Graham Onions set the tone for England on the 2nd morning at Edgbaston, by taking two wickets with the very first two balls of the day. Firstly, Shane Watson was trapped in front by a nip-back'er, before moments later, Michael Hussey left a straight one that clattered into his off-pole.
Onions went on to pick up two more wickets, as England bowled the tourists out for a below-par 263. The total would have been far less had Nathan Hauritz (20*), Peter Siddle (13) and Ben Hilfenhaus (20) not added 60 for the final two wickets.
Onions, together with Jimmy Anderson, fully utilised a swinging ball and the Australian batsmen were helpless. Michael Clarke can argue that he was a little unlucky with his LBW decision - Hawkeye showing the ball was missing leg-stump - but there was no uncertainty in the dismissals of Ricky Ponting (38), Marcus North (12), and the debutant Graham Manou (8). Ponting was the victim of some hostile bowling from the impressive Onions, North undone by an Anderson outswinger that was claimed admirably by Matt Prior behind the stumps, and Manou castled by an unplayable delivery from the same man. Anderson went on to claim 5-82 in a pacey spell.
England went into bat in the afternoon with a minimum of 50 overs still left to bowled, a total that would be cut down to 36 due to rain and bad light. Alastair Cook (0) went early to the bowling of Peter Siddle, a delivery that he would have been better off leaving. The highs and lows of cricket evident in this dismissal - the disappointment of Cook overshadowed by the joy of Manou, who claimed his first International dismissal with the catch behind. Manou was drafted into the lineup just minutes before the start of play yesterday as a replacement for Brad Haddin who broke his finger in last minute preparations. The change was so late that there wasn't even time to award the South Australia keeper his Baggy Green cap. That ceremony was delayed for the second morning. A special moment none-the-less for Manou, who wouldn't have expected to be making his debut at all this summer, let alone in such dramatic circumstances. Shades of Glenn McGrath from 2005, when he trod on ball in the outfield just before play. Perhaps a good omen for England.
After the departure of Cook in the second over, Ravi Bopara and Andrew Strauss were forced to be extra watchful, and Bopara's elegant strokeplay coupled with Strauss's calm aura, settled nerves around the ground. Bopara (23) has often been criticised for his laziness at the crease at times, and that was certainly his downfall today. Facing his first ball after Tea, the Essex man dragged a wide one onto his stumps with a nothing shot, gifting Hilfenhaus his first wicket. Bopara's expression said it all - one of frustration and displeasure. Once again Bopara looked good, but has failed to make a significant contribution. For a player of such talent and ability, one is frustrated by Bopara's constant momentary lapses in concentration.
England ended the day on 116-2, with Strauss (64) and Bell (26) unbeaten at the crease and looking solid. For Australia, all eyes were on Mitchell Johnson, and despite going at less than 4 an over, which is somewhat of a rarity for Johnson in this series, he seldom looked threatening. His best moment of the day came with a shapely inswinger to Ian Bell, that thudded into the Warwickshire man's pads, bringing a loud appeal from the slip-cordon and bowler, but to no avail. On second look, Johnson looked to be very unlucky, but as the saying goes, 'when you're in form, things go for you. When you're striving for form, everything goes against you'. That incident, coupled with his horrible misjudgement of an Anderson hooper in Australia's innings, kind of sums up Johnson's couple of weeks. He's just not at the races at the moment, a shame for Australia who were really banking on his bowling this summer. With Brett Lee touted to be fit for the Headingly Test, Johnson's time seems to be very nearly up.
The forecast for the next 3 days isn't great, and we'll be hard pushed to see a result, but where there's a will, there's a way!
Friday 31 July 2009
Wednesday 29 July 2009
Kolo adds to the growing list at Eastlands
Manchester City have today confirmed the signing of Arsenal centre-half Kolo Toure for an undisclosed fee. Toure joins former Arsenal striker Adebayor, along with Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry as the summer signings at the blues, and his agent Saif Rubie claims it's purely a football-related move.
"Kolo was very impressed with the chairman and the club as a whole. Anyone who knows Kolo knows that he gives 110% on the football pitch, and his hunger for the game is unquestionable. He finds it very hard to leave Arsenal, as it was like a second home to him and Arsene Wenger was the man who gave him a chance, but he now feels ready for the new challenge at Manchester City".
The news comes on the same day City confirm young full-back Nedum Onuoha agrees a new five-year deal with the club.
"Kolo was very impressed with the chairman and the club as a whole. Anyone who knows Kolo knows that he gives 110% on the football pitch, and his hunger for the game is unquestionable. He finds it very hard to leave Arsenal, as it was like a second home to him and Arsene Wenger was the man who gave him a chance, but he now feels ready for the new challenge at Manchester City".
The news comes on the same day City confirm young full-back Nedum Onuoha agrees a new five-year deal with the club.
Edgbaston Test to be a washout
The third Ashes Test of the summer, due to get underway tomorrow, looks destined to be a complete washout. With the forecast predicting rain for the rest of the week, and all weekend, it seems hard to believe any significant play will happen.
Steve Rouse, the Warwickshire groundsman, is staying optimistic however, and he believes that with a bit of luck, play might be possible on Friday and Saturday, but that clearly isn't enough time to force a result, something the Australians must do in order to get back in the Series. "The boys (groundstaff) will be working all night in an attempt to get the ground ready, but it seems very unlikely that any play will be possible tomorrow", Rouse states. "The forecast is for rain tomorrow, but it should clear up by Friday, so hopefully we can get underway at some stage".
Even for the most extreme optimists, any prospect of play seems a long way off, and for Australia it is exactly what they didn't want. 1-0 down in the Series, and with only 2 matches to play after the third Test, a lot will have to be done to turn around the deficit. Australian Vice-Captain Michael Clarke is remaining positive, however. "We showed how we can play at Cardiff. We dominated that Test Match and were very close to a win, so the boys believe we can turn the Series around. We're excited about Edgbaston, and we want to show how we can play and hopefully we can get a result".
On the day that Andrew Strauss claims Australia have lost their aura, the tourists are still in a quandary about whether to drop the out-of-form Mitchell Johnson for Stuart Clark, and whether to stick with Phillip Hughes, or replace him with fiery all-rounder Shane Watson. With the conditions as they are at Edgbaston, it may be a good idea to include the extra batsman, but perhaps not at the expense of Hughes. Marcus North's performance at Lord's leaves something to be desired, and although he scored a century at Cardiff, albeit on a road of a wicket, his place in the side is all but assured.
