Right. This is really a response to Simon Hughes' observations in the 2006 edition of the Wisden Cricketer' Almanack. The book is the equivalent of the Bible to sad anoraks like me. In Hughes' article (entitled "Ten reasons why England won* [In no particular order]) he states his claim that the reasons why we won in 2005 and regained that strange little urn were as follows:
1.Captaincy
2. Batting First
3. Central Contracts
4.Troy Cooley & the Fast Bowlers
5. Flintoff's Dominance of Gilchrest
6. Kevin Pietersen & Merlyn
7. The Age Gap
8. Australian Arrogance
9. The Siege Mentality
10. Billy Bowden
Ok. Let me get it straight from the start. Simon Hughes is one of the few cricket analysts who actually has something sensible to say. I like him. I confess that I have addressed some of his points earlier on in this blog. I do like him...really. However, those points qualified, I will take him to task on certain points. But that's for later. right now here's the ten reasons we lost the Ashes:
1. Captaincy: Andrew Flintoff is great. I love him. Prior to the start of this series my wife (who is a real cricket fan) said that Freddie shouldn't be captain and that Strauss should. At the time I disagreed with her and stated that AF should lead the team because the Aussie's feared him and would crumble as a result. I was wrong. How many many times I have had to admit this is unbelievable...but it's true. Freddie is a big guy, big personality (and God knows that cricket lacks real characters) and a fantastic talisman, but he is not a leader of men. It was very unusual for Selectors to change a winning captain. Strauss has not lost a Test match as captain. And, in the absence of MV, Andrew Strauss should have led the team. He has a decent cricket brain. So, on this point I agree with Mr Hughes.
2. Batting First: I have no idea what the stats say about batting first but I suspect that the vast majority of Test sides batting first generally win. England, however, have a tendency to buck that trend. At Adelaide England won the toss and batted first. They declared on 551 for 6 and still lost the match. Undoubtedly the decision by Ricky Ponting to field after winning the toss at Edgbaston in 2005 helped England win the Ashes. But can the toss hold such strong sway? I'm not so sure it can. England are a good side but failed to capitalise even when winning the toss. This wasn't because Australia were a lot better but because were we much worse.
3. Central Contacts: This is a bit of a nonsense. Simon Hughes suggests that these contracts helped England win. The real issue at stake is that if our Test players only play Test matches then they are lacking real experience. The every day experience that made players like Randall, Botham & Willis (who managed to play for both county and country) is missing from the current England line up. And what good does is really do players like Dalrymple, Lewis and Joyce who are sequestered to the squad only to be released on the first day or asked to hang around and hand out Lucozade Sport to unfit and inferior players?
4. Troy Cooley: Now, we are close to the bone here. Why did we let him go? Surely the ECB could have offered him more money? He did make the difference in 2005. He inspired the bowlers. But these guys are pros. And if that is true they should have been able to carry that inspiration forward and in the process inspire others. We miss Cooley. It is an outrage that we ever let him go.
5. Flintoff & Gilchrest: In 2005 Gilchrest was out of form. In truth out of 9 innings Freddie did get him out 4 times. However, the real reason was more metaphoric. It wasn't Freddie that dominated Gilchrest, it was England's attack that dominated the key Aussie batsmen. We lost this series because we failed to dominate any of their batsmen consistently.
6. KP & Merlyn: Well, this guy is great. Team player or not he is fearless and that is what wins Test matches. We lost this series because we failed to take our batting to the Aussie bowlers. Warne isn't any better than he was in 2005. In 2005 he took 40 wickets against us and was still on the losing side. So far in this current series he has only taken 21. Against Warne only a couple of our bats have really taken the game to him. We need attacking bats like KP. Freddie needs to remember that he was once the same as KP (remember him placing a six into his Dad's hands?). Form is temporary; class is permanent.
7. The Age Gap: Obviously this series has proved that age is unimportant. Those Aussie stars that have really shined have all been older than their counterparts. We didn't win in 2005 because we were younger. We won because the skipper made better use of his players in the same way that RP has done so this series. Dad's Army they might be, better than us they are.
8. Arrogance: If there was any reason that won the Ashes for England it was the Aussie's arrogance. They turned up here and expected to win easily because they were the best in the world. England, however, didn't go to Oz with the same attitude. They went looking for a drawn series and retention. Arrogance does help. Look at KP. Take away his ego and his edge is blunted. But we didn't lose this series because we lacked arrogance...we lost because we were poorly prepared and didn't come for a fight.
9. The Siege Mentality: The Australians struggled in England because of the overwhelming support for England from both public and press. As the series went on the increased interest in England's progress was astonishing. I don't think England have suffered in the same way down under. We simply turned up to a gun fight brandishing a blunt knife. Ponting was determined to win at all costs in the same way that Vaughan was in 2005. The Aussie's didn't need a Siege Mentality because England didn't want to fight.
10. Billy Bowden: Why mention him now? Because it's not about one man. It's about umpiring in general. I am a great traditionalist of the game. I believe that its continuity should be maintained but when it comes to umpiring why not use technology to make the game fairer? After all, (and I speak as someone who does plenty of umpiring every weekend of the summer) it's bloody hard work making sure the bowler doesn't tamper with the ball, step over the line or bend his arm without having to judge if the ball pitched in line, whether the bat was playing a genuine stroke or if the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps. Let the no-ball judgement be made by the 3rd umpire. This series has seen a few bad decisions but no more than any other series. Hughes harped on about the Kasprowicz at Birmingham (his hand that made contact with the ball was not actually on the bat at time of contact and therefore 'Not Out') but even the victim himself said he would have given it out. Umpiring is not the reason we lost this series.
Quite simply we lost because we failed to believe that Australia would learn any lessons from 2005. They did. We lost because we gambled on semi-fit players. We lost because we failed to attack with bat and ball. And we lost because we went there looking for a draw. Had we gone looking for a fight we would have got one...and we might even have won!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Final Test Preview
Ok...regrouped by now, the England team should bounce back. They won't of course. Freddie's boys will go down in history as the first Ashes side to lose 5-0 since the 1920's. At best they can hope for a draw.
Statistically the odds are not good. In 52 tests played at the SCG Australia have won 26 and England only 19. However, on our last visit there we won by 225 runs. On that occasion England were also 4-0 down. The visitors batted first and put on 362 with a partnership of 166 between Hussain & Butcher. The Aussies hit back and made it to 363 which included centuries from Steve Waugh & Adam Gilchrest. Hoggard, Caddick & Harmison shared the scalps. In the 2nd innings England stepped up the pace declaring on 452 for 9 with Vaughan top scoring on 183 on a flat track. Now, at this point it was heading for a draw but for Caddick's 7 for 94. None of the homeside made above 50.
If England could reproduce that kind of form then, whilst they won't come home heroes, they will have at least wiped the wry smile from the face of Ponting. But England have no Trescothick; no Vaughan; no Butcher & no Hussain. They have men that could be all the aforementioned. Strauss could be Tressy and Cook has got a touch of Vaughan. Ian Bell is in the same class as Hussain and KP is certainly as powerful as Butcher on his day.
What needs to happen is simple. Not the clutching at straws type of cricket we have seen but a belligerence when batting that says I am not giving up this wicket. If you want it come and get it.
And when we bowl, we must bowl like Monty; we must believe that each and every ball could take a wicket.
I'd like to see the same team as Melbourne. Change the batting line up. Collingwood down to 6 and KP up to 3 or 4. More use should be made of Mahmood. I'd give him the new ball for 5 overs just to see what happens. Him and Harmy at either end should be lethal.
Whatever the result, this tour has shown that we lack imagination; we underestimated the way Australia would bounce back & the management of the team needs sorting out. Never again should we take players on tour who are not fit. We should not gamble like this. It would have been better to have lost using inexperienced players than this humiliation with unfit top players. We shouldn't take young rising stars on tour if we don't intend to use them. I feel for Joyce & Darlymple who have spent the whole tour carrying drinks for unfit players. Stuart Broad should have been given a run as a change bowler. How else will he ever gain the experience he needs?
It is a time for reflection. The end of each year brings such contemplation for all of us. The ECB need the same introspection &, indeed, catharsis.
Statistically the odds are not good. In 52 tests played at the SCG Australia have won 26 and England only 19. However, on our last visit there we won by 225 runs. On that occasion England were also 4-0 down. The visitors batted first and put on 362 with a partnership of 166 between Hussain & Butcher. The Aussies hit back and made it to 363 which included centuries from Steve Waugh & Adam Gilchrest. Hoggard, Caddick & Harmison shared the scalps. In the 2nd innings England stepped up the pace declaring on 452 for 9 with Vaughan top scoring on 183 on a flat track. Now, at this point it was heading for a draw but for Caddick's 7 for 94. None of the homeside made above 50.
