England's bowlers produced two highly contrasting displays to take a 2-1 lead in the ODI series against South Africa with one fixture remaining. The Protees were able to take advantage of a poor display from the English attack on Friday, but had no answer to a more controlled and ruthless performance on Sunday.
The game on Friday had many highlights, but the match will be remembered for AB de Villiers stunning century to take his side to a total which England never looked like chasing down, even on a friendly surface. The numbers game told as the English batsmen fell to shots born out of frustration and pressure.
In fairness, South Africa also put in a very disciplined shift with the ball, quickly finding the correct length to bowl on the surface and stubbornly refusing to budge from it. The result was that the English batsmen were unable to profit in the same way that de Villiers et al had done earlier in the day, tucking into a mixture of half volleys and long hops on their way to 354-6.
However, if there was a clear contrast between the two bowling units on Friday, the difference in England's seam attack from that humiliating annihilation to their resurgence on Sunday was the equivalent of night and day. Broad, Bresnan and in particular Anderson gave away nothing, turning the screws with the grim satisfaction of a medieval torturer. Anderson will undoubtedly get the headlines for his superb five wicket haul but Bresnan once more looks as if he is growing into international cricket, and his miserly spell helped to assert the pressure which gave Anderson his victims. Broad's spell on the Sunday will also have been a pleasing sight to Flower and Strauss. After going round the park in Cape Town he looked much less ring rusty and got some good overs under his belt.
The one disappointment for England will have been Luke Wright, who in many ways sums up England's side at the moment. He is a player capable of pulling off the sublime, both in the field as he did to dismiss Peterson and with the ball, but he seems to lack the consistancy that fans and captains alike desire at this level. He was the only player on Sunday who made Friday's mistakes; perhaps spending too much time trying to outwit the batsman with slower balls and yorkers which failed to hit the mark. If this series has shown anything to both sides it is that while variations are useful, there is no replacement for a tight line and finding the length best suited to the wicket.
While England continue to put in mixed performances South Africa seem to have a totally different problem. England's issues stem from a lack of consistancy, but looking at both the team and the squad the balance seems good. As noted in last week's blog, everyone seems to be int he right position and although the personel may change both the bowling and batting units seem to potentially offer all the right qualities in all the right places. In contrast, South Africa seem stumped as to how to balance their side without Jacques Kallis. Just as England struggled when they first lost Flintoff, the Protees seem clueless as to who should play where when the talismanic all rounder is unavailable.
Many South African fans will find the decision to have a player of Herschelle Gibbs' quality carrying the drinks when the batting seems a man light is odd indeed. If he is seen as disruptive for his actions off the field then he shouldn't be around the squad, but if he is then surely he could add some steel and experience to a top order that if pressurised looks light on both. If England bowl as poorly as they did in Cape Town then perhaps it won't be an issue, but if they are able to put on a display of unified discipline as they did on Sunday then Graeme Smith's men may suffer a rare home series defeat.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Collingwood and Trott give England the Iniative
A magnificent unbeaten century from Paul Collingwood helped England defeat South Africa by 7 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the ODI series. Chasing the Proteas 250 he shared a partnership of 162 with Jonathon Trott to place England within sight of victory before Eoigan Morgan finished the job with a swashbucking 27 from 18 balls.
England had already impressed with the ball, reducing South Africa to 165 for 6 before Peterson and Boucher had marshalled Graeme Smith's men to a competative 250. Collingwood had already caught the eye with a stunning diving catch to dismiss AB de Villiers before sharing a somewhat surprising bowling partnership with Trott. The pitch itself seemed to favour more medium paced bowling and the pair combined to return joint figures of 2 for 45 from 13 overs, capping a wonderful day as captain for Andrew Strauss who saw his bowling changes result in immediate wickets on 4 seperate occasions. To use up so many overs not only ensured that the main seam attack of Anderson (3 for 60), Bresnan (2 for 46), Wright and Mahmoood was ably supported in the middle of the innings, but also made up for the limited use of Rashid, who would have been expected to offer more than the expensive 3 overs he managed.
Bresnan and Wright were particularly impressive, having been dealt with so harshly in the Pro20 matches they were back on their metal, doing the basics well and backed up for the most part by an energetic fielding performance. Andrew Strauss's inability to hold on to 2 very basic chances were the only major blots on a England's copy book as the South African's struggled to take charge with a line up which looked decidedly light on genuine top order ability without the injured Kallis.
While England had relied on the taking the pace off the ball, South Africa didn't have anyone in the same mould as Trott or Collingwood and were unable to take advantage of the slight slowness in the track. Trott impressed at the top of the order with a well paced 87 but it was Collingwood, earning a record 171 ODI caps who guided England home with his fifth one day century.
The match as a whole was a lesson in how vital it is have a balance in your side. England only used one more bowler than the Proteas, but there was a lot more variety in their attack. Anderson and Bresnan offer swing at good pace, while Wright can hit the deck hard and is quicker than he seems. With Collingwood and now Trott bowling tight areas at a tricky medium the seam department is multi-dimensional, especially compared to the South African attack. On another day they could have turned to spin with Rashid or even Pieterson but the key in this shorter format is for the captain to have a variety of options.
