England have retained the Ashes. Yes, England have retained the Ashes. Is it just CricketChicks or does that get better every time you say it?!
England’s performance at the MCG was a master class in how to play cricket. Winning the toss on an overcast day and with a green topped pitch, Andrew Strauss made exactly the right decision when he elected to bowl first. He (and Andy Flower) also made the right decision in electing to leave out Steven Finn (currently England’s leading wicket taker) for Tim Bresnan, who, on a slow and low pitch, provided control as well as chipping in with some vital wickets. Meanwhile, Chris Tremlett proved he was much more than a ‘horses for courses’ pick at the WACA, adjusting his length to snare four vital wickets. Together, Bresnan and Tremlett didn’t do bad for a second string bowling attack and, with James Anderson added to the mix, the result was carnage. Australia all out for 98. Yes, Australia all out for 98. Is it just CricketChicks or does that also get better every time you say it?!
England’s reply was mighty as the batsman, this time, conducted a lesson in leaving anything wide of off stump. Solid in defence and confident in his stroke play, Jonathon Trott was by far the stand out batsman. While he may not be pretty (and in fact at times rather annoying) he is a mighty effective number three. A line-up without him, seems unimaginable now. In contrast a line-up without Paul Collingwood seems ever more likely. Another low score and some missed catches, while fielding at slip to Graeme Swann, may prove to be the final nail in his coffin. The question, however, is whether England will give Collingwood another chance or prove to be as ruthless as they were with Finn. If he does play, the Sydney Test will be a massive opportunity for Collingwood to prove that he is still capable of playing at the highest level, while if he doesn’t, it will be a massive opportunity for his most likely replacement, Eoin Morgan, to stake a claim for the number five position.
While England’s only problem seems to be the form of Collingwood, Australia’s are much, much bigger. Well and truly hammered in this Test, the wheels appear to have well and truly come off for Ricky Ponting. His verbal tirade at both umpires shows a man desperate to keep not only his job but his place in the side. Yet, as was revealed today, this decisions seems to have been taken out of dear old Ricky’s hands as the selectors announced he would miss the final Test. While the reason given is Ricky’s damaged little finger, one can’t help feeling that it has more to do with national embarrassment and a lack of patience. It seems there can be no way back for Ricky. It’s a sorry end to a quality batsman’s career, but, if any consolation can be offered, it seems unlikely that Michael Clarke will do any better. Not only is he, reportedly, highly unpopular amongst the team but he simply doesn’t have the quality of players the Aussies once took for granted. It’s for this simple reason that Australia are two down and in all probability will be three down by the end of the series.
All England have to do is to continue as they have. 2-2 doesn’t nearly sound as convincing as 3-1. Now, that score-line really would be something worth re-saying.
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Monday, 20 December 2010
Third Test Déjà vu
It’s the summer of 2009 and England have just beaten Australia for the first time in 75 years, in a Test Match at Lords. The nation is euphoric and expectant. After a draw at Edgbaston, the focus turns to the crucial third Test; a win at Headingley and England cannot lose the series. The result, a crushing defeat for the home nation by an innings and 80 runs. Unable to cope with both pace and movement, England’s batsman were undone by the Australian quick’s and outclassed by some solid batting. The result, 1-1 and everything still to play for.
The course of an Ashes series, it seems, is destined never to run smooth. Or so it would appear for England. All hopes of inflicting a crushing defeat on the home side (we were thinking 4-0) and of extracting some revenge for what they did to us four years ago, faded meekly on Sunday morning as Australia hammered England by a 267 run win. Another crucial third Test, another loss for England and once again, the Ashes held in the balance.
Yet, can England’s most recent loss simply be put down to giddiness, as was the case at Headingley? As while the prospect of a first win down under for over 25 years may be enough to cause the said effect, Australia have most definitely upped their game. Vilified by their press, slated by their fans and with a Captain hanging onto his job by a thread, the Aussies came out fighting. Opting not to pick a front line spinner, they (literally) hit England hard with an all out pace attack. The enigma that is Mitchell Johnson, went from zero to hero, as he finally found some form with both pace and late swing; a deadly combination, as six of England’s batsman were to find out in the first innings. Their low scores contributing to a poor overall total of 187. The second innings was not, however, much better. All out for a pathetic 123, the culprit this time being Ryan Harris, claiming half the English wickets. The fastest track in international cricket, the WACA, reminded the world what a joy to watch rapid, hostile bowling can be. While it reminded the English what a force Australia can still be.
One of the main reasons the Aussies were tipped as favourites (by the bookies at least) before the series began, was because of their home advantage. Nowhere is this more crucial than in Perth. In a world dominated by benign pitches, the WACA is the exception. While England’s bowlers did a reasonable job in adjusting (Chris Tremlett was outstanding, taking his first Test Five-For) the batsman did not. In fact, the only batsman who did (and in possession of the century to prove it) is Mike Hussey, who, incidentally, plays his cricket for Western Australia. That said, despite the pace and bounce of the pitch, England’s batsman should have done better. A fact which has left many asking whether England should consider making some changes to their line up. Paul Collingwood, who has failed to make any score of significance since the start of the series, is most in the firing line with talk of him moving down to six (the in-form Ian Bell consequently moving up) or even being dropped for Eoin Morgan. The bowlers may not escape unscathed either. Steven Finn, (who despite being England’s leading wicket taker) is also expensive and fatigued, seems most likely to be left out.
While, the loss at Perth is not ideal, England shouldn’t panic. Just look back at how the 2009 series ended.
The course of an Ashes series, it seems, is destined never to run smooth. Or so it would appear for England. All hopes of inflicting a crushing defeat on the home side (we were thinking 4-0) and of extracting some revenge for what they did to us four years ago, faded meekly on Sunday morning as Australia hammered England by a 267 run win. Another crucial third Test, another loss for England and once again, the Ashes held in the balance.
Yet, can England’s most recent loss simply be put down to giddiness, as was the case at Headingley? As while the prospect of a first win down under for over 25 years may be enough to cause the said effect, Australia have most definitely upped their game. Vilified by their press, slated by their fans and with a Captain hanging onto his job by a thread, the Aussies came out fighting. Opting not to pick a front line spinner, they (literally) hit England hard with an all out pace attack. The enigma that is Mitchell Johnson, went from zero to hero, as he finally found some form with both pace and late swing; a deadly combination, as six of England’s batsman were to find out in the first innings. Their low scores contributing to a poor overall total of 187. The second innings was not, however, much better. All out for a pathetic 123, the culprit this time being Ryan Harris, claiming half the English wickets. The fastest track in international cricket, the WACA, reminded the world what a joy to watch rapid, hostile bowling can be. While it reminded the English what a force Australia can still be.
One of the main reasons the Aussies were tipped as favourites (by the bookies at least) before the series began, was because of their home advantage. Nowhere is this more crucial than in Perth. In a world dominated by benign pitches, the WACA is the exception. While England’s bowlers did a reasonable job in adjusting (Chris Tremlett was outstanding, taking his first Test Five-For) the batsman did not. In fact, the only batsman who did (and in possession of the century to prove it) is Mike Hussey, who, incidentally, plays his cricket for Western Australia. That said, despite the pace and bounce of the pitch, England’s batsman should have done better. A fact which has left many asking whether England should consider making some changes to their line up. Paul Collingwood, who has failed to make any score of significance since the start of the series, is most in the firing line with talk of him moving down to six (the in-form Ian Bell consequently moving up) or even being dropped for Eoin Morgan. The bowlers may not escape unscathed either. Steven Finn, (who despite being England’s leading wicket taker) is also expensive and fatigued, seems most likely to be left out.
