Hands up if you don't care about this one day series?
After just three games, it's fairly obvious that this contest embodies the very meaning of the word 'anticlimax'. And there's a plethora of reasons as to why public interest in this arduous series is on the wane.
A lack of big names, some dire cricket, September-like weather, an outrageously long schedule and the fact that it directly followed a gripping Test series; you can take your pick from excuses to avoid the action. Injuries to Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff and the absence of Ricky Ponting have robbed the series of some of it's most reputable players meaning that there isn't as much of a pull to the general public as the Test series had.
If there is blame to be had, then a portion of it belongs to the administrators. Whoever decided it would be a good idea to schedule a seven match series ending on the 20th of September needs a change in profession. Ignoring the fact that audience focus would naturally be on the Test series anyway, seven matches is simply far too much. There's no urgency to it - a team could lose the first two games then still win the series (a team more competent that England, that is). I genuinely feel for the beleaguered bunch of players who will see out the series in the cold and bitter reaches of Durham in late September.
The fare on offer so far has been sub-standard. At The Oval and Lords, England bowled with great skill only to see their batsman let them down when chasing a relatively easy total. At The Rose Bowl last night, the batsmen again let them down, this time setting a mediocre score for the Aussies to chase. The games may have looked quite close on paper but the slow scoring and lacklustre fielding on display are deadly ingredients in the recipe for audience killing cricket.
This is all after England were making reasonable progress in the shorter form of the game. Consecutive series wins over the West Indies had manifested a degree of confidence - a confidence that has been rolled away by the combined efforts of Cameron White and Callum Ferguson and co. The powers that be will certainly panic and make widespread changes. Don't be surprised to see the likes of Eoin Morgan and Adil Rashid rudely dismissed from the squad, despite having genuine promise.
The failure of the series so far also points to the apparent decline of the one day game. With the ECB cancelling the domestic 50 over game from next season onwards, it would appear that public for demand is decreasing. And this series so far will have done nothing to re-awaken that interest.
So, frankly, it's a dire contest and not one that people are too concerned about. A 7-0 defeat is never desirable but there won't be too many tears shed if that's the outcome. It may sound harsh but, with players like Owais Shah, Paul Collingwood and Tim Bresnan, England are never going to be a thrilling side. Collingwood typifies the current malaise of the team; slow, a bit boring and unable to deliver when it really matters.
Is there anything else on?
10 September 2009
9 September 2009
Interview with Aaron Norton
Breaking into the music scene can be a gruelling task and it’s certainly not one for the easy dissuaded. The glory and adulation provides a strong motive at first but, all too often, the time and perseverance required to make it to the top is all too much. But there’s one local musician who has his eyes firmly set on spreading his music to the masses and it’ll take a great deal to stop him in his quest.Aaron Norton is a supremely gifted musician. Armed with his acoustic guitar, he’s been turning heads on the local music scene for some time now and it appears only a matter of time before he cracks the big time. With an army of local and dedicated fans, his gigs in and around the Kingston area are always popular events and as the biography on his website says, ‘His desire to perform and to entertain the world with his music is now unstoppable’.
Curious to learn more about the hype, me and a friend went to one of his gigs: an intimate performance at the Waggon and Horses pub in Surbiton. And we were not to be disappointed as Norton thrilled the closed in crowd with a variety of his own songs and some contemporary classics. Alone on a small stage with nothing but his guitar and a pint of Guinness behind him, he immediately captured the undivided attention of the assembled throng and didn’t lose it all night.
He wowed the audience with soulful renditions of well known songs such as Wherever You Will Go by The Calling and Fall At Your Feet by Crowded House. Later on in the night, he chose to present his acoustic take on some more alternative numbers such as Umbrella by R’n’B songstress Rihanna and the immortal reggae classic No Woman No Cry by the great Bob Marley. His choice of songs was a considerable success and clearly a big drawing point for his fans – by performing his renditions of crowd favourites, Norton immediately established a rapport with his followers and it’s clearly fundamental to his success.
So where does he see himself going in the big, bad world that is the music industry? “I look at artists like James Morrison and Paulo Nutini. That’s the kind of genre that I’m aiming at. It would have been nice to corner that market first but those guys have had success already so it’s just a case of emulating what they’ve achieved.”
The list of venues he has performed at reads like a where’s where of south London music scene haunts. From the Rose Theatre in Kingston to the grand London Palladium, he’s even managed to squeeze in two live performances on Capital FM radio. Norton has impressive and burgeoning CV to his name - so does he have a favourite venue? “The Oak (a Kingston pub) is always a popular place to play, I always enjoy it there. Every crowd you get is different. There’s a different atmosphere or a slightly different age group.”
Whether he makes it to the big time or not, no-one can fault the guy for attitude. When you speak to him or listen to him play, he gives off a powerful aura of relaxed confidence and determination. As we conclude our conversation, he tells me he’s confident that the opportunities will come if he keeps trying his hardest. And with talent and bravado like his, it’s difficult to imagine him not getting all he wants. Watch this space.
(Chessington Chat Magazine, 2009)
28 August 2009
When the dust has settled: The Ashes 2009
Innings of the series – Michael Clarke 136, Lords
Clarke was the outstanding batsman of the entire series and his superb, unfathomable rearguard innings against all odds was just about 100 runs shy of bringing his side an unthinkable victory. With the Aussies struggling at five wickets down and still a good 400 away from victory, Clarke found a willing partner in Brad Haddin and showed astounding courage. He played some brilliant shots whilst ensuring that England would not be able to get him out easily.
He frustrated them to the point where there was genuine talk of Australia actually chasing down their mammoth target. Jonathan Trott’s debut 119 on a tricky Oval pitch was just as impressive for effort but for combining sheer guts alongside audacity, Clarke takes the plaudits. What a remarkable batsman he has become for his side.
Bowling spell of the series – Stuart Broad 5-37, The Brit Oval
Whilst Andrew Flintoff’s 5-92 at Lords was one of the most awe-inspiring and terrifying spells of fast bowling in recent history, Broad’s effort was something miraculous. Written off in many quarters for an apparent lack of penetration, he arguably won the series for England in one electrifying and devastating spell of pace bowling. Combining deadly accuracy with inherent seam movement, he reduced Australia from a comfortable looking 73-0 to a match and series defining 111-7.
He got good players out, too: Ricky Ponting, not for the first time, outdone by Broad’s uncomfortable bounce; Mike Hussey leaving a ball that shaped back in and struck him plumb in front; the dangerous Clarke chipping straight to short extra cover. It really was a sight to behold and was a testament to Broad’s mental skill as well has his considerable bowling talent. The new Flintoff? Not quite yet but he’s showed tantalising signs of being even better.
