England 1 Bangladesh 1 - what a great Test series we've been treated to, with Bangladesh thoroughly deserving to come out of the series on a level pegging against England. The only regret of this series must be that we aren't fortunate enough to be able to witness a series decider, which it undoubtedly deserved.
Fingers will inevitably be pointed at England. To collapse from 100-0 to 164, no matter who the opposition, is very poor. But Bangladesh deserve all the credit in the world for their performance, with Mehedi Hasan looking like a real talent, backed up superbly by Shakib Al Hasan, who also looks the part with bat and ball (how many other players in the world open the bowling and bat at 5?).
Turning to their batting, Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes also look like thoroughly good players - with Mahmudullah and captain Mushifqur also looking fairly handy. Their weakness, understandable considering the amount of test cricket that they play, is strength in depth, and this is the area which will be their un-doing against teams who play better cricket than England have done on this tour.
Having said this, their success during this series is a massive bonus for the future of Test Cricket, proving that the game is still as nailbiting as ever, and demonstrating that it's the format of the game that tests players abilities the most. It would be great to see more series such as this in future years, with perhaps the introduction of teams such as Afghanistan and Ireland another possible option that could enhance the longest form of the game.
As for England and their upcoming tour against India - they will undoubtedly need to improve on their performances in these two games, with both the bowling and batting lacking consistency. But do not underestimate the strength of this Bangladesh team in the conditions that England faced them in. Any team unfamiliar to these conditions would have found it a real test, and so it proved.
Team selection? For me, Ballance has to go. I don't think he did enough this year with Yorkshire to merit a call up in the first instance, and his performances here haven't bolstered his claims for a starting place in India. Before England's final innings of the tour, I would have gone for Hameed to open, with Duckett dropping down the order, but Ducketts impressive knock of 56 confuses this slightly. I'll leave that one down to the coaches and captain.
Bowling wise, I certainly would have taken Jack Leach on this tour and the India tour also, but that boat seems to have sailed, and so I'd probably have to stick with the same spinners used in this game, with Mo in particular looking like he might be gaining some more consistency with his bowling. Woakes has had his best year in the England team, and has to be included, whilst Finn will surely be replaced by Broad, if fit.
I hope that the India tour is just as entertaining as this one - and lets all hope that once again, Test Cricket will be the winner.
Sunday, 30 October 2016
Sunday, 20 December 2015
The English Cricket Team
2015: A dismal World Cup, stalemate against New Zealand, an Ashes victory against Australia and defeat to Pakistan in the UAE.
In short, a horrid World Cup campaign meant a more positive approach was adopted in One Day Cricket, and this positivity carried through to the Test team, who played out an entertaining two match series against New Zealand, before reclaiming the Ashes after the humiliation down under 18 months earlier. This all preceded an interesting series against Pakistan, which many predicted to be dull due to the poor attendances and batting-friendly conditions in the UAE, but was actually rather good. Although the series was lost, it was good to see such an entertaining series, where the outcome could have been very different if the first test in Abu Dhabi had gone England's way.
However, what does the past twelve months tell us about England's prospects going forward into the upcoming series against South Africa and 2016, which includes a T20 World Cup in Asia, and home series' against Sri Lanka and then Pakistan?
Firstly, the Test series in South Africa is sure to be an intriguing one. Although England lost in the UAE, this is no disgrace, since Pakistan have played their home fixtures in the UAE, they are yet to lose a home series and have become very competent at using the unique conditions to their advantage. South Africa, although rated as the best team in the world, have shown recently in India that they are not the team they used to be, with their fragile batting line-up highlighting their woes. AB De Villiers and Hashim Amla will be crucial in the series, and if England can keep these two world class players at bay there is no reason why the series cannot be won.
England's batting line-up is too sure to be tested, with South Africa's bowling threat coming overwhelmingly from their pace attack. Alex Hales, who is likely to deputise, along with Nick Compton, James Taylor and Jonny Bairstow are all sure to be tested against arguably the best pace attack in the world, and how they compete is sure to shape the series. If England are to win the series, they need these players to step up to the mark, and support the likes of Cook and Root, who are sure to score big runs at some point during the series.
This series will be a very interesting one, but if England take the same intensity that they displayed against all their Test opponents in 2015, this series is sure to keep us all glued to the latest score updates, with South Africa wanting to prove that they are still the best team in the world on home soil following their, at times, poor display against India recently.
In terms of the T20 World Cup, it is very difficult to predict how England will fare. Although India are likely to be favourites, with home advantage being critical, the explosiveness of this format of the game means that the tournament is up for grabs to anybody. 12 months ago, I would have said England did not have a chance of winning the tournament, but after the one day series against New Zealand and victory against Pakistan in ODI's and T20's, this has changed my opinion. Jason Roy and Alex Hales have proved to be a good opening partnership, with Reece Topley, David Willey among others proving that they have what it takes with the ball. It has been refreshing to see these types of players, of which some could be classed as one day specialists, given a chance in the England team with free reign to play their natural game, and this has translated into wins on the pitch. Whatever the outcome, the World Cup will be a good watch, and how far England can go could depend on very small margins which cannot be foreseen.
Lastly, the home series against Sri Lanka and then Pakistan should (if England perform how they did this summer) result in home series wins. In home conditions, against opposition which are good, but not world-class, many of England's Test team will want to mark their territory in the team, and ensure that they are regarded as key players in the team. This is a good opportunity for players such as Hales to finally stamp down the position of a reliable opener that England have been searching for since the retirement of Strauss, and bowlers such as Finn and Footitt (who may be seen as a possible replacement for Anderson in the long term) to prove their credentials on the Test arena.
In summary, the next twelve months should be positive ones as far as the English cricket team is concerned. The team is in a process of change, and looks to be finally plugging the holes left by Pietersen, Swann and Prior. Personally, I predict a series draw in South Africa, followed by reaching the Semi-Finals of the T20 cup before two home victories in the series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, even if the team is not that successful, as long as positive, aggressive cricket is pursued by the team, then fans like me will feel that the team is heading in the right direction after a period of uncertainty following the Ashes whitewash down under two years ago.
Lastly, I look forward to seeing how Eoin Morgan and the One Day teams fare after their change in approach following the World Cup disaster. The team look to be really enjoying their cricket, and in beating Pakistan they showed that this positive attitude is translating into results. It will be interesting to see how the One Day matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan pan out, and I expect to see games which could be somewhat closer than the Test Matches between the sides.
Lastly, I look forward to seeing how Eoin Morgan and the One Day teams fare after their change in approach following the World Cup disaster. The team look to be really enjoying their cricket, and in beating Pakistan they showed that this positive attitude is translating into results. It will be interesting to see how the One Day matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan pan out, and I expect to see games which could be somewhat closer than the Test Matches between the sides.
Friday, 29 May 2015
The Corruption of Football
Although this is a cricket blog, as somebody who has an interest in several sports, I felt compelled to write something about the absolute disgrace that is FIFA. On the evening of Sepp Blatter being "re-elected" as President for another four year tenure as chief of a corrupt and disgraceful ship, most of European football hangs its head in shame and hopes that UEFA will make a stand and refuse to accept what is happening to the beautiful game.
The large majority of people with half a footballing brain cell are oblivious to understand how anybody, let alone people meant to run and advance the game of football, would vote to hold a World Cup in Qatar, a country where not only is football virtually non-existent, but the utterly blistering summer heat would surely affect the abilities of the players to play high quality football for 90 minutes. The whole process is an absolute shambles, with the original bid stating that the competition would still take place in its traditional summer slot, with air conditioned stadiums helping to cool the players and fans inside the oven. This turned out to not be true, with organisers now trying to get the World Cup moved to Winter, which not only will destroy the legacy of the tournament being held in Summer, but will severely disrupt leagues across Europe in particular.
