We’re going to win the series, right? Even England can’t screw this one up. It’s the eve of the fourth and final Test against South Africa and yours truly is feeling confident. I’m almost smug. How refreshing it all feels. England have the edge on paper in this game (Kasigo Rabada is banned of course) and we’ve certainly got the psychological edge too. Surely only losing a vital toss (or making the wrong decision at the toss) plus some really boneheaded team...
Strong England Or Weak South Africa?
Professional sportsmen can’t win sometimes. If they lose they’re losers. And if they win it’s often because the opposition are losers rather than them being winners. Sometimes this approach – unfair as it might seem – might seem appropriate. After all, there’s no point declaring a team world-beaters when they’ve only beaten poor opposition. The rest of the world might have something to say about cocky upstarts getting ahead of themselves. However...
Two Countries, Two Directions
I’ve seen this movie plenty of times. It starts off with what looks like a pretty even fight, but one team gradually gets on top, and then the weaker side eventually folds. And when the end happens it often happens quickly – as if the inferior force knows that its cause is hopeless and submits almost willingly. The major difference this movie, however, is that it’s England in the ascendancy and their opponents on their knees. I think I prefer this version. Don’t you? This Test has...
Great White Pope
Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to report that we’ve found ourselves a batsman. And I can’t even think of any caveats. There’s no apparently flakiness, no hint of technical frailties, no suggestion of limitations (he plays well through the offside and legside, and off front foot and back) and absolutely no reason to suggest that he won’t score plenty of runs in what promises to be long Test career. In fact, the only thing that could potentially screw up Ollie Pope is fast tracking him into...
Wood, Archer, Woakes, Or Overton?
Are you ready for Port Elizabeth? Personally I’m raring to go. It’s been almost ten days since Newlands and I’m beginning to crave some of the good stuff. Let’s hope for another enthralling contest that convinces the authorities to ditch this 4-day Tests idea. Speaking of 4-day Tests, the MCC made a short but sweet statement rejecting the idea yesterday. This was a very positive development. The blunt nature of the statement – which was just 40 words –...
England’s Win At Cape Town – Ride That Wave Of Optimism
England’s win at Cape Town was hugely satisfying. It was like finally kissing that girl at school you’d fantasised about for months. And if, like me, you never actually got to kiss that girl because you were far too shy (and not quite good looking enough) then fear not. Beating South Africa at their spiritual home feels better than a sloppy snog and a drunken fumble ever could. I finally got a girlfriend at university and found that young love was overrated anyway. And the girl...