In contrast, Graeme Smith will have looked at Steyn, McLaren and Langeveldt and known that even though they bowl at slightly different paces they all rely on swing and skid onto the batsmen. Albie Morkel is not yet the finished article and although van der Merwe continues to improve he does not have the depth of backup bowling that Strauss has, and as a result needs the conditions to favour his frontline attack.
The same could be said of the two batting line ups on display today. Trott's county experience as an opener showed, and throughout the middle order you saw people who knew the position they were in. Pieterson should have been England's no.3 for years, while Collingwood's experience and recent developments as an attacking force make him a natural foil for Morgan and Prior at 5 and 6. Beyond that, Wright and Bresnan are more than strong finishers as they showed against Australia in the Champion's Trophy semi-final and Rashid has several first class centuries to his name. The Proteas clearly struggled to balance their team without Kallis, and as a result nearly the entire line up looked like they were batting one position higher than they their attributes suit and Graeme Smith will be praying that Kallis is fit to bolster and balance both his batting and bowling attacks.
Both sides have time on their side before next Friday's fixture, as England hope that Swann and Broad will be fit with Mahmood and Rashid the likely players to miss out. Strauss can only hope that bringing in these players with so little match practice doesn't disrupt the balance which served them so well today.
England had already impressed with the ball, reducing South Africa to 165 for 6 before Peterson and Boucher had marshalled Graeme Smith's men to a competative 250. Collingwood had already caught the eye with a stunning diving catch to dismiss AB de Villiers before sharing a somewhat surprising bowling partnership with Trott. The pitch itself seemed to favour more medium paced bowling and the pair combined to return joint figures of 2 for 45 from 13 overs, capping a wonderful day as captain for Andrew Strauss who saw his bowling changes result in immediate wickets on 4 seperate occasions. To use up so many overs not only ensured that the main seam attack of Anderson (3 for 60), Bresnan (2 for 46), Wright and Mahmoood was ably supported in the middle of the innings, but also made up for the limited use of Rashid, who would have been expected to offer more than the expensive 3 overs he managed.
Bresnan and Wright were particularly impressive, having been dealt with so harshly in the Pro20 matches they were back on their metal, doing the basics well and backed up for the most part by an energetic fielding performance. Andrew Strauss's inability to hold on to 2 very basic chances were the only major blots on a England's copy book as the South African's struggled to take charge with a line up which looked decidedly light on genuine top order ability without the injured Kallis.
While England had relied on the taking the pace off the ball, South Africa didn't have anyone in the same mould as Trott or Collingwood and were unable to take advantage of the slight slowness in the track. Trott impressed at the top of the order with a well paced 87 but it was Collingwood, earning a record 171 ODI caps who guided England home with his fifth one day century.
The match as a whole was a lesson in how vital it is have a balance in your side. England only used one more bowler than the Proteas, but there was a lot more variety in their attack. Anderson and Bresnan offer swing at good pace, while Wright can hit the deck hard and is quicker than he seems. With Collingwood and now Trott bowling tight areas at a tricky medium the seam department is multi-dimensional, especially compared to the South African attack. On another day they could have turned to spin with Rashid or even Pieterson but the key in this shorter format is for the captain to have a variety of options.
In contrast, Graeme Smith will have looked at Steyn, McLaren and Langeveldt and known that even though they bowl at slightly different paces they all rely on swing and skid onto the batsmen. Albie Morkel is not yet the finished article and although van der Merwe continues to improve he does not have the depth of backup bowling that Strauss has, and as a result needs the conditions to favour his frontline attack.
The same could be said of the two batting line ups on display today. Trott's county experience as an opener showed, and throughout the middle order you saw people who knew the position they were in. Pieterson should have been England's no.3 for years, while Collingwood's experience and recent developments as an attacking force make him a natural foil for Morgan and Prior at 5 and 6. Beyond that, Wright and Bresnan are more than strong finishers as they showed against Australia in the Champion's Trophy semi-final and Rashid has several first class centuries to his name. The Proteas clearly struggled to balance their team without Kallis, and as a result nearly the entire line up looked like they were batting one position higher than they their attributes suit and Graeme Smith will be praying that Kallis is fit to bolster and balance both his batting and bowling attacks.
Both sides have time on their side before next Friday's fixture, as England hope that Swann and Broad will be fit with Mahmood and Rashid the likely players to miss out. Strauss can only hope that bringing in these players with so little match practice doesn't disrupt the balance which served them so well today.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
South Africa Smash Records En Route to Victory
A masterclass of clean hitting from Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman gave South Africa a colossal 84 run victory in the final Pro20 match at Centurian.
With Collingwood and Swann added to the injury list England brought in Rashid and (ahead of schedule) Kevin Pieterson, offering Alistair Cook the opportunity to captain his country for the first time. As a result England took to the field with only 2 players boasting 10 or more international Pro20 caps and the inexperience told under the pressure of the Proteas attack. England looked a little frenetic and void of ideas in the face of such clean hitting and looked devoid of ideas once the initial game plan was swiftly undone.
That said, there are few sides that would not look a little fraught under the pressure applied by Bosman and his captain in a record stand of 170. The two hit fifteen maximums between them, equalling the previous record for a Pro20 inside 16 overs before Albie Morkel and de Villiers added one apiece as South Africa posted an intimidating 241 for 6.
