The T20 world cup in Sri Lanka is now just over a week in, but there has already been massive scores, massive shots, and above all. Massive fielding blunders. But what's impressed me the most? And what's left me shaking my head in disappointment?
The Afghanistan - India game was one of the first I could manage to watch from start to finish.
The first thing that struck me when I was watching was the skill of the Afghan bowlers, they were good, damn good.
This wasn't the amateur bunch of bowlers that starred at the start of that cricket documentary of the story of Afghan cricket a few months ago. These guys, had really skill.
Zadran cleared up Sehwag, and Sehwag was gone soon after. Kohli saved India from humiliation at the hands of these so called minnows in one of the first games of the tournament.
But it could have all been so different, the Afghan bowling was one of the things that has impressed me so much in the tournament so far. But the fielding, oh the fielding. It was utterly, utterly, dreadful. I can't stress the extent of how awfully astronomically terrible the fielding display was. I would have backed a bunch of 9 year olds who had never seen a cricket ball before to take some of the catches they dropped.
And this is the reason they lost the game. Some of the batting was a bit shabby but if they done the basic fielding correctly, they could knocked down India from their perch. And who knows, if Afghanistan would have beaten India they might have put in a poor display v England and Afghanistan could have been in the Super 8's...
Now that, would have been a bloody brilliant story. But unfortunately, fielding 1 Afghanistan 0
But then a couple of days late I saw Zimbabwe be completely taken apart at ease by a very impressive South Africa side. And they really were poor. Afghanistan's fielding was bad but nearly everything about Zimbabwe was diabolical. And I really do hope Afghanistan get a crack at test cricket in the future. But first, please sack your fielding coach.
Next, I have to talk about England. Against the Afghans, we put in a solid performance, picked up a win. This was what people expected of us and we delivered.
But then the real test came against the Indians. And.... oh dear...
The bowling performance was average, I've seen Broad bowl a lot better than how he did, same goes for Bresnan. I think Dernbach uses his slower too much and can be inaccurate. Swann was the only one who impressed me.
Rohit Sharma hit a quickfire 50 and Kohli hit another decent score of 40. This, in addition with Gambir's very good start to the innings left India with a over-par score of 170 off their allocated 20 overs. (I'd like to add that England bowled 8 wides in this innings, which is absolutely appalling at this level. Dernbach was a big culprit of this and it purely angered me, if your reading this Jade, bowl bloody straight, and don't get any more tattoos)
But then came the batting. Alex Hales was gone for two. Not the start we needed.
Luke Wright (who's never really impressed me at international level) was gone for 6. The rest fell like domino's.
Only three batsmen reached double figures, and of them was Jade Dernbach. Morgan, who's been in pretty dreadful form, got 2. Bairstow 1. It was torture watching us playing spin. We gave Harbhajan Singh the easiest four wickets he'll ever take, Chawla got 2, as did Pathan.
This batting display was without doubt, the thing that left me shaking my head in dissapointment.
But then today, I saw something maybe even more spectacular, I saw a Indian side be completely taken apart by the Aussies.
India batted first, and the first man to fall was Gambhir, who was run out by Cummins. It was pretty poor running, it was practicly a race between Gambhir and Cummins, plus Cummins had to kick the ball at the stumps, and the bowler still won. And Gambhir was gone, perhaps a little more time on the running track Gautam?
Virat Kohli, who's been in fantastic form, went pretty softly. Yuvaraj Singh mistimed a hook shot and was gone. Then Rohit Sharma went, I can only assume he misjudged the angle of the ball coming in from the left armed Starc coming round the wicket. The rest scored at more or less a run a ball and they finished on 140.
The Austrailian openers battered them. Shane Watson became the white Chris Gayle and was smashing the ball around for fun. Seven sixes were hit in his very impressive 72 from 42 balls. David Warner hit a 63 to go with it and they won easily.
Watching the Aussies win this easily is definitely what has made my eyebrows be raised the most this T20 tournament so far. They impressed me.
Watch out rest of world.
The Aussies could be coming...
Friday 28 September 2012
Thursday 20 September 2012
T20 World Cup Predictions
So the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka has just begun. England are the reigning champs. But without KP who, played magnificently in the previous T20 world cup, many say we haven't a chance this time around. But I'm going to come more onto England's chances later on in this post. To start with, I'm going to go through some of the other candidates for the title...
Since Sri Lanka are the hosts, it seems only right to start with them.
And although they are the hosts, and the crowds will be 100% behind them, I just don't fancy them. I just don't think they have the quality to be able to defeat the other Asian teams if they come up against them.
But never the less, as hosts, they are still in with a outside shout of success. I don't know what the odds are for them to be victories, but I'd give them a 4/1 maybe.
Afghanistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh next. And this summary is going to be short and sweet.
They all seem to play their hearts out (bless their cotton socks) but the quality just isn't there. Afghanistan for instance against India bowled well. But their fielding didn't leave much to be desired. I'm sure my local team could have mustered up a better fielding display than that. If I gave odds for them. It would be, Bangladesh, 25/1. Zimbabwe, 35/1. Ireland, 35/1 and Afghanistan 50/1. Sorry guys, but you just haven't got what it takes at this level.
West Indies next, and I think these guys actually stand a decent chance of doing well in this competition. If Gayle and Pollard can do what everybody knows they are capable of doing, then they are always going to be in with a shout. Whoever they play. It's their bowling attack which lets them down, even if Windies do rack up a big total. You always fancy the oppo (if there any good obviously) to have a good crack at reaching that total. For that reason, 10/1 for West Indies.
India are clearly going to be a big player in the tournament, they have the quality. We all know that, Kohli has been bang on form. Ashwin with the ball has been class, and Dhoni with gloves and bat at the end of a innings is capable of smashing the ball all over the park.
They are one of the favourites to snatch the cup, and the odds I'm going to give them reflect that. 7/2.
Pakistan next, the guys who beat India in a warm up match just a few days ago.
They too, have a fantastic chance of success. They have one of the greatest bowlers in the world at their disposal in Saeed Ajmal. Afridi is a brilliant player and they seem to have a good mix of players. They, like India, are one of the favourites. 7/2. The same as India.
New Zealand are underdogs in the tournament. They have more quality than sides such as Ireland, but I can't see them beating a team like India or Pakistan with so much at stake. They should get through their group but I wouldn't expect them to get past the super 8 stage. A 12/1 for New Zealand.
South Africa next. Now these guys, mean business. I really do fancy South Africa to do well. Amla has been on fire all year, and will undoubtedly play a big part in their campaign. de Villiers is a massive hitter, and has good experience in the kind of conditions in Sri Lanka from his days playing in the IPL. Steyn is a brilliant bowler, at the start of a innings and at the death. As is Morkel, if all of these players fire on all cylinders. I think the title could swing towards South Africa. My odds. 3/1
Australia are decent, but no better than decent. I can't seem them doing anything in the tournament. They easily beat Ireland but you would expect them to, but when they come up against India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, and even West Indies. I expect them to be right up against it. Super 8 will be where there tournament ends. 6/1 for the Aussies.
And finally, the three lions. England. I really think we do have a good chance of doing well. At least has been said and discussed in regard to the KP saga, and I totally think KP is in the wrong and he has to taste his medicine and not play for the foreseeable future. Even if it does mean our team will be weakened in the view of some fans for this tournament and the tour of India in the winter. But I think our team really will shine without him, players are coming in who haven't played very often for the three lions and they will be hungry to do well.
Also, the absence of Pietersen has made many people consider us not favourites (or one of the favourites) for the title. And that has made us underdogs. And when were underdogs, we tend to shine. And shine damn brightly. Take us becoming number one side in the world. We cruised past India as relative underdogs, but then after we became number one. We were diabolical against Pakistan in the UAE, and then against South Africa just recently we were second best. For this reason I really do think that we could do well in this title. The squad we have chosen (I am ecstatic Ravi has been left out) is good, they all have played a lot of T20 cricket against top quality players in England.
As for the moaners, please, just please. Be positive and actually get behind our side for once. Our odds, 4/1 in my opinion.
It's going to be tough, but I think we might just be able to raise a few eyebrows...
Cheers
Since Sri Lanka are the hosts, it seems only right to start with them.
And although they are the hosts, and the crowds will be 100% behind them, I just don't fancy them. I just don't think they have the quality to be able to defeat the other Asian teams if they come up against them.
But never the less, as hosts, they are still in with a outside shout of success. I don't know what the odds are for them to be victories, but I'd give them a 4/1 maybe.
Afghanistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh next. And this summary is going to be short and sweet.
They all seem to play their hearts out (bless their cotton socks) but the quality just isn't there. Afghanistan for instance against India bowled well. But their fielding didn't leave much to be desired. I'm sure my local team could have mustered up a better fielding display than that. If I gave odds for them. It would be, Bangladesh, 25/1. Zimbabwe, 35/1. Ireland, 35/1 and Afghanistan 50/1. Sorry guys, but you just haven't got what it takes at this level.
West Indies next, and I think these guys actually stand a decent chance of doing well in this competition. If Gayle and Pollard can do what everybody knows they are capable of doing, then they are always going to be in with a shout. Whoever they play. It's their bowling attack which lets them down, even if Windies do rack up a big total. You always fancy the oppo (if there any good obviously) to have a good crack at reaching that total. For that reason, 10/1 for West Indies.
India are clearly going to be a big player in the tournament, they have the quality. We all know that, Kohli has been bang on form. Ashwin with the ball has been class, and Dhoni with gloves and bat at the end of a innings is capable of smashing the ball all over the park.
They are one of the favourites to snatch the cup, and the odds I'm going to give them reflect that. 7/2.
Pakistan next, the guys who beat India in a warm up match just a few days ago.
They too, have a fantastic chance of success. They have one of the greatest bowlers in the world at their disposal in Saeed Ajmal. Afridi is a brilliant player and they seem to have a good mix of players. They, like India, are one of the favourites. 7/2. The same as India.
New Zealand are underdogs in the tournament. They have more quality than sides such as Ireland, but I can't see them beating a team like India or Pakistan with so much at stake. They should get through their group but I wouldn't expect them to get past the super 8 stage. A 12/1 for New Zealand.
South Africa next. Now these guys, mean business. I really do fancy South Africa to do well. Amla has been on fire all year, and will undoubtedly play a big part in their campaign. de Villiers is a massive hitter, and has good experience in the kind of conditions in Sri Lanka from his days playing in the IPL. Steyn is a brilliant bowler, at the start of a innings and at the death. As is Morkel, if all of these players fire on all cylinders. I think the title could swing towards South Africa. My odds. 3/1
Australia are decent, but no better than decent. I can't seem them doing anything in the tournament. They easily beat Ireland but you would expect them to, but when they come up against India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, and even West Indies. I expect them to be right up against it. Super 8 will be where there tournament ends. 6/1 for the Aussies.
And finally, the three lions. England. I really think we do have a good chance of doing well. At least has been said and discussed in regard to the KP saga, and I totally think KP is in the wrong and he has to taste his medicine and not play for the foreseeable future. Even if it does mean our team will be weakened in the view of some fans for this tournament and the tour of India in the winter. But I think our team really will shine without him, players are coming in who haven't played very often for the three lions and they will be hungry to do well.
