating Aussie than a group stage South African"
36th over - NZ 126-5
Siddle returns, Franklin drives, Broom is sent back, Ponting's throw is wide but again the throw's not backed up and New Zealand have an unearned single. Then Siddle gets one to dart back in at Broom, it hits him on the inner thigh... better make that very high up on the inner thigh, if you know what I mean. That's gotta hurt. The female New Zealand physio doesn't come out... it's 12th man Brendon Diamanti who is sent out to the middle with the physio bag. After a long delay, Broom resumes.
Siddle returns, Franklin drives, Broom is sent back, Ponting's throw is wide but again the throw's not backed up and New Zealand have an unearned single. Then Siddle gets one to dart back in at Broom, it hits him on the inner thigh... better make that very high up on the inner thigh, if you know what I mean. That's gotta hurt. The female New Zealand physio doesn't come out... it's 12th man Brendon Diamanti who is sent out to the middle with the physio bag. After a long delay, Broom resumes.
From Dr HMC, TMS inbox: "It baffles me now you've mentioned why the likes of Mascarenhas has continually been left out of England's one-day side. Who would people choose between him and Luke Wright? I know who I would have! Luke Wright needs to be dropped ASAP!"
35th over - NZ 125-5
Broom pushes Hauritz for two through extra cover, the Kiwi pair add a single apiece but it's still pedestrian progress at this stage. And those county signings keep coming in... Nottinghamshire have signed Northants all-rounder Graeme White on a two-year deal.
Broom pushes Hauritz for two through extra cover, the Kiwi pair add a single apiece but it's still pedestrian progress at this stage. And those county signings keep coming in... Nottinghamshire have signed Northants all-rounder Graeme White on a two-year deal.
From Heather, TMS inbox: "I'm sorry - gloating? [See 22nd over]. When has Australia held an open top bus tour for its Ashes-winning cricketers, trips to the Prime Minister's house and handed out knighthoods all around? Good grief!"
34th over - NZ 121-5
Sorry, should have been 118-5 after that last over. Broom and Franklin manage three singles against Watson, but the Aussies are still razor-sharp in the field, especially the skipper.
Sorry, should have been 118-5 after that last over. Broom and Franklin manage three singles against Watson, but the Aussies are still razor-sharp in the field, especially the skipper.
From Noel, Edinburgh, TMS inbox: "Mark, have you any idea why Callum Ferguson's nickname is Walt Disney? This one has been troubling me for days, and the internet doesn't seem to know the answer"
No idea. Is there a Callum Ferguson World theme park in North Adelaide? Does he have a Mickey Mouse wristwatch? Or does he intend to have himself cryogenically frozen? (Yes, I know the freezing is an urban myth and not actually true, before you write in).
33rd over - NZ 118-5
Franklin and Broom try to keep the scoreboard ticking with four singles against Hauritz (who also sends down a wide).
Franklin and Broom try to keep the scoreboard ticking with four singles against Hauritz (who also sends down a wide).
32nd over - NZ 113-5
Watson replaces Siddle - he's got another six overs to get through unless Hopes or one of the others gets a bowl. Ian Chappell and Gerald De Kock on TMS note that it's in Australia's interests to bowl New Zealand out, otherwise they may face another slow over-rate fine. "I wrote in 1991 that the only way to solve the over-rate problem is to suspend the captain. There'll be a huge scream when it happens, but you can be sure a side wouldn't let it happen more than once," Chappelli says. Watson trots in and bowls round the wicket to Franklin - a single to third man is the only scoring stroke. Floodlights are on.
Watson replaces Siddle - he's got another six overs to get through unless Hopes or one of the others gets a bowl. Ian Chappell and Gerald De Kock on TMS note that it's in Australia's interests to bowl New Zealand out, otherwise they may face another slow over-rate fine. "I wrote in 1991 that the only way to solve the over-rate problem is to suspend the captain. There'll be a huge scream when it happens, but you can be sure a side wouldn't let it happen more than once," Chappelli says. Watson trots in and bowls round the wicket to Franklin - a single to third man is the only scoring stroke. Floodlights are on.
