Trial Match 1 vs VB Academy
After winning the toss Australia chose to bat. After a cautious start the openers O’Reilly and Watson consolidated well losing no wickets in the first 10 overs. Both retired with 17 and 28 respectively.
Davis then upped the rate scoring 35 off 40 before he retired. A couple of wickets fell before debutante Wenham and McGhee accelerated the rate with 29 off 24 and 19 off 27. Patto chimed in with 13 at the end to leave a competitive 5/176.
In reply the Indian side got off to a flyer being 0/74 after 10 overs. At drinks Capt Peter Jensen took the lads aside and reiterated what was required. After drinks the lads responded with tighter bowling Jackson 2/26 and a couple of sharp run outs from McGhee and then Blair with a rocket from mid wicket taking out middle stump.
The pressure began to tell on the home side as the Aussie lads turned on the screws. Johno with a sharp caught and bowled and TP with 4/21 finishing off a tight win with the home side bowled out for 162.
A tough 14 run win with lots of positives to come out of the game. A pleasing fightback but we know we need to improve in the field.
Tomorrow is a rest day and we get a tour of Chennai. All players came through the match well.
Trail Match 2 vs Canada.
Canada batted first with Ridgey and TP opening the bowling. A wicket to Ridgey provided an early breakthrough on a ground that was lightning fast and a pitch that was a road. TP chimed in with a wicket and we had them two down early where the scoring shots were dots or 4s.
Enter Dave Wenham who bowled a tight line and length backed up with good fielding leading to a great 4 wicket haul.
Darren Smith took over from the other end and his accuracy eventually paid off with a shout for lbw being upheld.
With regular wickets falling the Canadians struggled to take advantage of the wicket.
Patto had his chance with the ball and he chimed in with 2 wickets to keep the trend going. Johnno bowled tidily and deserved more than the sole wicket with a couple of tough chances going down.
With a total of 192 we felt Canada were under par but runs on the board have to be chased down
The boys were told they would have 40 balls each to set the tone - Smithy and Samy opened with serious intent and both found the boundary regularly early. Smithy chased a wide one and was caught behind for 9
Pete Jensen joined Samy and they put them to the sword. Samy retired with 49 off 31 and Pete 44 off 32. This was a great platform. Juddy followed with 43 off 37. Paves 57 off 36. And the Canadians were under the pump
Watto chimed in with 47 off 37, O’Reilly scored 26 off 39. Orlando now back in the land of the living after a long, delayed flight made 39 off 21. Young Mr Carr followed up with 26 off 21 and Johnstone 26 off 15 finished off the innings perfectly. 1/386.
Not much more to be said than bring on the start of the Tournament.
Rd 1 vs Wales
After another lengthy bus drive, we arrived at the Tagore ground to face Wales.
4 new caps made their official Australian debuts. Dave Wenham, Andrew Watson, Tony Panecasio and Darren Smith. Each getting presented with their Baggy Green Caps. A memorable occasion.
Pete Jensen won the toss and chose to bat on another pitch that resembled concrete.
Samy D and Smithy opened and were looking good until Samy played around one and was bowled. 1/21 after 4
Capt Pete Jensen joined Smithy and they put on a 60plus run partnership when a slip cost Pete his wicket for 31. Smithy followed soon after LBW ( we thought high ) for 45
At 3/92 after 20 overs the game was delicately poised.
Enter Bill Blair and Graeme Pavey. What followed was a sublime partnership characterised by pure shot making and excellent running. Blair 128 off 73 balls and Pavey 79 off 76 balls broke Welsh hearts. They combined for a 204 run partnership.
Australia finished 5/299.
Chasing such a huge total was always going to be difficult. An early wicket to TP after a great catch by Keeper Orlando set them on their heels.
With dot balls mounting it came as no surprise that a run out ensued. Smithy with sharp work at point fired out the Welsh number 3 and the noose began to tighten.
Australia’s fielding was a highlight and very few shots beat the field.
