For all the criticism they have received, it was refreshing in the extreme to see Andrew Strauss and co. show us that there’s still an England cricket team out there. Yesterday’s win was something of a jolt to the system - it came out of the blue, especially when in the game’s infancy Chris Gayle was happily dispatching England’s best and brightest way back into the Bajan public in the stands. Once he was nipped out by the progressively angry Stuart Broad, it was as if the tide of the match had reversed completely.
England bowled cannily, with the possible exception of one Steve Harmison, and picked up key wickets when it mattered. Dimitri Mascarenhas bowled the medium pacer role to absolute perfection, wobbling the ball around at a deceptive speed, not so much keeping the lid on West Indian scoring but almost stopping it in it’s tracks. He picked up three wickets into the bargain, including the one everyone cherishes so when bowling at the West Indies, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Only the brilliant Dwayne Bravo really annoyed the tourists. At 173-7, England might have entertained thoughts of an easy win but Bravo played a whole host of textbook and more unorthodox shots on his way to a commanding 69 off 72 balls. Without him, West Indies would have had significantly less hope than they did after compiling an achievable but respectable 239 all out.
Andrew Strauss then demanded the centre stage. I mentioned previously that Strauss would have to lead his team from the front and inspire them in ways only a captain should. Well, he certainly achieved that goal and answered a hell of a lot of critics simultaneously. Chasing a revised 135 off 20 overs due to persistent rain, Strauss’ 79 off 61 balls was exactly the kind of innings you would want in the match situation. Bold, authoritative and assured, Strauss, with the understated and excellent support from Ravi Bopara, guided England to their target with time to spare and proverbially stuck two fingers up to those who had lambasted his one day credentials.
As hard as it is to believe, England have levelled the series at 2-2. Both sides head to St Lucia for the final game and it’s sure to be a nail biter (or an England collapse). Yesterday’s win will have surprised a fair few and shows that England, albeit an unconvincing side in all formats of the game at present, shouldn’t be written off. Even though at times watching them makes you want to question your love for the game. It’s an endless struggle, England fans, get used to it soon.
(The Corridor, 2009)
30 March 2009
27 March 2009
It's not getting any better
My goodness me, England truly are appalling at one day cricket.
Check today's current scorecard for further evidence. Kevin Pietersen's 'mental fatigue' comments this morning can only add to the wretchedness of what has so far been a miserable tour. I don't think we're reaching the cavernous lows of Australia in 2006 but Andrew Strauss and his men are not a really happy bunch at present.
This is where Strauss' captaincy will be really pushed to the limit; that Guyana century aside, Strauss doesn't look like he suits the one day side. He's currently leading a weary bunch of unhappy and beleaguered cricketers and it's up to him to lift them, somehow.
Pietersen's admission that he "really and truly, can't wait to get home" only serves to exacerbate the dark mood surrounding the England camp. It's going to require a big, big performance to arrest this slide and I honestly don't know where that performance is going to come from at present. How's that for a defeatist attidude?
I'd rather watch Daniel Vettori perform minor miracles for New Zealand in their struggle with India.
(The Corridor, 2009)
Check today's current scorecard for further evidence. Kevin Pietersen's 'mental fatigue' comments this morning can only add to the wretchedness of what has so far been a miserable tour. I don't think we're reaching the cavernous lows of Australia in 2006 but Andrew Strauss and his men are not a really happy bunch at present.
This is where Strauss' captaincy will be really pushed to the limit; that Guyana century aside, Strauss doesn't look like he suits the one day side. He's currently leading a weary bunch of unhappy and beleaguered cricketers and it's up to him to lift them, somehow.
Pietersen's admission that he "really and truly, can't wait to get home" only serves to exacerbate the dark mood surrounding the England camp. It's going to require a big, big performance to arrest this slide and I honestly don't know where that performance is going to come from at present. How's that for a defeatist attidude?
I'd rather watch Daniel Vettori perform minor miracles for New Zealand in their struggle with India.
(The Corridor, 2009)
25 March 2009
Down Under Looking Rosier Than Ever For Brits On The Move
Many Brits are using the dire economic climate on these shores as an excuse to move abroad to seek pastures new and Australia finds itself as a main target for disgruntled Britons. And, following the discovery that the cost of living in Australia and New Zealand is up to a third lower than it is in the UK, that trend is surely only going to increase.
Research carried out by foreign currency broker Foreign Currency Direct has shown that British citizens living in Australia are privy to a far lower cost of living than those living abroad in other countries that are popular with Brits, such as France and Spain.
According to a survey, living in New Zealand is around a third cheaper than living in the UK and Australia is not too dissimilar, having a 22 per cent lower cost of living than the UK. The facts are reinforced by these statistics; the UK cost of a Ford Focus car is £12,866 whilst it is £9,338 and £9,401 in Australia and New Zealand respectively. A bag of groceries would cost 34 per cent less in New Zealand and 23 per cent less in Australia than in the UK. Its figures like these that are driving the British to the Southern Hemisphere.
Peter S. Ellis, Chief Executive of Foreign Currency Direct, said, ''Relative to the Euro, exchange rates between the Pound and the New Zealand and Australian Dollar have remained surprisingly stable over the last six months. When considering a move abroad, Britons should not only consider the quality of life and cost of property overseas, they should also be aware of significant variations in the cost of living.''
It seems that not only is the weather significantly better over there, the financial situation is now superior too. If your thinking it’s time to pack your bags, then you’d be wise to consider heading Down Under.