Worse than any of this, is the horrendous death toll among workers attempting to build the stadiums in the blistering heat of Qatar. This image highlights the catastrophic loss of life, and with 7 years still to go until the tournament will actually go ahead, this begs the questions, "How many more will lose their lives?"
Ally to this, living conditions for workers are supposedly terrible. I say supposedly, as Qatar have not allowed reporters to investigate properly the conditions in which workers are forced to work in, with some crews even claiming that their filming equipment was taking away from them and their memories erased to ensure that they couldn't return home with any damning images. This makes FIFA's betrayal to football even more severe, meaning that the almost undoubtedly corrupt members who voted for Qatar not only should hang their heads in shame in terms of their dis-service to the game of football, but to the workers who have lost their lives trying to put together the grounds that will house some of the best footballing talent worldwide. All in all, it can be seen that the arguments against holding the World Cup in Qatar severely out-weigh any counter arguments (I am yet to hear one of credible value).
Despite all this, and the seven officials which have been arrested just this week (with surely many more to come, we can hope), Sepp Blatter has appeared defiant to carry on his reign as President. As a football fan as well as a cricket one, I, among with millions of others, can only hope that his deficiency will be broken at some point in the near future to start the process of mending the beautiful game.
The 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia, a decision which most would understand. However, Russia's claim that their computer files which held information regarding their bid for the competition had been "accidentally destroyed" also brings into question the genuineness of their bid.
It appears that FIFA is an organisation whose members are largely motivated by money, and perhaps it may take a stand from the sponsors to withdraw their support in order to influence change. Failing this, members themselves may be forced to take direct action themselves, and surely if enough countries boycotted a competition or took similar direct action, some kind of change would have to be taken?
The only positive thing to be taken out of this is that the game of cricket has not descended into anarchy such as this, and we can only hope that controversy on this level never corrupts our game, like it has in football...
The large majority of people with half a footballing brain cell are oblivious to understand how anybody, let alone people meant to run and advance the game of football, would vote to hold a World Cup in Qatar, a country where not only is football virtually non-existent, but the utterly blistering summer heat would surely affect the abilities of the players to play high quality football for 90 minutes. The whole process is an absolute shambles, with the original bid stating that the competition would still take place in its traditional summer slot, with air conditioned stadiums helping to cool the players and fans inside the oven. This turned out to not be true, with organisers now trying to get the World Cup moved to Winter, which not only will destroy the legacy of the tournament being held in Summer, but will severely disrupt leagues across Europe in particular.
Worse than any of this, is the horrendous death toll among workers attempting to build the stadiums in the blistering heat of Qatar. This image highlights the catastrophic loss of life, and with 7 years still to go until the tournament will actually go ahead, this begs the questions, "How many more will lose their lives?"
Despite all this, and the seven officials which have been arrested just this week (with surely many more to come, we can hope), Sepp Blatter has appeared defiant to carry on his reign as President. As a football fan as well as a cricket one, I, among with millions of others, can only hope that his deficiency will be broken at some point in the near future to start the process of mending the beautiful game.
The 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia, a decision which most would understand. However, Russia's claim that their computer files which held information regarding their bid for the competition had been "accidentally destroyed" also brings into question the genuineness of their bid.
It appears that FIFA is an organisation whose members are largely motivated by money, and perhaps it may take a stand from the sponsors to withdraw their support in order to influence change. Failing this, members themselves may be forced to take direct action themselves, and surely if enough countries boycotted a competition or took similar direct action, some kind of change would have to be taken?
The only positive thing to be taken out of this is that the game of cricket has not descended into anarchy such as this, and we can only hope that controversy on this level never corrupts our game, like it has in football...
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
England ODI Dilemma
One Day Internationals aren't everyone's favourite format of the game, it definitely isn't mine, but the issue of England being relatively shit is still fairly problematic. So I thought I'd come up with my England XI that I would like to see play in Sri Lanka in a couple of months, who, I think, are slightly less shit than the team that tried to beat India in the summer.
1. Alaister Cook - Personally, I would love to see Cook just focus on test cricket and drop the ODI's, but it's too close to the World Cup to do that now. So he's opening the batting for my England XI. If the world cup were in two years, I'd get Cook out of the scene, and bring Jason Roy in.
2. Alex Hales - Hales has had a fantastic domestic season for Notts, and fully deserved his call ups in the recent games against India. He counteracts the steady batting of Cook and could potentially give us that flying start that is crucial in this format.
3. Joe Root - Root has had mixed fortunes for England in the last 18 months. After hitting that huge century against Australia at Lords, many expected to see him kick on and help England win the Ashes down under. That didn't happen for him, but it has to be remembered that he's still young at the age of 23 and he still has the best part of 10 years to improve as a player. For that reason, he has to be in the team.
4. Eoin Morgan - Morgan isn't everyone's favourite England player, he personally isn't mine. I don't think he's good enough to be in the test team, but when it comes to ODI's, he gives us something that some of our top order lack; flair. His array of shots have the ability to turn a game on its head, couple that with his damn fine fielding and you've got yourself a bloody good one day player.
5. Moeen Ali - After the summer that Moeen Ali had, I'm hoping his place in my team doesn't need too much justification. His spin came on leaps and bounds, and I want him to be our front line spinner against Sri Lanka. Joe Root can also be utilised for his part time spin if Ali isn't on the money.
6. Ravi Bopara - Along with Morgan, I think Bopara is nowhere near up to test standards. His record says all you need to know, after his first few games against West Indies he never fulfilled his potential, and he was rightfully dropped from the team. But he is a very useful all rounder in one day cricket, winning games for Essex and England in the last few years. His bowling can slow the game down, and his batting can speed it up. He's my number six.
7. Jos Buttler - Wicketkeeper batsman. This guy is a matchwinner. Alex Hales can start an innings, Bell can fill the middle overs, but Buttler has the ability to come in and blow away the opposition in the final stages of a match. Not only that, but he excites people. He envisages everything we want England ODI cricket to be like, and he'll be the cornerstone of hopefully, a better England ODI team in the next few years.
8. Sam Billings - When I first wrote this post, I put Ian Bell in at 3. But then I remembered all the times I'd watched England play ODI cricket, and within minutes I'd put Friends back on because of how dull we can be at times. For this reason, I've gone for Sam Billings at 3. Is it a gamble? Yes, of course it's a gamble, Bell is a proven player where as Billings hasn't even got a cap, but it's risks like these that need to be taken if we are going to progress at all in the form. I've taken the risk, Bell is gone, I've replaced him with Billings and moved Root up to 3.
9. Ben Stokes - Like Joe Root, Stokes came into the England team last year and hit that great century in Perth. He has had more downs than ups since then, but for me, he's good enough with bat and ball to hold his own in international one day cricket.
10. James Anderson - Anderson hasn't got too many years left in him at the top level, but he's still good enough to bowl well at the start of an innings. He was one of the first names in my England XI.
11. Steven Finn - England's bowling doesn't always impress me, in fact, it mostly doesn't. But Finn has just got that extra bit of pace which can do damage in a bowling attack. Since my other bowlers are hardly rapid, I've put Finn in at 11 to spice things up a bit.
Who have I left out?
Ian Bell - Bell is a great of recent times, and his record speaks for himself. But at this time, England need quick, exciting players to take the game to the opposition. For me, Bell doesn't quite do that, which is why he's not in my XI.