Smithy and Juddy kept up the pressure with Darren getting his first 60s wicket breaking a slow but stubborn Welsh partnership. Phil Jackson kept up the pressure and this saw the key Welsh wicket of Hayden removed after a juggling effort from McGhee.
Smith and Jackson both took another wicket each as the Welsh cause was now in vain. Jackson 2-28 and Smith 2-22
It was then debutante Wenham’s turn to grab a few wickets. His subtle variations proving the undoing of two Welsh wickets with figures of 2-12
TP completed the rout removing the last two Welsh batters finishing with 3-13. Australian running away winners by 168 runs
Highlights
Blair / Pavey partnership. 204 runs
Blair’s unbeaten century MOM
7 wickets shared among the debutants Smith TP and Wenham
Orlando involved in 5 dismissals as keeper
And Dave Wenhams chase to the boundary when he hauled in a shot the was a certain four - inches from the boundary after a massive sprint even though the game was almost done.
Capt Jensen was very happy with the professional manner and application shown by all the players. Game one in the bag. Tomorrow, we take on the Rest of the World side.
Game 2 Vs Rest of the World
Another sunny morning greeted us for game two. This time we headed off to the
Sri Ramachandra Medical College ground a mere 20 km away but nearly 90 minutes on the bus.
The first highlight today was the cap presentation for debutant Geoff Patterson cap number 130. Which was quite emotional and showed what it means to wear the Baggy Green.
The Rest of the World won the toss and chose to bat. Ridgey and Patto opened the bowling for Australia. A vicious ball from Ridgey struck the batter on the arm after it reared back off a length. While no wickets fell the opposition scored at a slow rate on another fast outfield. The first breakthrough came from the bowling of VC Judd. 2 quick wickets fell to his bowling as well as another Darren Smith run out and 0/60 turned to 3/66.
Smithy then broke through again with the ball as did Phil Jackson.
Next change saw the ball given to Richard Johnston who then proceeded to spin his magic taking 3 wickets leaving the Rest of the World teetering on 9/134.
Someone forgot to tell their 10 and 11 they were mere tailenders as the last wicket put on 28 to give them 9/161. Probably under par we thought given the pitch and outfield.
Best of the bowlers
Johnston. 3/16 and Judd 2/11
A revamped batting order set about the task of chasing down the score.
A freakish catch high and wide of first slip saw Davis depart for a quick fire 15. His opening partner O’Reilly and new batter Watson then set about moving the score forward. O’Reilly then departed courtesy of a sharp caught and bowled for 14 and we were 2/33.
The continual breaks and slow field placements broke the flow of the game. Not to mention a few mankad attempts on Juddy.
After looking good Watto fell to a wide slow delivery for 20 and the Patto was given Run Out on a very dubious call for 2 and we were 4/79 but still looking comfortable.
Judd was batting very well and was joined by Johnston who also looked good early. However, another quick fall of wickets saw us fall to 6/99 with Judd compiling a well-made 41.
Overs in hand was not an issue however we still needed 63 runs to get over the line. Capt Pete Jensen and Darren Smith then showed both their class and professionalism in combing for an unbroken 63 run partnership which saw us home with 10 overs to spare. Jensen no 33 and Smithy no 27
MOM went the way of Peter (Judge) Judd
With Smithy getting the best Fighter award for his contribution.
While we weren’t at our ruthless best, good teams find a way to overcome obstacles. We know we need to be better, but the tournament is not won in week one.
Game 3 vs Sri Lanka
Today’s game was held at the VB Academy ground. It brought together two unbeaten sides and held the promise of a tight contest.
In the end what transpired was a comprehensive win to Australia.
Capt Pete Jensen called correctly and wasted no time in choosing to bat. The wicket had some green patches on it but he was confident in the strength of the Aussie batting.
His faith was well founded as Darren Smith became the second centurion on tour hitting 110 and his opening partner Peter O’Reilly was desperately unlucky to be dismissed for 99. The pair putting on 193 for the first wicket. The highlight was their excellent running putting enormous pressure on the fieldsmen.
