Warwickshire won the Clydesdale Bank 40 trophy on Saturday thanks to skipper Ian Bell, who scored a superb / fantastic / brilliant (or any other superlative you can think of) 107 off just 95 balls. Whilst the other batsmen in the match struggled to come to terms with the autumnal conditions, the England man compiled an innings of genuine quality to see his side home. This was the Ian Bell that everyone wants to see in an England shirt: composed, stylish and match-winning. Who says an orthodox technique and pure timing can’t win one-day matches? Bell’s innings was the highest of the day by far, and it was as easy on the eye, and as effective as, Foxy Cleopatra. Perhaps the Sherminator, as Shane Warne likes to call him, has the right stuff after all.
Somerset battled hard in the field but they can’t complain about the result. Marcus Trescothick’s team have now finished runners up in three competitions this year – in the county championship, the FP T20, and now the CB40 – but once again they didn’t quite do enough to win. Their big guns never really fired. Craig Kieswetter, James Hildreth and Trescothick himself all got starts but failed to make a big score. Meanwhile, Murali Kartik bowled well but didn’t take a wicket. Warwickshire therefore deserved their success. Overall, it has been a good week for cricket in the Midlands. Let’s not forget that Worcestershire pulled off a most unlikely promotion to division one of the championship by beating Sussex on Wednesday – a fact that won’t be lost on Steve Davies, who left New Road in the winter to join Surrey, who finished third bottom. As a Worcester man, I’ll try not to gloat.
A few hours after the final, Bell was called up to the England squad for the remaining two ODIs against Pakistan. I suppose singlehandedly winning a final at Lords is a pretty good way to prove one’s fitness. It will be interesting to see whether he immediately slots back into the team. Ravi Bopara is probably the most vulnerable. He had a bit of a stinker at the Oval, whereas Luke Wright played one of the best innings of the match. However, much could depend on the health of Paul Collingwood, and whether England’s seemingly un-droppable vice-captain is well enough to return. If he is, the management will have a difficult call to make.
If one listens to Ijaz Butt, however, it doesn’t matter who England pick. According to the PCB chairman England’s players are corrupt anyway. In an amazing outburst, Butt claimed at the weekend that Pakistan won the third ODI because England’s batsmen threw wickets away deliberately. ‘There is loud and clear talk in bookie circles’ Butt ranted ‘that some English players have taken enormous amounts of money to lose the match’. If he had substituted the words ‘bookie circles’ for ‘loony bin’ or ‘madhouse’ then his crazy accusations might have had some substance. How ridiculous.
James Morgan
I am sure that much of Mr Butt’s allegations reflect the profound embarrassment of all Pakistanis over the charges against a few players; and is an attempt to deflect the criticism from the PCB and Mr Butt himself.
I can understand how he feels. Although not S African I was shocked and ashamed when Cronje admitted fixing games. If Mr Butt’s unsubstantiated allegations are correct, it will hurt me as a cricket lover and England supporter. I will want any players banned from all cricket for life.
That, however, does not excuse Mr Butt. He has repeatedly claimed that the ICC has handled this badly and the it is a British newspaper conspiracy etc etc. The ECB have stood quietly by and continued with the business of cricket. Yet when his attacks on others faltered he lashed out at the hand that had been outstretched in friendship.
The ECB offered english grounds to the PCB to allow them to play cricket, and to cash in. Yet they get repaid with wild allegations of bribery. Shame on you Mr Butt for the shame you bring to Pakistan and cricket in general. Lest you be right…
Rameez Raja made the interesting point that Butt’s words were chosen for a Pakistani audience. That helps to explain things, but it does not excuse them. He is coming to the end of his tenure as PCB chief in a few weeks … it’s probably best that he is moving on. I imagine he factored in his departure when he decided to make his incredible accusations.