7th Match: England v Zimbabwe at Bristol, 6 Jul 2003

Ball-by-Ball Commentary


Match State: Match start scheduled for 10.45am local time (9.45am GMT)

       Good Morning all for the England v Zimababwe match in the NatWest
        Series at Bristol, and its a crucial one, almost like a semi-
        final.
       After South Africa's win over Zimbabwe in Cardiff, South Africa
        have laid claim for one of the final places and the outcome of
        today's match will have serious implications for the losers.
       England were expected to beat Zimbabwe in their two previous
        meetings and are also expected to win today but Zimbabwe proved
        tough and the same could happen today as Zimbababwe seem to
        reserve their best against England.
       So this has become something of a must-win match for England
        otherwise they'd need to beat South Africa under lights at
        Edgbaston on Tuesday and need South Africa to beat Zimbabwe again
        in the final qualifying match to reach the final.
       Their problem is the middle order batting and after Key's release
        from the ODI side the management will be hoping to find a solution
        soon.
       Zimbabwe will have been stung from their massive defeat yesterday
        and under a capacity crowd at Bristol should come out looking to
        carry on their successes against the hosts.
       Bristol is hosting its 7th ODI today and the ground seems to be a
        sell-out.
       Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has voiced concerns about having to
        travel from Cardiff to Bristol for back-to-back matches and has
        received some ICC support, "The ICC's guideline
       on back-to-back games is that they should be avoided.
       We think this will be hard fought contest between two teams that
        are pretty even in strength.
       England bring in Harmison for Giles and Clarke for Troughton while
        Zimbabwe have Coventry on debut for Marillier.
       THe Bristol weather is dry though some cloud and the ball should
        swing.
       The toss has gone England's way and Zimbabwe have been invited to
        bat first.
       Zimbabwe team: CK Coventry, DD Ebrahim, GW Flower, S Matsikenyeri,
        TJ Friend, +T Taibu, *HH Streak, AM Blignaut, SM Ervine, DT Hondo,
        RW Price.
       England team: ME Trescothick, VS Solanki, *MP Vaughan, A Flintoff,
        A McGrath, +CMW Read, R Clarke, JM Anderson, RL Johnson, SJ
        Harmison, D Gough.
       The pitch should have some pace and ball will carry and the experts
        believe it may suit bowling.
       The umps are Billy Bowden and Neil Mallender today, and we shall
        have to make sure to keep an eye on Mr Bowden to see if he has
        some new movements to display today.
       The players are there and the game will be underway very soon with
        Anderson bowling to Ebrahim.
   0.1 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, left alone outside off
   0.2 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, defends to cover
   0.3 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, a bouncer and its left alone outside
        off
   0.4 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, on the legs and struck but no appeal
   0.5 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, an outswinger and he leaves it
   0.6 Anderson to Ebrahim, two runs, on the legs and its turned wide of
        the fine leg fielder

End of over 1 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 2/0 (RR: 2.00)
JM Anderson 1-0-2-0 - Pavilion End
CK Coventry 0* (0b) DD Ebrahim 2* (6b)

       Coventry to face his first international ball
   1.1 Gough to Coventry, no run, comes forward and defends to cover
   1.2 Gough to Coventry, one run, short nad he turns towards mid wicket
        for a good quick single
   1.3 Gough to Ebrahim, no run, left alone outside off
       A 7-2 offside field for England
   1.4 Gough to Ebrahim, one run, turned uppishly to mid wicket
   1.5 Gough to Coventry, no run, on the stumps and Coventry is forced
        back to defend
   1.6 Gough to Coventry, one run, drifts to leg and an easy single to mid
        wicket, not the ball to bowl when there are seven men on the
        offside

End of over 2 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 5/0 (RR: 2.50)
D Gough 1-0-3-0 - Ashley Down Road End
CK Coventry 2* (4b) DD Ebrahim 3* (8b)

   2.1 Anderson to Coventry, no run, a fine ball thats pacy and passes
        over the stumps after beating Coventry who did not get behind it
   2.2 Anderson to Coventry, one run, short and hops and moves his head
        away, gets it off the splice to leg
   2.3 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, turned to short leg and Coventry has
        to rush back after backing up too far
   2.4 Anderson to Ebrahim, (noball) no run, outside off, and a cut at it
        is missed
   2.4 Anderson to Ebrahim, legbye: one run, drifts to leg and ball goes
        to square leg off his pads
   2.5 Anderson to Coventry, no run, good outswinger, a prod at it misses
   2.6 Anderson to Coventry, wide: no run, way outside off and swinging
        away more
   2.6 Anderson to Coventry, no run, another away swinger and a leaden
        footed swing at it on the off misses

End of over 3 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 9/0 (RR: 3.00)
JM Anderson 2-0-5-0 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
DD Ebrahim 3* (11b) CK Coventry 3* (8b)

   3.1 Gough to Ebrahim, no run, short of a length on the leg stump,
        turned to leg
   3.2 Gough to Ebrahim, two runs, nicley flicked to long leg
   3.3 Gough to Ebrahim, no run, comes forward to defend and ball edges to
        leg
   3.4 Gough to Ebrahim, no run, left alone outside ff
   3.5 Gough to Ebrahim, no run, short on the off, and a push at it just
        beats the edge
   3.6 Gough to Ebrahim, one run, a single scrambled after a good ball was
        edged to point

