Johannesburg, South Africa (GenevaLunch) – New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets in their semi-final to set up a contest with Australia for the ICC champions trophy. Pakistan’s batsmen never really got going and only reached their modest total of 233 for nine, thanks to a half century by Umar Akmal and a late flourish by the tail enders.
The Oval, London (GenevaLunch) – England managed to avoid their tendency of seizing defeat from the jaws of victory by beating Australia by 197 runs in the deciding Test at the Oval to win the Ashes.
The Oval, London, England (GenevaLunch) – England were in control at the end of an incredible second day of the final Test of the Ashes series in which 15 wickets fell. They started the day on 307 for 8 and extended the score to 332, which looked a little below par at the time. Australia then made a solid start, reaching a somewhat fortunate 61 without loss despite the deteriorating wicket, which is being criticized in the Australian media.
Edgebaston, Birmingham, UK (GenevaLunch) – England fought their way past the Australian total thanks to the attacking batting of Andrew Flintoff, Matt Prior and Stuart Broad. The Test has been curtailed by rain, which cost most of the first day and all of the third but England will be hoping that the ball swings today and helps the bowlers to dispose of the final Australian resistance.
London, England (GenevaLunch) – England are in a dominant position after three days of the second test at Lords: the first test ended in a draw. They lead by 515 runs with two days to play. The Australian tail enders held up the English attack but fell just in time for England captain Andrew Strauss to have the chance to enforce the follow-on. However he prefered to bat again, possibly influenced by the easy batting conditions, the fitness of Andrew Flintoff or simple cowardice.
Lords/London, England (GenevaLunch) – It was a great second day for England at the Lords Test, despite an awful start to the day. Andrew Strauss left the second ball from Ben Hilfenhaus, only to see it hit his off stump. Swann and Broad fell in the next two overs but Anderson and Onions staged a 47 run stand for the last wicket to leave England on 425, and Australia frustrated.
Things got worse for the Aussies as they lost two wickets in the first six overs, including captain Ricky Ponting to a dodgy decision by umpire Rudi Koertzen.