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31st over - NZ 112-5
Hauritz returns after that three-over blast from Lee, but Franklin expertly tickles the first ball after the resumption for four through third man. A single takes him to 11 (momentarily catching Broom's score), but Broom can't get the off-spinner away as he tries to force him to leg.
Hauritz returns after that three-over blast from Lee, but Franklin expertly tickles the first ball after the resumption for four through third man. A single takes him to 11 (momentarily catching Broom's score), but Broom can't get the off-spinner away as he tries to force him to leg.
From Russell, Bristol, TMS inbox: "Re: Mark Davies (16th over). Have tried spitting on my hands before every ball, but my colleagues in the office are none too impressed, and my keyboard is in a terrible state"
30th over - NZ 107-5
Broom tickles Siddle to third man for a single. Franklin slices one to third man, and we have another drinks break. And to answer many, many questions of "what if Batsman A is caught/stumped/run out and then Batsman B is stumped/run out/caught" from Terry, Tim, Kerry, Mir, Nick, Thomas, Ben, Kiel and others in the TMS inbox - the ball is dead as soon as Batsman A is dismissed. But of course all 10 dismissed batsmen could be run out off no-balls. Just not more than one off the same no-ball delivery.
Broom tickles Siddle to third man for a single. Franklin slices one to third man, and we have another drinks break. And to answer many, many questions of "what if Batsman A is caught/stumped/run out and then Batsman B is stumped/run out/caught" from Terry, Tim, Kerry, Mir, Nick, Thomas, Ben, Kiel and others in the TMS inbox - the ball is dead as soon as Batsman A is dismissed. But of course all 10 dismissed batsmen could be run out off no-balls. Just not more than one off the same no-ball delivery.
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29th over - NZ 105-5
Lee goes round the wicket to Franklin, who adds a single, then moves back over the wicket to the right-handed Broom, who reads a slower ball well but can't force it past Ponting at short cover. Lee sends one shooting down the leg side, that's an obvious wide, then Broom reaches double figures as he clips a single off his legs.
Lee goes round the wicket to Franklin, who adds a single, then moves back over the wicket to the right-handed Broom, who reads a slower ball well but can't force it past Ponting at short cover. Lee sends one shooting down the leg side, that's an obvious wide, then Broom reaches double figures as he clips a single off his legs.
From David Hobson, TMS inbox: "I thought you could be stumped off a wide - that would be a wicket and an extra ball"
You can indeed be stumped off a wide - so like the "timed out" question [22nd over], you could be 0-2 after one (legal) delivery. But you can't take two wickets off the same delivery (whether legal or not), if you see what I mean.
28th over - NZ 102-5
Siddle replaces Johnson, but Broom brings up three figures for New Zealand with a comfortable cover-driven four. That's the only scoring stroke, Broom is a little tentative against the Victorian paceman.
Siddle replaces Johnson, but Broom brings up three figures for New Zealand with a comfortable cover-driven four. That's the only scoring stroke, Broom is a little tentative against the Victorian paceman.
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From Nav, Manchester, TMS inbox: "Re: two people being out off one ball. If two batsman are stranded in the middle of the square, can't the fielding side remove one set of bails, throw the ball to the other end and remove the other set and both batsman are run out?"
No. The ball is dead as soon as the first batsman is dismissed (by whatever means).
27th over - NZ 98-5
James Franklin is the new batsman - some may feel that number seven is a place too high for him, but I remember seeing him win an ODI against Sri Lanka with the bat. The left-hander is off the mark when he edges past slip for four.
James Franklin is the new batsman - some may feel that number seven is a place too high for him, but I remember seeing him win an ODI against Sri Lanka with the bat. The left-hander is off the mark when he edges past slip for four.
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Broom ducks a bouncer from Lee - it's signalled as a wide by Umpire Gould, who isn't Lee's favourite person today. Broom gets up on his toes to knock a single to mid-wicket, then Elliott is trapped back on his crease as Lee gets one to swing into his pads, and finally Umpire Gould raises his finger to Lee's delight. That's his 50th wicket against New Zealand.
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26th over - NZ 92-4
Johnson in for his eighth over, Elliott steers a single but is back on strike after Broom runs through for a leg bye. And some county news hot off the presses from Old Trafford... all-rounder Steven Mullaney has turned down a new two-year deal with Lancashire to "pursue other county offers".
