Over and Out

It was the toughest quarter-final. Sri Lanka at home. But England only have themselves to blame for the position they found themselves in today. Had they managed (as expected) to beat both Ireland and Bangladesh they would have finished top of their group and in line for a quarter-final against New Zealand. Not that they would have been guaranteed to win that match (New Zealand after all managed to see off the mighty South Africa), but it certainly would have been less daunting.

All in all, like all previous World Cups, this tournament has been a massive disappointment for both the England team and their supporters. Players have been injured (Kevin Pietersen, Ajmal Shazad and Stuart Broad), while the managements plans - well, what plans? - have been jumbled and, frankly, desperate. In their defence, however, it is unfortunate that Michael Yardy had to return home early (an admission of depression being both incredibly brave and a stark indication that the international schedule is just too hectic) and (with reference again to the latter) that the World Cup always occurs straight after an Ashes tour down under. Inevitably then, players are both fatigued and below their best. This aside, though, England have underperformed. Fortunate to get through the group stages, today their luck run out. Up against an exciting and ambitious team, England were found wanting; being humiliated by a ten-wicket defeat.

Looking forwards, England will return home within the next couple of days for the rest and relaxation many have publicly been crying out for. While being on tour since the end of October must be tiresome, how many will soon be returning to India for the IPL? A tournament which takes place during what is technically a ‘rest period’ and is motivated solely by money. As for the remainder of the World Cup, lets hope the semi-finals provide some excellent, entertaining cricket. After all the most eccentric and inconsistence team have finally been knocked out.

So, the rollercoaster that is England’s world cup campaign continues after they (just) managed to beat the West Indies and other results have gone their way. We don’t know about you, but CricketChicks are not sure if their nerves can actually take anymore.

The good, the bad and the downright awful

England have now played three matches in this years ICC World Cup and what can we say. Their performances have ranged from the sublime to the downright awful. Whereas most of the Test playing nations have managed to beat the associate teams with ease (ten or nine wicket wins being the norm, with the West Indies bowling Bangladesh out for just 58, yesterday), England have struggled. Once again facing those men in Orange (the last time being in that infamous Twenty20 World cup opener), England’s bowlers were expensive, as the Nerthlands racked up a thoroughly competitive score. England managed to force a victory, but only just.

Yet, this was nothing compared to Wednesday’s match against the men in Green. Odds on favourites to brush aside the minnows, Ireland’s victory over England will go down as one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. While taking nothing away from Kevin O’Brien’s brilliant hundred (the fastest ever scored in a World Cup), England’s bowlers were appalling. With the exception of Graeme Swann, the seamers were totally indiscipline. James Anderson being the greatest concern, as he is now the most expensive England bowler in World Cups. How much longer he features in the starting eleven remains to be seen. Add to this, England’s atrocious fielding (five dropped catches in the match against Ireland) and you have defeat written all over it. Will they fair any better against Bangladesh and the West Indies - matches which, pre-tournament, were seen as nothing more than mere formality.

In the match against India, though, England looked a thoroughly competent side. A batting master class from Sachin Tendulkar helped India to a formidable total (one which incidentally, could have been a lot more menacing had it not been for some excellent death bowling by Tim Bresnan). At half time, lets be honest, no one would have given England much of a chance. Similar run chases of the past, have usually resulted in England capitulating. But, some superb batting from Andrew Strauss (upstaging the little master himself) and Ian Bell, took England to within a comfortable distance of victory. But, no. It wouldn’t be England if there wasn’t some sort of disaster. Opting to take the batting power play, England lost four wickets for twenty-five runs. Suddenly, with new batsman at the crease and the fielders up, things began to look a little more difficult. An ever increasing run-rate resulted in more departing wickets. It was only thanks to some power hitting by Bresnan and Ajmal Shazad that England managed to get a draw. A game of mixed emotions for all then. As while England should have won, they did well to reach India’s score of 338. Moreover, they definitely played their part in an exciting game of fifty over cricket.

Indeed, if there is one word that can sum up England’s campaign so far, its entertaining. Lets just hope tomorrows drama’s (with England there is bound to be some) ends in an England victory.