Men of the series - England: Andrew Strauss, Australia: Michael Clarke
Strauss deserves accolade for both his gutsy and authoritative batting as well as his intuitive captaincy. He led from the front in every sense of the phrase – be it setting the tone at the top of the innings with the bat, his frank and honest assessments in post game press conferences or his knowledgeable use of the players. His utilisation of young Broad at The Oval was a perfect example example of brilliant man management.
As for Clarke, the statistics say it all. 448 runs at an average of 64 paints the picture of a sublime series and he played some of the tour’s most eye-catching innings. He became the prize wicket alongside the captain and when England didn't get him early, he invariably went on to punish them. Surely it must be only a matter of time before he is handed the captaincy.
Unsung Hero – England: Matt Prior, Australia: Marcus North
Prior had a fine series both with the bat, as we’ve come to expect, and behind the stumps. The fact that he went unnoticed when keeping alludes to the fact that he didn’t make any noticeable errors, especially when keeping to some diabolical bowling at Cardiff and Headingley. His alacrity with the willow helped inject much need momentum into England’s batting and he can reflect on a job well done all round.
North arrived as a batsman familiar to English conditions but with very little Test experience. He ended it with an average of just over 52, having scored two hundreds. His ton at Headingley went much unnoticed as the bowlers claimed much of the credit for Australia’s win. But he effectively set up their victory bid with a classy and uncomplicated 110. He even grabbed a few wickets on the spinner’s haven at The Oval and ends the series very much a fixture of the Aussie middle order.
Best commentator - Matthew Hayden
Aside from the always superb Mark Nicholas, Hayden stood out on both TMS and Five. Imaginative, wise, objective and was the voice of calm to Boycott’s age old fervour.
Rising star – England: Jonathan Trott, Australia: Ben Hilfenhaus
Trott’s debut hundred confirmed his golden boy status among the press. He’s already being primed as the next unfortunate candidate to take on the poisoned chalice of the number three slot. Still, he does appear the best qualified to take on the role at present. He played with a maturity that belied his limited international experience and hung firm with his mind focused on the task while all around him were throwing the bat and getting themselves out. He is certainly one for the immediate future and possibly longer.
It seems unthinkable that Hilfenhaus wasn’t tipped to make a single appearance in the series before Cardiff. But Brett Lee’s injury and doubts over Stuart Clark’s effectiveness saw the Tasmanian given a chance with the new ball and, boy, did he repay the faith shown in him. He ended as the leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps at an average of just over 27 and generally made England sweat every time with the new cherry in his hand. Not the quickest of bowlers but with an uncanny ability to swing the ball, he posed problems time and again to England’s fragile top and middle order. Quiet and unassuming by nature, Hilfenhaus must now be a cornerstone of the Australian attack.
Biggest disappointment – England: Ravi Bopara, Australia: Mitchell Johnson
Bopara was heralded as England’s number three saviour but ultimately he found the pressure to be a little too much. He was always likely to be targeted by the Aussies and as bad score followed bad score, England ran out of patience and replaced him for the final match. His time will come again for sure but his unfortunate failures remain a large regret for England fans. With any luck, however, he won't be written off quite yet.
Johnson had a ridiculously strange series. Wayward at Cardiff and unable to prize out the last England wickets, it obviously affected his mindset as he had a complete shocker at Lords. Be it spraying balls down miles down leg, firing them wide through the slip cordon or delivering wild ill-directed bouncers - he gave keeper Haddin an absolute nightmare. He improved marginally at Edgbaston and then was back to something like what he was capable of in the win at Leeds. But by the end of the series, he was back to his shocking worst as he completely failed to turn up when it really, really mattered. He suffered so many maulings at the hands of England’s lower order, he must still be having nightmares about seeing Swann or Broad stride to the wicket. Still managed 20 wickets but was a monumental letdown.
Comedy moment of the series – Ricky Ponting getting hit in the mouth at The Oval
You had to feel for him. Having witnessed his side toss away the series in a Broad-inspired collapse, Ponting and his beleaguered bunch took to the field again. And it wasn’t long before Ponting, fielding at silly point, was back in the wars as took a nasty looking hit on the mouth at point blank range. The crowd cheered unforgivingly but stopped when the extent of the blow was realised. Ponting shrugged it off but it was yet another painful Oval memory from a ground that has shown him nothing but contempt.
Moment of the series – Andrew Flintoff getting his 5-for at Lords on the last morning.
It was a moment that received a rapturous applause. Flintoff was peppering Peter Siddle from all angles before all of a sudden he turned and steamed in off a shortened run up. A full length ball nipped back and defeated Siddle’s tailender-like prod, shattering the stumps. Siddle, having been lucky to survive the amount of balls he did, smiled at his wicket’s inevitability and Flintoff went down on one knee, arms aloft, to celebrate only his 3rd Test match five wicket haul. In his final Test series, Freddie had secured his place on the famous honours board and it was a perfect Lords farewell for the great all rounder.
Biggest commentary overreaction – Michael Atherton
Iron Mike scared the life out of millions of viewers at Edgbaston when Graham Onions bowled out Hussey, seconds after trapping Shane Watson lbw. Anyone wishing to settle down to a quiet start to the morning was out of luck as Atherton’s over-zealous ‘BOWLED HIM!’ yelp could be heard all the way from Birmingham to Sydney.
The future...
Possible England side for First Test vs. South Africa –
Strauss (c), Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bopara, Prior (w), Wright, Broad, Swann, Anderson, Harmison
This is all dependant on Kevin Pietersen getting fit. My god, how we miss him. The best batsman of his generation, he was voted into Cricinfo's all time England XI, a testament to his sheer presence at the crease and outrageous talent. His absence proved England can win without him but the batting looked nervous and uncohesive. Frankly, he is simply unreplaceable.
Adil Rashid must now be groomed as England’s 2nd spinner. Monty Panesar’s performance with the bat at Cardiff was admirable but as a spinner he is good for nothing at the moment. Rashid needs to be slowly introduced to international cricket and touring with such an excellent spinning role model in Swann can only be a positive thing. Make no mistake, this kid is the future.
Steve Harmison may or may not tour. But should he take the gamble to continue his international career, one suspects England will need the firepower his bowling offers as it provides a better balance with the swing and seam of Jimmy Anderson and Broad. Onions is a more than credible alternative although there remains the fear that he may be slightly innocuous in less helpful conditions.