Johnson in for his eighth over, Elliott steers a single but is back on strike after Broom runs through for a leg bye. And some county news hot off the presses from Old Trafford... all-rounder Steven Mullaney has turned down a new two-year deal with Lancashire to "pursue other county offers".
25th over - NZ 90-4
Hauritz is off despite taking that wicket as Brett Lee returns to the attack, there's a mix-up as Elliott jabs the ball to backward point. Broom sets off for a run before Elliott's moved but Hussey throws to the wrong end (when he could have easily run Elliott out at the bowler's end), no-one backs the throw up, it sails to the boundary and so Elliott has a five. Cameron White is moved from slip to short mid-wicket... and just to rub Lee's and Punter's noses in it, off the very next ball Broom edges through the exact area where slip had been for four!
Hauritz is off despite taking that wicket as Brett Lee returns to the attack, there's a mix-up as Elliott jabs the ball to backward point. Broom sets off for a run before Elliott's moved but Hussey throws to the wrong end (when he could have easily run Elliott out at the bowler's end), no-one backs the throw up, it sails to the boundary and so Elliott has a five. Cameron White is moved from slip to short mid-wicket... and just to rub Lee's and Punter's noses in it, off the very next ball Broom edges through the exact area where slip had been for four!
24th over - NZ 81-4
Neil Broom is the new batsman - he plays for New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 champions Otago so will be off to the Champions League after today. (Otago's overseas player? Dimitri Mascarenhas. Remember him?). Punter brings himself in at second slip, Johnson keeps it tight against the new man, and that's a wicket maiden.
Neil Broom is the new batsman - he plays for New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 champions Otago so will be off to the Champions League after today. (Otago's overseas player? Dimitri Mascarenhas. Remember him?). Punter brings himself in at second slip, Johnson keeps it tight against the new man, and that's a wicket maiden.
And a quick note for those of you following this from abroad - I'm afraid the TMS commentary is only available to UK users, because of rights restrictions. (We can broadcast TMS worldwide for matches played in the UK, but not for matches played abroad).
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Taylor tries to force Johnson through the covers and Mike Hussey leaps into the air at backward point to take a superb catch!
23rd over - NZ 81-3
Johannesburg-born Grant Elliott is the new batsman, he scored an impressive 75 not out against Pakistan in the semi-final and is immediately off the mark with a single. Taylor rotates the strike, Elliott forces a two off his legs.
Johannesburg-born Grant Elliott is the new batsman, he scored an impressive 75 not out against Pakistan in the semi-final and is immediately off the mark with a single. Taylor rotates the strike, Elliott forces a two off his legs.
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After a single from Taylor, Hauritz gives it some air against Guptill - he pokes it back to the bowler and Hauritz gratefully accepts the return catch.
From Daniel Lloyd, TMS inbox: "Re: Can two batsmen be out off the same ball. In a junior cup game my side once found themselves 0-2 after just one ball. Unfortunately as I emerged from the dressing rooms after struggling to get ready, a very pedantic umpire adjudged me to be 'timed out', so I'd say technically two or more batsmen can be out off just one ball?"
I guess you can be 0-2 after one ball, but being timed out isn't technically "off" a particular ball - it's between deliveries, so to speak.
22nd over - NZ 76-2
Taylor guides Johnson for a single off his legs - he's clearly still playing himself in at this stage, but can certainly give it the long handle. He hit a couple of huge sixes in the semi-final against Pakistan, including one which sailed out of the ground. Guptill angles a single to third man, then Johnson finds Taylor's edge but it only carries to slip on the bounce. Johnson goes round the wicket, bowling very wide of the crease, and has Taylor playing and missing until he gets a leading edge which pings to the cover sweeper for a single.
Taylor guides Johnson for a single off his legs - he's clearly still playing himself in at this stage, but can certainly give it the long handle. He hit a couple of huge sixes in the semi-final against Pakistan, including one which sailed out of the ground. Guptill angles a single to third man, then Johnson finds Taylor's edge but it only carries to slip on the bounce. Johnson goes round the wicket, bowling very wide of the crease, and has Taylor playing and missing until he gets a leading edge which pings to the cover sweeper for a single.