England seem settled on their lineup despite Ian Bell falling awkwardly on an ankle during a friendly game of football between teammates. Bell is due to slot in at number 4 in the order, meaning Ravi Bopara keeps his place at 3. England will be confident of defending their 1-0 lead especially if current conditions stay the same throughout the summer.
Steve Rouse, the Warwickshire groundsman, is staying optimistic however, and he believes that with a bit of luck, play might be possible on Friday and Saturday, but that clearly isn't enough time to force a result, something the Australians must do in order to get back in the Series. "The boys (groundstaff) will be working all night in an attempt to get the ground ready, but it seems very unlikely that any play will be possible tomorrow", Rouse states. "The forecast is for rain tomorrow, but it should clear up by Friday, so hopefully we can get underway at some stage".
Even for the most extreme optimists, any prospect of play seems a long way off, and for Australia it is exactly what they didn't want. 1-0 down in the Series, and with only 2 matches to play after the third Test, a lot will have to be done to turn around the deficit. Australian Vice-Captain Michael Clarke is remaining positive, however. "We showed how we can play at Cardiff. We dominated that Test Match and were very close to a win, so the boys believe we can turn the Series around. We're excited about Edgbaston, and we want to show how we can play and hopefully we can get a result".
On the day that Andrew Strauss claims Australia have lost their aura, the tourists are still in a quandary about whether to drop the out-of-form Mitchell Johnson for Stuart Clark, and whether to stick with Phillip Hughes, or replace him with fiery all-rounder Shane Watson. With the conditions as they are at Edgbaston, it may be a good idea to include the extra batsman, but perhaps not at the expense of Hughes. Marcus North's performance at Lord's leaves something to be desired, and although he scored a century at Cardiff, albeit on a road of a wicket, his place in the side is all but assured.
England seem settled on their lineup despite Ian Bell falling awkwardly on an ankle during a friendly game of football between teammates. Bell is due to slot in at number 4 in the order, meaning Ravi Bopara keeps his place at 3. England will be confident of defending their 1-0 lead especially if current conditions stay the same throughout the summer.
Monday 27 July 2009
Transfer news
Inter Milan have sold striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona for an undisclosed fee, with Samuel Eto'o and Alexandr Hleb going the other way - Eto'o also for an undisclosed fee, and Hleb on a year's loan.
Tottenham are close to capturing the signature of Peter Crouch from Portsmouth for £10,000,000. The deal will go through only after Darren Bent is sold to Sunderland, a deal that will conclude in the next 48 hours.
Steve Finnan is in talks with Portsmouth after being released a year early from his Espanyol contract. The ex-Liverpool right-back joined the La Liga side at the start of last season, and is now prepared for a return to the Premier League.
Manchester City's latest targets are two defenders. Arsenal man Kolo Toure, and Everton's Joleon Lescott have both been linked with moves to Eastlands recently, and with big money on the table, who would bet against them making the move?
Portsmouth centre-half Sylvain Distin has been linked with both Aston Villa and Liverpool in recent times, but it looks as if Villa have won the race to capture the Frenchman's signature. Portsmouth however are demanding £4,000,000 for the ex-Man City man, but Villa are only prepared to pay £2,500,000. Liverpool will be waiting in the wings should the deal break down.
Finally, Blackburn have expressed a desire to sign Zenith St Petersburg striker Pavel Pogrebnyak as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz. The deal is still in early days, so it is hard to say whether it will happen, but it'd be a decent capture for Rovers who have already made 4 new signings this summer.
Tottenham are close to capturing the signature of Peter Crouch from Portsmouth for £10,000,000. The deal will go through only after Darren Bent is sold to Sunderland, a deal that will conclude in the next 48 hours.
Steve Finnan is in talks with Portsmouth after being released a year early from his Espanyol contract. The ex-Liverpool right-back joined the La Liga side at the start of last season, and is now prepared for a return to the Premier League.
Manchester City's latest targets are two defenders. Arsenal man Kolo Toure, and Everton's Joleon Lescott have both been linked with moves to Eastlands recently, and with big money on the table, who would bet against them making the move?
Portsmouth centre-half Sylvain Distin has been linked with both Aston Villa and Liverpool in recent times, but it looks as if Villa have won the race to capture the Frenchman's signature. Portsmouth however are demanding £4,000,000 for the ex-Man City man, but Villa are only prepared to pay £2,500,000. Liverpool will be waiting in the wings should the deal break down.
Finally, Blackburn have expressed a desire to sign Zenith St Petersburg striker Pavel Pogrebnyak as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz. The deal is still in early days, so it is hard to say whether it will happen, but it'd be a decent capture for Rovers who have already made 4 new signings this summer.
Terry to stay at Chelsea
Chelsea fans will be relieved to hear that recent speculation over their captain John Terry joining Manchester City, remains at just speculation. Terry has put pen to paper on a new deal that will see the England centre half stay at Chelsea for a further 3 years, suggesting that he will see out his career with the London club.
Reports suggested that Terry was on the verge of joining the Eastlands club, but after new manager Carlo Ancelotti reassured him that no big-name players were going to be leaving in the summer transfer window, Terry took the opportunity to sign the deal with his beloved blues.
Chelsea have failed to make any significant signings this summer, but will be very satisfied with tieing down their skipper for the foreseeable future. Terry revealed that the club had made a few offers for unnamed players but failed in their attempt to capture any new signings. However, with the side now gelling as a unit, and the squad staying very much the same, perhaps it is not necessary that Chelsea delve into the transfer market, especially as their start to the new season is just a couple of weeks away.
Reports suggested that Terry was on the verge of joining the Eastlands club, but after new manager Carlo Ancelotti reassured him that no big-name players were going to be leaving in the summer transfer window, Terry took the opportunity to sign the deal with his beloved blues.
Chelsea have failed to make any significant signings this summer, but will be very satisfied with tieing down their skipper for the foreseeable future. Terry revealed that the club had made a few offers for unnamed players but failed in their attempt to capture any new signings. However, with the side now gelling as a unit, and the squad staying very much the same, perhaps it is not necessary that Chelsea delve into the transfer market, especially as their start to the new season is just a couple of weeks away.
Bell to slot in at no.4
England captain Andrew Strauss has confirmed that Ian Bell will bat at number 4 in Thursday's 3rd Ashes Test at Edgbaston. Bell comes straight in to replace the sidelined Kevin Pietersen, meaning that Ravi Bopara keeps his place at number 3 in the order.
