Form over reputation – why England must pick Jonny Bairstow‏

How rather timely that on the day England were bowled out for 103 at Lord’s and subjected to a 405 run thrashing by Australia, two Ashes hopefuls should score hundreds for their respective counties.

The most in-form batsman in the domestic first class game, Jonny Bairstow of Yorkshire, continued his fine run of form by scoring 139 against Worcestershire at Scarborough, while Nottinghamshire’s James Taylor amassed 163 unbeaten runs on day one against Sussex, before he was eventually dismissed for a career-best 291.

The pair were recently involved in the England’s squad which beat New Zealand 3-2 in their ODI series. Although Bairstow was not picked in the original squad, Jos Buttler’s finger injury meant he was called up for the final match in Durham. The 25-year-old from Bradford duly blasted England to victory with a match-winning 83 runs from 60 balls.

While Taylor’s knock at Horsham was his first championship hundred in an unusually inconspicuous summer for the 5 foot 6 batsman, Bairstow has been scoring heavily in red-ball cricket all season long.

Having made three half-centuries and two centuries prior to his England ODI call-up, Bairstow followed his T20I appearance at Old Trafford with a double-century (219*) against Durham, before hitting 108 at Edgbaston versus Warwickshire a week later.

The man who was cast aside by his country following his bit part role Down Under when England were whitewashed 18 months ago, has now tallied up 906 runs at an average of 100.67 and at an impressive strike rate of 75.44.

Unfortunately for Jonny and James, England’s typical reaction to a crisis is, don’t panic.  But why keep faith with out of nick batsmen when Bairstow is in the form of his life?

Occasionally England will pick a scapegoat and remove him from their batting unit, despite that individual not doing little wrong. Nick Compton, Michael Carberry and James Taylor himself will testify to that. Oh, and Kevin Pietersen of course.

If England do make any changes for Edgbaston, Gary Ballance will probably be the unlucky loser. Opener Adam Lyth has been catapulted into the deep end and not yet given enough of a chance to prove himself at Test level, so he will likely stay. As for Ian Bell, despite being increasingly run-shy efforts at international level, his past efforts will likely result in him keeping his place for his home Test.

Ballance is dreadfully out of form and thus may be the man to step aside, despite the fact that Bell or Root would subsequently have to shuffle up the order to No3, with Bairstow slotting in at No5.

Whether new coach Trevor Bayliss decides to act remains to be seen. But it is surely time for England to stop picking batsmen on reputation, rather than form. They cannot continue to persist with low-confidence batters purely on the basis that they’ve scored runs in the past.

After all, it didn’t hurt Australia to swap the diminishing old guard of Brad Haddin and Shane Watson for the younger, hungrier duo of Mitchell Marsh and Peter Nevill.

England must follow their opponents lead if they are to bounce back from their crushing defeat at Lord’s and revitalise their hopes of winning back the Ashes on home soil.

 

England in crisis after Ashes defeat

On June 23^rd, Australian cricket was officially plunged into crisis, following the sacking of South African coach Mickey Arthur just seventeen days before the start of the 2013 summer Ashes series. Despite the appointment of new coach Darren Lehmann, Australia could not emerge from the doldrums and England went on to convincingly win the series 3-0.

As we now know, England’s retention of the precious urn did not last long. Just one-hundred-fourteen days on from the final day of fifth Test match at the Oval, England’s grip on the Ashes had already been relinquished, as Australia completed a 3-0 win of their own at the WACA, winning by 150 runs to add to their 381 and 218 run victories in the first and second Tests.

It has been an incredible turnaround by coach Darren Lehmann, captain Michael Clarke and their boys in Baggy Green, but for England, the series has been a complete catastrophe. The tourists have not just lost every game, they have been utterly humiliated and totally outplayed in every department. The batsmen have failed to put together a first innings score of any consequence; the fielders have dropped a number of significant chanced; the seamers have toiled unsuccessfully; whilst the spinners have been carted out of the park and out of the attack.