(Startupoverseas.co.uk, 2009)
Research carried out by foreign currency broker Foreign Currency Direct has shown that British citizens living in Australia are privy to a far lower cost of living than those living abroad in other countries that are popular with Brits, such as France and Spain.
According to a survey, living in New Zealand is around a third cheaper than living in the UK and Australia is not too dissimilar, having a 22 per cent lower cost of living than the UK. The facts are reinforced by these statistics; the UK cost of a Ford Focus car is £12,866 whilst it is £9,338 and £9,401 in Australia and New Zealand respectively. A bag of groceries would cost 34 per cent less in New Zealand and 23 per cent less in Australia than in the UK. Its figures like these that are driving the British to the Southern Hemisphere.
Peter S. Ellis, Chief Executive of Foreign Currency Direct, said, ''Relative to the Euro, exchange rates between the Pound and the New Zealand and Australian Dollar have remained surprisingly stable over the last six months. When considering a move abroad, Britons should not only consider the quality of life and cost of property overseas, they should also be aware of significant variations in the cost of living.''
It seems that not only is the weather significantly better over there, the financial situation is now superior too. If your thinking it’s time to pack your bags, then you’d be wise to consider heading Down Under.
(Startupoverseas.co.uk, 2009)
22 March 2009
England men offer their congratulations
Alan Tyers, who writes side-splittingly good mock diaries of England team members for The Wisden Cricketer, has been at it again, this time writing under the guise of Charlotte Edwards, the World Cup winning England women’s captain.
"Andrew Strauss congratulated us on our most recent win, although he did say we should have batted on for another couple of hours to really make things safe. I tried to explain that it was a 50-over game but he just got impatient and said that he was sick of hearing how his team haven’t mastered the one-day format and changed the subject.
He asked me what positives I was taking from our recent performances. I just said “well, we won, so that, I guess…” but he said that was rather a one-dimensional view and that often the positives were more important than the result."
(The Corridor, 2009)
"Andrew Strauss congratulated us on our most recent win, although he did say we should have batted on for another couple of hours to really make things safe. I tried to explain that it was a 50-over game but he just got impatient and said that he was sick of hearing how his team haven’t mastered the one-day format and changed the subject.
He asked me what positives I was taking from our recent performances. I just said “well, we won, so that, I guess…” but he said that was rather a one-dimensional view and that often the positives were more important than the result."
(The Corridor, 2009)
South Africa and Australia yet to be separated
If Australia’s series win in South Africa has taught us anything, its that they are not, repeat not, to be underestimated, especially by the English, ahead of this summers Ashes clash. Their mini resurgence has seen new players step manfully into the breach and come out victorious. Phillip Hughes, Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Marcus North, etc; men who have been drafted in when the team was in a period of crisis and who have partially lifted their side out of the doldrums.
South Africa’s innings victory over the Aussies in Cape Town has levelled their six match rivalry spread across two tours at 3-3. If we were looking for any indication as to who is the best Test nation in the world, then it looks like we’re going to be kept guessing, at least for a little while longer. The manner of South Africa’s victory today suggests that the momentum is with the Proteas and it was the first defeat by an innings suffered by Australia since India crushed them in way back in 1998.
One could also argue that Australia’s defeat in India last year is further proof that they are in no shape to brand themselves the number one side. They are a team in more in transition than Martin Johnson‘s perennially developing England rugby side. Siddle and Hilfenhaus have done the jobs asked of them by Ricky Ponting and they have done them well but the imposing figures and reputations of Brett Lee and Stuart Clark must be looming large over them and predicting Australia’s line-up for the first Ashes Test in Cardiff in July is nigh on impossible.
South Africa, for their part, are also not 100% certain on a definitive starting team. Opener Neil McKenzie was dropped for the last Test, making way for debutant Imraan Khan. Khan didn’t have too memorable a debut but makeshift opener Ashwell Prince certainly did, ruthlessly blasting the small matter of 150 runs. Paceman Morne Morkel was also not called upon; brother Albie Morkel was drafted in instead, taking one wicket and scoring a helpful fifty in support of AB de Villiers. South Africa are not in crisis, not by a long stretch, but the series loss was unexpected in the wake of their heroics down under and they certainly have some improving to do before they can once more lay claim to being the top of the pile.
Three Test match victories each is a perfectly fair reflection of the two sides’ efforts against each other in both series. Australia looked dead and buried after defeats in Perth and Melbourne but have fought back in the manner of a wounded champion. The pretenders of South Africa were shocked by the resurrection from the Australians in the first two tests but their victory today has at least reminded doubting observers of their quality and potential.
By the by, how well is Mitchell Johnson playing at the moment? More wickets than he can possibly count and now a maiden Test hundred. The boy gets better and better with every passing game and he looks set to play an impossibly crucial role in the Ashes.
(The Corridor, 2009)
South Africa’s innings victory over the Aussies in Cape Town has levelled their six match rivalry spread across two tours at 3-3. If we were looking for any indication as to who is the best Test nation in the world, then it looks like we’re going to be kept guessing, at least for a little while longer. The manner of South Africa’s victory today suggests that the momentum is with the Proteas and it was the first defeat by an innings suffered by Australia since India crushed them in way back in 1998.
One could also argue that Australia’s defeat in India last year is further proof that they are in no shape to brand themselves the number one side. They are a team in more in transition than Martin Johnson‘s perennially developing England rugby side. Siddle and Hilfenhaus have done the jobs asked of them by Ricky Ponting and they have done them well but the imposing figures and reputations of Brett Lee and Stuart Clark must be looming large over them and predicting Australia’s line-up for the first Ashes Test in Cardiff in July is nigh on impossible.