Bell's Ashes record isn't too impressive, with an average of just less than 25. However, with the knowledge that he is in the side for the next 3 Tests, he will be confident to improve upon that record. Kevin Pietersen described Bell earlier in the week as a "world-class talent", but if that label is to stick, he has to produce the goods on his home ground first.
The Warwickshire right-hander's highest Test score came last summer against South Africa at Lords, where he scored 199. However, since then, Bell has only picked up one half-century in 12 innings, without a century, and his last appearance in the England whites was in the West Indies in the winter, at Kingston, a game in which England were skittled for just 51 in their second innings.
England fans will be hoping that Bell can recapture his form of 2006, a season in which he made 3 centuries in 4 innings against Pakistan at home. It's these kinds of performances that enhance his reputation as a top-class talent, but he now needs to show that talent on the biggest of all stages.
Bell's Ashes record isn't too impressive, with an average of just less than 25. However, with the knowledge that he is in the side for the next 3 Tests, he will be confident to improve upon that record. Kevin Pietersen described Bell earlier in the week as a "world-class talent", but if that label is to stick, he has to produce the goods on his home ground first.
The Warwickshire right-hander's highest Test score came last summer against South Africa at Lords, where he scored 199. However, since then, Bell has only picked up one half-century in 12 innings, without a century, and his last appearance in the England whites was in the West Indies in the winter, at Kingston, a game in which England were skittled for just 51 in their second innings.
England fans will be hoping that Bell can recapture his form of 2006, a season in which he made 3 centuries in 4 innings against Pakistan at home. It's these kinds of performances that enhance his reputation as a top-class talent, but he now needs to show that talent on the biggest of all stages.
Sunday 26 July 2009
The corrupted game
The beautiful game as we know it, is no longer as pure as it used to be, and it's not something we can help either. The constant takeovers of Premier League clubs by Middle Eastern, and American businessman has made the football side of the game a growing irrelevance.
The perfect example of this is Manchester City, who were taken over by a UAE consortium before the start of the last season. The ridiculous sums of money that they are continuously offering up to clubs for their star players undermines the less well-off clubs and the final standings of each League season are becoming more and more predictable. Manchester City finished in the bottom half of the table last season, and below Stoke City, so there is an argument to say that it doesn't make a difference. However, with the Blues bringing in players such as Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor for outrageous amounts of money, it's surely only a matter of time before the changes are noticeable. It takes time for any team that makes wholesale changes to their squad to gel, and become a unit, so once City do just that, I am sure they will make the break into the top 4.
Whilst it is part of the game, unfortunately or fortunately, it doesn't seem right that a club fighting for survival just a few years ago can make such dramatic steps to become a successful football club. Surely there has to be some kind of barrier to prevent these sorts of takeovers and make the Premier League a division every team can compete in, and start on a level playing field. Of course some clubs are going to be richer than others, due to season ticket sales, sponsorship and what have you, but why not leave it at that? There is no need for such greed in our beautiful game, and football's governing bodies should be putting restrictions and barriers in place to prevent such happenings.
Chelsea set the precedent back in 2004, when Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the club in a 7-figure deal. That takeover brought instant success, firstly by capturing the signing of Jose Mourinho as manager, followed by several big-name, big-money signings that lifted Chelsea to the top of the Premier League, and ultimately gave them champion status. Now with Aston Villa, Liverpool, Portsmouth and Newcastle all receiving high-calibre takeovers in the last 4 years, it is just a matter of time before every single club in the Premier League, and some in lower divisions, become victims of billionaire takeovers. Such a thing would have an affect on the level of football, of course. The world's best players will be playing in our league, but do we really want that happening, knowing they're only there because they're being paid £180.000 a week? Surely it'd be far more enjoyable, and beneficial to watch home-grown, young, quality players ply their trade in the world's greatest League, in the knowledge that they are there purely to play football because they love it.
The recent news of Sven-Goran Eriksson becoming Notts County's Director of football further underlines the economic power of football. Notts County have recently received backing from a Middle Eastern company, and there is no doubt in my mind that had that not happened, Sven would still be the manager of Mexico to this day, and not fishing around in the lower league's of English football. Recent speculation has claimed that Christian Vieri will be the Nottingham club's first big signing, a move that would bring joy and jubilation to the fans of the club. It's great for a small club like Notts County to receive such press, and have a big name like Sven working for them. But my concern is that in 10, 15, 20 years, this will be the norm, and football won't be the same again.
I'm sure that 90% of football fans, if not more, are willing the FA to do something about this, but the question is, how can they stop it happening? Football, after all, is a business, and businessmen see the profit in investing in such a business. You can't stop a company purchasing what they want, as they have rights. That would leave it in the football club's hands, but that's not going to happen - if a billionaire comes along and says he wants to buy the shares in a football club, the owners are seldom going to reject, especially if the offer out-values the club itself. Therefore, it seems a lost cause to try and prevent the constant takeovers of English clubs, and football as we know it, seems to be losing it's identity in the midst of such ruthless business.
The perfect example of this is Manchester City, who were taken over by a UAE consortium before the start of the last season. The ridiculous sums of money that they are continuously offering up to clubs for their star players undermines the less well-off clubs and the final standings of each League season are becoming more and more predictable. Manchester City finished in the bottom half of the table last season, and below Stoke City, so there is an argument to say that it doesn't make a difference. However, with the Blues bringing in players such as Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor for outrageous amounts of money, it's surely only a matter of time before the changes are noticeable. It takes time for any team that makes wholesale changes to their squad to gel, and become a unit, so once City do just that, I am sure they will make the break into the top 4.
Whilst it is part of the game, unfortunately or fortunately, it doesn't seem right that a club fighting for survival just a few years ago can make such dramatic steps to become a successful football club. Surely there has to be some kind of barrier to prevent these sorts of takeovers and make the Premier League a division every team can compete in, and start on a level playing field. Of course some clubs are going to be richer than others, due to season ticket sales, sponsorship and what have you, but why not leave it at that? There is no need for such greed in our beautiful game, and football's governing bodies should be putting restrictions and barriers in place to prevent such happenings.
