There are two things we need to discuss before tomorrow’s final test. Firstly, and most importantly, there’s the protest against the Big Three stitch up outside The Oval at 10am. The organisers are planning a three minute silence – one minute for each of the counties responsible for arguably the ‘biggest scandal in sport’. Secondly there’s the big selection dilemma: should Adil Rashid play? Forgive me but I’m going to discuss the politics first...
So how are we all feeling? My 48-hour hangover is finally receding and it’s time to address the future with a clear head. England’s Ashes win was surprising and most welcome, but we’re still only halfway through the year’s gruelling schedule. The are tough trips to the UAE and South Africa coming up. If you’re not knackered by the end of it, then our players certainly will. Although I’d love to bask in our Ashes glory for a little longer, I’ve run out of analytical fuel. There’s nothing more I...
If you couldn’t care less about the future of cricket, don’t want the sport to grow, love private members’ clubs and think Giles Clarke is more of a cuddly teddy bear than a walrus, then Sam Collins and Jarrod Kimber’s new film Death of a Gentleman isn’t for you. If, on the other hand, you actually want test cricket to exist in twenty years’ time, value transparency and equality, want cricket to expand and abhor secret deals in hotel rooms, then you must see this film when it’s released on...
After England’s amazing performance in Cardiff (I still can’t quite believe it) expectations are high for the second test. We’ve talked about momentum before, and how little things can indicate which way the wind is blowing, but it’s worth repeating here. England just seem to be getting the breaks at the moment. It all started with the retirement of Ryan Harris, who surely would’ve played at Lord’s if fit. And now the news has broken that Brad Haddin, another...
A few weeks ago I told you about a section of the ECB’s 2014 annual report entitled ‘engaging with the fans’. It documented the board’s efforts to galvanise supporters by issuing a series of videos through their social media channels. Highlights included England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler trading tips with fellow England glove-man goalkeeper Joe Hart at an exclusive training/cum net session filmed at Manchester City’s training ground and Emirates Old Trafford; England...
The Mail on Sunday report that ECB have vetoed Sky Sports’ plans to hire Kevin Pietersen as a commentator for the Ashes. England cricket chiefs blocked a move by Sky to secure Kevin Pietersen’s services as a commentator for the upcoming Ashes over fears he would continue his stinging criticism of his former team-mates. The Mail on Sunday understands that senior figures at Sky explored the possibility of employing the exiled batsman, who was banished from the England ranks following a...
