TagGraeme Swann

Another Kick in the Goolies – Day Two at Trent Bridge

Another day, another kick in the teeth for our beleaguered captain. Things could not have gone much worse for Cook yesterday. First, India’s last wicket pair humiliated the hosts with a century stand (thus wiping out the promising position England had established immediately after lunch) and then he failed with the bat yet again – this time bowled behind his legs after getting too far across. Cricket can be unbelievably cruel sometimes. In trying to improve his offside game, and better judge...

Life without Kevin

I hate the phrase ‘moving forward’. It’s a bit like ‘blue sky thinking’ or ‘low hanging fruit’ (other phrases that should never be used outside the office). Its literal meaning is “what we’re going to do next”, but its actual meaning is “I am a tedious suit who prefers management speak to the vernacular”. James Whitaker used the phrase about twenty five times in his cringe worthy interview about KP the other day. Was anyone surprised? Anyway, now is the time to move on from the Pietersen fiasco...

Simon Kerrigan and England’s wrong ‘uns

A year ago, when Graeme Swann and Monty were taking wickets for fun against India, England boasted arguably the best spin bowling duo in world cricket. How things have changed. If England were playing a test in the subcontinent tomorrow, and two spinners were required, we’d probably field the weakest combo in the world – and I include Bangladesh in that equation. If Shakib Al Hasan fancied changing his name to Alastair ‘Al’ Haslam, and suddenly qualified for England, I’d jump for...

Graeme Swann and some Christmas ‘facts’

We’ve had a bit of a traumatic time here at TFT during the last few weeks. We’ve had a bit of fun too – Maxie’s article responding to abusive Aussie fans was particularly amusing (even if some seemed to take it too seriously) – but overall, the misery of the Ashes has somewhat overshadowed the festive build-up. Therefore, it’s time to forget our woes and get into the spirit of things. As it’s Christmas – the season of giving – we thought we’d give you a few ‘facts’ to lighten up your day. And...

Anatomy of a failure part 2 – the psychology

As I sat down to write this piece, the news came through that Graeme Swann had retired from cricket with immediate effect. How fitting. There has been an ‘end of an era’ feel about this tour from the very beginning. Geoff Miller stepped down as chairman of selectors before the team left Blighty; Hugh Morris did the same; and rumours were also circling about the future of Andy Flower. The grin on Ashley Giles’ face was broadening by the day. The truth is, this series was always going to be the...

One in the Eye

When the good Lord invented cricket, he did me no favours whatsoever by making the ball red and grass green. It’s because I’m afflicted by a debilitating cricketing disability that makes it all but impossible to pick the ball up early. I’m talking, of course, about red-green colour-blindness. Because my teammates haven’t always been convinced by the excuse “I couldn’t see the ball” after I’ve been bowled shouldering arms, I’ve always taken an interest in professional cricketers’ eyesight. Did...

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