Although the class of the batting in undeniable, England will have been frustrated by their inability to apply the lessons learnt from the first Pro20, serving up a mixture of full tosses, half volleys and long hops. The bowling, perhaps understandably had an air of desperation, as England seemed more concerned about finding a magic delivery than bowling disciplined length and (in particular) line. With the exception of Jimmy Anderson they all erred, and many will need to improve their basic disciplines if they wish to oust Onions, Broad, or Swann once they return from injury.
England's response looked somewhat lacklustre as they looked to surpass such a monumental total, but although the decision to open with the more circumspect Denly and Cook in favour of Luke Wright seemed to deny the task facing them 154 is actually an above par score for that ground. Jonathon Trott looked assured once more as he amassed an impressive half century, while Kevin Pieterson looked in good touch and (more importantly) fit. With Morgan and Prior to back them up and Collingwood and Strauss to slot in England's batting order has a sense of both solidity and flair.
Whilst the only selection headache in the batting lineup is whether to open with Denly or Cook, the bowling department may select itself for a different reason. With Swann joining Broad on the sidelines and Anderson not 100% fit, the selectors face a difficult task, as the majority of the bowling attack failed to cover itself in glory in either Pro20 outings.
As noted in the previous articule, these two matches have failed to give either side any particular advantage before the more serious aspects of the tour start in earnest. Both are capable of playing scintilating cricket, but I would expect the South African's to triumph. In all aspects of the game England are capable of producing brilliance, and their bullish new attitude in terms of batting is a clear step in the right direction. However, as they showed at Centurion, Graeme Smith's men are equally capable and to my mind are more likely to show this level consistantly. As a result I would expect the Proteas to triumph in the seven match series, although don't be shocked if England let them have it all their own way.
With Collingwood and Swann added to the injury list England brought in Rashid and (ahead of schedule) Kevin Pieterson, offering Alistair Cook the opportunity to captain his country for the first time. As a result England took to the field with only 2 players boasting 10 or more international Pro20 caps and the inexperience told under the pressure of the Proteas attack. England looked a little frenetic and void of ideas in the face of such clean hitting and looked devoid of ideas once the initial game plan was swiftly undone.
That said, there are few sides that would not look a little fraught under the pressure applied by Bosman and his captain in a record stand of 170. The two hit fifteen maximums between them, equalling the previous record for a Pro20 inside 16 overs before Albie Morkel and de Villiers added one apiece as South Africa posted an intimidating 241 for 6.
Although the class of the batting in undeniable, England will have been frustrated by their inability to apply the lessons learnt from the first Pro20, serving up a mixture of full tosses, half volleys and long hops. The bowling, perhaps understandably had an air of desperation, as England seemed more concerned about finding a magic delivery than bowling disciplined length and (in particular) line. With the exception of Jimmy Anderson they all erred, and many will need to improve their basic disciplines if they wish to oust Onions, Broad, or Swann once they return from injury.
England's response looked somewhat lacklustre as they looked to surpass such a monumental total, but although the decision to open with the more circumspect Denly and Cook in favour of Luke Wright seemed to deny the task facing them 154 is actually an above par score for that ground. Jonathon Trott looked assured once more as he amassed an impressive half century, while Kevin Pieterson looked in good touch and (more importantly) fit. With Morgan and Prior to back them up and Collingwood and Strauss to slot in England's batting order has a sense of both solidity and flair.
Whilst the only selection headache in the batting lineup is whether to open with Denly or Cook, the bowling department may select itself for a different reason. With Swann joining Broad on the sidelines and Anderson not 100% fit, the selectors face a difficult task, as the majority of the bowling attack failed to cover itself in glory in either Pro20 outings.
As noted in the previous articule, these two matches have failed to give either side any particular advantage before the more serious aspects of the tour start in earnest. Both are capable of playing scintilating cricket, but I would expect the South African's to triumph. In all aspects of the game England are capable of producing brilliance, and their bullish new attitude in terms of batting is a clear step in the right direction. However, as they showed at Centurion, Graeme Smith's men are equally capable and to my mind are more likely to show this level consistantly. As a result I would expect the Proteas to triumph in the seven match series, although don't be shocked if England let them have it all their own way.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
England Set Tone for Tour
England triumphied by one run on the Duckworth Lewis method last night in the tour curtain-raiser at the Bull Ring in Johannesburg, but it was the manner of performance rather than the result which will have left Andy Flower and the England camp feeling very satisfied with how the tourists are preparing for the more serious business that follow these Pro20 hors d'oeuvres.
The Champion's Trophy had shown glimpses of a new English attitude towards the shorter forms of the game. Throughout that tournament England played with a previously unseen freedom. Gone were the singles and nudges which had so often resulted in lifeless middle overs, and batsmen who had spent so much of their recent careers seemingly so afraid of losing their wickets that they were unwilling to chance their arm for victory were reborn or replaced with a middle order capable of both finding and clearing the rope.
The result was that Andrew Strauss's men notched up some impressive scalps and returned to England with renewed optimism that they could compete with the best in the world over one day as well as five. It was vital that they began this tour in the same frame of mind; playing fearless cricket in order to assert themselves against such fine opposition.
In truth, the result last night was of little importance. Obviously it is always better to win than to lose but in truth both the result last night and in Sunday's repeat fixture will have little bearing on the overall complexion of either the ODI or Test series. They serve merely to hype the upcoming series and neither side would trade victory in these two fixtures for overall supremacy in the older formats.