If England could reproduce that kind of form then, whilst they won't come home heroes, they will have at least wiped the wry smile from the face of Ponting. But England have no Trescothick; no Vaughan; no Butcher & no Hussain. They have men that could be all the aforementioned. Strauss could be Tressy and Cook has got a touch of Vaughan. Ian Bell is in the same class as Hussain and KP is certainly as powerful as Butcher on his day.
What needs to happen is simple. Not the clutching at straws type of cricket we have seen but a belligerence when batting that says I am not giving up this wicket. If you want it come and get it.
And when we bowl, we must bowl like Monty; we must believe that each and every ball could take a wicket.
I'd like to see the same team as Melbourne. Change the batting line up. Collingwood down to 6 and KP up to 3 or 4. More use should be made of Mahmood. I'd give him the new ball for 5 overs just to see what happens. Him and Harmy at either end should be lethal.
Whatever the result, this tour has shown that we lack imagination; we underestimated the way Australia would bounce back & the management of the team needs sorting out. Never again should we take players on tour who are not fit. We should not gamble like this. It would have been better to have lost using inexperienced players than this humiliation with unfit top players. We shouldn't take young rising stars on tour if we don't intend to use them. I feel for Joyce & Darlymple who have spent the whole tour carrying drinks for unfit players. Stuart Broad should have been given a run as a change bowler. How else will he ever gain the experience he needs?
It is a time for reflection. The end of each year brings such contemplation for all of us. The ECB need the same introspection &, indeed, catharsis.
Friday, December 29, 2006
4th Test - Review
It pains me greatly to write a review of England's performance because it was so very poor. However, for the sake of the future some words must be written.
Andrew Strauss: Despite the fact that this guy is one of the class acts of the England top order, he has failed to shine. I do like his batting style; he plays well off both the front and back foot and deals with pressure well. Of the top order he tried the hardest but as Nasser Hussain has said elsewhere, he still lacked that 'over my dead body' spirit. 6/10
Alistar Cook: He really hasn't got enough runs on the board for my liking but I hope the selectors perservere with him. There is a calmness to him that makes him right for an opener. Only long term experience will help him with his shot selection, which alot of the time is very good. He occasionally looks undecisive against straight balls and needs to get forward. Technically correct but just needs to build his confidence with a few big innings. 6/10
Ian Bell: The pressure of being an Aussie target is getting to this guy. I'm still a little torn about him at 3. I'd like to see KP at 3 because he likes the ball coming onto the bat. For Bell the LBW issue is big. No real solution apart from getting further forward and making sure that the bat is in front of the pad. Not enough runs. 5/10
Paul Collingwood: Not a true No 4. Would be a much bigger assest down the order at 6. Always seems to get a start but doesn't always build on it. Needs to settle quickly. I'd love to see him play a 'chanceless' innings rather than getting away with it by the skin of his teeth. 4/10
Kevin Pietersen: I've seen a side of this guy which suggests that he is not as much as a team player as he claims. He constantly nicks a run off the first ball of an over and often leaves a tail ender at tha danger end. He is reported to prefer the number 5 slot but I'm sure he should bat at 3. 5/10
Andrew Flintoff: Before this series I backed this man as captain but he isn't a captain. He is a tailsman. Originally in the side as a batter who could bowl and the selectors should remember that. 5/10
Chris Read: The better option behind the stumps for sure. Ans his 2nd innings with the bat was well played whilst those around him crumbled. 7/10
Saj Mahmood: The most natural fast bowler we have and he is very underused. Experience will help him. His slower ball is well disguised and a great asset. 7/10
Steve Harmison: Looking better. Needs to gain confidence. Needs to watch the footage of the times when he has been at his best. 6/10
Monty Panesar: Surely this man will be on top of the world one day soon. He is determined and attacking. He does need to develop a more mixed bag of balls. One that goes straight on would be great. 6/10
Matthew Hoggard: I've been disapointed with a few of his spells but on the whole he is another Caddick or Fraser stock bowler. We need guys like this. 5/10
Sydney Line-up:
1. Strauss
2. Cook
3. KP
4. Bell
5. Flintoff
6. Collingwood
7. Read
8. Mahmood
9. Harmison
10. Monty
11. Hoggard
Andrew Strauss: Despite the fact that this guy is one of the class acts of the England top order, he has failed to shine. I do like his batting style; he plays well off both the front and back foot and deals with pressure well. Of the top order he tried the hardest but as Nasser Hussain has said elsewhere, he still lacked that 'over my dead body' spirit. 6/10
Alistar Cook: He really hasn't got enough runs on the board for my liking but I hope the selectors perservere with him. There is a calmness to him that makes him right for an opener. Only long term experience will help him with his shot selection, which alot of the time is very good. He occasionally looks undecisive against straight balls and needs to get forward. Technically correct but just needs to build his confidence with a few big innings. 6/10
Ian Bell: The pressure of being an Aussie target is getting to this guy. I'm still a little torn about him at 3. I'd like to see KP at 3 because he likes the ball coming onto the bat. For Bell the LBW issue is big. No real solution apart from getting further forward and making sure that the bat is in front of the pad. Not enough runs. 5/10
Paul Collingwood: Not a true No 4. Would be a much bigger assest down the order at 6. Always seems to get a start but doesn't always build on it. Needs to settle quickly. I'd love to see him play a 'chanceless' innings rather than getting away with it by the skin of his teeth. 4/10
Kevin Pietersen: I've seen a side of this guy which suggests that he is not as much as a team player as he claims. He constantly nicks a run off the first ball of an over and often leaves a tail ender at tha danger end. He is reported to prefer the number 5 slot but I'm sure he should bat at 3. 5/10
Andrew Flintoff: Before this series I backed this man as captain but he isn't a captain. He is a tailsman. Originally in the side as a batter who could bowl and the selectors should remember that. 5/10
Chris Read: The better option behind the stumps for sure. Ans his 2nd innings with the bat was well played whilst those around him crumbled. 7/10
Saj Mahmood: The most natural fast bowler we have and he is very underused. Experience will help him. His slower ball is well disguised and a great asset. 7/10
Steve Harmison: Looking better. Needs to gain confidence. Needs to watch the footage of the times when he has been at his best. 6/10
Monty Panesar: Surely this man will be on top of the world one day soon. He is determined and attacking. He does need to develop a more mixed bag of balls. One that goes straight on would be great. 6/10
Matthew Hoggard: I've been disapointed with a few of his spells but on the whole he is another Caddick or Fraser stock bowler. We need guys like this. 5/10
Sydney Line-up:
1. Strauss
2. Cook
3. KP
4. Bell
5. Flintoff
6. Collingwood
7. Read
8. Mahmood
9. Harmison
10. Monty
11. Hoggard
Thursday, December 28, 2006
4-0
Oh dear...
Must have been the pitch...oh, wait how come the Aussies managed to bat on it? In fact two of their bats managed to score almost as much in one innings as all 11 England batsmwen did in two innings. That must mean that they are 10 times better than us?
Freddie just said it was time to regroup....not sure that's going to help. All the way through this series England have had the chances and failed to capitalise on them. Even in this match when they had them 84 for 5.
After losing the Ashes in 2005 Australia had a full review of everything. We should commission this review now. The management team have been clutching at straws the whole tour.
I am ashamed at England's performance.
Must have been the pitch...oh, wait how come the Aussies managed to bat on it? In fact two of their bats managed to score almost as much in one innings as all 11 England batsmwen did in two innings. That must mean that they are 10 times better than us?
Freddie just said it was time to regroup....not sure that's going to help. All the way through this series England have had the chances and failed to capitalise on them. Even in this match when they had them 84 for 5.
After losing the Ashes in 2005 Australia had a full review of everything. We should commission this review now. The management team have been clutching at straws the whole tour.
I am ashamed at England's performance.
4th Test - Day 3
OK...alot has been said about bowling plans. For the record, England copied my bowling plan for Hayden, Langer & Pointing from this blog!
260 runs behind now. England need to score at least 420. They won't, even though the track is flat. It could be an innings defeat. The next half hour will tell. Get through that and we might be ok.
260 runs behind now. England need to score at least 420. They won't, even though the track is flat. It could be an innings defeat. The next half hour will tell. Get through that and we might be ok.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
269 for 5
What the hell is going on? I fell asleep for a while back there. When I did the score was about 85 for 5. When I woke up I thought I was watching a different game...and I think I am. Once again, we are not attacking these guys. Poor cricket, very poor cricket.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
159 All Out
mmmm...let me see 159 divided by 11. Well that only makes 14.45 and we only had 3 players make more than that. Give it up lads. Go and get jobs somewhere else. Here's some ideas to think about:
Andrew Strauss: Stock Broker
Alistar Cook: Travel Agent
Ian Bell: Traffic Warden
Paul Collingwood: Dustman
Kevin Pietersen: Cricketer or full-time celebrity
Andrew Flintoff: Doorman
Chris Read: Park Keeper
Saj Mahmood: 2nd Hand Car Salesman
Steve Harmison: Giraffe Keeper
Monty Panesar: Civil Servant
Matthew Hoggard: Security Guard
Andrew Strauss: Stock Broker
Alistar Cook: Travel Agent
Ian Bell: Traffic Warden
Paul Collingwood: Dustman
Kevin Pietersen: Cricketer or full-time celebrity
Andrew Flintoff: Doorman
Chris Read: Park Keeper
Saj Mahmood: 2nd Hand Car Salesman
Steve Harmison: Giraffe Keeper
Monty Panesar: Civil Servant
Matthew Hoggard: Security Guard
4th Test - Day 1
Not really sure what's happening to English cricket. We seem to be sliding into decline once more. After years of great work getting back on our feet we currently look as if we would struggle against Bangladesh.