James Tredwell - For the same reasons as Bell, Tredwell is a gonner. Although Sri Lanka does clearly offer spin friendly wickets, the world cup is in Australia & New Zealand where this is not always the case.
James Taylor - I just couldn't fit James Taylor into my team, but if Root or Morgan don't perform to expectations, he's a damn fine player to come instead.
Clearly a change in tactics needs to be implemented also if we're to make any significant gains against Sri Lanka and then the World Cup (more aggressive batting, disciplined, tactical bowling and better fielding) but with this team, I think we're a better team than the one who faced India in the summer.
1. Alaister Cook - Personally, I would love to see Cook just focus on test cricket and drop the ODI's, but it's too close to the World Cup to do that now. So he's opening the batting for my England XI. If the world cup were in two years, I'd get Cook out of the scene, and bring Jason Roy in.
2. Alex Hales - Hales has had a fantastic domestic season for Notts, and fully deserved his call ups in the recent games against India. He counteracts the steady batting of Cook and could potentially give us that flying start that is crucial in this format.
3. Joe Root - Root has had mixed fortunes for England in the last 18 months. After hitting that huge century against Australia at Lords, many expected to see him kick on and help England win the Ashes down under. That didn't happen for him, but it has to be remembered that he's still young at the age of 23 and he still has the best part of 10 years to improve as a player. For that reason, he has to be in the team.
4. Eoin Morgan - Morgan isn't everyone's favourite England player, he personally isn't mine. I don't think he's good enough to be in the test team, but when it comes to ODI's, he gives us something that some of our top order lack; flair. His array of shots have the ability to turn a game on its head, couple that with his damn fine fielding and you've got yourself a bloody good one day player.
5. Moeen Ali - After the summer that Moeen Ali had, I'm hoping his place in my team doesn't need too much justification. His spin came on leaps and bounds, and I want him to be our front line spinner against Sri Lanka. Joe Root can also be utilised for his part time spin if Ali isn't on the money.
6. Ravi Bopara - Along with Morgan, I think Bopara is nowhere near up to test standards. His record says all you need to know, after his first few games against West Indies he never fulfilled his potential, and he was rightfully dropped from the team. But he is a very useful all rounder in one day cricket, winning games for Essex and England in the last few years. His bowling can slow the game down, and his batting can speed it up. He's my number six.
7. Jos Buttler - Wicketkeeper batsman. This guy is a matchwinner. Alex Hales can start an innings, Bell can fill the middle overs, but Buttler has the ability to come in and blow away the opposition in the final stages of a match. Not only that, but he excites people. He envisages everything we want England ODI cricket to be like, and he'll be the cornerstone of hopefully, a better England ODI team in the next few years.
8. Sam Billings - When I first wrote this post, I put Ian Bell in at 3. But then I remembered all the times I'd watched England play ODI cricket, and within minutes I'd put Friends back on because of how dull we can be at times. For this reason, I've gone for Sam Billings at 3. Is it a gamble? Yes, of course it's a gamble, Bell is a proven player where as Billings hasn't even got a cap, but it's risks like these that need to be taken if we are going to progress at all in the form. I've taken the risk, Bell is gone, I've replaced him with Billings and moved Root up to 3.
10. James Anderson - Anderson hasn't got too many years left in him at the top level, but he's still good enough to bowl well at the start of an innings. He was one of the first names in my England XI.
11. Steven Finn - England's bowling doesn't always impress me, in fact, it mostly doesn't. But Finn has just got that extra bit of pace which can do damage in a bowling attack. Since my other bowlers are hardly rapid, I've put Finn in at 11 to spice things up a bit.
Who have I left out?
Ian Bell - Bell is a great of recent times, and his record speaks for himself. But at this time, England need quick, exciting players to take the game to the opposition. For me, Bell doesn't quite do that, which is why he's not in my XI.
James Tredwell - For the same reasons as Bell, Tredwell is a gonner. Although Sri Lanka does clearly offer spin friendly wickets, the world cup is in Australia & New Zealand where this is not always the case.
James Taylor - I just couldn't fit James Taylor into my team, but if Root or Morgan don't perform to expectations, he's a damn fine player to come instead.
Clearly a change in tactics needs to be implemented also if we're to make any significant gains against Sri Lanka and then the World Cup (more aggressive batting, disciplined, tactical bowling and better fielding) but with this team, I think we're a better team than the one who faced India in the summer.
Thursday, 9 January 2014
My England Team
Earlier today I saw the BBC Cricket page. On it was a post about who four different people thought should be the England XI come the summer tests against Sri Lanka. These four were Phil Tuffnell, Steve Harmison, Michael Vaughan and Simon Hughes. It goes without saying that these four clearly know their stuff, but I didn't agree completely with any of the teams that they had picked. So I thought I would have a go at creating my own team. So here goes.
1 - Captain Cook.
England captain. World class opening batsman. He is the only man that I have put into this team without even hesitating. Although there have been some calls (mainly by people who know little about cricket) for his head after the 5-0 defeat down under, Cook is a quality batsman and an ever learning captain. Because of this he is, for my money, going to be facing the first ball of an England innings come June.
2 - Joe Root
He showed his massive potential in the summer against the Aussies, and was labelled as a future opening batsman. With the ageing Michael Carberry failing to capitalise on his chance to shine and cement a spot as opener, Root is the obvious choice for me. He may not hit the ground running, he will take time to mould into an international opener, but with a busy summer ahead, I believe Root should be the given the chance to play every test against Sri Lanka and India and solidify most peoples belief that he is a star in the making.
3 - Ian Bell
Every BBC writer had Ian Bell as their number 3, and I'm no different. A genuine stroke player, we all know what Bell is capable of. Of course this could all change if Jonathan Trott makes a drastic recovery and regains some form, but unfortunatly I can't see this happening.
4 - Kevin Pietersen
Like Cook, there have been some calls for KP to be for the chop, but I can't see why. Yes he got out playing some "interesting" shots during the series, but he still scored more runs than anyone else in the England camp. Could definitely do with a few games with Surrey rather than the IPL to regain his mojo, but he's in my team every day of the week.
5 - Gary Ballance
I rate Ballance highly as a player, and that is the reason why he is in my team. He steadied the sinking ship in the first innings at Sydney, showing his credentials as an England player. His full potential has yet to be seen, so I would like to see him be given his chance for the three tests against Sri Lanka, and then review the number 5 position against India.
6 - Ben Stokes
Before the winter I thought Stokes wasn't good enough. I thought his bowling would get hit to all parts and he would be score poorly with the bat. I was wrong. He has been excellent. A battling hundred in Perth, and six wickets in Sydney. This lad can play. After Captain Cook he was the second name on my teamsheet. Looking forward to seeing what he can offer in home conditions. Hopefully it will be even better than what we all saw in Oz.
7 - Matt Prior
Jonny Bairstow has had his fair share of chances in the England team. His batting is okay, but I just can't see him hitting big centuries on the international stage. As for his keeping, he looked like a man who hasn't spent enough time with the gloves on. That's why Matt Prior is in my team. An experienced gloveman, who I think will return all guns blazing with the bat in the summer, he is a top class player. Like Pietersen, could definitely do with a couple of games for his county.
8 - Scott Borthwick
This spinners position was a bit of a toss up between Borthwick and Panesar. Panesar is a good player, not world class, but he will take wickets. But Borthwick can offer a lot more with the bat than Monty, which is part of the reason I have chosen him. Like Ballance, I would give him the three tests against Sri Lanka and bring in Monty if he's poor.
