Monday 29 June 2009

How Liverpool can win the League

Liverpool are a team on the up. Last season they were closer than ever to knocking Manchester United off the top spot, and with a tiny bit more fine-tuning, they can certainly become champions of England next season. Here are a few of my tips for Liverpool to win the league:

1) Keep Torres fit. If Liverpool's main hit man can stay fit throughout a season he can score 25-30 goals easily, as he showed in his maiden season at Anfield. Last season Liverpool missed Torres through a series of hamstring injuries, and had they have had his firepower up front, then I'm certain they would have been the ones lifting the trophy.

2) Keep Gerrard fit. As important, if not more, as Torres - Gerrard holds the key to Liverpool's attacking intent. Without him, Rafa is reluctant to push forward, and generally plays rather cautiously. With Gerrard and Torres fully fit and firing, and if Rafa decides to play them in the majority of the games, Liverpool will have a great chance.

3) Get a few more deals done. It has shown in the past that big name players make a difference to Liverpool, but they have to be chosen carefully, and so they fit in with the Liverpool system. Torres brought goals, Alonso brought assists, Mascherano brought some aggression in the middle. Now with the arrival of Glen Johnson, there is more of an attacking threat from the back, but with Xabi Alonso likely to leave, Rafa may need to dive into the transfer market to bring in a passing midfielder. From what we've seen of Lucas Leiva, he doesn't look up to Premier League standards. Liverpool have missed out on Gareth Barry for a second summer running, so get back in the hunt please, Mr. Benitez!

4) Play the best XI. Rafa has been guilty in the past of leaving out his big name players in games that Liverpool should have won, and have ultimately gone on to lose or draw. It is essential that to win the League, Rafa sticks to his best XI game in game out. Take Sir Alex for example. He very rarely changes the spine of his team, unless absolutely necessary. Benitez should take a lesson or two from the League's most consistent team, and current champions.

5) Win the games against the 'big 3'. Last season Liverpool had a fantastic record against Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. In fact, they topped the leader board for matches between the teams, and it is important that that carries on into next season. Dropping points against those teams isn't acceptable, especially if you're dropping points at home to teams like Stoke. Win the big games, and win the League.

6) Win your home games. Anfield needs to become a fortress, and it is doubtless that the fans will get behind their team. Last season, far too many points were dropped at home against sides that should have been beaten. Good performances and results at home takes the pressure off the away matches, and therefore the team will win away as well.

7) American owners, stay out. As long as Rafa is left to do what he does best, there shouldn't be any problems. However, we've seen it at Chelsea, we've seen it at Newcastle, and we don't want to see it at Liverpool - the owners sticking their noses into the managers business, and effectively telling them what to do. Rafa knows what he's doing. So leave him to it.

Vaughan set to announce retirement

After being left out of last week's Ashes squad, Michael Vaughan is expected to announce his retirement from all cricket before the end of the month. Vaughan, who has been repeatedly hailed as England's best ever captain, will hang up the gloves halfway through the 2009 season, and in doing so, leave behind a very successful career with England and Yorkshire.

Back in 1999, Vaughan made his debut against a world-class South African side, making a resilient 33, before just 5 in the second innings. Perhaps it's fitting that he should end his career against the same nation. In the first innings he was dismissed first ball by the fiery Andre Nel, before the same bowler dismissed him for 17 in the second innings. However, sandwiched in between was a career full with trademark cover drives, elegant pulls, and numerous classy hundreds, most memorable those during the 2002-03 Ashes Series down under, in which he hit 3 centuries, including 183 at the SCG. He led England to 26 Test Match wins, 8 more than Mike Brearley, and 9 more than Nasser Hussain.

Vaughan held great respect within the dressing rooms, perhaps an indication of how successful he was. Players looked up to him, and more often than not, his batting set the example to the younger, less experienced players in the squad. His decision making was brave, and ruthless, and his ability to stay calm under immense pressure was incredible, and utterly inspiring. He very rarely showed emotion on the field, win or lose, with the odd exception - who can forget the Edgbaston Test of 2005 against the old enemy? Vaughan's temperament is something the younger generation should take heed from. Not only did he get his timing right in the field, with inspired bowling changes and innovative field placements, but his batting often clicked at just the right time. Looking back to the 2005 Ashes, a series of poor scores was followed by a much needed 177 at Old Trafford. He oozed class and confidence at the crease and that innings propelled England on to a performance that almost won them the match.

England will be hard pushed to find a better captain than Michael Vaughan, and a captain as calm, inspiring and as classy as the Yorkshireman. One gap that Vaughan left unfilled in his career was the lack of an ODI hundred. It bewilders people how a player of his quality could fall short on so many occasions, yet the question of how will remain unanswered. Lets not let that fog over our memories of Michael Vaughan. He will be forever remembered as the man who brought the Ashes home. A true legend.

