In what was surely the only relevant and meaningful game of the protracted CB series thus far ;-) England beat the Parrott Greens by 21 runs in Adelaide today. It was a much better performance all round – hell, it couldn’t have been any worse than the last three.
Jonathan Trott was the hero with a typically stodgy but effective knock of 102 from 126 balls. Surprisingly he also chipped in with the ball, taking 2-31 in seven priceless overs of medium-slow trundle.
He’s a funny bowler Trott. He looks like he’s running in sand as he struggles to the crease, and his face is etched with pain and exhaustion when he finally releases the ball (at about Eddie Hemmings pace).
However, on slowish pitches like the one in Adelaide today, pace off the ball is the order of the day. The slower it comes onto the bat, the more difficult it is for batsmen to score. The batsmen’s task is made even harder by the expectation that they should dispatch medium filth to the boundary with distain … yet it never quite seems to happen.
What makes it even worse is that Trott doesn’t even have Paul Collingwood’s experience and skill as a trundler. He tried to mix things up a bit, and fair play to him for that, but he still looked like a social cricketer bowling uphill after one too many scones at tea time.
But who cares. The pitch in Adelaide was actually quite similar to the ones we’ll encounter during the World Cup – giving more credence to the argument that this was the only relevant match of the CB series thus far ;-) ;-) – and Trott gives England another bowling option.
Enthusiasts of our four bowler policy in test cricket will also be hoping that Trott can assume Collingwood’s mantle of the part time seamer in the longer form of the game. Eoin Morgan will be hoping the same – whereas Ravi Bopara will be looking up that sniper that shot Ryan Harris in the leg in Melbourne. An injury to Trott looks like the only way he’ll ever get another gig in a test match.
However, I digress. We should be reflecting on what was a most improved all round batting display by England. All the guys that needed runs came to the party. Matt Prior made an encouraging 67 from just 58 balls, and Michael Yardy chipped in with an extremely valuable 39 not out. Amazingly, Paul Collingwood also got a few runs. It bodes well.
Today’s victory was made even sweeter by the fact that the 26th January is Australia day. Put the champagne away my Aussie friends – you should be drinking that cheap chardonnay you produce by the barrel … you know, the one that’s made from sour grapes. Ho ho ho.
James Morgan
Stauss looked relieved and happy afterwards. You’d have thought he’d look on this series as a mere distraction between the two main events and didn’t matter; infact our Andrew could barely suppress the smiles.
In England can win a couple more, at 3-4 this will probably be remembered as a drawn series; if it’s remembered at all.
“Trott gets the runs”
Ah, just noticed. Very amusing.
Do try and keep up, Jon.
Predictable pun but surprised that you’ve not deployed it before.
Seems like Jimmy’s return has had an effect!
But who cares? I keep forgetting there are games on – I was reminded mid-morning when someone in the office said England had won and I asked ‘won what?’
In four years’ time we’ll set a quiz about the winter of 2010/11 and ask who won the one dayers. Bet you no-one gets it right.
Some how I think Katich is limited with shots sieoctlen because of his style and the guard he takes. I haven’t seen Trott bat much, but he can be slower. Nevertheless both are big fat anchor of team in coming ashes. They can save test match, I am not sure about forced win’. If no-one plays better than them they are match winners, if around them people play better, they can really bore people. I am not sure if Fight fight will be draw yet since haven’t seen Trott bat yet.