South Africa, for their part, are also not 100% certain on a definitive starting team. Opener Neil McKenzie was dropped for the last Test, making way for debutant Imraan Khan. Khan didn’t have too memorable a debut but makeshift opener Ashwell Prince certainly did, ruthlessly blasting the small matter of 150 runs. Paceman Morne Morkel was also not called upon; brother Albie Morkel was drafted in instead, taking one wicket and scoring a helpful fifty in support of AB de Villiers. South Africa are not in crisis, not by a long stretch, but the series loss was unexpected in the wake of their heroics down under and they certainly have some improving to do before they can once more lay claim to being the top of the pile.
Three Test match victories each is a perfectly fair reflection of the two sides’ efforts against each other in both series. Australia looked dead and buried after defeats in Perth and Melbourne but have fought back in the manner of a wounded champion. The pretenders of South Africa were shocked by the resurrection from the Australians in the first two tests but their victory today has at least reminded doubting observers of their quality and potential.
By the by, how well is Mitchell Johnson playing at the moment? More wickets than he can possibly count and now a maiden Test hundred. The boy gets better and better with every passing game and he looks set to play an impossibly crucial role in the Ashes.
(The Corridor, 2009)
The dog days are over
Well, I didn't see that one coming.
A quite brilliant performance from the beleagured and battle hardened Spurs and the Chelsea jinx that hung over Tottenham for so much of the last decade or so has been well and truly put to bed. Luka Modric's goal will live long in the memory; Aaron Lennon's pull back was beautifully dispatched into the corner of Petr Cech's goal and he celebrated with genuine exuberance in front of the home fans.
In fact, Modric's display was top class from first to last. He has attracted slight criticism this season for not having the impact many predicted he may have but Tottenham's early season plight would have made it extremely difficult for him to stand out, especially with the sometimes tough transition into English football. In recent months, he really has upped his game. From the neat flicks to the laser guided passes, Modric is a playmaker extraordinaire. Able to read the game better than most in the top flight, he is a real gem of a player and it is imperative that Spurs hold on to him.
Spurs are now more than likely out of the relegation battle and should be looking up the table rather than the opposite. The team are playing as a unit and the individual excellance of players like Modric, Lennon and Robbie Keane has been unlocked and allowed to flourish. Even Ledley King has managed to play more games than we would expect and he has performed superbly in them, like an injured warrior trying to reclaim his reputation.
The thing that impresses and pleases me the most about watching Tottenham these days is the buzz around the team. Watching the game yesterday, there was a genuine thrill in the stands when Lennon picked up the ball on his right flank. It was as if the whole crowd were feeding off his skill and they roared and urged him forward, willing him to create some more magic. A similar thing happened everytime Modric was fed the ball; those two players really are in scintillating form at the moment and I would not want to be the defender who faces them next.
The dog days are over at White Hart Lane. We've suffered all this season, through the relegation threat, through the lack of goals, through the ignominy of The Guardian publishing a whole page of jokes about the plight of our once great team. Those days are gone for now. Long live the future.
Well, until the start of next season at least.
(The Boys From White Hart Lane, 2009)
A quite brilliant performance from the beleagured and battle hardened Spurs and the Chelsea jinx that hung over Tottenham for so much of the last decade or so has been well and truly put to bed. Luka Modric's goal will live long in the memory; Aaron Lennon's pull back was beautifully dispatched into the corner of Petr Cech's goal and he celebrated with genuine exuberance in front of the home fans.
In fact, Modric's display was top class from first to last. He has attracted slight criticism this season for not having the impact many predicted he may have but Tottenham's early season plight would have made it extremely difficult for him to stand out, especially with the sometimes tough transition into English football. In recent months, he really has upped his game. From the neat flicks to the laser guided passes, Modric is a playmaker extraordinaire. Able to read the game better than most in the top flight, he is a real gem of a player and it is imperative that Spurs hold on to him.
Spurs are now more than likely out of the relegation battle and should be looking up the table rather than the opposite. The team are playing as a unit and the individual excellance of players like Modric, Lennon and Robbie Keane has been unlocked and allowed to flourish. Even Ledley King has managed to play more games than we would expect and he has performed superbly in them, like an injured warrior trying to reclaim his reputation.
The thing that impresses and pleases me the most about watching Tottenham these days is the buzz around the team. Watching the game yesterday, there was a genuine thrill in the stands when Lennon picked up the ball on his right flank. It was as if the whole crowd were feeding off his skill and they roared and urged him forward, willing him to create some more magic. A similar thing happened everytime Modric was fed the ball; those two players really are in scintillating form at the moment and I would not want to be the defender who faces them next.
The dog days are over at White Hart Lane. We've suffered all this season, through the relegation threat, through the lack of goals, through the ignominy of The Guardian publishing a whole page of jokes about the plight of our once great team. Those days are gone for now. Long live the future.
Well, until the start of next season at least.
(The Boys From White Hart Lane, 2009)
20 March 2009
Just a few more moments
One moment towards the end of the second day of the South Africa vs Australia that raised a chuckle. Jacques Kallis, on 99 not out, tried to work a ball into the on side for a single to take him to a deserved hundred. He inside edged the ball onto his pads, watched it run away safely and then scampered through for the run and raised his bat to the adoring crowd.