The all important all rounder slot could be filled by Luke Wright, who is maturing slowly into a medium/fast bowler and powerful middle order batsman. His batting is a concern, with a susceptibility to get himself out before getting set. But with Prior providing a safety net at number six, there is less pressure on whoever plays at seven. Rashid would provide a better batting option but England may not want to play him and Swann in a twin spin attack. We all saw howwell badly that worked at Cardiff.
Bopara is too good a batsman to be left out of the England team but he probably lacks the ideal temperament and composure to bat at number three. His time may come at first drop but for now he should be utilised in the middle order, in place of the struggling Paul Collingwood. Oval hero Trott looks to have the ability to handle the pressure of a promotion to three and his steely determination and resilience gives England a balanced batting order. You’d have to say that in Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bopara, Prior and Wright you have a mixture of everything – solid defence, attacking flamboyance and resolute determination. Throw into the mix Broad’s increasing confidence and the carefree hitting of Swann and you have a competent top nine. Hell, even Anderson can play his shots when he applies himself.
England are taking great care to ensure they don’t go over the top in the wake of this triumph. The mindset is spot on, the players are more or less the correct ones and, in Andy Flower, they have a thoughtful and on-the-ball coach. The only thing remaining is genuine progress. It may take time and it may not be easy sailing but perhaps they’re finally on the right path.
Clarke was the outstanding batsman of the entire series and his superb, unfathomable rearguard innings against all odds was just about 100 runs shy of bringing his side an unthinkable victory. With the Aussies struggling at five wickets down and still a good 400 away from victory, Clarke found a willing partner in Brad Haddin and showed astounding courage. He played some brilliant shots whilst ensuring that England would not be able to get him out easily.
He frustrated them to the point where there was genuine talk of Australia actually chasing down their mammoth target. Jonathan Trott’s debut 119 on a tricky Oval pitch was just as impressive for effort but for combining sheer guts alongside audacity, Clarke takes the plaudits. What a remarkable batsman he has become for his side.
Bowling spell of the series – Stuart Broad 5-37, The Brit Oval
Whilst Andrew Flintoff’s 5-92 at Lords was one of the most awe-inspiring and terrifying spells of fast bowling in recent history, Broad’s effort was something miraculous. Written off in many quarters for an apparent lack of penetration, he arguably won the series for England in one electrifying and devastating spell of pace bowling. Combining deadly accuracy with inherent seam movement, he reduced Australia from a comfortable looking 73-0 to a match and series defining 111-7.
He got good players out, too: Ricky Ponting, not for the first time, outdone by Broad’s uncomfortable bounce; Mike Hussey leaving a ball that shaped back in and struck him plumb in front; the dangerous Clarke chipping straight to short extra cover. It really was a sight to behold and was a testament to Broad’s mental skill as well has his considerable bowling talent. The new Flintoff? Not quite yet but he’s showed tantalising signs of being even better.
Men of the series - England: Andrew Strauss, Australia: Michael Clarke
Strauss deserves accolade for both his gutsy and authoritative batting as well as his intuitive captaincy. He led from the front in every sense of the phrase – be it setting the tone at the top of the innings with the bat, his frank and honest assessments in post game press conferences or his knowledgeable use of the players. His utilisation of young Broad at The Oval was a perfect example example of brilliant man management.
As for Clarke, the statistics say it all. 448 runs at an average of 64 paints the picture of a sublime series and he played some of the tour’s most eye-catching innings. He became the prize wicket alongside the captain and when England didn't get him early, he invariably went on to punish them. Surely it must be only a matter of time before he is handed the captaincy.
Unsung Hero – England: Matt Prior, Australia: Marcus North
Prior had a fine series both with the bat, as we’ve come to expect, and behind the stumps. The fact that he went unnoticed when keeping alludes to the fact that he didn’t make any noticeable errors, especially when keeping to some diabolical bowling at Cardiff and Headingley. His alacrity with the willow helped inject much need momentum into England’s batting and he can reflect on a job well done all round.
North arrived as a batsman familiar to English conditions but with very little Test experience. He ended it with an average of just over 52, having scored two hundreds. His ton at Headingley went much unnoticed as the bowlers claimed much of the credit for Australia’s win. But he effectively set up their victory bid with a classy and uncomplicated 110. He even grabbed a few wickets on the spinner’s haven at The Oval and ends the series very much a fixture of the Aussie middle order.
Best commentator - Matthew Hayden
Aside from the always superb Mark Nicholas, Hayden stood out on both TMS and Five. Imaginative, wise, objective and was the voice of calm to Boycott’s age old fervour.
Rising star – England: Jonathan Trott, Australia: Ben Hilfenhaus
Trott’s debut hundred confirmed his golden boy status among the press. He’s already being primed as the next unfortunate candidate to take on the poisoned chalice of the number three slot. Still, he does appear the best qualified to take on the role at present. He played with a maturity that belied his limited international experience and hung firm with his mind focused on the task while all around him were throwing the bat and getting themselves out. He is certainly one for the immediate future and possibly longer.
It seems unthinkable that Hilfenhaus wasn’t tipped to make a single appearance in the series before Cardiff. But Brett Lee’s injury and doubts over Stuart Clark’s effectiveness saw the Tasmanian given a chance with the new ball and, boy, did he repay the faith shown in him. He ended as the leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps at an average of just over 27 and generally made England sweat every time with the new cherry in his hand. Not the quickest of bowlers but with an uncanny ability to swing the ball, he posed problems time and again to England’s fragile top and middle order. Quiet and unassuming by nature, Hilfenhaus must now be a cornerstone of the Australian attack.
Biggest disappointment – England: Ravi Bopara, Australia: Mitchell Johnson
Bopara was heralded as England’s number three saviour but ultimately he found the pressure to be a little too much. He was always likely to be targeted by the Aussies and as bad score followed bad score, England ran out of patience and replaced him for the final match. His time will come again for sure but his unfortunate failures remain a large regret for England fans. With any luck, however, he won't be written off quite yet.
Johnson had a ridiculously strange series. Wayward at Cardiff and unable to prize out the last England wickets, it obviously affected his mindset as he had a complete shocker at Lords. Be it spraying balls down miles down leg, firing them wide through the slip cordon or delivering wild ill-directed bouncers - he gave keeper Haddin an absolute nightmare. He improved marginally at Edgbaston and then was back to something like what he was capable of in the win at Leeds. But by the end of the series, he was back to his shocking worst as he completely failed to turn up when it really, really mattered. He suffered so many maulings at the hands of England’s lower order, he must still be having nightmares about seeing Swann or Broad stride to the wicket. Still managed 20 wickets but was a monumental letdown.