9 - Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad is a very good bowler. He can devastate a batting lineup in a spell of bowling when he's on song. For this reason he is in my team. Simple.
10 - James Anderson
Jimmy is a brilliant swing bowler. He didn't have the best series in Australia, but back in home conditions I'll be backing him to pick up 30 wickets if not more wickets in the 8 tests England have this summer. He is no spring chicken, but for this summer at least, he offers a hell of a lot to this England bowling attack.
11 - Graham Onions
I think Graham Onions is a fantastic bowler. I can't see why he hasn't been in the test side more. Finn goes for too many runs, and should spend the summer playing for Middlesex. Bresnan is a handy bowler to have but I think Onions is better. Mills is only 21, give him another couple of years to develop and become a better bowler. I think Onions has the ability to take bagfuls of wickets this summer, and he has done everything on the county circuit to merit being picked.
Only time will tell if my 11 is accurate or complete rubbish, but I think, with this 11 playing, we can blow away Sri Lanka and then India this summer...
1 - Captain Cook.
England captain. World class opening batsman. He is the only man that I have put into this team without even hesitating. Although there have been some calls (mainly by people who know little about cricket) for his head after the 5-0 defeat down under, Cook is a quality batsman and an ever learning captain. Because of this he is, for my money, going to be facing the first ball of an England innings come June.
2 - Joe Root
He showed his massive potential in the summer against the Aussies, and was labelled as a future opening batsman. With the ageing Michael Carberry failing to capitalise on his chance to shine and cement a spot as opener, Root is the obvious choice for me. He may not hit the ground running, he will take time to mould into an international opener, but with a busy summer ahead, I believe Root should be the given the chance to play every test against Sri Lanka and India and solidify most peoples belief that he is a star in the making.
3 - Ian Bell
Every BBC writer had Ian Bell as their number 3, and I'm no different. A genuine stroke player, we all know what Bell is capable of. Of course this could all change if Jonathan Trott makes a drastic recovery and regains some form, but unfortunatly I can't see this happening.
4 - Kevin Pietersen
Like Cook, there have been some calls for KP to be for the chop, but I can't see why. Yes he got out playing some "interesting" shots during the series, but he still scored more runs than anyone else in the England camp. Could definitely do with a few games with Surrey rather than the IPL to regain his mojo, but he's in my team every day of the week.
5 - Gary Ballance
I rate Ballance highly as a player, and that is the reason why he is in my team. He steadied the sinking ship in the first innings at Sydney, showing his credentials as an England player. His full potential has yet to be seen, so I would like to see him be given his chance for the three tests against Sri Lanka, and then review the number 5 position against India.
6 - Ben Stokes
Before the winter I thought Stokes wasn't good enough. I thought his bowling would get hit to all parts and he would be score poorly with the bat. I was wrong. He has been excellent. A battling hundred in Perth, and six wickets in Sydney. This lad can play. After Captain Cook he was the second name on my teamsheet. Looking forward to seeing what he can offer in home conditions. Hopefully it will be even better than what we all saw in Oz.
7 - Matt Prior
Jonny Bairstow has had his fair share of chances in the England team. His batting is okay, but I just can't see him hitting big centuries on the international stage. As for his keeping, he looked like a man who hasn't spent enough time with the gloves on. That's why Matt Prior is in my team. An experienced gloveman, who I think will return all guns blazing with the bat in the summer, he is a top class player. Like Pietersen, could definitely do with a couple of games for his county.
8 - Scott Borthwick
This spinners position was a bit of a toss up between Borthwick and Panesar. Panesar is a good player, not world class, but he will take wickets. But Borthwick can offer a lot more with the bat than Monty, which is part of the reason I have chosen him. Like Ballance, I would give him the three tests against Sri Lanka and bring in Monty if he's poor.
9 - Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad is a very good bowler. He can devastate a batting lineup in a spell of bowling when he's on song. For this reason he is in my team. Simple.
10 - James Anderson
Jimmy is a brilliant swing bowler. He didn't have the best series in Australia, but back in home conditions I'll be backing him to pick up 30 wickets if not more wickets in the 8 tests England have this summer. He is no spring chicken, but for this summer at least, he offers a hell of a lot to this England bowling attack.
11 - Graham Onions
I think Graham Onions is a fantastic bowler. I can't see why he hasn't been in the test side more. Finn goes for too many runs, and should spend the summer playing for Middlesex. Bresnan is a handy bowler to have but I think Onions is better. Mills is only 21, give him another couple of years to develop and become a better bowler. I think Onions has the ability to take bagfuls of wickets this summer, and he has done everything on the county circuit to merit being picked.
Only time will tell if my 11 is accurate or complete rubbish, but I think, with this 11 playing, we can blow away Sri Lanka and then India this summer...
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Where has it all gone wrong?
Hallway through the 4th test down under, and England are in pole position. After being put into bat (wrongly in my opinion) England continue the trend of the series. Batsmen are settling at the crease, but not converting their starts into a game changing innings. All of the top five got starts, getting to at least 20 each. After Johnson blew away the tail (yes, again) we were all out for 255. Considering the decent start we got, it was undoubtably under par. In reply I was expecting another big score from Australia, but I was wrong. Brad Haddin, who has been a constant thorn in England's side for the entirety of this series, and late resistance from Nathan Lyon, meant that England's lead was kept down to a steady lead of 50. Although it could have been a much higher lead, it still meant that England had a good advantage going into their second innings.
I stayed up till 1 30 (lunch) to see how England fared. We were 50 odd for 0. Carberry had looked a little shaky, but he was still at the crease, and Cook had been fluent and positive in his start. Even with England's soft batting underbelly in the series, I expected to wake up in the morning to find out that we had set the Australians at least 300 to win as a minimum. How wrong was I? 179 all out. My hopes had been dashed.
The aussies made light work of the run chase. A second batting collapse was no option for Michael Clarke's men, and England were 4-0 down. Slack fielding in the shape of dropped catches didn't help England's cause, although even if they would have been taken I would have backed Australia to get over the line.
So with one test match to go, the ashes already lost, and a 5-0 series whitewash looking inevitable for Cook and co, where has it all gone wrong?
Firstly, England's batting has not been good enough. Ben Stokes is the only player to score a century, and this highlights why England find themselves 4-0 down. Too many good starts for players, not enough conversions into high scores. Carberry is a prime example. 40 in his first innings of the series at Brisbane, 60 at Adelaide, 43 and 31 at Perth and 38 at the MCG. He's looked decent, played some nice strokes, and for the majority of his time spent at the crease he's looked relatively comfortable. But he has yet to hit that big score that changes the game in England's favour and cements his place in the team. Granted he's had some bad luck with dismissals but this can't totally be blamed for his lack of a game changing total. The same goes for captain Cook, Pietersen and Bell. As for the lower order, they've been blown away nearly every time with little resistance. They've almost looked scared to face Mitchell Johnson at times, and while I think James Anderson and Monty Panesar can be excused for not scoring, Broad, Swann, Bresnan, and Prior/Bairstow have got to hit some vital runs lower down the order.
The bowling is the next reason why we've failed. The conditions don't suit James Anderson, Broad has been good in patches, Bresnan doesn't quite cut the mustard for my money and Stokes has got potential but isn't the full product yet. Swann earlier in the series was targeted by the Australians and didn't cause too many problems. So what is the solution to our bowling woes? Although it isn't a big a problem as our batting, there's still a lot of room for improvement. Firstly, I think we should have brought either Tremlett/Rankin in from the start of the series. They can bang the ball in, and I think would be able to blow the tail away in a similar way to Mitchell Johnson. Finn can do this too, but personally I think he leaks too many runs. And secondly, the core bowlers, Anderson and Broad, need to regain their best form if we have any chance of preventing a 5-0 scoreline.
