Express & Star

Ashes Verdict 1st Test Day 1 - Wolverhampton CC

More than 300 runs on the board and seven wickets taken - not a bad way to start the Express and Star's new Ashes Verdict series!

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At the end of each day in this already eventful Ashes series the Express and Star will be seeking the views of players and officials from clubs in the Black Country, Staffordshire and beyond of the action as it unfolds.

Taking to the crease first up in this series is Tariq Ali who plays for Wolverhampton Cricket Club.

The 2015 Ashes began today in Cardiff and failed to disappoint, producing plenty of excitement.

After winning the toss England recovered well from a precarious 43-3 to finish on 343-7 at the close of play on Day 1.

Joe Root, who was dropped on 0, was the man of the day as a brilliant Test hundred (134) recovered the hosts from a bad start.

The Yorkshireman, who was dropped out of the England side the last time they played a test match against Australia, was well supported by Gary Ballance (61) and Ben Stokes (52) as England rallied late on after digging themselves back into a decent position.

Having lost three early wickets, England will be delighted to have some runs on the board with the chance to get more on the board. But have Australia managed to get the better of the day by taking seven wickets.

Tariq, who has played for a number of Wolverhampton Cricket Club's teams in the Birmingham and Staffordshire Leagues for eleven years, says England are on top after Day 1.

"I think its England's day but they would have liked it better if they had not lost a wicket or two towards the close," he told the Express and Star.

They've got runs on the board so you've got to be happy about that. The run rate has been great but just a shame they a lost a wicket or two to many.

"It's been a great start to the series and this first day has set the tone for what is to come. It was a good toss for England to win.

"Another 40 or 50 runs get close to 400 in the morning and I'll think they will be happy. I think England always bowl well at home so it could make for an interesting day.

Tariq praised Root's maturity after he notched up his seventh Test hundred of his career .

"If you look at him he's still very young but he's matured so well. He's come on leaps and bounds and knows how to put a Test match innings together."

Anyone who would like to get involved with our Ashes Verdict,series email nigel.slater@expressandstar.co.uk

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