While, the loss at Perth is not ideal, England shouldn’t panic. Just look back at how the 2009 series ended.
Friday, 10 December 2010
Changing Fortunes
The series may stand at 1-0, but the gulf between England and Australia, is much greater than the score line would suggest. While England continued to improve on their performance at Brisbane, Australia seemed, if anything, to have gotten worse at Adelaide. Bowled out for a well below par 245, Australia’s bowlers once again proved ineffective (that being despite the introduction of Ryan Harris and Doug Bollinger), as England’s top order (with the exception of Strauss) once again cashed in. Another century for Alastair Cook - and more records broken - as well as a sublime 226 for Kevin Pietersen (a very much welcomed return to form), saw England rack up 620-4 declared. Facing a sizeable deficit it was time then, for the Australian top order to mirror that of England. However, a mixture of brilliant bowling (Graeme Swann finally finding his rhythm and taking a five-for) and out-of-form batsman (most notably Ricky Ponting himself and Marcus North), resulted in the inevitable concoction of a defeat by a staggering innings and 71 runs. To borrow that infamous heading by Martin Johnson, Australia, it seems, can’t bat, bowl or field.
Unsurprisingly then, the Australian selectors have made a few changes for the third test in Perth; many of which make little sense. Ok, so Australia have been forced to make a change at the top of the order (brining in Philip Hughes for the injured Simon Katich), while the replacement of North, for the young leg-spinner Steve Smith, seems to be a sensible move. But, dropping Doug Bollinger after only one test and brining back Mitchell Johnson (who hasn’t played a first class match since the Brisbane test and was hopeless in that match to boot) defies logic. As does the selection of the left-arm spinner Michael Beer. Relatively unknown, he is the tenth spinner Australia have tried since the retirement of Shane Warne. Playing for Western Australia, Beer seems to be a ‘horses-for-courses’ selection. While this can sometimes pay off, it invariably fails (remember the Darren Pattinson debacle anyone?). It’s also a little harsh on Xavier Doherty. Ok, so he’s not the best spinner in the world, but will Beer be any better? It’s also a little harsh on Nathan Hauritz, who continues to be overlooked despite the fact that he bowled relatively well in the 2009 Ashes series. What these changes highlight then, is that Australia are confused and muddled. Clueless as to when, or how, their next victory will come, they are desperately searching for the ‘X factor’. Unfortunately, players such as Warne and Glenn McGrath - who possessed such a quality - are rarer than an England win down under.
Talking of England, the only blot on their tour so far, is the injury to Stuart Broad. Forced to go home with an abdominal strain, CricketChicks hope the selectors pick Chris Tremlett as his replacement - for the Perth test at least. As at the WACCA he could be mighty effective. What were we saying about ‘horses-for-courses’?
Unsurprisingly then, the Australian selectors have made a few changes for the third test in Perth; many of which make little sense. Ok, so Australia have been forced to make a change at the top of the order (brining in Philip Hughes for the injured Simon Katich), while the replacement of North, for the young leg-spinner Steve Smith, seems to be a sensible move. But, dropping Doug Bollinger after only one test and brining back Mitchell Johnson (who hasn’t played a first class match since the Brisbane test and was hopeless in that match to boot) defies logic. As does the selection of the left-arm spinner Michael Beer. Relatively unknown, he is the tenth spinner Australia have tried since the retirement of Shane Warne. Playing for Western Australia, Beer seems to be a ‘horses-for-courses’ selection. While this can sometimes pay off, it invariably fails (remember the Darren Pattinson debacle anyone?). It’s also a little harsh on Xavier Doherty. Ok, so he’s not the best spinner in the world, but will Beer be any better? It’s also a little harsh on Nathan Hauritz, who continues to be overlooked despite the fact that he bowled relatively well in the 2009 Ashes series. What these changes highlight then, is that Australia are confused and muddled. Clueless as to when, or how, their next victory will come, they are desperately searching for the ‘X factor’. Unfortunately, players such as Warne and Glenn McGrath - who possessed such a quality - are rarer than an England win down under.
Talking of England, the only blot on their tour so far, is the injury to Stuart Broad. Forced to go home with an abdominal strain, CricketChicks hope the selectors pick Chris Tremlett as his replacement - for the Perth test at least. As at the WACCA he could be mighty effective. What were we saying about ‘horses-for-courses’?
Monday, 29 November 2010
The start of things to come…
From 0-1 to 517-1 in the space of an innings - what a Test Match. When Andrew Strauss was out for a third ball duck on the first morning of the first Ashes Test, one couldn’t help but have flashbacks of Steve Harmison’s first delivery at the Gabba, back in 2006. Would Strauss’s misplaced cut shot be as foreboding as that wide? Would it set the tone for the entire series? By the end of day one it certainly seemed that way. Bowled out for just 260, with Australian birthday boy Peter Siddle getting a hat trick, England looked well below par and the script was all but written - another victory for Australia at the Brisbane fortress.
Yet, this was not the England of old but the England of Flower and Strauss. Resilient and determined, they fought back brilliantly on day two snaring five Aussie wickets before that record 307 run partnership between Hussey and Haddin (who reached 195 and 136 respectively), took hold. While it cannot be denied that both played brilliantly, it should not be overlooked that both (particularly Hussey) rode their luck. With the new ball, Anderson was simply wonderful. Indeed, it was as much a result of his bowling (as well as that of Stuart Broad) that Steven Finn managed to get the breakthrough, snaring the wicket of Hussey with a short delivery. Once the two stalwarts had departed, England mopped up the Australian tale with relative ease; Finn ending with a six-for and his best Test figures to date. In fact, had it not been for the two H’s Australia would have struggled to surpass England’s total, with the likes of Ricky Ponting, Michael Clark and Marcus North all failing to make contributions. As it was though, Australia had managed to amass a lead of 221 runs. A total big enough to cause a few nerves. Was another England collapse on the way?
The reality was in fact, much different, as for the first time in over eighty years, England’s top three batsman each reached three figures. Strauss, looking to be positive and showing his mental toughness by putting his initial failure well and truly behind him, made 110. Yes, one could argue that he was also lucky, (surviving an early shout for lbw and being dropped early on by the less than impressive Mitchell Johnson), there was no such luck involved for his opening partner. With more doubts hanging over him than any other English batsman, Alastair Cook showed exactly why he deserves his place in the team. A beautifully complied innings of 235 not out, silenced both his critics and the Aussies. With a further 135 added by Jonathon Trott, England had not only saved the Test match but had also gained the upper hand, forcing Australia to bat again; a tense few hours, which saw them lose their opener, Simon Katich. At just after 4pm, local time, both Captains shock hands and the match was drawn.
What can explain such a remarkable turn around in the space of just one innings then. Maybe the pitch had more in it for the bowlers on day one, a result of all the wet weather around Australia recently? Or perhaps England were simply nervous? Either way, they recovered brilliantly and have undoubtedly stolen the initiative. (Bowling Australia out in their first innings while making them toil in the field for two days, with one solitary wicket their only reward, being key). While taking twenty wickets will be tough for both sides, England seem the most likely to accomplish such a feat. A fact not lost on the Aussie selectors as they bring two new pacemen, Ryan Harris and Doug Bollinger, into the attack. If they will play and, more importantly, if they will make a difference awaits to be seen.
Bring on the next Test.
