A quick word on sorry England
If you are still shellshocked by England's horrific capitulation in Adelaide, spare a thought for how Paul Collingwood, Kevin Pietersen and Matthew Hoggard.
They are three players who really did not deserve to lose this Test match.
Collingwood (206) and Pietersen (158) were outstanding with the bat in England's first innings, one Hoggard's seven wickets in Australia's first knock were a triumph.
But therein lies the reason for England's defeat. They have players capable of outstanding Test performances, while others look out of their depth.
By contrast, every member of the Australian side has made at least one major contribution in either or both of the two Tests.
The only exception is perhaps Matthew Hayden. But he can be let off since he has already scored over 7,400 Test runs and will doubtless have his day during this series.
I'll be back with more thoughts before the Perth Test next week.
posted by Rob Wightman @ 6:22 pm
7 comments
7 Comments:
It has taken me two days to absorb what has happened in Australia. I hope that it takes the England players less time, as they have to move on quickly if this series is to avoid becoming a shambles.
How did England lose this match? Some might say that they should have batted to 650 in the first innings, and then the follow on would have been more likely. Some point the finger at the ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ batting performances demonstrated in both tests to date. Others cite the inept bowling, which clearly lacks penetration. However, as you quite rightly say, the reason is simpler than that; some players are just not good enough.
Bowling
Lets start with the ‘King of Spain’. Ashley Giles has not impressed with the ball in either Test in this series, his wickets have been down to Australian petulance rather than his skill and ability. His line is negative and his length is either too short or over pitched. Time to bring on Monty!
James Anderson showed some improvement in the second test but still lacked penetration. His figures in this match were 1 – 108 following his 1 – 195 in the first Test, simply not good enough. Whilst Mahmood can sometimes be erratic, I think he might get something out of the Australian wickets, give him a go!
Steve Harmison has not hit form yet, but I remain convinced that he will. If Andrew Flintoff is fit enough to take the new ball, which I think is the right decision given Harmison’s apparent lack of confidence, then England cannot afford to leave him out.
Batting
Andrew Straus has started to find his touch, but he must convert his 30 something into a substantial innings. He, like many of the batsmen, needs to look at his shot selection.
Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood are clearly in form, but the former also needs to consider his shot selection. It is difficult to be critical in this way because KP’s aggressive style is also the secret of his success, but at times he must be patient. Clearly he frightens the Aussies, you only have to watch the jubilation at his departure to confirm this, so the longer he is at the wicket the better.
Finally on the batting front, my favourite debate; Reed versus Jones, well scores of 1 and 10 says it all. Come on Mr Fletcher, swallow your pride and give Reed a chance?
Lastly, the moment I knew it was all over. I thought Flintoff had bowled a maiden, I commented to my friend ‘two more like that and the pressures back on!’ He had only bowled five balls and the next went for 7! Should we blame Pietersen for his rash throw or Jones for his failure to collect, its unimportant; we literally threw it away.
Simply put England have lost the first two tests because they have not played the form players. The bowling has been vey poor and Anderson and Giles must be replaced by Mahmood and Panesar. Giles couldnt buy a wicket and why we need to have batting strength at 8 makes you wonder whether we wanted to play to win or draw games. Harmison as usual will come good and Perth is his best opportunity. The batting has been OK and if the openers can capitalise on their starts will improve further.
The Aussies have for years been brutal with their selection policies and we need to follow that lead in order to be competitive. Perth is a must win to spark some life back into the series and change is needed immediately.
I'm afraid the selections of largely confirmed the suspicion that Duncan Fletcher has, shall we say, blind spots regarding certain players.
One of the key messages at the press conference to announce the tour party was that the side wouldn't be overloaded with players who won't fit. Which was a mistake that had been made in the past.
Lo and behold, we come to the first Test and England field several players who have barely bowled a ball in anger over the last 12 months.
Steve Harmison has look like a frightened child (again). I feel sorry for him, if his personality really does make it that difficult being away from home. Mind you, he seems happy enough to take the huge salary England players now command, as well as "writing" a column in the Mail on Sunday.
I'll finish by echoing your sentiments on Perth: England simply have to win.
Well the warm up against Western Australia settled it then?
Failures with the bat by Jones and Giles. Encouraging knocks by Cook and Strauss, and Read proving again he bats better than Jones. Wickets for Mahmood and Panesar, Giles used sparingly. The writing is on the wall!
Spare a thought for Jimmy Anderson, he looked a prospect in this match, but can England afford to leave out Harmison, probably not.
It’s good to see that the Aussies have promoted a debate for two spinners, propaganda or fact?
My England team for Perth: A Strauss, A Cook, I Bell, P Collingwood, K Pietersen, A Flintoff, C Read, M Hoggard, S Harmison, S Mahmood and M Panesar.
So, Richard, on what basis are we justifying Harmison's selection?
Valid point Rob. I agree that he has looked like a frightened child, but he has a proven track record and we need his experience. If he gets an early break, he will get his confidence back.
I fell sorry for Jimmy Anderson because he has found form but the choice was between the two and Harmison gets the nod from me.
As I write, I see Harmison has got Ricky Ponting and Monty, Justin Langer. Looks like I'm spot on?
Can't believe Jones is still in the side, perhaps a compromise between Flintoff and Fletcher?
I guess you win on the Harmison front, Richard. There again, if ever a pitch suited his bowling...
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