Lastly, a huge amount of credit needs to be given to our Australian opponents. Beaten 3-0 in the summer (a closer scoreline would have been fairer), they have played exceptionally well. Harris and Siddle have kept things very tight, plugging away ball after ball while Johnson has been the one grabbing the headlines. As for the batting, Watson and Rogers have given the Aussies more good starts than bad, while Haddin has come in late to hit some match changing runs towards the later of the innings. Smith, a player I don't particularly rate, has hit a couple of good scores, while Clarke is just world class. The batting performances of the tail, for me, has optimised the difference between the sides. The English tail looks weak and easily dismantled, while the aussie tail have been resilient and tough to dismiss.
In conclusion, England will definitely have some regrets after this series. I think the decision to leave out a genuine quick bowler, loose shots by batsman and some bad luck with Clarke winning every toss. However, Australia have been outstanding. Their batting solid, their bowling consistent. Johnson has blown away our team at times, I don't think he's a world class bowler by any means, but he's been good enough to make England crumble. Well played Australia, lets hope England regroup and bounce back in 2015.
Thursday, 11 April 2013
New County Championship Season
The new County Championship season is now under away, and although the weather is a lot colder than most sane cricketers would rather, the show must go on.
Last year, Derbyshire and Yorkshire were promoted from division two, whereas Worcestershire and Lancashire were the two teams who will be spending this year trying to get back into Division one after being relegated last year.
But who is going to prosper in this years County Championship?
And who is going to struggle?
Well - I'll start off with Division two.
As a Leicestershire fan I don't take much joy from admitting this, but it's looking quite likely that we will struggle again. We've lost a cuple of players, and the players that we've brought in are no better than the ones we've lost, with the exception of Niall O'Brien, who I rate. Sarwan will have a big role to play in his debut season as skipper, although he will miss the second half of the season because of international commitments, he will surely be greatly missed in the batting order. We also have young Shiv Thakor at our disposal, who has great potential, he could be key. If he has his breakthrough season, we could do well, if he does not, it could be the wooden spoon for Leicestershire...
Glamorgan have got to be chosen as one of the teams that will struggle, for the simple reason that they just don't have good enough players to have a good chance of posing any real threat in the division. They have Marcus North as an overseas player, he is a solid batsman, but doesn't really stand out compared to the overseas players at other counties. To conclude - I think we could be seeing Glamorgan lingering around at the bottom of the pile for another year.
Elsewhere in Division Two, I expect Lancashire to bounce straight back into Division One, led by Glen Chapple, a seasoned County Championsip player, they have quite a good squad. One star of the team is Ashwell Prince, a quality batsman who, in Division Two, has the ability to score game changing runs against any opponent. Lancashire have good players and will be hungary to put the misery of relegation last year behind them, and for these two reasons they are my favorites to go up.
The club I think will join Lancashire in Division One next year is Essex. A slightly controversial decision I know, but they are a good team who have been trying to get out of Division Two for a few years now. Led by James Foster, a very good wicket-keeper, they have a good chance of promotion in my opinion. They will have Ravi Bopara for the season, assuming he isn't picked for England. (which I hope is the case as he has never performed for England!) Although I really don't rate him as an international player, I do think he can clock up a lot of runs for his county. They also have a decent bowling attack, David Masters is a high quality bowler, and Tymal Mills has got potential, could it be his breakthrough year? They have also Saj Mahmood, who they have obtained over the winter, he, as an ex England international, has got quality, and if he shows it, Essex could be on their way to Division One.
Moving onto Div 1 now...
Nottinghamshire were my favourites for the title last year, and this year my opinion has not changed. The strength of their batting lineup is extremely impressive. They have Alex Hales and Michael Lumb opening the batting, two players who have done the same for England (albeit in T20 games) and they now have Ed Cowan for the first half of the season. The top three alone could rack up a big score, but it doesn't stop there. James Taylor, depending on international selection, will play games. Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann will also put in a performance or two here and there, when they are free from the England squad. Sheer strength in depth is my reason for choosing them, sorry Warwickshire, I don't think you'll retain the title.
I would like to be exciting and throw a real curveball for who I think will be relegated, but I just can't see Derbyshire having the quality to survive. However, they have obtained Shivnarine Chanderpaul as their overseas player, and if Derbyshire do have any chance of staying up, the WI international needs to score big runs frequently. But one thing they will have is team spirit, a nucleus of young players will surely be putting in 110% into training and matches to try and ensure safety for the county. They need a good start to the season so heads don't drop if they have any chance of staying up.
The other club I think might see the drop is... *drum roll* Durham. Durham have a good squad on paper, you can't deny that, Graham Onions is a player a greatly admire, and personally I would like to see him get a crack at an England spot when we play New Zealand in a number of weeks time instead of Steve Finn. On their day, Durham have the players to outplay nearly everyone in the Division, but they don't seem to have their day often enough.
Only time will tell if my predictions are correct - any opinions you have on any of my predictions or your own predictions are always greatly received at TheSillyPoint. You can leave a comment at the bottom of this post, or you can contact us on Twitter @TheSillyPoint_
Cheers
Last year, Derbyshire and Yorkshire were promoted from division two, whereas Worcestershire and Lancashire were the two teams who will be spending this year trying to get back into Division one after being relegated last year.
But who is going to prosper in this years County Championship?
And who is going to struggle?
Well - I'll start off with Division two.
As a Leicestershire fan I don't take much joy from admitting this, but it's looking quite likely that we will struggle again. We've lost a cuple of players, and the players that we've brought in are no better than the ones we've lost, with the exception of Niall O'Brien, who I rate. Sarwan will have a big role to play in his debut season as skipper, although he will miss the second half of the season because of international commitments, he will surely be greatly missed in the batting order. We also have young Shiv Thakor at our disposal, who has great potential, he could be key. If he has his breakthrough season, we could do well, if he does not, it could be the wooden spoon for Leicestershire...
Glamorgan have got to be chosen as one of the teams that will struggle, for the simple reason that they just don't have good enough players to have a good chance of posing any real threat in the division. They have Marcus North as an overseas player, he is a solid batsman, but doesn't really stand out compared to the overseas players at other counties. To conclude - I think we could be seeing Glamorgan lingering around at the bottom of the pile for another year.
Elsewhere in Division Two, I expect Lancashire to bounce straight back into Division One, led by Glen Chapple, a seasoned County Championsip player, they have quite a good squad. One star of the team is Ashwell Prince, a quality batsman who, in Division Two, has the ability to score game changing runs against any opponent. Lancashire have good players and will be hungary to put the misery of relegation last year behind them, and for these two reasons they are my favorites to go up.
The club I think will join Lancashire in Division One next year is Essex. A slightly controversial decision I know, but they are a good team who have been trying to get out of Division Two for a few years now. Led by James Foster, a very good wicket-keeper, they have a good chance of promotion in my opinion. They will have Ravi Bopara for the season, assuming he isn't picked for England. (which I hope is the case as he has never performed for England!) Although I really don't rate him as an international player, I do think he can clock up a lot of runs for his county. They also have a decent bowling attack, David Masters is a high quality bowler, and Tymal Mills has got potential, could it be his breakthrough year? They have also Saj Mahmood, who they have obtained over the winter, he, as an ex England international, has got quality, and if he shows it, Essex could be on their way to Division One.
Moving onto Div 1 now...