Yet, this was not the England of old but the England of Flower and Strauss. Resilient and determined, they fought back brilliantly on day two snaring five Aussie wickets before that record 307 run partnership between Hussey and Haddin (who reached 195 and 136 respectively), took hold. While it cannot be denied that both played brilliantly, it should not be overlooked that both (particularly Hussey) rode their luck. With the new ball, Anderson was simply wonderful. Indeed, it was as much a result of his bowling (as well as that of Stuart Broad) that Steven Finn managed to get the breakthrough, snaring the wicket of Hussey with a short delivery. Once the two stalwarts had departed, England mopped up the Australian tale with relative ease; Finn ending with a six-for and his best Test figures to date. In fact, had it not been for the two H’s Australia would have struggled to surpass England’s total, with the likes of Ricky Ponting, Michael Clark and Marcus North all failing to make contributions. As it was though, Australia had managed to amass a lead of 221 runs. A total big enough to cause a few nerves. Was another England collapse on the way?
The reality was in fact, much different, as for the first time in over eighty years, England’s top three batsman each reached three figures. Strauss, looking to be positive and showing his mental toughness by putting his initial failure well and truly behind him, made 110. Yes, one could argue that he was also lucky, (surviving an early shout for lbw and being dropped early on by the less than impressive Mitchell Johnson), there was no such luck involved for his opening partner. With more doubts hanging over him than any other English batsman, Alastair Cook showed exactly why he deserves his place in the team. A beautifully complied innings of 235 not out, silenced both his critics and the Aussies. With a further 135 added by Jonathon Trott, England had not only saved the Test match but had also gained the upper hand, forcing Australia to bat again; a tense few hours, which saw them lose their opener, Simon Katich. At just after 4pm, local time, both Captains shock hands and the match was drawn.
What can explain such a remarkable turn around in the space of just one innings then. Maybe the pitch had more in it for the bowlers on day one, a result of all the wet weather around Australia recently? Or perhaps England were simply nervous? Either way, they recovered brilliantly and have undoubtedly stolen the initiative. (Bowling Australia out in their first innings while making them toil in the field for two days, with one solitary wicket their only reward, being key). While taking twenty wickets will be tough for both sides, England seem the most likely to accomplish such a feat. A fact not lost on the Aussie selectors as they bring two new pacemen, Ryan Harris and Doug Bollinger, into the attack. If they will play and, more importantly, if they will make a difference awaits to be seen.
Bring on the next Test.
Friday, 26 November 2010
If you can't bear to watch the Cricket, why not get stuck into one of these instead…
Cricket Chicks Favourite Cricket Books (Well, what else would they be) : -
1) More Than A Game: The Story of Crickets Early Years by John Major - Beautifully thought out and beautifully written.
2) Start the Car: The World According to Bumble by David Lloyd - Hilarious.
3) Ashes Victory: The official story of the greatest ever Test series in the team’s own words by The Professional Cricketers Association - Always good to relive the 2005 Ashes Series and great to get an insight from the players themselves.
4) Following On: A year with English Cricket’s golden boys by David Tossell - Interesting to see how some succeed where others fail. It’s a cruel sport sometimes.
5) Cricket and National Identity in the Postcolonial Age edited by Stephen Wagg - A bit of History for you. Actually, very interesting and thought provoking.
6) Behind the Shades by Duncan Fletcher - See if it changes or reinforces your opinion on a man with an ambiguous reputation.
7) Time to Declare by Michael Vaughan - England’s most successful Test captain to date, so must be worth a read.
8) The Ultimate Test: The Story of the 2009 Ashes Series by Gideon Haigh - Always good to remember England’s victories.
9) Netherland by Joseph O’Neil - Not technically a cricket book, but a great novel which uses a cricket team in America as its foundation.
10) Hopefully a book about England’s historic victory down under in the 2010/2011 series! Fingers crossed anyway.
1) More Than A Game: The Story of Crickets Early Years by John Major - Beautifully thought out and beautifully written.
2) Start the Car: The World According to Bumble by David Lloyd - Hilarious.
3) Ashes Victory: The official story of the greatest ever Test series in the team’s own words by The Professional Cricketers Association - Always good to relive the 2005 Ashes Series and great to get an insight from the players themselves.
4) Following On: A year with English Cricket’s golden boys by David Tossell - Interesting to see how some succeed where others fail. It’s a cruel sport sometimes.
5) Cricket and National Identity in the Postcolonial Age edited by Stephen Wagg - A bit of History for you. Actually, very interesting and thought provoking.
6) Behind the Shades by Duncan Fletcher - See if it changes or reinforces your opinion on a man with an ambiguous reputation.
7) Time to Declare by Michael Vaughan - England’s most successful Test captain to date, so must be worth a read.
8) The Ultimate Test: The Story of the 2009 Ashes Series by Gideon Haigh - Always good to remember England’s victories.
9) Netherland by Joseph O’Neil - Not technically a cricket book, but a great novel which uses a cricket team in America as its foundation.
10) Hopefully a book about England’s historic victory down under in the 2010/2011 series! Fingers crossed anyway.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Saturday, 13 November 2010
An Excellent Draw
Is it just CricketChicks, or are the England team getting better? Despite their second warm-up match (against South Australia) ending in a draw, the quality of the cricket was much improved on their first match (against Western Australia) in which they won. Finally, Alastair Cook made a big score (111 not out, in the second innings) and Paul Collingwood showed his quality, with a score of 93, in the first. Wickets for James Anderson (who had been somewhat ineffective in the first match) completed an all round performance in which all the main players (i.e. those most likely to be in the starting line-up come the 25th) contributed. A win in the final warm up would complete the perfect preparation.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Opening Victory for England
So, England have played their first warm-up match, easing to a six wicket win over Western Australia. Let’s hope it’s a sign of things to come, as England seek to beat the Aussies in their own back yard for the first time in over twenty-four years. In fact, Sunday’s victory was the first time an England team have won their opening game of an Ashes series, since 1965/66. While this certainly bodes well, a number of key points have emerged over the past few days.
Firstly, the return to form of Kevin Pietersen. With a score of 58 in the first innings (the most significant contribution, by far, to what was a somewhat shaky batting display) and backed up with a brisk 38 off just 22 balls in the second innings, there were glimmers of the KP of old. Most importantly, however, Pietersen is himself feeling more comfortable, and thus confident, in his batting. When asked to describe his performance in the match, KP claimed he was “on fire”. Words which surely caused the Aussies (who have just lost another series, by the way) to break out in a sweat. Especially if, as every England fan will be hoping, they are put into action come the 25th.
More worryingly, however, is the form of Alistair Cook. Despite securing his place on the plane down under, with a gutsy century at the Oval against Pakistan, any hint of a return to form seems to have been lost. Scores of just 5 and 9, being testimony to this. Luckily for Cook, there are two more warm-up matches to go. He needs a big score not only for his own self confidence and belief (make no mistake, the Aussie’s will make a point of constantly reminding him of his recent poor form, just in case he had forgotten), but also for England. While Jonathon Trott could open the batting with Strauss (something he was effectively doing throughout the summer) and while England could bring in Michael Carberry (who is on tour with the England Lions in Australia), they wont want too. The Strauss-Cook opening combination is tried and tested; any disruption to that could bring about further disharmony in other areas. Something the England management will want to avoid at all costs.