End of over 4 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 12/0 (RR: 3.00)
D Gough 2-0-6-0 - Ashley Down Road End
DD Ebrahim 6* (17b) CK Coventry 3* (8b)

   4.1 Anderson to Ebrahim, wide: no run, down the legside
   4.1 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, left alone outside off
   4.2 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, left alone outside off again and there
        is bright sun shining down on the players
   4.3 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, left alone
   4.4 Anderson to Ebrahim, one run, prodded to mid wicket
   4.5 Anderson to Coventry, no run, ooh! cut him in half, had both feet
        outside leg and ball passed over the stumps, looks very
        uncomfortable
   4.6 Anderson to Coventry, OUT: a fuller ball tries to turn to leg again
        no foot work and a leading edge to Vaughan at mid off

       Zimbabwe 14/1, Partnership of 14
       CK Coventry  c Vaughan b Anderson  3 (10b 0x4 0x6)

End of over 5 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 14/1 (RR: 2.80)
JM Anderson 3-0-7-1 (2w 1nb) - Pavilion End
DD Ebrahim 7* (21b) 

       Travis Friend to come in
   5.1 Gough to Ebrahim, OUT: oh dear! short and he tries to fend it away
        and ball goes off the arm to Trescothick at slip but ump thought
        there was bat or glove there

       Zimbabwe 14/2, Partnership of 0
       DD Ebrahim  c Trescothick b Gough  7 (22b 0x4 0x6)
       TJ Friend 0* (0b) D Gough 2.1-0-6-1

       Grant Flower needs to do his best now after those 2 wickets
   5.2 Gough to Flower, no run, outswinger that beats him
   5.3 Gough to Flower, legbye: one run, off the pads to fine leg
   5.4 Gough to Friend, FOUR, on legstump and its flicked over square leg
   5.5 Gough to Friend, no run, goes back and pushes to mid on
   5.6 Gough to Friend, (noball) no run, on the stumps and defended to leg
   5.6 Gough to Friend, OUT: squared up with a good ball that moved away
        from middle stump and edged to Read

       Zimbabwe 20/3, Partnership of 6
       TJ Friend  c Read b Gough  4 (4b 1x4 0x6)

End of over 6 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 20/3 (RR: 3.33)
D Gough 3-0-11-2 (1nb) - Ashley Down Road End
GW Flower 0* (2b) 

       Taibu in
   6.1 Anderson to Flower, legbye: one run, off the thigh to leg
   6.2 Anderson to Taibu, no run, left alone outside off
   6.3 Anderson to Taibu, no run, good one on the stumps and its defended
        to leg
   6.4 Anderson to Taibu, no run, and Taibu, short himself does not have
        to duck too low
   6.5 Anderson to Taibu, no run, defended to covers, 3 slips and a gully
        in now
   6.6 Anderson to Taibu, wide: no run, slower ball and misdirected way
        outside off
   6.6 Anderson to Taibu, no run, short and outside ff, left alone

End of over 7 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 22/3 (RR: 3.14)
JM Anderson 4-0-8-1 (3w 1nb) - Pavilion End
GW Flower 0* (3b) T Taibu 0* (5b)

   7.1 Gough to Flower, no run, beatne on the off
   7.2 Gough to Flower, no run, leaves but ball nips back and just misses
        the off stump bails
   7.3 Gough to Flower, no run, off the pads to leg and Read catches it on
        the dive, the crowd thinks it was a catch
   7.4 Gough to Flower, one run, turned to leg
   7.5 Gough to Taibu, no run, left alone outside off
   7.6 Gough to Taibu, wide: no run, well outsde off and a slash at it
        misses too
   7.6 Gough to Taibu, (noball) no run, defended to the off
   7.6 Gough to Taibu, one run, turned to fine leg

End of over 8 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 26/3 (RR: 3.25)
D Gough 4-0-15-2 (1w 2nb) - Ashley Down Road End
T Taibu 1* (8b) GW Flower 1* (7b)

   8.1 Anderson to Taibu, wide: no run, down the legside
   8.1 Anderson to Taibu, wide: no run, well outside off as extras mount
   8.1 Anderson to Taibu, wide: no run, way outside leg this time
   8.1 Anderson to Taibu, no run, left alone outside off, close to being a
        wide too
   8.2 Anderson to Taibu, no run, good ball right in the offside slot and
        beats Taibu
   8.3 Anderson to Taibu, no run, full on the legstump, defended to leg
   8.4 Anderson to Taibu, no run, a yorker try on the legs, dug out to
        square leg
   8.5 Anderson to Taibu, FOUR, nicely turned off his toes to long leg
   8.6 Anderson to Taibu, no run, drives on the off, gets an inside edge
        to square leg

End of over 9 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 33/3 (RR: 3.67)
JM Anderson 5-0-15-1 (6w 1nb) - Pavilion End
GW Flower 1* (7b) T Taibu 5* (14b 1x4)

   9.1 Gough to Flower, wide: no run, down the legside
   9.1 Gough to Flower, no run, on the stumps and its turned to leg
   9.2 Gough to Flower, no run, left alone outside off
   9.3 Gough to Flower, no run, dropped at second slip and Flintoff could
        not hold going down low to his left
   9.4 Gough to Flower, no run, left alone outside off
   9.5 Gough to Flower, no run, left alone
   9.6 Gough to Flower, no run, comes forward and defends to covers