After Darren was dismissed Graeme Pavey strode to the wicket and continued his sublime form with an effortless 67 from 40 balls Billy Blair chimed in with 23 off 16 to round off the scoring at 2/319. A mammoth score.
The challenge was now to the bowlers to keep the momentum going. Geoff Patterson and Stuart Ridge opened the bowling. Patto was rewarded with his first International wicket when he had the opener caught behind sparking scenes of joy in the team as he was congratulated by all. Ridgey not to be outdone then obliterated the middle stump literally of the other batsman snapping it clean through.
Patto followed up with his second wicket and Sri Lanka were in massive trouble at 3/37.
Billy Blair and Tony Panecasio then took up the attack. In an act of bravado one of the Sri Lankans walked at Billy’s delivery. As you might guess he was less than impressed and this sparked a very quick spell which had all the batsmen jumping around. Two clean bowled and a plumb LBW followed as Billy finished with the fine figures of 4/18. TP complimented Billy’s pace with his spin and flight and came away with 3/18 from his spell.
Sri Lanka was routed for 84 giving the Aussies a comprehensive 235 run victory.
MOM went to Darren Smith while Billy Blair picked up the best fighter award.
Game 4 vs West Indies
Cricket is a funny game.
Today we suffered our first loss of the tournament. Having won the toss we chose to bat Davis and Watson opened on what was another flat wicket with a very fast outfield.
We lost our first wicket at 39 in the 5th over when Davis was adjudged lbw, one of 4 LBWs in the innings. Two runs later Watson fell the same way for 29 and we were 2/41.
The two Peters; Jensen and Judd then took the score to 81 before Jensen fell lbw to a ball that kept low for 27. Wenham fell cheaply playing on to his stumps for 2 and we slumped to 5/95 when McGhee was stumped for 4
Pavey and Judd set about rebuilding before Judd became lbw number 4 out for 20 And when Pavey fell for 17 we were 7/121 after 23 overs Credit to the West Indies attack who summed up the wicket and bowled great lines and off pace bowling.
Johnston and Blair knuckled down and put together a decent stand of 62 before Blair was caught for 21
Carr fell at the same score 183 after a leading edge leaving us 9 down with 17 overs to go
Phil Jackson joined Richard Johnston and they took the score to 201 before Jackson was caught in the covers Johnston remained not out for a gritty 39 and we were bowled out in the 38th over
It was now up to the bowlers, opening with Stuart Ridge and Bobby McGhee
Ridgey claimed an early wicket to have the Windies 1/22. However, a series of uncharacteristic, dropped catches and a missed run out saw the second wicket put on 117 before McGhee struck to give us some hope of a revival
A wicket to Wenham next over after a smart Jensen catch and the Windies had lost both set batsmen. The score progressed slowly but surely to 183 before a Wenham one handed special gave Juddy his first wicket.
Some near misses followed and when Phil Jackson took a great caught and bowled the Windies still required 18 runs.
Credit to them, they held their composure to get our score in the 40th over to record a memorable victory.
The award for fighter of the team went to Richard Johnston for his fighting 39 not out.
Game 5 Australia vs India
After suffering an unexpected loss the previous game, Australia came into this clash taking nothing for granted India had posted over 300 in their last game, so it was no surprise the dressing room pre-game was quiet.
Capt Pete Jensen won the toss again and had no hesitation in batting on the PBEL ground.
Smith and O’Reilly opened and immediately set about running the Indians off their feet
The result was a 97 run partnership in under 20 overs, before O’Reilly fell for 44.
Capt Jensen came to the crease and upped the tempo with some glorious boundaries.
Smith was next to go for a well-made 61, before Jensen’s cameo ended on a quick fire 32 after being deceived by Raman.