Eye on England: Craig Kieswetter


Craig Kieswetter. 28/11/1987. Somerset CCC

Another product of the Somerset Academy, 21 year-old Kieswetter has built up a reputation for being England's brightest wicket-keeping prospect. His hard hitting style with the bat has brought his name to the attention of cricket fans everywhere, and with the South African born Kieswetter qualifying for England next February excitement will continue to build. Kieswetter's form for Somerset, ever since making his first-team debut in April 2007, has been irresistible. His one-day strike rate of just over 88 has bowlers quaking in their boots, and with three big hundreds in one-day competitions, it seems he will slot perfectly into the England set-up.

Kieswetter attended Millfield School, famous for it's production line of up and coming cricketers. He was spotted by Somerset at an early age and was drafted into their academy before making his debut at the age of 19 against Glamorgan in a Friends Provident Trophy encounter, in which he smashed an unbeaten 69 at better than a run-a-ball. Kieswetter has established himself at the top of the Southern County's order, and his glove work has also received widespread praise, in particular from coach Andy Hurry, who has described him as a 'world-class prospect'. Exciting times ahead for Craig, and both Somerset and England fans. Bring on February!

Sunday 28 June 2009

Eye on England: James Hildreth


James Hildreth. 9/8/84. Somerset CCC

James Hildreth was born in Milton Keynes on in September 1984. He made his first-class debut for Somerset in 2003, and has performed admirably since. On his debut, he scored 101 off just 113 balls against a Durham attack consisting of Shoaib Akhtar. To this day he averages exactly 40.00 in first-class cricket, which may seem a little under-par for a player who plies his trade at Taunton - the flattest pitch in the country.


Hildreth has been criticized for not being consistent enough for a player of his ability, and with only 11 hundreds in over 150 innings, the facts seem to back that up. However, Hildreth is starting to show the kind of form that merits praise, and after opening the 2009 season with an unbeaten 303, he has really thrust himself into the limelight. James Hildreth has been a name that has been on the tip of the selector's tongues for a few years now, and if he can settle down and score big runs on a consistent basis, then surely they can't ignore him. At the age of just 24, there is plenty more to come from this young man.

Eye on England: Jaik Mickleburgh


Jaik Mickleburgh. 30/2/1990. Essex CCC

Jaik Mickleburgh was born in the town of Norwich, Norfolk in March 1990. After playing a considerable amount of 2nd XI cricket for Essex, as well as representing England U19's, Jaik made the breakthrough to the first team in August 2008, in a Championship match against Leicestershire, in which he made an impressive 60. Since his debut, he has recorded 3 more half-centuries, with a highest of 72.


Not only is Mickleburgh a very talented batsman, but he is an outstanding athlete in the field and bowls useful medium pace. His performances for Essex, and England U19's has alerted the national selectors to his potential ability, and they will be keeping a close eye on him in the near future. Jaik will be looking to build on this impressive start to his career and keep pushing for a regular place in the Essex first team.

Silence in the slips please Ricky!

With the Ashes only 10 days away, not only will there be the absence of Shane Warne's peroxide blond hair, Glenn McGrath's constant jibber-jabber at English batsman, and an England victory (most probably), but now, we won't even have the pleasure of enduring a bit of Australian 'banter' in the slip cordon. Cricket Australia has told it's current batch of warriors to tone down the talking, and get on with the cricket.

For decades, 'sledging' has been a major part of our game, in particular Ashes battles. In the last series down-under, Paul Collingwood and Shane Warne infamously came together while the latter was batting at the MCG. Collingwood told Warne he can't bat, and Warne being Warne replied by hammering Monty Panesar over mid-wicket for six before turning to Colly with the words "that's for you mate!". Now, without such confrontation, where are we going to get our fun from on a dull fifth day when both sides are playing for the draw? Sledging adds a bit of fire to an otherwise placid match, and gets the pulses racing.

One could argue that much of Australia's success has come from the sledging trade, as it were. Teams are afraid to take on the broad-shouldered, big-mouthed, statesmen, but now England have no such worry. Not that it would affect them anyway. Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff and colleagues were absolutely ribbed in 2005, but still triumphed, and with some of the calmest young cricketers on the planet, in the way of Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara, now in the side, it is doubtful any words from Ponting and co. would have any affect whatsoever.

Ian Chappell is the man responsible for bringing such a thing into our game. He once said to a batsman, who shall remain unnamed, "that was a subtle as a sledgehammer", and from there on in, so came our wonderful verbal battles. And here, just for you, are the top 5 sledging quotes from our much loved cricketers:

1) Glenn McGrath v Eddo Brandes
'Pigeon', as he was known, was bowling to Zimbabwe's plump no.11, who was struggling to lay bat and ball
. McGrath, being the old-stager he was, thought he'd have a cheeky pop at Brandes, and shouted directly at him: "Why are you so fat?". Brandes response, not to be outdone, was: "Because every time I shag your wife, she gives me a biscuit." Needless to say, Glenn kept his mouth shut after that.