Nottinghamshire were my favourites for the title last year, and this year my opinion has not changed. The strength of their batting lineup is extremely impressive. They have Alex Hales and Michael Lumb opening the batting, two players who have done the same for England (albeit in T20 games) and they now have Ed Cowan for the first half of the season. The top three alone could rack up a big score, but it doesn't stop there. James Taylor, depending on international selection, will play games. Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann will also put in a performance or two here and there, when they are free from the England squad. Sheer strength in depth is my reason for choosing them, sorry Warwickshire, I don't think you'll retain the title.
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| Will Warwickshire Retain Their Title? |
The other club I think might see the drop is... *drum roll* Durham. Durham have a good squad on paper, you can't deny that, Graham Onions is a player a greatly admire, and personally I would like to see him get a crack at an England spot when we play New Zealand in a number of weeks time instead of Steve Finn. On their day, Durham have the players to outplay nearly everyone in the Division, but they don't seem to have their day often enough.
Only time will tell if my predictions are correct - any opinions you have on any of my predictions or your own predictions are always greatly received at TheSillyPoint. You can leave a comment at the bottom of this post, or you can contact us on Twitter @TheSillyPoint_
Cheers
Friday, 15 March 2013
County Championship Attendances
The new county championship gets underway is just a matter of weeks now, and instead of writing about who I think will be successful in the upcoming season or who would struggle. I thought it would be much more productive, and interesting to write about the more underlying problem in the domestic long format of the game. Attendances.
553,000 people watched county championship cricket LIVE last year, and on the surface, that seems like quite a big number.
But if you bi-sect it and work out the average amount of people who watch every County Championship game, you quickly realise that actually, it isn't that many people at all.
Attendances on average were 800 people per day at any given County Championship game.
Possible reasons for these attendances?
It's a lot of effort to go through with not a lot of reward, a dull scoreboard which is usually slow updating is not a lot of reward for searching for a decent website to look on, and I can see why a lot of fans just wouldn't bother.
A solution?
Well - I think a weekly TV show dedicated to just County Championship would be perfect, cricket's version of Match of the Day.
Every Sunday night, sit down, relax, and watch your team in action. A summary of all the games that took place that week, with debates taking place regarding whatever matter had arisen in that week.
Cricket fans would get to see how their team have been getting on, and interest would start to rise. This would result in people getting more and more gripped by how their team are doing, and this could influence people getting to games.
I personally think it's a pretty damn good idea, although I am quite bias because I am the fool who created the idea in the first place!
Feel free to add your opinion on the matter in the comments box on this page, or on our Twitter page @TheSillyPoint_
553,000 people watched county championship cricket LIVE last year, and on the surface, that seems like quite a big number.
But if you bi-sect it and work out the average amount of people who watch every County Championship game, you quickly realise that actually, it isn't that many people at all.
 |
| A Bare County Championship Stand |
Possible reasons for these attendances?
- The Rise of T20 cricket. It's no coincidence that since the arrival of T20 cricket, interest in County Championship cricket has gone down considerably. This may have had some effect on the attendances at CC games.
- People can't afford to go to games, an adult could probably get into most County games for under £15 for the whole days play. The food can be expensive but homemade food can be taken, so overall a day at the cricket for two could cost little over £30, which is dirt cheap compared to other sports. Because of the cheapness I think this reason is invalid, but I've chucked it in the list just to even things out.
- People just aren't available to go to games. County Championship games start midweek when people are at work, and so they aren't physically able to get to games. But this reason is slightly flawed, the games finale is on a Sunday or Saturday depending on what day it started on, most people are not at work at the weekend.
It's a lot of effort to go through with not a lot of reward, a dull scoreboard which is usually slow updating is not a lot of reward for searching for a decent website to look on, and I can see why a lot of fans just wouldn't bother.
A solution?
Well - I think a weekly TV show dedicated to just County Championship would be perfect, cricket's version of Match of the Day.
Every Sunday night, sit down, relax, and watch your team in action. A summary of all the games that took place that week, with debates taking place regarding whatever matter had arisen in that week.
Cricket fans would get to see how their team have been getting on, and interest would start to rise. This would result in people getting more and more gripped by how their team are doing, and this could influence people getting to games.
I personally think it's a pretty damn good idea, although I am quite bias because I am the fool who created the idea in the first place!
Feel free to add your opinion on the matter in the comments box on this page, or on our Twitter page @TheSillyPoint_
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Structure of Test Cricket
Is it time for a re-structuring of Test Cricket?
Cricket is on the rise in many countries, Afghanistan just to name one.
In the early days of cricket the number of teams playing cricket was relatively small - but now many more countries, Nepal, Ireland, Bulgaria, just to name a few, are playing in the World Cricket League.
Ireland are reigning champions of this league, and it got me thinking.
Should there be a re-structuring of the way Test Cricket is run?
Ireland have proved that they are the best minnows in the world, and surely they have won the privelage of playing Test cricket against the big teams at the best stadiums in the world. They now play in the T20 and World Cup but I think they've earnt more than just that.
Also, I've been watching a bit of West Indies v Zimbabwe.
To put it bluntly, Zimbabwe are pretty terrible. Windies are by no means a fantastic Test side, sure they have Chris Gayle but apart from that they don't have any world beaters. West Indies are probably the third worst Test side (infront of Zimbabwe and Bangladesh) and yet they are trouncing them convincingly.
Ireland and Netherlands have beaten top teams in the past, and have shown their potential as cricketing teams. Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have been lingering at the bottom of the Test rankings for years now, and it's my opinion that the Test system needs spicing up a bit.
Boyd Rankin of Ireland has given up playing cricket for Ireland in the hope of being picked for England's test team, and more eg George Dockrell. will follow if something does not change.
For me there's three options.
Will it actually happen though? Will the ICC pull their fingers out and actually act? Only time will tell, if the idea gets enough support anything could happen.
But I can't see it happening, I really do hope it will, but I just can't.
Cheers
Cricket is on the rise in many countries, Afghanistan just to name one.
In the early days of cricket the number of teams playing cricket was relatively small - but now many more countries, Nepal, Ireland, Bulgaria, just to name a few, are playing in the World Cricket League.
Ireland are reigning champions of this league, and it got me thinking.
Should there be a re-structuring of the way Test Cricket is run?
Ireland have proved that they are the best minnows in the world, and surely they have won the privelage of playing Test cricket against the big teams at the best stadiums in the world. They now play in the T20 and World Cup but I think they've earnt more than just that.
Also, I've been watching a bit of West Indies v Zimbabwe.
To put it bluntly, Zimbabwe are pretty terrible. Windies are by no means a fantastic Test side, sure they have Chris Gayle but apart from that they don't have any world beaters. West Indies are probably the third worst Test side (infront of Zimbabwe and Bangladesh) and yet they are trouncing them convincingly.
Ireland and Netherlands have beaten top teams in the past, and have shown their potential as cricketing teams. Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have been lingering at the bottom of the Test rankings for years now, and it's my opinion that the Test system needs spicing up a bit.
Boyd Rankin of Ireland has given up playing cricket for Ireland in the hope of being picked for England's test team, and more eg George Dockrell. will follow if something does not change.
For me there's three options.
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| Rankin - Pursuing English Cricket |
- Give Ireland/Ireland and Netherlands Test Status, so they can keep their best players and prove their cricketing ability.
- Create a two tier system where every so often (probably every two years) one or two teams are relegated from division one and promoted from division two. This way teams such as Ireland, Afghanistan and Netherlands have something to strive for, and the lesser Test teams such as Bangladesh and Zimbabwe would get to be competitive if they got relegated, which lets be honest, would be extremely likely.