So if the financial bonuses are taken out of the equation, what (if any) is the pure cricketting value of these fixtures where victory is of such comparative unimportance? The only way to make an impression in these fixtures is to play aggressive and fearless cricket, making a clear statement of intent. If England were to play the way they did a couple of months ago and lose, they would have a much better chance of winning the mind games before the ODI series begins next Friday.
When Joe Denly was dismissed first ball it would have given England the perfect excuse to retreat back into their shell and revert to their old ways, but as Jonathon Trott took 18 of Dale Steyn's first over it was clear that this was not on the cards. Trott himself was run out after a moment of hesitation for an impressive 33, allowing Morgan to join Collingwood and share a partnership of 98 for the fourth wicket.
Collingwood's innings was perhaps the best illustration of the new mentality Flower has instilled. The archetypal grafter, so often in recent years either unable or unwilling to wrest the initiative from the opposition had a swagger to accompany his new high backlift. Not only did he look a more imposing proposition at the crease, he looked more relaxed than I recall seeing him in recent years and it clearly paid off as he cleared the rope 4 times on his way to an quickfire half century.
Although Collingwood may have looked like a new man, it was the relatively inexperienced Morgan, continuing his good form from the Champion's Trophy who rightly drew most plaudits. His 85* from a mere 45 deliveries had literally everything that has been lacking in an English middle order in coloured kit. A phenomenally powerful man for his size he combined intelligent placement with brutal inside out hitting, as well as moments of improvisation and inspiration.
Two of his five maximums will have left Graeme Smith under no doubt that England's middle order is no longer content to merely let overs tick by. Hitting Steyn out of the ground was magical, but is almost forgettable compared to the arrogant flick over fine leg in the final over off Charl Langeveldt. Over recent years we have seen the switch hit, the Dil-scoop, but this required all the bravery of Dilshan's innovation as well as the movement of the switch hit. Put simply, this boy is very special.
He is also surrounded by a fresh middle order which, in virtue of the qualities the players not only have but are allowed to express doesn't put pressure on itself in the ways of old. Trott, the revitalised Collingwood, Prior and Wright are all shot makers, so it is less that those stale periods, often followed by a flurry of wickets as scared players try and overhit their way out of trouble will be allowed to happen.
The bowlers will have been disappointed with their inability to bowl tighter lines, but the replacement of Mahmood with Anderson as the rain came down meant England were able to keep the South African's at behind the required target. Although the track was excellent for strokeplay they will be aware that as a unit they will need to improve, and it isn't impossible the Broad and possibly Onions will return on Sunday with that level of control in mind.
Most importantly though, England have clearly arrived with business in mind on this winter tour. They have not suddenly become world beaters and there will be times when their strokeplay gets them into trouble. If you require comparison think of Newcastle United under Keegan in the 90's: great to watch, very entertaining, but always with more than a tinge of risk. It will bring victory far more often than the old, tentative approach but more importantly in the context of this tour it has made sure the Proteas know they are in for a tough few months.
The Champion's Trophy had shown glimpses of a new English attitude towards the shorter forms of the game. Throughout that tournament England played with a previously unseen freedom. Gone were the singles and nudges which had so often resulted in lifeless middle overs, and batsmen who had spent so much of their recent careers seemingly so afraid of losing their wickets that they were unwilling to chance their arm for victory were reborn or replaced with a middle order capable of both finding and clearing the rope.
The result was that Andrew Strauss's men notched up some impressive scalps and returned to England with renewed optimism that they could compete with the best in the world over one day as well as five. It was vital that they began this tour in the same frame of mind; playing fearless cricket in order to assert themselves against such fine opposition.
In truth, the result last night was of little importance. Obviously it is always better to win than to lose but in truth both the result last night and in Sunday's repeat fixture will have little bearing on the overall complexion of either the ODI or Test series. They serve merely to hype the upcoming series and neither side would trade victory in these two fixtures for overall supremacy in the older formats.
So if the financial bonuses are taken out of the equation, what (if any) is the pure cricketting value of these fixtures where victory is of such comparative unimportance? The only way to make an impression in these fixtures is to play aggressive and fearless cricket, making a clear statement of intent. If England were to play the way they did a couple of months ago and lose, they would have a much better chance of winning the mind games before the ODI series begins next Friday.
When Joe Denly was dismissed first ball it would have given England the perfect excuse to retreat back into their shell and revert to their old ways, but as Jonathon Trott took 18 of Dale Steyn's first over it was clear that this was not on the cards. Trott himself was run out after a moment of hesitation for an impressive 33, allowing Morgan to join Collingwood and share a partnership of 98 for the fourth wicket.
Collingwood's innings was perhaps the best illustration of the new mentality Flower has instilled. The archetypal grafter, so often in recent years either unable or unwilling to wrest the initiative from the opposition had a swagger to accompany his new high backlift. Not only did he look a more imposing proposition at the crease, he looked more relaxed than I recall seeing him in recent years and it clearly paid off as he cleared the rope 4 times on his way to an quickfire half century.
