Before this series started, I said that Matt Prior is the best wicket-keeper batsman in the world. I'm only repeating that because at Lord's he proved me right - he put together two excellent innings filled with exciting strokes down at number seven (the second one recovering England frmo a potential collapse to a position of dominance, capped with another test century), as well as keeping expertly at the notoriously difficult Lord's.
Buoyed by this success, the calls for a Prior promotion are gathering. A test average of over 45 with six centuries certainly proves that Prior could easily bat in the top six - indeed he could even bat higher if required. Eoin Morgan, for all of his limited over success, is yet to ignite in his nascent test career, and is not yet 100% assured of his place. Promoting Prior to six would allow England to bring in Tim Bresnan at seven, and play an extra bowler.
There is logic to this idea - the injury to Zaheer on Thursday proved the fragility of a four-man attack, and adding an extra seamer would both help lighten the load on the others, and provide a supplementary option if all isn't going well for the main foursome.
However, the balance of the side would be distorted in quite an unsettling way. First off, England are losing a very good batsman in Eoin Morgan, and replacing him with a bits and pieces bat in Tim Bresnan. They'd also be adding to a bowling attack that doesn't really need adding to. They had no problems in taking 20 wickets at the bowler's graveyard that is Lord's, so why would they need any assistance at the much preferred Trent Bridge? But crucially, the biggest mistake to changing the balance of the team would be moving Matt Prior.
Prior's success over the past few series has been when he's batted at number seven. His quick scoring rate (he knocks along at a test strike rate of 66 - pretty rapid) is best implemented at the number seven position, either to counter-attack and put England back onto the front foot (as he did in the second innnings on Sunday) or to further drive home the advantage against weary bowlers (as he did in his Ashes century at Sydney). Moving him up or down the order would negate the effect of his runs; either adding undue pressure or removing his significance on proceedings.
The old saying goes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", and given England's consistency in selection over the past few years, we're almost certain to see an unchanged side at Trent Bridge when the two sides line up again on Friday. And given the remarkable rise of Matt Prior from the earringed lout of his early test days to today's world-class performer, expect him to show why he's leapt to his highest ranking in the world with yet another high-class performance.
Showing posts with label Ashes: Sydney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ashes: Sydney. Show all posts
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Thursday, 27 January 2011
It's all about the charity
Want to do something good? Well head over to The McGrath Foundation ebay page, where you can bid on some exclusive pink caps signed by the players in the New Years Test from Sydney. Slightly telling that there are quite a few Aussie caps gone without a bid though...
(And if cricket isn't your thing, you can always bid on a wedding dress from Neighbours...)
(And if cricket isn't your thing, you can always bid on a wedding dress from Neighbours...)
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Day Four At the SCG
Before play started...: England dicking all over the Aussies
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: They gave up the ghost
Where did it all go right for Australia?: They got England all out (eventually)
Where did it all go wrong for England?: No extra wickets in the extra half-hour
Where did it all go right for England?: The first three days, as well as today
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England.
Who's winning the game?: Not even a question of if, but when England will win this game.
Shot of the day: Tremlett's drive for four off Beer. Gorge.
Ball of the day: Anderson's reverse swinger to get rid of Uzzy
Man of the day: There are eleven men in that England team, pick one. I'll go for Collingwood, for no other reason than he should be remembered today.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: I queued up for 45 minutes, to pay for a $30 ticket for day 5. As play ended, the SCG decided to allow free entry tomorrow. Thanks.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: They gave up the ghost
Where did it all go right for Australia?: They got England all out (eventually)
Where did it all go wrong for England?: No extra wickets in the extra half-hour
Where did it all go right for England?: The first three days, as well as today
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England.
Who's winning the game?: Not even a question of if, but when England will win this game.
Shot of the day: Tremlett's drive for four off Beer. Gorge.
Ball of the day: Anderson's reverse swinger to get rid of Uzzy
Man of the day: There are eleven men in that England team, pick one. I'll go for Collingwood, for no other reason than he should be remembered today.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: I queued up for 45 minutes, to pay for a $30 ticket for day 5. As play ended, the SCG decided to allow free entry tomorrow. Thanks.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Podcast - Ashes: Sydney Day 3
On that there Podbean
A good day in the lives of Alastair Cook and Ian Bell. A bad day in the lives of Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus. A seminal day in the life of Paul Collingwood. A historic day for English cricket. A good day for Will, who enjoyed singing along with the Barmy Army so much that he decided to do another podcast. The even contest of days 1 and 2 are long forgotten as England take control. Hoist up the John B sail, see that the mainsail sails...