End of over 10 (1 run) Zimbabwe 34/3 (RR: 3.40)
D Gough 5-0-16-2 (2w 2nb) - Ashley Down Road End
T Taibu 5* (14b 1x4) GW Flower 1* (13b)

       Johnson to bowl
  10.1 Johnson to Taibu, OUT: comes forward, gets a good outswinger and
        edges to Trescothick at first slip

       Zimbabwe 34/4, Partnership of 14
       T Taibu  c Trescothick b Johnson  5 (15b 1x4 0x6)
       GW Flower 1* (13b) RL Johnson 0.1-0-0-1

       Matsikenyeri in
  10.2 Johnson to Matsikenyeri, wide: no run, a huge bouncer thats called
  10.2 Johnson to Matsikenyeri, one run, slow full toss thats sent to
        third man
  10.3 Johnson to Flower, no run, outsinger and its left alone
  10.4 Johnson to Flower, no run, left alone utsode off
  10.5 Johnson to Flower, no run, left alone utside off
  10.6 Johnson to Flower, no run, on the legs and its driven inside out to
        mid off

End of over 11 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 36/4 (RR: 3.27)
RL Johnson 1-0-2-1 (1w) - Pavilion End
S Matsikenyeri 1* (1b) GW Flower 1* (17b)

  11.1 Gough to Matsikenyeri, three runs, a good looking punch through the
        covers and a long chase with a flick back to the second fielder
        but they do run the three
  11.2 Gough to Flower, no run, left alone
  11.3 Gough to Flower, no run, on the off stump and prodded to point
  11.4 Gough to Flower, no run, a loud appeal as ball struck the pads on
        the roll and declined
  11.5 Gough to Flower, OUT: beaten on the bounce and some away swing, a
        great ball that he feathered to Read, most other batsmen would
        have missed it

       Zimbabwe 39/5, Partnership of 5
       GW Flower  c Read b Gough  1 (21b 0x4 0x6)
       S Matsikenyeri 4* (2b) D Gough 5.5-0-19-3 (2w 2nb)

       Streak in and Zimbabwe are in lots of trouble now
  11.6 Gough to Streak, bye: one run, a nasty bouncer thats is partly
        stopped by Read and Gough has 3-19

End of over 12 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 40/5 (RR: 3.33)
D Gough 6-0-19-3 (2w 2nb) - Ashley Down Road End
HH Streak 0* (1b) S Matsikenyeri 4* (2b)

  12.1 Johnson to Streak, FOUR, a loose one on the legs and its helped to
        fine leg
  12.2 Johnson to Streak, no run, good ball on off stump, prodded to the
        off
  12.3 Johnson to Streak, one run, on the middle stump and it squares up
        Streak to edge to third man
  12.4 Johnson to Matsikenyeri, no run, a superb ball that came in on the
        angle then swung away to beat the batsman
  12.5 Johnson to Matsikenyeri, no run, on the pads
  12.6 Johnson to Matsikenyeri, no run, pushed to cover

End of over 13 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 45/5 (RR: 3.46)
RL Johnson 2-0-7-1 (1w) - Pavilion End
HH Streak 5* (4b 1x4) S Matsikenyeri 4* (5b)

  13.1 Gough to Streak, OUT: Gough's fourth! a good ball on the off stump,
        Streak drives and a thin edge to Read gets him Bowden's crooked
        finger

       Zimbabwe 45/6, Partnership of 6
       HH Streak  c Read b Gough  5 (5b 1x4 0x6)
       S Matsikenyeri 4* (5b) D Gough 6.1-0-19-4 (2w 2nb)

       Ervine in
  13.2 Gough to Ervine, no run, defends to cover
  13.3 Gough to Ervine, no run, short and outside off and a cut try beats
        him
  13.4 Gough to Ervine, no run, an outswinger and it beats the edge
  13.5 Gough to Ervine, no run, on target and its turned to mid off
  13.6 Gough to Ervine, no run, left alone and was another short ball just
        outside off

End of over 14 (maiden) Zimbabwe 45/6 (RR: 3.21)
D Gough 7-1-19-4 (2w 2nb) - Ashley Down Road End
S Matsikenyeri 4* (5b) SM Ervine 0* (5b)

  14.1 Johnson to Matsikenyeri, no run, short and defended to gully
  14.2 Johnson to Matsikenyeri, no run, turned to md wicket
  14.3 Johnson to Matsikenyeri, one run, on off stump and edged to third
        man
  14.4 Johnson to Ervine, wide: no run, down the legside
  14.4 Johnson to Ervine, no run, on off stump and Ervine forced bak to
        prod to the off
  14.5 Johnson to Ervine, no run, left aloneoutside ff
  14.6 Johnson to Ervine, no run, on the stumps, short of a length and
        defended

End of over 15 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 47/6 (RR: 3.13)
RL Johnson 3-0-9-1 (2w) - Pavilion End
S Matsikenyeri 5* (8b) SM Ervine 0* (8b)

  15.1 Gough to Matsikenyeri, no run, short and ducked, thats the one
        allowed this over
  15.2 Gough to Matsikenyeri, no run, cut him in half with a fine ball, a
        loud appeal for a sound but t was off his pants through to the
        keeper
  15.3 Gough to Matsikenyeri, no run, drives to extra cover and a fine
        diving save by Vaughan there
  15.4 Gough to Matsikenyeri, no run, turned to square leg
  15.5 Gough to Matsikenyeri, two runs, driven on the up ut not timed and
        it chased down at long off
  15.6 Gough to Matsikenyeri, one run, turned to fine leg for Zimbabwe's
        fifty