Also, the absence of Pietersen has made many people consider us not favourites (or one of the favourites) for the title. And that has made us underdogs. And when were underdogs, we tend to shine. And shine damn brightly. Take us becoming number one side in the world. We cruised past India as relative underdogs, but then after we became number one. We were diabolical against Pakistan in the UAE, and then against South Africa just recently we were second best. For this reason I really do think that we could do well in this title. The squad we have chosen (I am ecstatic Ravi has been left out) is good, they all have played a lot of T20 cricket against top quality players in England.
As for the moaners, please, just please. Be positive and actually get behind our side for once. Our odds, 4/1 in my opinion.
It's going to be tough, but I think we might just be able to raise a few eyebrows...
Cheers
Thursday 30 August 2012
Strauss Has Hung Up His Boots
Yesterday, at roughly 12-00, Andrew Strauss publicly retired from all forms of professional cricket, and the opening segment of this post is a kind of tribute to a fantastic player who's career has had ups and downs.
Strauss first class career started back in the last millennium in the year of 1998 where he made his Middlesex debut and scored 83 in his maiden innings. But having stuttered slightly after this sparkling debut he didn't break on to the international scene until 2003.
His international debut was hardly the way he wanted to introduce him self though, England lost by 10 wickets and Strauss struggled.
He would have to wait till the start of the next English season for his next chance, courtesy of a Michael Vaughan knee injury. And my lord didn't he shine in his first test in England. At Lords, the home of cricket, he opened the batting for the three lions and a hit a century. But he wasn't finished there, in the second innings he hit a half century to take his average after just one test match at nearly 100. Not bad.
The rest is history, he helped England win the Ashes in 2005 and after being appointed as captain a couple of years back, he won the ashes in England and then again in Aussie territory for the first time since donkeys years back.
But then in 2011 another honour was added to his long list of achievements, when he captained the three lions to victory against India to take Blighty to number one in the test rankings.
It's been tough since then, nobody can deny that.
A tough winter in the UAE against Pakistan was followed by a mickey mouse series against West Indies and more recently a series loss against South Africa meant that SA won the number one ranking.
That was just a few days ago now, and Strauss has decided to call curtains on his career. Whether that was anything to do with the KP affair, we may never know. (KP has clearly been a massive knob, and has a lot of bridges to rebuild)
Personally, I think it did, but that's just my opinion and I can't prove it. But the main reason is obviously the fact that he has been awfully out of nick for the past year or so, and at the age of 35 you can't help but think that he might never get that golden touch back.
But regardless of the reason for his retirement at this current time, his career has been magnificent, and that was just one of hundreds of tributes that have been given to Straussy today.
The second part of this post is going to be about the future, and what is going to happen next for the English cricket team...
Alaister Cook has been appointed as Strauss' replacement, and while I do not doubt his batting ability, I am still a tad unsure about if his captain skills match those of his batting. He seems to know what he is doing. But I wonder if he will be able to cope with situations such as the KP affair.
Only time will tell.
The other matter is who will come in and open the batting for England?
There isn't a clear choice for the vacant role, I've heard Trott's name thrown about but I think he is 100% suited to the number 3 role in the side. The same goes for Bell and the number 4 spot.
Alex Hales is one possible player who could come in and open the batting, and he seems to be the best option along with Michael Carberry available to the selectors. Its a tough one, there is no obvious choice waiting in the wings to replace Strauss and we will have to wait and see who replace's Strauss...
Cheers
Strauss first class career started back in the last millennium in the year of 1998 where he made his Middlesex debut and scored 83 in his maiden innings. But having stuttered slightly after this sparkling debut he didn't break on to the international scene until 2003.
His international debut was hardly the way he wanted to introduce him self though, England lost by 10 wickets and Strauss struggled.
He would have to wait till the start of the next English season for his next chance, courtesy of a Michael Vaughan knee injury. And my lord didn't he shine in his first test in England. At Lords, the home of cricket, he opened the batting for the three lions and a hit a century. But he wasn't finished there, in the second innings he hit a half century to take his average after just one test match at nearly 100. Not bad.
The rest is history, he helped England win the Ashes in 2005 and after being appointed as captain a couple of years back, he won the ashes in England and then again in Aussie territory for the first time since donkeys years back.
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| Andrew Strauss Beaming After Winning The Ashes |
It's been tough since then, nobody can deny that.
A tough winter in the UAE against Pakistan was followed by a mickey mouse series against West Indies and more recently a series loss against South Africa meant that SA won the number one ranking.
That was just a few days ago now, and Strauss has decided to call curtains on his career. Whether that was anything to do with the KP affair, we may never know. (KP has clearly been a massive knob, and has a lot of bridges to rebuild)
Personally, I think it did, but that's just my opinion and I can't prove it. But the main reason is obviously the fact that he has been awfully out of nick for the past year or so, and at the age of 35 you can't help but think that he might never get that golden touch back.
But regardless of the reason for his retirement at this current time, his career has been magnificent, and that was just one of hundreds of tributes that have been given to Straussy today.
The second part of this post is going to be about the future, and what is going to happen next for the English cricket team...
Alaister Cook has been appointed as Strauss' replacement, and while I do not doubt his batting ability, I am still a tad unsure about if his captain skills match those of his batting. He seems to know what he is doing. But I wonder if he will be able to cope with situations such as the KP affair.
Only time will tell.
The other matter is who will come in and open the batting for England?
There isn't a clear choice for the vacant role, I've heard Trott's name thrown about but I think he is 100% suited to the number 3 role in the side. The same goes for Bell and the number 4 spot.
Alex Hales is one possible player who could come in and open the batting, and he seems to be the best option along with Michael Carberry available to the selectors. Its a tough one, there is no obvious choice waiting in the wings to replace Strauss and we will have to wait and see who replace's Strauss...
Cheers
Wednesday 1 August 2012
Good Luck James Taylor
For Gregory
It's the eve of the 2nd Investec test between test giants England and South Africa.
South Africa are currently leading the series which will decide which of the two teams are number 1 in the world, 1-0. And they went 1-0 up in style. Hashim Amla was just a different class...
Posting his best ever total of 311 not out he, with the help of Smith and co they marched on to victory at the Oval with ease. Now England are looking to bounce back at Headingley in order to level the three match series so they can retain their number one ranking. And with the absence of Ravi Bopara (which I'm ecstatic about) James Taylor is looking to stamp his authority on Test cricket in style.
Of course, it's going to be a tough challenge. From playing county championship cricket for Notts to facing Dale Steyn and the rest of the SA attack, which is arguably the strongest attack in the world. But I think he can do it, he's fresh to the international scene and will be full of confidence and enthusiasm - and with the guidance of senior players he can really stamp his authority on this game. A fantastic opportunity for such a young cricketer to showpiece himself to the world in what is, make no mistake about it, a huge spectacle.
With a first class average of just under 50 and several England lions games under his belt he was definitely the right choice of player to come in for Bopara in my opinion. Bairstow had his chance against a poor West Indian bowling attack and didn't impress. And Taylor was simply next in the pecking order. I hope he does well, I think he will do well.
James Taylor may not be the only change to the England side for the second test though, and with the English bowling attack failing in the first test changes may be made. Question marks have been raised over whether Swann may be dropped for an all seam bowling attack. But I think this would be a ridiculous move that would end up with England going down 2-0 in the series. Swann is the best spin bowler in the world in my opinion and would surely get in to every test team on the planet. Why would we drop him?
Steve Finn's name has also been brought forward, if he does come in he is likely to replace Bresnan. But if I was Flower and Strauss (Sadly, I'm not) I would stick with Tim. I think they are of a similar standard, but Bresnan is a good bat. He is head and shoulders above Finn with a piece of wood in his hands and he has got valuable runs before for England. For this reason, along with the fact that Leeds is Tim's home ground, I would definitely stick with him for the Headingly dule.
But Steve has still got a chance of breaking in to the side tomorrow. A few questions marks have been raised regarding Stuart Broad's fitness, and it really isn't a game in which England can afford to carry a player with a knock, which Broad looked throughout the oval test. If Strauss and Flower deem Broad unfit to play, they should and i believe would not hesitate in replacing Broad with the lively Finn. It really is a test which could define the path in which Andrew Strauss' career as England captain could take, lose and more serious questions will be posed regarding Strauss' future, win and he buys himself more valuable time in his quest to dispel the doubts over his place and captaincy of the side.
So here is the side I think will play tomorrow.
Come on England!
It's the eve of the 2nd Investec test between test giants England and South Africa.
South Africa are currently leading the series which will decide which of the two teams are number 1 in the world, 1-0. And they went 1-0 up in style. Hashim Amla was just a different class...
Posting his best ever total of 311 not out he, with the help of Smith and co they marched on to victory at the Oval with ease. Now England are looking to bounce back at Headingley in order to level the three match series so they can retain their number one ranking. And with the absence of Ravi Bopara (which I'm ecstatic about) James Taylor is looking to stamp his authority on Test cricket in style.
Of course, it's going to be a tough challenge. From playing county championship cricket for Notts to facing Dale Steyn and the rest of the SA attack, which is arguably the strongest attack in the world. But I think he can do it, he's fresh to the international scene and will be full of confidence and enthusiasm - and with the guidance of senior players he can really stamp his authority on this game. A fantastic opportunity for such a young cricketer to showpiece himself to the world in what is, make no mistake about it, a huge spectacle.
With a first class average of just under 50 and several England lions games under his belt he was definitely the right choice of player to come in for Bopara in my opinion. Bairstow had his chance against a poor West Indian bowling attack and didn't impress. And Taylor was simply next in the pecking order. I hope he does well, I think he will do well.
James Taylor may not be the only change to the England side for the second test though, and with the English bowling attack failing in the first test changes may be made. Question marks have been raised over whether Swann may be dropped for an all seam bowling attack. But I think this would be a ridiculous move that would end up with England going down 2-0 in the series. Swann is the best spin bowler in the world in my opinion and would surely get in to every test team on the planet. Why would we drop him?
Steve Finn's name has also been brought forward, if he does come in he is likely to replace Bresnan. But if I was Flower and Strauss (Sadly, I'm not) I would stick with Tim. I think they are of a similar standard, but Bresnan is a good bat. He is head and shoulders above Finn with a piece of wood in his hands and he has got valuable runs before for England. For this reason, along with the fact that Leeds is Tim's home ground, I would definitely stick with him for the Headingly dule.
But Steve has still got a chance of breaking in to the side tomorrow. A few questions marks have been raised regarding Stuart Broad's fitness, and it really isn't a game in which England can afford to carry a player with a knock, which Broad looked throughout the oval test. If Strauss and Flower deem Broad unfit to play, they should and i believe would not hesitate in replacing Broad with the lively Finn. It really is a test which could define the path in which Andrew Strauss' career as England captain could take, lose and more serious questions will be posed regarding Strauss' future, win and he buys himself more valuable time in his quest to dispel the doubts over his place and captaincy of the side.
So here is the side I think will play tomorrow.
- Strauss
- Cook
- Trott
- Bell
- Pietersen
- Taylor
- Prior
- Bresnan/Finn
- Broad
- Swann
- Anderson
Come on England!
Thursday 26 July 2012
T20 Quarter Finals Round-Up + Finals Day Predictions
Over the last couple of days four thrilling T20 quarter finals have been taking place...