As three coin-toss defeats out of three for Alastair Cook suggests, England’s luck has run out. Thus far in the series, very few positives can be taken from England’s performances. Australia’s bowlers have gelled supremely as a unit and their batsmen have played with aggression, consistently putting together good partnerships and big totals. England have simply had no answer, no Plan B to counteract Australia’s dominance. The English players have wilted in the heat and under the pressure of a hostile media campaign and a brand of cricket to back it up.

Alastair Cook has done his best as a captain, but there is no doubt that the mental toil of captaincy has taken its toll on his batting. Kevin Pietersen remains England’s greatest enigma, the superstar batsmen lacking in common sense and any consideration of a cautious mindset. Could the scorer of 8,000 Test match runs have played his last for England? Matt Prior’s form has been simply woeful, particularly with the bat, whilst his glove work has also come under scrutiny after a poor performance at Perth. He too is another man some are suggesting is past his best, along with experienced spinner Graeme Swann and swing machine (but not with the Kookaburra ball it seems) James Anderson.

Whilst it is unlikely the later two will be dropped, there is a distinct possibility that Jonny Bairstow could replace Prior behind the stumps in Melbourne. Fellow-Yorkshireman Gary Ballance could also feature, but it remains to be seen whether one of the three big seamers will get an opportunity. Steven Finn, Boyd Rankin and Chris Tremlett have all been criticised for not pushing their case heavily enough in what ought to be perfect conditions for tall fast-bowlers Down Under.

There is a slight silver lining to the horizon. Michael Carberry has come in at the top of the order and batted with maturity and composure, but at the age of 33, it is unlikely he play a part in future Ashes series. Joe Root, promoted to no.3 due to the unfortunate departure of Jonathan Trott, will be a key man for England in the coming years, but he still has a long way to go before he reaches his full potential. Ian Bell has shown glimpses of his class, whilst Ben Stokes underlined his promise with a maiden Test century at the WACA.

There are two Tests left in the series, but the outcome of the final two games is redundant, for Australia have already regained the Ashes. Regardless of the reasons for their performances, the inquest has well and truly begun. Question marks hang over the heads of a number of key players and also over the future of coach Andy Flower, although the Zimbabwean is remaining tight-lipped on the subject. England must try to regain a little pride from the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, show some backbone, and avoid a 5-0 series whitewash. If they were to do so once again, it could have disastrous consequences for English cricket.

Bailey selection a no-brainer

Australia today named their squad ahead of the first Ashes Test against England, notably including left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson and uncapped batsman George Bailey.

Although Bailey is yet to make his Test debut, the 31-year-old Tasmanian has a wealth of international experience, having skippered both the ODI and t20 sides. Bailey’s form in limited-overs cricket has given the Australian selectors little choice but to pick him and he will surely slot straight into the XI at no.6.

Having been selected ahead of fellow Tasmanian Alex Doolan because of his superior international pedigree, the consistency of Bailey’s performances since his debut in March 2012 has been extremely impressive. In his 35 one-day matches for Australia, Bailey has scored 1539 runs at an average of 54.96, with only India’s Virat Kohli scoring more ODI runs in that time period. In addition, in their recent one-day series, Bailey made four scores of 80+ against India, including a knock of 156 from 114 balls.

But despite his emphatic form for Australia over the past year, Bailey made only 256 runs at 18.28 in the domestic Sheffield Shield competition and thus question marks remain over whether he can replicate his form in the shorter formats in Test cricket. National selector John Inverarity was quick to point out that in the previous Down Under, Bailey made 697 Shield runs at a significantly healthier average of 58.08.

Regardless of the statistics, it is clear that Bailey oozes international quality and possesses all the necessary skills to be successful in the Test arena. England’s bowlers found themselves on the receiving end of his powerful stroke play at the back end of the summer, when Bailey made scores of 82, 87 and 4 in the NatWest ODI series. Subsequently, Bailey will know what to expect from this current England attack and he will be extremely confident that he has the ability to score runs against it.

Whilst he is widely known for his powerful stroke play, Bailey’s technique is solid and he is compact in defence. His attacking instincts are perfectly suited to the aggressive brand of Test cricket Australia will look to play. Alongside Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, Steve Smith and wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, Bailey’s inclusion means the Australian batting line-up suddenly looks strong and balanced. The Baggie Greens’ Achilles heel in England was their inconsistent batting line-up, which subsequently produced erratic batting displays. However, their weakness in the summer could prove to be their greatest strength this time around.

