Congratulations to Pakistan on becoming the new world No.1 test team. I’m sure it feels all the sweeter because they’ve reached the top at India’s expense. Unfortunately however, Pakistan haven’t been anywhere near as successful in ODIs recently. In fact, they currently languish as low as 9th in the world rankings. That’s two places lower than Bangladesh. Hmmmm. Pakistan’s problem, on paper at least, seems to be their batting. There’s no Misbah, no...
Who Needs Money? Northants Do It Again
I really have no idea how they do it. Northants were crowned domestic T20 champions yet again on Saturday, dispatching glamour boys Notts and then Durham, on an emotional day at Edgbaston. It has been hailed as another triumph for team spirit and togetherness over money. Amen to that. Notts really had no excuse for playing so poorly in their semi. Their team consisted of nine internationals and they even had the luxury of leaving out one of their overseas players. I doubt more than one or two...
Test Cricket: Just What Modern Life Needs
As I’m currently writing an article about test cricket’s future for a different forum (I’ll let you know when it’s live), this guest submission from Liam Hope really struck a chord. As a relative newcomer to cricket, Liam has an interesting take on things which reaffirms what I’m sure many of us already think: that test cricket is still a brilliant game with much to offer. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of hearing that test cricket is fast...
Stick Or Twist: Who Should England Drop?
The last wicket has fallen, the last Pimms has been drunk, and the test summer is in the books. How can you tell? Because the weather is still glorious and everyone wants to see England and Pakistan play a decider. Yeah. Good luck with that. Anyway, before the players put on their fetching pyjamas, and substitute a red ball for a white one, we’re here to run the rule over the XI that played at The Oval. Who’s hot, who’s not, and who should be bundled into the back of a plane...
Selectors To Blame For Lack Of Progress
When England were whitewashed in the 2013/14 Ashes, it was the end of a flowery and sweet smelling chapter in English cricket. It had a lovely beginning, a joyous middle, but when the ending eventually went sour it stank to high heaven. Out went Trott (mentally shot), Swann (gave up), Pietersen (sacked), Prior (injured) and Carberry (too mouthy). The selectors therefore had a very simple, if not entirely easy, brief: find three new batsmen (one of which must be an opener), a new spinner and a...
Garbage – Day 3 at The Oval
I’m writing this on the train coming back from The Oval after a couple of pints. I’ll start with the positives. Erm. Now on to the considerable negatives. Those of us who said Pakistan’s tail couldn’t wag, and that their lack of batting depth prevents them from being a top side, need to eat a copious slice of humble pie. Their tail was excellent today and gave the sublime Younus Khan more than enough support. Amir in particular played some lovely shots. Yes, he had a few...