There has been big hitting, big yorkers and above all - it has been exilerating. At the end of this post once I have been through my personal main highlightes from all of the quarter finals I will give my opinion on who will end up being 2012 T20 champions...
The first two games on Tuesday were Somerset v Essex and Sussex v Glocestershire.
The night at Taunton couldn't have really started any better for Essex fans when Kieswetter was dismissed first ball lbw by Phillips. Getting Levi and Trescothick out relatively cheaply meant that Essex were in a good position with the hosts 56-3. Jos Buttler got a useful 33. But the star of the show for Somerset was James Hildreth. 10 fours in a very impressive 58 drove the hosts to 175 from their allocated 20 overs.
18 year old Reece Topley also deserves a mention with the 3 important wickets of Levi, Trescothick and Buttler next to his name. The left armer surely is a thing of the future...
175 was a good score but definitely a gettable one if Essex for filled their batting potential. But errr... they didn't.
All eleven of their batsmen got to the crease, but only four got in to double figures and this sums up Essex's batting performance. After Ravi Bopara (if you have read any of my previous posts you will know I am literally Ravi's biggest hater) got out for a duck Essex were 9-2. Owais Shah is a big T20 player - and after hitting a six and a four he was also gone at the hands of Morkel.
A run out was the last thing Essex needed, but that was exactly what happened. James Franklin - out for 4. At 42-4 at this stage things weren't looking up for Essex. Skipper Foster hit a quickfire 26 to keep them in with a shout but along with the the loss of England one day skipper Alaister Cook the odds were firmly swinging in to Somerset's favour. ten Doeschate kept a glimmer of hope for Essex with a extremely impressive 47 from just 24 balls. But when Napier got out in single digits, the game was up.
The remaining wickets fell, and Somerset came out comfortable victors by 27 runs. The better side won.
Sussex v Glocestershire was next up...
Sussex lost the toss and were put in bat, and things couldn't have really started any worse for the home team, 3-2. But these wickets brought England pro Matt Prior to the crease, and his 60 from 38 balls including 3 sixes may have made England T20 skipper Stuart Broad wonder if Prior could be his keeper for the world cup.
Prior and Goodwin both played magnificently until Prior was ran out. Glocestershire could still restrict Sussex to a gettable score yet...
But these hopes were quickly dashed as Prior's 60 was overshadowed by a gutsy, spectacular and extrordinary innings by Scott Styris who hit a ton of just 37 balls. That's right, don't readjust your glasses, just 37 balls. 9 sixes and 5 fours, wow. Take a bow that man.
230 was always going to be a massive score to chase - and it was.
Nobody could fault Glocestershire's efforts, Scott Stryis was just too much for them. Even with scores in the forties by Marshall, Housego and Gidman they fell 39 runs short of victory.
Sussex and Somerset - the two semi-finalists of day 1 of the quarter finals...
An early wicket was another feature in the game between Yorkshire and Worcestershire. A rediculas run out between Gale and Jaques meant that dangerman Jaques was gone for 2. But then youngster Joe Root came to the crease and played fantastically. It wasn't massive hitting like the innings of Stryis the night before, it was more classy than that. And this style of play got him 65 off 40 balls.
Keeper Bairstow was gone cheaply, lowering his chances of reciveing another call up to England at any level. Be it T20, ODI or Test. His failure against West Indies means he is unlikely to play test cricket again for at least another few months and other youngster's succeses such as Alex Hales v WI means that he is unlikely to get the nod.
74-3.
Miller came to the crease now, a player with immense power with a bat in his paws. 3 sixes and 4 fours in a very useful 50 along with Ballance striking a very quick 46 meant that Yorkshire finished their innings 212-5 off their allocated overs.
Worcestershire's fightback with the bat was spearheaded by mainly one man, Phil Hughes. Opener Vikram Solanki went for one and Hughes marched to the middle and masterminded a gutsy 83. The wickets of Cameron and Andrews fell, Cameron was out to a quite unbeliveable catch. He smacked it miles up in to the air, Joe Root got under it and while realising he was going to fall over the rope he managed to loop it to Miller who happilly accepted the catch - a remarkable catch if I ever saw one. My hat is off, Mr Root. While he was at the crease and the batsmen at the other end to Hughes just couldn't keep up with the run rate Yorkshire's high score demanded.
Mitchell Starc was the star with the ball, 4 overs, 3 wickets for just 24 runs arguebly won Yorkshire the game.
Like the Somerset game, the better side won.
3 of the 4 teams for finals day had now been decided. The limelight now swicthed to Trent Bridge and the upcoming battle to be fought between Hampshire and Nottinghamshire. The teams were pretty even in my view, Notts, even without Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad hosted a collage of talent on their team sheet. As did Hampshire with stars such as Simon Katich and Dimitri Mascarenhas on show.
After Hampshire won the toss they put Notts in to bat.
Another early wicket in this one, Alex Hales, who may be in the frame for the T20 world cup later this year, was the victim.
Notts had clearly got a plan of going after Mascarenhas early, and he was tonked a bit early on. But he got his revenge when he got Wessels out for 19. Lumb and Taylor now put on a decent partnership of 35 before James Taylor was caught out for 10. After 20 more runs were added to the total Lumb was also gone, Mascarenhas with his second wicket.
This brought Samit Patel to the middle, I am by no means Samit's biggest fan, I think he is a good one day player but I don't think him being in the test side was a brilliant idea and I hope the England selectors don't do this again. But this is T20, and Samit is a very impressive T20 player, at his home ground at Trent Bridge in front of a packed stadium he shon. His 60 from 33 balls along with Voges 33 made sure that Notts had a competative total of 178.
Maxwell got three wickets but didn't particularly bowl fantastically, his economy rate didn't leave a lot to be desired.
This left Hampshire to bat for their place in finals day, to become the first away team to win a quarter final this year, could they do it?
Another early wicket fell, Adams was caught behind to a delightful delivery by Gurney. Aussie Simon Katich came to the crease now, Simon's getting on a bit but he hasn't lost his ability to hit some good shots. He added 25 to the total, hitting five fours along the way. At the other end James Vince had got out for a cheap 11 which bought the game changer in - McKenzie.
Samit Patel got three wickets at the other end but they just couldn't budge McKenzie, and he, joined by skipper Mascarenhas, got Hampshire over the finishing line. But there was drama! Balls from the end, McKenzie got a touch of cramp going for a quick single and had to call for a runner. Sound familiar? Memories of when there was a runner in the T20 final two years ago came flooding back. But the cramp didn't stop McKenzie getting down on one knee and flicking a full ball down to fine leg for four to ensure victory for Hampshire.
All four teams had now been decided, and the draw for finals day took place.
They are: Somerset v Hampshire will play each other for the third finals day in a row - while Yorshire v Sussex will be the other semi final.
My prediction: Somerset v Hampshire will be a tightly fought affair, but I think Somerset will just edge it. I don't know why, on paper I can't choose between them but I just have a gut feeling. It's not particularly professional of me to base my prediction on a 'gut feeling' but that's my opinion.
In the other semi final I can't look any further than Sussex. They look strong this year. Prior, Yardy etc. And I don't think T20 is Yorkshire's strongest form of the game. Because of these two reasons, Sussex will win this game.
The final: If my predictions are correct Somerset will play Sussex in the final. And I think Somerset are going to fail at winning the T20 crown once again, Sussex will have great momentum and excitement going in to a final, where as I think it will feel like Groundhog day for Somerset.
So Sussex are going to be T20 champs this year in my opinion, so get a few bob our of your wallets, walk down to your nearest BetFred and stick a tenner on that. (I'd like to add I am usually wrong at predictions)
Cheers
There has been big hitting, big yorkers and above all - it has been exilerating. At the end of this post once I have been through my personal main highlightes from all of the quarter finals I will give my opinion on who will end up being 2012 T20 champions...
The first two games on Tuesday were Somerset v Essex and Sussex v Glocestershire.
The night at Taunton couldn't have really started any better for Essex fans when Kieswetter was dismissed first ball lbw by Phillips. Getting Levi and Trescothick out relatively cheaply meant that Essex were in a good position with the hosts 56-3. Jos Buttler got a useful 33. But the star of the show for Somerset was James Hildreth. 10 fours in a very impressive 58 drove the hosts to 175 from their allocated 20 overs.
18 year old Reece Topley also deserves a mention with the 3 important wickets of Levi, Trescothick and Buttler next to his name. The left armer surely is a thing of the future...
175 was a good score but definitely a gettable one if Essex for filled their batting potential. But errr... they didn't.
All eleven of their batsmen got to the crease, but only four got in to double figures and this sums up Essex's batting performance. After Ravi Bopara (if you have read any of my previous posts you will know I am literally Ravi's biggest hater) got out for a duck Essex were 9-2. Owais Shah is a big T20 player - and after hitting a six and a four he was also gone at the hands of Morkel.
A run out was the last thing Essex needed, but that was exactly what happened. James Franklin - out for 4. At 42-4 at this stage things weren't looking up for Essex. Skipper Foster hit a quickfire 26 to keep them in with a shout but along with the the loss of England one day skipper Alaister Cook the odds were firmly swinging in to Somerset's favour. ten Doeschate kept a glimmer of hope for Essex with a extremely impressive 47 from just 24 balls. But when Napier got out in single digits, the game was up.
The remaining wickets fell, and Somerset came out comfortable victors by 27 runs. The better side won.
Sussex v Glocestershire was next up...
Sussex lost the toss and were put in bat, and things couldn't have really started any worse for the home team, 3-2. But these wickets brought England pro Matt Prior to the crease, and his 60 from 38 balls including 3 sixes may have made England T20 skipper Stuart Broad wonder if Prior could be his keeper for the world cup.
Prior and Goodwin both played magnificently until Prior was ran out. Glocestershire could still restrict Sussex to a gettable score yet...
But these hopes were quickly dashed as Prior's 60 was overshadowed by a gutsy, spectacular and extrordinary innings by Scott Styris who hit a ton of just 37 balls. That's right, don't readjust your glasses, just 37 balls. 9 sixes and 5 fours, wow. Take a bow that man.
230 was always going to be a massive score to chase - and it was.
Nobody could fault Glocestershire's efforts, Scott Stryis was just too much for them. Even with scores in the forties by Marshall, Housego and Gidman they fell 39 runs short of victory.
Sussex and Somerset - the two semi-finalists of day 1 of the quarter finals...
An early wicket was another feature in the game between Yorkshire and Worcestershire. A rediculas run out between Gale and Jaques meant that dangerman Jaques was gone for 2. But then youngster Joe Root came to the crease and played fantastically. It wasn't massive hitting like the innings of Stryis the night before, it was more classy than that. And this style of play got him 65 off 40 balls.
Keeper Bairstow was gone cheaply, lowering his chances of reciveing another call up to England at any level. Be it T20, ODI or Test. His failure against West Indies means he is unlikely to play test cricket again for at least another few months and other youngster's succeses such as Alex Hales v WI means that he is unlikely to get the nod.
74-3.
Miller came to the crease now, a player with immense power with a bat in his paws. 3 sixes and 4 fours in a very useful 50 along with Ballance striking a very quick 46 meant that Yorkshire finished their innings 212-5 off their allocated overs.