- Option three would to keep it exactly the same as it is now, which would mean teams losing players, and Bangladesh and Zimbabwe would continue to be the whipping dogs of England, South Africa etc.
Will it actually happen though? Will the ICC pull their fingers out and actually act? Only time will tell, if the idea gets enough support anything could happen.
But I can't see it happening, I really do hope it will, but I just can't.
Cheers
Sunday, 10 March 2013
England Fight Back
The first day in Dunedin was a complete wash out. I was looking forward to seeing England in Test cricket action for the first time in a long time, I'd missed a lot of the matches in India due to the time difference so I was definitely getting withdrawal symptoms.
When I switched on to watch I was dissapointed when I heard monotone Bob announce that the rain was pouring down in Dunedin and play was unlikely.
The whole days play was later abandoned.
Day two was a day to forget for England, but I'm not going to talk about that for too long, because much of my last post concentrated on the first three days in NZ.
To summarise it, England were very poor, skittled out for little over 150 with Trott being the only batsmen to score a respectable total.
New Zealand had Rutherford and Martin on debut. One was a promising young cricketer who showed what we could be in store for in the next few years. The other was a veteran left arm spinner clearly brought in to the squad because England knew jack about him.
This curveball from New Zealand paid off. Martin picked up four wickets. While Rutherford hit a magnificent ton 50.
This along with quick runs from McCullum meant England were deep in it.
Forty five minutes in to day 4 Alaister Cook and Nick Compton walked out in to the middle, knowing they were probably going to have to bat for the duration of the match just to scrape a draw.
They certainly redeemed themselves from the humiliation of the first innings display, if you can even call it a display. Cook and Compton hit centuries in a formidable first wicket stand. When Cook fell Steven Finn, sent in as nightwatchman, defended admirably.
His magnificent 56 sent England on their way to a first test draw against the Kiwi's.
Trott, coming in at four because of the nightwatchmen, also hit a half century to prevent NZ from a test victory to remember.
After 170 overs England finished day five on 421 for 6. The draw felt like a win, and the English comeback was complete...
But what will happen in the next two test matches over 10000 miles away in New Zealand?
Well, personally, I expect England to win comprehensibly in Wellington and Auckland. The first innings in Dunedin was a big blip, and New Zealand could not capitalize. I can't see England faltering again in this series, they will be even more determined to win after nearly being embarrassed by the underdogs.
My prediction: A 2-0 win for England providing no more days play are prevented because of mother nature. I also think Compton and Root will be hungry for runs to try and push for a Ashes selection this summer, and therefore I think they will both get handfuls of runs.
Alaister Cook, KP, Trott and Bell are simply better than any bowler NZ have on offer. Although KP in particular did have a very poor test, it is nice to not hear his name in the headlines mind! Anderson is just a class above, Paneser is no Swann but he does a job.
New Zealand's Martin won't be a surprise package, England will have done more homework before Wellington. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if NZ picked another relative unknown.
Cheers
When I switched on to watch I was dissapointed when I heard monotone Bob announce that the rain was pouring down in Dunedin and play was unlikely.
The whole days play was later abandoned.
Day two was a day to forget for England, but I'm not going to talk about that for too long, because much of my last post concentrated on the first three days in NZ.
To summarise it, England were very poor, skittled out for little over 150 with Trott being the only batsmen to score a respectable total.
 |
| Bruce Martin - Relatively Unknown |
This curveball from New Zealand paid off. Martin picked up four wickets. While Rutherford hit a magnificent ton 50.
This along with quick runs from McCullum meant England were deep in it.
Forty five minutes in to day 4 Alaister Cook and Nick Compton walked out in to the middle, knowing they were probably going to have to bat for the duration of the match just to scrape a draw.
 |
| Finn - Defended Excellently |
His magnificent 56 sent England on their way to a first test draw against the Kiwi's.
Trott, coming in at four because of the nightwatchmen, also hit a half century to prevent NZ from a test victory to remember.
After 170 overs England finished day five on 421 for 6. The draw felt like a win, and the English comeback was complete...
But what will happen in the next two test matches over 10000 miles away in New Zealand?
Well, personally, I expect England to win comprehensibly in Wellington and Auckland. The first innings in Dunedin was a big blip, and New Zealand could not capitalize. I can't see England faltering again in this series, they will be even more determined to win after nearly being embarrassed by the underdogs.
My prediction: A 2-0 win for England providing no more days play are prevented because of mother nature. I also think Compton and Root will be hungry for runs to try and push for a Ashes selection this summer, and therefore I think they will both get handfuls of runs.
Alaister Cook, KP, Trott and Bell are simply better than any bowler NZ have on offer. Although KP in particular did have a very poor test, it is nice to not hear his name in the headlines mind! Anderson is just a class above, Paneser is no Swann but he does a job.
New Zealand's Martin won't be a surprise package, England will have done more homework before Wellington. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if NZ picked another relative unknown.
Cheers
Friday, 8 March 2013
New Zealand - Not to be Underestimated
Three days into the first test match over 10000 miles away in New Zealand England are starting to get a bit homesick...
After being skittled out for just over 150 England's bowlers struggled to stop debutant Hamish Rutherford, who I keep foolishly calling Greg Rutherford (British Olympic medallist last summer) from scoring a absolutely magnificent buck fifty in spectacular style in his first test innings. The young kiwi hit three sixes on his way to 171, more than all eleven English batsmen could muster up between them!
New Zealand scored over 400 with a magnificent late flurry from Brendon McCullum with help from debutant Martin. England are now 50 odd without loss in reply.
But why have New Zealand had so much success in the first three and a half days (first day wash out) at Dunedin?
Well, the main reason is that they do have some quality players when you look at them individually.
Kane Williamson is a good player - playing at number three in the first innings he got a solid 24 while Rutherford done the work at the other end. For a man of 22 he's played quite a lot of test cricket, 20 matches to be exact, and he's definitely got good potential. I don't think he's going to be world class, but I think he could be a solid batsmen for New Zealand for many years to come.
Sticking with batsmen next, Ross Taylor. A man with more experience than that of six years younger Kane Williamson, Taylor brings some quality to the New Zealand middle order. Taylor is a very impressive ODI and T20 player, but he can do it on the Test circuit too, he's scored over 3000 runs for his country, notching up sixteen fifties and continuing on to a century seven times. I'd rather have him in my T20 team, but he's still a important cog in the NZ Test machine.
Brendon McCullum is another man in the NZ team who is a big hitter in the one day and T20 games. He can hit the ball a long, long way, as he demonstrated in his quickfire 50 at Dunedin. He's hit two international T20 centuries, a feat which no other mortal has reached. For this reason he can score quick runs coming in late middle order, which can always be key in certain circumstances! He's a good wicket keeper as well, reliable. Nothing's worse than a liability behind the stumps!
Tim Southee is a player I like. A tall right armer who can move the ball is always a risk towards the opposition batsmen. Although he only picked up one of the wickets in the England first innings I think we could be seeing him get 2/3 important wickets reguarly in this series. He's not quite as good as Steve Finn but he's still a good player - for that reason he could cause all kinds of problems for Compton and Root in particular. (The rookie English players in this team)
Those four New Zealand players are the ones with the most quality, (in my opinion) but one other could cause England problems for different reasons.
Bruce Martin is playing his first test match game, and is relatively unknown. He's been playing his trade in New Zealand and I don't think England will know too much about the left armer spinner. For this reason he could cause a lot of short term problems for England, he already has taken four wickets in England's first innings!
So New Zealand have got some good quality players in their armoury, and along with the hunger to win they could not only win this test match, but one of the next two as well, which would result in a series win for the Black Caps.