From Sadie, Kingston, TMS inbox: "Re: SafferWill (11th over). Agree about Australia and their gloating. I think the Aussies could do with eating a bit of humble pie today. Despite losing the semi-final on Saturday, I don't think any Pakistan fan particularly minded losing to the Kiwis. New Zealand are a highly talented team who play cricket with immense decency, decorum and respect for the game and for the opposing side, and that's why I'm sure most Pakistan fans will be rooting for New Zealand today. And deservedly so. Come on you All Blacks!"
21st over - NZ 73-2
Hauritz has five men inside the circle (rather than the minimum four) but none are in close catching positions - Alison Mitchell on TMS suggests this shows the wicket isn't offering much spin. Guptill and Taylor steer a couple of quick singles, but Hauritz is quickly through his over.
Hauritz has five men inside the circle (rather than the minimum four) but none are in close catching positions - Alison Mitchell on TMS suggests this shows the wicket isn't offering much spin. Guptill and Taylor steer a couple of quick singles, but Hauritz is quickly through his over.
From Phil, TMS inbox: "Re 14.45 this will settle an ongoing debate from the summer of 2001, the scene - Moorside garage cricket, 3rd ODI. Upon making a charge for a second run, I clambered in to my fellow batsmen to leave us both stranded on our backsides only to watch in horror as Kerry 'Nelly' Dixon wipped off the bails at one end and struck them down at the other. Both out was the decision and it is still disputed to this day due to this very ruling discussed, that only one could have been out. Thank you Mark for settling this one. I can now, after over eight years, lay this ghost to rest and sleep at night"
20th over - NZ 71-2
Johnson has changed ends, he has a (wideish) slip in as Guptill works a single off his legs. Taylor is off the mark with a single to the cover boundary sweeper, Guptill adds a couple past the gum-chewing Punter at mid-wicket and then lays down a bunt - dropping the ball at his feet and hustling through for a quick single. Some good running that over.
Johnson has changed ends, he has a (wideish) slip in as Guptill works a single off his legs. Taylor is off the mark with a single to the cover boundary sweeper, Guptill adds a couple past the gum-chewing Punter at mid-wicket and then lays down a bunt - dropping the ball at his feet and hustling through for a quick single. Some good running that over.
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19th over - NZ 66-2
Hauritz gives it plenty of air against new batsman Ross Taylor, who gets forward well.
Hauritz gives it plenty of air against new batsman Ross Taylor, who gets forward well.
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More confident straight-driving brings Guptill another single to take his score to 34. But Reckless Redmond's stay at the crease is over as he advances to aim a cross-batted swipe at Hauritz and is smartly stumped by Paine.
18th over - NZ 65-1
Watson bangs in a bouncer at Redmond, who sinks to his knees and makes a late attempt to dink the ball over the keeper with the toe of the bat. It's signalled a wide, which is a little harsh on the bowler. Redmond, who's looking more aggressive since the drinks break, thumps a four over mid-on - then steps away to leg and is nearly bowled as Watson fires one in past the base of off stump. Chappelli won't be happy with that footwork. A late cut (a very late cut as it happens) brings him one, but Guptill nicks the strike with a straight-driven single.
Watson bangs in a bouncer at Redmond, who sinks to his knees and makes a late attempt to dink the ball over the keeper with the toe of the bat. It's signalled a wide, which is a little harsh on the bowler. Redmond, who's looking more aggressive since the drinks break, thumps a four over mid-on - then steps away to leg and is nearly bowled as Watson fires one in past the base of off stump. Chappelli won't be happy with that footwork. A late cut (a very late cut as it happens) brings him one, but Guptill nicks the strike with a straight-driven single.
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17th over - NZ 58-1
Nathan Hauritz certainly has his full complement of toes, but he spins - off-spin as it happens - as he replaces Johnson. Guptill steers a single to long-on, that's the fifty partnership. Redmond then smacks a lofted drive over the bowler's head, but there's not much power on it and they only get two. He then calls Guptill through for a quick single, but Callum Ferguson's throw from mid-off is wide and the Kiwi pair make their ground.
