Right decision, wrong time
So, it’s official. Alastair Cook has been dropped.
If we’re honest, the ECB had no real choice. The Sri Lanka series had been dismal and change was desperately needed to succeed at the upcoming World Cup.
For England, a top order of Hales, Ali, Taylor, Root, Morgan and Buttler is genuinely exciting and doesn’t force us to be seen as no-hopers. We must not forget – England aren’t complete failures. Just over twelve months ago, we were runners-up in the Champions Trophy.
However, at the same time, one cannot help but feel sorry for Alistair Cook. He’s been put in an untenable and incredibly difficult position thanks to the ECB.
In my opinion, Alastair Cook is one of the greatest batsman that this country will ever produce. I hope (with full confidence) that he goes on to break the Graham Gooch record for most runs scored and gets a few more too. His technique has improved over the summer and I don’t think many people can begrudge him for his hard work and dedication. I also doubt that there were any people who couldn’t help but respect following that game at the Rose Bowl.
However, the ECB have used Alastair Cook as a propaganda tool – trying to portray this image of a “right family” new-era England rather than respecting him for the marvellous cricketer he is. If he had been selected on the basis that he is the best person for the job, a lot of this hysteria with KP would have reduced and the hatred towards the England cricket team would not be so fierce.
The ECB needed to accept that Cook was not ideal for one-day cricket and allow him to focus on tests. Instead, by dragging this out right until the very last minute, it has harmed the reputation of the ECB and regrettably Cook.
He’s been made to look like a failure when in fact he is anything but.
We’ve had to watch Cook struggle against the white-ball against India and Sri Lanka just so that the ECB can make a point about KP. Rather than just accepting that KP was a negative influence, they’ve tried to use Cook as a saviour when that’s totally unreasonable.
To those suggesting that this decision may lead to a return for KP, I feel that it’s unlikely. Too many bridges have been burnt and too many books have been written after all.
However, this whole saga just makes me really upset and angry. If this decision had of been made in July, this would have saved so much embarrassment for Cook and England would be better prepared going into the World Cup.
A sorry state of affairs – my experience of WI cricket
During the summer of 2012, I had the pleasure of going to Antigua with my school on a cricket trip and I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was the best two weeks of my life. It is impossible to not fall in love with the place. The beaches are terrific, the weather superb and it is a nation that adores its cricket.
They live and breathe cricket like it’s the only thing that matters. In the hotel, we were stopped to chat about England’s chances in the World T20, text-gate (I’m not bringing that up again, don’t worry) to why the waitress wasn’t a fan of RP Singh!
The best thing is they love the pure bits of cricket. They don’t care about the DRS or the Big Three takeover, the umpires were more interested in congratulating any bouncers.
However, as I sit here and watch another massive defeat at the hands of the South Africans, I can’t help but wonder where things went wrong. Why can a country with the history and passion of West Indies fail to produce an acceptable performance.
I, personally, don’t think it’s got anything to do with the rise of T20 cricket. Although the test match I watched in Antigua had a completely empty ground, this was more to do with extortionate ticket prices rather than a lack of interest. Our matches got more spectators than the test match due to the fact that the locals could watch cricket for free and even so, the test match was still being watched where it was free.
No, instead I think the main problem lies with the WICB and it’s invovlement in cricket at grass-roots level and the professional.
The talent was there. Their opening bowler came off a Bob-Willis-esque run up and proceeded to bowl bouncers at my head, stare at me for staying alive before retorting “Welcome to Antigua”. They had an opening batsman who was 15 but hooking every bouncer like it was a tennis ball – and he was wasn’t wearing a helmet.
However, they rarely won due to some suit-wearing dictator coach (not Andy Flower) who seemed like he wanted to physically abuse his players for every mistake. The opposition were afraid of playing.
It was later revealed that this coach was actually a Government official who liked cricket so made himself head coach of the Under 15’s team. I’m not making that up. The WICB let it happen.
So, in my opinion, if the WICB want to improve the future, they need to look at the past.
West Indies have one of the most impressive histories of any cricketing nation and with players such as Lara to Sir Viv to Sir Curtley, there’s a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw on.
However, Sir Viv Richards has recently been coaching Delhi Daredevils as part of the IPL, with his involvement in West Indies cricket limited.