On a damp track, for some reason, we choose to bat. Tough call. But one that suggested Freddie lacked confidence in our bowlers, rather than being confidence we could post a high score. And now at 127 for 5 that's not going to happen. Only Strauss has played a fairly decent innings. Runs are hard to come by (there was just a single boundary in Strauss' 50). Once again we are being kept on the square. If we were planning to avoid a whitewash this isn't the way to do it.
England have only made one change: that of Read in for Jones. Whilst I think this is the right choice for the wicketkeeper's role I do think that the Selectors have now put both men in an impossible position. Read is now playing in only his 3rd innings of the tour and suddenly he is in front of 98,000 people at the MCG and having to prove a point. Out now. Driving at something he shouldn't have. 3 runs. Not his fault. Not enough practice. Time for the selectors to say sorry. But they won't...they never admit they are wrong. Disappointing.
Botham has just said that KP should be batting at 4 and he is totally right. Once again KP is batting with the tail. And, in theory, he will be the last man standing again. He is ranked world number 3 batsman and should bat higher than Collingwood.
These guys are wasting everyone's time and should come home and cancel all further engagements until the management sort themselves out and actually start doing a decent job of managing this team.
On a damp track, for some reason, we choose to bat. Tough call. But one that suggested Freddie lacked confidence in our bowlers, rather than being confidence we could post a high score. And now at 127 for 5 that's not going to happen. Only Strauss has played a fairly decent innings. Runs are hard to come by (there was just a single boundary in Strauss' 50). Once again we are being kept on the square. If we were planning to avoid a whitewash this isn't the way to do it.
England have only made one change: that of Read in for Jones. Whilst I think this is the right choice for the wicketkeeper's role I do think that the Selectors have now put both men in an impossible position. Read is now playing in only his 3rd innings of the tour and suddenly he is in front of 98,000 people at the MCG and having to prove a point. Out now. Driving at something he shouldn't have. 3 runs. Not his fault. Not enough practice. Time for the selectors to say sorry. But they won't...they never admit they are wrong. Disappointing.
Botham has just said that KP should be batting at 4 and he is totally right. Once again KP is batting with the tail. And, in theory, he will be the last man standing again. He is ranked world number 3 batsman and should bat higher than Collingwood.
These guys are wasting everyone's time and should come home and cancel all further engagements until the management sort themselves out and actually start doing a decent job of managing this team.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Dropping like flies
In the last three weeks we have seen three top Aussies either retire or announce their retirement. And so, it would appear, the full squad of the world's top side will all have followed suit by the 1st week in May 2007.
This gives the rest of the world a chance to beat them!
This gives the rest of the world a chance to beat them!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Follow the yellow (and green) brick road...
....the wonderful Wizard of Aus...Well it's (almost) time to say farewell to this guy who has proved a nemesis for so many class batsmen around the world. Whilst I confess to being a fan of his unique leg-spin, flippers & googlies, I have not always been a fan of the man himself.
Statisically, you cannot fault this guy:
Bowling
Matches: 143
Balls: 40315
Runs: 17818
Wicket: 699
Best Innings: 8 for 71
Best Match: 12 for 128
Average: 25.49
Economy: 2.65
Strike Rate: 57.67
5 Wicket Hauls: 36
10 Wicket Hauls: 10
Not bad for an Aussie. I think it is time that England looked hard at themselves and ask why we don't produce players of this calibre as regularly as the Aussies do? After all, we invented the game...surely we should be the best in the world?
Monday, December 18, 2006
3-0
During the 1980's the West Indies were what Australia are now: the best side in the world. They crumbled because of old age. Australia will also crumble one day. But for now we must face that this series is likely to finish 5-0.
Here's my verdict on the players and staff:
Duncan Fletcher: This obstinent man is still spinning his spin and even in his post-match interview he wasn't prepared to accept the obvious selection mistakes. One thing in his defence over selection is that the other selectors weren't there and perhaps coaching, managing & selecting his team is too much for one man. Fletcher has been a good coach since 1999. He has a good record. But this series has been one too many for him. I would like to see a bit of honesty from him and be prepared to face up to the mistakes in selection that have been made. Backing players who were available but not match-fit is surely unwise? DF now needs to inspire this squad so that they can come back and win a couple of games. After all, in 20 years time when we regain the Ashes, Wisden's will show a 3-2 as a much closer result than the reality.
David Graveney: As Chair of Selectors you would expect this man to be out there helping DF but instead he is back in Blighty. Time to face the music David and accept that our whole selection process and policy is wrong. The series so far has proved this.
Andrew Strauss: This man has been unlucky on three occasions in the series when replays have showed that he wasn't out. However, he hasn't played the same game that he has before. Poor shot selection at times has revealed many weaknesses. His foot movement at the crease is less positive and he seems reluctant to get forward. 6/10
Alistar Cook: At 21 this young talent should excite everyone at his prospects for the future. If he stays fit he should dominate this opening slot for another 10 years. But he will always need a foil for his style of batting and the way Strauss is playing at the moment doesn't provide such a contrast. A fit Trescothick all full of flare and power would make a better partner. This guy needs to found the right sort of partner, be it an in form Strauss or someone like Rob Key. Cook is impressive and we are lucky to have such a talent so young. 8/10
Ian Bell: In 2005 I thought that Bell had spent his last chance at Test level after a run of poor scores. But we must give this man his due. He fought his way back into the side and has now cemented his place. He has the right temperment for a No 3 and is totally unflustered by the sledging. His shot selection is good, particulalry square of the wicket. Only poor form will see this man dropped. Its funny because he is often put up for interviews and deals with the media quite well. Possible candidate for FEC? 8/10
Paul Collingwood: I was never moved by this guy at Test level until this series. I would like to see him bat down the order where he could prove to be more of an assest. At times he plays fantastic cricket and takes on short balls without fear. However, his array of shots do not justify the No 4 slot and when he plays that defensive game instead of attacking he is dreadfully boring and would lose his place if I had my way! Bat him at 6 and make him play aggressively. This England has long missed Thorpe who was always a great player to come in at 5 when we were 35 for 3. He would always see us home. Colly could play a similar role at 6. 6/10
Kevin Pietersen: This guy should really bat at No 4. His average so far is great. He has real character and true natural talent. He plays exceptionally well under pressure and fears no one. He is awesome. 9/10
Andrew Flintoff: In a way Freddie has been overshadowed by KP. They are both big personalities and perhaps there isn't room for that in a side. However, he does always give his all. His poor form with the bat could be atrributed to his capatincy roles but I'm inclinced to think that he is simply not match-fit. I don't think he is a captain and should step down so that he can do waht he does best. In 2005 MV got the best out of each of his players. Freddie hasn't managed that and by asking him to captain the side he has been spread too thin. He came into the side originally as a batter who can bowl. We need to remember that and use his talents accordingly. 5/10
Geraint Jones: 3/10 duckie.
Saj Mahmood: What a great prospect. The most natural run, leap & bound in test cricket. I feel this one will come good...soon. 7/10
Matthew Hoggard: This guy is a real performer at key times. Bowling Langer 1st ball was outrageous and brilliant. Langer is rarely bowled and to be bowled by us twice in a match is very bad for him! Hoggard needs to be used in the way that suits him best; ie at very key times. He can swing the ball both ways and has an extraordinary yorker that is under-used. Excellent effort. 8/10
Steve Harmison: We haven't seen the best of this guy yet. He has talent but fails to unlock it sometimes. His figures for the match do not reflect just how well he bowled. He was great. 8/10
Monty Panesar: Hey! A real competitor this one. He will always fight and to finish up with 8 wickets for the match was very good. Long time since we have had a finger spinner who could produce such results. And of course he bowled Langer who is very difficult to get past. For the stand with Harmy alone he is worth inclusion. 9/10
Here's my verdict on the players and staff:
Duncan Fletcher: This obstinent man is still spinning his spin and even in his post-match interview he wasn't prepared to accept the obvious selection mistakes. One thing in his defence over selection is that the other selectors weren't there and perhaps coaching, managing & selecting his team is too much for one man. Fletcher has been a good coach since 1999. He has a good record. But this series has been one too many for him. I would like to see a bit of honesty from him and be prepared to face up to the mistakes in selection that have been made. Backing players who were available but not match-fit is surely unwise? DF now needs to inspire this squad so that they can come back and win a couple of games. After all, in 20 years time when we regain the Ashes, Wisden's will show a 3-2 as a much closer result than the reality.