Nathan Hauritz certainly has his full complement of toes, but he spins - off-spin as it happens - as he replaces Johnson. Guptill steers a single to long-on, that's the fifty partnership. Redmond then smacks a lofted drive over the bowler's head, but there's not much power on it and they only get two. He then calls Guptill through for a quick single, but Callum Ferguson's throw from mid-off is wide and the Kiwi pair make their ground.
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1445: While the players are taking drinks, here's a quick question from Richard in London - is there any way two batsmen can be out off one ball? The answer is no, although there have been occasional proposals to trial a rule similar to the "double play" in baseball.
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16th over - NZ 54-1
Umpire Dar, normally quite fussy over such things, has a quiet word with Watson about running on the wicket in his follow-through. The fair-haired seamer sends down an aerial wide, then Guptill nearly plays on, the ball pings into the air and they try to run a quick single - Paine's throw to the bowler's end is well wide and they run a second. A single takes Guptill to 31 from 45 balls, Redmond weaves away from a bouncer and it's time for the blue drinks buggy to chug onto the ground.
Umpire Dar, normally quite fussy over such things, has a quiet word with Watson about running on the wicket in his follow-through. The fair-haired seamer sends down an aerial wide, then Guptill nearly plays on, the ball pings into the air and they try to run a quick single - Paine's throw to the bowler's end is well wide and they run a second. A single takes Guptill to 31 from 45 balls, Redmond weaves away from a bouncer and it's time for the blue drinks buggy to chug onto the ground.
From Angus, TMS inbox: "Is it a public holiday in South Africa today? If not I'm not surprised there aren't many people in the ground. Which other sports would schedule a major international final for a Monday? I don't want to complain too much as it's a nice distraction from the usual Monday struggle at work. But it really does go to show that cricket's administrators have absolutely no common sense?"
15th over - NZ 50-1
Guptill drives at Johnson, it flies just over the leaping Mike Hussey at backward point and they pick up two. He might have caught it if he'd been the size of Will Jefferson or Chris Tremlett. But we have our first boundary for a while as Guptill powerfully straight-drives for four, and the stadium DJ briefly takes me back to my schooldays by playing "The One And Only" (by Chesney Hawkes) over the PA. Johnson strays with a wide, then Guptill blasts another straight-driven four before swiping the last ball of the fielding powerplay for a single. Chesney Hawkes was a one-hit wonder, but who will step up to play the starring role today?
Guptill drives at Johnson, it flies just over the leaping Mike Hussey at backward point and they pick up two. He might have caught it if he'd been the size of Will Jefferson or Chris Tremlett. But we have our first boundary for a while as Guptill powerfully straight-drives for four, and the stadium DJ briefly takes me back to my schooldays by playing "The One And Only" (by Chesney Hawkes) over the PA. Johnson strays with a wide, then Guptill blasts another straight-driven four before swiping the last ball of the fielding powerplay for a single. Chesney Hawkes was a one-hit wonder, but who will step up to play the starring role today?
From Lee, TMS inbox: "If Danny V did a Russell-Crowe like swap from NZ to Oz then Oz would still be the number one Test side. And they'd have the tiny urn rather than the unimpressive and quite ugly Champions Trophy"
14th over - NZ 38-1
Redmond is down on one knee to club Watson through the off side and it bounces just short of Lee at mid-off. They run one. A single takes Guptill to 16, Redmond works one to third man. "It's like watching a Test match at the moment," Simon on TMS says. Guptill carves a single off the last ball, it's pedestrian scoring from the Kiwis at this stage - wonder if they'd do better by pushing Ross Taylor up to number three.
Redmond is down on one knee to club Watson through the off side and it bounces just short of Lee at mid-off. They run one. A single takes Guptill to 16, Redmond works one to third man. "It's like watching a Test match at the moment," Simon on TMS says. Guptill carves a single off the last ball, it's pedestrian scoring from the Kiwis at this stage - wonder if they'd do better by pushing Ross Taylor up to number three.
13th over - NZ 34-1
Johnson keeps a tight line to Guptill, who steers a single to the cover sweeper. Redmond pushes a quick single to Lee at mid-off. "It's hard work for New Zealand out there," notes Simon Mann on TMS, while Chappelli feels they need at least 250.