Therein lies the problem and probably the solution
Always Stay True to Yourself
As some of you who follow my Twitter account may know – I’m not a massive fan of Michael Vaughan. As an avid England supporter, I’ve found his tone very downbeat and negative and especially during the Ashes, he was constantly berating the English players.
Plus, he’s friends with Piers Morgan, but that’s another story.
However, as we all know, recently, Michael Vaughan wrote an article about Ben Stokes, describing him as one of England’s future stars who has been let down by the England set-up. This is more than a valid argument to make and there are certainly premises which show that the England environment clearly isn’t the right set-up to allow talent to suceed.
But the main issue in the article lie with the conflict of interest. Michael Vaughan is a Business Development Manager at ISM – a sports agency who have players such as Joe Root on their books (who Vaughan has praised repeatedly). They also have Ben Stokes.
Now the issue lies (pardon the pun) with the fact that on Twitter, Michael Vaughan has claimed that he has never held this role. Proof below:
I hear you ask, surely you have proof that Vaughan is a Business Development Manager?
Well, I thought I did. A quick Google search of “Michael Vaughan Business Development Manager ISM” brings up 148,000 results. Most notably, there is one from the BBC, Michael Vaughan’s current employer, which I’ve provided here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/22524555. Ignoring the fact that this is an article praising Joe Root (!!!!) the quote of “Vaughan, business development manager for ISM” kind of gives it away that he has once held this role.
Michael Vaughan was also once employed by the ECB. If you ever hear him on the radio, you might hear him mention that he was once a captain. Therefore, I wonder why the ECB have published an article stating that Vaughan is a “new role as a business development manager”. Surely, two employees can’t get it wrong: http://www.ecb.co.uk/news/domestic/vaughan-joins-management-company,307883,EN.html
Or what about if ISM themselves got it wrong? This article here from Cricinfo has a quote from Andrew Chandler, Group CEO, of ISM, annoucing Vaughan into the role: http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/story/425951.html
Mind you, what if Michael Vaughan himself was wrong?
What?
That’s right. The final line on Michael Vaughan’s personal website describes himself as a business development manager!!!!! http://www.michaelvaughan.net/profile.html
So, I’ve got one message to Michael – Stay True to Yourself. Don’t be fooling the public with the nonsense over ISM. In fact, I’d like to refer to you to one comment you made in your autobiography. As we know, you’ve been very critical of Cook this year, some of it justifiable, but remember the words of Ray Illingworth. When he criticised you after you became captain and I quote directly:
“the only person who had seriously had a go at me was Ray Illingworth, a predecessor at England. He’s written that he thought I was not strong enough to be captain. I couldn’t believe it. From someone who had played for my county I would have expected support”.
Very wise words, Michael. Maybe you should listen to your advice on the following page:
“One thing I will never do is criticise younger players once I’ve finished playing”
Indeed. Indeed.
I’d like to thank my friends from the Pitch Inspection – @NickSharland and @EoinJPMorgan for their questioning of Michael Vaughan in preparation of this piece. Make sure to give @PitchInspection a follow where we will be writing articles, interviews and much more. Opening in time for the World Cup
I’m still unsure…
To those who follow this blog or my twitter page on a regular basis, you will be aware that I’m not a massive fan of KP. It started since textgate and if I’m honest, I never fully respected him post-reintegration.
However, the release of the autobiography has made me think. I’ve tried to look at all the evidence and have honestly tried to see if I was wrong – too harsh on Kevin.
To me, though, there are still too many questions I have not seen answered in order to for me to actually believe the story that Pietersen is portraying.
Firstly, KP Genius. You have spoken very well about the effect that the account had on you. And I believe it. The parody account was in poor taste and most importantly to the Twitter folk, not actually very funny. Yet your story still has issues. Why did you not name the architects of the account in your autobiography? Why have the three people you have named who ran the account (Anderson, Broad, Swann) different from the three people Alec Stewart named? Why have you blamed Anderson for the account, when he never actually followed it?
Secondly, textgate. Kevin has accepted he made a mistake here and has apologised. I do think this is the right move as the messages were an obvious issue of trust. He has fairly blamed the parody account for leading to segregation from the rest of the England players. Despite all of this, there are still a few grey areas in regards to the story. Why did you involve Andrew Strauss in your texts, despite him having no involvement in the parody account? Why are you unable to remember the content of the message, despite it being an important moment of your life?