Chelsea set the precedent back in 2004, when Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the club in a 7-figure deal. That takeover brought instant success, firstly by capturing the signing of Jose Mourinho as manager, followed by several big-name, big-money signings that lifted Chelsea to the top of the Premier League, and ultimately gave them champion status. Now with Aston Villa, Liverpool, Portsmouth and Newcastle all receiving high-calibre takeovers in the last 4 years, it is just a matter of time before every single club in the Premier League, and some in lower divisions, become victims of billionaire takeovers. Such a thing would have an affect on the level of football, of course. The world's best players will be playing in our league, but do we really want that happening, knowing they're only there because they're being paid £180.000 a week? Surely it'd be far more enjoyable, and beneficial to watch home-grown, young, quality players ply their trade in the world's greatest League, in the knowledge that they are there purely to play football because they love it.
The recent news of Sven-Goran Eriksson becoming Notts County's Director of football further underlines the economic power of football. Notts County have recently received backing from a Middle Eastern company, and there is no doubt in my mind that had that not happened, Sven would still be the manager of Mexico to this day, and not fishing around in the lower league's of English football. Recent speculation has claimed that Christian Vieri will be the Nottingham club's first big signing, a move that would bring joy and jubilation to the fans of the club. It's great for a small club like Notts County to receive such press, and have a big name like Sven working for them. But my concern is that in 10, 15, 20 years, this will be the norm, and football won't be the same again.
I'm sure that 90% of football fans, if not more, are willing the FA to do something about this, but the question is, how can they stop it happening? Football, after all, is a business, and businessmen see the profit in investing in such a business. You can't stop a company purchasing what they want, as they have rights. That would leave it in the football club's hands, but that's not going to happen - if a billionaire comes along and says he wants to buy the shares in a football club, the owners are seldom going to reject, especially if the offer out-values the club itself. Therefore, it seems a lost cause to try and prevent the constant takeovers of English clubs, and football as we know it, seems to be losing it's identity in the midst of such ruthless business.
Saturday 25 July 2009
Eye on England: Michael Lumb
Michael Lumb. 12/2/1980. Hampshire CCC.
Michael Lumb has made big steps since moving from Yorkshire to Hampshire 3 years ago. Particularly this season, Lumb has started to become more consistent and has quickly gathered a reputation of being a quick-scoring, hard-hitting top order batsman. He made a staggering 124* against Essex at the Rose Bowl in the domestic Twenty20 competition and his performances in the One-Day format have also been very impressive. Lumb was recently named in England's 30-man provisional squad for September's Champions Trophy in South Africa, and if he continues his current form, there is no reason why Lumb shouldn't be making an appearance or two in the country of his birth in a couple of months time.
Friday 24 July 2009
Is the Galaxy love affair over for our Becks?
David Beckham's stint with the Galaxy has brought it's fair share of controversy, thrills, and spills, and this latest chapter for Becks may just be the last. After being booed onto the field prior to the friendly draw with AC Milan, it appears the fan's love for Becks may have turned sour. His 5 month loan spell with the Italian club hasn't rested well with some fans, and David will surely be thinking about securing a permanent move across the Atlantic.
Not only would a move to AC be beneficial for David's football, but Victoria would be completely in her element. The ex pop singer, turned fashion fanatic has always expressed a desire to live and work in Italy's second largest city, world-renowned for it's pricey shops and smart businesspeople.
One could argue that Beckham's move to America was destined to fail. He's playing for a mediocre club that would struggle in the Premier League, in a mediocre League, with mediocre players, backing up suggestions further that Beckham was only in it for the money. It therefore seems that a move to Milan is quite probable, although perhaps not this year. It'll be interesting to see what occurs in January, when the European transfer window re-opens.
Beckham's original stint with Milan was very successful. He scored some important goals and played very well, well enough to earn a recall to the National side from Fabio Capello, another reason for why Beckham would want a move to the Italian giants - he's on the National coach's radar, and playing well.
Unfortunately for the Galaxy, the novelty of having such a big superstar playing for them seems to be wearing off, and fast. A move back to Europe seems the ideal route for Becks, a move that would round off an illustrious career.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
England's next generation
1. Joe Denly - Kent.Joe Denly has been a key figure at the top of the Kent order for some time now, and his name has been bandied about several times with regard to a place in the National side. This year could be the year for Joe, if he really pushes on and makes hay for Kent. With a tour to South Africa in the Winter approaching, you feel that if Denly is to make his break into the side, now is a great chance.
2. Steven Davies - Worcestershire.Worcestershire's young keeper has made a real impression on everybody since making his debut in 2003, at the age of just 17. His tidy glovework, and impressive run scoring has alerted the attention of England selectors, and he has been touted as a future England wicket-keeper for some time now. He made his International debut in the West Indies early this year, top-scoring in a Twenty20 match with 27. There is no doubt that Davies has the potential to become and England regular, and he would certainly fit in very well in the side.
3. James Taylor - Leicestershire.Having bowled at James myself (I attended the same school), I know exactly how good a player he is. He has received high praise from his colleagues at Grace Road, and with two First-Class hundreds under his belt already, it is clear James has found the step up to the big time rather easier than most. Now a regular in Leicestershire's young side, and a prominent figure in the under19 set-up, James' next challenge is to reach the full National side, which doesn't seem too far off, especially if he carries on performing like he is.
4. Daniel Redfern - Derbyshire.Redfern hasn't quite made the impression on the County Circuit that many people expected him too, but with experience at under19 level behind him, he will be looking to establish himself in the Derbyshire side, and in 4 or 5 years push for a spot in the National team. A lot of hard work to be done however, for Daniel.
5. Eoin Morgan - Middlesex.Morgan has been a consistent run scorer in the Middlesex middle order for a few years now, and was rewarded with a place in England's ODI squad for the short series against the West Indies, and was named in England's 15 for the World Twenty20. The left hander, who made the jump from Ireland to England earlier this year will be looking to hold down a spot in England's One-Day middle order, and establish himself as a consistent, reliable player for England in the next few years.
6. Adil Rashid - Yorkshire.Rashid made a fantastic start to his First-Class career taking 6-67 against Warwickshire at Scarborough. Since then he has averaged below 35 with the ball and a touch above 33 with the bat, including two mature hundreds. He has experience at International level after touring the West Indies in the winter and being involved in England's squad for the World Twenty20 this year. In the next 12 to 18 months Rashid is expected to become a part of England's Test and ODI plans.