2) Viv Richards v Greg Thomas
Thomas, the Glamorgan medium pacer, would have been forgiven for thinking he was on top of Viv Richards after beating the great West Indies batsman's bat a couple of times. He may have even been forgiven for saying to Viv: "It's big, it's round, and it's red in case you're wondering". However, after the next ball was resoundingly placed into the stands by Richards, followed by the words, "you know what it looks like, now go and fetch it", Thomas would have wished he'd kept his mouth firmly closed.

3) Merv Hughes v Robin Smi
th
Similar to the Richards/Thomas scenario, Hughes had beaten the edge of Smith's bat a couple of times, before giving the England batsman a piece of his mind, with the words: "You can't fucking bat mate." The next ball was hit for four, before Smith turned to Hughes and said: "Hey Merv. We make a great pair - I can't fucking bat, and you can't fucking bowl." What a match that must have been.

4) Rod Marsh v Ian Botham
Two big characters out in the middle, and as Botham arrived at the crease, Marsh greeted him with the words: "So how's your wife and my kids?" Rather distasteful Rodney.

5) Daryll Cullinan v Shane Warne
Daryll had had a few problems with Shane in the past, but only because he couldn't hit the ball. Warne dismissed Cullinan more times than any other bowler in his career. As Cullinan came to the crease, two years after he had last faced Warne (and been dismissed by him), Warne couldn't help but inform him of that situation: "I've been waiting two years for this moment". Cullinan's reply was a cheeky: "Looks like you spent it eating". Clever, Daryll. Clever.

Saturday 27 June 2009

I have a dream..

That England could field a 100% British side. Want to know the last time that happened? Look in the archives, 'cause I probably wasn't born. Arsene Wenger will understand English fan's frustration that England can't field a team of 11 born and bred Englishmen. The Arsenal manager is the main culprit within the Premier League for causing this infamous row, and now it seems to be rubbing off on the nation's cricket side.

Andrew Strauss, Test match captain and opening batsman, was born in New Zealand. Kevin Pietersen was, of course, born and brought up in South Africa. Dimitri Mascarenhas was born in Kent, but is of Australian and Sri Lankan origin, while Eoin Morgan is 99% Irish, not to mention the two Indian boys, Ravi Bopara and Owais Shah. And yet, we still can't win a damn thing!

Whether English or Egyptian, it seems England just can't find the winning formula. Even the next generation of cricketers, or those touted to play for England in the near future can't claim to be even half English. Dawid Malan, the explosive Middlesex batsman, was born in South Africa, as was Somerset's Wicket-Keeper batsman Craig Kieswetter. We may not be complaining as such, but it would be refreshing to see our next generation of Test match and ODI cricketers at least born in England. Bopara and Shah can be excused, as they have lived in England nearly all their lives. And as for Kevin Pietersen, well, we prefer to boast about the fact he's not actually from our country. We excuse Mascarenhas because lets face it, he's such a nice fellow, and Eoin Morgan hasn't had the chance to impress as of yet.

Surely there are players out there, good enough to represent our great country, without having to ship them in from abroad or pinch them from associate nations. How about James Hildreth for example? Scores bags of runs - most notably his recent 303* in the county championship. No one has even mentioned Lancashire's Paul Horton, who was consistent last season in scoring big runs, and seems to have grown as an opening batsman. Kent's Joe Denly is another that could be thrown into the mix, yet the selectors are continually content with drafting in 'foreigners' to do the job. And the ones that are fully British - the likes of Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, and Tim Ambrose - don't seem to be good enough for the international scene. Perhaps that's the reason for the influx of non-Englishmen. Whatever the reason, the selectors need to take a good look at the county circuit and see the kind of homegrown talent that is on show.

It could be seen as a lack of confidence in the county system, and if that's the case, a review may be an option. Perhaps the players around the county circuit are simply not good enough, but how do we know if we don't give them a chance in the national team? I'm all for the 'play to win' ethos, and if that means having a team full of Springboks then so be it. But at least give our lads a go!

Thursday 25 June 2009

Phillip Who?

Phillip Hughes' rise to stardom has happened so quickly, he's barely had time to think. Hughes made his First-Class debut for New South Wales in November 2007, at the tender age of 18. He made 51 in a game that NSW won by an innings, and since then, the unorthodox left-hander has made only nineteen scores of less than fifty in 42 innings. It's this form that propelled him into Australia's Test Match squad to face South Africa last winter, in a series he went on to score 415 runs at an average of 69.16, and with a highest score of 160. I dare to say, not since Sir Don has there been such hype and excitement over an individual playing for Australia.