To stay with the batting for a moment, while the forms of both Pietersen and Cook have been the most noticeable, and thus scrutinised, Paul Collingwood hasn’t exactly been a run-machine of late. A score of 4 in the first innings and a scratchy 26 in the second, being far from convincing. However, the one thing you can always say about Collingwood with any certainty, is that he is a battler. With his mental strength and dogged determination, it shouldn’t be long before he puts in a big performance. Ian Bell also played in the first warm-up match. Failing to make a big contribution in the first innings (something to be expected considering he has only recently returned from injury) he played his part in the second, helping Strauss get England over the line in an emphatic fashion. More interesting then Bell’s form then, is what can be deduced from the selectors decision to play him ahead of Eoin Morgan. Have they already shown their hand? I hope not, as I think Morgan deserves at least one warm-up match to assert his claim for the sixth (and final) batting place. After all, he could turn out to be just the type of player England need.
On the whole, England’s bowling display against Western Australia, was pretty good. Stuart Broad was the pick of the bowlers in the first innings (picking up three wickets), while Graeme Swann shone in the second, bagging four at a ground which is often seen as a spinners graveyard. Imagine the carnage he could cause at the SCG. Steven Finn also looked impressive once he found the right line and length and while James Anderson may have been the least effective, there can be no doubt who England’s four bowlers will be in sixteen days time.
Yes, that’s right, just sixteen days to go.
Firstly, the return to form of Kevin Pietersen. With a score of 58 in the first innings (the most significant contribution, by far, to what was a somewhat shaky batting display) and backed up with a brisk 38 off just 22 balls in the second innings, there were glimmers of the KP of old. Most importantly, however, Pietersen is himself feeling more comfortable, and thus confident, in his batting. When asked to describe his performance in the match, KP claimed he was “on fire”. Words which surely caused the Aussies (who have just lost another series, by the way) to break out in a sweat. Especially if, as every England fan will be hoping, they are put into action come the 25th.
More worryingly, however, is the form of Alistair Cook. Despite securing his place on the plane down under, with a gutsy century at the Oval against Pakistan, any hint of a return to form seems to have been lost. Scores of just 5 and 9, being testimony to this. Luckily for Cook, there are two more warm-up matches to go. He needs a big score not only for his own self confidence and belief (make no mistake, the Aussie’s will make a point of constantly reminding him of his recent poor form, just in case he had forgotten), but also for England. While Jonathon Trott could open the batting with Strauss (something he was effectively doing throughout the summer) and while England could bring in Michael Carberry (who is on tour with the England Lions in Australia), they wont want too. The Strauss-Cook opening combination is tried and tested; any disruption to that could bring about further disharmony in other areas. Something the England management will want to avoid at all costs.
To stay with the batting for a moment, while the forms of both Pietersen and Cook have been the most noticeable, and thus scrutinised, Paul Collingwood hasn’t exactly been a run-machine of late. A score of 4 in the first innings and a scratchy 26 in the second, being far from convincing. However, the one thing you can always say about Collingwood with any certainty, is that he is a battler. With his mental strength and dogged determination, it shouldn’t be long before he puts in a big performance. Ian Bell also played in the first warm-up match. Failing to make a big contribution in the first innings (something to be expected considering he has only recently returned from injury) he played his part in the second, helping Strauss get England over the line in an emphatic fashion. More interesting then Bell’s form then, is what can be deduced from the selectors decision to play him ahead of Eoin Morgan. Have they already shown their hand? I hope not, as I think Morgan deserves at least one warm-up match to assert his claim for the sixth (and final) batting place. After all, he could turn out to be just the type of player England need.
On the whole, England’s bowling display against Western Australia, was pretty good. Stuart Broad was the pick of the bowlers in the first innings (picking up three wickets), while Graeme Swann shone in the second, bagging four at a ground which is often seen as a spinners graveyard. Imagine the carnage he could cause at the SCG. Steven Finn also looked impressive once he found the right line and length and while James Anderson may have been the least effective, there can be no doubt who England’s four bowlers will be in sixteen days time.
Yes, that’s right, just sixteen days to go.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
‘Start the Car - The Musical’
On Thursday night CricketChicks went to see David Lloyd’s live show - ‘Bumble Takes To The Road’ - and it was brilliant. Non-stop laughs from beginning to end.
Opening with that famous incident involving Thommo (you know, the one where Lloyd got hit in his nether regions and had to retire to the dressing room in order to have his box surgically removed) and closing with him being mistaken for Clive Lloyd (you know, the former captain of the West Indies) when he signed for Cumberland in 1995, Bumble recounted his time as player, coach and umpire, as well as giving his verdict on players past and present in a ‘this is your life’ style show. While those of us who had read Bumble’s recent book (Star the Car: The World According to Bumble) had heard some of the tales before, I can honestly say, that it didn’t matter one bit. Lloyd’s enthusiasm, actions and accents (ranging from Yorkshire to Australian to Indian) added a dimension which could never be achieved through simply reading off a page. As the old adage goes, ‘its how he tells them’, and Bumble certainly is a master story teller.
Aside from the hilarious, the second half of the show included a question and answer session, in which Bumble displayed his deep knowledge for the game he so clearly loves. His predictions on Ashes selections and outcome being particularly interesting. CricketChicks could have listened to Bumble all night long. This show is a must for all cricket fans.
Opening with that famous incident involving Thommo (you know, the one where Lloyd got hit in his nether regions and had to retire to the dressing room in order to have his box surgically removed) and closing with him being mistaken for Clive Lloyd (you know, the former captain of the West Indies) when he signed for Cumberland in 1995, Bumble recounted his time as player, coach and umpire, as well as giving his verdict on players past and present in a ‘this is your life’ style show. While those of us who had read Bumble’s recent book (Star the Car: The World According to Bumble) had heard some of the tales before, I can honestly say, that it didn’t matter one bit. Lloyd’s enthusiasm, actions and accents (ranging from Yorkshire to Australian to Indian) added a dimension which could never be achieved through simply reading off a page. As the old adage goes, ‘its how he tells them’, and Bumble certainly is a master story teller.
Aside from the hilarious, the second half of the show included a question and answer session, in which Bumble displayed his deep knowledge for the game he so clearly loves. His predictions on Ashes selections and outcome being particularly interesting. CricketChicks could have listened to Bumble all night long. This show is a must for all cricket fans.
Sunday, 24 October 2010
KP’s Progress
There are thirty-three days left until the Ashes begins and one of the main topics of the build-up conservation has been Kevin Pietersen. England’s star batsman who, of late, has been somewhat out of form. Beginning back in 2009, with an Achilles injury which took longer to heal than anticipated, KP has struggled for runs. He last scored a century back in May 2009. Aside from this, however, there have also been questions over his mental attitude. A new baby, the shock of losing the captaincy and being a whiteness to the implementation of the type of coaching structure he desperately wanted as captain, are all potential reasons for the loss of the ‘KP strut’. The ex-Australian coach, John Buchanan, has most recently branded KP an “individualist” and “fragmentary” figure within the England team. While Strauss has been quick to come out in support of his star batsman, the ‘KP question’ must surely be a concern for the England management. There are, after all, only thirty-three days to go.
While CricketChicks have never been KP’s biggest fans, they were impressed by his decision to play in South Africa (for the Kwazulu Natal Dolphins) in a bid to regain some form. They were less impressed, however, with scores of just 36 and 0. Not only was this far from ideal preparation, but it did nothing to put the niggling doubts to bed. It seems then, that the pre-Ashes warm-up games will be crucial for both KP and the England management as they contemplate their starting eleven come November 25th. With the opening positions most likely already cemented (Cook’s century at the Oval, against Pakistan, being enough to secure him a start at least), as well as numbers three and five (most likely Trott and Collingwood), the question marks hang over positions four and six. For these two places, there remains three batsman - Bell, Morgan and Pietersen. While a little while ago the thought of leaving out KP would have been unthinkable, it now doesn’t seem that ludicrous. As while an in form KP is undoubtedly one of the best in the world (a batsman who can take a game away from the opposition), the KP of late is of little use to anyone.