Thus with his recent form against India in mind, Bailey is a player who could play a critical role in Australia’s attempts to regain the Ashes. His form alone demands that his is one of the first names on the team sheet for the first Test at The Gabba.

Alex Hales – The best t20 batsman on the planet?

After firing England to victory in their final t20i match against Australia at Chester-le-Street, opening batsman Alex Hales has been ranked as the number one Twenty20 batsman in the world in the official International Cricket Council Twenty20 standings.

Hales blistering knock of 96 from 61 balls propelled England to a total of 195-5 from their 20.0 overs, with Australia falling 27 runs short of their target. England’s victory meant the t20i series was tied 1-1 and Hales subsequently picked up the man-of-the-match award. Furthermore, as a result of his performance, Hales also received 65 ranking points, taking him above New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum into first place. Australian duo Shane Watson and David Warner currently sit in 3^rd and 4^th position in the standings, whilst Martin Guptill, Mahela Jayawardene, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Chris Gayle and JP Duminy make up the rest of the top 10.

Outlaws opener Hales’ main strengths lie in his ability to take the attack to the bowlers from the off, taking full advantage of the fielding restrictions in the powerplay overs to thrust his team off to a fast start. Providing he stays at the crease beyond the first six overs, his ability to maintain that initial momentum by picking the gaps and continuing to score boundaries is of equal benefit to his team. Hales is undoubtedly a very talented t20 performer; but is the boy from Hillingdon, Middlesex, really the best t20i batsmen in the world?

In his twenty-one Twenty20 internationals, Hales has scored 665 runs at an average of 39.11 with a strike rate of 135.99. His highest t20i score came last summer against the West Indies, when he made 99 from 68 balls – the highest t20i score by an English batsmen – and in total he has scored six t20i fifties whacking 69 fours and 19 sixes. In total, domestically and internationally, Hales has played eighty-four t20 matches, amassing 2343 runs, averaging 30.42, with a strike rate of 139.21.

These are a very impressive collection of statistics, but how do they compare with his main rivals at the top of the ICC rankings? Number two in the standings, Kiwi supremo Brendon McCullum, averages 35.50 in t20 internationals, scoring 1882 runs in 61 innings, with a strike rate of 135.49. Despite the fact that McCullum has made two t20i hundreds and five in total – including a blistering 158* off 73 balls for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL’s inaugural match – his t20i record is slightly inferior to Hales. In fact, none of the other top ten candidates have a higher t20i average than Hales, with only Shane Watson, David Warner and Chris Gayle boasting better strike rates than the Nottinghamshire man.

However, Hales relative inexperience in the international arena is somewhat beneficial regarding his generous statistical record. For any commentator, journalist, coach, player or fan of world cricket will likely argue that best batsmen in the game’s shortest format is a Gayle, a McCullum or a Dhawan (etc), and not a Hales. To be one of the world’s best t20i batsmen, one needs to be a uniquely destructive force, feared by every bowling attack on the planet. In this regard, Hales still has a long way to go until his status is sufficient to be welcomed into such an exclusive gentlemen’s club.

In order to truly become one of the best players in the world, Hales needs to be consistently successful at all levels and across all formats over the next few years. Whilst proving his ability abroad in the IPL or the Big Bash would gain him much kudos, success on the home front would perhaps be a better place to start. Hales has struggled to get into Nottinghamshire’s County Championship side this season and in the Friends Life t20 competition, he was comfortably outscored by Hampshire’s Michael Carberry and Somerset’s Craig Kieswetter. Moreover, despite scoring the 4^th highest runs tally in the FLt20, Hales only placed 28^th on the 2013 averages list.

Thus, although Hales can take a big confidence boost from the fact that he has been ranked by the ICC as the best t20i player on the planet, this is simply a blurred reality. For despite being an undoubtedly talented young player, Hales is not even the best Twenty20 batsman in the country. Sorry, Alex.

 

FLt20 “Ones-to-watch” XI Verdict

Remember our FLT20 “Ones-to-watch XI” from earlier this summer? Well, here’s how the team got on in this year’s competition.