End of over 16 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 50/6 (RR: 3.12)
D Gough 8-1-22-4 (2w 2nb) - Ashley Down Road End
S Matsikenyeri 8* (14b) SM Ervine 0* (8b)

  16.1 Johnson to Matsikenyeri, one run, hops to leg and guides a short
        ball to third man
  16.2 Johnson to Ervine, no run, good ball thats nipped back into his
        stumps to be defended
  16.3 Johnson to Ervine, no run, short and Ervine hops back to defend
  16.4 Johnson to Ervine, OUT: What catching practice! a godd ball that
        angled across him but Ervine suddenly forgot to move his feet and
        the angled bat gave a perfect catch to Clarke at third slip

       Zimbabwe 51/7, Partnership of 6
       SM Ervine  c Clarke b Johnson  0 (11b 0x4 0x6)
       S Matsikenyeri 9* (15b) RL Johnson 3.4-0-10-2 (2w)

       Blignaut i
  16.5 Johnson to Blignaut, no run, short and taken on the thigh
  16.6 Johnson to Blignaut, no run, left alone outside off

End of over 17 (1 run) Zimbabwe 51/7 (RR: 3.00)
RL Johnson 4-0-10-2 (2w) - Pavilion End
S Matsikenyeri 9* (15b) AM Blignaut 0* (2b)

       Certainly this time the forecast of a helpful pitch coupled with
        good pace bowling has done the trick
       Harmison gets to bowl finally
  17.1 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, FOUR, on leg stump and its flicked ver
        square leg
  17.2 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, one run, short and its cut over point
  17.3 Harmison to Blignaut, FOUR, a fine shot off and overpitched ball to
        mid off
  17.4 Harmison to Blignaut, no run, short and defended to cover
  17.5 Harmison to Blignaut, wide: no run, down the legside
  17.5 Harmison to Blignaut, one run, edged to third man as the Zimbabwe
        batsmen still not using their feet much, expecting ball to do
        things
  17.6 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, no run, mistimed to md off

End of over 18 (11 runs) Zimbabwe 62/7 (RR: 3.44)
SJ Harmison 1-0-11-0 (1w) - Ashley Down Road End
AM Blignaut 5* (5b 1x4) S Matsikenyeri 14* (18b 1x4)

  18.1 Johnson to Blignaut, no run, on legstump, off the pads to square
        leg
  18.2 Johnson to Blignaut, wide: no run, short and rising, way over
        Blignaut head, called a wide
  18.2 Johnson to Blignaut, no run, pithced up swing in, driven to mid on
  18.3 Johnson to Blignaut, wide: no run, sliding down the legside,
        anohter wide
  18.3 Johnson to Blignaut, FOUR, pitched up a little bit, driven upishly
        over cover for a boundary
  18.4 Johnson to Blignaut, no run, pushed to point
  18.5 Johnson to Blignaut, no run, slower delivery, checked his stroke to
        mid off
  18.6 Johnson to Blignaut, no run, another short delivery down the
        legside, very lucky not to be called wide

End of over 19 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 68/7 (RR: 3.58)
RL Johnson 5-0-16-2 (4w) - Pavilion End
S Matsikenyeri 14* (18b 1x4) AM Blignaut 9* (11b 2x4)

  19.1 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, wide: no run, wayward delivery down the
        legsdie
  19.1 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, no run, short of a length, outside the
        off, moving further away, through to the keeper
  19.2 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, no run, short and rising delivery outside
        off, left alone
  19.3 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, no run, good length delivery,
        Matsikenyeri slashing at it, missing
  19.4 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, no run, well directed to his pads,
        defended to leg
  19.5 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, no run, well outside off and he covers up
        to leave it
  19.6 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, one run, edges it to third man

End of over 20 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 70/7 (RR: 3.50)
SJ Harmison 2-0-13-0 (2w) - Ashley Down Road End
S Matsikenyeri 15* (24b 1x4) AM Blignaut 9* (11b 2x4)

       Flintoff replaces Johnson
  20.1 Flintoff to Matsikenyeri, no run, well directed bouncer and
        comprehensively beaten
  20.2 Flintoff to Matsikenyeri, no run, pushed back
  20.3 Flintoff to Matsikenyeri, FOUR, too much width outside off, smashed
        away in the air to point boundary
  20.4 Flintoff to Matsikenyeri, no run, quick delivery, beaten outside
        off
  20.5 Flintoff to Matsikenyeri, two runs, short, picks it early and
        hammered away not timed it properly over mid on
  20.6 Flintoff to Matsikenyeri, three runs, a better looking drive and
        equally well placed between mid off and cover

End of over 21 (9 runs) Zimbabwe 79/7 (RR: 3.76)
A Flintoff 1-0-9-0 - Pavilion End
S Matsikenyeri 24* (30b 2x4) AM Blignaut 9* (11b 2x4)