David Graveney: As Chair of Selectors you would expect this man to be out there helping DF but instead he is back in Blighty. Time to face the music David and accept that our whole selection process and policy is wrong. The series so far has proved this.
Andrew Strauss: This man has been unlucky on three occasions in the series when replays have showed that he wasn't out. However, he hasn't played the same game that he has before. Poor shot selection at times has revealed many weaknesses. His foot movement at the crease is less positive and he seems reluctant to get forward. 6/10
Alistar Cook: At 21 this young talent should excite everyone at his prospects for the future. If he stays fit he should dominate this opening slot for another 10 years. But he will always need a foil for his style of batting and the way Strauss is playing at the moment doesn't provide such a contrast. A fit Trescothick all full of flare and power would make a better partner. This guy needs to found the right sort of partner, be it an in form Strauss or someone like Rob Key. Cook is impressive and we are lucky to have such a talent so young. 8/10
Ian Bell: In 2005 I thought that Bell had spent his last chance at Test level after a run of poor scores. But we must give this man his due. He fought his way back into the side and has now cemented his place. He has the right temperment for a No 3 and is totally unflustered by the sledging. His shot selection is good, particulalry square of the wicket. Only poor form will see this man dropped. Its funny because he is often put up for interviews and deals with the media quite well. Possible candidate for FEC? 8/10
Paul Collingwood: I was never moved by this guy at Test level until this series. I would like to see him bat down the order where he could prove to be more of an assest. At times he plays fantastic cricket and takes on short balls without fear. However, his array of shots do not justify the No 4 slot and when he plays that defensive game instead of attacking he is dreadfully boring and would lose his place if I had my way! Bat him at 6 and make him play aggressively. This England has long missed Thorpe who was always a great player to come in at 5 when we were 35 for 3. He would always see us home. Colly could play a similar role at 6. 6/10
Kevin Pietersen: This guy should really bat at No 4. His average so far is great. He has real character and true natural talent. He plays exceptionally well under pressure and fears no one. He is awesome. 9/10
Andrew Flintoff: In a way Freddie has been overshadowed by KP. They are both big personalities and perhaps there isn't room for that in a side. However, he does always give his all. His poor form with the bat could be atrributed to his capatincy roles but I'm inclinced to think that he is simply not match-fit. I don't think he is a captain and should step down so that he can do waht he does best. In 2005 MV got the best out of each of his players. Freddie hasn't managed that and by asking him to captain the side he has been spread too thin. He came into the side originally as a batter who can bowl. We need to remember that and use his talents accordingly. 5/10
Geraint Jones: 3/10 duckie.
Saj Mahmood: What a great prospect. The most natural run, leap & bound in test cricket. I feel this one will come good...soon. 7/10
Matthew Hoggard: This guy is a real performer at key times. Bowling Langer 1st ball was outrageous and brilliant. Langer is rarely bowled and to be bowled by us twice in a match is very bad for him! Hoggard needs to be used in the way that suits him best; ie at very key times. He can swing the ball both ways and has an extraordinary yorker that is under-used. Excellent effort. 8/10
Steve Harmison: We haven't seen the best of this guy yet. He has talent but fails to unlock it sometimes. His figures for the match do not reflect just how well he bowled. He was great. 8/10
Monty Panesar: Hey! A real competitor this one. He will always fight and to finish up with 8 wickets for the match was very good. Long time since we have had a finger spinner who could produce such results. And of course he bowled Langer who is very difficult to get past. For the stand with Harmy alone he is worth inclusion. 9/10
Oh Dear...
When the alarm clock went off at 2.15 this morning I decided to stay in bed and I am glad I did.
Sitting here now watching the post mortem on Sky. The key points that all agree on (apart from Nasser - who doesn't agree with anyone) are selection & preparation. These are obviously very important issues. The most crucial issue is that when it really mattered, when we had our backs to the wall, when the real pressure was on we failed. Nothing else to say really. This defeat will smart for a long time. Later today I will compile a review of the match. For now though I am going to bury my head in my coffee and wonder why I bother thinking that we could ever compete against these guys.
Sitting here now watching the post mortem on Sky. The key points that all agree on (apart from Nasser - who doesn't agree with anyone) are selection & preparation. These are obviously very important issues. The most crucial issue is that when it really mattered, when we had our backs to the wall, when the real pressure was on we failed. Nothing else to say really. This defeat will smart for a long time. Later today I will compile a review of the match. For now though I am going to bury my head in my coffee and wonder why I bother thinking that we could ever compete against these guys.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
3rd Test - Day 5...what happened next...
Ok....here's what needs to happen: England need 292 to win. Simple really. And this is how it should play out....
Early on in the first session will be tough but KP will protect Freddie until he finds his feet. KP will get fed up with being defensive and start lashing the little red fellow all over the ground. He will do this because Gilchrest will have upstaged him and he can't cope with that sort of thing.
This aggression will jog Freddie's memory that before KP turned up that was his role in the side and he will start doing some of the same. Then KP will hole out of a top-edged pull for about 104 and enter the young welsh lad.
Now...if there was ever someone who was due an innings (beside Freddie and the unlucky Strauss) it's Jones. He and Freddie have batted well together many times before. So with the visitors still needing around 150 with just over a session to do it in these two will crack on until Jones goes for 56. Then the young pretender Mahmood will join his captain and whack 30 or 40 off about 25 balls before getting a serious yorker off Lee. By this time we are still around 50 runs light with Freddie in the 90's and up steps Harmy...out for a duck! And now it's Monty...the man of the moment. 7 overs left and Freddie starts heaving Lee and Clarke over Long On and sweeping Warne round the corner. Whilst Monty chips in with a few more of those delicious straight drives....It's tight but we are home with 8 balls to spare and all is forgiven.....
Of course, the alternative is that Freddie is out 2nd ball of the morning and once more KP is stranding after running out of partners...oh! and the Ashes are lost!
Early on in the first session will be tough but KP will protect Freddie until he finds his feet. KP will get fed up with being defensive and start lashing the little red fellow all over the ground. He will do this because Gilchrest will have upstaged him and he can't cope with that sort of thing.
This aggression will jog Freddie's memory that before KP turned up that was his role in the side and he will start doing some of the same. Then KP will hole out of a top-edged pull for about 104 and enter the young welsh lad.
Now...if there was ever someone who was due an innings (beside Freddie and the unlucky Strauss) it's Jones. He and Freddie have batted well together many times before. So with the visitors still needing around 150 with just over a session to do it in these two will crack on until Jones goes for 56. Then the young pretender Mahmood will join his captain and whack 30 or 40 off about 25 balls before getting a serious yorker off Lee. By this time we are still around 50 runs light with Freddie in the 90's and up steps Harmy...out for a duck! And now it's Monty...the man of the moment. 7 overs left and Freddie starts heaving Lee and Clarke over Long On and sweeping Warne round the corner. Whilst Monty chips in with a few more of those delicious straight drives....It's tight but we are home with 8 balls to spare and all is forgiven.....
Of course, the alternative is that Freddie is out 2nd ball of the morning and once more KP is stranding after running out of partners...oh! and the Ashes are lost!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Down, Under and Out
Well, you can kiss goodbye to that Michael, my ol' lad.
Down: 2-0 (almost 3-0). Down in heart, down in style and down in class.
Under: under-performed, under the cosh and under the illusion that we could compete against the best in the world.
Out: Out of luck, out of time and out of the running.
Time to pack up and go home. Concede now Freddie. Put us all out of this dreadful misery. How can there be such a vast chasm of different between these two sides? I would actually expect lowly Bangladesh to put up more of a fight than these guys have. For me there is only one player on the field that is making any real effort and that is Monty, who, whatever the result, will come home a hero. Whereas the Management Team, the Selectors and certain others will not be welcome here. It took 20 years to regain the Ashes and this lot have given them back in a few innings. This pitch is obviously flat, quick and true. How can the Aussies bat on it and we can't?
Duncan Fletcher: YOU MUST RESIGN NOW
David Graveney: YOU AND GEOFF MILLER MUST RESIGN NOW
And when you have you will have to make a public apology to us the fans that provide the money that pays your wages and to Michael Vaughan for managing to undo all the good work of the past few years.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Day 2 - Tea Report
I had a nice cup of tea at about 7am, which was nice. Unlike England's batting performance, which was not.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
3rd Test Perth - Day 1
Honours almost even I guess. England certainly played better cricket than I expected and whilst it was disappointing to lose a couple of wickets late on I think the lads will be quite happy.
Harmison was more like the bowler we know and love. Monty was great. And, to give him his due, Freddie managed proceedings with a new dynamic and flexible approach. We bowled in the right places and took the chances. I'm a little concerned that the skipper isn't quite fit. He only took 9 overs for himself. This could be because Monty was troubling them. But it could be his ankle playing up. Either way it was decent captaincy.