 

1. Michael Carberry – 502 runs at 55.78, HS 100, 4 Fifties, 1 Hundred

“Yet to make a century in t20 cricket, could this be Carberry’s year?”

Yes, apparently. Michael Carberry was Hampshire’s ‘Mr Consistency’ in the FLt20 competition this year, as the Royals advanced to Finals Day having lost just one match, only to fall at the semi-final stage. His century against Lancashire came off 66 balls (11 fours and 3 sixes) and as a result of his masterful t20 displays, Carberry has been called into the England ODI and t20i squads for the series against Australia.

 

2. Dawid Malan – 351 runs at 39.00, HS 86, 3 Fifties

“Aggressive left-handed batsman Malan has had a huge amount of success in the 20-over format over the past few years.”

No change here then, for the shortest format remains Dawid Malan’s strongest. Middlesex were unfortunate not to advance from the tricky South Group, however, Malan did his best to propel them beyond the first stage with some powerful performances at the top of the order, including a match-winning 55-ball 86 against Essex at Lord’s.

 

3. Luke Wright – 130 runs at 21.67, HS 81, 1 Fifty

“England all-rounder Wright has become something of a t20 mercenary over the past few seasons, with stints in the IPL, Big Bash and BPL…”

As such an experienced t20 campaigner, Luke Wright will have been disappointed with his performances in the FLt20 this season. He reached fifty just once – he smashed 81 off 49 balls against Middlesex at Lord’s – and thus made only 49 runs in his five other innings. In addition, Wright bowled only one over for Sussex in the competition, as the Sharks finished dead last in the South Group with nine losses and one solitary victory. A year to forget for Wright and Sussex.

 

4. Owais Shah – 311 runs at 51.83, HS 68, 2 Fifties

“Essex will need Shah to be in top form if they are to qualify out of the competition’s tricky South Group.”

In contrast to his fellow seasoned t20 campaigner Wright, 2013 was a great year for both Owais Shah and Essex. Shah averaged over 50 in the competition, as Essex not only advanced out of the South Group, but all the way to finals day. The Eagles eventually bowed out in the semi-finals, losing to eventual winners Northamptonshire. Shah’s brutal 68 from 43 balls against Hampshire in the group stages, was a particular highlight.

 

5. Gary Ballance – 269 runs at 29.89, HS 68, 1 Fifty

“Zimbabwe-born batsman Gary Ballance is a player showing huge potential.”

Although Yorkshire have had a barnstorming year in the County Championship, their FLt20 campaign didn’t quite go according to plan, as the “Vikings” finished rock bottom of the North Group. But Gary Ballance won’t mind too much. Having scored runs across all three formats, including an eye-catching 68 off 39 balls in a t20 against Durham, the Zimbabwean-born leftie should get the chance to take on the Australians for real in the upcoming ODI series.

 

6. Darren Stevens – 267 runs at 38.14, HS 67, 1 Fifty; 6 wickets at 36.00, SB 2-16

“Ever since his arrival from Leicestershire in 2004, Stevens has been a critical member of the Kent team in all three forms of the game.”

Self-confessed Twenty20 junkie Darren Stevens is a wonderful ball striker, as well as a more than useful limited-overs bowler. As the highest scoring domestic t20 run-scorer prior to this summer, Stevens perhaps didn’t quite hit top gear this year, although his match-winning 67* from 44 balls against Sussex typified the qualities he possesses. Too old to play for England? “Never”, says Darren.

 

7. Craig Kieswetter – 517 runs at 64.62, HS 89*, 5 Fifties, 10 catches, 1 stumping

“South-African born wicket-keeper batsman Kieswetter will be hoping that this year’s FLt20 could be his year.”

Speaking of England honours, Craig Kieswetter will be disappointed that he failed to win a recall to the England limited-overs squads this summer. The South African-born wicketkeeper-batsman scored more domestic t20 runs in 2013 than any other player, including Michael Carberry; Taunton’s short boundaries aside, that is an impressive statistic. His 89* off 55 balls against Gloucestershire was an innings of sheer perfection. Don’t rule this lad out from returning to the England fold very soon.