While CricketChicks have never been KP’s biggest fans, they were impressed by his decision to play in South Africa (for the Kwazulu Natal Dolphins) in a bid to regain some form. They were less impressed, however, with scores of just 36 and 0. Not only was this far from ideal preparation, but it did nothing to put the niggling doubts to bed. It seems then, that the pre-Ashes warm-up games will be crucial for both KP and the England management as they contemplate their starting eleven come November 25th. With the opening positions most likely already cemented (Cook’s century at the Oval, against Pakistan, being enough to secure him a start at least), as well as numbers three and five (most likely Trott and Collingwood), the question marks hang over positions four and six. For these two places, there remains three batsman - Bell, Morgan and Pietersen. While a little while ago the thought of leaving out KP would have been unthinkable, it now doesn’t seem that ludicrous. As while an in form KP is undoubtedly one of the best in the world (a batsman who can take a game away from the opposition), the KP of late is of little use to anyone.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
ONCE, TWICE, THREE TIMES A LOSER
Australia’s recent loss to India (2-0 in a two match series) is good news for England. Firstly, it means Australia have fallen to fifth in the ICC world rankings; one place below England. Secondly, it is the first time for over twenty years, that the mighty Aussies have lost three test matches in a row. In terms of Ashes preparation then, things couldn’t have gone worse for dear old Ricky Ponting. With his batsman failing to capitalise on relatively flat wickets (a lack of big hundreds being one of the main reasons for their failure) and with his bowlers offering little penetration (despite taking the prized wicket of Tendulkar - who had already made his sixth double hundred - debutant Peter George looked particularly ineffective), the skipper will be hoping for the return to form of a number of key players (the two Michaels, Hussey and Clark, have contributed little in recent times) and the return to fitness of a handful of others (Siddle and Hodge in particular) come the 25th November. Psychologically, the Aussies confidence must have taken a knock. After dominating world cricket from the late 1990’s right through the Noughties, to be ranked in the middle of the table (and thus, by definition, nothing more than average) requires a massive mental adjustment. The fact that England, the old enemy, are ranked above them, only adds insult to injury. Yet, despite recent events being undoubtedly good news for England’s chances of retaining the Ashes, one shouldn’t right Australia off. In their own back yard, with a number of key players back in action and (perhaps most importantly) with a point to prove, Australia will still be fierce competitors. Don’t be surprised then, if over the course of the five match series, we see glimmers of the old Australia.
One thing that must be making Ponting feel better though, is the fact that New Zealand have lost a ODI series against Bangladesh, which currently stands at 3-0. What is going on with New Zealand cricket? While Bangladesh are stronger in the shorter format, so too are NZ. They shouldn’t have lost to them and need to take a long hard look at what’s going wrong.
One thing that must be making Ponting feel better though, is the fact that New Zealand have lost a ODI series against Bangladesh, which currently stands at 3-0. What is going on with New Zealand cricket? While Bangladesh are stronger in the shorter format, so too are NZ. They shouldn’t have lost to them and need to take a long hard look at what’s going wrong.
Monday, 11 October 2010
The ICC Awards
When Graeme Swann was omitted from the ICC’s initial shortlist for cricketer of the year, one should have realised that the awards were never going to be good for English cricket. And so it was.
After having just watched them, I am thoroughly disappointed. Out of the nine awards given (excluding the award for umpire of the year), only one went to an Englishmen - congratulations Steven Finn. The rest were divided up between a couple for New Zealand, one for a South African, one for an Australian, one for a Dutchman and three for the Indians. While you may well argue that the West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan got nothing (the latter hardly being a surprise - oh, the irony if they had won the Spirit of Cricket award!), England have been a team on the up. Having had, I think you would agree, a pretty good twelve months. 2009 and 2010 have seen them regain the ashes, get to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy, draw a test match series and win a ODI series in South Africa, become world Twenty20 Champions, beat Bangladesh both home and away and beat Pakistan in all formats. Taking all this into consideration then, I was shocked not only by the lack of awards handed out to Englishmen, but also by the lack of nominations.
Undeniably, Indian cricket has also had a very good twelve months. They are the number one test team in the world and the brilliance of Tendulkar can never be in question (his double hundred in that ODI against South Africa was sublime). Yet, I think the ICC could have recognised the improvement of the English team and the emergence/improvement of some of our players more than they did. The fact that Eoin Morgan was not picked for the ICC ODI squad, nor a contender for the emerging player of the year, is baffling. Likewise, for Strauss. I think he was mentioned once, as a candidate for the peoples choice award (whatever that is!). Also, considering England are world Twenty20 champions, surely at least one of our players should have been nominated for Twenty20 performance of the year? Yet, the greatest travesty of all is the fact that Graeme Swann received nothing, nought, zilch. He has been a star for England - by far our best bowler of 2009/2010 - and with Murali retried, undoubtedly the best Off Spinner in the world.
Held in India, presented by a former Indian player and dominated by Indian successes, the ICC awards are looking increasingly biased. This is something the ICC needs to address. Here’s hoping that next year English talent is properly recognised.
Who won what at the ICC awards:
Cricketer of the Year (winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) - Sachin Tendulkar (Ind)
Women's Cricketer of the Year - Shelley Nitschke (Aus)
Test Player of the Year - Virender Sehwag (Ind)
ODI Player of the Year - AB de Villiers (SA)
Emerging Player of the Year - Steven Finn (Eng)
Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year - Ryan ten Doeschate (Ned)
Twenty20 International Performance of the Year - Brendon McCullum (NZ)
Spirit of Cricket - New Zealand
People’s Choice Award - Sachin Tendulkar (Ind)
Umpire of the Year (winning the David Shepherd Trophy) - Aleem Dar (PAK)
After having just watched them, I am thoroughly disappointed. Out of the nine awards given (excluding the award for umpire of the year), only one went to an Englishmen - congratulations Steven Finn. The rest were divided up between a couple for New Zealand, one for a South African, one for an Australian, one for a Dutchman and three for the Indians. While you may well argue that the West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan got nothing (the latter hardly being a surprise - oh, the irony if they had won the Spirit of Cricket award!), England have been a team on the up. Having had, I think you would agree, a pretty good twelve months. 2009 and 2010 have seen them regain the ashes, get to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy, draw a test match series and win a ODI series in South Africa, become world Twenty20 Champions, beat Bangladesh both home and away and beat Pakistan in all formats. Taking all this into consideration then, I was shocked not only by the lack of awards handed out to Englishmen, but also by the lack of nominations.
Undeniably, Indian cricket has also had a very good twelve months. They are the number one test team in the world and the brilliance of Tendulkar can never be in question (his double hundred in that ODI against South Africa was sublime). Yet, I think the ICC could have recognised the improvement of the English team and the emergence/improvement of some of our players more than they did. The fact that Eoin Morgan was not picked for the ICC ODI squad, nor a contender for the emerging player of the year, is baffling. Likewise, for Strauss. I think he was mentioned once, as a candidate for the peoples choice award (whatever that is!). Also, considering England are world Twenty20 champions, surely at least one of our players should have been nominated for Twenty20 performance of the year? Yet, the greatest travesty of all is the fact that Graeme Swann received nothing, nought, zilch. He has been a star for England - by far our best bowler of 2009/2010 - and with Murali retried, undoubtedly the best Off Spinner in the world.