The fans applauded and batting partner AB de Villiers warmly congratulated the elder statesmen. However, the general feel-good atmosphere was suddenly ruined when umpire Asad Rauf abruptly signalled the run as a leg-bye! It shocked pretty much everyone watching and even Sky Sports had to stop their flashy, 'Kallis-hundred' graphic. It all seemed like a bit of a joke but it got even funnier seconds later.
Rauf then checked with the third umpire, who informed him that it should have, in fact been given as a Kallis run. Rauf then reversed the decision yet again and Kallis, having had to sheepishly put his helmet back on, was finally through to his first Test hundred in almost a year.
Ricky Ponting was moved to question the decision briefly with the umpire, wondering why the third umpire was consulted on a matter as trivial as the difference between a run and a leg bye. Still, it must have brought a wry smile to some of the Australians in a day that saw their bowlers get marmalised all over the park by a rampant South African batting line-up.
I wonder if even Bryce McGain was moved to have a little giggle, having spent the day seeing his first 11 overs in Test cricket disappear for 106 runs?
(The Corridor, 2009)
The fans applauded and batting partner AB de Villiers warmly congratulated the elder statesmen. However, the general feel-good atmosphere was suddenly ruined when umpire Asad Rauf abruptly signalled the run as a leg-bye! It shocked pretty much everyone watching and even Sky Sports had to stop their flashy, 'Kallis-hundred' graphic. It all seemed like a bit of a joke but it got even funnier seconds later.
Rauf then checked with the third umpire, who informed him that it should have, in fact been given as a Kallis run. Rauf then reversed the decision yet again and Kallis, having had to sheepishly put his helmet back on, was finally through to his first Test hundred in almost a year.
Ricky Ponting was moved to question the decision briefly with the umpire, wondering why the third umpire was consulted on a matter as trivial as the difference between a run and a leg bye. Still, it must have brought a wry smile to some of the Australians in a day that saw their bowlers get marmalised all over the park by a rampant South African batting line-up.
I wonder if even Bryce McGain was moved to have a little giggle, having spent the day seeing his first 11 overs in Test cricket disappear for 106 runs?
(The Corridor, 2009)
19 March 2009
Jack’s Mannequin - The Glass Passenger (Album Review)
The story of Jack’s Mannequin front man Andrew McMahon is an attention-grabbing tale and clearly reflects in his song writing. Following the powerful debut album Everything in Transit, McMahon was diagnosed with leukemia and the resulting chemotherapy and treatments meant that it was difficult for him to enjoy the traditional success that comes with such an impressive offering. Three years later, McMahon and his band are back with long-awaited second album The Glass Passenger and the good news for fans of the band’s punchy piano-driven ballads is that none of the unique magic from the first record has been lost. It’s a more emotional reflection of McMahon’s life; the trials and tribulations he has suffered are self evident in the raw emotion of tracks such as Swim and Hammer and Strings (A Lullaby).
It’s clearly a slightly darker album but the powerful, fast-paced hooks are still there. Early in the album, we’re treated to the excellent Spinning, a swelling, rousing number that is definitely one of the highlights of the record. Additionally, The Resolution is a forceful, feel-good anthem, evoking memories of some of the finer moments from Everything in Transit.
McMahon’s journey from the first album to this one is fraught with emotion and he deals with some hard-hitting topics in his lyrics. What Gets You Off is a slow, swaying effort that discusses the recovery of his sex drive and Hammer and Strings (A Lullaby) is a classic, reflective piece where McMahon confirms his return to his fans and promises them his very best work.
All things considered, The Glass Passenger certainly lacks the free-flowing happiness of Everything in Transit but that certainly doesn’t make it an inferior album. There’s an honesty here, a genuine realisation that not everything is perfect and the truthful emotion emanating from McMahon’s voice makes it a first class effort and bodes well for the future of this talented band.
(reviewedonline.co.uk, 2009)
16 March 2009
My new blog
Promise you'll forgive me if I do some shameful plugging? My new blog, The Boys From White Hart Lane, was launched tonight and I'm keen to get it off the ground that it's currently rooted to. Here it is:
http://boysfromthelane.blogspot.com/
It's based solely on my one true love, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Jam packed with opinion, facts and one or two things you maybe didn't know, I'd go so far as to say it's essential reading for fellow suffering Spurs fans out there and maybe even non-Spurs fans, who knows? I'm hoping to take it far, possibly gaining a cult following but I'd settle for just telling the world how much Tottenham annoy and thrill me in equal measure. In time, and if there is any kind of demand, I may get in a few additional writers (I'm open to bribes).
So, please head over there, give it a read and a comment or several. Recommend it to your friends - I'm sure they'll like it, or at least find it awful enough to comment and, in turn, tell their friends and assist in the whole 'getting off the ground' thing I mentioned earlier.
Many thanks. Come on you Spurs.
http://boysfromthelane.blogspot.com/
It's based solely on my one true love, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Jam packed with opinion, facts and one or two things you maybe didn't know, I'd go so far as to say it's essential reading for fellow suffering Spurs fans out there and maybe even non-Spurs fans, who knows? I'm hoping to take it far, possibly gaining a cult following but I'd settle for just telling the world how much Tottenham annoy and thrill me in equal measure. In time, and if there is any kind of demand, I may get in a few additional writers (I'm open to bribes).
So, please head over there, give it a read and a comment or several. Recommend it to your friends - I'm sure they'll like it, or at least find it awful enough to comment and, in turn, tell their friends and assist in the whole 'getting off the ground' thing I mentioned earlier.
Many thanks. Come on you Spurs.
