Blind Cricket Ashes series 24th August 2004

More than 650 runs were scored today in the second Blind Cricket International between Australia and England. Australia was victorious this time to level the series, with 3 matches still to play.

On an uncovered wicket and with rain in the air England won the toss and put Australia in to bat, and regretted it for the next 3 and a half hours.

After the early loss of Brett Wilson run out whilst backing up and Terry Eagers bowled by Heindrich Swanepoel, the Aussies set about the England attack with relish. Eugene Negruk and Matthew Horsey amassed 258 driving, slashing, cutting and thrashing all the English bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Eventually the hapless English bowlers did manage to dismiss Negruk. David Townley the most economical of the English attack picked up Man of the Match Negruk's wicket enticing the Aussie into playing across the line to a straight ball after a score of 159, which contained 12 boundaries.

Lusty blows from Aussie captain Peter Robinson continued the Aussies momentum until he too was bowled by a fine delivery from Bryn Reynolds. When the Australian innings came to a close they had accumulated a huge score of 362 for 5 with Horsey remaining not out on 122.

England's batsmen knew that the task they faced was a daunting one. Their cause was not helped when Tim Guttridge was adjudged stumped whilst sitting in his crease. The major partnership of the English Innings was between Nathan Foy and Heindrich Swanepoel who put on 109 for the third wicket to keep the English hopes alive. Swanepoel was eventually run out by Nejat Haydardedeoglu for 52. Wickets began to tumble all too regularly for the liking of the home team. Mark Pickup was run out and Luke Sugg (England's young keeper) was bowled by Horsey - as if Horsey hadn't already done enough to scupper England's chances. As the overs began to run out England's hopes rested firmly on the shoulders of Foy, his innings of 114 was scored off 69 balls and contained a dynamic array of strokes but the support was not there and the home team fell short, dismissed for 290. England's last batsman Joe Harrison was unable to demonstrate his batting prowess as he was injured whilst fielding.

Australia's 72 run victory will surely have stung England. Or will there be a backlash in the remaining fixtures on 25th August at The Rose Bowl, 26th August at Horsham and the final match 28th August at Bradfield College.

	England v Australia Blind Cricket Ashes Series 24th August 2004 at Bradfield College
	More than 650 runs were scored today in the second Blind Cricket International between Australia and England. Australia was victorious this time to level the series, with 3 matches still to play. On an uncovered wicket and with rain in the air England won the toss and put Australia in to bat, and regretted it for the next 3 and a half hours. After the early loss of Brett Wilson run out whilst backing up and Terry Eagers bowled by Heindrich Swanepoel, the Aussies set about the England attack with relish. Eugene Negruk and Matthew Horsey amassed 258 driving, slashing, cutting and thrashing all the English bowlers to all parts of the ground. Eventually the hapless English bowlers did manage to dismiss Negruk. David Townley the most economical of the English attack picked up Man of the Match Negruk's wicket enticing the Aussie into playing across the line to a straight ball after a score of 159, which contained 12 boundaries. Lusty blows from Aussie captain Peter Robinson continued the Aussies momentum until he too was bowled by a fine delivery from Bryn Reynolds. When the Australian innings came to a close they had accumulated a huge score of 362 for 5 with Horsey remaining not out on 122. England's batsmen knew that the task they faced was a daunting one. Their cause was not helped when Tim Guttridge was adjudged stumped whilst sitting in his crease. The major partnership of the English Innings was between Nathan Foy and Heindrich Swanepoel who put on 109 for the third wicket to keep the English hopes alive. Swanepoel was eventually run out by Nejat Haydardedeoglu for 52. Wickets began to tumble all too regularly for the liking of the home team. Mark Pickup was run out and Luke Sugg (England's young keeper) was bowled by Horsey - as if Horsey hadn't already done enough to scupper England's chances. As the overs began to run out England's hopes rested firmly on the shoulders of Foy, his innings of 114 was scored off 69 balls and contained a dynamic array of strokes but the support was not there and the home team fell short, dismissed for 290. England's last batsman Joe Harrison was unable to demonstrate his batting prowess as he was injured whilst fielding. Australia's 72 run victory will surely have stung England. Or will there be a backlash in the remaining fixtures on 25th August at The Rose Bowl, 26th August at Horsham and the final match 28th August at Bradfield College.