Ball of the day for me was the one that took Langer's wicket (although Clarke's fearsome delivery to Collingwood that was dropped by Warne at slip was awesome). Langer played the line but was still beaten which is unusual for him.
Interesting stats on Langer: Of the 166 times he has been dismissed at test level only 21 times has he been bowled. Against England he has been dismissed 29 times but has only been bowled twice.
A good day for England and breathes life back into the series.
Harmison was more like the bowler we know and love. Monty was great. And, to give him his due, Freddie managed proceedings with a new dynamic and flexible approach. We bowled in the right places and took the chances. I'm a little concerned that the skipper isn't quite fit. He only took 9 overs for himself. This could be because Monty was troubling them. But it could be his ankle playing up. Either way it was decent captaincy.
Ball of the day for me was the one that took Langer's wicket (although Clarke's fearsome delivery to Collingwood that was dropped by Warne at slip was awesome). Langer played the line but was still beaten which is unusual for him.
Interesting stats on Langer: Of the 166 times he has been dismissed at test level only 21 times has he been bowled. Against England he has been dismissed 29 times but has only been bowled twice.
A good day for England and breathes life back into the series.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
3rd Test Perth - Preview
Nearly there. Right, many words have been said regarding this test. It is possibly the most important match for England that they could play because it will be the making or breaking of the team. If they are the side we fans believe (and hope) they are then they will turn the tables on the Aussies. If not, well the hard work of the past few years is wasted and will be dashed upon the rocks of dissapointment.
England's Test record since 2000 has included 7 different captains and a total of 90 matches. Of those 90 we have won 42 and lost 26. Not a bad record but not as good as could have been. Our record against Australia (despite winning the Ashes in 2005) is poor: 17 Tests, won 4, lost 11. And no England side has ever come back from 2-0 down to win a series against Australia. So the odds are stacked against us. On a purely percentage basis, Andrew Strauss is the most succesful skipper of that period...played 4, won 3, lost 0. But there is to be no change at the top for the moment. So we must press on.
Whether Flintoff is the right man for the job is now academic. He simply has to be. If he comes out with that same determination that he had at the Oval in 2005 then he could make hsitory. Make no doubt about it; Freddie has the ability to be a match-changing player. He just needs to make the best possible use of his players.
Much has been said of this Perth track. Maybe it will be good for spinners. Monty, by all accounts, is set for inclusion but this remains to be seen. Personally I'd like to see him in the side because he is more attacking than Giles. I'm not bothered that his batting is rabbit-like. He is in the squad because he is possibly the best finger spinner in the world. So use him.
If we win the toss we must bat. We must bat and score plenty of runs at a decent rate. I'd love to see 400 on the board after Day 1. Perhaps for 7 or 8. But if we lose the toss and are asked to field then we must play the most aggresive cricket ever. I remember playing a local league match last season when we were skittled for 79 on a damp pudding of a wicket. At first the skipper wanted to play defensively until several of us persuaded him that we must attack. And we did. Men round the bat. Bowled full length deliveries and had them all out for 52! Which was nice. This is how England need to play. In fact it is how they perform best. I notice this week that Angus Fraser has suggested that Michael Vaughan's presence is a distraction. This could be true to some extent but actually I suspect that he could play a very influential role in the dressing room. His captaincy was always based upon individuals taking responsibility for a team's performance. It was flexible and smart; he was always ready to make a change, move the field, tell a bowler to have a blow. This is exactly what needs to happen at Perth.
Our attack, on paper is fantastically strong. If Harmison is to be included he must take the new ball. There is no point having him standing at 3rd Man, sulking. Freddie is good with the cherry but he is a better change bowler. Hoggard and Harmison can destroy any top order in the world. If they can manage this at Perth we have a chance of saving this series. We won't win it...but we could save it.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Too much talk?
There is a lot of talk. Everyone's doing it. Fletcher, Graveney, Flintoff, Lillie, Warne....they have all had something to say. It almost time for the talking to stop. On Thursday night (our time) all words will have to be replaced with actions. For me cricket has always been a game of action rather than words. You can talk up a player's form or talk down their problems, but the real proof comes when they are on the field.
There are obviously problems in the England camp; the denials tell us that. However, as a fan I must give them the chance to prove themselves and that chance is almost here. So whether they pick Panesar over Giles or go for a two-spinner attack, I will still be rooting for them to stuff an aging Aussie side. And we can do it. We don't need words for that. We simply need our best players that are fit and available to go and bowl in the right areas, take catches and score runs.
I am proud to be an English cricket fan and believe that there is enough talent in this squad to beat the Australians on a consistent basis. Some of the comments I have read recently suggestions that we was 'lucky' in 2005. But really we were the better side. Even at Lord's, where the result was as bad as the last test, we took the game to the Aussies (most of the time). At Perth we should do that again. We won in 2005 because we played better cricket and that is all that counts. The 2006 Edition of Wisden published an article by analyst Simon Hughes which listed 10 reasons why we won:
1. Captaincy
2. Batting first
3. Central contracts
4. Troy Cooley
5. Flintoff's dominance of Gilchrest
6. Kevin Pietersen & Merlyn
7. The age gap
8. Australian arrogance
9. The siege mentality
10. Billy Bowden
Whilst I would agreed emphatically with points 1, 2 & 8, I would argue that the rest were immaterial. Certainly captaincy played a massive role in 2005 and has failed to be so significant thus far in this series because RP hasn't had to make any real captaincy decisions. This is simply because we have failed to provide any significant opposition.
Batting first should be a major influence on any game, particularly on pitches that are known to deteriorate on the 4th & 5th days. However, the last test showed that even when we bat first and score a pile of runs we still have the facility to chuck a game away.
Point 8 is probably the only way that we will realistically retain the Ashes!
We can win the remaining games but we don't need help from Billy Bowden, Troy Cooley or any age gap. All we need is 11 fit players and decent captaincy. They are obviously not going to sack Flintoff before Thursday so he needs to do the job he has been entrusted with. Not just for him and the squad but for all of England. Australia are an aging test side that in 2 years time will not hold the position of strength and respect that they command now. England, on the other hand, have a fantastic array of new young, players just coming to the fore.
We haven't prepared enough for this tour. Lillie was right; we shouldn't have returned to Blighty after the ICC matches. But we're there now. We have the talent and we can win. In Perth we will win. Not comfortably. But we will win. Pick the right side Freddie. Pick not your mates but those who are in form and have something to prove. Pick Read, Mahmood and, of course, Monty. Then make your selection from there. You can do this...you know you can.
The time for talking is over. The time for action is here...
There are obviously problems in the England camp; the denials tell us that. However, as a fan I must give them the chance to prove themselves and that chance is almost here. So whether they pick Panesar over Giles or go for a two-spinner attack, I will still be rooting for them to stuff an aging Aussie side. And we can do it. We don't need words for that. We simply need our best players that are fit and available to go and bowl in the right areas, take catches and score runs.
I am proud to be an English cricket fan and believe that there is enough talent in this squad to beat the Australians on a consistent basis. Some of the comments I have read recently suggestions that we was 'lucky' in 2005. But really we were the better side. Even at Lord's, where the result was as bad as the last test, we took the game to the Aussies (most of the time). At Perth we should do that again. We won in 2005 because we played better cricket and that is all that counts. The 2006 Edition of Wisden published an article by analyst Simon Hughes which listed 10 reasons why we won:
1. Captaincy
2. Batting first
3. Central contracts
4. Troy Cooley
5. Flintoff's dominance of Gilchrest
6. Kevin Pietersen & Merlyn
7. The age gap
8. Australian arrogance
9. The siege mentality
10. Billy Bowden
Whilst I would agreed emphatically with points 1, 2 & 8, I would argue that the rest were immaterial. Certainly captaincy played a massive role in 2005 and has failed to be so significant thus far in this series because RP hasn't had to make any real captaincy decisions. This is simply because we have failed to provide any significant opposition.
Batting first should be a major influence on any game, particularly on pitches that are known to deteriorate on the 4th & 5th days. However, the last test showed that even when we bat first and score a pile of runs we still have the facility to chuck a game away.
Point 8 is probably the only way that we will realistically retain the Ashes!
We can win the remaining games but we don't need help from Billy Bowden, Troy Cooley or any age gap. All we need is 11 fit players and decent captaincy. They are obviously not going to sack Flintoff before Thursday so he needs to do the job he has been entrusted with. Not just for him and the squad but for all of England. Australia are an aging test side that in 2 years time will not hold the position of strength and respect that they command now. England, on the other hand, have a fantastic array of new young, players just coming to the fore.
We haven't prepared enough for this tour. Lillie was right; we shouldn't have returned to Blighty after the ICC matches. But we're there now. We have the talent and we can win. In Perth we will win. Not comfortably. But we will win. Pick the right side Freddie. Pick not your mates but those who are in form and have something to prove. Pick Read, Mahmood and, of course, Monty. Then make your selection from there. You can do this...you know you can.