15 March 2009
Strauss not right for Twenty20
Just a thought on England’s miserable Twenty20 performance tonight. As admirably and as brilliantly as Andrew Strauss has played and captained the side since his elevation to skipper, how can the powers that be possibly have included him in the team for this format of the game?
Yes, he’s the captain and in an ideal world, the captain should play across all formats of the game. But, this isn’t an ideal world English cricket finds itself in. Strauss, a massively talented batsman, is blatantly not a Twenty20 player. He may have a fine collection of shots in his locker and he may even have a good future in the 50 over version of international cricket. But he doesn’t really fit in with this format of the game.
His innings today wasn’t necessarily terrible. After all, in a lame England batting performance, Strauss notched up the second highest score. But his 22 came off 25 balls and featured just two boundaries. Twenty20 cricket is demanding and a strike-rate of under 100 is unforgivable in the majority situations. There comes a certain point where unless your partner down the other end is belting the ball to all parts, you're just wasting balls.
Surely, Paul Collingwood or someone else could have been asked to captain the side for just today’s game? Strauss will lead the team in the conventional one day series and rightly so but for this condensed version of cricket, why couldn’t someone else have done it? Was it really worth including Strauss in the side just because he is captain? Australia regularly choose Twenty20 games as an opportunity to rest Ricky Ponting and give Michael Clarke an opportunity to take charge. It baffles me as to why England have not done something similar here.
Strauss’ inclusion was not the sole reason for England’s defeat (you’d need about three blogs to cover their various Twenty20 inadequacies) but they aren’t doing themselves any favours at all with poor selection choices such as this one. People lambasted the England selectors for including Alastair Cook in the Stanford Series squad and by the same token Strauss should have been left out here. A great player, no doubt, but not the most innovative and Twenty20 is clearly not his forte. England, please take heed in the future.
(The Corridor, 2009)
Yes, he’s the captain and in an ideal world, the captain should play across all formats of the game. But, this isn’t an ideal world English cricket finds itself in. Strauss, a massively talented batsman, is blatantly not a Twenty20 player. He may have a fine collection of shots in his locker and he may even have a good future in the 50 over version of international cricket. But he doesn’t really fit in with this format of the game.
His innings today wasn’t necessarily terrible. After all, in a lame England batting performance, Strauss notched up the second highest score. But his 22 came off 25 balls and featured just two boundaries. Twenty20 cricket is demanding and a strike-rate of under 100 is unforgivable in the majority situations. There comes a certain point where unless your partner down the other end is belting the ball to all parts, you're just wasting balls.
Surely, Paul Collingwood or someone else could have been asked to captain the side for just today’s game? Strauss will lead the team in the conventional one day series and rightly so but for this condensed version of cricket, why couldn’t someone else have done it? Was it really worth including Strauss in the side just because he is captain? Australia regularly choose Twenty20 games as an opportunity to rest Ricky Ponting and give Michael Clarke an opportunity to take charge. It baffles me as to why England have not done something similar here.
Strauss’ inclusion was not the sole reason for England’s defeat (you’d need about three blogs to cover their various Twenty20 inadequacies) but they aren’t doing themselves any favours at all with poor selection choices such as this one. People lambasted the England selectors for including Alastair Cook in the Stanford Series squad and by the same token Strauss should have been left out here. A great player, no doubt, but not the most innovative and Twenty20 is clearly not his forte. England, please take heed in the future.
(The Corridor, 2009)
11 March 2009
Time to take stock and try again
A great deal has been mentioned already on the subject of England's series defeat in the West Indies. It's an odd thing; England didn't necessarily play their worst cricket we've seen and, at times, dominated the West Indies. Indeed, Andrew Strauss can point to two key sessions where had his side picked up just a few tail-end wickets, then they would have won the series (the last wicket stand in Antigua and yesterday's tense finish in Trinidad). However, what is patently obvious is that good Test teams would have made more of those opportunities. Dominant sides like South Africa, Australia and India would have found the extra spark in those moments to do what was needed and win the game.
Tom Fordyce picks upon this point in his BBC blog. He also talks about the need for winning momentum in the run up to the looming Ashes series. Before that heart-stopping triumph in 2005, England won series in both the Caribbean and South Africa, as well as a summer whitewash over the New Zealand and West Indies in 2004. England had the mentality and the aura of a winning side. Under the astute leadership of Michael Vaughan, they were fresh, confident and effective.
One can argue that the quality of players back then was greatly superior than that of the current crop. But the bare facts still make for stark reading; England have now lost three consecutive Test series and are in poor, poor form. And whilst a few weeks ago some were saying that England need not worry about their own tribulations as the Australians were in a sharp decline of their own, those of that opinion need only look at the remarkable and supremely impressive resurgence of the Aussies down in South Africa. As much as I loathe to say it, they're back and they're looking ridiculously formidable.
As ludicrous as it sounds, there were precious few positives that England can reflect on in the aftermath of their defeat. Andrew Strauss embodies a man possessed with the desire to score as many runs as possible and it is clear that the captaincy of the side is driving him on and on. Alastair Cook finally got the 'no century in ages' monkey off his back and scored that elusive Test hundred, albeit in a nothing situation on a pitch more akin to a road that a competitive wicket. Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior and Paul Collingwood also notched up much needed runs, in a variety of situations, which will help their own personal form and confidence.