 

8. Graham Napier – 95 runs at 19.00, HS 38; 12 wickets at 26.17, SB 4-18

“When it comes to limited-overs cricket, Napier is never too far away from the spotlight.”

Although he has starred in t20 cricket with the bat on numerous occasions over the years, Graham Napier refers to himself as “a bowler with bats a bit” and this rang true in his 2013 FLt20 campaign. There are very few professional players worldwide capable of bowling an inch perfect yorker on demand and Napier is one of them; all four of his four Surrey victims in his season’s best figures were clean bowled. Lead the Essex line brilliantly.

 

9. James Tredwell – 7 wickets at 16.43, SB 3-19

“The off-spinner relies on his consistency, control and subtle variations to out think the opposing batsman.”

Kent have had a number of successful seasons in the domestic t20 competition, however this year was not one of them. International commitments meant Tredwell was only able to lead his county in six of their group matches and despite his best efforts as both a leader and an off-spinner, Kent picked up just three victories in the campaign. Tredwell only played a part in one of those wins, as he bowled 3 overs 1-12 to deny Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.

 

10. Jamie Overton – N/A

“Although he has yet to play a t20 match for his county Somerset, many will be expecting young Jamie Overton to make his mark on the competition this season.”

Sadly, he didn’t. Overton is still yet to make his t20 debut for Somerset. However, fear not, because the young paceman has been included in the England squad to face Australia in the upcoming ODI series. The selectors do like picking on potential.

 

11. Boyd Rankin – 4 wickets at 11.25, SB 2-9

“Expect the six-foot-seven seamer to be cause difficulties for batsman at both ends of the innings this year.”

Whilst his county Warwickshire had a solid but unfruitful t20 summer, little credit can be given to their Irish-born fast bowler Rankin, who bowled just eight overs in the competition. That said, he did make a significant impact in those eight overs, picking up figures of 2-9 against Somerset and he subsequently finished at the top of the FLt20 2013 bowling averages. Hopefully he’ll get more of an opportunity to terrorise batsmen in the England-Australia ODI series.

 

Flat Track Bully’s Alternative Ashes XI (summer 2013)

(Please note that any players guilty of “boring” cricket have been made unavailable for selection.)

1. David Warner
2. Shane Watson
3. Kevin Pietersen
4. Michael Clarke ©
5. Steve Smith
6. Brad Haddin (wk)
7. Stuart Broad
8. Graeme Swann
9. Peter Siddle
10. Ryan Harris
11. James Anderson

Openers

As per the above rules, picking a pair of opening batsmen from this summer’s Ashes series is a rather tricky decision. The difficulty lies in that England’s openers, Alastair Cook and Joe Root, a) batted far too slowly, and b) didn’t score enough runs. Last time around in Australia, Captain Cook was England’s hero, scoring a mammoth amount of runs (766) and anchored the English batting line-up to some big totals. There was no such repeat this time around however, as Cook made just three fifties and reverted back to his old ‘pushing one to first slip’ method of dismissal. As for Root, his 180 was an outstanding innings under very little pressure, but the Yorkshireman’s submissive stance – having been promoted to opening the batting – was simply dreadful for the modern day (t20 junkie) cricket fan to watch. Less casual supporters will remember the headline “Edgblaston” from back in 2005, the day when England scored 400 runs in one day. Root, Cook and Trott all failed to entertain in such dramatic style. Talk about digging in…

Subsequently, it is two Australians who slot in at the top of the order for FTB’s Ashes XI. Chris Rogers – who impressed for a man of his age – nudged and nurdled far too much for our selectors liking. Thus, Australia’s conundrum man Shane Watson finds himself opening the batting once more. His lusty style and canny knack of getting out LBW all the time is just the sort of thing cricket fans today want to see. Likewise, everyone loves a pantomime villain, and the XI would not be the same without Australia’s very own [insert Rocky Balboa opponent here] David Warner. His boxing skills, twitter antics and plentiful stroke play certainly got his name trending. Thus having showed (in glimpses) the sort of destruction they are both capable of piling upon an opposition attack and therefore, these bully boys are in the FTB team.