England definitely need to buck up their ideas, put in the hard work inbetween now and the next test match (this game has probably been lost already) to try and turn things around.
Two things are key for England; Cutting out any complacency, and do their homework.
So get down to work Cook and co.
Cheers
After being skittled out for just over 150 England's bowlers struggled to stop debutant Hamish Rutherford, who I keep foolishly calling Greg Rutherford (British Olympic medallist last summer) from scoring a absolutely magnificent buck fifty in spectacular style in his first test innings. The young kiwi hit three sixes on his way to 171, more than all eleven English batsmen could muster up between them!
New Zealand scored over 400 with a magnificent late flurry from Brendon McCullum with help from debutant Martin. England are now 50 odd without loss in reply.
But why have New Zealand had so much success in the first three and a half days (first day wash out) at Dunedin?
Well, the main reason is that they do have some quality players when you look at them individually.
 |
| Kane Williamson |
 |
| Ross Taylor |
 |
| Brendon McCullum |
 |
| Tim Southee |
Those four New Zealand players are the ones with the most quality, (in my opinion) but one other could cause England problems for different reasons.
Bruce Martin is playing his first test match game, and is relatively unknown. He's been playing his trade in New Zealand and I don't think England will know too much about the left armer spinner. For this reason he could cause a lot of short term problems for England, he already has taken four wickets in England's first innings!
So New Zealand have got some good quality players in their armoury, and along with the hunger to win they could not only win this test match, but one of the next two as well, which would result in a series win for the Black Caps.
England definitely need to buck up their ideas, put in the hard work inbetween now and the next test match (this game has probably been lost already) to try and turn things around.
Two things are key for England; Cutting out any complacency, and do their homework.
So get down to work Cook and co.
Cheers
Monday, 4 March 2013
Joe Root - Destined for Greatness?
Joe Root has been in the limelight a lot recently for England - and he's made a big impact on the international scene as well as for his county Yorkshire last summer.
At just 22 years old he's got the best years of his career ahead of him; if he keeps on the straight and narrow unlike some other hot prospects in the English game. Ben Stokes *Cough* Matt Coles *Cough*
But what has Joe Root achieved so far in his relatively short career?
What brought him in to the English squad in the first place?
Well - he showed promise right from the word go. On his second team debut for Yorkshire he scored a half century. More impressive scores followed, and it was only a matter of time before he got his chance in the first team.
His chance came against Essex; in the final CB40 match of the 2009 season. His first XI debut was just as fine as his entrance to the second XI, hitting a half century opening the batting. His 63 turned accounted for over a third of his sides runs and after the game he described his impressive debut knock as "dream come true."
The England's under 19's squad is where a lot of young England stars start to shine on the international level. Michael Vaughan and Freddie Flintoff captained this side when they were both teenagers, showing that the under 19 stage is a vital stepping stone in the career of an aspiring international cricketer.
Root wasn't picked as captain for the team but in 2010 in the under 19 world cup. He was picked to open the batting. In two games he scored nearly a century in total, although these scores were against minor teams. His first two games were his big successes of the tournament from his personal playing point of view, as he made no major contribution to his teams totals in games against a strong India and then West Indies.
He'd done decent at the world cup but hadn't made a massive impact.
At this point few could predict that in two years time he would be a Yorkshire regular, holding several ODI caps and a single test cap.
In 3 of his one day games he hit half centuries and he has also hit a half century in his single test cap.
He can turn his arm over too; his gentle off break could claim a wicket or two once in a blue moon. Primarily, he can hold up and end for a couple of overs before the new ball is available.
The boy can field too - he's pretty much got the potential to have the full package. The video ---> is a brilliant piece of fielding by the young man, and a brilliant example of the ever changing game of cricket. You wouldn't have seen a batsman playing a shot like this never mind the fieldsman producing a piece of magic 30 years ago.
So is Joe Root destined for great things? Will he become a key player in this years ashes and beyond? Or will he become a flop? Will he drift away from the national team set up and never be heard of again?
Well, I think Root is destined to play a massive part against the Aussies this year. Against a relatively weak bowling line up he could deliver a lot of damage.
Against India in December he showed his potential in very tough conditions.He batted slowly, with patience, and although he scored only four boundaries he kept the scoreboard ticking over. For this reason I think he is more suited to opening the batting rather than coming in at number five/six. He and Cook could give the Aussie's a lot to think about early on in the innings.
If he puts in the hard work on the training ground and stays out of the media for the wrong reasons then I can't see a reason why he can't replace Andrew Strauss at the top of the English batting order.
Only time will tell if I'm right, but I'm rarely wrong! However, I would still love to hear the views of you, any comments at the bottom of the page are always appreciated!
Cheers.
At just 22 years old he's got the best years of his career ahead of him; if he keeps on the straight and narrow unlike some other hot prospects in the English game. Ben Stokes *Cough* Matt Coles *Cough*
But what has Joe Root achieved so far in his relatively short career?
What brought him in to the English squad in the first place?
Well - he showed promise right from the word go. On his second team debut for Yorkshire he scored a half century. More impressive scores followed, and it was only a matter of time before he got his chance in the first team.
His chance came against Essex; in the final CB40 match of the 2009 season. His first XI debut was just as fine as his entrance to the second XI, hitting a half century opening the batting. His 63 turned accounted for over a third of his sides runs and after the game he described his impressive debut knock as "dream come true."
 |
| Joe Root playing for Yorkshire in the CC |
The England's under 19's squad is where a lot of young England stars start to shine on the international level. Michael Vaughan and Freddie Flintoff captained this side when they were both teenagers, showing that the under 19 stage is a vital stepping stone in the career of an aspiring international cricketer.
Root wasn't picked as captain for the team but in 2010 in the under 19 world cup. He was picked to open the batting. In two games he scored nearly a century in total, although these scores were against minor teams. His first two games were his big successes of the tournament from his personal playing point of view, as he made no major contribution to his teams totals in games against a strong India and then West Indies.
He'd done decent at the world cup but hadn't made a massive impact.
At this point few could predict that in two years time he would be a Yorkshire regular, holding several ODI caps and a single test cap.
In 3 of his one day games he hit half centuries and he has also hit a half century in his single test cap.
He can turn his arm over too; his gentle off break could claim a wicket or two once in a blue moon. Primarily, he can hold up and end for a couple of overs before the new ball is available.
The boy can field too - he's pretty much got the potential to have the full package. The video ---> is a brilliant piece of fielding by the young man, and a brilliant example of the ever changing game of cricket. You wouldn't have seen a batsman playing a shot like this never mind the fieldsman producing a piece of magic 30 years ago.
So is Joe Root destined for great things? Will he become a key player in this years ashes and beyond? Or will he become a flop? Will he drift away from the national team set up and never be heard of again?
Well, I think Root is destined to play a massive part against the Aussies this year. Against a relatively weak bowling line up he could deliver a lot of damage.
Against India in December he showed his potential in very tough conditions.He batted slowly, with patience, and although he scored only four boundaries he kept the scoreboard ticking over. For this reason I think he is more suited to opening the batting rather than coming in at number five/six. He and Cook could give the Aussie's a lot to think about early on in the innings.
If he puts in the hard work on the training ground and stays out of the media for the wrong reasons then I can't see a reason why he can't replace Andrew Strauss at the top of the English batting order.
Only time will tell if I'm right, but I'm rarely wrong! However, I would still love to hear the views of you, any comments at the bottom of the page are always appreciated!
Cheers.
Friday, 28 September 2012
T20 World Cup - Story So Far
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...
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...
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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
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