Stuart Broad bowled like a identikit version on a young Glenn McGrath. Naggingly accurate and massively consistent, he bowled to an immaculate line, picked up the prized wicket of Guyanese defensive wall Shivnarine Chanderpaul three times and bagged his first Test five wicket haul in Jamaica. He may not have the raw pace of Steve Harmison or Andrew Flintoff but a reliable, line and length bowler is just what England need and his runs at number eight are ideal for the the inevitable England batting collapse. Duncan Fletcher must rue not having him around when he was coach.
Regardless of individual promise, it is abundantly clear that England have problems - problems that require immediate and urgent attention if they are to ever get out of this decline and start becoming an competent Test side again. Will that era be shepherded in with a glorious Ashes victory this summer? At the moment, you'd pick up seriously long odds.
(The Corridor, 2009)
Tom Fordyce picks upon this point in his BBC blog. He also talks about the need for winning momentum in the run up to the looming Ashes series. Before that heart-stopping triumph in 2005, England won series in both the Caribbean and South Africa, as well as a summer whitewash over the New Zealand and West Indies in 2004. England had the mentality and the aura of a winning side. Under the astute leadership of Michael Vaughan, they were fresh, confident and effective.
One can argue that the quality of players back then was greatly superior than that of the current crop. But the bare facts still make for stark reading; England have now lost three consecutive Test series and are in poor, poor form. And whilst a few weeks ago some were saying that England need not worry about their own tribulations as the Australians were in a sharp decline of their own, those of that opinion need only look at the remarkable and supremely impressive resurgence of the Aussies down in South Africa. As much as I loathe to say it, they're back and they're looking ridiculously formidable.
As ludicrous as it sounds, there were precious few positives that England can reflect on in the aftermath of their defeat. Andrew Strauss embodies a man possessed with the desire to score as many runs as possible and it is clear that the captaincy of the side is driving him on and on. Alastair Cook finally got the 'no century in ages' monkey off his back and scored that elusive Test hundred, albeit in a nothing situation on a pitch more akin to a road that a competitive wicket. Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior and Paul Collingwood also notched up much needed runs, in a variety of situations, which will help their own personal form and confidence.
Stuart Broad bowled like a identikit version on a young Glenn McGrath. Naggingly accurate and massively consistent, he bowled to an immaculate line, picked up the prized wicket of Guyanese defensive wall Shivnarine Chanderpaul three times and bagged his first Test five wicket haul in Jamaica. He may not have the raw pace of Steve Harmison or Andrew Flintoff but a reliable, line and length bowler is just what England need and his runs at number eight are ideal for the the inevitable England batting collapse. Duncan Fletcher must rue not having him around when he was coach.
Regardless of individual promise, it is abundantly clear that England have problems - problems that require immediate and urgent attention if they are to ever get out of this decline and start becoming an competent Test side again. Will that era be shepherded in with a glorious Ashes victory this summer? At the moment, you'd pick up seriously long odds.
(The Corridor, 2009)
8 March 2009
2009 Lions won't hear English roar
The England rugby team is in a bit of a state. And unless something quite strange happens in the next two Six Nations games, it appears that few English players will make the Lions tour to South Africa later this summer. It’s been 32 years since just five England players went on the tour to New Zealand and with the current set of debacles regarding English performance, it would be tough to make a case for taking many more than that number.
It’s a sad state of affairs for Martin Johnson’s men and leaves many casting their minds back, way back, to that wonderful year of 2003. Sir Clive Woodward’s golden generation got their hands on the Grand Slam, including a memorable win final game win in Ireland, and then topped off an incredible year in English rugby by dramatically winning the William Web Ellis Trophy with that last minute Jonny Wilkinson drop goal to clinch the World Cup final.
England have tried and failed since then to recreate those illustrious highs. Injuries and retirements haven’t helped but it’s churlish to point at those as the lone reasons. The World Cup final appearance in 2007 helped to paper over some of the cracks but by the time the subsequent Six Nations campaign was over, England were back to being lamented by their fans.
There are many problems - most of which are fairly evident. Discipline seems to be a key worry at the moment; Martin Johnson’s reaction to the mindless sin-binning of substitute scrum half Danny Care against Ireland last weekend shows that England are at least trying to deal with the issue. But obviously something is getting lost in translation. England lost Phil Vickery early in the second half to another needless and frustrating yellow card offence. It seems England just aren’t learning.
The English contingent in the Lions squad will be in stark comparison with those from years gone by. In 2005, England had 21 players in the squad that was soundly beaten by New Zealand and 18 in both the tours before that. And very few English players can claim to deserve a spot on the back of personal performance.
Andrew Sheridan would be a good option although he remains a shadow of the man who bullied opposition last year. Paul Sackey has also had a good enough season, not quite setting the world alight but generally being a player that England can rely on. Mike Tindall has played well in this years Six Nations but for him to dislodge centres such as Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll or Wales’ Tom Shanklin would be nigh on impossible.
Others for Lions coach Ian McGeechan to generously consider are Delon Armitage, Phil Vickery, Lee Mears and Nick Kennedy, who have all stood slightly above the rest in a white shirt recently. But English names are sparse on the list of genuine candidates. It speaks volumes for the level of rugby that England produce these days and the results only serve to reinforce this point. Martin Johnson definitely has his work cut out - perhaps he should be looking at the other home nations for inspiration?
It’s a sad state of affairs for Martin Johnson’s men and leaves many casting their minds back, way back, to that wonderful year of 2003. Sir Clive Woodward’s golden generation got their hands on the Grand Slam, including a memorable win final game win in Ireland, and then topped off an incredible year in English rugby by dramatically winning the William Web Ellis Trophy with that last minute Jonny Wilkinson drop goal to clinch the World Cup final.