Hughes' unorthodox, innovative strokeplay has enlightened cricket watchers all over the world, and his bubbly, confident character is typical of the Australian ethos. His dyed blond hair, and shiny earring mirror that of Michael Clarke, who had similar coverage when he first burst onto the scene in India, back in 2005. His fantastic domestic record betters anyone in the game at the same stage in their career, and with the Ashes just around the corner, he seems to have timed it superbly.

One may have been forgiven for thinking Hughes' couldn't cut it at international level after his first innings, in which he was dismissed for a third-ball duck by Dale Steyn. However, he showed great resilience and character to bounce back, and in the second innings of his debut match he cracked a gutsy 75 from 121 balls. In the second test he announced himself onto the world stage. In the first innings he smashed 115 of just 151 balls with 19 fours and 2 sixes, and in the second knock, he obliterated the South African attack, hitting a Test Match best 160 including 3 huge sixes. It was after this match, in which Hughes was named man-of-the-match, that Australian cricket really learned that they've found a gem.

2 years ago nobody had heard of Phillip Hughes. Now, he is being hailed as the next Adam Gilchrist (without the wicket-keeping pedigree). His trademark back-foot drive highlights his incredible bat-speed and timing, something that could prove vital against England's quick, bouncy bowlers - the likes of Andrew Flintoff. With Matthew Hayden now out of the international scene, it seems Australia have found the perfect replacement. With Hughes only 20 years of age, how good can he be? One thing is for sure - this man will be around for a very long time yet.

A look on the scrapheap


Jermaine Pennant - With the possible arrival of David Silva and Aaron Lennon, Pennant will definitely thrust out of affairs at Liverpool. Spent a while out on loan last season and has expressed a desire to move abroad. Real Madrid have recently shown interest and it's hard to see how Jermaine would turn down such a move should it come along.





Yossi Benayoun - Has scored some very important goals during his time at Liverpool, but should the likes of Aaron Lennon and David Silva arrive at Anfield, you have to question whether Yossi will be required.





Fabio Aurelio - Not really lived up to expectations since arriving from Valencia. Scored a brilliant free kick against Manchester United last season but his defensive work leaves a lot to be desired.





Charles Itandje - Made a few first team appearances, usually in the Carling Cup, but was caught laughing at the Hillsborough memorial service that didn't go down well with the fans. Failed to break into the first team, and his time seems to be coming to an end with interest from a couple of French Ligue 1 sides.





Andrea Dossena - His performances have been patchy and unconvincing, and his attacking play has rarely led to chances or goals. Somewhat of a liability in big games and it would be very surprising if he stayed at Liverpool next season.





David N'Gog - Failed to break into the first team just like Itandje. He's still young but one wonders whether he'll be able to make the grade as a leading premiership striker in the future. Perhaps a couple of loan spells would do him good, to gain some first team experience and get some goals under his belt.





Alvaro Arbeloa - With the arrival of Glen Johnson, and his reluctance to play on the left, Arbeloa could well find himself out in the cold at Anfield, and with his potential ability, it is probable that a number of clubs would want to sign him. A reasonably successful spell at Liverpool may just have come to an end for Alvaro.

Rafa's shopping list


Carlos Tevez - Somewhat of a long shot with Manchester City and Chelsea showing keen interest, but the prospect of a Torres, Tevez partnership is one that Liverpool fans will be drooling over.





Aaron Lennon - Very pacey and tricky, and causes problems for all full backs. His crossing ability needs improving but working alongside players such as Gerrard and Torres would surely improve his game. If Liverpool are to win trophies next season, they need a world class winger or two.




Glen Johnson - Signed by Rafa for near £18,000,000. Attacking full back will create chances from wide and support the likes of Babel/Benayoun - whoever is playing on the right wing. One question mark is his defensive ability and will he be able to cope with the attacking threats of Nani/Malouda next season?




David Silva - Would certainly get in the team ahead of Albert Riera. Provides width, pace, accurate crossing and 10+ goals a season. Liverpool will be hoping he can adapt to the premiership as soon as possible.





David Villa - Scores plenty of goals and would be a fantastic partner for Fernando Torres. Liverpool would have a great chance of winning the Premier League should Villa arrive at Anfield.

Same old England!

Perhaps one day England will grasp the concept of ODI, and Twenty20 cricket. Over the last ten years, English one-day cricket has had more ups and downs than a trampolining competition. It seems no matter who we put in charge, which players we pick and what tactics we have, we just can't play the shorter format.