So, I move onto Matt Prior. This is the biggest problem in my opinion. Matt Prior was very influential in the reintegration process for Kevin Pietersen yet on Sky Sports yesterday, Pietersen said “the public think he was influential”. He obviously thinks that Prior’s input was limited. He also makes reference to Matt Prior’s nickname – Cheese – as if this somehow influences his character, despite the fact there is evidence that Andrew Strauss and Stuart Broad to name a few, used it on a regular basis. Why do you think Prior had no involvement in the reintegration process? What was the issue with the nickname?
The technique of Kevin Pietersen came under much scrutiny throughout his career, probably a lot more than others. And Kevin has tried to give clarification on the issue – “I was in the team to destroy attacks in three hours. We had Bell, Cook, Trott and Strauss around me to support”. This is fine, however, the game at Perth (where the dismissal came under so much criticism) was not the time nor the place to do that. Game Situation is all important. The way I play is not an adequate response. What were you trying to gain by taking on long-on when England needed to bat out the day to survive? Were there instructions from the dressing room to play your natural game or was it just stupid?
Andy Flower in the eyes of many is one of England’s most successful ever coaches and it is a justifiable claim. During 2009-2012, this was one of England’s most successful ever period. To me, it is a real shame that the character of Andy Flower is being very sadly demonised. During the 2010-2011 Ashes, much was mentioned of England’s fantastic team spirit and in particular the environment that Flower had created. Would England have become World No.1 without Andy Flower?
Bullying is a very strong accusation and I’m sure that Kevin Pietersen will have some proof before he makes these allegations. However, on the whole issue, I feel he’s been very hypocritical. If a friend of KP’s bullies Matt Prior and Alistair Cook it is fine, when a friend of Stuart Broad bullies Kevin Pietersen it is unacceptable. Some say it is different because the England bowlers were providing information to the KPGenius account yet from the descriptions Piers Morgan has been giving throughout the summer about Cook and Prior, it is clear he has been given information from inside the dressing room. Furthermore, I, like everybody else, witnessed Graeme Swann’s Ashes Diaries and the Sprinkler and at the time, I commented that the reason they won the Ashes was due to the united team. Were there divisions during that team in the successful period? Is it OK for Matt Prior and Alistair Cook to have been so publicly bullied in the manner that they have? Why should everyone else be thick-skinned, when you yourself know of the effect that cyber bullying can have?
I will read the autobiography for the first time tomorrow and there may be the answers in that book. However, if not, I’d still like these questions to be answered. If there is a true explanation for all of them, it would probably convince me that KP is a victim – it concerns me that a lot of these questions are probably unanswerable. I’d like to think I’ve been fair with these questions and I haven’t made anything up. I honestly think these are holes in the KP story. I’ve tried not to be biased throughout all of my writing – the only reason why I haven’t done a similar piece for the ECB is because I struggle having to write more than 2000 words.
If anyone does feel they know any of these answers, feel free to comment below to enlighten my knowledge.
Legacy of Matt Prior
Following the Buttler heroics at the end of the Indian series and following the revelation that Matt Prior’s injury is worse than feared, even the most ardent fan must admit that a comeback for the wicket keeper is unlikely. The sad end to his career.
Legacy is a weird word. For some, it’s a word only Lord Coe is permitted to use but it’s an important one nevertheless. Everybody’s legacy is important – the mark they left behind.
But what legacy does Matt Prior warrant? Will he go down as one of the greats of England? Or just be forgotten by all bar the dedicated fan?
Firstly, I’ll take a look at his stats. Matt Prior has scored 4099 runs at an average of 40.18. For those who have played 25 tests, only Sangakkara, Les Ames, Andy Flower and Adam Gilchrist have got a better average than Matt’s in all of the history of the game. These are truly impressive stats. Yet, one must feel that Matt Prior never really got the recognition he deserved.
Matt Prior came into the squad as a keeper who could bat and on his debut, he delivered with a fine hundred. But he was dropped less than a year later with his shoddy work behind the stumps.
From then on, it has been impossible to criticise his work ethic. Together with Bruce French, he set about coming the best wicketkeeper in England. And he delivered at that too. He was reliable to the extent that we barely noticed. He started to take the ball in the stumps and pioneered a technique that has revolutionised keeping. It was very impressive.