7. Tim Bresnan - Yorkshire.Another Yorkshireman making strides to the big time, Bresnan has already been capped at ODI, Test, and T20I level. He's constantly been on the fringes of selection and now with the retirement of Andrew Flintoff after the Ashes, Bresnan must be confident of stepping into his shoes.
8. Liam Dawson - Hampshire.Left-arm spinner, and talented right handed batsman Dawson has made big strides since making his Hampshire debut back in 2007. Dawson has a Championship hundred and a few fifties under his belt, and if his bowling can keep developing then he must be a contender to fill the all-rounder spot in years to come.
9. Azeem Rafiq - Yorkshire.Like Adil Rashid, Rafiq made an impressive start to his First-class career taking wickets and even scoring a hundred in the Championship. It's early days but Rafiq looks a hot prospect for the future and with England's constant need for a class spinner, Rafiq could develop into the answer.
10. Chris Woakes - Warwickshire.Another young quick bowler, who relies on seam movement and swing rather than exceptional pace. Ashley Giles, Warwickshire's Director of Cricket, has high hopes for Woakes, and he was selected in England's 30 man provisional squad for the 2009 World Twenty20.
11. Steven Finn - Middlesex.
Finn has burst on the scene for Middlesex, and the 6ft8 fast bowler will surely be on the tongues of England selectors in the next couple of years. A must for the future, but like all quick bowlers of his type, staying fit will be key to a successful career.
Bell finds his match
Fulham's new Norweigan signing Bjorn Helge Riise - younger Brother of ex-Liverpool star John Arne - has already made an impression on me without even kicking a ball. He's a complete ringer to England cricketer Ian Bell!
I saw Bjorn Helge in an interview on Sky Sports News this morning, and the likeness is uncanny. Riise was bought from Norweigan club Lillestrom for an undisclosed fee. Not only do they both look identical, they're also both in the news this morning. Crackin'!
I saw Bjorn Helge in an interview on Sky Sports News this morning, and the likeness is uncanny. Riise was bought from Norweigan club Lillestrom for an undisclosed fee. Not only do they both look identical, they're also both in the news this morning. Crackin'!
Beckham's out-of-character antics cause a stir
Cool, calm, and collected are words you'd associate with English football icon David Beckham. Throughout his career Beckham has prided himself on his discipline on the football pitch, but his recent ugly confrontation with a Los Angeles Galaxy fan has come as a surprise to everyone.
Beckham has been used to his fair share of abuse and banter from the crowd, ever since his famous kick at Argentina's Diego Simeone during the 1998 World Cup in France. He received numerous death threats following that incident, and it seems he has learnt from that very big mistake. From then on in you would be pushed to find an incident where Beckham lost his discipline or got involved in a brawl on or off the pitch. However during the Galaxy's 2-2 friendly draw with AC Milan at the weekend, it seems that one fan pushed it just a little too far.
Following Beckham's five month loan spell at AC Milan, he received boos and jeers when running out onto the pitch for kick-off, and at the half time interval, things rather boiled over. Beckham jogged over to a corner of the crowd that had been giving him abuse throughout the duration of the first half. He subsequently pointed for one fan to make his way down the steps to join him at the bottom for what Beckham claimed after the match was just to shake hands. The fan refused and after a couple a bit more finger-wagging Beckham proceeded in trying to jump the advertising hoardings and make his way into the crowd. Fortunately for that one fan, security guards and stewards managed to hold Beckham back, and who knows what would have happened had he been allowed to make his way through.
Beckham said after the match that he was receiving some non-football related abuse, that he believed had gone too far. "I tried to get the guy to come down and shake my hand, but he was having none of it." This incident brings back memories of Eric Cantona's assault on a fan at Selhurst Park in 1995, by which Cantona was suspended for 9 months. I'm not suggesting that Beckham would have done the same, but I sure as hell wouldn't have blamed him if he had. Abuse like that is totally unacceptable. Fans are there to watch football, and support their team, and of course there's going to be a host of abuse aimed at players, but one would hope only football-orientated. When people bring personal feelings into it, and bring up family issues, that's when it crosses the line. Fans like these aren't football fans. They are hooligans and they shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a football stadium.
I wouldn't know directly, but I'm sure it can be very distressing for footballers receiving abuse, whether personal, racist or what have you. FIFA, The Fa, and all the other governing bodies should be aware of the situation, and they should be all working together to fight such behaviour. The 'kick racism out of football' campaign has been relatively successful, and if we have such campaigns for personal abuse as well, then the extent to it all will be reduced. I'm all for a bit of friendly banter at a football match, as long as it doesn't enter the realms of unacceptable, which unfortunately it did on this occasion. Lets hope throughout the next season of football we have less incidents like these, so we can just get on and enjoy the beautiful game.
Beckham has been used to his fair share of abuse and banter from the crowd, ever since his famous kick at Argentina's Diego Simeone during the 1998 World Cup in France. He received numerous death threats following that incident, and it seems he has learnt from that very big mistake. From then on in you would be pushed to find an incident where Beckham lost his discipline or got involved in a brawl on or off the pitch. However during the Galaxy's 2-2 friendly draw with AC Milan at the weekend, it seems that one fan pushed it just a little too far.
Following Beckham's five month loan spell at AC Milan, he received boos and jeers when running out onto the pitch for kick-off, and at the half time interval, things rather boiled over. Beckham jogged over to a corner of the crowd that had been giving him abuse throughout the duration of the first half. He subsequently pointed for one fan to make his way down the steps to join him at the bottom for what Beckham claimed after the match was just to shake hands. The fan refused and after a couple a bit more finger-wagging Beckham proceeded in trying to jump the advertising hoardings and make his way into the crowd. Fortunately for that one fan, security guards and stewards managed to hold Beckham back, and who knows what would have happened had he been allowed to make his way through.
Beckham said after the match that he was receiving some non-football related abuse, that he believed had gone too far. "I tried to get the guy to come down and shake my hand, but he was having none of it." This incident brings back memories of Eric Cantona's assault on a fan at Selhurst Park in 1995, by which Cantona was suspended for 9 months. I'm not suggesting that Beckham would have done the same, but I sure as hell wouldn't have blamed him if he had. Abuse like that is totally unacceptable. Fans are there to watch football, and support their team, and of course there's going to be a host of abuse aimed at players, but one would hope only football-orientated. When people bring personal feelings into it, and bring up family issues, that's when it crosses the line. Fans like these aren't football fans. They are hooligans and they shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a football stadium.