Johnson keeps a tight line to Guptill, who steers a single to the cover sweeper. Redmond pushes a quick single to Lee at mid-off. "It's hard work for New Zealand out there," notes Simon Mann on TMS, while Chappelli feels they need at least 250.
From Philip, TMS inbox: "Guptill has one more toe than Fred Titmus had"
Indeed - hence the old joke "What's got six toes and spins? Fred Titmus".
12th over - NZ 32-1
Siddle takes a rest with excellent figures of 5-1-8-1 and is replaced by the medium-fast Shane Watson. Guptill turns a single off his legs, Redmond forces one off his pads, the ball dies at his feet but Guptill is quickly through for the single. He gets a fortunate inside edge past the keeper for one, then Redmond blasts another cover-driven four.
Siddle takes a rest with excellent figures of 5-1-8-1 and is replaced by the medium-fast Shane Watson. Guptill turns a single off his legs, Redmond forces one off his pads, the ball dies at his feet but Guptill is quickly through for the single. He gets a fortunate inside edge past the keeper for one, then Redmond blasts another cover-driven four.
From Greg in Cumbria, TMS inbox: "If we Kiwis do win at least it will be by playing fair. I am sure the Aussies have been practicing their underarm bowling over the last couple of days"
Now then, settle down! I'm sure there will be no repeat of The Trevor Chappell Debacle today.
11th over - NZ 24-1
Even more unsurprisingly than "Punter" Ponting spitting on his hands at every opportunity, he's opted to take the fielding powerplay immediately - so Australia can only have three men outside the fielding circle for overs 11-15. Johnson beats Guptill's outside edge with another good delivery, then the right-hander squeezes one through the grasp of James Hopes at square leg and they run two. A single takes Guptill to 12.
Even more unsurprisingly than "Punter" Ponting spitting on his hands at every opportunity, he's opted to take the fielding powerplay immediately - so Australia can only have three men outside the fielding circle for overs 11-15. Johnson beats Guptill's outside edge with another good delivery, then the right-hander squeezes one through the grasp of James Hopes at square leg and they run two. A single takes Guptill to 12.
From SafferWill, TMS inbox: "To ChrisDownUnder [3rd over]: An Aussie having a go at another nation for gloating? Pot. Kettle. Black?"
10th over - NZ 22-1
Some things never change - Ponting spits on his hands between overs. (Why does he do that? I never see anyone else doing it). Redmond takes the attack to Siddle, with a lofted cover-drive which sails to the boundary. But that's the lowest total after 10 overs in the tournament - beating England into the tournament record books.
Some things never change - Ponting spits on his hands between overs. (Why does he do that? I never see anyone else doing it). Redmond takes the attack to Siddle, with a lofted cover-drive which sails to the boundary. But that's the lowest total after 10 overs in the tournament - beating England into the tournament record books.
From Aussie in Crawley, TMS inbox: "Come on you Aussies! Let's not lose to the Poms and Kiwis in the same summer! It is a real shame though that Danny V is M.I.A, he's a real competitor!"
9th over - NZ 18-1
Left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson replaces Lee, but there are still two slips in. Redmond dabs a quick single into the off side, although Chappelli on TMS isn't happy with his footwork - "he moves around before the ball is delivered so the bowler knows where he's going, but then doesn't move his feet as he plays the stroke". Guptill works a single off his legs, Redmond rotates the strike then Johnson appeals for a catch behind against Guptill... replay inconclusive, Umpire Gould unmoved, Aussie captain Ricky Ponting not happy.
Left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson replaces Lee, but there are still two slips in. Redmond dabs a quick single into the off side, although Chappelli on TMS isn't happy with his footwork - "he moves around before the ball is delivered so the bowler knows where he's going, but then doesn't move his feet as he plays the stroke". Guptill works a single off his legs, Redmond rotates the strike then Johnson appeals for a catch behind against Guptill... replay inconclusive, Umpire Gould unmoved, Aussie captain Ricky Ponting not happy.
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8th over - NZ 15-1
Redmond opens the face to angle a single to third man, but Guptill is watchful against Siddle's accuracy and that's the only scoring stroke. Having received a slow over-rate fine the other day, the Aussie fielders race round between overs.
Redmond opens the face to angle a single to third man, but Guptill is watchful against Siddle's accuracy and that's the only scoring stroke. Having received a slow over-rate fine the other day, the Aussie fielders race round between overs.