Comedy moment of the series – Ricky Ponting getting hit in the mouth at The Oval
You had to feel for him. Having witnessed his side toss away the series in a Broad-inspired collapse, Ponting and his beleaguered bunch took to the field again. And it wasn’t long before Ponting, fielding at silly point, was back in the wars as took a nasty looking hit on the mouth at point blank range. The crowd cheered unforgivingly but stopped when the extent of the blow was realised. Ponting shrugged it off but it was yet another painful Oval memory from a ground that has shown him nothing but contempt.
Moment of the series – Andrew Flintoff getting his 5-for at Lords on the last morning.
It was a moment that received a rapturous applause. Flintoff was peppering Peter Siddle from all angles before all of a sudden he turned and steamed in off a shortened run up. A full length ball nipped back and defeated Siddle’s tailender-like prod, shattering the stumps. Siddle, having been lucky to survive the amount of balls he did, smiled at his wicket’s inevitability and Flintoff went down on one knee, arms aloft, to celebrate only his 3rd Test match five wicket haul. In his final Test series, Freddie had secured his place on the famous honours board and it was a perfect Lords farewell for the great all rounder.
Biggest commentary overreaction – Michael Atherton
Iron Mike scared the life out of millions of viewers at Edgbaston when Graham Onions bowled out Hussey, seconds after trapping Shane Watson lbw. Anyone wishing to settle down to a quiet start to the morning was out of luck as Atherton’s over-zealous ‘BOWLED HIM!’ yelp could be heard all the way from Birmingham to Sydney.
The future...
Possible England side for First Test vs. South Africa –
Strauss (c), Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bopara, Prior (w), Wright, Broad, Swann, Anderson, Harmison
This is all dependant on Kevin Pietersen getting fit. My god, how we miss him. The best batsman of his generation, he was voted into Cricinfo's all time England XI, a testament to his sheer presence at the crease and outrageous talent. His absence proved England can win without him but the batting looked nervous and uncohesive. Frankly, he is simply unreplaceable.
Adil Rashid must now be groomed as England’s 2nd spinner. Monty Panesar’s performance with the bat at Cardiff was admirable but as a spinner he is good for nothing at the moment. Rashid needs to be slowly introduced to international cricket and touring with such an excellent spinning role model in Swann can only be a positive thing. Make no mistake, this kid is the future.
Steve Harmison may or may not tour. But should he take the gamble to continue his international career, one suspects England will need the firepower his bowling offers as it provides a better balance with the swing and seam of Jimmy Anderson and Broad. Onions is a more than credible alternative although there remains the fear that he may be slightly innocuous in less helpful conditions.
The all important all rounder slot could be filled by Luke Wright, who is maturing slowly into a medium/fast bowler and powerful middle order batsman. His batting is a concern, with a susceptibility to get himself out before getting set. But with Prior providing a safety net at number six, there is less pressure on whoever plays at seven. Rashid would provide a better batting option but England may not want to play him and Swann in a twin spin attack. We all saw how
Bopara is too good a batsman to be left out of the England team but he probably lacks the ideal temperament and composure to bat at number three. His time may come at first drop but for now he should be utilised in the middle order, in place of the struggling Paul Collingwood. Oval hero Trott looks to have the ability to handle the pressure of a promotion to three and his steely determination and resilience gives England a balanced batting order. You’d have to say that in Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bopara, Prior and Wright you have a mixture of everything – solid defence, attacking flamboyance and resolute determination. Throw into the mix Broad’s increasing confidence and the carefree hitting of Swann and you have a competent top nine. Hell, even Anderson can play his shots when he applies himself.
England are taking great care to ensure they don’t go over the top in the wake of this triumph. The mindset is spot on, the players are more or less the correct ones and, in Andy Flower, they have a thoughtful and on-the-ball coach. The only thing remaining is genuine progress. It may take time and it may not be easy sailing but perhaps they’re finally on the right path.
26 August 2009
The ECB's deal with the devil
Much has been made about England's low key celebrations in the wake of their Ashes success, especially so when you consider the endless hullabaloo that surrounded the 2005 win. Gone were the open top bus rides, speeches to a packed out Trafalgar Square and clearly drunk cricketers falling head first out of hotels. Gordon Brown will have certainly rested easy on Monday knowing that no-one would be pissing in his 10 Downing Street garden.
Indeed, there's a different feel about this Ashes win and it's a world away from the carefree euphoria of 2005. The standard of cricket was inferior to last time though the level of drama was almost as thrilling. For the 2005 Old Trafford draw, read Cardiff in 2009. For England's dramatic win at Edgbaston, read the easier but no less exciting Lords win. There is a feeling this time around that England didn't deserve the victory as much as they had last time out. And, not to take anything away from Andrew Strauss and his men who did deserve their win, Australia are certainly easier to beat these days.
Lily Allen aside, this series win hasn't drawn the masses of newly found cricket fans that 2005 did. Perhaps there's another reason for the lack of national outpouring of emotion. Where last time everyone in the land had access to live pictures of Michael Vaughan lifting the famous little urn, this time only those lucky enough to have a Sky subscription could watch Strauss' turn.
The viewing figures do not do this series justice. Sky do a brilliant presentation and can only be commended for their cricket coverage. But the truth remains that many in the UK were unable to watch any of the series because they were saddled with plain, old, regular terrestrial television. What hope is there for cricket to take off again as a summer sport if children up and down the land have no basic exposure to it?
The ECB have their reasons for selling out to Sky and the revenue earned per year from the lucrative deal probably allows them to sleep a little easier each night. But as long as international cricket is only available for a subscription fee, then national interest in the game will continue to falter.
It's a sad truth that whatever heroics Strauss and his men achieve, their efforts may not be as universally recognised as those from years gone by.
Indeed, there's a different feel about this Ashes win and it's a world away from the carefree euphoria of 2005. The standard of cricket was inferior to last time though the level of drama was almost as thrilling. For the 2005 Old Trafford draw, read Cardiff in 2009. For England's dramatic win at Edgbaston, read the easier but no less exciting Lords win. There is a feeling this time around that England didn't deserve the victory as much as they had last time out. And, not to take anything away from Andrew Strauss and his men who did deserve their win, Australia are certainly easier to beat these days.
Lily Allen aside, this series win hasn't drawn the masses of newly found cricket fans that 2005 did. Perhaps there's another reason for the lack of national outpouring of emotion. Where last time everyone in the land had access to live pictures of Michael Vaughan lifting the famous little urn, this time only those lucky enough to have a Sky subscription could watch Strauss' turn.
