Live Text

Have I ever expressed my love for live text commentary? The Beeb and The Guardian do particularly good ones. Yes, it's a little frustrating because you know everything has already happened - especially when those few seconds are vital - but it's still fast-paced and entertaining as anything. Plus it's a great thing to do when you're sitting at work with nothing to do (or everything to do and you need a good excuse not to do it).

I have been following the sixth ODI in Sydney this morning as I toil away the long hours at work, and boy was it an exciting finish! England made their sixth highest ODI score and their highest against Australia with a mammoth 333-6. Things were looking good for at least salvaging a somewhat respectable score from this much criticised (for being too long and the England schedule being far too packed, resulting in injuries and poor form and exhaustion) ODI Series. Australia, however, had other ideas, and weren't about to relinquish their firm grasp on England. They put on the fourth highest successful ODI run chase in history, and their highest ODI total against England, to come back and win it by two wickets. Needing four from four balls, Hastings turned it down to fine leg for four, ending a tense, exciting and really rather brilliant match.

Yes, England lost, but not by much. These are the kinds of performances we need to be putting on for the World Cup. Winning them, obviously, but this shows we're very capable in the 50 Overs format of the game - remember, Australia are the number 1 team in the world (in ODI cricket).

As a stand-alone game, this was a great match by two great teams. Bring on Sunday and Perth, I hope it's more of the same!

Hum, I guess I actually have to find something to do now.

I'll keep you blogged...