This brought together the dynamic duo of Pavey and Blair. With the score at 3/146 after 27 overs the scene was set for acceleration. What followed was a masterclass in a partnership of 149 runs in just 14 overs Blair finally out for 83 off 61 while Pavey was again imperious with 66 off 46 including one Six which showed up on Indian radar as it cleared the ground
With 307/4 the final score, it was now left to the bowlers. TP and Juddy opened the bowling against the formidable Indian openers and in the 4th over TP made the breakthrough after a skied catch was expertly taken by Wenham.
A missed opportunity off TPs bowling saw the Indians take advantage as they moved the score to 72 when Geoff Patterson was brought into the attack. He struck immediately removing the dangerous Beri and following up with a clean bowled to have the Indians at 3/89 after 18 overs.
Next into the attack was Phil Jackson who bowled a superbly tight spell conceding only 32 runs off his 9 overs where he beat the bat a number of times.
His foil at the other end was Dave Wenham who also bowled great lines in finishing with 1/24 off his 9 overs. After 36 overs the Indians were only 167 when Darren Smith came into the attack. With some near misses, it was then left to the fast-flying Pavey to pluck a catch diving to his right.
TP finished off the innings with a neat stumping by Orlando and Australia had won the game by 113 runs Wickets were shared around with Patto and TP snaring two each.
MOM went to Bill Blair for his outstanding knock and Graeme Pavey won the Emerging Fighter award.
Stage one complete- Topping the group.
Semi Final vs New Zealand
Today we travelled to the Ramachandran College Ground- about a 90 min drive from the hotel.
Capt Jensen won the toss again and elected to bowl.
The kiwi openers had performed strongly all tournament, so it was important to start well. TP and Patto opened the bowling and an early breakthrough by TP gave the Aussies the perfect start. Patto bowled an immaculate line and length and the Kiwis were going at less than 3 an over.
Billy Blair then came on for TP and had the batters playing and missing and getting inside edges without reward. Gibb and Inglis rode their luck, coupled with some fine shots to take their score to 70 before Blair made the vital breakthrough removing Inglis.
Jackson then came on and immediately hit a length asking serious questions of the batsmen. Gibb continued to accumulate runs and was joined by Alexander who looked to push the score forward.
Capt Jensen then brought TP back early and the move paid immediate dividends when Gibb was smartly stumped by Orlando as he tried to force the pace for a well-made 61. Two balls later TP induced a rash shot which saw Jackson take a fine overhead catch and the match started to turn. Two overs later Alexander was bowled by a TP arm ball and the Kiwis had fallen to 5/100.
The Aussie fielding was backing up their bowlers with great stops putting more pressure on the Kiwis. Another rash shot off TP saw Jensen take a smart catch at mid off and in the next over a well flighted ball saw Orlando’s lightning glove work give TP his 6th wicket and the Kiwis at 7/106 in the 34th.
Jackson took over from TP and he joined the party bowling another kiwi batsmen.
Nuttal and Johnston then put together a handy partnership of 25 before Darren Smith removed Nuttal clean bowled.
9/142 was under par but the kiwis were not going to die wondering.
O’Reilly and Smith opened the innings and it was critical they start well
They took the score to 40 without loss before Nuttal had O’Reilly caught for 20.
Captain Jensen joined Smith and they expertly took the score to 89 before Smith fell for 44.
Judd joined Jensen and the pair showed how to close out the game. Jensen remained 49 no and Judd 21 no giving Australia and 8 wicket win.
MOM was TP with 6/13 off 9, with Smithy getting the Fighter of the game award for his overall contribution with bat and ball
So we are off to the big dance on Friday against England.
World Cup Final Match Report 60s Australia vs England
Venue- Ramachandran College Ground
England won the crucial toss and wasted no time in choosing to bat. Australia opened with TP and Patto and after 7 overs they reached 40 for no wickets as Merriman and Gaywood both batted with intent finding the boundary regularly between dot balls each over
The introduction of Juddy proved a key early moment as he removed the dangerous Gaywood LBW for 33. Smithy joined Juddy and although bowling well, the English batters continued to force the pace taking the score passed 100.