Middle-order

            Now you know the rules by now – no boring batsmen allowed. Sadly this means our man-of-the-series Ian Bell doesn’t actually make our series best XI. Okay, so he made a stack of runs including three hundreds and two fifties, but who wants to see someone stealing all the limelight, eh? We’d much rather watch Michael Clarke for example, who one day might get out to the ball of the series or on another, might get a massive score. After all, this side needs a skipper who refuses to let his team get bowled out and so Mr Tactical Declarations gets our vote. As for the other two batters, Kevin Pietersen picks himself on ego alone, but more importantly, he scores at more than one run an over. He’s a mystery, he’s an enigma and he’s a run-scorer. Steve Smith, like KP, very much bats in his own way, but who cares about technique when you score runs quickly and consistently? Despite not being selected for the initial squad, Smithy did his country proud and was arguably the tourist’s most consistent player with the bat. Without Belly, this team probably needs a bit of consistency.

In the wicket-keeping department, batting slightly higher than perhaps he ought, is Brad Haddin. Now there’s a proper batsman. No man at mid-wicket? Lovely jubbly. He also took a fair few catches behind the stumps (when he wasn’t letting the ball pass in between himself and first slip) and you probably need that in your Test team. Not that he had much competition for the gloves, because the usually irrepressible Matt Prior batted like Glenn McGrath with his eyes closed for the whole series. So yeah, we’ve gone for five batters and a keeper. Six batsmen is so last week.

Bowlers

Yep, we’ve got five of them and if you weren’t particularly impressed by our flat-track-bullies at the top of the order, this lot will get your tongues wagging more than a troupe of IPL cheerleaders. At seven, it’s Stuart “I only walk when I run out of petrol” Broad, because what this team doesn’t need is gentlemen. Screw the spirit of cricket; this is the flaming Ashes! Broad is big, bad and he’s a much better all-rounder than James Faulkner and Chris Woakes. Broady was back with the bat and on a roll with the ball this series, so his selection is a no-brainer. The same applies for team mate Graeme Swann – the offie with bags of character, magic spinning fingers and hands as safe as houses. He gives it a whack too and we like that, so much so that we’ve promoted him to number eight.

Two Aussies are up next as they were the only two didgeridoos that eve nr looked like taking more than two wickets. Peter Siddle is a marvellous chap, isn’t he? With aggression pouring out of his ears like steam, a Lion’s roar waiting to emerge from his mouth, he hits the pitch hard and gets the ball to talk. Moreover, he takes wickets aplenty and even when he is sent in as the night-watchman, he still scores at more than a run a ball. Watch and learn England. As for Ryan Harris, nobody knows how he has made it this far without being shot down by injury, but Ryno proved in this series that he is a damn good bowler when his body allows him to be. May all the Australian physiotherapists and masseurs be given knighthoods. Oh and don’t forget that Mr Harris enjoys a little skip to square leg and a big thrash of the old willow. Blooming brilliant.

Last but not least, it’s Jimmy. Okay so he went AWOL for a couple of Tests, but he’s got to be the finest operator of the swinging ball currently playing Test cricket. That ball to Clarke at Trent Bridge was nigh on unplayable (a bit like FTB’s Ashes XI). In fact, in light of this team selection, hopefully the ICC will allow the return series Down Under to be played in a quirky new format involving Tests, ODIs and t20s, with a point system deciding the winner of the urn. Because no matter what the format, this furiously competitive bunch of showmen would entertain the crowds until the clowns come home.

Why KP’s absence would be a good thing for everyone (but him!)

England’s decision to throw James Taylor into an Ashes tour match for Sussex against Australia on Friday seems to suggest that Kevin Pietersen’s calf strain is a serious one. The injury could keep him out of the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford beginning on August 1^st and 23-year-old Taylor could be the man to replace him. The Nottinghamshire batsman – who has played in two Test matches for his country – has thus been given the opportunity to prepare for a potential Ashes debut.

Taylor, who averages 47.83 in first-class cricket, could make his third international appearance one year on from his England debut, which came against South Africa on August 2^nd last year. The former England Lions skipper has been in good form in all formats this summer, averaging over fifty in the county championship and over a hundred in the YB40 competition. Although he only made 48 runs from his three innings against South Africa last summer, it is believed that Taylor is the next in line for KP’s slot, with the prodigal Ravi Bopara just behind him.