The time for talking is over. The time for action is here...
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Bo! Selector
Ok...decision time. Read or Jones? Panesar or Giles? Mahmood or Anderson or (dare I even suggest it) Harmison. Who is going to play?
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Here's my team:
1. Strauss
2. Cook
3. Bell
4. Pietersen
5. Flintoff
6. Collingwood
7. Read
8. Mahmood
9. Anderson
10. Hoggard
11. Panesar
Friday, December 08, 2006
Stewart backs 'Fingers' Panesar!
Former England Captain, wicketkeeper and prolific batsman Alec Stewart has backed Monty to be included at Perth. In an article on the BBC site he described the people's choice as a good finger spinner.
See the full article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6220588.stm
Brace Yourself...
Monty takes 2 for 63 from 10 overs...but is it enough?
Not sure it will be...mind you the opposition won on 260 for 3 so he did take most of the wickets!
End of an up and down era...
So, Damien Martyn suddenly announces his retirement from all forms of cricket. Strange really. I know his place was under threat (again - he has been in and out of the test side more times than he has scored runs) but why retire from all forms of the game? Perhaps Sky Sports offered him a deal that he couldn't refuse. Perhaps he played one loose shot too many. Who knows. But if there is anything more sinister to his decision I'm quite sure it will surface shortly. Part of me is wondering whether all is not as rosy as it seems in Camp Australia. Anyway, whatever his reasons here's his test stats:
67 Matches; 109 innings; 4,406 runs; 14 Not Outs; High Score of 165; Strike Rate of 51.41 & an average of 46.37. He took 36 catches, scored 13 Centuries & 23 half-centuries. He made his Test debut in 1992 and was Test Player of the Year in 2005.
Looking at that record you would have to say he was a decent player. He was dropped from the Test side in 1994 and didn't resurface for 6 years. I liked his batting style and he was a good fielder. Not often I salute any of the Baggy Greens but this one was alright.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
No Silver Bullet
The beleaguered England Coach Duncan Fletcher has stated that Michael Vaughan won't be considered for the remaining Ashes tests. Vaughan, who is due to play in a two day match against Western Australia on Saturday had high hopes of playing in the Melbourne test on Boxing Day. Those England fans who had banked on Vaughan returning and saving the series are bound to be disappointed.
Many might have considered Vaughan's return to be the silver bullet that would strike at the heart of Australia's confidence. However, his coach has said that without match fitness he won't even be in the running for a return. Whilst England desperately need this Ashes winning captain back at the helm, if he was fit it would produce a selection dilemma of its own.
Looking at the batting order there doesn't seem an obvious target to replace. Whilst both Cook & Strauss haven't had the best of starts to the series everyone is confident that they will 'come good' and with Ian Bell in such fine form the No.3 slot is unlikely.
Vaughan is traditionally an opener. He only dropped down the order to allow Strauss to continue opening. He could bat at 4 and move KP to 5 but it still leaves a tough decision over who you would drop. Certainly you couldn't release Paul Collingwood when he is in such fine nick.
With this quandary spinning around in his mind, Fletcher has taken the easy option and ruled Vaughan out. In truth, it would be too much a gamble to play Vaughan, even batting right down the order. Whilst I am certain he is eager to get back in the saddle, no right-minded person would want to come back when his team are already 2-0 down. And what if he failed? Imagine dropping Cook (for example) and Vaughan copped a pair on his return!
No, I think this one one decision that Duncan Fletcher has called right. There is to be no silver bullet. England already have a squad from which to select eleven players fit enough and good enough to take on the Aussies.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Charmless Offensive
Cricket is no longer just a game played by gentlemen. Nor is it the 2nd division sport it once was. It is now big business with a lot of money changing hands for players, clubs, media giants and the likes of the ECB & ICC. Of course, this is great. It brings in cash right down to the grass roots; in schools and village cricket clubs the next Kevin Pietersen's or Andrew Flintoff's are reaping the rewards with new kit and practice facilities. The 2005 Ashes series, with its nail-biting excitement, aroused a passion amongst those who would never have ordinarily given the game a second thought. It has personalities, heroes and villains; all the ingredients for a popular sporting phenomena. And yet, with all these wonderful advances there looms the spectre of media relations.
England are currently 2-0 down in the most important Ashes series for many years. Fans are disappointed; the press are rounding on the England squad as if it were a weak and wounded animal, waiting to pounce. So what happens? Team England goes on the charm offensive. Spin control is becoming a bigger and bigger component of the whole international cricketing experience. And in the terrible aftermath of such a crushing and humiliating defeat the management team and the players have to face the music of the media. This is right, they should have to. We, the fans, have ownership of them because it is our money that pays for the tickets to the grounds, the merchandising and the sports channel subscriptions. Like any public servant, they are accountable to us and the media are our agents. The trouble is they can never win. Consider, if you will, Duncan Fletcher’s defiant press conference. He stated that the inclusion of Ashley Giles was right and he stood by that decision. Of course he could hardly say anything else. Had he said that the decision not to play Monty Panasar instead of Giles was wrong then the press would have had him for breakfast. But what this does now is to make it very difficult for the selectors to drop Giles and include Panasar because it would be tantamount to a signed confession.
Fletcher was well supported on all sides by both selectors and players. Paul Collingwood, England’s top scoring batsman in the 2nd test, has said that there shouldn’t be any panic changes. Which, when you wipe away the rhetoric, actually says Giles is staying in. So, for the sake of saving face, Fletcher has to pursue a course of action that the whole of the English fan base believe to be wrong. This is because the ‘good old days’ have gone and English cricket is no longer the social dinosaur it once was; instead it has evolved into a huge money-making corporate entity complete with spin doctors and party lines.
We have gone past the point of no return. Cricket cannot go back to what it was because if it did the money would disappear and along with it so would the bats, gloves and pads for the future cricketing stars. We have to accept that Team England are what they are; a united front. The question of whether Fletcher was right to stand by his decision will be answered by the end of the tour. If he is proved to have been wrong then the price for him might well be spinning his way into a new job.
England are currently 2-0 down in the most important Ashes series for many years. Fans are disappointed; the press are rounding on the England squad as if it were a weak and wounded animal, waiting to pounce. So what happens? Team England goes on the charm offensive. Spin control is becoming a bigger and bigger component of the whole international cricketing experience. And in the terrible aftermath of such a crushing and humiliating defeat the management team and the players have to face the music of the media. This is right, they should have to. We, the fans, have ownership of them because it is our money that pays for the tickets to the grounds, the merchandising and the sports channel subscriptions. Like any public servant, they are accountable to us and the media are our agents. The trouble is they can never win. Consider, if you will, Duncan Fletcher’s defiant press conference. He stated that the inclusion of Ashley Giles was right and he stood by that decision. Of course he could hardly say anything else. Had he said that the decision not to play Monty Panasar instead of Giles was wrong then the press would have had him for breakfast. But what this does now is to make it very difficult for the selectors to drop Giles and include Panasar because it would be tantamount to a signed confession.
Fletcher was well supported on all sides by both selectors and players. Paul Collingwood, England’s top scoring batsman in the 2nd test, has said that there shouldn’t be any panic changes. Which, when you wipe away the rhetoric, actually says Giles is staying in. So, for the sake of saving face, Fletcher has to pursue a course of action that the whole of the English fan base believe to be wrong. This is because the ‘good old days’ have gone and English cricket is no longer the social dinosaur it once was; instead it has evolved into a huge money-making corporate entity complete with spin doctors and party lines.
We have gone past the point of no return. Cricket cannot go back to what it was because if it did the money would disappear and along with it so would the bats, gloves and pads for the future cricketing stars. We have to accept that Team England are what they are; a united front. The question of whether Fletcher was right to stand by his decision will be answered by the end of the tour. If he is proved to have been wrong then the price for him might well be spinning his way into a new job.
An edited version of this article will appear shortly on Sportingo: http://www.sportingo.com/cricket/the-ashes/2,9
Pick Your Own..
As England selectors are struggling to pick some players to do the job I thought I'd pick my own team. Bit of fun really. All are England players but some are not fit, some have been neglected and some have been put out to pasture...but all are expected to be in form. I welcome you to pick your own.