However, this has all been forgotten in the recent months. He’s been painted as a KP-hater standing for all of the wrong side of the ECB. He’s been used as a scapegoat for Cook’s captaincy, a hinderance in the rise of Buttler, but in my opinion, it’s incredibly harsh.
Matt Prior should be remembered for the all of his great moments. His hundred at Sydney, the amounts of times he scored valuable runs with the lower order and the fantastic catches behind the stumps. Why? Because they were plenty of them, and the positives outweighed the blips.
Matt Prior might go down as one of England’s greatest ever wicket keepers, if not the greatest and it’s fully justified to me. England experienced a period of immense success under Andy Flower and Matt Prior was at the back bone of this. That ever reliable presence in the team.
Personally, I do feel that Buttler is ready to take over the reigns. But that’s not to say Prior is a failure. His record shall remain impressive.
However, for me, I have one memory that shall last. March 2013. Auckland. Stupidly, I stayed up at night with England four down facing defeat. Prior batted for 269 minutes that day and saved the test for England with his 110*. And watching every ball, I appreciated the monumental effort intently. In my opinion, it is one of the greatest innings ever by an Englishman.
At the time, he was called the “greatest wicket keeper batsman in the world”. Two months later, he was England player of the year. And at the time, most sane people thought this was all valid.
However, his such spectacular fall has seen shocking and surprising. It has been such a fast and saddening fall from grace. But, rather than listen to KP and Piers Morgan whose recent tweets have tried to suggest that Prior had an overrated and unimpressive career, I would urge people to appreciate the good times because with Matt Prior, there was plenty.
Women’s cricket – what’s next?
After the unbelievable reaction that my post yesterday got, like a true London bus, I’ve written another one after the five month absence. It’s not as controversial as issue as the KP one, but nevertheless it’s one that is very important to me.
The recent series against South Africa has raised many issues for me. It was brilliant to see the series televised the game on Sky yet some of the comments I saw on Twitter and other social media were highly disappointing.
At the start of 2014, the ECB announced a professional contract package for the women’s cricketers. It was a good move but still not enough. Then came the sponsorship deal with Kia Motors. This shows that quite clearly there is the demand for the women’s game yet there was still a disappointing turnout at Edgbaston for the final T20.
And this is not a problem that solely lies with cricket, spectator numbers for women’s sport are always low with the possible exception of tennis.
I don’t want to turn this blog into a rant against the ECB, it isn’t. As of 2013, there are 60,000 women playing cricket in the UK and this is something that should be applauded. But it doesn’t mean it is the end of the road.
To me, there is one obvious solution to this problem and it lies with free-to-air TV. Sky have been superb with their promotion of the women’s game but there will always be a problem if your audience is so limited.
The important aspect of growing women’s sport is promotion. The Olympics led to a huge rise in participation for sports which have never had so much exposure. This is the same issue with women’s cricket.
During the end of the game against South Africa, there were three moments that really stuck in my mind. A direct hit from Nat Sciver from the boundary rope, a sensational catch from Lydia Greenway the ball afterwards and Sarah Taylor enacting a run out in front of the stumps from a ball at her feet. All three were utterly sensational and in my opinion world class irrespective of gender. Yet there were viewed by a combined TV audience of 12.
Just imagine, if only the BBC would broadcast the game and people could really witness the incredible talents on display. Who is to say that this will not inspire a whole generation of girls to take up the sport. For a whole generation to be able to have their own heroes.
People need to realise that women’s sport has the potential to be as successful as the male equivalent and cricket is a better position than most sports in order to try and boost its popularity. All it needs now as that additional exposure as it is plain to see, the future is certainly bright.
Check out my twitter account @voicefromstands and be sure to comment.
Kevin Pietersen
Firstly, I’d like to state that I’m not writing this blog in order to confrontate or create arguments. I’m not accusing The Full Toss of lying or being factually incorrect and we have had discussions on Twitter about Kevin Pietersen without the need for direct abuse. Instead, like many cricket microbloggers, sport brings us together and the ability to discuss about it is one of its finest features. I’m not by any means at cricket writer (nor have any real intentions of being), just a fan of England cricket wanting to get his views across.
However, I’d nevertheless like to write an alternative view in order to get my opinion across in a more eloquent manner than the 140 characters on Twitter permits.
Firstly, the first series of cricket I ever watched was the 2004-05 series from England against South Africa. As I’m sure most of you are aware, in that series Kevin Pietersen hit three centuries at averaged 151 as he made his mark on the international scene.