The viewing figures do not do this series justice. Sky do a brilliant presentation and can only be commended for their cricket coverage. But the truth remains that many in the UK were unable to watch any of the series because they were saddled with plain, old, regular terrestrial television. What hope is there for cricket to take off again as a summer sport if children up and down the land have no basic exposure to it?
The ECB have their reasons for selling out to Sky and the revenue earned per year from the lucrative deal probably allows them to sleep a little easier each night. But as long as international cricket is only available for a subscription fee, then national interest in the game will continue to falter.
It's a sad truth that whatever heroics Strauss and his men achieve, their efforts may not be as universally recognised as those from years gone by.
The legacy of Freddie
The King is dead, long live the King.
Yes, Andrew Flintoff has departed the Test match arena for the last time and England will have to do without the man whose Herculean efforts over the last 6 or 7 years have propelled his country to glorious heights, even if there were some forgettable lows scattered inbetween. Statistically, he won't be remembered as one of the game's great players and when you consider his all round talents, a feeling resides of what might have been. But the Lancastrian leaves a sizeable impact on England cricket fans and will be held in the highest esteem, regardless of how little five wicket hauls he took.
The memories are plentiful.
His spell to Jacques Kallis at Edgbaston in 2008 as he tried single handed to drag England back into a Test match; His pugnacious twin fifties at Mumbai in 2006 where he took on the responsibility of captaining an injury depleted side with aplomb; That breathtaking 95 at The Oval against South Africa in 2003, dragging England from simply a 'good' score into a match winning one. The list of memories Flintoff's cricket has created is both mightily impressive and lengthy.
And who can ignore his greatest moments, saved for the greatest enemy of all? Ashes contests brought the best out of Freddie, none more so than 2005 where he rose above himself time and again to deliver the most cherished of all cricketing achievements for his country. It's no surprise Adam Gilchrist spent his 2005 nights unable to think of anything else but the tall paceman steaming in towards him from around the wicket and delivering searing out-swingers time after time. If ever Flintoff did earn the term 'legend', it was in this series.
2009 may not have brought as much personal glory but he had his moments. The devastating spell on the final day at Lords, where he moved earth, wind and fire to bring victory for his country. The blistering 74 at Edgbaston where he batted as if to put the Australians back in their place. The fantastic run out of Ricky Ponting on that last day where he came from nowhere in the game to stamp his own influence on proceedings.
He may not be an all rounder to compete historically with the likes of Ian Botham, Imran Khan or Richard Hadlee, whose exploits are the stuff of cricketing legend. But what Flintoff leaves to the English game is a legacy of popularity and drama. His personality endeared him to many a worldwide cricket fan and he played the game in the best spirit possible. Rarely flustered, always with a smile on his face, Flintoff made cricket look fun more than any other player in his generation. Sometimes wickets fell as a result of his sheer force rather than cricketing skill.
No matter who eventually replaces him in the England set up, his all round talents will be greatly sought after for years to come.
Speaking of replacements, attention has inevitably turned to who should fill Freddie's giant shoes. Stuart Broad is in the process of being hyped up to gigantic proportions by the media but, at 23, he needs time to mature and develop. No one can doubt his potential but what England fans crave is a big hitting middle order batsman and a fast, relentless pace bowler. Broad isn't yet either one of these. He needs to spend more time developing his potency as a bowler and, in time, his batting can be worked upon to attain the middle order temperament he so craves.
There's another two young guns waiting in the wings who would seem in a possible position to assume Flintoff's role. Adil Rashid is a much talked about leg spinning all rounder with bags of promise. He has limited England experience, having played in the World Twenty20 earlier this summer, is a prodigious turner of the ball and can bat as high as number 7. He seems destined to have an England future sooner or later, having been touted to play in this summer's Ashes contest.
And for all the arguments that it's too soon to play him, there remains the distinct possibility that holding him back will do him no good. Perhaps it's time to see if he's as good as we all pray he is. He certainly ticks all the boxes in the all rounder category. His one 'limitation' perhaps is that he is a spinner and not a terrorising fast bowler in the Flintoff mould. Playing him would effectively mean England go into games with two spinners and three pacemen, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing on certain surfaces - it just may leave them short of express pace.
Another burgeoning talent is Sussex's Luke Wright, a dashing middle order batsman and improving seam bowler. Wright has been in and around England's one day setup for a few years now, having been tried in a number of batting positions and having failed to make a consistant impression. However, two County Championship centuries this year have led to calls for him to be given a chance to step up too Test level and, provided he learns to rein in the sometimes mindless stroke play that has inhibited his one-day batting, he looks like he can be a decent enough batsman. His bowling is coming along nicely - initially considered as medium pace, Wright is starting to hit the enviable heights of the mid 80's, in terms of mph. He already possesses a superb yorker length ball and, if he can step up in pace a notch, he could just be the bowler England desire.
However, with both candidates comes an element of risk. Whatever they achieve or fail to achieve will invariably be hung up next to Flintoff's imposing stature. And it will take time and steady performances to properly fill the void. But perhaps this is precisely the new ethos of this England team. Keep our feet on the ground, regardless of what we achieve, and build steadily towards getting better and better. Whoever takes Flintoff's place, it may be a case of giving them time to blend into the role and not getting too critical or too praising.
Still, it's an exciting time for this brilliantly inconsistent but promising England team, who head to South Africa in November to try and further the progress made this summer. It's a time for blooding new players and Wright and Rashid will almost certainly be on the tour at the very least if England want them to succeed. But for now fans should bask in the memories of the great Andrew Flintoff. He may not have been perfect but nothing should give fans greater pleasure than seeing reruns of him shattering Peter Siddle's stumps to gain his fifth wicket at Lords in the Second Test last month.
A fantastic player and a thoroughly decent bloke, Flintoff was and is one of a kind.
Yes, Andrew Flintoff has departed the Test match arena for the last time and England will have to do without the man whose Herculean efforts over the last 6 or 7 years have propelled his country to glorious heights, even if there were some forgettable lows scattered inbetween. Statistically, he won't be remembered as one of the game's great players and when you consider his all round talents, a feeling resides of what might have been. But the Lancastrian leaves a sizeable impact on England cricket fans and will be held in the highest esteem, regardless of how little five wicket hauls he took.
The memories are plentiful.
