With the India test series rapidly approaching it’s strange to think, in fact it’s outright bizarre, that we beat them in 2011 with spin. Swann and Monty were excellent. If anything, the Monster actually had the edge. As a result we all simply assumed that when Swann’s elbow finally gave up the ghost, Monty would step up to replace him. The spin cupboard was stacked. These days it’s as bare as Kim Barnett’s head. What on earth happened? In the absence of any specialist spinner worth his salt...
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...
On Balance, the Right Ballance – England’s Ashes Squad
After screaming at the telly every time England named an unbalanced side in the recent ODI series, how refreshing it was to see the Ashes touring party today. The selectors actually got things right – and I challenge anyone who disagrees with me to a fist-fight in the Walkabout. As you know, we’re prone to strong opinions here at TFT. As I tuned in to the squad announcement at lunchtime today, my typing fingers were primed to explode. Surely there would be the odd shock selection: the inclusion...
The Big Bluff? Third Test Preview
Andy Flower is no longer Andy Flower. He’s Agent Flower; working on Her Majesty’s very secretive service. Ever since the Lord’s test finished, England have been playing mind-games with the Aussies. What will the Old Trafford pitch be like? Will it be as dry as Richie Benaud’s favourite muscadet? Will England play two spinners? As a result, Michael Clarke’s canary yellows seem to be desperate to play two spinners themselves – even though we keep hearing that their strength is fast bowling. How...
Why the third test matters
Normally test matches against New Zealand don’t exactly get the pulse racing. The problem is that we don’t hate them enough. There’s no Shane Watson to snarl at; or Xavier Doherty to laugh at. Matches against the Kiwis have also been short on drama or controversy. Paul Collingwood got into hot water over a disputed run out a few years ago, but he soon apologised and the matter was quickly forgotten. The Barmy Army and the Beige Brigade soon got back to what they love doing best: hating...
Broad gives NZ the Wellington boot – day three
England 465. New Zealand 254 & 77-1 Is there a greater pleasure in life than cracking open a cold beer, or a glass of crisp wine, on a Friday evening and watching live test cricket? It happens so infrequently. Other than tours of the West Indies, New Zealand is the only time we get to watch England play at a civilized time (when work commitments are over and the rest of the family are in bed). It’s even better when the cricket’s from Wellington or Dunedin, where the scenery is beautiful. HD...
