He’s got England’s highest ever T20 international score, the second most runs, the third most caps, and the fourth highest average. So surely there’s a strong case for recalling Alex Hales before the T20 World Cup? After all, winning this tournament seems to be the ECB’s top priority in 2021. Jack Swaby looks at the arguments … It has been almost two years since Alex Hales was dropped from the England set-up after testing positive for recreational drugs. White ball...
Today we welcome new writer Matt Carter to TFT. He looks at the career of one of England’s chief tormentors this morning … There were minimal reasons to smile for India during their first test defeat at the hands of England a few weeks ago. However one rare moment of joy was provided by Ishant Sharma claiming his 300th Test wicket. Ishant’s journey to that tally has been a turbulent one. Debuting in 2007 there was ample talk of him being the superstar fast bowler India had long...
Today we welcome Leo McGuinn back to TFT. He looks at the Test careers of two genuinely world class fast bowlers … A man was born in 1993 in Westmead, New South Wales, an outer suburb of Sydney. He was tipped for stardom from the very beginning. His test debut was only his fourth first-class match and at 18 years of age, became Australia’s youngest test cricketer since 1953. He lived up to his billing, taking 6/79 in the second innings and winning man of the match. Injuries robbed five...
There’s not much to celebrate from an English point of view in the second Test. England teams usually collapse on bunsen burners so what we’re witnessing shouldn’t be a surprise. However, what we can do is appreciate the quality of the opposition. Rohit Sharma was class on day 1. Here’s Abhijato’s assessment of one of the most aesthetically pleasing batsmen in the world … Artists despise being called ‘talented’, because they feel it takes away something...
As India compile a handy first innings total on day one of the second Test, Srinivas looks at the career of Ajinkya Rahane – a quality player who hasn’t always lived up to expectations. Feel free to comment on today’s play in the comments too. There is a lot to like about Ajinkya Rahane. A watchable batsman and an aggressive captain, he does not feel – which is a relief – that his mouth has a whole lot of work to do on the cricket field. His calm leadership and his tide...
Today new writer Dave Windram pays tribute to Dom Sibley, the man who embodies the hardworking rank and file of the England cricket team more than anyone. Enjoy. It’s 4.01am in the UK and sleepy peepers are being prised open by the sharp glare of flickering images from Chennai. Ishant Sharma is bowling his third delivery of the game. Energised and with vigour. Thoughts of an early breakthrough propelling his legs. Dom Sibley faces up and calmly watches the ball through to the keeper. Strap in...