In the 2003 World Cup, we were knocked out by the old enemy, in a game we really should have won. After putting 204 on the board, England reduced Australia to a precarious 135-8 with just over 12 overs remaining. But a staggering 9th wicket partnership (73) between Michael Bevan (74*) and Andrew Bichel (34*) saw Australia home. This result kind of sums up England's performances in one-day cricket over the years - the potential is there, but we just can't get over the line. In major one-day tournaments, we always fall short. In the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy played in England, we were beaten in the final by West Indies, in a very similar way to 'that' match against Australia. Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw were the 'party-poopers' on this occasion, and England's search for a winning formula continued.

If we take England, in comparison to the best side in the world, South Africa, there are obvious differences. South Africa have the ability to clear the rope with will, with the likes of AB de Villiers, Albie Morkel, and Mark Boucher in the middle order. Whereas England rely solely on Kevin Pietersen, and to an extent Luke Wright, but we've seen far too often in the past, if these two fail to perform, England's middle order is not strong enough to hit the big runs required in the latter overs of a Twenty20 or One-day international. Our approach seems to be, try to make use of the powerplays, if that doesn't work, nudge and nurdle for ten/twenty overs and then try and clear the ropes. Take South Africa's approach, and that is pure and simply to smash the ball to the boundary whenever they can. And it's been successful. Twenty20 has been around long enough for England to take examples from the successful teams, and see what tactics they employ, and not only that, but we invented twenty20! Picking a team made up of test match cricketers (Paul Collingwood for example) is simply not good enough when you have to hit sixes to win the game.

England's inconsistent form in one-day cricket was highlighted best during the 2006/07 CB Series in Australia, whereby England were bowled out for just 110 against New Zealand in one of the earlier group games, but went on to beat Australia 2-0 in the best of three finals. Confidence should have been taken from this performance and such a spirited recovery, but come the next major one-day competition, just months later in the Caribbean, England were outplayed when they needed to perform most. The selection of fairly average players could be the reason for this. The likes of Paul Nixon, Liam Plunkett and Jamie Dalrymple are clearly not international cricketers. It seems that we are not able to produce the kind of players we need for the one-day game, in the way that Australia, South Africa and all the other successful teams do.

The inclusion of Graham Napier in England's World Twenty20 squad is the most puzzling. This is a man brought into the side for his huge hitting and pacey bowling, yet he didn't play a single game. Not even a warm up game to see how he goes. If England are to be successful in one-day cricket, they have to be ruthless in their selection. Be brave and get rid of Owais Shah, against popular demand. Drop so called 'big name players' and give someone who has genuine Twenty20 pedigree have a go. The one occasion England did do that, was in the wrong match, at the wrong time. Adil Rashid was brought into the side in place of Graeme Swann for the game against The Netherlands which seemed a risk at most, but the inclusion of Robert Key, clearly not noted for his six-hitting, in place of Dimitri Mascarenhas, who memorable clobbered Yuvraj Singh for 5 consecutive sixes at the Oval in 2007, was the most bizarre selection of them all. Key came to the crease with 5 overs remaining and ended unbeaten on 11. If Mascarenhas had been there, who knows - he may have scored triple that score and lifted England near to 200. In the end The Netherlands went on to win, and win well.

England's reluctance to drop players for poor performances is their downfall, and if they are to be successful in any form of cricket, this has to be done. We can't afford to keep taking chances on players that have shown they are not made for the shorter game, and we need to look at the county circuit, see who is performing and who can score quick runs, and get them in the team. To this day it still staggers me that James Benning has never got a shout in the England side. He's scored numerous runs for Surrey in one-day cricket, and at a strike rate of over 100. One innings that springs to mind was his unbeaten 189 against Gloucestershire last year. Surely performances like these need to be rewarded with a chance or two on the big stage?

Wednesday 24 June 2009

How is that, dear chap?

With the Ashes on the brink, I can't help but think - how many more will there be? The glitz and glamour of Twenty20 cricket has revolutionised cricket to such an extent that 'experts' are constantly talking about the extinction of the game's most traditional format.

In mid-March, 1877, Charles Bannerman of Australia faced up to the first ever delivery in test cricket, from England's Alfred Shaw. Bannerman went on to get an unbeaten 165, before retiring hurt. Australia's 1st innings runs came at a run-rate of 2.16, followed by 2.29 in their second innings, to go with 2.15 and 2.44 in England's respective innings'. Take today, and the most recent test match between England and the West Indies. In the three innings played in that match, the lowest team run-rate was 3.66, In West Indies first innings. Clearly, the introduction of One-day cricket, and in particular Twenty20 cricket, has influenced batsman's attitude and game play in the longer format. Chris Gayle, arguably the world's most destructive batsman, was quoted as saying he wouldn't care if test cricket died out. This can't be good for our game.