England have tried and failed since then to recreate those illustrious highs. Injuries and retirements haven’t helped but it’s churlish to point at those as the lone reasons. The World Cup final appearance in 2007 helped to paper over some of the cracks but by the time the subsequent Six Nations campaign was over, England were back to being lamented by their fans.
There are many problems - most of which are fairly evident. Discipline seems to be a key worry at the moment; Martin Johnson’s reaction to the mindless sin-binning of substitute scrum half Danny Care against Ireland last weekend shows that England are at least trying to deal with the issue. But obviously something is getting lost in translation. England lost Phil Vickery early in the second half to another needless and frustrating yellow card offence. It seems England just aren’t learning.
The English contingent in the Lions squad will be in stark comparison with those from years gone by. In 2005, England had 21 players in the squad that was soundly beaten by New Zealand and 18 in both the tours before that. And very few English players can claim to deserve a spot on the back of personal performance.
Andrew Sheridan would be a good option although he remains a shadow of the man who bullied opposition last year. Paul Sackey has also had a good enough season, not quite setting the world alight but generally being a player that England can rely on. Mike Tindall has played well in this years Six Nations but for him to dislodge centres such as Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll or Wales’ Tom Shanklin would be nigh on impossible.
Others for Lions coach Ian McGeechan to generously consider are Delon Armitage, Phil Vickery, Lee Mears and Nick Kennedy, who have all stood slightly above the rest in a white shirt recently. But English names are sparse on the list of genuine candidates. It speaks volumes for the level of rugby that England produce these days and the results only serve to reinforce this point. Martin Johnson definitely has his work cut out - perhaps he should be looking at the other home nations for inspiration?
Khan to the rescue?
The start made to Test cricket yesterday by England’s most recent pace bowling attempt Amjad Khan will have provided fans with a touch of consternation. Five no-balls, including three in his opening over, indicated a nervous start and Khan conceded 27 off his four overs in the fading Trinidad light. It was almost as if the man he has edged ahead of, Steve Harmison, had given Khan that same advice that Harmison himself was given on that fateful Brisbane morning in 2006.
What a relief, then, for England fans the next morning. Soon after Stuart Broad had removed night-watchman Daren Powell for a duck, Khan was brought on and picked up the prized wicket of West Indian run machine Ramnaresh Sarwan, bowling fast, full and, most importantly, straight. Not only were the nerves of yesterday evening gone, he had also removed Sarwan, a man who has not just been a thorn in England’s side but rather sticking right the way through them as he plundered run after run after run.
Khan’s spell this morning had all the verve and potential that England have desperately needed this series. The pitches have been slow, about as slow as a Brendan Nash over, and wickets have been hard to come by. Now I don’t assume at all that Khan is the sole answer to England winning this Test but his style of bowling is probably just what they need on these types of surfaces. There is also the possibility of reverse swing, which will have bowling experts licking their lips. Reverse swing - that key component that England have sought after ever since Simon Jones brutally harassed the Australians in 2005. Khan has also slipped in a few excellent short balls; fast, well directed and with just about enough controlled aggression to trouble the West Indians.
It’s still early on this third day but the wicket of Sarwan will have boosted England and they will be growing ever so slightly in confidence as a result. A long way to go still, but Khan may be on the correct path to helping bring England level in this series.
(The Corridor, 2009)
What a relief, then, for England fans the next morning. Soon after Stuart Broad had removed night-watchman Daren Powell for a duck, Khan was brought on and picked up the prized wicket of West Indian run machine Ramnaresh Sarwan, bowling fast, full and, most importantly, straight. Not only were the nerves of yesterday evening gone, he had also removed Sarwan, a man who has not just been a thorn in England’s side but rather sticking right the way through them as he plundered run after run after run.
Khan’s spell this morning had all the verve and potential that England have desperately needed this series. The pitches have been slow, about as slow as a Brendan Nash over, and wickets have been hard to come by. Now I don’t assume at all that Khan is the sole answer to England winning this Test but his style of bowling is probably just what they need on these types of surfaces. There is also the possibility of reverse swing, which will have bowling experts licking their lips. Reverse swing - that key component that England have sought after ever since Simon Jones brutally harassed the Australians in 2005. Khan has also slipped in a few excellent short balls; fast, well directed and with just about enough controlled aggression to trouble the West Indians.
It’s still early on this third day but the wicket of Sarwan will have boosted England and they will be growing ever so slightly in confidence as a result. A long way to go still, but Khan may be on the correct path to helping bring England level in this series.
(The Corridor, 2009)
5 March 2009
Economy shrink leaves Australia fearing a recession
Those who are considering a move Down Under to beat the recession in the UK may want to think again. The economy in Australia has shrunk for the first time in eight years, severely heightening the concern that the nation may be on its way to a recession of it’s own.
According to the Australian government, the economy shrunk in the last quarter of 2008 by 0.5% compared to the previous quarter. Experts were previously forecasting slight economic growth in the country but the contraction has raised fears amongst Australians that the credit crunch has finally caught up with them. Another three months of economic decline will officially force Australia into recession.
Australia’s economy is based on resources and has been heavily affected by the decline in commodity prices. The country’s mining firms have cut back their spending and future projects, whilst reducing staff numbers in order to save money. Nevertheless, Australia’s apparent turmoil is in stark comparison with that of other countries, at least according to Treasurer Wayne Swan.