Then came along the Ashes, I remember sitting at home watching in awe as Kevin Pietersen hit a phenomenal 158 in order to allow England to regain the Ashes. Ever since that day I was fixed and have watched more cricket than most of my friends would think was sane.
And I loved to watch it too. KP was my hero. I bought his autobiography and as a young 11 year old, I would practice the switch hit whenever possible in order to replicate my idol. He was supposedly invincible.
In 2007, I was at the England vs India game when after requesting an autograph from KP he simply ignored me and then after walking past the second time made a conscientious effort to ignore all of the kids queuing for a picture with an “England legend. “He’s always been arrogant” said another parent beside me and it was the first criticism of KP I had really ever heard. But it stuck.
Arrogance is a difficult concept. Some say it’s good to be confident, others say it’s possible to go too far. KP has always had the air of arrogance about him and his flashy character has had its critics. For some, it is a case of being able to manage his character and in that respect the ECB have failed miserably.
Nevertheless, if Jason Gallian, Mick Newell, Andrew Strauss, Giles Clarke, Peter Moores, Alistair Cook, Paul Downton, Ali Bacher Graeme Smith, Laurie Potter, Mike Bechet and Phil Russell have all managed to have some sort of dispute with KP (based on his autobiography Crossing The Boundary), my guess is that it cannot solely be that it is poor from the ECB. This is not just an anomaly.
One has to question whether KP has ever wondered whether he might be the issue and if a change in attitude is required?
I forgave KP for the captaincy debacle when it happened back in 2009, but my first frustration towards him started in the text gate scandal. Whether or not he did call Strauss a doos is irrelevant, the fact that it undermined the team is undeniable. Throughout the successful period between 2009-2012, many people praised the ECB for the way it created a successful winning environment. Team morale was one of the most important things and Matt Prior has mentioned in his own personal autobiography about the effect of a positive mental approach. However, here in KP was somebody who was willing to go against this basis. Who was willing to send a provocative message about his own captain.
Although dressing rooms may have egos, when they go onto the field, all of these egos are willing and dedicated towards the team. Happy dressing rooms ARE normally winning dressing rooms. The Australian team of the 90’s had plenty of large characters a la Warne etc. Nevertheless, you never hear any stories about how no one liked each other or anyone attempting to undermine the team.
Having played cricket myself, it is undeniable that others can affect your performance. I seen it in my own Sunday team where people don’t play as well because they are moaning about the opposition or annoying teammates. If KP had created that situation in the England dressing room (which APPEARS to be the reason why he was sacked), then that cannot be a good thing.
Whilst writing this blog, I’d just like to address one other argument that #TeamKP supporters make. That is the “way I play” argument. It was a topic that annoyed me, especially during the latter half of Pietersen’s England career.
Perth 2013 was a real low point for me, with Pietersen being caught on the boundary off Nathan Lyon as England are trying to survive and salvage a draw. The argument at the time was that we should not criticise Pietersen as this is the method that has brought him success.
I’m sorry, but has there ever been a more ludicrous claim? Pietersen could have easily knocked the ball down the ground for any easy single. It keeps the scoreboard ticking over and means that England can still bat out for a draw.
A player of Pietersen’s calibre should be able to adapt. Brian Lara was able to hit sixes better than many but he knew he had to play the game situation at all times.
KP has finished his England career with 8181 runs at an average of 47.26. These are undeniably highly impressive stats. However, I can’t help but wonder that if he had adapted to the game situation more often, would he have ended up with an average above 50 that someone with KP’s talent would merit. It would place him up with the greats.
The great cricket philosopher Phil Tufnell once said that “he’s not a great player, he’s a player of great innings”. I don’t think there’s been a truer word said about the KP situation.
Thank you very much for reading this post and before you comment, criticise or abuse, please read that first paragraph once more.
Follow @voicefromstands for more cricket related tweets
World Twenty20 Preview
Firstly, I’d like to apologise for the lack of posts really. Considering the events that have happened since the last post including the resignation of Andy Flower and the sacking of Kevin Pietersen, I would wish to be more active on this site. Nevertheless, I will still be tweeting my opinions on many issues about world cricket so be sure to follow my twitter account @voicefromstands.