  21.1 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, one run, slashing hard outside off, thick
        outside edge to third man, fell just short of Johnson
  21.2 Harmison to Blignaut, one run, short, jumps and turned off his hips
        to backward square leg
  21.3 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, no run, on target, defended off the
        backfoot
  21.4 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, wide: no run, short and rising, way over
        batsman head, called a wide
  21.4 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, wide: no run, another wide delivery down
        the legside
  21.4 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, no run, mistimed push to mid off
  21.5 Harmison to Matsikenyeri, one run, prod past point to third man
  21.6 Harmison to Blignaut, no run, defended to mid on

End of over 22 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 84/7 (RR: 3.82)
SJ Harmison 3-0-18-0 (4w) - Ashley Down Road End
S Matsikenyeri 26* (34b 2x4) AM Blignaut 10* (13b 2x4)

  22.1 Flintoff to Matsikenyeri, OUT: Wow! an inswinger, went through the
        bat and pad gap and of course onto the top of off stump

       Zimbabwe 84/8, Partnership of 33
       S Matsikenyeri  b Flintoff  26 (35b 2x4 0x6)
       AM Blignaut 10* (13b 2x4) A Flintoff 1.1-0-9-1

       the new batsman is Price
  22.2 Flintoff to Price, no run, left through to keeper
  22.3 Flintoff to Price, no run, an away swinger outisde off, tries to
        play and then leaves it to keeper
  22.4 Flintoff to Price, no run, short down the legside
  22.5 Flintoff to Price, OUT: GONE! Caught behind, well outside the off,
        a hint of inswing too, playing away from his body, thin edge and
        Read takes the easy catch

       Zimbabwe 84/9, Partnership of 0
       RW Price  c Read b Flintoff  0 (4b 0x4 0x6)
       AM Blignaut 10* (13b 2x4) A Flintoff 1.5-0-9-2

       Last man Hondo in
  22.6 Flintoff to Hondo, no run, yorker length well bowled and equally
        well dug out by Hondo

End of over 23 (maiden) Zimbabwe 84/9 (RR: 3.65)
A Flintoff 2-1-9-2 - Pavilion End
AM Blignaut 10* (13b 2x4) DT Hondo 0* (1b)

       Gough back on
  23.1 Gough to Blignaut, (noball) two runs, short ball, guided to
        backward point
  23.1 Gough to Blignaut, no run
  23.2 Gough to Blignaut, one run, steered to third man
  23.3 Gough to Hondo, no run
  23.4 Gough to Hondo, no run
  23.5 Gough to Hondo, no run
  23.6 Gough to Hondo, no run

End of over 24 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 88/9 (RR: 3.67)
D Gough 9-1-26-4 (2w 3nb) - Ashley Down Road End
AM Blignaut 13* (16b 2x4) DT Hondo 0* (5b)

  24.1 Flintoff to Blignaut, FOUR, fuller length on legs flicked away to
        mid wicket
  24.2 Flintoff to Blignaut, no run, defended to off
  24.3 Flintoff to Blignaut, no run, short of length ball, goes back and
        defends it to cover
  24.4 Flintoff to Blignaut, no run, defended to point
  24.5 Flintoff to Blignaut, OUT: all over! short delivery, Blignaut
        swings this one, top edge ball went high in the air, Clarke takes
        a simple catch at gully

       Zimbabwe 92/10, Partnership of 8
       AM Blignaut  c Clarke b Flintoff  17 (21b 3x4 0x6)
       DT Hondo 0* (5b) A Flintoff 2.5-1-13-3

       The scene at Bristol was: good bowling wicket, Zimbabwe to face the
        England pacers - failure, wickets, wicket, a short stand then
        wickets again, lots of extras and what some now call the England
        attack "ferocious' making short work of Zimbabwe.
       The experinced Gough picked uo 4 for 26 and Flintoff at the end
        cleaning up the tail with 3 for 13.
       The Zimbabwe batsmen seemed not to have the skill to deal with
        swing and seam, playing away from their bodies a lot expecting the
        ball to swing and failed.
       Its a 45 min break and after that with a bonus point almost certain
        England will have a place in the final, assuming they bat well.
       Please join us in about 40 mins for the England innings.

Match State: Innings Break

       Hello and welcome back to Bristol
       Play is about to resume
       The umpires and players are in the middle
       Trescothick and Solanki are the England opening batsmen
       Trescothick is to take strike
       Streak to bowl
       Here we go!
   0.1 Streak to Trescothick, no run, left alone outside off
   0.2 Streak to Trescothick, no run, guided to gully
   0.3 Streak to Trescothick, one run, on legstump, tries to turn toward
        legside, leading edge to third man
   0.4 Streak to Solanki, no run, defended back to bowler
   0.5 Streak to Solanki, no run, fuller length, Solanki well forward and
        defends it to gully
   0.6 Streak to Solanki, three runs, tucked away off his legs to vacant
        mid wicket

End of over 1 (4 runs) England 4/0 (RR: 4.00 RRR: 89/49 = 1.82)
HH Streak 1-0-4-0 - Pavilion End
VS Solanki 3* (3b) ME Trescothick 1* (3b)

       Hondo to bowl from Ashley Down Road End
   1.1 Hondo to Solanki, no run, comes forward and pushed defensively to
        cover
   1.2 Hondo to Solanki, FOUR, fuller length outside leg, easily flicked
        away to fine leg
   1.3 Hondo to Solanki, no run, tries to turn it toward onside, rapped on
        thigh
   1.4 Hondo to Solanki, no run
   1.5 Hondo to Solanki, bye: two runs, sharp inswinger beats him, Taibu
        also misses it behind the stumps
   1.6 Hondo to Solanki, no run, outswinger, plays and misses outside off