His spell to Jacques Kallis at Edgbaston in 2008 as he tried single handed to drag England back into a Test match; His pugnacious twin fifties at Mumbai in 2006 where he took on the responsibility of captaining an injury depleted side with aplomb; That breathtaking 95 at The Oval against South Africa in 2003, dragging England from simply a 'good' score into a match winning one. The list of memories Flintoff's cricket has created is both mightily impressive and lengthy.
And who can ignore his greatest moments, saved for the greatest enemy of all? Ashes contests brought the best out of Freddie, none more so than 2005 where he rose above himself time and again to deliver the most cherished of all cricketing achievements for his country. It's no surprise Adam Gilchrist spent his 2005 nights unable to think of anything else but the tall paceman steaming in towards him from around the wicket and delivering searing out-swingers time after time. If ever Flintoff did earn the term 'legend', it was in this series.
2009 may not have brought as much personal glory but he had his moments. The devastating spell on the final day at Lords, where he moved earth, wind and fire to bring victory for his country. The blistering 74 at Edgbaston where he batted as if to put the Australians back in their place. The fantastic run out of Ricky Ponting on that last day where he came from nowhere in the game to stamp his own influence on proceedings.
He may not be an all rounder to compete historically with the likes of Ian Botham, Imran Khan or Richard Hadlee, whose exploits are the stuff of cricketing legend. But what Flintoff leaves to the English game is a legacy of popularity and drama. His personality endeared him to many a worldwide cricket fan and he played the game in the best spirit possible. Rarely flustered, always with a smile on his face, Flintoff made cricket look fun more than any other player in his generation. Sometimes wickets fell as a result of his sheer force rather than cricketing skill.
No matter who eventually replaces him in the England set up, his all round talents will be greatly sought after for years to come.
Speaking of replacements, attention has inevitably turned to who should fill Freddie's giant shoes. Stuart Broad is in the process of being hyped up to gigantic proportions by the media but, at 23, he needs time to mature and develop. No one can doubt his potential but what England fans crave is a big hitting middle order batsman and a fast, relentless pace bowler. Broad isn't yet either one of these. He needs to spend more time developing his potency as a bowler and, in time, his batting can be worked upon to attain the middle order temperament he so craves.
There's another two young guns waiting in the wings who would seem in a possible position to assume Flintoff's role. Adil Rashid is a much talked about leg spinning all rounder with bags of promise. He has limited England experience, having played in the World Twenty20 earlier this summer, is a prodigious turner of the ball and can bat as high as number 7. He seems destined to have an England future sooner or later, having been touted to play in this summer's Ashes contest.
And for all the arguments that it's too soon to play him, there remains the distinct possibility that holding him back will do him no good. Perhaps it's time to see if he's as good as we all pray he is. He certainly ticks all the boxes in the all rounder category. His one 'limitation' perhaps is that he is a spinner and not a terrorising fast bowler in the Flintoff mould. Playing him would effectively mean England go into games with two spinners and three pacemen, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing on certain surfaces - it just may leave them short of express pace.
Another burgeoning talent is Sussex's Luke Wright, a dashing middle order batsman and improving seam bowler. Wright has been in and around England's one day setup for a few years now, having been tried in a number of batting positions and having failed to make a consistant impression. However, two County Championship centuries this year have led to calls for him to be given a chance to step up too Test level and, provided he learns to rein in the sometimes mindless stroke play that has inhibited his one-day batting, he looks like he can be a decent enough batsman. His bowling is coming along nicely - initially considered as medium pace, Wright is starting to hit the enviable heights of the mid 80's, in terms of mph. He already possesses a superb yorker length ball and, if he can step up in pace a notch, he could just be the bowler England desire.
However, with both candidates comes an element of risk. Whatever they achieve or fail to achieve will invariably be hung up next to Flintoff's imposing stature. And it will take time and steady performances to properly fill the void. But perhaps this is precisely the new ethos of this England team. Keep our feet on the ground, regardless of what we achieve, and build steadily towards getting better and better. Whoever takes Flintoff's place, it may be a case of giving them time to blend into the role and not getting too critical or too praising.
Still, it's an exciting time for this brilliantly inconsistent but promising England team, who head to South Africa in November to try and further the progress made this summer. It's a time for blooding new players and Wright and Rashid will almost certainly be on the tour at the very least if England want them to succeed. But for now fans should bask in the memories of the great Andrew Flintoff. He may not have been perfect but nothing should give fans greater pleasure than seeing reruns of him shattering Peter Siddle's stumps to gain his fifth wicket at Lords in the Second Test last month.
A fantastic player and a thoroughly decent bloke, Flintoff was and is one of a kind.
22 August 2009
Thoughts from the Oval
A few musings about the current Test match:
- I really like the look of Jonathan Trott. He looks solid, compact and able to dig in. These may all be traits of Paul Collingwood but where Collingwood sometimes decelerates the scoring rate with his lack of free flowing technique, Trott looks capable of playing a patient but sensible innings. One for the foreseeable future, no doubt and he will have a big role to play in South Africa this winter. Expect him and Bopara and Bell to form the backbone of England's middle order at the expense of Collingwood, at least until Kevin Pietersen is fit again.
- England were right not to pick Monty Panesar. Put simply, he's not a very good player. If you're struggling to play well for Northamptonshire at Division Two then an Ashes deciding Test match is beyond you. He did precious little when given the chance at Cardiff and though the pitch has shown signs of taking outrageous spin, Graeme Swann and the four seamers are more than capable of exploiting it. See Australia's first innings for evidence of that.
- Will the Australians give Andrew Flintoff a guard of honour? Or rather, should they? It's a toughie. Michael Atherton has argued in The Times that Flintoff cannot be classed as a 'great' player and surely such marks of respect should only be afforded to those of the highest calibre. But he is certainly a cricketer with a distinguished reputation and the Aussies make no secret of their admiration for him. Will they extend him the courtesy of a guard of honour in his last Test innings? We may well find out later today.
- Should Steve Harmison retire too? We all know we're watching Flintoff's last ever Test match but will it be the last for his close mate Harmy? A bowler that England cannot rely on anymore, Harmison's role in this series has always been slightly peripheral and as much as a threat he looks at certain times, the fact is the England management appear to have lost patience with his inconsistency, much like they have with Panesar. Perhaps he should go down the same route as Freddie and call it a day, on his own terms?
- If England do win the game and the Ashes, it'll be an outstanding achievement. It won't necessarily elevate England to the top of the world rankings and we'll still have a way to go before we can compete with best sides. But a victory in this manner will have required supreme mental toughness. People can harp on all they like about England only having one hundred in the series but the majority of their innings totals have been team efforts - a lot of the players getting 40's, 50's and 60's. Hundreds are better but if everyone puts in a collective effort you end up with a commanding score. It's a team game, after all.