The introduction of David Wenham saw a couple of chances go by the wayside before Merriman hit down the ground into the safe hands of Juddy leaving England 2/131 after 28 overs.
Despite playing with discomfort Blairy showed great heart in his spell and was rewarded with the wicket of Newman for a first ball duck making it 3/132
The next 5 overs saw the score advance to 167 as the duo of Douglas and Hussein looked to drive home England’s advantage.
The reintroduction of TP in the 34th over paid immediate dividends. Douglas attempted to hit him down the ground only to sky the ball straight up and high. As he backpedalled TP managed to hit the stumps, avoid the umpire and eventually took the catch. Note- a certain VCA official believed the odds were in the batter’s favour while the ball swirled up high
Next over the pressure saw a run out thanks to some smart fielding by Pavey and the score was now 5/168.
Australia’s fielding was now halting the English momentum and the need to push the score quicker saw Hussein dance down the wicket to TP only to be deceived by the spin leaving Orlando to whip off the bails in a flash.
The next wicket fell quickly as Shaw attempted to heave a TP delivery straight back down the ground only for the right hand of TP to intercept the ball taking a reflex catch. The umpire was also mighty relieved. Richard Johnston then took a fine catch at midwicket giving TP his 4th wicket of the spell.
Jacko closed out the innings and picked up a key wicket stemming the runs leaving England 9/214 after 45 overs.
From all accounts this score seemed 30+ short of where they needed to be. It was, however runs on the board and the start of the Aussie innings would be crucial.
Smith and O’Reilly opened and yet again showed both positive intent and great running between the wickets as they scored freely on both sides of the wicket. The result being a magnificent partnership of 127 before fatigue saw O’Reilly bowled for 40
Capt Jensen joined Smithy but it was a short lived stay as he was caught behind for no score
The live wire Pavey joined Smithy with Australia still needing 86 runs to claim the cup.
Merriman tried to rally his troops for one last hurrah but the Aussie lads stood firm With some smart running challenging the fielders, coupled with some timely boundaries the score moved ever closer to an Aussie win
One loud LBW appeal against Paves was close but that aside he and Smithy timed the chase to perfection. Their unbroken stand taking Australia to World Cup glory with 3 overs to spare for the loss of only 2 wickets. Smithy unconquered on 88 and Paves not out 55
This sparked some emotional scenes in the Aussie camp as the realisation of becoming World Cup winners struck home.
TP was adjudged MOM for his 4 wickets while Smithy was the fighter of the game award winner.
A fitting end to the Tournament as the best two sides fought out a final which ebbed and flowed.
Post Final Comments
To our Manager David Head- what can you say about a man where no matter what the issue is or whatever the question is, he finds the appropriate answers and solutions with a smile. His organisation is first class and his behind the scenes work is appreciated
To our fitness trainer guru-Nipper. Aka Garry Zealand. He is the unsung hero of our group who went about his work with a minimum of fuss but was on deck every ball from every game ensuring our players received the best preparation possible. His influence both mentally and physically to our team cannot be underestimated.
To Kevin Pike who organised our gear requirements a big thank you. We were not only the best team here but we were also the best looking team in our gear which we were all very proud to showcase.
To Dina Bagust who laid all the groundwork in getting everything done pre trip, many thanks from the guys. India certainly has its challenges but your work made our trip one to remember outside of the cricket
To our magnificent scorer Roger Bryce. Is there any statistic this man doesn’t have at his fingertips. Just ask Paves. His scoresheets are a work of art.
Now to two of the most dedicated and passionate supporters on the planet. Cheryl Blair and Leanne Jackson. Their work brought the game to all 520 supporters on this page. I wish I had a dollar for every picture they took. They captured all the great moments and have given us memories we can look back on in years to come. Not only that but they still had time to cheer their lungs out for everyone in the side
To the rest of the WAGS, Sharon, Penny, Tracy and Kathy thank you for the support and companionship to us all.
World Champions Australia