I wouldn't know directly, but I'm sure it can be very distressing for footballers receiving abuse, whether personal, racist or what have you. FIFA, The Fa, and all the other governing bodies should be aware of the situation, and they should be all working together to fight such behaviour. The 'kick racism out of football' campaign has been relatively successful, and if we have such campaigns for personal abuse as well, then the extent to it all will be reduced. I'm all for a bit of friendly banter at a football match, as long as it doesn't enter the realms of unacceptable, which unfortunately it did on this occasion. Lets hope throughout the next season of football we have less incidents like these, so we can just get on and enjoy the beautiful game.
Sven takes the ultimate plunge
The name Sven-Goran Eriksson is a name you would associate with Lazio, England, Manchester City, and to a lesser extent Mexico. Therefore one would be forgiven for thinking they had misheard the latest chapter in Sven's illustrious career. But no, it is true - he will be taking the role of Director of Football at League 2 side Notts County. Take a moment to digest that.
After less than a year in charge of the Mexico National side, Eriksson has returned to England for what he describes as the biggest challenge of his career. "I am not here because of money. If I wanted lots of money I could have gone to anywhere in Europe, like Italy, where the weather is nice". The temptation of joining a club that finished 19th in League 2 last year was clearly too much for Eriksson to resist, and he believes that the club's target of reaching the Championship within 5 years is a realistic one. However, from a neutrals perspective it seems hard to comprehend just how that can be done.
Eriksson signed the contract without even viewing the team's training ground, underlining how passionate and decisive he was in taking on such a task. Notts County don't have a scouting system, but Eriksson states that installing a decent scouting system is high on his list of priorities, along with bringing in 'big-name' players, and reviewing the club's training ground standards. With Notts County having already brought in 4 players, described by manager Ian McParland as "high quality", including striker Lee Hughes, perhaps those changes are occurring quicker than you may expect.
County fans are understandably delighted with the installment of Eriksson. "It's not every day that a club like Notts County get involved with such high-calibre names. Who next, David Beckham?" one fan remarked. The cynics out there will be questioning exactly why Eriksson has joined such a club, as surely he has high-class European clubs queueing up for his signature. Notts County have recently received backing from a Middle Eastern consortium but Eriksson remains in denial over joining on a purely financial basis. Time will tell as to whether it was a wise decision from the former England boss, who will be based in Nottingham throughout his involvement in the club.
In my opinion, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Eriksson's hunger for the game is evident, but it's just a matter of time before a big club comes on the hunt for his managerial expertise and prizes him away from the grime and dirt of lower league football.
After less than a year in charge of the Mexico National side, Eriksson has returned to England for what he describes as the biggest challenge of his career. "I am not here because of money. If I wanted lots of money I could have gone to anywhere in Europe, like Italy, where the weather is nice". The temptation of joining a club that finished 19th in League 2 last year was clearly too much for Eriksson to resist, and he believes that the club's target of reaching the Championship within 5 years is a realistic one. However, from a neutrals perspective it seems hard to comprehend just how that can be done.
Eriksson signed the contract without even viewing the team's training ground, underlining how passionate and decisive he was in taking on such a task. Notts County don't have a scouting system, but Eriksson states that installing a decent scouting system is high on his list of priorities, along with bringing in 'big-name' players, and reviewing the club's training ground standards. With Notts County having already brought in 4 players, described by manager Ian McParland as "high quality", including striker Lee Hughes, perhaps those changes are occurring quicker than you may expect.
County fans are understandably delighted with the installment of Eriksson. "It's not every day that a club like Notts County get involved with such high-calibre names. Who next, David Beckham?" one fan remarked. The cynics out there will be questioning exactly why Eriksson has joined such a club, as surely he has high-class European clubs queueing up for his signature. Notts County have recently received backing from a Middle Eastern consortium but Eriksson remains in denial over joining on a purely financial basis. Time will tell as to whether it was a wise decision from the former England boss, who will be based in Nottingham throughout his involvement in the club.
In my opinion, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Eriksson's hunger for the game is evident, but it's just a matter of time before a big club comes on the hunt for his managerial expertise and prizes him away from the grime and dirt of lower league football.
Pietersen ruled out of Ashes
It has been revealed that England star Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes summer after requiring surgery on his troublesome Achilles injury. Pietersen, who has averaged 38.25 in the first two Test Matches, will be out of action for at least 6 weeks, keeping him out of the remaining 3 test matches, and the two Twenty20 Internationals starting on the 30th of August.
Despite not hitting top form in the past couple of Test Matches, Pietersen remains England's premiere batsman, and will certainly be a big loss. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Bob Willis remarked that a big score was just around the corner. Asked whether Pietersen's form was what the fans should expect from a player of his ability, Willis replied: "No it's not, we expect him (Pietersen) to be scoring big hundreds in an Ashes series, and I have no doubt that a big score was just around the corner for him". Pietersen's record against Australia is up there with the best. He averages more than 50 with a highest score of 158, statistics that back up Bob Willis' claims that he was due a big score.
Without KP in the side, there will not be a repeat of his 2005 heroics at The Oval, in the Test Match that secured England's famous Ashes victory. Pietersen's mesmeric 158 lit up the crowd that day, and will remain in the memory of all England fans, whether present at the ground or merely watching on television. Those sorts of performances have become the norm for Pietersen, who averages just below 50 in Test Cricket. His hard-hitting, aggressive nature quickly made him a fans favourite, but while his form in Test Cricket has been remarkably consistent since making his debut back in 2005, his One-Day International form has dipped. With just one ODI hundred in the last 12 months, England supporters will be hoping that he comes back stronger than ever after this latest setback, and shows the kind of One-Day form that thrust him onto the World stage in South Africa, 5 years ago. His 3 hundreds in the series remain one of the greatest feats in English One-Day Cricket. Pietersen will be a key player during the ODI series later this summer, and a fit KP is a world-beater.
So who will replace him for the next 3 Test Matches? The obvious candidate is Ian Bell, and he is certainly the man getting all the mentions right now. Bell is averaging 80 in the County Championship this season, and this kind of form surely has to put him at the top of the list. Another name mentioned has been Robert Key. Kent's captain has also been scoring runs recently, and this could be Key's last chance to push for a place in the side. However with Bell's International experience and with age on his side, it would be somewhat of a surprise should he not be named in the XI come next Thursday. Bell's record against Australia is less than impressive, with an average of just over 25. His record at Edgbaston (the venue for the next Test) is even worse, averaging a run less. If Bell is to fill the shoes of Pietersen over the next few weeks, he will need to drastically improve on those statistics. He has been criticised in the past for not converting 40's and 50's into big hundreds, and if there was ever a time for him to hush those critics it is now.