End of over 2 (6 runs) England 10/0 (RR: 5.00 RRR: 83/48 = 1.73)
DT Hondo 1-0-4-0 - Ashley Down Road End
ME Trescothick 1* (3b) VS Solanki 7* (9b 1x4)

   2.1 Streak to Trescothick, no run, slice it to gully
   2.2 Streak to Trescothick, wide: no run, way outside off
   2.2 Streak to Trescothick, no run, a quicker delivery got some swing
        too, left alone
   2.3 Streak to Trescothick, one run, turned to mid wicket for an easy
        single
   2.4 Streak to Solanki, no run, outside off and seaming away to be left
        alone
   2.5 Streak to Solanki, no run, again just wide of the off stump, no
        shot offered
   2.6 Streak to Solanki, no run, defended to point

End of over 3 (2 runs) England 12/0 (RR: 4.00 RRR: 81/47 = 1.72)
HH Streak 2-0-6-0 (1w) - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 2* (6b) VS Solanki 7* (12b 1x4)

   3.1 Hondo to Trescothick, three runs, beautifully timed stroke to extra
        cover
   3.2 Hondo to Solanki, no run, guided to point, well fielded by Ebrahim
   3.3 Hondo to Solanki, no run, pitched up just wide of the off stump,
        leaves it to the keeper
   3.4 Hondo to Solanki, wide: one run, down the legside, taibu misses it
        and batsmen croses for a single
   3.4 Hondo to Trescothick, no run, pitches on middle and shapes away,
        Trescothick plays and misses
   3.5 Hondo to Trescothick, two runs, rushed out of his crease and hits
        it wildly over cover, ball landed safely
   3.6 Hondo to Trescothick, one run, cut to third man

End of over 4 (8 runs) England 20/0 (RR: 5.00 RRR: 73/46 = 1.59)
DT Hondo 2-0-12-0 (1w) - Ashley Down Road End
ME Trescothick 8* (10b) VS Solanki 7* (14b 1x4)

   4.1 Streak to Trescothick, OUT: short of length ball outside off,
        Trescothick open the face of the bat, tries to run it down to
        third man, steer to gully in the air, Friend dives forward and
        grab a good low catch inches away from the ground

       England 20/1, Partnership of 20
       ME Trescothick  c Friend b Streak  8 (11b 0x4 0x6)
       VS Solanki 7* (14b 1x4) HH Streak 2.1-0-6-1 (1w)

       Johnson in
   4.2 Streak to Johnson, no run, tries to play across thel;ine, hit on
        pads
   4.3 Streak to Johnson, OUT: good length ball tries to heave it over in
        fielder, misstimed it and skies up in the air, Ebrahim and
        Coventry runs towards the ball to catch it, nearly a collusion
        between them, but Coventry kept his cool and takes a well judge
        catch

       England 20/2, Partnership of 0
       RL Johnson  c Coventry b Streak  0 (2b 0x4 0x6)
       VS Solanki 7* (14b 1x4) HH Streak 2.3-0-6-2 (1w)

       Skipper comes in
   4.4 Streak to Solanki, no run, left alone outside off
   4.5 Streak to Solanki, no run, pitches outside off, left alone through
        to keeper
   4.6 Streak to Solanki, no run, left again through to keeper

End of over 5 (maiden) England 20/2 (RR: 4.00 RRR: 73/45 = 1.62)
HH Streak 3-1-6-2 (1w) - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 0* (0b) VS Solanki 7* (17b 1x4)

   5.1 Hondo to Vaughan, no run, good length ball, defends it to gully
   5.2 Hondo to Vaughan, no run, on target, comes on the front foot and
        defends it to cover
   5.3 Hondo to Vaughan, two runs, short of length ball on legs, whipped
        away to fine leg
   5.4 Hondo to Vaughan, no run, pitches up, swigns away from the right
        hander, Vaughan tries to defends it on the front foot, edge to
        gully
   5.5 Hondo to Vaughan, no run, on target again, front foot defensive
        push to cover
   5.6 Hondo to Vaughan, no run, pushed back

End of over 6 (2 runs) England 22/2 (RR: 3.67 RRR: 71/44 = 1.61)
DT Hondo 3-0-14-0 (1w) - Ashley Down Road End
VS Solanki 7* (17b 1x4) MP Vaughan 2* (6b)

   6.1 Streak to Solanki, no run, pitches bit wide outside off, shaping
        away from the right hander, Solanki gets his front foot across,
        lets it go through to keeper
   6.2 Streak to Solanki, no run, on target, defends it to cover
   6.3 Streak to Solanki, no run, left alone through to keeper
   6.4 Streak to Solanki, no run, pushed to mid on Vaughan wants a single
        sent back by Solanki
   6.5 Streak to Solanki, no run, again good length ball, defends it
        solidly to cover
   6.6 Streak to Solanki, OUT: again good length ball just outside off,
        with bit of away movement, Solanki tries to force it off the back
        foot, thin edge in the hand of young Taibu

       England 22/3, Partnership of 2
       VS Solanki  c Taibu b Streak  7 (23b 1x4 0x6)

End of over 7 (maiden) England 22/3 (RR: 3.14 RRR: 71/43 = 1.65)
HH Streak 4-2-6-3 (1w) - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 2* (6b) 