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7th over - NZ 14-1
Unfortunately there's still plenty of empty seats at Centurion - a South Africa v India or Pakistan final might have been perfect for the money-men. After a single from Guptill, Redmond drives at Lee, the ball lodges in the top of his pad and the pair exchange a smile as Redmond sportingly throws the ball back. A single takes New Zealand belatedly to double figures, then Guptill off-drives for the first boundary of the innings. NZ's best over so far, but they're still well short of where they'd have hoped to be by now.
Unfortunately there's still plenty of empty seats at Centurion - a South Africa v India or Pakistan final might have been perfect for the money-men. After a single from Guptill, Redmond drives at Lee, the ball lodges in the top of his pad and the pair exchange a smile as Redmond sportingly throws the ball back. A single takes New Zealand belatedly to double figures, then Guptill off-drives for the first boundary of the innings. NZ's best over so far, but they're still well short of where they'd have hoped to be by now.
6th over - NZ 8-1
Guptill prods Siddle for a quick single to the lumbering Shane Watson at mid-off. Redmond gets down on one knee to duck a bouncer - Siddle has an impressive 1-3 from three overs.
Guptill prods Siddle for a quick single to the lumbering Shane Watson at mid-off. Redmond gets down on one knee to duck a bouncer - Siddle has an impressive 1-3 from three overs.
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5th over - NZ 7-1
Lee continues to keep Redmond tied down, Redmond is playing at fresh air here. Another maiden over, Lee is on top of his game and the Aussies are firmly on top of this game.
Lee continues to keep Redmond tied down, Redmond is playing at fresh air here. Another maiden over, Lee is on top of his game and the Aussies are firmly on top of this game.
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4th over - NZ 7-1
Siddle continues to get some bounce to new batsman Martin Guptill, who is up on his toes - all seven of them (he only has two on one of his feet after a forklift accident a few years ago) - as he shoulders arms to his first ball. When Siddle's line strays for the first time, Guptill is off the mark with a two off his legs.
Siddle continues to get some bounce to new batsman Martin Guptill, who is up on his toes - all seven of them (he only has two on one of his feet after a forklift accident a few years ago) - as he shoulders arms to his first ball. When Siddle's line strays for the first time, Guptill is off the mark with a two off his legs.
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Siddle continues to hit the deck well at a good length against McCullum, who swishes at a lifter and is caught behind by Tim Paine for a duck! The Aussies have landed a big early blow.
From Thomas Walker, TMS inbox: "I'm reading your coverage from my Blackberry on my couch in Sydney as my friends are too busy watching an old Anthony Hopkins film to watch the game on TV... We've had a long weekend in NSW and it's been cold and raining the whole time (but at least no dust storms!). Good news about Vettori - he is the one Kiwi player who could have hurt us tonight"
3rd over - NZ 5-0
TMS commentator Gerald De Kock fears rain "at some stage", as Aaron Redmond faces the bowling for the first time. He cuts just past backward point for the first runs off the bat - Siddle's misfield at third man (he nearly lets it go straight through) allows them to come back for a second run. But Lee then beats Redmond with a beaut of a delivery, this is high-class fast bowling from him. Redmond has to defend a short ball from the crease as Lee completes another tight over.
TMS commentator Gerald De Kock fears rain "at some stage", as Aaron Redmond faces the bowling for the first time. He cuts just past backward point for the first runs off the bat - Siddle's misfield at third man (he nearly lets it go straight through) allows them to come back for a second run. But Lee then beats Redmond with a beaut of a delivery, this is high-class fast bowling from him. Redmond has to defend a short ball from the crease as Lee completes another tight over.
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2nd over - NZ 3-0
Peter Siddle charges in for the second over with two slips in, McCullum drives but Nathan Hauritz makes a good stop at cover. Siddle is right on the money, back-of-a-length just outside off stump, and McCullum can't get him away as he plays out a maiden over.
Peter Siddle charges in for the second over with two slips in, McCullum drives but Nathan Hauritz makes a good stop at cover. Siddle is right on the money, back-of-a-length just outside off stump, and McCullum can't get him away as he plays out a maiden over.