Worcestershire's fightback with the bat was spearheaded by mainly one man, Phil Hughes. Opener Vikram Solanki went for one and Hughes marched to the middle and masterminded a gutsy 83. The wickets of Cameron and Andrews fell, Cameron was out to a quite unbeliveable catch. He smacked it miles up in to the air, Joe Root got under it and while realising he was going to fall over the rope he managed to loop it to Miller who happilly accepted the catch - a remarkable catch if I ever saw one. My hat is off, Mr Root. While he was at the crease and the batsmen at the other end to Hughes just couldn't keep up with the run rate Yorkshire's high score demanded.
Mitchell Starc was the star with the ball, 4 overs, 3 wickets for just 24 runs arguebly won Yorkshire the game.
Like the Somerset game, the better side won.
3 of the 4 teams for finals day had now been decided. The limelight now swicthed to Trent Bridge and the upcoming battle to be fought between Hampshire and Nottinghamshire. The teams were pretty even in my view, Notts, even without Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad hosted a collage of talent on their team sheet. As did Hampshire with stars such as Simon Katich and Dimitri Mascarenhas on show.
After Hampshire won the toss they put Notts in to bat.
Another early wicket in this one, Alex Hales, who may be in the frame for the T20 world cup later this year, was the victim.
Notts had clearly got a plan of going after Mascarenhas early, and he was tonked a bit early on. But he got his revenge when he got Wessels out for 19. Lumb and Taylor now put on a decent partnership of 35 before James Taylor was caught out for 10. After 20 more runs were added to the total Lumb was also gone, Mascarenhas with his second wicket.
This brought Samit Patel to the middle, I am by no means Samit's biggest fan, I think he is a good one day player but I don't think him being in the test side was a brilliant idea and I hope the England selectors don't do this again. But this is T20, and Samit is a very impressive T20 player, at his home ground at Trent Bridge in front of a packed stadium he shon. His 60 from 33 balls along with Voges 33 made sure that Notts had a competative total of 178.
Maxwell got three wickets but didn't particularly bowl fantastically, his economy rate didn't leave a lot to be desired.
This left Hampshire to bat for their place in finals day, to become the first away team to win a quarter final this year, could they do it?
Another early wicket fell, Adams was caught behind to a delightful delivery by Gurney. Aussie Simon Katich came to the crease now, Simon's getting on a bit but he hasn't lost his ability to hit some good shots. He added 25 to the total, hitting five fours along the way. At the other end James Vince had got out for a cheap 11 which bought the game changer in - McKenzie.
All four teams had now been decided, and the draw for finals day took place.
They are: Somerset v Hampshire will play each other for the third finals day in a row - while Yorshire v Sussex will be the other semi final.
My prediction: Somerset v Hampshire will be a tightly fought affair, but I think Somerset will just edge it. I don't know why, on paper I can't choose between them but I just have a gut feeling. It's not particularly professional of me to base my prediction on a 'gut feeling' but that's my opinion.
In the other semi final I can't look any further than Sussex. They look strong this year. Prior, Yardy etc. And I don't think T20 is Yorkshire's strongest form of the game. Because of these two reasons, Sussex will win this game.
The final: If my predictions are correct Somerset will play Sussex in the final. And I think Somerset are going to fail at winning the T20 crown once again, Sussex will have great momentum and excitement going in to a final, where as I think it will feel like Groundhog day for Somerset.
So Sussex are going to be T20 champs this year in my opinion, so get a few bob our of your wallets, walk down to your nearest BetFred and stick a tenner on that. (I'd like to add I am usually wrong at predictions)
Cheers
Monday 11 June 2012
England or South Africa?
Firstly, an apology.
So many of these mini-wars are going to be taking place in the summer, and if Blighty's stars can shine brighter than their individual opponents then it could be all smiles for England.
Dale Steyn and James Anderson.
And his opponent, in the green corner...
Dale Steyn. South Africa's hit man. Like Jimmy he is in his prime at the ripe age of 28. (Jimmy is 29) With an average of just over 23 looking at the stats one could assume that Steyn is a much better player. But personally I think they are of a similar quality. Steyn is quicker than Jimmy but Anderson can swing the ball very well at the start of an innings.
The two skippers next. Graeme Smith and Andrew Strauss.
These two guys are both opening batsmen, both left handed opening batsmen both captains and look very very similar... (to me)
My theory is that they are lost twins, divided at birth on to different planes. One going to England and the other to South Africa. And now they are going to meet to settle there differences in a cricketing battle for the throne. The number one test team in the world.
Both are equal captains in my book (I don't actually have a book, and if I did, nobody would read it) and in terms of caps, Smith has more even though he is four years younger than the England captain. Batting wise Strauss has just hit a bit of form after hitting a couple of centuries against West Indies. But I wouldn't get carried away, Windies bowling is pretty shabby and the likes of Steyn will provide a much greater threat to Blighty's opening batsman than Edwards of WI ever will...
Never the less two centuries is two centuries and he hopefully has got himself in to some sort of nick.
Smith is also a very good opening batsman, with a impressive average of just under 50 he will surely relish the challenge of leading his South Africa side against England to try and gain the number one spot that both teams crave so much.
The last battle I'm going to touch on between these nations is the battle of the high order batsman. And in particular Amla and KP.
KP first, recently retired from limited overs cricket (I don't know why either) is the flamboyant number four in England's batting line up. Born in South Africa he is bound to get some stick from the South Africans but if he can shrug that off and play how the whole of England knows he can he could hit many match changing innings for Blighty.
England also have the home advantage. And this is sure to be quite a strong advantagen with most of the South African squad not playing regular cricket in England.
** My Prediction **
Cheers
I've been on holiday (yay) and since I haven't had a good opportunity to watch some cricket I thought I would disgrace my self and you the reader by blogging without having a clue what was going on.
But I'm back now so I can enlighten you all with my fantastic cricket views. (That was a joke by the way)
Anyway, before I went on holiday I set a poll. England or South Africa...
The poll has now come to a conclusion and England have just nicked it. But considering only a few people have viewed this blog from South Africa it isn't surprising that Blighty won.
So it got me thinking, with the West Indies test series wrapped up, Andy Flower and his merry men must have started to set their sights on the big test in the summer.
And with them thinking about it, I thought I should as well. What do I, the most prestigious cricket Journo in the northern hemisphere think. By the way I think Jarrod Kimber is the best in the southern Hemisphere. His book, "When Freddie Became Jesus" is a pretty damn good read... I just love his take on things, and overall. He's got pretty good bant as well.
Anyway, I think that England's fait in the summer depends on the following factor...
Individual battles.
So many of these mini-wars are going to be taking place in the summer, and if Blighty's stars can shine brighter than their individual opponents then it could be all smiles for England.
But what are the battles, and what does each individual involved bring to the table?
The first battle is between two demons.
Two demons with a shiny red cricket ball in their right hand.
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| Steyn or Anderson? |
James Anderson is England's strike bowler, and his wicked swing at the start of an innings has gifted him 258 test wickets at an average of 30. He strikes fear into most opening batsman and probably Matt Prior behind the twigs as well!
And his opponent, in the green corner...
Dale Steyn. South Africa's hit man. Like Jimmy he is in his prime at the ripe age of 28. (Jimmy is 29) With an average of just over 23 looking at the stats one could assume that Steyn is a much better player. But personally I think they are of a similar quality. Steyn is quicker than Jimmy but Anderson can swing the ball very well at the start of an innings.
The two skippers next. Graeme Smith and Andrew Strauss.
These two guys are both opening batsmen, both left handed opening batsmen both captains and look very very similar... (to me)
My theory is that they are lost twins, divided at birth on to different planes. One going to England and the other to South Africa. And now they are going to meet to settle there differences in a cricketing battle for the throne. The number one test team in the world.
Both are equal captains in my book (I don't actually have a book, and if I did, nobody would read it) and in terms of caps, Smith has more even though he is four years younger than the England captain. Batting wise Strauss has just hit a bit of form after hitting a couple of centuries against West Indies. But I wouldn't get carried away, Windies bowling is pretty shabby and the likes of Steyn will provide a much greater threat to Blighty's opening batsman than Edwards of WI ever will...
Never the less two centuries is two centuries and he hopefully has got himself in to some sort of nick.
Smith is also a very good opening batsman, with a impressive average of just under 50 he will surely relish the challenge of leading his South Africa side against England to try and gain the number one spot that both teams crave so much.
The last battle I'm going to touch on between these nations is the battle of the high order batsman. And in particular Amla and KP.
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| KP or Amla? |
Amla next, and this guy is pretty damn good. With experience of playing in England before and hitting a century at Lords and gaining him a place on the honours board, this guy is certainly no mug. And I expect him to hit at least 3 or 4 half centuries with 1 of these half centuries being converted in to another ton to add to his 14 test centuries. This battle is sure to provide us fans a lot of entertainment. May the best batsman win.
It's these three battles that I expect to win one of the sides the series. The tactics battle will be decided by the captains. The batting battle by KP and Amla. And the bowling battle between Steyn and Anderson.
I'm going to go for a England win, had the series been in South Africa I might have gone for a draw or a South Africa win. But with both teams being very simular strength wise in my view I think the home advantage is just going to edge it.
Tuesday 15 May 2012
The Story of an Awful Cricket Player
At this moment, I am a very happy man indeed.
Why?
Simple, Ravi Bopara is not fit enough to be included in the Blighty squad that are playing West Indies in just a few days time.
He has suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh which will keep him out of the matches.
Now, I don't hate Bopara as a person, he's probably a top lad, he's probably got brilliant banter. But he isn't a very good cricket player. Sure he's better than me (which isn't hard - I'm awful) but no way is he worthy of another chance in the international spotlight.
2007. The England selectors decided to take Ravi on a little holiday to Sri Lanka to play in a test series.
England went on to win the Ashes that year, no thanks to Ravi. Trott saved it for us in the last test with his fantastic century on his debut. Note to self Ravi, that's the way to introduce your self for your country.
Because Trott has been so succesful since, Ravi has been out of the spotlight, until he was meant to be in the Blighty squad that were going in to a very feeble battle against The Windies. But now he is injured, and he's out.
If you're reading Ravi, I don't dis-like you. I just think your utterly awful and you definitely don't deserve to pull on an England shirt ever again. Unless your in the crowd watching that is. That would be ok.
Because of these chances Ravi has had, I don't think he deserves another throw of the dice. There are a lot of good players waiting in the England Lions side who I think deserve there shot now. And I'm glad Bairstow has got his shot. It's just unfortunate that his chance has come along because of a injury to Bopara...
So come on Bairstow, score several ton's and keep Ravi out of the test side.
Cheers
Why?
Simple, Ravi Bopara is not fit enough to be included in the Blighty squad that are playing West Indies in just a few days time.
Now, I don't hate Bopara as a person, he's probably a top lad, he's probably got brilliant banter. But he isn't a very good cricket player. Sure he's better than me (which isn't hard - I'm awful) but no way is he worthy of another chance in the international spotlight.
I really don't understand all the disappointed faces of people who wanted to see him playing for England again. He had his chance, remember?
2007. The England selectors decided to take Ravi on a little holiday to Sri Lanka to play in a test series.
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| Bopara Bowled in England Colours... |
3 ducks. In five innings Ravi managed to get 3 ducks. In the other two innings that he managed to get of the mark in he mustered up 42 atogether. For a guy in his first test series trying to stamp his mark on the game, this was definitely not the way to go about it. It wasn't as if he was really up against an amazing bowling line up either. Sri Lanka had Malinga and Murali but apart from that they didn't have any stand out bowlers. But still Bopara couldn't get any runs...