Clearly Twenty20 is a very exciting, gripping form of cricket. It fills the grounds, brings in the kids, shows off the world's best cricketers and creates high drama at the most competitive level. But it's not all about hitting sixes and scoring huge runs. Test cricket brings excitement, and thrills and spills in a very different, yet equally enthralling way. To see Andrew Flintoff pound in, over after over, peppering Adam Gilchrist with short balls, making Simon Katich and the like play and miss with reverse-swinging 'jaffas', hitting Matthew Hayden on the helmet at 95mph, surely gives the most satisfaction to a cricket fan? To sit in the crowd and see Glenn McGrath walk back to his mark, fuming after being smashed for four by Kevin Pietersen is simply the most satisfying feeling for a Englishman. And not only does test cricket bring superb cricket, but the atmosphere, and the banter brings things only test match cricket can bring to a group of people.

Yes Twenty20 brings dancing girls. Yes it brings loud music and partying
. But these are things that belong in a nightclub, not on a cricket field. The fact is, test cricket is in danger due to the multi-millions Twenty20 brings in, and in particular IPL. But as lovers of the game, we should not be allowing this to happen. The players themselves seem happy to take the million pounds they get for playing for the Rajasthan Royals or such like, but is there no better thrill than walking out in front of a packed Lords crowd wearing the whites of your country, with the words of 'Jerusalem' ringing in your ears?

It seems that gone are the days of prawn sandwiches, and pimms on the terrace, and upon us are the days of big money tournaments, spiritless, bathed in the riches of foreign billionaires who don't know the first thing about cricket (e.g Allen Stanford). Lets just hope that the entertainers of the game - the Kevin Pietersens, Jacob Orams, Lasith Malingas- continue our great tradition of test cricket, and lets encourage the next generation of great cricketers to bat for 2 days and earn themselves a double hundred. To bowl a ten over spell and earn two or three big wickets in a session. Test cricket is the ultimate test. We need to restore it's place as cricket's best format. Please - we love test cricket!

Tuesday 23 June 2009

Wake up Harmy, Goodnight Mr. Vaughan

As the England training squad for the first Ashes test of the summer was announced, it was of no surprise to see the exclusion of Steve Harmison and Michael Vaughan. Harmison's performances in International cricket have gone downhill in the last couple of years, ironically since the first ball of the 2006-07 Ashes, in which England were soundly beaten 5-0 (as if you need reminding). His county performances have been just what the selectors would want however, but it seems the attitude towards Harmison, and indeed of him, has changed dramatically in recent times. England are no longer willing to put up with second-rate performances from a man who was the number.1 bowler in the world following England's 3-0 win in the West Indies back in 2004. This is a man who can go beyond the 90mph mark on regular occasions, trundling in and bowling a speed you'd expect Paul Collingwood to be hitting. His attitude certainly isn't right, and one questions whether he is mentally fit to be able to cope with the pressures of international cricket. In Sri Lanka he wasn't fit, and against South Africa he showed glimpses, yes, glimpses, of being somewhere near his best. Though we've heard that before, haven't we? For once, the England selectors have made the right decision regarding Harmison. There is no more time to take chances on a man who isn't up to the task, especially for such a big series as the Ashes. England's way seems to be to look at performances on the county circuit to help them pick the team, and if that was the case on this occasion, Harmison would have been first on the team sheet. But one can only give a man so many chances to succeed. It is fair to say that Harmison isn't succeeding. The likes of Graham Onions, Tim Bresnan and Sajid Mahmood are now vying for the 3rd bowling place, and after Onion's superb debut at Lords against the West Indies, who would be brave enough to say Harmison will be back?

As for Michael Vaughan, his career has been a total landslide. From giving up the captaincy following the series against New Zealand, to being completely axed from the England set-up and not even considered for this summer's Ashes. Not even in county cricket has he been able to reproduce the kind of form that the selectors would be looking for. There is no questioning Vaughan's passion and desire in the game but the simple fact is, there are better and younger players around the county circuit that more than fit the bill for the number.3 spot in England's test lineup. The obvious name that springs to mind is Essex's Ravi Bopara. 3 hundreds in his last 3 tests have more than secured his place for the Ashes opener in Cardiff, and with the likes of Owais Shah and Joe Denly hanging around the squad, there seems very little hope for Vaughan now. It is a shame that such a classy batsman, and world class captain has lost the touch so rapidly, but times change, and England are clearly a team looking to the future.

Sunday 21 June 2009

Resurgent Pakistan see off Tigers for title.

"A game for the people, if ever there was one", Ian Bishop said. With recent political events in both countries, today's World Twenty20 final would be contested between two teams aiming not only to take the trophy for cricket's most popular tournament, but to bring some kind of peace to their respective countries. The national anthems had an added speciality and touch to them. The calm before the storm, as Twenty20 is so often described.

