England's One day nightmare continues.

ICC Champions Trophy 2006 England vs Australia

I really don't know what's happening to England. They are really underporming in the One day scene esp lately. They have some big names like Flintoff, Pieterson, Harmison, but none of them are performing. Less fancied players like Dalrymple and Anderson are the ones who have impressed in the first two games, with Collingwood always coming out on top. This is something of serious concern, and before you know it, they may go through what the West Indies went through recently and maybe even become the minnows of modern cricket

This match was said to be the unofficial prelude to the Ashes. Last year, England beat the Aussies in the Natwest challenge in their first game together and then tied the Final with them. The year before that they beat the Aussies in their Champions Trophy clash. If the past wants to repeat itself, then it looks like England are up for one hell of a beating. But then again, they will be playin in different conditions, in a totally different format of the game. Cricket is a funny game, but i still wouldn't place a cent on England's chances, because the Aussies are going to be fired up to get the earn back again, and they're going to be real tough to beat on their own soil. England's latest form hasn't helped them at all too. Even in the test matches, they only had one series victory with Pakistan, at home.

Australia meanwhile, need to beat India compreensively to get through to the next round. It also depends on how the Windies and the Indians do in their next matches. It is going to be interesting.

My Man of the Match
Well played Martyn. After a rather lean run, filled with criticism, he came up with a great performance. That too on his birthday - couldn't find a better time.
But once again, i thought that the Award should have gone to someone else. The target was an easy one, and that was possible due to the good bowling performance by the Aussies. Shane Watson came up with awesome bowling figures of 3 for 17. To me, he should have been the Man of the Match.
I must congratulate Martyn though. Guys, he is back!

My final Say:
England have to really improve themselves, somehow, or the earn is going down under.