England lost the test series 1-0 and Bopara looked way out of his depth.
But don't worry, as the England selectors were on hand to give Ravi another shot at glory in the Blighty test side... (Nobody knows why)
It came in 2009, against a very ordinary West Indies side. In his first innings he scored his first ever test century. And then when England played Windies at home he played again... And in the first and second test he scored test centuries.
At this point a lot of people thought Ravi was the next best thing. He was the next Tendulkar. England's new star!
But no, we were playing West Indies who's bowling attack is terrible to say the least.
These centuries set him up to play in the Ashes. The test series between two brilliant nations with fantastic histories. Players such as Don Bradman, Shane Warne, Ian Botham and Graham Gooch have played in this series where the winner is congratulated with the urn. And now... Ravi Bopara...
Oh dear, in six innings Ravi didn't put on a total of anymore than 35. Including a duck and a one, it's fair to say he didn't frighten the Aussie bowlers in to submission. He was dropped for Trott who got a century on his debut.
Oh dear, in six innings Ravi didn't put on a total of anymore than 35. Including a duck and a one, it's fair to say he didn't frighten the Aussie bowlers in to submission. He was dropped for Trott who got a century on his debut.
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| Trott... More Impressive Than Ravi |
Because Trott has been so succesful since, Ravi has been out of the spotlight, until he was meant to be in the Blighty squad that were going in to a very feeble battle against The Windies. But now he is injured, and he's out.
If you're reading Ravi, I don't dis-like you. I just think your utterly awful and you definitely don't deserve to pull on an England shirt ever again. Unless your in the crowd watching that is. That would be ok.
Because of these chances Ravi has had, I don't think he deserves another throw of the dice. There are a lot of good players waiting in the England Lions side who I think deserve there shot now. And I'm glad Bairstow has got his shot. It's just unfortunate that his chance has come along because of a injury to Bopara...
So come on Bairstow, score several ton's and keep Ravi out of the test side.
Cheers
Wednesday 9 May 2012
How Times Have Changed
In just under two weeks Blighty (England) take on West Indies. Blighty are top in the world rankings for now, in tests. And West Indies are 8th.
Every pundit, fan and player expects England to defeat them without too much trouble. And I also expect England to trounce the guys all the way back to the sunny Caribbean. But only a handful of years ago it was so different...
In 1984 a West Indies team led by Clive Lloyd visited England to play five test matches and three ODI's.
The Windies won 2-1 in the ODI series, victories at Old Trafford and Lords were enough to see WI through.
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| Don't Mess With These Guys |
And then along came the tests. Andy Lloyd made his test debut for England. It didn't last long. Half an hour in, Marshall stormed in and bowled a bouncer which hit him on the ol' noggin. He spent several days in hospital and never played another test.
This set the tone for the series and West Indies white-washed Blighty on their own turf. 5-0. Viv Richards was outstanding. Every Windies player was outstanding. Blighty were humiliated.
How times have changed.
The glory days of the 70's and 80's and to some degree, 90's are over for the guys from the Caribbean. The lad that is Brian Lara came in the 90's and early 00's has now been and gone like our dreams of playing some cricket at the start of the cricket season in England. And they have now slipped to 7th in the ICC test rankings (8th if you count Zimbabwe)
They now rely on Chanderpaul to score their runs. And he does most of the time. He is a brilliant batsman and West Indies only major threat. Kiemar Roach is also a good bowler. But I don't expect him to drill through the England batting line up because simply, he isn't that good.
Darren Sammy is their skipper. He's no Clive Lloyd. He is a good captain in an average team. Lloyd was a great captain in a great team.
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| The Current WI Skipper |
Chris Gayle is also a brilliant player. He fell out with the WI cricket board and he hasn't played for a long time in international cricket. However, in the last week, he has made himself available for selection . But because of IPL 'commitments' he can't play in the test series. Which is a great shame because he could have made the Windies batting line up more competitive. I really do hope he plays in the short ODI series though. I can't think of anyone (apart from knobs) who wouldn't want to see the big huggable bear playing cricket on English soil.
Barath, Brathwaite and Powell are their three opening batsman. There nothing to shout about. In the recent series against the Aussies there only achievement was making sure the middle order got a bat.
I like Fiedel Edwards, he's one of their strike force bowlers and he seems to have a pretty cool personality from what you can see on your TV screen. Shame he isn't actually that good. His bowling average of just over 37 tells you that he isnt Glenn McgGrath.
Barath, Brathwaite and Powell are their three opening batsman. There nothing to shout about. In the recent series against the Aussies there only achievement was making sure the middle order got a bat.
I like Fiedel Edwards, he's one of their strike force bowlers and he seems to have a pretty cool personality from what you can see on your TV screen. Shame he isn't actually that good. His bowling average of just over 37 tells you that he isnt Glenn McgGrath.
The rest of the side are under-achievers, plenty of talent, not enough to show for it. But they don't appear to have the stomach for the fight that is needed to cut it at the top of international cricket if they are to step up the world rankings.
Prediction - England win without doubt. Don't stick a bet on it though. I havn't checked but I'm pretty sure the odds would be absolutely terrible.
This series is a bit of a warm up for South Africa. So watch it, think about it and enjoy your prawn sandwiches, stereotypical English cricket fans.
Cheers
Wednesday 2 May 2012
What's Happening In The IPL?
Over half of the IPL league games have been played in the season so far...
But what's happening?!
Who are the team in form?
Who are the teams I think will succeed, fail and bottle it?
Well, where to start? The bottom of the table would probably be a good place to begin...
Deccan are at the foot, sitting uncomfortably on 5 points, three behind any opposition. It's been a tough year for them so far, apart from Dale Steyn (who has been outstanding, watch out Blighty in the summer) none of their players have stepped up to the challenge that the IPL posses. They need another consistant performer along with Steyn and Sangakkarra to win these guys matches. There bottom for a reason.
To summarise, they just haven't been good enough. Hop along to your trainings camps and put in some hard work Deccan.
The Kings XI are sitting just above Deccan in the table at the moment, Punjab have never really had a massive impact on the IPL, there best achievement was getting to the semi-final in 2008. Compared to other teams they don't have any massive names in their team. They have, Gilchrist, Ryan Harris and David Hussey but none of them are world-beaters. For this reason they are destined for a mid table finish in my book. Sorry Kings fans. You are the Average Joe's of the IPL.
Pune Warriors are only above the Kings on net run rate as they are on the same amount of points. Like KingsXI they are quite an average side in my opinion. Ganguly is their captain and there is no question that he is a good player. (Although he is getting on a bit!) There squad is more or less made up from young Indian players who are good. But not in the same league as your Hussey's, Gayle's or Dravid's...
They are in awful form at the moment, losing four of their last five games... Not good Pune...
But Pune aren't the only franchise out of form. The Royals are also dreadfully out of form.
After a great start to the 2012 season Rajasthan have gone into freefall. Losing four in a row has brought them down to 6th in the table. But with quality in their side in the shape of Dravid, who I view to be a wonderful player. Although he is not as effective in the T20 format of the game, he is still a very useful man to start an innings. Rahane is the leading runs scorer in the league and can't be over looked. Shah is also an effective T20 player. Although recent talk of him getting an England call up is total tosh (I hope) he had his chance, and if he gets a call up I'm moving to South Africa and becoming a fan of them.
Owais Shah talk aside, I think RR have a very good chance of getting in the top 4.
Bangalore next. They've been runners up twice. And they could better this 2nd place finish this year. They have a good team of players. There is no doubt about that. Chris Gayle is their star, as I mentioned in a earlier post I think he is one of the best batsman in the IPL. AB de Villiers is also a cracking player in my mind. They have a very strong batting line up. They have been consistent all season. But are they as good as Dehli?
The Super Kings are my team, and were awesome. We have won two IPL titles. Dhoni is our skipper. But this year we have been a bit off the pace. Yeah were sitting nicely in the playoff places in 4th. But we haven't been dominating as of yet. We should be a certain for a top 4 place. But another title? Pffft I'm not so optimistic...
Mumbai are in 3rd. They have the little master in their roster. They also have Harbhajan as captain. These two players bring a lot of experiance into their team. Malinga has been a great death bowler aswell. (Even if his stupid hair makes him look like a prat) And for this reason I expect them to finish in the top 4. And maybe get in the final.
The Knight Riders are second in the standings. Winnings four out of their last five with one of them being a no result has lifted them firmly into the play-off's. They have a good bowler in the shape of Narine, and Brett Lee has guided their bowling performances through out the last few games. I expect them to finish in the play-offs because of this great form. But I don't think they will win the comp. I don't know why. I just have a hunch... You heard it hear first.
Dehli are top. This year, they have been the top dogs. They have so many good players in their side. Sehwag has been unbelieveable, four fifties in a row! Take a bow my son. Take a bow. Pieterson has been awesome the first half of the season. But he's gone now. Back to Blighty. They may have dominated the league so far but things could change in the second half of the season. Play-offs for sure. The title, this journo isn't so sure...
My man of the league so far:
Morkel has impressed me. He may not be the obvious choice. With Rahane, Sehwag and Gayle playing so well. But his wickets for Dehli have won them matches, he is on course to win the purple cap and he has one of the best economy rates in the IPL. He is one of the major reasons why the Daredevils are where they are. Well done Morkel. Top lad. Proper naughty cricket player.
The team I think will be victorious:
Quick answer - Dehli OR Bangalore. I fancy Dehli if they recover after losing KP. If they go on a bit of a dodgy run, I fancy Bangalore to sneak in and win the tournament. Stick a tenner on that. I just have the magical journo touch about Bangalore... Up the Royal Challengers! Up Chris Gayle, he's going to have to hit a lot of 6's to win them the cup.
Cheers
But what's happening?!
Who are the team in form?
Who are the teams I think will succeed, fail and bottle it?
Well, where to start? The bottom of the table would probably be a good place to begin...
Deccan are at the foot, sitting uncomfortably on 5 points, three behind any opposition. It's been a tough year for them so far, apart from Dale Steyn (who has been outstanding, watch out Blighty in the summer) none of their players have stepped up to the challenge that the IPL posses. They need another consistant performer along with Steyn and Sangakkarra to win these guys matches. There bottom for a reason.
To summarise, they just haven't been good enough. Hop along to your trainings camps and put in some hard work Deccan.
The Kings XI are sitting just above Deccan in the table at the moment, Punjab have never really had a massive impact on the IPL, there best achievement was getting to the semi-final in 2008. Compared to other teams they don't have any massive names in their team. They have, Gilchrist, Ryan Harris and David Hussey but none of them are world-beaters. For this reason they are destined for a mid table finish in my book. Sorry Kings fans. You are the Average Joe's of the IPL.
Pune Warriors are only above the Kings on net run rate as they are on the same amount of points. Like KingsXI they are quite an average side in my opinion. Ganguly is their captain and there is no question that he is a good player. (Although he is getting on a bit!) There squad is more or less made up from young Indian players who are good. But not in the same league as your Hussey's, Gayle's or Dravid's...
They are in awful form at the moment, losing four of their last five games... Not good Pune...