- Andrew Strauss deserves a knighthood. Well, not really but regardless of whether he leads England to Ashes glory or not, credit must go to him for his responsible batting and, at times, astute leadership. Just call him Michael Vaughan mark 2.
Play on, lads. Play on.
- I really like the look of Jonathan Trott. He looks solid, compact and able to dig in. These may all be traits of Paul Collingwood but where Collingwood sometimes decelerates the scoring rate with his lack of free flowing technique, Trott looks capable of playing a patient but sensible innings. One for the foreseeable future, no doubt and he will have a big role to play in South Africa this winter. Expect him and Bopara and Bell to form the backbone of England's middle order at the expense of Collingwood, at least until Kevin Pietersen is fit again.
- England were right not to pick Monty Panesar. Put simply, he's not a very good player. If you're struggling to play well for Northamptonshire at Division Two then an Ashes deciding Test match is beyond you. He did precious little when given the chance at Cardiff and though the pitch has shown signs of taking outrageous spin, Graeme Swann and the four seamers are more than capable of exploiting it. See Australia's first innings for evidence of that.
- Will the Australians give Andrew Flintoff a guard of honour? Or rather, should they? It's a toughie. Michael Atherton has argued in The Times that Flintoff cannot be classed as a 'great' player and surely such marks of respect should only be afforded to those of the highest calibre. But he is certainly a cricketer with a distinguished reputation and the Aussies make no secret of their admiration for him. Will they extend him the courtesy of a guard of honour in his last Test innings? We may well find out later today.
- Should Steve Harmison retire too? We all know we're watching Flintoff's last ever Test match but will it be the last for his close mate Harmy? A bowler that England cannot rely on anymore, Harmison's role in this series has always been slightly peripheral and as much as a threat he looks at certain times, the fact is the England management appear to have lost patience with his inconsistency, much like they have with Panesar. Perhaps he should go down the same route as Freddie and call it a day, on his own terms?
- If England do win the game and the Ashes, it'll be an outstanding achievement. It won't necessarily elevate England to the top of the world rankings and we'll still have a way to go before we can compete with best sides. But a victory in this manner will have required supreme mental toughness. People can harp on all they like about England only having one hundred in the series but the majority of their innings totals have been team efforts - a lot of the players getting 40's, 50's and 60's. Hundreds are better but if everyone puts in a collective effort you end up with a commanding score. It's a team game, after all.
- Andrew Strauss deserves a knighthood. Well, not really but regardless of whether he leads England to Ashes glory or not, credit must go to him for his responsible batting and, at times, astute leadership. Just call him Michael Vaughan mark 2.
Play on, lads. Play on.
8 August 2009
Bring him back and make the people happy
Barring a 1981-esque England comeback, it looks as if we’ll be heading to The Oval with the score at 1-1 and everything to play for.
England’s Headingley predicament is so dire it brings about horrendous memories of Australian batsmen carting James Anderson and co. all over Cardiff with nonchalant ease. Shot out for 102 then forced to watch the tourists rack up a lead of 343, you would have been forgiven for thinking the pain was temporarily over. But this England side has a special ability to bring delight and despair in equal measure and their collapse from 58-0 to 78-5 bordered on laughable.
It’s been a thoroughly miserable two days for England and the prospect of winning the Ashes looks a little further away on the horizon than it did in the wake of Edgbaston. The media have been quick to collectively jump on the ‘all England players are bad people’ bandwagon – it’s almost as if Ravi Bopara is purposely trying to play badly if you read the supposedly ‘professional’ garbage written about him over the last few weeks.
Still, never let it be said that this blog follows such a negative path. I’m all for the bright side of life even if Matt Prior will walk to the crease tomorrow morning with the company of the night-watchman and the steady reassurance of hardly any batting to come.
Going back to 1981 and Headingley, is anyone else dreaming of a miraculous turnaround? Does no-one think it remotely possible that Stuart Broad will discover his inner Ian Botham and blaze England to an unthinkable lead? I suppose when you put it like that it does seem rather improbable. But allow me to indulge for a second; in 1981, Botham took 6-95 as the Australians racked up 401 before beginning his quest to haul England back into contention with the bat. Today, Broad took 6-91. England are in just as calamitous a position now as they were then, if not worse. With history in mind, I wonder if Ricky Ponting will be tempted to have a punt on Paddy Power’s odds of 200-1 for England to win the match?
It’s majorly likely, however, that the Aussies will stroll to victory at some point tomorrow and take this Ashes series into a final Test decider at The Oval which, frankly, is the most entertaining prospect. With a series draw not good enough for England to bring the Ashes home, they’ll be going all out for the win. Expect a fired up (and probably hardly fit) Andrew Flintoff giving his everything in what is his last Test match.
How are England going to win? It’s painfully obvious that they’ll need a change in the batting order and, as much as I rate him, Bopara is going to have to be moved from the number three slot. He’s simply had more than enough chances. He could well make the position his own in the future but for now he needs to be either dropped or moved down the order. And for his replacement, here’s a left field selection that would get English pulses racing and bring the sweet smell of cricketing nostalgia: Marcus Trescothick.
Exciting, isn’t it? The veteran opener is still delivering a waterfall of runs down at Somerset and loves playing the Aussies. It was he in 2005 that provided the lightning fast, ultra confident starts to an innings that regularly got Ponting all hot and bothered. It’s he who would be perfect in this scenario, with England needing to play as positively as possible. Yes, he’s retired and can’t go five minutes outside of Taunton without getting homesick. But give him the chance to come in just for this Test match and play his natural, free flowing game and I bet he’d take it.
He can go in with Strauss and Cook can shift down to number three. Cook is a level headed, defensive batsmen and can be the anchor by which England build their innings around. He’s batted three for England before with a degree of success and, as mentioned, it’s only for one match. Trescothick can blaze the ball around like the days of old, Cook can play second fiddle and Matt Prior and Freddie can provide the middle order acceleration. It’s radical, it’s out of the ordinary and it could work. The Aussies will definitely not be expecting it.
If it happens, you heard it here first.
England’s Headingley predicament is so dire it brings about horrendous memories of Australian batsmen carting James Anderson and co. all over Cardiff with nonchalant ease. Shot out for 102 then forced to watch the tourists rack up a lead of 343, you would have been forgiven for thinking the pain was temporarily over. But this England side has a special ability to bring delight and despair in equal measure and their collapse from 58-0 to 78-5 bordered on laughable.
