da luck： Sunshine, a fine ground, a tight match with the right result – what’s not to like?

da betsul： Michael Hall28-Jun-2010Choice of game
Any game against the old enemy, Australia, is always an attraction. My daughters Sarah and Charlotte were particularly keen to see the Aussies as they missed live action from the Ashes tour last summer, as I am constantly being reminded (I attended!).Old Trafford has the dual advantage of being close to home and a great viewing ground, although the facilities are the worst of the English Test grounds. The Lancashire authorities also seem to have added what can only be described as a “giant red garden shed”, which apparently is a new corporate facility. I will not be rushing to experience this new structure and wish we did not have to look at it.Team supported
England, although there was a consensus before the game that we would like Ricky Ponting to do well as he is a great hit with the English crowds and we may not see him here again.Key performer
Graeme Swann was the key for England in that he kept taking wickets and contained the batsmen. He seems to love his cricket, which is even more evident at the match than on TV. He seems to be constantly “joshing” with his team-mates. There was a stunned silence at the ground when he got Ponting stumped off what looked like a wide, followed by delight from most of us in the 22,000 capacity crowd. Swanny was cheered and clapped loudly when he came to field at the end of his spell, and returned the compliment with applause for the England fans.One thing I’d have changed
Had the England v Germany World Cup football game at a different time. A few people left the ground to watch the football but 95% stayed and we all knew what was going on by the groans from those listening on the radio. I imagine Kevin Pietersen was rather disturbed with all the cheers as he was dismissed. It’s okay Kevin, it just coincided with word of an England goal. Now that I know the result, who cares about football? We have beaten the Aussies!Face-off I relished
Swann bowling at Ponting was a match-up I looked for at the start. This was one to us, but any England batsman against Tait or Bollinger was no fun at all to watch. England will need to get much better at facing these two or they’ll be losing again. Tait looks fast and wild, while Bollinger has an awkward approach that hides a deceptive accuracy. The whole crowd descended into a collective nervous spasm and my daughter Sarah could not look anymore as they ripped through England’s tail.Wow moment
There was collective relief when Tim Bresnan hit the winning runs after England almost collapsed from needing 30 to win with seven wickets left. The crowd roared but in reality we were just thankful England had not blown a match they should have won so much more easily.Player watch
Steve Smith seemed to get a lot of stick from the boozy sections for reasons I could not quite determine. Andrew Strauss was cheered for his marvellous knock, while poor old Pietersen, suffering from being hit in his “private parts”, just had to take the amusement of crowd and his fellow players.Shot of the day
Two shots from Eoin Morgan. The straight six with utter contempt off Hopes was awesome, and the very cheeky scoop over the wicketkeeper followed by a forward roll was enjoyed by all. Do not try this kids!Crowd meter
Packed crowd of 22,000, who enjoyed a warm and sunny day and quickly got over the football result. We were sitting in an alcohol-free stand, which meant the friendly atmosphere was maintained even late in the day, when sometimes things are spoiled by the heavy drinkers who often take up large sections of English grounds. Great area for families, and a lot of people with children enjoyed the game in a pleasant atmosphere.Fancy-dress index
Less than often at English grounds. No signs or banners, except for the official 4 and 6 banners, which we waved with increasing enthusiasm in the tense last overs. There seem to be a lot of restrictions on what is allowed in, which is a pity, but having witnessed some abuse given to the security guards I can see why the authorities are cautious.Entertainment
I am used to the music now after a wicket or a four but never know what it is and rely on the girls to tell me. Oasis, a Manchester band, was very popular. The poor Australians appeared to have one song only played for them. A bit more imagination here would probably be appreciated by the players.Accessories
A cool box with lunch and drinks in is essential. My binoculars were well used by us all, although not always to view the finer points. Charlotte used them to keep an eye on Stuart Broad, and spotting the Sky Sports heroes was also popular. Being the middle-aged member of the party, I had my radio for , which is mostly a delight, except when they let Boycott on.Overall
Ten out of 10 for an exciting match in wonderful weather at a great viewing ground. The new alcohol-free stand is a winner in my book. Most of all, though, we beat the Aussies. Roll on the Ashes.