But Pune aren't the only franchise out of form. The Royals are also dreadfully out of form.
After a great start to the 2012 season Rajasthan have gone into freefall. Losing four in a row has brought them down to 6th in the table. But with quality in their side in the shape of Dravid, who I view to be a wonderful player. Although he is not as effective in the T20 format of the game, he is still a very useful man to start an innings. Rahane is the leading runs scorer in the league and can't be over looked. Shah is also an effective T20 player. Although recent talk of him getting an England call up is total tosh (I hope) he had his chance, and if he gets a call up I'm moving to South Africa and becoming a fan of them.
Owais Shah talk aside, I think RR have a very good chance of getting in the top 4.
Bangalore next. They've been runners up twice. And they could better this 2nd place finish this year. They have a good team of players. There is no doubt about that. Chris Gayle is their star, as I mentioned in a earlier post I think he is one of the best batsman in the IPL. AB de Villiers is also a cracking player in my mind. They have a very strong batting line up. They have been consistent all season. But are they as good as Dehli?
 |
| CSK... Victorious Last Year... |
The Super Kings are my team, and were awesome. We have won two IPL titles. Dhoni is our skipper. But this year we have been a bit off the pace. Yeah were sitting nicely in the playoff places in 4th. But we haven't been dominating as of yet. We should be a certain for a top 4 place. But another title? Pffft I'm not so optimistic...
Mumbai are in 3rd. They have the little master in their roster. They also have Harbhajan as captain. These two players bring a lot of experiance into their team. Malinga has been a great death bowler aswell. (Even if his stupid hair makes him look like a prat) And for this reason I expect them to finish in the top 4. And maybe get in the final.
The Knight Riders are second in the standings. Winnings four out of their last five with one of them being a no result has lifted them firmly into the play-off's. They have a good bowler in the shape of Narine, and Brett Lee has guided their bowling performances through out the last few games. I expect them to finish in the play-offs because of this great form. But I don't think they will win the comp. I don't know why. I just have a hunch... You heard it hear first.
Dehli are top. This year, they have been the top dogs. They have so many good players in their side. Sehwag has been unbelieveable, four fifties in a row! Take a bow my son. Take a bow. Pieterson has been awesome the first half of the season. But he's gone now. Back to Blighty. They may have dominated the league so far but things could change in the second half of the season. Play-offs for sure. The title, this journo isn't so sure...
My man of the league so far:
Morkel has impressed me. He may not be the obvious choice. With Rahane, Sehwag and Gayle playing so well. But his wickets for Dehli have won them matches, he is on course to win the purple cap and he has one of the best economy rates in the IPL. He is one of the major reasons why the Daredevils are where they are. Well done Morkel. Top lad. Proper naughty cricket player.
The team I think will be victorious:
Quick answer - Dehli OR Bangalore. I fancy Dehli if they recover after losing KP. If they go on a bit of a dodgy run, I fancy Bangalore to sneak in and win the tournament. Stick a tenner on that. I just have the magical journo touch about Bangalore... Up the Royal Challengers! Up Chris Gayle, he's going to have to hit a lot of 6's to win them the cup.
Cheers
Sunday 29 April 2012
A Few Questions With a Foxes Legend
 |
| A Leicestershire Legend |
Paul Nixon - This man is an absolute legend... 19 one day internationals for England. He made his debut at the late age of 36!! Many years service at Leicestershire (Come on you Foxes!) An absolutely fantastic wicket keeper and a great hero of mine. It was a privilege to ask to such a brilliant character in the game some questions.
Here's how it went...
TSP - What is your earliest memory of cricket?
PN - Watching my dad play at Penrith CC early 70's.
TSP - Adam Hollioake has taken up cage fighting and boxing after his cricket career. Can we expect to see you in a cage/ring in the near future?!
PN - No maybe playing polo I'm having lessons. Used to do kickboxing years ago.
TSP - Kickboxing?! Were you any good? Any memorable fights?
PN - No fights but great fitness!
TSP - From a personal point of view - What is the best game you have ever played in?
PN - Tough one!!! Leicestershire win v Northants in 98. 204 in 19.4 overs in a champo game it was unreal!
TSP - Your a Leicestershire legend and I'm a foxes fan - so you're a hero of mine. But who is your hero?
PN - Viv (Richards) was my hero... He played a different game! He hit the ball where he wanted to!
 |
| A hero at work... Admiring a pull shot |
TSP - You've played with a lot of great players - but which one had the best banter?
PN - Anthony McGrath by a long way. Amazing guy and funniest man to ever step onto a cricket pitch!
*Anthony McGrath is a true Yorkshire guy and 'the funniest man ever to step onto a cricket pitch' according to Nico. He's played for Yorkshire all his career and has picked up 14 ODI caps for the England. Take a bow Anthony my son. Take a bow.
TSP - Cheers Paul for answering these questions for us - you really are a true legend.
Nixon had a lot of great moments to savour through out his career but one of the most satisfying must have been the moment that he reserve sweeped one of the best spin bowlers of all time - Murali... Here is the video, take a look if you want to see this fine cricket shot. (Sorry about the quality, it's not great)
Cheers
Tuesday 24 April 2012
Aus v WI - The Story So Far...
T20's and ODI's came before this test series, but I don't really care about them. So I'm not going to pretend I watched them and write a lengthy review on what happenend, so lets get straight down to the five day format...
Two tests have been in this three test series. The Aussies are winning 1-0. But what's going on? Who's playing well? Who's marking their territory on test cricket?
The first test was a great example of how to bat in a Test Match by both sides.
WI batted first, and put on a brilliant team display. Everybody chipped in. Nobody scored in single digits, Chanderpaul lead the rampage. Scoring a cool 103 not out. Nicely done. K.Edwards and Bravo got 61 and 51 respectively. It was a fantastic batting performance and one I greatly enjoyed watching on the box. They declared on 449-9.
Cowan and Warner then strolled out, knowing they needed a good start to their innings. And they got one. Not a game changing opening partnership. But a decent 50 before the first wicket fell. A good foundation to build upon for the rest of the innings. Watson then came out, this man seems to get to a score of about 40 every time he gets to the middle, and then gets out. And he done this again, getting out for 39.
This made the score 133-4. Clarke and Hussey plodded along at a low run rate until Clarke got caught by Deonarine for a well played 73. It was not the most exciting innings, but a useful one for the Australian side by the skipper.
Hussey fell just short of 50 (bottled it) and Siddle was about as much use as a man with one leg in a ass kicking contest. He fell for a duck. Wade was still in the middle though, and was slowly putting runs on the board, but Fiedel Edwards soon sorted him out.
At this stage Aus are 285-8, and WI are looking to finish the job and get a big lead going into the second innings. This did not happen, a bowling teams nightmare happenend, the tail wagged. Just when they were looking to strike the final blow to the Aussies in the first innings, the tail wagged...
First Harris and Hilfenhaus put on 40, which was probably more than the WI wanted them to get, but then Lyon came out after Hilfenhaus was cleaned up, and him and Harris put on a remarkable 77 partnership! The aussies declared, behind. 406-9.
If you are from the Caribbean I don't think you would want me to talk about the next bit, your top 3 batsmen battled hard and bravely to put on a couragous 3 runs between them. And as my old man would say, "That is pretty shabby..." Chanderpaul was gone soon after, 17-4.
Then the mini recovery, a 50 run partnership brought them up to 67-4, but Darren Bravo got out. Caught Wade, bowled Siddle. 8 runs later, Deonarine gone. I'm not even going to talk about the rest, it wasn't great. It wasn't good. It was awful.
148 all out, only 10 boundries scored. Hilfenhaus claimed 4 victims, Harris 3.
The aussies needed just under 200 to win, and they got over the finish line, 7 down. Watson top scored with 52, Hussey and Cowan got 30's. 1-0 to the Aussies.
Ryan Harris was one of the players I thought played really well in the match, he got 5 wickets. But what really impressed me was his batting. His calm and collected 68 not out in the first innings really kept the Aussies in with a shout. If it wasn't for him they could have been all out for 350, and they could have lost the game.
Chanderpaul was the other player who has to be one of the players of the game. He was the only man to score a century in the game. And really put WI in a fantastic position after their first innings. Shame he got out for 12 in the second innings.
The second test was engulfed by rain, but it was still a great attacking game of cricket...
The Aussies batted first, put on a 50 partnership (again) and then Warner got out. And Shane Watson (The average man as I have now renamed him after he seems to get around 40 each innings he bats in) came out. He got 56, just over the average of 40 he usually gets when I see him play. When he got out it left Austrailia 178-5.
Deonarine got 55 to help the cause, but the tail didn't wag on this occasion. And this left the West Indies 257 all out.
Roach has to be my man of the match, how could he not be? Two five wicket hauls in one match, he took over half of the wickets for his team. Take a bow my son. What a brilliant performance. If it was not for mother nature it might have just won his team the game...
WI now need to win the final test to level the series...
Can they pegg back Austrailia to make it 1-1? How do I bloody know? Maybe they will, maybe them won't. It depends what WI team shows up, the fat lazy bums who couldn't steal candy from a baby or the sharp, strong team who have a heart of gold.
Whichever team shows up, it's bound to be a cracking game...
Two tests have been in this three test series. The Aussies are winning 1-0. But what's going on? Who's playing well? Who's marking their territory on test cricket?
The first test was a great example of how to bat in a Test Match by both sides.
WI batted first, and put on a brilliant team display. Everybody chipped in. Nobody scored in single digits, Chanderpaul lead the rampage. Scoring a cool 103 not out. Nicely done. K.Edwards and Bravo got 61 and 51 respectively. It was a fantastic batting performance and one I greatly enjoyed watching on the box. They declared on 449-9.
Cowan and Warner then strolled out, knowing they needed a good start to their innings. And they got one. Not a game changing opening partnership. But a decent 50 before the first wicket fell. A good foundation to build upon for the rest of the innings. Watson then came out, this man seems to get to a score of about 40 every time he gets to the middle, and then gets out. And he done this again, getting out for 39.
This made the score 133-4. Clarke and Hussey plodded along at a low run rate until Clarke got caught by Deonarine for a well played 73. It was not the most exciting innings, but a useful one for the Australian side by the skipper.
Hussey fell just short of 50 (bottled it) and Siddle was about as much use as a man with one leg in a ass kicking contest. He fell for a duck. Wade was still in the middle though, and was slowly putting runs on the board, but Fiedel Edwards soon sorted him out.
At this stage Aus are 285-8, and WI are looking to finish the job and get a big lead going into the second innings. This did not happen, a bowling teams nightmare happenend, the tail wagged. Just when they were looking to strike the final blow to the Aussies in the first innings, the tail wagged...
First Harris and Hilfenhaus put on 40, which was probably more than the WI wanted them to get, but then Lyon came out after Hilfenhaus was cleaned up, and him and Harris put on a remarkable 77 partnership! The aussies declared, behind. 406-9.
If you are from the Caribbean I don't think you would want me to talk about the next bit, your top 3 batsmen battled hard and bravely to put on a couragous 3 runs between them. And as my old man would say, "That is pretty shabby..." Chanderpaul was gone soon after, 17-4.
Then the mini recovery, a 50 run partnership brought them up to 67-4, but Darren Bravo got out. Caught Wade, bowled Siddle. 8 runs later, Deonarine gone. I'm not even going to talk about the rest, it wasn't great. It wasn't good. It was awful.