Held in India, presented by a former Indian player and dominated by Indian successes, the ICC awards are looking increasingly biased. This is something the ICC needs to address. Here’s hoping that next year English talent is properly recognised.
Who won what at the ICC awards:
Cricketer of the Year (winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) - Sachin Tendulkar (Ind)
Women's Cricketer of the Year - Shelley Nitschke (Aus)
Test Player of the Year - Virender Sehwag (Ind)
ODI Player of the Year - AB de Villiers (SA)
Emerging Player of the Year - Steven Finn (Eng)
Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year - Ryan ten Doeschate (Ned)
Twenty20 International Performance of the Year - Brendon McCullum (NZ)
Spirit of Cricket - New Zealand
People’s Choice Award - Sachin Tendulkar (Ind)
Umpire of the Year (winning the David Shepherd Trophy) - Aleem Dar (PAK)
Sunday, 3 October 2010
THE ART OF SLEDGING
A tour to Australia is tough for many reasons. Physically, the heat can be ferocious. In terms of ability, playing one of the best teams in the world (in conditions they know so well), is never going to be easy. Yet, it’s the mental side of an Ashes series in Australia, which is often commented on as being the toughest test of all. The Aussies (and I’m talking about both players and supporters) are the masters of sledging. They simply revel in their oppositions “mental disintegration.” In anticipation then, of the war of words coming up, CricketChicks have selected a few of their favourite sledging quotes. Enjoy.
THE ASHES 2005
Are you Bangladesh in disguise?
Barmy Army
He's fat, he's round, he bounces on the ground, Shane Warne, Shane Warne.
Barmy Army
Get your sh*t stars off our flag.
Barmy Army
That Glenn McGrath ... what a bastard.
Mick Jagger
I smiled at Ricky Ponting. He didn't smile back. He was in a terrible temper for some reason. Quite why he was blaming me when his partner, Damien Martyn, had called him for a suicidal single to cover, I don't know. You know what's more? All the palaver caused me to burn my toast.
Duncan Fletcher on the fallout from the infamous Gary Pratt run out
The kindest thing you can say about their performance is that it was shoddy but you can think of many stronger words to use.
Richie Benaud
ENGLAND VS. AUSTRALIA (From the Victorian era to the present day!)
Mark Waugh : F**k me, look who it is. Mate, what are you doing out here, there's no way you're good enough to play for England.
James Ormond : Maybe not, but at least I'm the best player in my family.
Don't bother shutting it, son, you won't be there long enough.
Fred Truman to incoming Aussie batsman as he opened the gate on his way out to the middle at Lord's
Tap that one down you little b*stard.
Tony Lock bowls a bouncer at Richie Benaud following a prolonged spell of gardening
You are a damned lot of sneaks.
WG Grace to Midwinter, The Oval, 1877
They are capital winners out here, but I'm afraid the same adjective cannot be applied to them as losers.
Lord Harris, on tour in Australia in 1879
The aim of English cricket is, in fact, mainly to beat Australia.
Jim Laker
Aussies are big and empty, just like their country.
Ian Botham
A cricket tour in Australia would be the most delightful period in one's life, if one was deaf.
Harold Larwood
Well bowled Harold!
Douglas Jardine after Larwood fells Woodfull with a ball in the chest
All Australians are an uneducated and unruly mob.
Douglas Jardine. Comment made to Australian wicket keeper Stork Hendry during the infamous 1932-1933 Bodyline series
The only one who really got up my nose was Steve Waugh who spent the entire series giving out verbals. A bit of a joke really when he was the one bloke wetting himself against the quick bowlers.
Michael Atherton
Merv is a funny guy, though he would sledge his own mother if he thought it would help the cause.
Gladstone Small
AUSTRALIA VS. ENGLAND
Hell, Gatt, move out of the way, I can't see the stumps.
Dennis Lillee
What do you think this is, a f***ing tea party? No you can't have a f***ing glass of water. You can f***ing wait like all the rest of us.
Allan Border to Robin Smith
Mate, if you turn the bat over, you'll see the instructions on the back!
Merv Hughes to Robin Smith
Merv Hughes : You can't f**king bat.
Robin Smith : Hey Merv, we make a fine pair. I can't f**king bat and you can't f**king bowl.
Tufnell! Can I borrow your brain? I'm building an idiot.
Voice from the crowd, Newcastle Test
You've got to bat on this in a minute, Tufnell. Hospital food suit you?
Craig McDermott to Phil Tufnell
Don't swat those flies, Jardine, they're the only friends here you've got!
Yabba
Don't give the bastard a drink. Let him die of thirst.
Voice from the crowd while Jardine was batting during the Bodyline series
The sound of the ball hitting the batsman's skull was music to my ears.
Thomson
Read more at http://www.cootcomics.com/quotes.html.
THE ASHES 2005
Are you Bangladesh in disguise?
Barmy Army
He's fat, he's round, he bounces on the ground, Shane Warne, Shane Warne.
Barmy Army
Get your sh*t stars off our flag.
Barmy Army
That Glenn McGrath ... what a bastard.
Mick Jagger
I smiled at Ricky Ponting. He didn't smile back. He was in a terrible temper for some reason. Quite why he was blaming me when his partner, Damien Martyn, had called him for a suicidal single to cover, I don't know. You know what's more? All the palaver caused me to burn my toast.
Duncan Fletcher on the fallout from the infamous Gary Pratt run out
The kindest thing you can say about their performance is that it was shoddy but you can think of many stronger words to use.
Richie Benaud
ENGLAND VS. AUSTRALIA (From the Victorian era to the present day!)
Mark Waugh : F**k me, look who it is. Mate, what are you doing out here, there's no way you're good enough to play for England.
James Ormond : Maybe not, but at least I'm the best player in my family.
Don't bother shutting it, son, you won't be there long enough.
Fred Truman to incoming Aussie batsman as he opened the gate on his way out to the middle at Lord's
Tap that one down you little b*stard.
Tony Lock bowls a bouncer at Richie Benaud following a prolonged spell of gardening
You are a damned lot of sneaks.
WG Grace to Midwinter, The Oval, 1877
They are capital winners out here, but I'm afraid the same adjective cannot be applied to them as losers.
Lord Harris, on tour in Australia in 1879
The aim of English cricket is, in fact, mainly to beat Australia.
Jim Laker
Aussies are big and empty, just like their country.
Ian Botham
A cricket tour in Australia would be the most delightful period in one's life, if one was deaf.
Harold Larwood
Well bowled Harold!
Douglas Jardine after Larwood fells Woodfull with a ball in the chest
All Australians are an uneducated and unruly mob.
Douglas Jardine. Comment made to Australian wicket keeper Stork Hendry during the infamous 1932-1933 Bodyline series
The only one who really got up my nose was Steve Waugh who spent the entire series giving out verbals. A bit of a joke really when he was the one bloke wetting himself against the quick bowlers.
Michael Atherton
Merv is a funny guy, though he would sledge his own mother if he thought it would help the cause.
Gladstone Small
AUSTRALIA VS. ENGLAND
Hell, Gatt, move out of the way, I can't see the stumps.
Dennis Lillee
What do you think this is, a f***ing tea party? No you can't have a f***ing glass of water. You can f***ing wait like all the rest of us.
Allan Border to Robin Smith
Mate, if you turn the bat over, you'll see the instructions on the back!
Merv Hughes to Robin Smith
Merv Hughes : You can't f**king bat.
Robin Smith : Hey Merv, we make a fine pair. I can't f**king bat and you can't f**king bowl.