Although Collingwood may have looked like a new man, it was the relatively inexperienced Morgan, continuing his good form from the Champion's Trophy who rightly drew most plaudits. His 85* from a mere 45 deliveries had literally everything that has been lacking in an English middle order in coloured kit. A phenomenally powerful man for his size he combined intelligent placement with brutal inside out hitting, as well as moments of improvisation and inspiration.
Two of his five maximums will have left Graeme Smith under no doubt that England's middle order is no longer content to merely let overs tick by. Hitting Steyn out of the ground was magical, but is almost forgettable compared to the arrogant flick over fine leg in the final over off Charl Langeveldt. Over recent years we have seen the switch hit, the Dil-scoop, but this required all the bravery of Dilshan's innovation as well as the movement of the switch hit. Put simply, this boy is very special.
He is also surrounded by a fresh middle order which, in virtue of the qualities the players not only have but are allowed to express doesn't put pressure on itself in the ways of old. Trott, the revitalised Collingwood, Prior and Wright are all shot makers, so it is less that those stale periods, often followed by a flurry of wickets as scared players try and overhit their way out of trouble will be allowed to happen.
The bowlers will have been disappointed with their inability to bowl tighter lines, but the replacement of Mahmood with Anderson as the rain came down meant England were able to keep the South African's at behind the required target. Although the track was excellent for strokeplay they will be aware that as a unit they will need to improve, and it isn't impossible the Broad and possibly Onions will return on Sunday with that level of control in mind.
Most importantly though, England have clearly arrived with business in mind on this winter tour. They have not suddenly become world beaters and there will be times when their strokeplay gets them into trouble. If you require comparison think of Newcastle United under Keegan in the 90's: great to watch, very entertaining, but always with more than a tinge of risk. It will bring victory far more often than the old, tentative approach but more importantly in the context of this tour it has made sure the Proteas know they are in for a tough few months.
Monday, 24 August 2009
England Battle to Ashes Glory
It has been said before that there are lies, damn lies and statistics. As England and Australia reflect over the series both will contemplate that sentence with a very differing emotions.
Australia had 8 centuries to England's 2 and three of the top bowlers in the series. Only Andrew Strauss was able to compete with the Australian batsmen in terms of volume of runs as the rest of England's middle order either floundered or was chopped and changed and yet despite all the stats suggesting an Australian series victory would be guarenteed, the only numbers that count are England 2-1 Australia.
The Test itself was fascinating from the moment the teams were announced. The dominance of the Australian seamers at Headingly meant that their bowling attack remained unchanged while England called on the talismanic Flintoff and emergency batting of in form Jonathon Trott. No spinner for Australia? An untried international batsman in the most important match since 2005 for England? It was almost destined to be an intriguing Test before the first ball had been bowled.
The toss itself played an important role, particularly given the full time spinner England had at their disposal and England were able to press home their advantage with a solid display in the first innings. Bell dogged out a torrid opening hour to top score and Strauss was able lead from the front in the same style as he has done all series. However, although the pitch did have some demons in it it was impossible to say whether or not it was a par score.
In truth, as Shane Watson and Simon Katich steadily built a decent opening stand it may have been difficult to believe that there would be a result inside 4 days. Enter Stuart Broad, the man annointed by many as the natural successor to Flintoff, but one as of yet unable to provide he game changing spells of bowling associated with the great man. He produced a career-defining spell to place England firmly in the driving seat, an advantage that Trott pressed home in emphatic style.
There was always a sense that Trott wasn't going to simply score a couple of quiet 30's. He would either crash and burn and be a wonderful scapegoat for England's batting woes throughout the series or he would produce a display that would help secure the urn for his adopted country. How fortunate that the South African had read the English script rather than the Australian version. His innings was an example to Bopara, Bell and Collingwood that once you get in you don't get out until you have made the opposition pay and it was the perfect compliment to Broad's spell the day before. To bat with so much class on an occasion of such magnitude may secure his place on the plane to South Africa, but more importantly it batted Australia out of the game.
Although the Australians fought manfully from the moment England declared so far ahead it was essentially a question of when rather than if England could regain the Ashes. The only genuine blip was a magnificent partnership between Ponting and Hussey. Ponting was fighting to avoid another failed tour of England and captain, while Mr Cricket was fighting for his place after a poor tour but both played innings of astonishing bravery and determination. It took something great to end their century partnership and sure enough, it was England's go to man who provided it. Flintoff had been quiet throughout the game with only a brief second innings cameo to ignite the crowd, but as he through down the stumps to dismiss the Australian captain the crowd had their moment and rose to adore their hero. He will be missed for a great many reasons, not least of which will be his great sense of timing.
From then on England marched with relative ease towards their goal and sure enough, they retained the Ashes by finally removing the stubborn Hussey. It was the most unlikely of victories for a side that were demolished twice in the series but managed to fight back and on both occasions win the following match. What price Collingwood's innings at Cardiff or for that matter the 11 overs of fight by Monty and Jimmy Anderson?
The series will naturally draw comparison with four years ago but this was a series of less quality. In 2005 there was a memory born every minute whereas this series has been far more about the attrition and battling instincts of two young sides as opposed to the class and maturity of two sets of legends. That said this series has been no less compelling, no less emotionally draining and no less satisfying or heartbreaking for those involved. It provided a timely reminder of why the five day format is perhaps not as under threat by the shorter game as some may think and it was a wonderful example of why this game is so cherished by so many.