148 all out, only 10 boundries scored. Hilfenhaus claimed 4 victims, Harris 3.
The aussies needed just under 200 to win, and they got over the finish line, 7 down. Watson top scored with 52, Hussey and Cowan got 30's. 1-0 to the Aussies.
Ryan Harris was one of the players I thought played really well in the match, he got 5 wickets. But what really impressed me was his batting. His calm and collected 68 not out in the first innings really kept the Aussies in with a shout. If it wasn't for him they could have been all out for 350, and they could have lost the game.
Chanderpaul was the other player who has to be one of the players of the game. He was the only man to score a century in the game. And really put WI in a fantastic position after their first innings. Shame he got out for 12 in the second innings.
The second test was engulfed by rain, but it was still a great attacking game of cricket...
The Aussies batted first, put on a 50 partnership (again) and then Warner got out. And Shane Watson (The average man as I have now renamed him after he seems to get around 40 each innings he bats in) came out. He got 56, just over the average of 40 he usually gets when I see him play. When he got out it left Austrailia 178-5.
 |
| The Average Man At Work |
Wade went soon after for 11, but then Mike Hussey scored a well played 73 (well done sir) and after Pattinson chipped in with a cheeky 30, the Aussies were all out for 311. Roach claimed the final wicket of Beer to bring up his five wicket haul. Take a bow Kemar.
Chanderpaul was WI knight in shining armour once again after their top 3 could only cunjure up a mere 26 runs between them. Barath, Brathwaite and Powell really were having a terrible series. Chanderpaul fell just short of another century. Lyon got him leg before.
Lyon got a five wicket haul, although in my humble opinion he is an absolutely terrible player and it's only a matter of time before the Aussies see the light and drop him. If your reading this Lyon, it's nothing personal, your just not very good.
By this point in the match the rain intervals were really starting to affect the game. A lot of time was being spent in the pavillion because of the rain, and a result was starting to get more and more unlikely...
In their second innings the Aussies looked very unimpressive, although obviously the rain hadn't helped, Watson got a duck (quack) and nobody took charge and dominated the crease. Ponting did get himself a helpful 42 though before he got out to Fiedel Edwards. They declared on 160-8, hoping they might have time to grab a victory if the weather stayed dry.
WI still wanted to win this game though, and they attacked from the start. 53-2 from just 11 overs. If it wasn't for the rain, the match might have got a winner. Every fan watching was yearning for the weather to stay dry and for the play to continue. But it rained, and play came to a halt. But thats cricket, and that's why we all love it...
Roach has to be my man of the match, how could he not be? Two five wicket hauls in one match, he took over half of the wickets for his team. Take a bow my son. What a brilliant performance. If it was not for mother nature it might have just won his team the game...
WI now need to win the final test to level the series...
They have made a great start, that is if it wasn't for Matthew Wade, he scored 100 to give the Aussies a decent first total of 328.
Can they pegg back Austrailia to make it 1-1? How do I bloody know? Maybe they will, maybe them won't. It depends what WI team shows up, the fat lazy bums who couldn't steal candy from a baby or the sharp, strong team who have a heart of gold.
Whichever team shows up, it's bound to be a cracking game...
Cheers.
Thursday 19 April 2012
The Best Batsman In The IPL
 |
The Indian Premier League isn't everybody's doner kebab. Personally, I don't mind it. If it's on the box I flick to it from time to time to check the score and I might even watch a couple of overs. But one thing I do notice when I watch it, is the amount of batting quality in the league.
KP. Rahul Dravid. Tendulkar. Owais Shah. De Villiers. The list goes on and on.
There seems to be endless batting quality in the IPL. But out of all of these players. Who is the best?
In this post I am going to compile a list and compare players, by the end. I'll put my top three batsmen.
Lets talk about KP first. This man can be absolutely lethal with a cricket bat in his hands. He scored his maiden ton in T20 in the IPL today, in just 64 balls (not bad going) while playing for the Delhi Daredevils to take them to the top of the league. Bad point; Not very good at playing against left arm spin, although he does deny this. But lets be honest, he can't play it. But is still a game changer, he can turn a game on it's head with his elegant strokes and big hits. A formidabble IPL player. And a strong candiadate.
Dhoni next, this guy is a brilliant player, captain of India, captain of the Super Kings, my team. (up the kings) A fantastic captain and decent keeper, A cracking player in all forms of the game. He is a very good player to have in a IPL side. Possibly in the running for the top 3.
Another Indian player next, Rahul Dravid. The wall. And as his nickname suggests, maybe T20 isn't his game, he is a decent player to get an innings started, but not one to change a match. Out of the running I'm afraid pal.
The cooliest man in the IPL next, Chris Gayle. Don't get me started on his wicked shades he wears in the field. Like Dravid, he starts an innings, but this man can change the match. He is capable of hitting big runs in an over to get his side back on track. He hit five sixes in a over a few days ago, which completely changed that match. What a player this guy is. Definitely in the running to get in the top three.
The Blighty reject now, Owais Shah. Been in brilliant form in the first few games in the Premier League and some talk of an England call up.. He had his chance and I don't think he will keep up this good form. He just can't be graded in the same category as players such as KP, De Villiers, Gayle etc. No way in my top 3. Chin up Owais.
Seeing as I just mentioned him, lets talk about AB De Villiers. He is the man for Bangalore. He comes out in the middle order and bosses the middle. He hit a game changing 64 against Dehli after coming in when Bangalore were in danger of posting a under-par score. And then against Pune he hit 33 to help his side clinch a last ball winner. A brilliant player and top lad. A very decent shout for being in the top 3.
Now, how could we have a list of brilliant batsmen without the little master? Sachin Tendulkar. This man can do great things with the willow. And I don't have to explain why he is on the shortlist. He just is.
And last but by no means least. David Warner. Playing for Delhi. This opener had some good first few games for Austrailia. But has fell of the radar in recent months. A decent player who can strike a good ball. But probably not in the top three. Maybe in a couple of years, but now. No.
These are the players I think are some of the best players in the IPL. Apart from Shah, I just stuck him in the list so I could have a personal dig at him.
But who is the best?
So here we go, my number three...
3) Chris Gayle
Yep, Abraham is my guy at number two. He can steady the ship, he can hit quick boundaries. He can keep the strike, he can rotate it. This is the reason he is my man at number two. He adapts to the situation he finds himself in very very easily. And that's why he is number two.
1) Kevin Pietersen
The SA born Englishman is my IPL best batsmen. He doesn't adapt to situations as well as Abraham. He only ever has one mindset. Attack. And that is why he is so good. He can constantly hit boundaries over after over and pound the opposition. What he does, wins games. He can win games. This game winner is my number one.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers
Monday 16 April 2012
How's The County Championship Shaping Up?
This post
has been written by a guest author, we know him as J. Be nice to him, it’s his
first time doing this sort of thing. He's been a brave boy to volunteer to write this post...
How’s the
County Championship shaping up?
Division
1
At this
early stage of the season it’s very hard to make a solid judgement, early
season performances can of course indicate a good season ahead, but a first
game loss is not always a tell tale sign of a tough season ahead.
Nottinghamshire have started very well, having played 2 won 2, and made some shrewd off-season signings, in Michael Lumb, and the ex-Leicestershire pair James Taylor and Harry Gurney, a sign of things to come at Notts with the departure of 3 of the old guard in Shreck, Wagh and Brown and the arrival of young, hungry players.
The reigning champs, Lancashire started with a crushing 10 wicket defeat at the
hands of Sussex. However, despite this I’d expect Lancashire to recover and
enjoy relative success, but not in my mind title contenders. Now on to the 2
promoted teams; Middlesex and Surrey. They squared up on round two of the
season at Lords, and to my mind the surprising victor was Middlesex in a
thrilling game at the home of cricket. Both teams made positive moves during
the winter, with Surrey signing Jacques Rudolph, John Lewis and Murali Kartik,
and Middlesex managing to pick up Olly Rayner and Joe Denly.
Surrey are my surprise team of the season, whom I predict to do well. They have a nice balance between bat and ball, young and old. Steven Davies, Jade Dernbach, Stuart Meeker, Chris Tremlett, Dirk Nannes, Rory Hamliton-Brown and of course who’d dare forget the fine wine of English cricket (improves with age) Mark Ramprakash, to name just a few, plus the signings they’ve made makes for a formidable team. Middlesex I predict will find the going tough and will do well to hold onto their div 1 status come September.
While Surrey are my surprise team to succeed, my surprise team to Struggle is the men from the North-East, Durham.I feel they’re an aging team in need of a freshen up who may find the going tough, they started with a disappointing defeat and I foresee a tough season for the Dynamo. For me mid-table mediocrity lays ahead for Warwickshire, Sussex and Somerset.
Whatever the outcome, an exciting season lies ahead for all in the County Championship, which I’m sure will be full of the typical up’s and down’s, scorching days and a few cold ones thrown in.
Nottinghamshire have started very well, having played 2 won 2, and made some shrewd off-season signings, in Michael Lumb, and the ex-Leicestershire pair James Taylor and Harry Gurney, a sign of things to come at Notts with the departure of 3 of the old guard in Shreck, Wagh and Brown and the arrival of young, hungry players.
 |
| Lancs Celebrate their Div1 Title |
Surrey are my surprise team of the season, whom I predict to do well. They have a nice balance between bat and ball, young and old. Steven Davies, Jade Dernbach, Stuart Meeker, Chris Tremlett, Dirk Nannes, Rory Hamliton-Brown and of course who’d dare forget the fine wine of English cricket (improves with age) Mark Ramprakash, to name just a few, plus the signings they’ve made makes for a formidable team. Middlesex I predict will find the going tough and will do well to hold onto their div 1 status come September.
While Surrey are my surprise team to succeed, my surprise team to Struggle is the men from the North-East, Durham.I feel they’re an aging team in need of a freshen up who may find the going tough, they started with a disappointing defeat and I foresee a tough season for the Dynamo. For me mid-table mediocrity lays ahead for Warwickshire, Sussex and Somerset.
Whatever the outcome, an exciting season lies ahead for all in the County Championship, which I’m sure will be full of the typical up’s and down’s, scorching days and a few cold ones thrown in.
Tips for top
2: Nottinghamshire and Surrey
Tips for
bottom 2: Worcestershire and Durham
Division
2:
 |
| Middlesex... Div2 Champions! |
As I see it,
division 2 is a harder one to pick. It’s a league packed with young talent,
waiting to burst on to the scene, and for sure by September we’ll all be
talking about a few hidden gems that were not on our lips in April.
Glamorgan I fear for, I see an extremely hard season ahead for the Welsh side. They had their golden moment in 2009, with the grand honour of hosting the opening Ashes test of the series, but I feel the momentum that comes with such an event may have passed. I struggle to see any real young quality in their squad; Simon Jones, Robert Croft and Marcus North are players of quality, but all 3 are heading towards the wrong ends of their careers. The writing may well be on the wall already, a first game defeat against Leicestershire would suggest so, a Leicestershire team who managed a measly one win last term. I may be proved wrong, (I’m rarely wrong) but good luck to em, go the Dragons!
I predict a good season for the boys down at Chelmsford, there’s a good feeling around Essex CC at the moment and they may surprise a few people this season.