       McGrath is the new batsman
       Blignaut comes to bowl now
   7.1 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, good first delivery, pitches up, just
        wide outside off, Vaughan lets it go through to keeper
   7.2 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, again outside off, shapes from the
        right hander, left alone through to keeper
   7.3 Blignaut to Vaughan, one run, steered to third man
   7.4 Blignaut to McGrath, (noball) one run, short ball just outside off,
        angles it to third man
   7.4 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, again short and bit wide outsid eoff,
        left alone through to keeper
   7.5 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, outside off, went for the cut, misses
        the outer edge
   7.6 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, left alone through to keeper

End of over 8 (3 runs) England 25/3 (RR: 3.12 RRR: 68/42 = 1.62)
AM Blignaut 1-0-3-0 (1nb) - Ashley Down Road End
A McGrath 1* (1b) MP Vaughan 3* (12b)

   8.1 Streak to McGrath, no run, tries to play on the leg side, hit on
        thigh
   8.2 Streak to McGrath, no run, on target, defends it back to bowler
   8.3 Streak to McGrath, no run, on target, defends it off the backfoot
        to cover
   8.4 Streak to McGrath, OUT: good length ball bit short in length,
        shapes away from the right hander, MacGrath plays it away from the
        body, ball takes a big outer edge and went straight in the hand of
        Grant Flower at 2nd slip

       England 25/4, Partnership of 3
       A McGrath  c Flower b Streak  1 (5b 0x4 0x6)
       MP Vaughan 3* (12b) HH Streak 4.4-2-6-4 (1w)

       Flintoff in
   8.5 Streak to Flintoff, no run, again a swinging delivery but wide
        outside off, left it through to keeper
   8.6 Streak to Flintoff, no run, on target defends it to cover

End of over 9 (maiden) England 25/4 (RR: 2.78 RRR: 68/41 = 1.66)
HH Streak 5-3-6-4 (1w) - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 3* (12b) A Flintoff 0* (2b)

   9.1 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, good length ball, guided to gully
   9.2 Blignaut to Vaughan, one run, fuller ball on legs, turned to short
        mid wicket
   9.3 Blignaut to Flintoff, no run, short and wide outside off, left
        alone
   9.4 Blignaut to Flintoff, no run, guided to gully
   9.5 Blignaut to Flintoff, (noball) two runs, fuller ball, tries to york
        him, Flintoof comes forward makes it full toss, driven down the
        ground to long off
   9.5 Blignaut to Flintoff, FOUR, beautifull on driven just stand up and
        drives it beautifully to deep mid wicket
   9.6 Blignaut to Flintoff, wide: no run, way down the legside through to
        keeper
   9.6 Blignaut to Flintoff, one run, short of length ball, stands up,
        open the face of the bat and runs it downt o third man

End of over 10 (10 runs) England 35/4 (RR: 3.50 RRR: 58/40 = 1.45)
AM Blignaut 2-0-13-0 (1w 2nb) - Ashley Down Road End
A Flintoff 7* (7b 1x4) MP Vaughan 4* (14b)

  10.1 Streak to Flintoff, no run, on target, defends it on the front foot
        to gully
  10.2 Streak to Flintoff, no run, again on target, Flintoff gets his
        front foot well forward and defends it solidly with bat and pads
        together to cover
  10.3 Streak to Flintoff, one run, turned to short mid wicket and run a
        quick single
  10.4 Streak to Vaughan, no run, lovely delivery, pitches on off and
        swings away from the right hander, Vaughan tries to defends it on
        the front foot but beaten outside off very lucky to not get an
        edge through to keeper
  10.5 Streak to Vaughan, no run, left alone through to keeper
  10.6 Streak to Vaughan, no run, pitches outside off, good leave this
        time by Vaughan

End of over 11 (1 run) England 36/4 (RR: 3.27 RRR: 57/39 = 1.46)
HH Streak 6-3-7-4 (1w) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 8* (10b 1x4) MP Vaughan 4* (17b)

  11.1 Blignaut to Flintoff, no run, good ball, equally well played,
        guided to gully
  11.2 Blignaut to Flintoff, no run, plays and misses outside off, through
        to keeper
  11.3 Blignaut to Flintoff, legbye: one run, off the pads to square leg
  11.4 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, good sharp short ball, quickest
        delviery of the day, Vaughan beaten all ends up, Taibu takes it
        well over his head
  11.5 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, defends it to cover and wants a single
        sent back by Flintoff
  11.6 Blignaut to Vaughan, wide: no run, short and wide outside off, left
        alone through to keeper
  11.6 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, good ball, pitches just outside off,
        and swings away from the right hander, plays and misses through to
        keeper

End of over 12 (2 runs) England 38/4 (RR: 3.17 RRR: 55/38 = 1.45)
AM Blignaut 3-0-14-0 (2w 2nb) - Ashley Down Road End
A Flintoff 8* (13b 1x4) MP Vaughan 4* (20b)

  12.1 Streak to Flintoff, no run, good line and length and a away swing
        too, left alone outside off stump through to keeper
  12.2 Streak to Flintoff, no run, defended to cover
  12.3 Streak to Flintoff, no run, on target, defends it to mid off
  12.4 Streak to Flintoff, one run, defends it to cover and run a quick
        single
  12.5 Streak to Vaughan, no run, left alone through to keeper
  12.6 Streak to Vaughan, no run, pitches up, nice front foot drive to
        cover, equally well fielded by Matsikenyeri dives towards his
        right and save a certain four