"Our economy did contract in the December quarter, but by far less than other developed economies,” Swan says. “This is a sobering but unsurprising outcome, because I think it does illustrate the full impact of the magnitude of the global recession and how it's impacting on this country." The Gross Domestic Product of Japan dropped by 3.3% in the same period, while the United States and Great Britain saw declines of 1.6% and 1.5% respectively.
The BBC’s correspondent in Sydney Nick Bryant has said Australia had hoped to avoid the worst of the global financial crisis back in September but that this now looked impossible. “After surviving the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2000 dotcom bubble, Australia had hoped to complete the impressive hat-trick of not being forced into recession by the global financial crisis.” However, it appears obvious that Australia will not be able to perform financial heroics this time.
They may be better than us in every sport going and the weather may be enviable but unfortunately it’s not all perfect Down Under.
(Startupoverseas.co.uk, 2009)
According to the Australian government, the economy shrunk in the last quarter of 2008 by 0.5% compared to the previous quarter. Experts were previously forecasting slight economic growth in the country but the contraction has raised fears amongst Australians that the credit crunch has finally caught up with them. Another three months of economic decline will officially force Australia into recession.
Australia’s economy is based on resources and has been heavily affected by the decline in commodity prices. The country’s mining firms have cut back their spending and future projects, whilst reducing staff numbers in order to save money. Nevertheless, Australia’s apparent turmoil is in stark comparison with that of other countries, at least according to Treasurer Wayne Swan.
"Our economy did contract in the December quarter, but by far less than other developed economies,” Swan says. “This is a sobering but unsurprising outcome, because I think it does illustrate the full impact of the magnitude of the global recession and how it's impacting on this country." The Gross Domestic Product of Japan dropped by 3.3% in the same period, while the United States and Great Britain saw declines of 1.6% and 1.5% respectively.
The BBC’s correspondent in Sydney Nick Bryant has said Australia had hoped to avoid the worst of the global financial crisis back in September but that this now looked impossible. “After surviving the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2000 dotcom bubble, Australia had hoped to complete the impressive hat-trick of not being forced into recession by the global financial crisis.” However, it appears obvious that Australia will not be able to perform financial heroics this time.
They may be better than us in every sport going and the weather may be enviable but unfortunately it’s not all perfect Down Under.
(Startupoverseas.co.uk, 2009)
1 March 2009
Better to have loved and lost
I speak with a somewhat heavy heart; allow me to just say that Tottenham's performance today flies viciously in the face of everyone who forecasted that Manchester United would walk all over us. And that includes myself. I wore my heart on my sleeve and predicted a drubbing for my beloved Spurs. And I was wrong.
Yes, United may have snatched today's Carling Cup Final in the cruelest of all manners, taking a penalty shootout by four goals to one. Yes, the extra time required will have only increased the fatigue and injury element that so plagues Harry Redknapp and his coaching staff. And, yes, the 120 minutes of nail-biting and adrenaline were eventually pointless after seeing Spurs lose in such ruthless fashion at the death.
Would I do it all again? You can bet Ledley King's big game ability I would. Every player in that white shirt today did us proud, with the notable exception of one David Bentley. To have fought and competed and matched United for that length of time is no mean feat at all, albeit a slightly weakened opposition. The heart and endeavour shown by the Spurs players was a sight to behold and evoked stirring memories of last years triumphant Wembley visit.
As Anderson slotted the winning penalty home, the inevitable sense of dread and heartbreak took over. Spurs came so close, so tantalisingly close to successive trophy wins, to another successful day at Wembley. That they were denied is only half the story. It pleases me that we were able to get to two finals in a row and to come so close to winning the second. Spurs have re-established themselves as a cup side, one who often struggle in the league but excel and thrill in the trophy format.
As for the players, the majority were exceptional. King and Michael Dawson were impregnable at the back. Didier Zokora had one of his best ever games as he marshalled the midfield against the considerable threat of Paul Scholes, Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo. Aaron Lennon and Luka Modric were outstanding, constantly looking for space and movement, always looking dangerous when on the ball. Lennon has had a great season and it is surely only a matter of time before Mr Capello gives him another shot for England.
Up front, Spurs lacked cutting edge as Roman Pavyluchenko had a poor game. This was a problem highlighted by Redknapp before the game but it was unavoidable, given the multitude of injuries and ineligibilities. Surely with either Robbie Keane or Jermain Defoe up front, things would have been different. Darren Bent tried hard but he is not up to standard.
Don't be fooled by the generally upbeat nature of this blog. This defeat hurts and it will hurt for a little while yet. But in times of hardship, it is sometimes comforting to view the bigger picture. Tottenham will now have to fight like heck to get out of the relegation battle and, though Europe will most likely elude them next season, it could just be a blessing in disguise. A season without distractions may be the perfect tonic to reinvigorate this famous club's fortunes.
I won't clutch at straws and try and claim a moral victory. After all, we only drew the game and lost in on a lottery when neither team could be separated. But instead of the end-of-the-world feeling you get when England get beat in big tournaments or when you lose to your nearest rivals, there is much to be proud of. Few Spurs fans would have expected a win and although that may be a defeatist attitude, many fans will be believing in the team and it's ability a great deal more as a result of this day.
At least we got to the final. I'd take that over anything. All the plastic United fans and anti-Spurs fans out there tonight should assess how well their own club did in this trophy and indeed other trophies before taking their inevitable and, quite frankly, laughable dig at Tottenham.
Spurs didn't have enough to do it, in the end. Neither did United but, alas, they were much better at penalties than us. God, I love Tottenham.
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