Yorkshire are the big scalp for all teams this season, everyone will want to beat the big boys who’ve unceremoniously fell from grace. However, I predict the Yorkies to perform reasonably, they’ve a solid team by Div 2 standards, and a good acquisition in the Ex-Aussie test player Phil Jacques will only aid them.
Northamptonshire will again struggle I feel, they, like Glamorgan, lack any real quality and should be braced for a long, hard and ultimately disappointing season.
Derbyshire are shaping up nicely, 2 wins from 2 played. With 2 very hands overseas players in both Martin Guptill until June and Usman Khawaja thereafter, they look strong and set for a good season.
Kent are the consistent under-performers in the longer format of the game, and on paper you’d expect to be challenging come the business end of the season. They’ve had a busy off-season, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, with Jimmy Adams coming in as coach and it could be a season of consolidation for the spitfires.
It’s a tough league to call, and one which is more likely to throw up a few curveballs for us journo’s, but what will be will be, and we’ll get a better look at how things are shaping up by mid June.
Glamorgan I fear for, I see an extremely hard season ahead for the Welsh side. They had their golden moment in 2009, with the grand honour of hosting the opening Ashes test of the series, but I feel the momentum that comes with such an event may have passed. I struggle to see any real young quality in their squad; Simon Jones, Robert Croft and Marcus North are players of quality, but all 3 are heading towards the wrong ends of their careers. The writing may well be on the wall already, a first game defeat against Leicestershire would suggest so, a Leicestershire team who managed a measly one win last term. I may be proved wrong, (I’m rarely wrong) but good luck to em, go the Dragons!
I predict a good season for the boys down at Chelmsford, there’s a good feeling around Essex CC at the moment and they may surprise a few people this season.
Yorkshire are the big scalp for all teams this season, everyone will want to beat the big boys who’ve unceremoniously fell from grace. However, I predict the Yorkies to perform reasonably, they’ve a solid team by Div 2 standards, and a good acquisition in the Ex-Aussie test player Phil Jacques will only aid them.
Northamptonshire will again struggle I feel, they, like Glamorgan, lack any real quality and should be braced for a long, hard and ultimately disappointing season.
Derbyshire are shaping up nicely, 2 wins from 2 played. With 2 very hands overseas players in both Martin Guptill until June and Usman Khawaja thereafter, they look strong and set for a good season.
Kent are the consistent under-performers in the longer format of the game, and on paper you’d expect to be challenging come the business end of the season. They’ve had a busy off-season, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, with Jimmy Adams coming in as coach and it could be a season of consolidation for the spitfires.
It’s a tough league to call, and one which is more likely to throw up a few curveballs for us journo’s, but what will be will be, and we’ll get a better look at how things are shaping up by mid June.
Tips for top
2: Derbyshire and Essex
Tips for
bottom 2: Glamorgan and Northamptonshire
Wednesday 11 April 2012
County Cricket or IPL?
County Cricket or IPL?
What are the pro's?
What are the cons?
My Views
There are good points and bad for both forms. The IPL is exciting, but then when I'm watching it I feel as if I'm cheating on English cricket because County Championship is traditional and honest. I can't choose between them. I only wish there was more TV coverage of the County Championship so I could see more County cricket. If there was TV coverage, and the County Championship and IPL were on at the same time, I would choose to watch the County action any day. But there isn't going to be more TV coverage, so chin up me.
Cheers.
What are the pro's?
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| The IPL |
Here is a list. I'll let you decide what one you think is better or the one which serves a better purpose.
First, the IPL. The Indian Premier League. And the pro's.
- The games generate big crowds, some as big as 50000, where as in County Cricket a lot of grounds can pull in crowds as low as a couple of hundred people. But hats off to them loyal couple of hundred supporters!
- Players from all nations play in the IPL, so different playing styles are on show. But in the County Championship the bulk of the players are English. Althogh this point could be seen as a good point as well as a bad point.
- A lot of cash is generated through the IPL in sponsorship, ticket sales etc. And this puts money in the Indian economy. Although now we are getting into politics. And I don't like politics.
- The format of the IPL is T20, and I know alot of people (I'd like to add these people I know are knob's) who prefer T20 to the 4 day form of the game. So the IPL is an ideal form of cricket for them to watch.
- The IPL finishes just weeks before Blighty's fixtures v the West Indies and then South Africa, this will mean the English and West Indies players will have a lack of preparation going into the test. And they might have injuries and little niggles that they have picked up in India.
- A lot of money is spent on international players in auctions. But the quality of play is not always fantastic.
- It's shown on ITV4, nobody likes ITV4...
- Some players are payed alot to play in the IPL. Are they just in it for the wonga?
There the reasons, I think, are the pro's and cons for the IPL. And now the list for the County Championship. Cons first.
 |
| County Championshp Action |
- The crowds can be very small, which I mentioned earlier.
- Because the English cricket team are away on tours and playing matches in the summer. They cannot play for their county teams. So there is less quality playing for the counties.
- The County Championship doesn't have alot of coverage on TV, so fans don't get a chance to see there team in action. But there is radio coverage and live internet updates on the cricket. So fans can keep track on how there teams are doing. But this sometimes isn't the same as seeing them on the tele.
And the pros now.
- Players can gain pride in playing for their counties, where as in the IPL English players do not have this pride.
- English players can work under the radar and prove themselves in these two leagues, to try and gain an England call up. A great example of this happening would be Graeme Swann. For years he was working hard for Notts and Northants, getting wickets and trying to prove he was worthy to play for Blighty. And one day, he got rewarded. This sort of thing would not happen in the IPL, only high profile English players play in this league.
- The County Championship is a good breeding ground for Test Cricket, which is obviously a more traditional form of cricket than T20. So don't forget, if it was not for the 4 day game, there would be no IPL.
My Views
There are good points and bad for both forms. The IPL is exciting, but then when I'm watching it I feel as if I'm cheating on English cricket because County Championship is traditional and honest. I can't choose between them. I only wish there was more TV coverage of the County Championship so I could see more County cricket. If there was TV coverage, and the County Championship and IPL were on at the same time, I would choose to watch the County action any day. But there isn't going to be more TV coverage, so chin up me.
Cheers.
Monday 9 April 2012
Victory for Blighty
Victory for Strauss.
Victory for England.
After Prasad, the nightwatchman, fell for 34. A decent score for a guy who usually bats low down in the order.
However, both were equally as good as eachother, but for different reasons...
Also, Samaraweera was in the middle with him, and they put on a good partnership. Slowly plodding away with singles and two's, only a handful of boundaries were scored.
Suddenly from an average position of 215-4 Sri Lanka found themselves 215-6. And things weren't looking so rosy.
He was gone, and England were now firmly in the driving seat.
Victory for England.
Victory for me.
That's right, I'm victorious. A few days ago I put my grand reputation on the line and said that Strauss and his boys would turn it around in the Colombo test. And that we needed to get behind them. I'm pretty sure after I tweeted the post to alot of the England team they not only just read the blog, but they were inspired by it, and it spurred them on. They thought, "We can't let this lad down, he will look like a mug if we don't perform."
I made a post about the first 3 days of play so I won't blab on about them. Lets just get to the tasty bit of the game, the juicy bit, the bit where all cricket fans sit down, lean forward, and watch fat English men with their tops off drinking beer and singing in the crowd. Days 4 and 5.
This is the bit everyone loves, this is the bit where the game is decided. Well, that's what normally happens...
The game had really already been decided by the English batsmen on day 3, as we all know, that the Sri Lankan batting line up (apart from M. Jayawardene, Samaraweera, Matthews and Sangakkarra) are pretty shocking and that they were never going to pose any really threat as long as these 4 players didn't post massive scores.
None of them did.
Thirimanne was the first to bite the dust. Caught by Strauss at slip of an Anderson ball. What an awful series this lad has had, 3, 6, 8 and 11. One double figure score in 4 innings is terrible. At least he has made some improvement as the series went on, so hats of to him!
Dilshan and Sangakkarra were left in the middle, two men out of form, out of touch, and after putting on a partnership of 40 odd, Dilshan was out after Swann started his six wicket haul with a ball which struck the edge of Dilshan's bat and the skipper Strauss took a simple catch at first slip. Then Sangakkarra went, to another edge that this time went to Prior from Swann's bowling.
This left Sri Lanka 125-4 and their main man in form was in, Mahela Jayawardene. What a cricket player this man has been in this series.
In the first test he showed the English batsmen how to score runs in Sri Lanka. He never really looked in danger of getting out, and I think I ended up drooling over my TV after some of his heavenly strokes.
I wish I could play cricket like this man has done in this test, Pietersen's innings was also world class. But it was more of a ODI innings, Mahela showed us all how test cricket should be played, where as KP showed us how we could bat in a test match like it was an ODI.
Also, Samaraweera was in the middle with him, and they put on a good partnership. Slowly plodding away with singles and two's, only a handful of boundaries were scored.
But then Swann struck, with Sri Lanka on 215, in the same over he got Samaraweera in a twist when the ball bit of the turf and spun into him, and then just two balls later Randiv fell, another brillaint ball.
Suddenly from an average position of 215-4 Sri Lanka found themselves 215-6. And things weren't looking so rosy.
Swann was on fire, spinning the ball for the sheer joy of it. He bowled unchanged for a long while, the poor guy must have had blisters on his fingers. But I'm sure he wouldn't have minded as he was bowling excellently. And he didn't have to wait long to get his next victim, and it was the guy I had been drooling over, Jayawardene. Edging it onto his pads and to Cook at short leg.
He was gone, and England were now firmly in the driving seat.
Matthews was in, I love this guy. He is a fantastic player, and I adore watching him play. He can play in all 3 forms of the game, and at just the age of 24 he has the potential to be a top star for his national side.
He was the last wicket to go after his 3 team members below him in the batting order could only gather 8 runs between them. Well done. Matthews was out for 46, and I would have liked him to get to his 50 because I think he is a good player.
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| Swann celebrates one of his wickets. |
278 was Sri Lanka's final score, with Swann by far the pick of the bowlers, with six wickets. He deserved it, he had worked hard and had put everything into bowling in the boiling heat. Congratulations Mr.Swann.
Strauss and Cook walked out needing only 90 odd to win. The barmy army were in fantastic spirits, and why shouldn't they be. After a poor winter tour of Dubai they deserved to enjoy a test victory. We buggered up what should have been an easy run chase in Dubai and this England side took a different approach this time around...
Although Strauss fell early for a duck (Quack) it was clear that this England side wanted to wrap this game up quickly and they got straight to it. Trott also got out cheap for 5 which made the score 32-2.
At this time Cook and Pietersen were in, it was a joy to watch. I only wish Blighty had an even bigger score to chase so we could have seen more of this beautiful attacking cricket. KP and Cooky were scoring easily and got to the total in the 20th over. Victory. Sweet sweet victory. This winter. At last.
Blighty had retained their title as number one test side in the world, for now anyway. The real test comes in the summer, even if they lost this test and dropped to number two in the world the number one spot would be contested against South Africa in England. This would be the real test. The best v the best. England v South Africa. Strauss v Smith. KP v De Villiers. Anderson v Steyn. Swann v Tahir and Broad v Kallis.
All these individual battles would decide the outcome.
May the best team win.
Cheers
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