Tufnell! Can I borrow your brain? I'm building an idiot.
Voice from the crowd, Newcastle Test
You've got to bat on this in a minute, Tufnell. Hospital food suit you?
Craig McDermott to Phil Tufnell
Don't swat those flies, Jardine, they're the only friends here you've got!
Yabba
Don't give the bastard a drink. Let him die of thirst.
Voice from the crowd while Jardine was batting during the Bodyline series
The sound of the ball hitting the batsman's skull was music to my ears.
Thomson
Read more at http://www.cootcomics.com/quotes.html.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Aussie Reactions
As the announcement of the Ashes squad came as no surprise to many over here, CricketChicks thought they would have a look at how the Aussies reacted to it - and one thing’s for sure, height, was on most people’s minds:
"Height was probably the thing I noticed this morning when I saw the squad, it was interesting to note they picked six foot, seven inch Tremlett and went back to the left-arm orthodox in Panesar," Tim Nielsen told AAP on Friday. "They're two things we expected, and in truth they're probably more depth players rather than first selected players. They've gone for guys, one who can spin the ball away from the right-handers and another who they're hoping will make the ball bounce in Australia."
“England is expected to give the Aussie batsmen some chin music after naming a fast-bowler rich squad to tour later this year. Lanky quick Chris Tremlett will join the twin towers of Stuart Broad and Steve Finn in the 16-man touring party as England look to win their first away Ashes series since 1986/87.” (Thanks for reminding us!)
“Australia's cricketers are alert but not alarmed after England loaded up the long barrels for their defence of the Ashes this summer.”
CricketChicks disagree with this statement. They think the Aussies should, indeed, be alarmed. Bring on November 25th and let the battle commence.
"Height was probably the thing I noticed this morning when I saw the squad, it was interesting to note they picked six foot, seven inch Tremlett and went back to the left-arm orthodox in Panesar," Tim Nielsen told AAP on Friday. "They're two things we expected, and in truth they're probably more depth players rather than first selected players. They've gone for guys, one who can spin the ball away from the right-handers and another who they're hoping will make the ball bounce in Australia."
“England is expected to give the Aussie batsmen some chin music after naming a fast-bowler rich squad to tour later this year. Lanky quick Chris Tremlett will join the twin towers of Stuart Broad and Steve Finn in the 16-man touring party as England look to win their first away Ashes series since 1986/87.” (Thanks for reminding us!)
“Australia's cricketers are alert but not alarmed after England loaded up the long barrels for their defence of the Ashes this summer.”
CricketChicks disagree with this statement. They think the Aussies should, indeed, be alarmed. Bring on November 25th and let the battle commence.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
CRICKETCHICKS ASHES SQAUD
Ahead of the official squad announcement, CricketChicks announce who they would choose:
1) Andrew Strauss
2) Alastair Cook
3) Jonathon Trott
4) Kevin Pietersen
5) Paul Collingwood
6) Ian Bell
7) Eoin Morgan
8) Matt Prior
9) Steve Davies
10) Graeme Swann
11) Monty Panesar
12) James Anderson
13) Stuart Broad
14) Steven Finn
15) Ajmal Shazad
16) Chris Tremlett
1) Andrew Strauss
2) Alastair Cook
3) Jonathon Trott
4) Kevin Pietersen
5) Paul Collingwood
6) Ian Bell
7) Eoin Morgan
8) Matt Prior
9) Steve Davies
10) Graeme Swann
11) Monty Panesar
12) James Anderson
13) Stuart Broad
14) Steven Finn
15) Ajmal Shazad
16) Chris Tremlett
Monday, 20 September 2010
Never look a gift horse in the mouth, Pakistan!
To add insult to injury, not only are Pakistan once again under investigation by the ICC for corruption, but the PCB chairman, Ijaz Butt, has accused England of underhand practices. Speaking to an Indian television channel, Butt reportedly claimed that members of the England team had been paid to throw the third ODI. Ridiculous! Such accusations come from a bitter old man, deluded about what is happening right under his nose and seeking to turn recent events into some sort of master plan by the ICC to stop Pakistan playing cricket. Rubbish! Yet, while many will simply see such claims for what they are (nobody seriously believes that England players took bribes to lose the match), they are still a massive insult to the England cricket team and the ECB. Unable to play within their own country, the ECB provided Pakistan with a ‘home away from home’ -a place to stage matches and to try and bring some pride to their nation. Yet, this is how they repay us. Moreover, the England players themselves, have acted with nothing short of dignity. Continuing, this far, in this series must have been very hard indeed. How they will take to the filed today though, in light of the mud unfairly thrown at them, is beyond me.
Once a cheat, always a cheat?
I hate it when England lose. Fact. I simply want them to win all the time, something which they have actually become quite good at recently. So you can imagine my disappointment, when on Friday, they failed to chase down a miserly 242. Yet, I wasn’t actually that sad. This was not just because of the fact that a 2-1 score line keeps this series alive and kicking, but I was actually quite pleased for Pakistan. When the allegations of spot-fixing (during the Lords test) came out I was as angered as any cricket lover - how dare these players corrupt the game I adore?! However (maybe naively), that’s all I believed it to be - a few individuals bringing themselves, and the game, into disrepute. Consequently, I felt a bit sorry for those who had done nothing wrong, who had been playing within the spirit of the game and were trying their hearts out for their grief stricken country. I understood how hard it must have been to rally themselves for the remainder of the series and I came to have a lot of respect for Shahid Afridi. Yes, he is far from perfect (pitch scuffing and ball biting, being his two most famous exploits) and the fact that he has now become Pakistan’s shinning light says it all. But, I felt he handled himself and the situation pretty well. Apologising to all the fans for what had happened was a good start. An honesty which seemed to continue on Friday, when he admitted his run out was due to him being lazy and that he hadn’t bowled that well. His praise for the teams effort was also heart-warming. The way Pakistan bowled during the third ODI (especially Umar Gul) reminded the cricketing world of how good a side they are and how much richer the game is for their involvement. Yet, news on the following day, that the ICC were investigating irregular scoring patterns during that match, also reminded everyone of why banning the entire Pakistan cricket team may be the only way forward. It seems after all, that (as I had initially thought) corruption does not stop at a few players, but is embedded within the team. As a cricket lover and someone who gave Pakistan the benefit of the doubt, I feel cheated and let down. It’s time for the ICC to say enough is enough.
Although Pakistan may have abused my sympathy, my heart does go out to Somerset. The whole team now know how every girl who has only ever been a bridesmaid feels. To come runners up in the Twenty20, County Championship and now CB40 must hurt. Yet, look on the Brightside, they did much better than my own team Middlesex. If only they could have had such a season.
Although Pakistan may have abused my sympathy, my heart does go out to Somerset. The whole team now know how every girl who has only ever been a bridesmaid feels. To come runners up in the Twenty20, County Championship and now CB40 must hurt. Yet, look on the Brightside, they did much better than my own team Middlesex. If only they could have had such a season.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
LEAVE STRAUSS ALONE!!