Australia had 8 centuries to England's 2 and three of the top bowlers in the series. Only Andrew Strauss was able to compete with the Australian batsmen in terms of volume of runs as the rest of England's middle order either floundered or was chopped and changed and yet despite all the stats suggesting an Australian series victory would be guarenteed, the only numbers that count are England 2-1 Australia.
The Test itself was fascinating from the moment the teams were announced. The dominance of the Australian seamers at Headingly meant that their bowling attack remained unchanged while England called on the talismanic Flintoff and emergency batting of in form Jonathon Trott. No spinner for Australia? An untried international batsman in the most important match since 2005 for England? It was almost destined to be an intriguing Test before the first ball had been bowled.
The toss itself played an important role, particularly given the full time spinner England had at their disposal and England were able to press home their advantage with a solid display in the first innings. Bell dogged out a torrid opening hour to top score and Strauss was able lead from the front in the same style as he has done all series. However, although the pitch did have some demons in it it was impossible to say whether or not it was a par score.
In truth, as Shane Watson and Simon Katich steadily built a decent opening stand it may have been difficult to believe that there would be a result inside 4 days. Enter Stuart Broad, the man annointed by many as the natural successor to Flintoff, but one as of yet unable to provide he game changing spells of bowling associated with the great man. He produced a career-defining spell to place England firmly in the driving seat, an advantage that Trott pressed home in emphatic style.
There was always a sense that Trott wasn't going to simply score a couple of quiet 30's. He would either crash and burn and be a wonderful scapegoat for England's batting woes throughout the series or he would produce a display that would help secure the urn for his adopted country. How fortunate that the South African had read the English script rather than the Australian version. His innings was an example to Bopara, Bell and Collingwood that once you get in you don't get out until you have made the opposition pay and it was the perfect compliment to Broad's spell the day before. To bat with so much class on an occasion of such magnitude may secure his place on the plane to South Africa, but more importantly it batted Australia out of the game.
Although the Australians fought manfully from the moment England declared so far ahead it was essentially a question of when rather than if England could regain the Ashes. The only genuine blip was a magnificent partnership between Ponting and Hussey. Ponting was fighting to avoid another failed tour of England and captain, while Mr Cricket was fighting for his place after a poor tour but both played innings of astonishing bravery and determination. It took something great to end their century partnership and sure enough, it was England's go to man who provided it. Flintoff had been quiet throughout the game with only a brief second innings cameo to ignite the crowd, but as he through down the stumps to dismiss the Australian captain the crowd had their moment and rose to adore their hero. He will be missed for a great many reasons, not least of which will be his great sense of timing.
From then on England marched with relative ease towards their goal and sure enough, they retained the Ashes by finally removing the stubborn Hussey. It was the most unlikely of victories for a side that were demolished twice in the series but managed to fight back and on both occasions win the following match. What price Collingwood's innings at Cardiff or for that matter the 11 overs of fight by Monty and Jimmy Anderson?
The series will naturally draw comparison with four years ago but this was a series of less quality. In 2005 there was a memory born every minute whereas this series has been far more about the attrition and battling instincts of two young sides as opposed to the class and maturity of two sets of legends. That said this series has been no less compelling, no less emotionally draining and no less satisfying or heartbreaking for those involved. It provided a timely reminder of why the five day format is perhaps not as under threat by the shorter game as some may think and it was a wonderful example of why this game is so cherished by so many.
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Brave Australia Powerless to Stop Freddie Fairytale
There is a reason that Test cricket is so called. With an hour to go at Cardiff Australians looked to have an all important first Test victory in the bag and had England crumbled then, who knows how the last few days may have panned out. However, that denial ensured that after dominating 90% of the game, the momentum was arguably with England.
The announcement by Flintoff before a ball had been bowled that this would be his last five day series resulted in speculation that England may be distracted, and that their last ditch efforts to save the first Test might be in some way compromised and again, so it may have been. To my mind it would come down to who won the first session: if Australia dominated then their suggestion that Freddie had distracted his team mates would seem to have come true, but if England dominated then surely it would be Freddie's perfect goodbye to HQ.
It proved to be the latter, as Strauss and Cook put on a consummate batting display, taking apart a hapless Mitchell Johnson and posting over 120 at lunch on the first morning. From that moment on it felt like it was England's game to lose. In the first innings Freddie played second fiddle to impressive displays from Anderson and latterly Onions before the decision to not enforce the follow on was announced.
With hindsight it could have been a disaster. Had Ponting run out Pieterson and caught Bopara in just the space of two overs then England would have been just 90 for 4 and in severe trouble. Instead, Prior was able to nail home England's advantage before fate had her say on the last two days.
Much will no doubt be made of what could have happened if Flintoff had been no-balled when he dismissed Katich, if Umpire Doctrove had referred Strauss's catch to the third umpire as he had done Hauritz's or indeed if Hussey had rightly been given not out off Swann but whatever is said of these events and the effect they had on the ending this Test match will be Flintoff's forever.
The aggression, the passion and the sheer force of will were all there, written in fire on that wonderfully expressive face which hurt as hard in '07 as it had smiled in '05. They were in every ball and ultimately every celebration as Freddie hauled his team over the finish line in his own unique style. Even for Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin whose brave knocks threatened momentarily to hand Australia an unlikely victory it must have been terrifying to look down the other end and see a man willing to literally destroy his own body purely to take your wicket.