Sri Lanka won the toss, and unsurprisingly on a flat looking Lords pitch, chose to bat first. However the much hyped Sri Lankan top order failed to fire. Mohammad Aamer's hostile first over did for Tillakeratne Dilshan. Four 90mph short balls rattled the tournament's leading run scorer and his short innings at the crease came to an end with the fifth ball of the first over. Once again, Aamer banged the ball into the surface, getting considerable bounce for a short man, forcing Dilshan to ride it onto the leg side where he was well caught by Shahzaib Hasan. A disastrous start for Sri Lanka got even worse minutes later. The wiley Abdul Razzaq, plucked back from obscurity took charge of Jehan Mubarak's (0) wicket. Mubarak, promoted to number 3 for the first time in the tournament saw off just one ball before swinging across the line to a wide one and finding the safe hands of Shahzaib once again. Sri Lanka at this point 2-2, half way through the second over. Despite the early wickets of Dilshan and Mubarak, both for ducks, Sanath Jayasuriya played in his usual manner, clattering the ball onto the leg side, hitting a flat six of Razzaq. Razzaq came back well however - Noted for his accurate line and length bowling, he stuck to his guns and managed to find the inside edge of Jayasuriya's hefty bat, and the ball crashed into the stumps, adding to Sri Lanka's woes, and reducing the score to 26-3 in the fourth over. The classy Mahela Jayawardene was thrust early into the drama but succumbed to Razzaq as well, chasing a wide one and guiding it into Misbah ul-Haq's hands at slip. Sri Lanka were left wondering whether 100 would be a decent score from this position, and the Lords crowd left wondering whether they should have stayed at home to watch an anticlimactic final on television. Thankfully for them, and for Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara was at the other end while all the early drama unravelled. Sangakkara has a reputation for being one of the coolest, calmest batsman in world cricket, and if ever there was a time for that reputation to be upheld, it was today. His classy strokeplay, coupled with clever innovation and crisp timing enabled Sri Lanka to recover, with a little help from Chamara Silva, who briefly threatened to make his first score of the tournament. However, just as the partnership was getting going, Silva fell to the tournament's leading wicket taker, Umar Gul, who was intent on bowling a short length to Silva, rather than the customary toe-crushers we'd seen throughout the competition. Gul rushed the little right hander into playing a pull stroke that he never had control over, and Saeed Ajmal at short mid-wicket held comfortably. 67-5, and into the lower-order. Isuru Udana made the move up a place to number 7, infront of the hard-hitting Angelo Mathews. One assumes in a ploy to keep Mathews til the latter overs. It didn't make much difference in the end, as Udana was undone by a perfectly delivered Afridi googly. By this time the score had moved onto 70-6, and any hopes of reaching 110/120 were down to Kumar Sangakkara. Or so it seemed.. Angelo Mathews (35 off 24 balls) played his innings of the tournament, in a brilliant partnership (68 off 43 balls) with the captain Sangakkara. He took his time at the start of his innings to guage his timing and hone the boundaries, but after that he hit some lusty blows, including the first six since the fourth over. Mathews hitting, along with Umar Gul's unusually misplaced yorkers allowed Sri Lanka to creep to a score well above anything they expected, nor pakistan wanted after being 70-6 in the 12th over. 138-6 seemed too low a score, and with Pakistan's talent with the bat, looked like they'd have to bowl out of their skins to claim the title. The warning for Sri Lanka, as suggested by one fan, was "be Afridi, be very Afridi".

Pakistan's innings got off to a good start. Angelo Mathews, who had had a good day with the bat, offered Kamran Akmal the perfect chance to get off the mark with a floated half volley outside off-stump third ball of the innings. Akmal duly obliged and timed the ball to the boundary with complete ease and confidence. Akmal's form at the top of the order had been decent for Pakistan, but he had yet to make a really big contribution that would answer the few critics he has. It only took Sangakkara two overs before he introduced his first trump card, in the form of Lasith Malinga. His first over went for just one, but there were no immediate alarms. The very next over, Shahzaib Hasan got away with a sliced drive over cover, just evading the full-stretch dive of Angelo Mathews running back. The very next ball, he sneaked an inside edge past short fine leg for four. It seemed to be Pakistan's day. Spin was introduced after just four overs, with Muttiah Muralidaran and Ajantha Mendis both coming into the attack in an attempt to bamboozle the inexperienced Pakistani openers. The plan did not work as Akmal slapped Mendis over mid-wicket for a lengthy six, followed by a delicate paddle sweep for a couple. Pakistan had taken 39 off the first six overs and seemed in complete control. While Akmal was crunching the ball to all parts, Shahzaib was struggling with his timing and placement. Akmal smashed Mathews over mid-wicket for six more, before running past a straight one from Sanath Jayasuriya first ball. The breakthrough coming at just the right time for Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, the Tigers were only to have one more success. It was a matter of time before Shahzaib got himself out, and indeed in the 10th over he top edged a sweep off Muttiah Muralitharan that was easily caught by Sanath Jayasuriya. From here on in, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik eased Pakistan home. Some elegant strokes from Malik, in tandem with the brutal power of Afridi was too much for the Sri Lankan bowlers, however good they are, and Isuru Udana's final over rather summed up Sri Lanka's day - Lacklustre. His first ball was launched for six by the man they call 'boom boom', and the second, a waist high full toss (called a no-ball) was glanced down the leg side for four leaving 7 required off 2 overs. As the winning runs were hit, fittingly by Afridi, emotions ran high. It had been a tough year for Pakistan, but this was certainly a big high for them. The whole world will be taking note that Pakistan are a resillient side, who stick together, and have come out as World Twenty20 champions.