1. Marcus Trescothick LHB 76 tests scoring 5,825 @ 43.79
2. Ian Bell RHB 20 tests scoring 1,423 @45.90
3. Michael Vaughan RHB CAP 64 tests scoring 4595 @42.94
4. Graham Thorpe LHB 100 tests scoring 6,744 @44,66
5. Kevin Pietersen RHB 20 tests scoring 1,865 @50.40
6. Andrew Flintoff RHB 64 tests scoring 3,183 @32.47 plus 193 wickets @31.41
7. Alec Stewart WK RHB 133 tests scoring 8,463 @39,54
8. Sajid Mahmood RHB 5 tests scoring 63 @15.75 plus 15 wickets @33.20
9. Monty Panasar RHB 10 tests scoring 51 @10.20 plus 32 wickets @32.40
10. Matthew Hoggard RHB 60 tests scoring 426 @7.60 plus 232 wickets @29.68
11. Simon Jones LHB 18 tests scoring 204 @15.76 plus 59 wickets @28.23
1. Marcus Trescothick LHB 76 tests scoring 5,825 @ 43.79
2. Ian Bell RHB 20 tests scoring 1,423 @45.90
3. Michael Vaughan RHB CAP 64 tests scoring 4595 @42.94
4. Graham Thorpe LHB 100 tests scoring 6,744 @44,66
5. Kevin Pietersen RHB 20 tests scoring 1,865 @50.40
6. Andrew Flintoff RHB 64 tests scoring 3,183 @32.47 plus 193 wickets @31.41
7. Alec Stewart WK RHB 133 tests scoring 8,463 @39,54
8. Sajid Mahmood RHB 5 tests scoring 63 @15.75 plus 15 wickets @33.20
9. Monty Panasar RHB 10 tests scoring 51 @10.20 plus 32 wickets @32.40
10. Matthew Hoggard RHB 60 tests scoring 426 @7.60 plus 232 wickets @29.68
11. Simon Jones LHB 18 tests scoring 204 @15.76 plus 59 wickets @28.23
Corked!
Well Dom Cork has hit the nail on the head in his article on the BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6212006.stm
Cork says:
"Fletcher is wrong to be worried about the number eight batsman," added Cork.
"If the top six or seven batsmen do not provide the majority of England's runs, change them.
Why are we worried about number eight getting 20 runs extra? Fletcher needs to sit down with the selectors and re-assess how England are going to get 20 wickets. I like Ashley as a person but the second Test negativity started when they picked him ahead of Monty."
And Cork, who took 131 wickets in 37 Tests for England, says he has real concerns regarding England's attack ahead of the third Test in Perth, which starts on 14 December.
"We have two bowlers in a bit of nick at the moment, you know what you will get with Andrew Flintoff and Matthew Hoggard," he said.
"But Jimmy Anderson looks as if he is trying too hard and he is not getting the ball in the right area. And the worst worry is our strike bowler, Steve Harmison, as he is not hitting the wicket and not bowling at pace."
Will someone please give this man a phone and Duncan Fletcher's mobile number.
Post Mortem
I have now had a chance to reflect upon the events of the past few days. I have read the comments of Boycott and Caddick and have to agree. I don't think England can bounce back from this. I'm not usually into post mortems but we need one here. Duncan Fletcher and the Selectors need to listen to the people. I know they are the experts but even so, if we the fans and the commentators can see what was wrong why can't they? These are the problems:
1. Preparation:
It was obvious at the Gabba that England hadn't prepared but even up until the final morning of the 2nd test they wasn't preparing correctly. Apparently they only did batting practice on the final morning so that none of our bowlers were ready to bowl when it happened.
2. Selection:
Monty took 32 wickets in his first 10 tests including two 5 wicket hauls. This is the kind of player we need; someone who takes the game to Oz. The inclusion of Giles hasn't paid off. DF said he wanted to bat to 8 but surely the only way to win is to take 20 wickets. Strengthen the bowling. Mahmood has taken 15 wickets in 5 tests and can bat. These 2 need encouragement if they are to develop. If I were either of the lads I would be feeling cheated.
3. Attack with the ball:
Not once in this series have I seen a real attacking field. It has always been defensive. When MV was running the show he had men up close and personal. People like Bell right under a batsman's nose. We call it our bowling attack and it looks pretty tame to me.
4. Attack with the bat:
We need batsmen to play with confidence not in a containment level. Flintoff praised the Oz bowlers after the match and said that it was hard to score runs off Warne & Lee. This is nonsense. Warne didn't bowl particularly well...we just let him bowl to us instead of hitting him out of the attack. And whilst Lee had the ball swinging surely we prepared for this? We saw enough of him in 2005 to know what he is capable of. Our batsman (particularly the top 6) have the ability to take the game to Australia but failed to do so.
5. Intelligent Cricket:
We need to play intelligent cricket. We need a tatical captain who knows how to put the Aussies off their balance. Freddie is a fantastic talisman but not a great captain. He was picked because Oz feared him but I don't think they are scared now.
It is time to save some face. We could win three in a row but we won't. What we could achieve is make Oz fight for the Ashes. The way things are now we shouldn't have bothered even going but instead just sent a white flag and a little urn over there.
An edited version of this article is also published on Sportingo: http://www.sportingo.com/home/1,1
1. Preparation:
It was obvious at the Gabba that England hadn't prepared but even up until the final morning of the 2nd test they wasn't preparing correctly. Apparently they only did batting practice on the final morning so that none of our bowlers were ready to bowl when it happened.
2. Selection:
Monty took 32 wickets in his first 10 tests including two 5 wicket hauls. This is the kind of player we need; someone who takes the game to Oz. The inclusion of Giles hasn't paid off. DF said he wanted to bat to 8 but surely the only way to win is to take 20 wickets. Strengthen the bowling. Mahmood has taken 15 wickets in 5 tests and can bat. These 2 need encouragement if they are to develop. If I were either of the lads I would be feeling cheated.
3. Attack with the ball:
Not once in this series have I seen a real attacking field. It has always been defensive. When MV was running the show he had men up close and personal. People like Bell right under a batsman's nose. We call it our bowling attack and it looks pretty tame to me.
4. Attack with the bat:
We need batsmen to play with confidence not in a containment level. Flintoff praised the Oz bowlers after the match and said that it was hard to score runs off Warne & Lee. This is nonsense. Warne didn't bowl particularly well...we just let him bowl to us instead of hitting him out of the attack. And whilst Lee had the ball swinging surely we prepared for this? We saw enough of him in 2005 to know what he is capable of. Our batsman (particularly the top 6) have the ability to take the game to Australia but failed to do so.
5. Intelligent Cricket:
We need to play intelligent cricket. We need a tatical captain who knows how to put the Aussies off their balance. Freddie is a fantastic talisman but not a great captain. He was picked because Oz feared him but I don't think they are scared now.
It is time to save some face. We could win three in a row but we won't. What we could achieve is make Oz fight for the Ashes. The way things are now we shouldn't have bothered even going but instead just sent a white flag and a little urn over there.
An edited version of this article is also published on Sportingo: http://www.sportingo.com/home/1,1
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Concessions
Ok...Richard you are right. Cook should stay. His is a class player and will come good. Knee-jerk reaction from me. I have also to add that I didn't think that Oz were actually awesome, we just bowled badly and made some poor decisions. Our 2nd innings made me think for a while that the pitch was breaking up and yet Hussey & RP showed us that there was nothing wrong with it. Australia didn't win this test...we lost it.
3rd Test, Perth
Time to recover. Play our best side from fit players. Choose them now and use the 2 practice matches so that they can find form. Here's my team:
1. Andrew Strauss
2. Ian Bell
3. Ed Joyce
4. Paul Collingwood
5. Kevin Pietersen
6. Andrew Flintoff
7. Sajid Mahmood
8. Chris Read
9. Matthew Hoggard
10. Monty Panasar
11. Steve Harmison
There are a few that don't merit their inclusion despite the fact that they are world class. However, without the likes of MV & SJ we must go with what we have.
1. Andrew Strauss
2. Ian Bell
3. Ed Joyce
4. Paul Collingwood
5. Kevin Pietersen
6. Andrew Flintoff
7. Sajid Mahmood
8. Chris Read
9. Matthew Hoggard
10. Monty Panasar
11. Steve Harmison
There are a few that don't merit their inclusion despite the fact that they are world class. However, without the likes of MV & SJ we must go with what we have.
Match Review
So England won the toss and choose to bat. No problem there...the right decision. A wobbly start but a good total, despite a slow scoring rate. The problem with such a slow rate was the time factor and by the end it could prove important. As it goes, we were outclassed. In every aspect. Here's the verdict:
Andrew Strauss 5/10
Just 48 runs for Strauss. 2 catches. He seems out of touch although his dismissal in the 2nd innings was a bad call. If you look back to the last Ashes series Strauss was there right in the middle of everything, taking catches, scoring runs and generally taking the game to the Aussies.
Alistar Cook 5/10
I'm impressed generally with this guy but so dissapointed that he has failed to find the form he had when we first saw him. 36 runs and no catches just isn't enough to justify his inclusion.
Ian Bell 8/10
A class act this one. He has a real talent and is totally fearless. 86 runs & 3 catches. Shame about the mix up run out. It wasn't his call and he was caught napping.
Paul Collingwood 9/10
Humble Pie. This guy is good. I have long doubted him as suitable for Tests but he has real mettle and a wide collection of strokes. A very decent fielder and if his form continues I will end up comparing him to the very great Derek Randall. 228 runs (his 22 in the 2nd innings was possibly better than the 206!) and 1 catch...good one too!