There were other positives that will have been buried under the red top salute to England's one man army and they too were key in this victory. Strauss's opening knock was one to savour, while Cook's aggressive 95 reminded me briefly of how Trescothick used to bully the opening bowling, although to fall once again to a simple straight delivery will have been frustrating. Prior and Collingwood both came back well from first innings disappointments to bat Australia almost out of the game while Swann's four wicket haul will have done wonders to restore his confidence.
Obviously there will be concerns that Flintoff's body may be unable to repeat these heroics in each of the next three games, but I would be amazed if he wasn't at the very least fit for the final match of the series. Other lingering doubts hang over Onions and Pieterson who looks as though he may well have played his last game of the series as his troublesome Achilles effects not only his form but also his state of mind. However, whoever is selected at Edgbaston now is a time to celebrate and recall one of the greatest performances seen at Lord's, as well as remember that no matter how much England dominated the last five days, in the Ashes momentum can change against you as well as for you.
The announcement by Flintoff before a ball had been bowled that this would be his last five day series resulted in speculation that England may be distracted, and that their last ditch efforts to save the first Test might be in some way compromised and again, so it may have been. To my mind it would come down to who won the first session: if Australia dominated then their suggestion that Freddie had distracted his team mates would seem to have come true, but if England dominated then surely it would be Freddie's perfect goodbye to HQ.
It proved to be the latter, as Strauss and Cook put on a consummate batting display, taking apart a hapless Mitchell Johnson and posting over 120 at lunch on the first morning. From that moment on it felt like it was England's game to lose. In the first innings Freddie played second fiddle to impressive displays from Anderson and latterly Onions before the decision to not enforce the follow on was announced.
With hindsight it could have been a disaster. Had Ponting run out Pieterson and caught Bopara in just the space of two overs then England would have been just 90 for 4 and in severe trouble. Instead, Prior was able to nail home England's advantage before fate had her say on the last two days.
Much will no doubt be made of what could have happened if Flintoff had been no-balled when he dismissed Katich, if Umpire Doctrove had referred Strauss's catch to the third umpire as he had done Hauritz's or indeed if Hussey had rightly been given not out off Swann but whatever is said of these events and the effect they had on the ending this Test match will be Flintoff's forever.
The aggression, the passion and the sheer force of will were all there, written in fire on that wonderfully expressive face which hurt as hard in '07 as it had smiled in '05. They were in every ball and ultimately every celebration as Freddie hauled his team over the finish line in his own unique style. Even for Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin whose brave knocks threatened momentarily to hand Australia an unlikely victory it must have been terrifying to look down the other end and see a man willing to literally destroy his own body purely to take your wicket.
There were other positives that will have been buried under the red top salute to England's one man army and they too were key in this victory. Strauss's opening knock was one to savour, while Cook's aggressive 95 reminded me briefly of how Trescothick used to bully the opening bowling, although to fall once again to a simple straight delivery will have been frustrating. Prior and Collingwood both came back well from first innings disappointments to bat Australia almost out of the game while Swann's four wicket haul will have done wonders to restore his confidence.
Obviously there will be concerns that Flintoff's body may be unable to repeat these heroics in each of the next three games, but I would be amazed if he wasn't at the very least fit for the final match of the series. Other lingering doubts hang over Onions and Pieterson who looks as though he may well have played his last game of the series as his troublesome Achilles effects not only his form but also his state of mind. However, whoever is selected at Edgbaston now is a time to celebrate and recall one of the greatest performances seen at Lord's, as well as remember that no matter how much England dominated the last five days, in the Ashes momentum can change against you as well as for you.
Monday, 13 July 2009
England Steal back Gifts to deny Australia
For the last two weeks everyone has relived the glory of 2005. While the memories of the 5-0 whitewash a year later are banished forever, lifelong fans and '05 converts have sat together and reminisced about where they were when Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath survived the last over at Old Trafford, when Simon Jones knocked back Michael Clarke's off stump with phenomenal reverse swing and when Harmison rattled the top order greats on that first morning at Lord's. So many great moments, such great drama, surely it couldn't happen again?
The finish yesterday rivaled almost anything that was thrown up four years ago but as the performance as a whole is assessed, there can be no doubt that England got away with a result that was ultimately earned, but not deserved.
In every aspect of the game the Australians were better. In the first innings England had seven scores of 30 or more but failed to convert any of these starts into three figures. Even more frustrating was the manner in which these foundations crumbled, as so many batsmen gifted their wickets away after working so hard to wrest the initiative from Australia. A loose shot from Cook, Strauss's failure to lower his gloves and Pieterson's arrogant sweep. Bopara had already had a narrow escape from a Johnson slower ball before falling victim to a second, Flintoff yet again chopped on playing away from his body and Prior attempted an expansive drive when he needed to ensure he was there at the start of play on day 2.
By contrast, Australia converted four centuries, while Michael Clark fell only 17 runs short. They were exemplified to my mind by Simon Katich, a man who endured a torrid time on his last Ashes tour but has converted himself into a quality opening batsman, never being lured into playing outside of his limits. There were no gifts from these batsmen until quick runs were needed to hasten the declaration. Each innings was distinct from the others, ranging from the finesse of Ponting to Haddin's brute force. It was the perfect example of how this great game is one for the individual as well as the team.