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1st over - NZ 3-0
Brett Lee takes the new ball for Australia - his first delivery is wide outside opener/keeper/stand-in skipper Brendon McCullum's off stump, and English umpire Gould is straight into the action to signal a wide. Lee yells an lbw appeal, but it's a good decision by "Gunner" Gould as McCullum got a faint inside edge onto his pad. Lee then whips in an unplayable ball at McCullum that moves late, beats his outside edge and just misses off stump, there's a half-hearted appeal for a catch behind but nothing doing. A legside wide doubles the Kiwis' score, then McCullum forces a leg bye off the last ball. No runs off the bat so far, but a hostile first over from Lee putting the brakes on McCullum's natural aggression at the top of the order.
Brett Lee takes the new ball for Australia - his first delivery is wide outside opener/keeper/stand-in skipper Brendon McCullum's off stump, and English umpire Gould is straight into the action to signal a wide. Lee yells an lbw appeal, but it's a good decision by "Gunner" Gould as McCullum got a faint inside edge onto his pad. Lee then whips in an unplayable ball at McCullum that moves late, beats his outside edge and just misses off stump, there's a half-hearted appeal for a catch behind but nothing doing. A legside wide doubles the Kiwis' score, then McCullum forces a leg bye off the last ball. No runs off the bat so far, but a hostile first over from Lee putting the brakes on McCullum's natural aggression at the top of the order.
From Colin McL, TMS inbox: "Real shame that Daniel V isn't fit enough to play today. His sportsmanship alone should win him a gong in this tournament... so, on his behalf, come on the Black Caps!"
1326: Teams line up for the anthems. New Zealand's first, then Australia's. The singers of these anthems have been, ahem, of varying quality - remember Graeme Swann chuckling at the woman getting some of the words to "God Save The Queen" wrong, and the Norman Collier-style defective microphone routine during the NZ anthem in the semi-finals. But these two are pretty good - the man singing the Aussie anthem has a luxurious baritone voice.
1324: Although it's been chucking it down with rain here in London all morning, it's dry at the moment at Centurion - although the TMS team are concerned there may be a chance of rain later. But let's hope we get a proper game in - and don't get a farcical finish like the 2007 World Cup final.
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From David, Spain, TMS inbox: "Vettori unfit to play? That's devastating news "
1310: Oh, and we do have some English representation in the final today - New Zealand coach Andy Moles (born in Solihull), and umpire Ian Gould (ex-Middlesex and Sussex), who will be joined on the field today by ICC umpire of the year Aleem Dar, of Pakistan. Dar's compatriot Asad Rauf is on TV replays, while Billy Bowden is fourth umpire, whose usual task is to bring out a black briefcase with replacement balls. Match referee is Roshan Mahanama - to complete the line-up, I'm joined by Pranav Soneji on match-report duties and we're both under the iron fist of our "gaffer" today, Alistair Watkins.
1305: Apparently Vettori's confirmed absence came too late for New Zealand to register Scott "The Penguin" Styris as a replacement player - having already called up three replacement players (James Franklin, Aaron Redmond and Iain O'Brien) for injured trio Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder and Daryl Tuffey. Styris flew in the other day as cover for Grant Elliott who was also carrying an injury, although he wasn't officially part of the squad. Here are the full teams:
Australia: Shane Watson, Tim Paine (wk), Ricky Ponting (capt), Mike Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Cameron White, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt & wk), Aaron Redmond, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Neil Broom, James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Ian Butler, Jeetan Patel, Shane Bond.
1302: New Zealand's stand-in captain Brendon McCullum has won the toss and opted to bat first. The one change from their semi-final side is off-spinner Jeetan Patel replacing Vettori. Australia retain the unchanged side they've fielded throughout the tournament.
1300: Afternoon, everyone - and a particular welcome to all Australia and New Zealand fans reading this - you can be assured that whether you hail from Melbourne or Milford Sound, Wellington or Wagga Wagga, we'll be playing a straight bat from here. But some bad news for the Kiwis straight up - captain Daniel Vettori is ruled out with his hamstring injury which he aggravated during the semi-final.Read More...
Labels: Cricket Live Matches, Cricket Live Scores, ICC Champions Trophy, ICC Cricket, ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2009
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