Alastair Cook
The Ashes series is finally reaching the end and England seems to be ruling the rooster in Sydney.
It is fascinating to see that at some point or the other some player from the England Cricket team decides to step up to take control over any kind of situation, be it a bowler or batsman or even a fielder.
Opening batsman Alastair Cook went on to make a stunning 189 runs of 342 balls he just about missed a double ton by 11 runs and this was his third hundred in this series. He was very fortunate as well; the Australians seem to have no ounce of the luck factor involved at all on day 3.
Ultimately Shane Watson was responsible for the costly but much required breakthrough with the wicket of Alastair Cook.
James Anderson only managed to make 7 runs of 35 balls before he was dismissed by Peter Siddle. Paul Collingwood scored 13 runs of 41 balls; his wicket was taken quite easily by the bowling of Michael Beer and was caught by Ben Hilfenhaus.
This series has not been very good for Paul Collingwood as he has not made any large contribution to the team aside from a few catches and of course the famous sprinkler dance. He has admitted his poor form in an interview and said he would drop himself from the team if his form continues to be bad so that he doesn’t hog a slot for a younger and more talented player for the England team, this is what is called playing for your country, due credit must be given to Paul Collingwood for being a team player such self less cricketers are hard to come by these days.
Ian Bell’s arrival changed the entire course of the session. He along with Alastair Cook scored 154 runs in their 6th wicket partnership. Ian Bell’s individual score being a dazzling knock of 115 runs of 232 balls. Mitchell Johnson celebrated whole heartedly on taking Ian Bell’s wicket but little did he know after Ian Bell, Matt Prior would come to steady the ship.
Matt Prior’s form has also undoubtedly been brilliant this series, from runs to catches, he’s doing it all. He remained not out at the end of day 3’s play on a quick 54 runs of 59 balls. Along with Prior is Tim Bresnan who has not scored any runs but has faced 7 deliveries so far.
This series has been full of records being broken and now almost close to Australia’s heart being broken.
Tags: 5th Test, Alastair Cook, Ashes Series, Australia, Cricket, England, Ian Bell, SCG, Sydney, Test Cricket, The Ashes