Of even more concern is how the mindset didn't seem to change in many as England tried to save the game. Cook, Bopara and Swann were all out LBW playing across the line and although some could argue that Bopara got a poor decision and Swann had stuck about, a straight bat would have meant there was no need for the excuses. Pieterson had already survived one close LBW shout to a Hilfenhaus inswinger before shouldering arms to a straight delivery and the captain slashed at a wide one after already losing an early fifth day wicket. It could be argued that some of these are technical issues but to my mind these are mental and no amount of net time over the next three days will change that. Strauss needs to ensure that the application matches the undoubted talent there is throughout the England batting order.
As far as the bowling is concerned it was the lack of imagination that was most upsetting, in particular from the seamers. If the ball is not swinging then you try cutters, go around the wicket, vary the pace, but very few of these options were tried and certainly rarely stuck with. These are international players who seemed to think that the pitch and the conditions owed them something. In truth, you have to make the pitch work for you and that was forgotten as England wandered listlessly through the Australian innings.
However, although England were undoubtedly at fault for the position that Collingwood, and the bottom order dug them out of it was impossible to not be impressed by the Australians. As a team they were clearly well prepared with seperate plans for each English batsman but it was two individuals who really caught my eye. Both Brad Haddin and Nathan Hauritz were heavily questioned in many parts of the media before a ball had been bowled but they both delivered. Hauritz took as many wickets on his own as the entire England attack, comfortably outbowling both Panesar and Swann and Haddin delievered a blistering assault to take the game well out of England's hands. Both these men may not be as good as the men they replaced, but Gilchrist and Warne would arguably both walk into an All Time World XI. There are a lot of players who are not as those two, but this doesn't make them bad players or weak links and England will have received a rude awakening.
The finish yesterday rivaled almost anything that was thrown up four years ago but as the performance as a whole is assessed, there can be no doubt that England got away with a result that was ultimately earned, but not deserved.
In every aspect of the game the Australians were better. In the first innings England had seven scores of 30 or more but failed to convert any of these starts into three figures. Even more frustrating was the manner in which these foundations crumbled, as so many batsmen gifted their wickets away after working so hard to wrest the initiative from Australia. A loose shot from Cook, Strauss's failure to lower his gloves and Pieterson's arrogant sweep. Bopara had already had a narrow escape from a Johnson slower ball before falling victim to a second, Flintoff yet again chopped on playing away from his body and Prior attempted an expansive drive when he needed to ensure he was there at the start of play on day 2.
By contrast, Australia converted four centuries, while Michael Clark fell only 17 runs short. They were exemplified to my mind by Simon Katich, a man who endured a torrid time on his last Ashes tour but has converted himself into a quality opening batsman, never being lured into playing outside of his limits. There were no gifts from these batsmen until quick runs were needed to hasten the declaration. Each innings was distinct from the others, ranging from the finesse of Ponting to Haddin's brute force. It was the perfect example of how this great game is one for the individual as well as the team.
Of even more concern is how the mindset didn't seem to change in many as England tried to save the game. Cook, Bopara and Swann were all out LBW playing across the line and although some could argue that Bopara got a poor decision and Swann had stuck about, a straight bat would have meant there was no need for the excuses. Pieterson had already survived one close LBW shout to a Hilfenhaus inswinger before shouldering arms to a straight delivery and the captain slashed at a wide one after already losing an early fifth day wicket. It could be argued that some of these are technical issues but to my mind these are mental and no amount of net time over the next three days will change that. Strauss needs to ensure that the application matches the undoubted talent there is throughout the England batting order.
As far as the bowling is concerned it was the lack of imagination that was most upsetting, in particular from the seamers. If the ball is not swinging then you try cutters, go around the wicket, vary the pace, but very few of these options were tried and certainly rarely stuck with. These are international players who seemed to think that the pitch and the conditions owed them something. In truth, you have to make the pitch work for you and that was forgotten as England wandered listlessly through the Australian innings.
However, although England were undoubtedly at fault for the position that Collingwood, and the bottom order dug them out of it was impossible to not be impressed by the Australians. As a team they were clearly well prepared with seperate plans for each English batsman but it was two individuals who really caught my eye. Both Brad Haddin and Nathan Hauritz were heavily questioned in many parts of the media before a ball had been bowled but they both delivered. Hauritz took as many wickets on his own as the entire England attack, comfortably outbowling both Panesar and Swann and Haddin delievered a blistering assault to take the game well out of England's hands. Both these men may not be as good as the men they replaced, but Gilchrist and Warne would arguably both walk into an All Time World XI. There are a lot of players who are not as those two, but this doesn't make them bad players or weak links and England will have received a rude awakening.
Ultimately then it was the English characteristics of grit, determination and sheer bloody-mindedness that saved the game, but there will be some searching questions asked before the squad is announced later today. I would expect Panesar to drop out with Harmison rivalling Onions for the 4th seamer slot. I hope they stick with Onions, the man in posession. Although Harmison has taken wickets against Yorkshire this week, Onions was only denied that chance in virtue of being in the Cardiff squad. He also took wickets for the Lions and should be the man to replace the second seamer and I hope England back him, select and give him some confidence on a ground which already holds fond memories for him.
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