However, looking to the future, in under three weeks time, Bangladesh will host the first match of the ICC World Twenty20 competition. Many countries will have their eyes on silverware and lifting an international trophy and I will rate the chances of the Top 8 nations vying for the trophy.
England – 9/1
Having won the title back in 2010, England will want to regain the crown. However, having been on the wrong side of a 3-0 whitewash against Australia last month, they will be seeking to try and rebuild confidence in the series against West Indies before going into the competition. The sacking of Kevin Pietersen has left a hole in the middle order, but this squad is still very inexperienced and there are many candidates wishing to fill the hole albeit without the same calibre of KP.
Star Man – Eoin Morgan – Especially now without Kevin Pietersen, England’s middle order is very reliant on the exploits of Eoin Morgan. The Irish born left hander is definitely capable of producing wonderful innings and was one of the few to be able to leave the Australia tour with his head held high. Although many are calling for a recall to the test team, T20 is his format and England will want him to deliver.
Chances – My one main concern for England is spin. In sub-continental conditions, it was shown in Sri Lanka last time that England lacked a quality spinner. James Tredwell can definitely do a good job for England and has proven that in the past but most teams will play two spinners and Stephen Parry is an unknown quantity. Prediction: Group Stage
South Africa – 6/1
They have a squad list that just oozes quality: Hashim Amla, AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn. However, under Twenty20 captain Faf du Plessis, they do not have someone who has had lots of experience captaining at international level. Will want to finally win some silverware and remove the tag of “chokers”. We know that they have a world class bowling line up so a lot will be needed from Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla to get the team off to a good start. However, still lack a world-class spinner. Imran Tahir has not developed into a front-line spinner so they may want many overs from JP Duminy. Prediction: Group Stage
India – 4/1
The bookies’ favourites and for a reason too. People know that they will be suited to the sub-continental conditions and have won the World T20 before. A similar squad to the victorious one of the Champions Trophy and the batting line-up is certainly impressive. Shikhar Dhawan adds a new dimension to the top of the order and Virat Kohli is a dependable player. Bowling line-up is still a little weak. Although improved with the addition of Mohammed Shami, the other pace bowlers can be wayward. Predictions: Semi Final
Pakistan – 13/2
A young squad with a lot of raw talent although a lack of recent success in international competitions. Pakistan seem to not know their strongest line up which may prove costly and although the opening batsman of Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad have had success domestically, it has not yet been fully converted into international cricket. The other problem they have is the group. India, West Indies and Australia may be difficult to surpass. Predictions: Group Stage
Australia – 9/2
Their odds have fallen dramatically following the rise of Mitchell Johnson from an inconsistent but quick bowler to a devastating destroyer. He will still be crucial to their success although it would be foolish to suggest that he will be unable to replicate that it sub-continent conditions as he proved in the recent Indian series. Australia come into the tournament in fine form and can thank the Darren Lehmann for changing the team from the laughing stock of cricket into world beaters in less than a year. Prediction: Final
Sri Lanka – 6/1
The underdogs and my favourite to win the title. They came so close to winning in home conditions last time and with similar pitches expected in Bangladesh they could be a real threat. They possess great spinners with Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath, useful fast bowlers in the conditions in Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara and it is impossible to ignore the batting of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. A really strong squad and know how to win Twenty20 matches. Prediction: Winners
West Indies – 13/2
Considering their status as reigning champions, you would expect shorter odds although their victory last time was a real shock. Their main problem lies from the fact that they are too reliant on Chris Gayle at the top of the order and although Sunil Narine is a special talent, the bowling is weak. Few batting line ups are going to be scared of having to face Darren Sammy for example. It’s a real shame that politics affects the West Indian team so much. Prediction: Group Stage
New Zealand – 10/1
Traditionally, New Zealand have also overperformed in international competitions and with their current squad I expect them to do that again. Their batting contains new hero Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, the new world record holder Corey Anderson and the extremely talented Kane Williamson. This is a team with very few weak links now. Their dominance over India in the recent series over all three formats shows that they are a force to be reckoned with and although they have not won an international trophy since the 2000 Champions Trophy, they are still a major force in world cricket and should not be ignored in the new ICC proposals. Predictions: Semi Finals
England ODI series – How to improve
With 2 games gone so far and two more losses for England, this tour from hell appears impossible to get any worse. Leaving aside the test problem issues, there are simple but needed improvements that should be made in my opinion to the ODI team so that we can even begin to hope of any success in the World Cup this time next year. I don’t think that the problem is that complex, there are three areas where England must improve: batting, bowling and fielding.