Despite not hitting top form in the past couple of Test Matches, Pietersen remains England's premiere batsman, and will certainly be a big loss. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Bob Willis remarked that a big score was just around the corner. Asked whether Pietersen's form was what the fans should expect from a player of his ability, Willis replied: "No it's not, we expect him (Pietersen) to be scoring big hundreds in an Ashes series, and I have no doubt that a big score was just around the corner for him". Pietersen's record against Australia is up there with the best. He averages more than 50 with a highest score of 158, statistics that back up Bob Willis' claims that he was due a big score.
Without KP in the side, there will not be a repeat of his 2005 heroics at The Oval, in the Test Match that secured England's famous Ashes victory. Pietersen's mesmeric 158 lit up the crowd that day, and will remain in the memory of all England fans, whether present at the ground or merely watching on television. Those sorts of performances have become the norm for Pietersen, who averages just below 50 in Test Cricket. His hard-hitting, aggressive nature quickly made him a fans favourite, but while his form in Test Cricket has been remarkably consistent since making his debut back in 2005, his One-Day International form has dipped. With just one ODI hundred in the last 12 months, England supporters will be hoping that he comes back stronger than ever after this latest setback, and shows the kind of One-Day form that thrust him onto the World stage in South Africa, 5 years ago. His 3 hundreds in the series remain one of the greatest feats in English One-Day Cricket. Pietersen will be a key player during the ODI series later this summer, and a fit KP is a world-beater.
So who will replace him for the next 3 Test Matches? The obvious candidate is Ian Bell, and he is certainly the man getting all the mentions right now. Bell is averaging 80 in the County Championship this season, and this kind of form surely has to put him at the top of the list. Another name mentioned has been Robert Key. Kent's captain has also been scoring runs recently, and this could be Key's last chance to push for a place in the side. However with Bell's International experience and with age on his side, it would be somewhat of a surprise should he not be named in the XI come next Thursday. Bell's record against Australia is less than impressive, with an average of just over 25. His record at Edgbaston (the venue for the next Test) is even worse, averaging a run less. If Bell is to fill the shoes of Pietersen over the next few weeks, he will need to drastically improve on those statistics. He has been criticised in the past for not converting 40's and 50's into big hundreds, and if there was ever a time for him to hush those critics it is now.
Thursday 16 July 2009
Freddie to bow out after Ashes
England cricketing hero Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff is to retire from Test cricket after the ongoing Ashes series. Flintoff has had a series of serious injuries in the last 18 months, and his most recent knee injury has prompted him to call time on his stop-start career.
Flintoff will be remembered most by English fans for his incredible individual performances in the 2005 Ashes series in this country. In his first series against the old enemy he lifted the crowd when times were hard, he had the wool over Adam Gilchrist through the whole of the summer, and he completely rattled a side that, prior to arriving in England, looked invincible. The most touching moment of that series came after the dismissal of Michael Kasprowicz at Edgbaston, in what has been touted the greatest Test Match of all time. Flintoff's gesture of consolation and admiration for Brett Lee left goosebumps on the skin of even the 'hardest' cricket fans.
Throughout his career Flintoff found himself on the back page of the paper on numerous occasions, sometimes for the wrong reasons. He was seen staggering out of number 10 Downing Street following England's victory in 2005, although that's understandable and indeed, forgivable. In 2007 he made the headlines for taking a drunken trip on a pedalo during the World Cup, the same night as England's opening match defeat to New Zealand. And in 2009, just days before the commencement of the Ashes, he missed a team bus heading for the memorial of those who died in World War II. Flintoff has always had a 'bad boy' side to him, as did Ian Botham, whom Andrew Flintoff constantly gets compared to. Botham was the prime example of the bad boy cricketer, spending numerous evenings in nightclubs, and at one point, when England captain, banning the whole team from training. Perhaps Flintoff can be forgiven, due to his phenominal ability with a cricket ball.
Not only have Flintoff's misdemeanours made the headlines in the past, but an injury-ridden career has had it's fair share of articles.
1999 -Returns from his maiden international tour, of South Africa, early with a broken foot.
Flintoff will be remembered most by English fans for his incredible individual performances in the 2005 Ashes series in this country. In his first series against the old enemy he lifted the crowd when times were hard, he had the wool over Adam Gilchrist through the whole of the summer, and he completely rattled a side that, prior to arriving in England, looked invincible. The most touching moment of that series came after the dismissal of Michael Kasprowicz at Edgbaston, in what has been touted the greatest Test Match of all time. Flintoff's gesture of consolation and admiration for Brett Lee left goosebumps on the skin of even the 'hardest' cricket fans.
Throughout his career Flintoff found himself on the back page of the paper on numerous occasions, sometimes for the wrong reasons. He was seen staggering out of number 10 Downing Street following England's victory in 2005, although that's understandable and indeed, forgivable. In 2007 he made the headlines for taking a drunken trip on a pedalo during the World Cup, the same night as England's opening match defeat to New Zealand. And in 2009, just days before the commencement of the Ashes, he missed a team bus heading for the memorial of those who died in World War II. Flintoff has always had a 'bad boy' side to him, as did Ian Botham, whom Andrew Flintoff constantly gets compared to. Botham was the prime example of the bad boy cricketer, spending numerous evenings in nightclubs, and at one point, when England captain, banning the whole team from training. Perhaps Flintoff can be forgiven, due to his phenominal ability with a cricket ball.
Not only have Flintoff's misdemeanours made the headlines in the past, but an injury-ridden career has had it's fair share of articles.
1999 -Returns from his maiden international tour, of South Africa, early with a broken foot.
2000- A back injury rules him out of the tour to Pakistan.
2002- Delays a hernia operation in an attempt to complete the tour of India, but ends up missing the final Test Match.
Also misses the chance to make his Ashes debut, after suffering with a groin problem.
2003- Plays in the World Cup in South Africa, but misses out on home Tests against Zimbabwe with a shoulder injury, picked up after being hit in the nets by fellow Lancastrian Sajid Mahmood.
2005- Returns from South Africa after Test Matches to have ankle surgery, prompting him to miss the One-Day Internationals. Luckily for him and England, he is fit for the home season, including the victorious Ashes series in which he played a major part.