A good day in the lives of Alastair Cook and Ian Bell. A bad day in the lives of Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus. A seminal day in the life of Paul Collingwood. A historic day for English cricket. A good day for Will, who enjoyed singing along with the Barmy Army so much that he decided to do another podcast. The even contest of days 1 and 2 are long forgotten as England take control. Hoist up the John B sail, see that the mainsail sails...
Day Three At the SCG
Before play started...: Game in the balance. Evenly matched. Etc.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Bowled a load of cack
Where did it all go right for Australia?: England went off for bad light at the end of the day. And they were partly involved in fundraising.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Collingwood didn't give his traditional "save-my-career" century, Anderson didn't score the triple ton that I touted him to get.
Where did it all go right for England?: Knocking down the Aussie total, then adding a 200+ lead which should be enough to ensure a series win
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England.
Who's winning the game?: After two really tight days, England dominated this one, and are miles ahead in the game.
Shot of the day: Bell's lift over slips / third man for four. My favourite cricket shot.
Ball of the day: Siddle bowling Anderson. Full, straight, gone.
Man of the day: Ian Bell for getting to his first ton v Australia. It clearly meant a lot to him, and his reaction when he got to his century said it all. Honourable mentions to Alastair "Run Machine" Cook for breaking loads more records in his 189 (but runs for Cook almost a given now), and to Aleem Dar for proving beyond doubt that he is an absolutely massive lad.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Some of the pink related outfits were interesting, but nothing as odd as the four Americans who stripped down to their Speedos. Nobody wants to see that...
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Bowled a load of cack
Where did it all go right for Australia?: England went off for bad light at the end of the day. And they were partly involved in fundraising.
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Collingwood didn't give his traditional "save-my-career" century, Anderson didn't score the triple ton that I touted him to get.
Where did it all go right for England?: Knocking down the Aussie total, then adding a 200+ lead which should be enough to ensure a series win
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - England. Evening - England.
Who's winning the game?: After two really tight days, England dominated this one, and are miles ahead in the game.
Shot of the day: Bell's lift over slips / third man for four. My favourite cricket shot.
Ball of the day: Siddle bowling Anderson. Full, straight, gone.
Man of the day: Ian Bell for getting to his first ton v Australia. It clearly meant a lot to him, and his reaction when he got to his century said it all. Honourable mentions to Alastair "Run Machine" Cook for breaking loads more records in his 189 (but runs for Cook almost a given now), and to Aleem Dar for proving beyond doubt that he is an absolutely massive lad.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: Some of the pink related outfits were interesting, but nothing as odd as the four Americans who stripped down to their Speedos. Nobody wants to see that...
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Podcast - Ashes: Sydney Day 2
On Podbean
A day full of thrills, spills, lols, and no-balls. Evenly matched again, and Will looks at why. As well as insightful and thought-provoking Ashes comment, Will looks at his new found superstar celebrity status. Remember, just think pink!
A day full of thrills, spills, lols, and no-balls. Evenly matched again, and Will looks at why. As well as insightful and thought-provoking Ashes comment, Will looks at his new found superstar celebrity status. Remember, just think pink!
Day Two At the SCG
Before play started...: The first day was washed out at an intriguing stage. In the flipping balance.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Middle order didn't offer a great deal.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Tail wagged, and they took some important English wickets
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Looked a bit shell-shocked when Johnson and Hilf started smacking a few.
Where did it all go right for England?: Bowled Australia out for a probably below-par score, and set about knocking those down well
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - Even. Evening - Even
Who's winning the game?: Again, really tight. Sticking my neck out; I'd say England at this stage. Just.
Shot of the day: Strauss's clubbed six off Hilfenhaus. You don't bowl there to Straussy.
Ball of the day: Hilfenhaus bowling Strauss. That's where you bowl to Straussy.
Man of the day: Oddly, Mitchell Johnson. Batted well (even making England look scared of him), and took two important wickets.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The Hoff messing up the tea-time race not once, but twice. Anger followed from the participants, with batons being hurled to the ground. Ugly scenes.
Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Middle order didn't offer a great deal.
Where did it all go right for Australia?: Tail wagged, and they took some important English wickets
Where did it all go wrong for England?: Looked a bit shell-shocked when Johnson and Hilf started smacking a few.
Where did it all go right for England?: Bowled Australia out for a probably below-par score, and set about knocking those down well
Who won each session?: Morning - England. Afternoon - Even. Evening - Even
Who's winning the game?: Again, really tight. Sticking my neck out; I'd say England at this stage. Just.
Shot of the day: Strauss's clubbed six off Hilfenhaus. You don't bowl there to Straussy.
Ball of the day: Hilfenhaus bowling Strauss. That's where you bowl to Straussy.
Man of the day: Oddly, Mitchell Johnson. Batted well (even making England look scared of him), and took two important wickets.
And finally... Ashes Oddity: The Hoff messing up the tea-time race not once, but twice. Anger followed from the participants, with batons being hurled to the ground. Ugly scenes.