It’s been a thoroughly miserable two days for England and the prospect of winning the Ashes looks a little further away on the horizon than it did in the wake of Edgbaston. The media have been quick to collectively jump on the ‘all England players are bad people’ bandwagon – it’s almost as if Ravi Bopara is purposely trying to play badly if you read the supposedly ‘professional’ garbage written about him over the last few weeks.
Still, never let it be said that this blog follows such a negative path. I’m all for the bright side of life even if Matt Prior will walk to the crease tomorrow morning with the company of the night-watchman and the steady reassurance of hardly any batting to come.
Going back to 1981 and Headingley, is anyone else dreaming of a miraculous turnaround? Does no-one think it remotely possible that Stuart Broad will discover his inner Ian Botham and blaze England to an unthinkable lead? I suppose when you put it like that it does seem rather improbable. But allow me to indulge for a second; in 1981, Botham took 6-95 as the Australians racked up 401 before beginning his quest to haul England back into contention with the bat. Today, Broad took 6-91. England are in just as calamitous a position now as they were then, if not worse. With history in mind, I wonder if Ricky Ponting will be tempted to have a punt on Paddy Power’s odds of 200-1 for England to win the match?
It’s majorly likely, however, that the Aussies will stroll to victory at some point tomorrow and take this Ashes series into a final Test decider at The Oval which, frankly, is the most entertaining prospect. With a series draw not good enough for England to bring the Ashes home, they’ll be going all out for the win. Expect a fired up (and probably hardly fit) Andrew Flintoff giving his everything in what is his last Test match.
How are England going to win? It’s painfully obvious that they’ll need a change in the batting order and, as much as I rate him, Bopara is going to have to be moved from the number three slot. He’s simply had more than enough chances. He could well make the position his own in the future but for now he needs to be either dropped or moved down the order. And for his replacement, here’s a left field selection that would get English pulses racing and bring the sweet smell of cricketing nostalgia: Marcus Trescothick.
Exciting, isn’t it? The veteran opener is still delivering a waterfall of runs down at Somerset and loves playing the Aussies. It was he in 2005 that provided the lightning fast, ultra confident starts to an innings that regularly got Ponting all hot and bothered. It’s he who would be perfect in this scenario, with England needing to play as positively as possible. Yes, he’s retired and can’t go five minutes outside of Taunton without getting homesick. But give him the chance to come in just for this Test match and play his natural, free flowing game and I bet he’d take it.
He can go in with Strauss and Cook can shift down to number three. Cook is a level headed, defensive batsmen and can be the anchor by which England build their innings around. He’s batted three for England before with a degree of success and, as mentioned, it’s only for one match. Trescothick can blaze the ball around like the days of old, Cook can play second fiddle and Matt Prior and Freddie can provide the middle order acceleration. It’s radical, it’s out of the ordinary and it could work. The Aussies will definitely not be expecting it.
If it happens, you heard it here first.
7 August 2009
LVCC - Hampshire v Lancashire 6th August - Day 2
Afternoon session
Hampshire began the afternoon session looking to accelerate their run rate and Sean Ervine quickly signalled his intentions as he walked down the track and hoisted Gary Keedy over long on for four. Lancashire took the second new ball and after several tight overs, Kyle Hogg induced an edge behind from Mascarenhas, who fell for 21. Ervine brought up his fifty soon after with a quick single before a powerful square cut brought him his seventh boundary.
Oliver Newby then bagged another wicket after wicket keeper Tom Burrows (0) edged one to VVS Laxman at second slip. Hampshire’s hopes of passing 300 and claiming 3 batting points now rested on Ervine’s shoulders. Perhaps sensing the need to take charge, he went hard at a short ball and sent a top edge over the head of the keeper for four.
David Griffiths then fell for a duck, bowled by a spinning delivery from Keedy. New man Imran Tahir (0) lasted only two balls before losing his off stump to a full length ball from Tom Smith. Running out of partners, Ervine steered Keedy through point where a fielding error from Mal Loye gave him another boundary. Lancashire brought the field in to deny Ervine the chance to steal the strike but he responded in magnificent style, crashing a mammoth six over midwicket to raise the Hampshire 300. And the entertainment continued with an audacious reverse sweep that sailed into the crowd for another six.
James Tomlinson, who was clinging on bravely at the other end, was then dropped at first slip off Newby. As Lancashire heads went down, Ervine lofted Keedy straight down the ground before steering him down to third man for consecutive boundaries to move to 98. Tomlinson joined in the fun with a nudge down to fine leg for four. Ervine then reached a heroic century, his seventh in first class cricket, with a dab down to third man for two. A few more boundaries off Newby saw him continue to frustrate the visitors before he holed out for 114 giving Hampshire a score of 337 all out.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2009)
Read the full day's report here.
Hampshire began the afternoon session looking to accelerate their run rate and Sean Ervine quickly signalled his intentions as he walked down the track and hoisted Gary Keedy over long on for four. Lancashire took the second new ball and after several tight overs, Kyle Hogg induced an edge behind from Mascarenhas, who fell for 21. Ervine brought up his fifty soon after with a quick single before a powerful square cut brought him his seventh boundary.
Oliver Newby then bagged another wicket after wicket keeper Tom Burrows (0) edged one to VVS Laxman at second slip. Hampshire’s hopes of passing 300 and claiming 3 batting points now rested on Ervine’s shoulders. Perhaps sensing the need to take charge, he went hard at a short ball and sent a top edge over the head of the keeper for four.
David Griffiths then fell for a duck, bowled by a spinning delivery from Keedy. New man Imran Tahir (0) lasted only two balls before losing his off stump to a full length ball from Tom Smith. Running out of partners, Ervine steered Keedy through point where a fielding error from Mal Loye gave him another boundary. Lancashire brought the field in to deny Ervine the chance to steal the strike but he responded in magnificent style, crashing a mammoth six over midwicket to raise the Hampshire 300. And the entertainment continued with an audacious reverse sweep that sailed into the crowd for another six.
James Tomlinson, who was clinging on bravely at the other end, was then dropped at first slip off Newby. As Lancashire heads went down, Ervine lofted Keedy straight down the ground before steering him down to third man for consecutive boundaries to move to 98. Tomlinson joined in the fun with a nudge down to fine leg for four. Ervine then reached a heroic century, his seventh in first class cricket, with a dab down to third man for two. A few more boundaries off Newby saw him continue to frustrate the visitors before he holed out for 114 giving Hampshire a score of 337 all out.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2009)
Read the full day's report here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