Sri Lanka v Pakistan, World Twenty20 Final preview.

For the second tournament in succession, the World Twenty20 Final will be contested by two Asian teams. In the inaugural tournament in South Africa, it was India who reached the final, ultimately beating Pakistan, who once again take their place in the grand finale. Their opponents this year, the much improved Sri Lankan outfit, captained these days by the shy, but highly respected Kumar Sangakkara. While his captaincy has brought renewed enthusiasm and vigour into the Sri Lankan camp, his batting has yet to really get going. An average of just 22.60 in his 6 innings to date, doesn't underline the talent he really has. A strike rate of just over 100 also indicates that he has not hit top form. He will say that he is saving the best till last. Sri Lanka's batting has relied upon Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya at the top of the order, with the world-classy Mahela Jayawardene coming in at three. And indeed, it has been those three that have propelled Sri Lanka into the final. Dilshan's form has been up there with South Africa's AB de Villiers, who seems to be in the form of his life right now. Dilshan's enigmatic stroke play, emphasised by the stroke he has labelled the 'starfish' has been something fresh and exciting for the Sri Lankan team. That, coupled with the brutal hitting of Sanath Jayasuriya, and the class of Mahela Jayawardene has brought great balance to the Sri Lankan batting lineup. They will be hoping that all three of these guys, along with Sangakkara, will be on top of their game come 5.30, Sunday evening.

As for their bowling, is there any better attack in the world? The mere fact that Chaminda Vaas has been excluded from the squad, tells you something about the depth of this wonderfully talented unit. Nuwan Kulasekara is the no.1 bowler in the world when it comes to One-day Internationals. Isuru Udana, new on the scene, has bamboozled batsman with his brilliantly executed slower ball (bowled out the back of the hand). Lasith Malinga has already built up the reputation for the being the world's best death bowler, as well as possessing an impossible slower ball. And as for the spin department - Ajantha Mendis provides mystery and complexity, whereas Muttiah Muralidaran possess the lethal doosra and the big-spinning offy. In the midst of all these superstars and mystery men, is Angelo Mathews. Somewhat the unsung hero, Mathews ripped out the heart of the West Indies batting in the semi-final, taking three wickets in an over, and finishing with figures of 3-16 from his 4 overs. His batting has also been very reliable, with some powerful lower order hitting and the ability to stay at the crease during those final overs. Who would dare look beyond Sri Lanka?

As for Pakistan, they have relied purely and solely on their bowling attack. Yasir Arafat had to fly home early due to a foot injury, but the 17 year old Mohammad Aamer has certainly taken up the mantle as Pakistan's spearhead, along with Umar Gul. Gul's incredible return of 5-6 against New Zealand, in a game where Pakistan completely answered all their critics, and some, really made the world realise the potential they have as a bowling unit. Aamer's consistency of pace, if nothing less, has been more than enough to support Gul, and the likes of Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi have given captain Younus Khan more than enough options to rely on. Ajmal has had a wonderful tournament, unleashing a variety of deliveries, most notably the doosra that had even Kevin Pietersen in trouble. One questions, however, whether Pakistan's fielding will be good enough to support the likes of Gul and Ajmal. Against England they were atrocious. Against South Africa, they were faultless.

Along with the fielding, Pakistan's biggest worry is their batting. With only 3 fifties in the whole tournament, Pakistan will be relying religiously on Younus Khan at the top of the order, with contributions from the likes of Kamran Akmal, whose ability seems endless, and Shahid Afridi who is just regaining his confidence and form. In the middle order, Pakistan seem frail. Misbah ul-Haq and Fawad Alam lack runs and time at the crease, while Shoaib Malik hasn't fulfilled his potential as one of the world's best. Against Sri Lanka's world class bowling line up, will Pakistan's inconsistent batsman be able to get 160, 170 on the board, and give their powerful bowlers enough to defend? Come what may, the 2009 World Twenty20 Final will be unmissable.