Kevin Pietersen 7/10
I so wanted KP to suceed. He has something about him and could be one of the greats in the future. His ability with the bat has no real equals and the development of his off spin is vital. One day he will be classed as a true all rounder. His 1st innings was impressive and it was only his unflinching confidence that let him fail in the 2nd. Subsequently he let us down badly.
Andrew Flintoff 5/10
Great man, great bat, great bowler...crap captain. He hasn't got a true cricket brain. In the 2nd innings he should have attacked them from the start; had men around the bat and pressured them. When he did start using his brain it was already too late. 38 runs and 3 wickets show that whilst his effort is unquestionable his execution remains wanting. We expect more.
Geraint Jones 4/10
11 runs and 3 catches. Not good enough.
Ashley Giles 2/10
Brought in as a batter. What a joke. 27 runs, 2 wickets & 1 catch. Oh, and that drop. Send him home.
Matthew Hoggard 9/10
He has a real good work ethic and it shows when he bowls, fields and bats. A real strike bowler that can change a game. 4 runs & 8 wickets. Good lad.
Steve Harmison 5/10
Find some form and get it stable. We can't rely on him to have a good day every 3 or 4 years. If he is good enough to be in the side then bowl him and make sure he is in form.
James Anderson 2/10
Send him home.
Andrew Strauss 5/10
Just 48 runs for Strauss. 2 catches. He seems out of touch although his dismissal in the 2nd innings was a bad call. If you look back to the last Ashes series Strauss was there right in the middle of everything, taking catches, scoring runs and generally taking the game to the Aussies.
Alistar Cook 5/10
I'm impressed generally with this guy but so dissapointed that he has failed to find the form he had when we first saw him. 36 runs and no catches just isn't enough to justify his inclusion.
Ian Bell 8/10
A class act this one. He has a real talent and is totally fearless. 86 runs & 3 catches. Shame about the mix up run out. It wasn't his call and he was caught napping.
Paul Collingwood 9/10
Humble Pie. This guy is good. I have long doubted him as suitable for Tests but he has real mettle and a wide collection of strokes. A very decent fielder and if his form continues I will end up comparing him to the very great Derek Randall. 228 runs (his 22 in the 2nd innings was possibly better than the 206!) and 1 catch...good one too!
Kevin Pietersen 7/10
I so wanted KP to suceed. He has something about him and could be one of the greats in the future. His ability with the bat has no real equals and the development of his off spin is vital. One day he will be classed as a true all rounder. His 1st innings was impressive and it was only his unflinching confidence that let him fail in the 2nd. Subsequently he let us down badly.
Andrew Flintoff 5/10
Great man, great bat, great bowler...crap captain. He hasn't got a true cricket brain. In the 2nd innings he should have attacked them from the start; had men around the bat and pressured them. When he did start using his brain it was already too late. 38 runs and 3 wickets show that whilst his effort is unquestionable his execution remains wanting. We expect more.
Geraint Jones 4/10
11 runs and 3 catches. Not good enough.
Ashley Giles 2/10
Brought in as a batter. What a joke. 27 runs, 2 wickets & 1 catch. Oh, and that drop. Send him home.
Matthew Hoggard 9/10
He has a real good work ethic and it shows when he bowls, fields and bats. A real strike bowler that can change a game. 4 runs & 8 wickets. Good lad.
Steve Harmison 5/10
Find some form and get it stable. We can't rely on him to have a good day every 3 or 4 years. If he is good enough to be in the side then bowl him and make sure he is in form.
James Anderson 2/10
Send him home.
2-0 The winds of change...
Oh dear...speechless. Imagine throwing a draw away! Match review shortly.
Game On!
Right...the target is 168 from 36 overs at 4.666 runs per over. What England need now is to come out blazing because the Aussies will. Both sides need to believe they can win this otherwise it will become a boring farce. Interesting to see that Oz have such a poor record of succesfully chasing small targets. England's seam attack need to bowl full and straight. No room should be allowed for Langer & Hayden to get a go start especially with the required rate being much higher than the actual rate for the whole match. Hoggy will be key...he must get the ball swinging. And all those that failed with the bat need to step up the pace now.
Mmmmm...
Well, it's not over yet but it might as well be. England are currently 107 for 8 with a lead of 145. The Aussies smell blood and rightly so. Either the pitch is terrible or we have been found out (again). Of course, all the results are possible including an England win. However, that is very unlikely...
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Honours Even
England, despite some great efforts, have failed to capitalise on an opportunity to win this match. To give Oz their due, they batted well and took the game back to England. Matthew Hoggard was the pick of the bowlers but it would seem that it won't be enough. Oz have avoided the follow-on and there is now only 2 days left. So, unless England bowl them out cheaply in the morning, it becomes a dead rubber. Both sides will take alot of positives from this game and after the Gabba, they look pretty even.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Mr Negative
It's a bit of a dilemma this one. Warne's legside attack for me isn't really cricket. The idea is throw the ball with the intent of (a) hitting the stumps at the other end; (2) hitting the batsman's pads and trapping him LBW or (iii) bowling him a ball that leads to a poor shot and a catch (or a run out or stumping).
I have been worried about Warne's sportmanship for a while, especially after the big deal he made about it in a recent interview. This wasn't sporting.
I have been worried about Warne's sportmanship for a while, especially after the big deal he made about it in a recent interview. This wasn't sporting.
Return of the Kings
Right, I'm back...too tired last two nights to even watch properly, let alone type...but hey, I've had some sleep now. Ok, now where was I?
Monty - Bit of a shame that he didn't get picked as it goes for a number of reasons. Firstly, I think this track is going to turn alot. There is no pace in the pitch at all. Secondly, we didn't need all our batters for the first innings so the justification for leaving him out has now passed. I do understand that Fletcher's thinking has always been about individuals taking responsibility so that the rationale was 'you lot made this mess and you lot should sort it out!'. And that's just what they are doing.
The is still alot of time left to play but England are in charge. I confess to panicing when we were 45 for 2 on a real flat track but the boys came good. I find myself eating humble pie because of earlier comments about Collingwood not being a test player. However, he performed excellently and between him Bell, and KP they made the Oz attack look ordinary at times. Although Clarke is a very good prospect and I suspect he will do very well over here on the green tops.
With records being broken for the partnership of KP & Colly as well as Colly's double century everything looks good. This could all change. All the Aussies have to do is get somewhere close to our total and the match will be drawn. What I would like to see is England bowl them out by tea tomorrow. It doesn't matter then how much they have on the board - they won't have a lead and then we can set them a target on day 4 and then destroy them on day 5! Wishful thinking? Maybe.
KP's shots were just brilliant at times. A silly run out but forgiveable and he should laugh the matter off. Perhaps it's a record on its own? Which other batsman has 3 indentical High Scores?
It was interesting to see Freddie with the new ball. I have always said he should take it but it would have been nice to see Harmy flying in and bumping up Hayden, who I have noted seems to be having an ongoing slanging match with Freddie. Freddie was on top form. The ball that dislodged Langer was great. Just right. A year ago we were considered to be the only challengers to the Kings of Cricket title, but a poor tour of the Sub-Continent and injuries left us wanting. However, if we can play they way we have for the last two days then rolling Oz shouldn't be too hard.
Monty - Bit of a shame that he didn't get picked as it goes for a number of reasons. Firstly, I think this track is going to turn alot. There is no pace in the pitch at all. Secondly, we didn't need all our batters for the first innings so the justification for leaving him out has now passed. I do understand that Fletcher's thinking has always been about individuals taking responsibility so that the rationale was 'you lot made this mess and you lot should sort it out!'. And that's just what they are doing.
The is still alot of time left to play but England are in charge. I confess to panicing when we were 45 for 2 on a real flat track but the boys came good. I find myself eating humble pie because of earlier comments about Collingwood not being a test player. However, he performed excellently and between him Bell, and KP they made the Oz attack look ordinary at times. Although Clarke is a very good prospect and I suspect he will do very well over here on the green tops.
With records being broken for the partnership of KP & Colly as well as Colly's double century everything looks good. This could all change. All the Aussies have to do is get somewhere close to our total and the match will be drawn. What I would like to see is England bowl them out by tea tomorrow. It doesn't matter then how much they have on the board - they won't have a lead and then we can set them a target on day 4 and then destroy them on day 5! Wishful thinking? Maybe.
KP's shots were just brilliant at times. A silly run out but forgiveable and he should laugh the matter off. Perhaps it's a record on its own? Which other batsman has 3 indentical High Scores?
It was interesting to see Freddie with the new ball. I have always said he should take it but it would have been nice to see Harmy flying in and bumping up Hayden, who I have noted seems to be having an ongoing slanging match with Freddie. Freddie was on top form. The ball that dislodged Langer was great. Just right. A year ago we were considered to be the only challengers to the Kings of Cricket title, but a poor tour of the Sub-Continent and injuries left us wanting. However, if we can play they way we have for the last two days then rolling Oz shouldn't be too hard.
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