When England won the World Twenty20 there were many good things to come out of it. Being recognised as the best team in the world for one, thumping the Aussies in a final being another. Yet, what I didn’t like about it was all the debating and speculating over Andrew Strauss’s position as Captain of the One Day team. One very notable triumph in a different format of the game and everyone had suddenly forgotten about the ICC Champions Trophy (where England reached the semi-final after having just lost 6-1 in a ODI series at home to Australia) and a series win in South Africa (no mean feat itself!). As attention turns to the ICC World Cup in February, I cannot understand why the same question over Strauss’s role in the One Day team has come up again! One of the lamest reasons for ditching him has been his supposed inability to hit over the top - a feature which I know is vital in order t o take advantage of the initial power play over’s and even more vital when spin will seek to strangle an innings in the middle passage of play. Yet, one of the things that has impressed me so much about Strauss, is that he has ADAPTED and IMPROVED. He has realised what’s needed and sought to add these dimensions to his game. In the first ODI against Pakistan he hit some gloriously aggressive strokes, while in the second, he showed the value of having a proper opening batsman within the One Day squad - being able to anchor an innings and then shift tempo. His 126 was pure class.
NB: I am soooo pleased that the first two ODI matches have been competitive after my earlier doubts! It’s good to see England stretched and tested - lets see what certain players are really made of!
NB: I am soooo pleased that the first two ODI matches have been competitive after my earlier doubts! It’s good to see England stretched and tested - lets see what certain players are really made of!
Saturday, 11 September 2010
HOT TO TROTT??
Before the start of the test series with Pakistan, the feeling amongst many cricket fans (excluding Warwickshire supporters) was that Jonathon Trott was England’s most vulnerable batsman. After all, as has been the case since the end of the glorious summer of 2009, the focus of English cricket has been on the impending Ashes series. With the selectors clearly showing their hand, with regards to their liking for Eoin Morgan, the question has been which six batsman England will go with. With a poor series in South Africa and with an ambivalent 200 against Bangladesh (yes, I admire his resolve of staying at the crease for numerous hours but honestly, was I the only one bored by his insistent trench digging? And while I know you can only ‘play what’s in front of you’, a sunny day, flat wicket and miserly opposition hardly makes it the best innings in the world), Trott’s position at number three (that dreaded place in the English batting line up!) looked precarious. That was until the clouds came over, the bowling got a lot spicier and batting actually became more difficult.
As all around faltered, Jonathon Trott looked England’s most assured batsman - sound both technically and temperamentally. I was thoroughly impressed and demand that he be England’s number three come the 25th November. However, in the one day format, I’m less than convinced. While he scored a solid 69 yesterday, I’m not sure if he posses the ability to shift gears. This is something which the new superman, Morgan, does superbly - he comes to the crease, has a look, takes a few singles, then up’s the tempo. Trott, on the other hand, seems content to be the accumulator. Remaining steadfast as he lets others around him take all the risks. Having an ‘anchor batsman’s’ fine, yet in given situations Trott needs to be able to adapt. Take yesterday for instance. Collingwood, who has of late been somewhat out of form, came to the crease. Considering this fact, Trott (who has been in sublime form) should have tired to maintain the tempo and taken it to the batsman, thus allowing Collingwood to play himself in - yet he didn’t.
Perhaps its fair to say that at times Trott can be a little selfish. This may be a result of the fact that he gets so in the ‘zone’ and absorbed in his own game. While this makes him a quality test player, does it limit his ability in the shorter format??
As all around faltered, Jonathon Trott looked England’s most assured batsman - sound both technically and temperamentally. I was thoroughly impressed and demand that he be England’s number three come the 25th November. However, in the one day format, I’m less than convinced. While he scored a solid 69 yesterday, I’m not sure if he posses the ability to shift gears. This is something which the new superman, Morgan, does superbly - he comes to the crease, has a look, takes a few singles, then up’s the tempo. Trott, on the other hand, seems content to be the accumulator. Remaining steadfast as he lets others around him take all the risks. Having an ‘anchor batsman’s’ fine, yet in given situations Trott needs to be able to adapt. Take yesterday for instance. Collingwood, who has of late been somewhat out of form, came to the crease. Considering this fact, Trott (who has been in sublime form) should have tired to maintain the tempo and taken it to the batsman, thus allowing Collingwood to play himself in - yet he didn’t.
Perhaps its fair to say that at times Trott can be a little selfish. This may be a result of the fact that he gets so in the ‘zone’ and absorbed in his own game. While this makes him a quality test player, does it limit his ability in the shorter format??
Friday, 10 September 2010
IMPENDING ODI SERIES.
As England prepare to take on Pakistan in the first ODI, one cannot help but wonder how much of a contest these matches will really be. Depleted of two of their best bowlers and with the allegations of spot-fixing continuing to linger (everyday it seems brings some new revelation), it is not surprising that Pakistan got hammered in the two Twenty20 matches. All the turmoil of the last few weeks must - and this has to be a fact - have affected their mental state. When coupled with a team short in the batting department and even shorter in the fielding stakes, there realistically, can only be one outcome of this series.
Yet, England should not be complacent nor should English fans look on nonchalantly. As this series is one of the last before the ICC World Cup in February of next year - and I for one (and I’m sure many of you share my sentiment) not only expect England to do well (but dare I say it!), expect them to win. This series then is an opportunity for England to have a look at players, try something different or even just cement that winning feeling.
One of the key questions, on this miserable Friday morning then, is Luke Wright or Ravi Bopara? With Yardy, who has proved himself to be such a reliable and effective cricketer, surely cemented at number seven there is not enough room for both. Bopara and Wright bring to England similar qualities in that they are both medium paced, all-round pinch-hitters. So the question, inevitably, is who does it better? Looking at the averages one would have to argue that Wright is the better bowler, while Bopara is the better batsman. Not that helpful then! It may be, therefore, that the England selectors need to look beyond actual cricketing ability and turn towards their mental attitude. From what I’ve seen in the past, I would have to say that Wright just edges it. A selfless player, willing to fit in wherever and do whatever, Luke is exactly the kind of guy needed within a team. In contrast, Ravi seems a bit lazy, scatter-brained and well, just too relaxed. Forgetting his kit for a recent Essex match was laughable. Yet, it was also in that very same game that he played one of his most memorable innings - blasting the ball all around the Chelmsford fortress. And that’s the ambiguity of Ravi - so much potential, yet lacking something. If he can get his head screwed on he could become such a player as that the England selectors have no choice but to pick him. Whether he will get his chance in this series, however, remains to be seen.
Yet, England should not be complacent nor should English fans look on nonchalantly. As this series is one of the last before the ICC World Cup in February of next year - and I for one (and I’m sure many of you share my sentiment) not only expect England to do well (but dare I say it!), expect them to win. This series then is an opportunity for England to have a look at players, try something different or even just cement that winning feeling.
One of the key questions, on this miserable Friday morning then, is Luke Wright or Ravi Bopara? With Yardy, who has proved himself to be such a reliable and effective cricketer, surely cemented at number seven there is not enough room for both. Bopara and Wright bring to England similar qualities in that they are both medium paced, all-round pinch-hitters. So the question, inevitably, is who does it better? Looking at the averages one would have to argue that Wright is the better bowler, while Bopara is the better batsman. Not that helpful then! It may be, therefore, that the England selectors need to look beyond actual cricketing ability and turn towards their mental attitude. From what I’ve seen in the past, I would have to say that Wright just edges it. A selfless player, willing to fit in wherever and do whatever, Luke is exactly the kind of guy needed within a team. In contrast, Ravi seems a bit lazy, scatter-brained and well, just too relaxed. Forgetting his kit for a recent Essex match was laughable. Yet, it was also in that very same game that he played one of his most memorable innings - blasting the ball all around the Chelmsford fortress. And that’s the ambiguity of Ravi - so much potential, yet lacking something. If he can get his head screwed on he could become such a player as that the England selectors have no choice but to pick him. Whether he will get his chance in this series, however, remains to be seen.
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