End of over 13 (1 run) England 39/4 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 54/37 = 1.46)
HH Streak 7-3-8-4 (1w) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 9* (17b 1x4) MP Vaughan 4* (22b)

  13.1 Blignaut to Flintoff, FOUR, short ball goes back and pulls it over
        mid on just one bounce over the fence
  13.2 Blignaut to Flintoff, FOUR, fuller ball, just stand and deliver,
        comes on the front foot and drives hard to long off fence for four
  13.3 Blignaut to Flintoff, wide: no run, way down the legside, Taibu
        dives towards his left and save the runs
  13.3 Blignaut to Flintoff, (noball) SIX, bouncer, goes back and pulls it
        to long leg, just hit the finger tips of Coventry and landed over
        long leg boundary
  13.3 Blignaut to Flintoff, FOUR, flicked away nicely to deep mid wicket
        for another four
  13.4 Blignaut to Flintoff, no run, steered to point
  13.5 Blignaut to Flintoff, one run, pitches up, drives uppishly just
        short of Streak at mid off
  13.6 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, guided to gully well diving save by
        Ervine

End of over 14 (21 runs) England 60/4 (RR: 4.29 RRR: 33/36 = 0.92)
AM Blignaut 4-0-35-0 (3w 3nb) - Ashley Down Road End
A Flintoff 28* (23b 4x4 1x6) MP Vaughan 4* (23b)

Match State: Drinks

  14.1 Streak to Flintoff, (noball) no run, swing and a miss
  14.1 Streak to Flintoff, no run, pitches up swings in, rapped on pads
        infront of off stump, loud shout for lbw, umpire says no
  14.2 Streak to Flintoff, no run, guided to gully
  14.3 Streak to Flintoff, FOUR, short delivery, pulls it infront of
        square  to onside
  14.4 Streak to Flintoff, no run, another short delivery, this time
        flintoff leaves it to keeper
  14.5 Streak to Flintoff, legbye: one run, rushed out of his crease,
        tries a big hit, off the pad to fine leg
  14.6 Streak to Vaughan, one run, angles it to third man

End of over 15 (7 runs) England 67/4 (RR: 4.47 RRR: 26/35 = 0.74)
HH Streak 8-3-14-4 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 5* (24b) A Flintoff 32* (29b 5x4 1x6)

  15.1 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, gets his front foot forward and leaves
        it to keeper
  15.2 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, pitches up outside off, drives and
        gets beaten
  15.3 Blignaut to Vaughan, wide: FOUR, short delivery way over batsman
        head, down the leg too
  15.3 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, left through to keeper
  15.4 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, yorker length, driven to mid off
  15.5 Blignaut to Vaughan, one run, ondrive to mid wicket, nicely timed
        too, good diving stop by Hondo
  15.6 Blignaut to Flintoff, no run, pushed back

End of over 16 (6 runs) England 73/4 (RR: 4.56 RRR: 20/34 = 0.59)
AM Blignaut 5-0-41-0 (4w 3nb) - Ashley Down Road End
MP Vaughan 6* (29b) A Flintoff 32* (30b 5x4 1x6)

  16.1 Streak to Vaughan, no run, turned to square leg
  16.2 Streak to Vaughan, no run, defended to point
  16.3 Streak to Vaughan, no run, angling into the batsman, defended back
  16.4 Streak to Vaughan, five runs, turned to mid wicket for a quick
        single, Price gave away four over throws
  16.5 Streak to Flintoff, one run, steered away to third man
  16.6 Streak to Vaughan, wide: no run, bouncer, called a wide, was too
        high
  16.6 Streak to Vaughan, no run, pushed back

End of over 17 (7 runs) England 80/4 (RR: 4.71 RRR: 13/33 = 0.39)
HH Streak 9-3-21-4 (2w 1nb) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 33* (31b 5x4 1x6) MP Vaughan 11* (34b)

  17.1 Blignaut to Flintoff, no run, goes for another big hit and misses,
        slight appeal for lbw, was missing leg
  17.2 Blignaut to Flintoff, no run, edged put down at first slip by
        Friend
  17.3 Blignaut to Flintoff, FOUR, whipped away off his legs to mid wicket
  17.4 Blignaut to Flintoff, FOUR, another firm drive back to bowler, past
        between the legs of Blignaut to long off boundary
  17.5 Blignaut to Flintoff, (noball) no run, bouncer, called a noball,
        was too high
  17.5 Blignaut to Flintoff, SIX, short delivery, pulls it top edge over
        keeper for a six, England have won by six wickets!
       It's been a terrific day's cricket at Bristol, action packed all
        the way
       Bad luck Zimbabwe but England were better on the day. Dazzling
        performance from Streak apart, none of the bowlers impressed
       England on the other hand chased 93 in fine style
       Flintoff with 47* was his usual batting style
       Man of the Match : Andrew Flintoff (47 runs and three wickets)
       We certainly enjoyed bringing this game to you, we hope you enjoyed
        being with us.
       Send all your feedback to comms@cricinfo.com till the next day
        night match, South Africa v England at Birmingham on 8th, Play
        will start at 1330 Hrs GMT
       till then it's a very good evening to you from the team at Wisden
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Date-stamped : 06 Jul2003 - 19:17