An appropriate picture of Michael Beer...
This probably just about sums up his feelings about his afternoon. Captions please!
Monday, 3 January 2011
Podcast - Ashes: Sydney Day One
Off of Podbean
Day One at the SCG, and it could go either way. Let's just hope it doesn't go the way of rain. A bit in it for both bat and ball. A war of attrition. Generic cricket cliche. See you tomorrow!
Day One at the SCG, and it could go either way. Let's just hope it doesn't go the way of rain. A bit in it for both bat and ball. A war of attrition. Generic cricket cliche. See you tomorrow!
Notes from Sydney - Day 1
Things you won't have seen on TV.
The SCG DJ (the bloke who plays the records) playing Cheryl Cole's "Fight for this Love" and World Cup 2010 Anthem "Waka Waka (This time for Africa) by Shakira. Not knocking the tune-age, but seems an odd choice. But whatever.
The Aussie crowd signing "You are a w*nker" to Kevin Pietersen (admittedly, it did make a change from their other song), with KP clapping along then giving them a thumbs up.
A group of rowdy Aussie drunks heckling Paul Collingwood (who was over the other side of the pitch fielding in the slips), culminating with one of them shouting "Hey Paul, you look cold. Why don't you go and eat one of the pies you bowl". There's sense in there somewhere.
One of the lunch-time kids who are allowed to play on the outfield smashing 4 big sixes in a row of some one about half his age and height (bearing in mind the batter was probably only about 12 himself)
A wicket-keeper in one of the lunch-time games stumping someone by knocking two stumps out of the ground with the sheer force of his glovework.
An English fan being interviewed on the big screen, who then decided to give some abuse to the bloke interviewing him, the Australian crowd, and the Australian nation.
An overexcited England fan jumping up and punching the air for no obvious reason (that may or may not have been me)
Badges with Marcus North, Nathan Hauritz, Clint McKay and Tim Paine's faces on them in a massively reduced sale.
That's all from Day One. Stay tuned for actual stuff about the cricket, both in a blog and a podcast
Here's more stuff about my day
The SCG DJ (the bloke who plays the records) playing Cheryl Cole's "Fight for this Love" and World Cup 2010 Anthem "Waka Waka (This time for Africa) by Shakira. Not knocking the tune-age, but seems an odd choice. But whatever.
The Aussie crowd signing "You are a w*nker" to Kevin Pietersen (admittedly, it did make a change from their other song), with KP clapping along then giving them a thumbs up.
A group of rowdy Aussie drunks heckling Paul Collingwood (who was over the other side of the pitch fielding in the slips), culminating with one of them shouting "Hey Paul, you look cold. Why don't you go and eat one of the pies you bowl". There's sense in there somewhere.
One of the lunch-time kids who are allowed to play on the outfield smashing 4 big sixes in a row of some one about half his age and height (bearing in mind the batter was probably only about 12 himself)
A wicket-keeper in one of the lunch-time games stumping someone by knocking two stumps out of the ground with the sheer force of his glovework.
An English fan being interviewed on the big screen, who then decided to give some abuse to the bloke interviewing him, the Australian crowd, and the Australian nation.
An overexcited England fan jumping up and punching the air for no obvious reason (that may or may not have been me)
Badges with Marcus North, Nathan Hauritz, Clint McKay and Tim Paine's faces on them in a massively reduced sale.
That's all from Day One. Stay tuned for actual stuff about the cricket, both in a blog and a podcast
Here's more stuff about my day
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Podcast: Ashes: Sydney Preview
On Podbean
Ricky's out! But Will is in! (Sydney, that is). Yes, it's the Short Midwicket Podcast, live from Australia. Punter is out, but in comes Khawaja and Beer (who, like Will, is visiting the SCG for the first time), and Clarke comes in as captain. So Will has a look at how they'll go. Also looked at are Ashes-retaining heroes England, as well as Michael Clarke's captaincy credentials, and a one-sided Fantasy Ashes. If you haven't noticed, I'm in Sydney. Just checking that you knew that. Anyway, until next time! From Will, Sydney.
Ricky's out! But Will is in! (Sydney, that is). Yes, it's the Short Midwicket Podcast, live from Australia. Punter is out, but in comes Khawaja and Beer (who, like Will, is visiting the SCG for the first time), and Clarke comes in as captain. So Will has a look at how they'll go. Also looked at are Ashes-retaining heroes England, as well as Michael Clarke's captaincy credentials, and a one-sided Fantasy Ashes. If you haven't noticed, I'm in Sydney. Just checking that you knew that. Anyway, until next time! From Will, Sydney.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
What Aussies Think
If you haven't noticed my blatant name-dropping and showing-off, I'm in Sydney. Actual Sydney, in Australia. Where the 5th Ashes test is, tomorrow.