Fielding
Despite a much improved performance today in comparison to the first ODI (particular mention must be given to Chris Jordan for the wonderful reflex catch), I would still like to see more athleticism in the England fielding. Especially, in the middle overs, we appear a bit lackadaisical. Can easily be improved though.
Batting
Around the world, teams use the first ten overs to create a good start which can then be consolidated in the middle overs. With fielding restrictions in place, it is a perfect opportunity to get quick runs before the field retreats to the boundary. Alistair Cook has never been an aggressive batsman, but can be a calming influence throughout the innings. However, to then put Joe Root in at three whilst struggling to hit the ball of the square immediately sets England off on the wrong foot. Australia on the other hand, beginning the innings with Finch, Warner and Watson immediately start the innings in a positive manner.
It is not a problem of lacking talent. England do have that in aplenty. In my last post, I spoke about the option of putting Luke Wright at the top of the order to get the innings off to a good start and considering his form in the Big Bash, I still think that’s the best option. However, if not England could consider Alex Hales, the No.1 ranked T20 batsman in the world. We know that he can score at a fast rate and has proven this against high-class opponents for England in the past. Not only do I think that this would encourage a high run rate at the start of the innings but it would also allow Ian Bell to move to the middle of the order where he is much more suited in my opinion.
Bowling
The problem with the England selection is that they fail to choose the best five bowlers available. Which batting line up in the world would be scared of facing Rankin, Jordan, Stokes and Bresnan with Bopara/Root as the fifth bowler? In my opinion, we should select bowlers on their credentials with the ball and not by the fact that they can bat a bit. Tim Bresnan has entered this team because of this for too long. He’s not a good enough bowler nor a good enough batsman but because he can do both, he is selected.
Also, I hope I’m not alone in questioning the selection of Boyd Rankin. Cook only trusted him to bowl seven overs today and seems very much short of pace. I just hope that Ashley Giles’ influence in Warwickshire has anything to do with his selection. I just wish we would select our best five bowlers: Stokes, Broad, Anderson, Jordan and Tredwell and not worry about being short of runs.
Although the issues with the ODI squad are not as serious or as worrying as the Test Team, I hope England become proactive with their team selection in order to start celebrating some success.
The Mysterious Case of Luke Wright
Recently, Luke Wright appears to have become the first English T20 specialist having played for Melbourne Stars and Pune Warriors to name a few. It’s also not a lie to say that he has been relatively successful. Only last Thursday, he smashed 49 off just 20 balls to collect his second consecutive man of the match award. However, although he is probably very happy, earning his millions in the franchise competitions, I personally can’t help but think that he is a player who could have been so successful for England.
I can remember Luke Wright’s debut against India in 2007. One of my friends was going to the game and I told him to watch out for Luke Wright. I had watched him on the TV just a couple of months earlier witnessing a quick-fire hundred in the Pro40 and could see the talent on show. Not to disappoint, Wright hit a run a ball 50 and impressed once again.
However, you can’t help but feel that his international career has ever really got going. In his other 48 ODI’s, he only hit one other fifty, finding himself at various positions throughout the order and without much stability. The talent is still there – no doubt about it. Only last year at the World T20, he hit England’s joint highest score with 99 not out, showing the qualities that impressed me in that first ever televised match for Sussex. However, he has never really been a secure member of an England side.
On BBL commentary, the commentators questioned why Luke Wright isn’t a regular member of the limited overs side and this is understandable. Afterall, all they have witnessed is his electrifying performances in these T20 leagues. However, most fans seem to regard him as a failure, a wasted talent.
Now, I feel is the perfect opportunity to bring him back into the England setup. A lot of criticism has been directed at the squad for their slow starts to the innings and not making the use of the Powerplay overs. Having Luke Wright as a pinch hitting opener, would mean that we can get off to better starts and follow other teams in reaching 300 on a regular basis. Also, it means we can move Ian Bell back down to the middle order where he is much better suited. We can still have the Buttler’s and the Morgan’s finishing the innings in style, but hopefully a pinch hitter will mean that they do not have to play catch up in order to post a respectable total. Also, Luke Wright is a better player now than ever before and deserves another chance. If England want to become the best ODI side in the world, their team selection needs to be proactive not reactive.
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