2006- Captains England against Sri Lanka but is then set back by another ankle injury and more surgery, keeping him out of action for 12 weeks. He returns to captain England in the Ashes down under.
2007- More surgery for Flintoff after the Caribbean World Cup, and misses most of the home season before returning for the One-Day Internationals against India. However, he doesn't play a full part in the series, because of, you guessed it, more ankle trouble.
Limps through the World Twenty20 and requires more surgery after. He misses the winter Internationals.
2008- Was due to play against New Zealand at home but picks up a side strain while bowling for Lancashire. His comeback is delayed for the second Test Match against South Africa at Headingly.
2009- Returns from the West Indies after the third Test with a hip injury, but returns for the ODI's.
IPL stint with Chennai Super Kings is cut short after a knee injury, and he is kept out of the World Twenty20 in England soon after.
Knee swells up again during 1st Test of the Ashes, and announces retirement from Test Match cricket soon after.
There is no doubt that Andrew Flintoff has been one of England's greatest all-rounders of all time. His big frame, vociferous character, and tremendous ability on the cricket field quickly made him a fan's favourite. Without Flintoff in the side, England are a weaker side, and he will be greatly missed in the Test arena. Lets hope that this particular decision has a positive affect on England's One-Day fortunes, and if he can stay fit, he still has a lot to offer his country. That's a big 'if' though. He will continue his contract with Chennai in the IPL also, allowing him freedom to play - something he relishes. Thank you Fred, for being a truly fantastic servant to English cricket.
Sunday 12 July 2009
Eye on England: Sam Northeast
Sam Northeast. 16/10/1989. Kent CCC
Sam Northeast first made an impression at the tender age of 13, whereby he scored 19 hundreds in a term, before at the age of 14 representing Harrow 1st XI, where he more than held his own. He made his Kent debut in 2007 against Durham in a Championship match, but only managed 5 and 0.
However, he burst onto the scene during the 2009 season, where his impressive performances at the top of the Kent order have highlighted him as a probably England star in the future. He is still only 19, and representing England at that level. His consistent run-scoring at youth levels will stand him in good stead for the future, where he will no doubt come up against some of the players he has scored heavily against for the under-19 side. His current first class record stands at 5 matches, 237 runs, an average of just below 30, with two fifties and a highest of 87. A record that will undoubtedly be improved upon very soon indeed. Remember the name.
However, he burst onto the scene during the 2009 season, where his impressive performances at the top of the Kent order have highlighted him as a probably England star in the future. He is still only 19, and representing England at that level. His consistent run-scoring at youth levels will stand him in good stead for the future, where he will no doubt come up against some of the players he has scored heavily against for the under-19 side. His current first class record stands at 5 matches, 237 runs, an average of just below 30, with two fifties and a highest of 87. A record that will undoubtedly be improved upon very soon indeed. Remember the name.
Cash in boys!
England's excuse for a Cricket team once again failed to turn up this week - this time for the 1st Ashes test match at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
England's first innings total of 435 actually drew half a smile to my face, and for one moment I believed we could win the Ashes! But no. Australia managed to rack up nigh-on 700, with only the loss of 6 wickets. Their innings included 4 centurions - Simon Katich (122), Ricky Ponting (150), Marcus North (125*), and Brad Haddin (121). Once again, England's individual inability to bring up the gallon was their downfall, and they now find themselves trailing by 137 at Lunch on the last day, with only 5 wickets remaining.
Just what is it about English cricketers that gives them this unique ability to unimpress time after time? They have the talent. They have the coaching. They have the brains. The only thinkable reason is that they earn more money from the bad press they receive the following morning. No? Beyond me!
I long for the day when we, as England fans, can celebrate a Test Match hundred against a decent nation. West Indies were dreadful, lets face it. Scoring a century against them is like taking candy from a 2 year-old. It's about time that these cricketers, who earn plentiful amounts to entertain us, and bring home silverware for their country, step up and actually play to their potential ability. I'm fed up, and the whole of the nation are fed up, with mediocrity and under-par performances from so-called 'world-class' players.
Maybe we should take an example from the Irish. For the second major tournament running, they managed to upset a test-playing nation, and find themselves in the second stage. They have a captain, William Porterfield, who leads from the front. They have the hard hitting Kevin O'Brien who has an ability that no England player bar KP seems to possess, in hitting sixes, and they have a reliable, experienced opening bowler in Trent Johnston. I know that Ireland are yet to play Test Match cricket, but the same principles are there. Be aggressive, take the initiative, attack the Aussies, and win the blasted match by hitting blasted centuries! Hello, but if four Australians can do it, surely at least ONE Englishmen can rise to the not so big challenge?
England's first innings total of 435 actually drew half a smile to my face, and for one moment I believed we could win the Ashes! But no. Australia managed to rack up nigh-on 700, with only the loss of 6 wickets. Their innings included 4 centurions - Simon Katich (122), Ricky Ponting (150), Marcus North (125*), and Brad Haddin (121). Once again, England's individual inability to bring up the gallon was their downfall, and they now find themselves trailing by 137 at Lunch on the last day, with only 5 wickets remaining.
Just what is it about English cricketers that gives them this unique ability to unimpress time after time? They have the talent. They have the coaching. They have the brains. The only thinkable reason is that they earn more money from the bad press they receive the following morning. No? Beyond me!
I long for the day when we, as England fans, can celebrate a Test Match hundred against a decent nation. West Indies were dreadful, lets face it. Scoring a century against them is like taking candy from a 2 year-old. It's about time that these cricketers, who earn plentiful amounts to entertain us, and bring home silverware for their country, step up and actually play to their potential ability. I'm fed up, and the whole of the nation are fed up, with mediocrity and under-par performances from so-called 'world-class' players.
Maybe we should take an example from the Irish. For the second major tournament running, they managed to upset a test-playing nation, and find themselves in the second stage. They have a captain, William Porterfield, who leads from the front. They have the hard hitting Kevin O'Brien who has an ability that no England player bar KP seems to possess, in hitting sixes, and they have a reliable, experienced opening bowler in Trent Johnston. I know that Ireland are yet to play Test Match cricket, but the same principles are there. Be aggressive, take the initiative, attack the Aussies, and win the blasted match by hitting blasted centuries! Hello, but if four Australians can do it, surely at least ONE Englishmen can rise to the not so big challenge?
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