If you're sitting there in England, I know the burning question on your lips is what do the Australians think of all of this? (If you're Australian, you probably know what the Australians think. And if you're from somewhere else in the world, you may or may not be bothered). So partly to continue showing off, and also to help give a total insight of the Ashes, here's an English perspective of the Aussie perspective of the Ashes. This is from what I've read in papers and overheard on trains. So pretty accurate.
Australians hate Michael Clarke
Australia's newest test captain has only an 8% approval rating, and is hated for a variety of reasons. From his wannabe celebrity status, to his breakup with the nation's sweetheart* Lara Bingle (*Note - in no way the nation's sweetheart), Pup is being ridiculed, disliked, vilified and generally "bagged" (I learned a new word) in the Aussie press. My humble view on it? If he was making runs, none of this would be happening.
Australians love Brad Haddin
The man who would / could / should be captain. But would he be so highly touted if he wasn't making runs???
Australians respect English players
Jonathan Trott is viewed as a latter-day South African-English Bradman; Strauss and Flower as some sort of dream team sent from above to lead successful cricket teams. Graeme Swann is seen both as a great off-spinner, and as a comedian (fair assessment). His latest Ashes Diary (you know, the one where he does the impressions of Richie Benaud and Tony Grieg) has been repeated many times on every news channel.
Australians think Kevin Pietersen is a dick
His "I resigned for the greater good, so praise me" quote has been added to the general public perception of the big ego (remember FIGJAM?), and while he's respected as a great player, he's still seen as a dick.
Ricky Ponting will be remembered for his three Ashes losses
While his vast achievements as both a batsman and captain have been recognised and celebrated, there is a general understanding that any captain that loses 3 (or at least isn't able to pick up the urn in 3) Ashes series will always be remembered for those defeats.
Usman Khawaja is the new golden boy
All of those marketing-speak phrases like "poster boy for a new generation"; "trail-blazer for many Australian communities" and such have been used for Uzzy. And a lot is expected of his batting.
Selectors don't know what they're doing
Picking Bollinger (universally popular) for Adelaide = bad move. Picking Doherty = bad move. Not picking Hauritz = bad move. 4 quicks at Melbourne = bad move. Steve Smith = bad move. Original 17 man squad = bad move. Michael Beer = bad move. Clarke as captain = bad move. Not much support for Hildrith and the boys.
If you're sitting there in England, I know the burning question on your lips is what do the Australians think of all of this? (If you're Australian, you probably know what the Australians think. And if you're from somewhere else in the world, you may or may not be bothered). So partly to continue showing off, and also to help give a total insight of the Ashes, here's an English perspective of the Aussie perspective of the Ashes. This is from what I've read in papers and overheard on trains. So pretty accurate.
Australians hate Michael Clarke
Australia's newest test captain has only an 8% approval rating, and is hated for a variety of reasons. From his wannabe celebrity status, to his breakup with the nation's sweetheart* Lara Bingle (*Note - in no way the nation's sweetheart), Pup is being ridiculed, disliked, vilified and generally "bagged" (I learned a new word) in the Aussie press. My humble view on it? If he was making runs, none of this would be happening.
Australians love Brad Haddin
The man who would / could / should be captain. But would he be so highly touted if he wasn't making runs???
Australians respect English players
Jonathan Trott is viewed as a latter-day South African-English Bradman; Strauss and Flower as some sort of dream team sent from above to lead successful cricket teams. Graeme Swann is seen both as a great off-spinner, and as a comedian (fair assessment). His latest Ashes Diary (you know, the one where he does the impressions of Richie Benaud and Tony Grieg) has been repeated many times on every news channel.
Australians think Kevin Pietersen is a dick
His "I resigned for the greater good, so praise me" quote has been added to the general public perception of the big ego (remember FIGJAM?), and while he's respected as a great player, he's still seen as a dick.
Ricky Ponting will be remembered for his three Ashes losses
While his vast achievements as both a batsman and captain have been recognised and celebrated, there is a general understanding that any captain that loses 3 (or at least isn't able to pick up the urn in 3) Ashes series will always be remembered for those defeats.
Usman Khawaja is the new golden boy
All of those marketing-speak phrases like "poster boy for a new generation"; "trail-blazer for many Australian communities" and such have been used for Uzzy. And a lot is expected of his batting.
Selectors don't know what they're doing
Picking Bollinger (universally popular) for Adelaide = bad move. Picking Doherty = bad move. Not picking Hauritz = bad move. 4 quicks at Melbourne = bad move. Steve Smith = bad move. Original 17 man squad = bad move. Michael Beer = bad move. Clarke as captain = bad move. Not much support for Hildrith and the boys.
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