So, when England lost the first One Day International CricketChicks said a 6-1 scoreline (in Australia’s favour) was possible but unlikely. Yet, they are starting to change their minds. If England continue to play in the manner which they have, both in Melbourne and Tasmania, a series defeat seems imminent.
While England started well with the ball, reducing Australia to 142-8, some undisciplined blowing saw them reach 230; with Marsh being the last man out for 110. When it came to the batting, England were even worse. A top score of just 32 is never going to win a One Day match. While it’s been said before, England are somewhat depleted in their bowling. Graeme Swann is injured, as is Stuart Broad. While James Anderson has been given time to return home. The latter two are now back with the team and are expected to play, if not in the next game, then the one after. This will bolster England’s death bowling, if nothing else. As for the batting, there really is no excuse. The top six are who most would pick for a starting eleven. Bringing Matt Prior back into the squad, on paper at least, made the batting stronger (even if it was a little hard on Steve Davies). Yet, he scored a duck . Prior was not, however, the only batsman to fail. Blown away by the pace of Brett Lee and Shaun Tait, England were (as in the ODI series at home last summer) found wanting. One of the biggest question marks though, hangs over Jonathon Trott. Is he or isn’t he a One Day player? The debate continues every time he plays. Last summer against Bangladesh he seemed unable to switch gears. Playing a cumulative innings is fine, if you are going to go on and make a big score. What is not acceptable, is getting out in the 30’s - as he did on Friday. Time to bring back Paul Collingwood? After all, the World Cup is only a few weeks away.
No comments:
Post a Comment