From an English perspective, should Pietersen be unfit to play at Old Trafford next week, it may be no bad thing at all. Taylor is an in-form young player with plenty of potential and on the basis of his domestic form, deserves a chance again at international level. KP meanwhile has looked far from his majestic best in the series so far, having made just 85 runs from four innings at an average just over 20. His much awaited return to the team has not quite gone according to plan for the South African-born batsman, having been absent over the past year due to personal differences and injury. The team dynamic would certainly not be affected by the absence of Pietersen’s ego, even if his undoubted talent leaves the batting line-up a touch short of experience.

This will be the opinion of the Australians – that an England side without Pietersen is a weaker one. Lehmann and co. will feel that Taylor’s lack of experience at international level is something they can exploit and having toured Australia with the Lions back in February, the Aussies should have some footage of him batting to analyse as well. One might suggest that Taylor’s lack of height (5 foot 6 inches) probably means that “Titch” will receive a polite welcome to Ashes cricket through a barrage of short pitched chin music.

England’s batting line-up, although not as bad as the Australians, have already shown frailties in the first and second Test matches, and without KP’s experience and “x-factor” ability, the Aussies will feel they can continue to unsettle the hosts relatively inexperienced top-order. Alongside the youthful Root, Bairstow and Taylor, Pietersen’s absence will put pressure on Cook, Trott and Bell to stand up and perform.

So let’s all hope that Pietersen’s injury keeps him out of the Old Trafford. It could be a good thing for everyone (apart from KP!) – for Englishman, for Australians and even more so for the neutrals, the cricket fans all over the globe who are hoping for a slightly less one-sided contest come August 1^st at Old Trafford.

Finn and Cowan possible casualties for Lord’s Test

Wow! It’s fair to say, that the first Investec Ashes Test of the summer was an absolute belter. With more twist and turns than a Monaco Grand Prix and drama lurking around every corner, the Trent Bridge encounter was one of the most dramatic Test matches of the decade. In a match reminiscent of the Edgbaston 2005 Ashes Test, it was again England who triumphed by the smallest of margins. The tiniest of inside edges proved to be the difference between the two sides, as Jimmy Anderson took his 10^th wicket of the match to remove Australian wicket-keeper Brad Haddin. It was a case of so near yet so far once again for the crestfallen Australians.

But if the first Test is anything to go by, the remaining nine matches of this year’s Ashes double-whammy are going to an enthralling contest. England hold a 1-0 lead going into the second Test at Lord’s on Thursday and have subsequently named an unchanged squad. Whilst the batting line-up will remain untouched, there is a strong possibility that England may make a change in the bowling department, with Tim Bresnan potentially coming in to replace Steven Finn.

Finn, who took match figures of 2-117, is clearly short of confidence and rhythm. As the second Australian 10^th wicket stand threatened to change the game, Brad Haddin targeted the lacklustre Finn, hitting him for three boundaries in the one over. Sky pundit Bob Willis suggested Finn’s below-par performance was due in part to England’s preference to prepare a flat, turning wicket, in order to favour the spin of Graeme Swann. Michael Clarke believes England will continue to prepare such pitches, and therefore Finn’s undoubted threat on bouncier, faster wickets could thus be nullified. Jonathan Agnew believes Finn needs game time with his county side Middlesex in order to regain his confidence. However, with the next Test at his home ground, there may still yet be hope that Finn might retain his place. Nasser Hussain has called for Finn to play at Lord’s, providing there is a bit of pace in the pitch. Yet if the wicket throws up another slow, low deck, it is highly likely that Tim Bresnan will be introduced into the series. Having bowled well in the Champions Trophy and scored a ton in England’s warm-up match against Essex, the Yorkshireman undoubtedly deserves a place in the side.

As for the Australians, it is likely their side will remain similar also. Although Jackson Bird and Nathan Lyon will hope to play a part in the series, strong performances from Siddle, Starc, Pattinson and Agar mean the Australians will probably stick with their current bowling unit. One position in the XI that may come under consideration however is the number 3 slot, after a below-par performance in the first Test by Ed Cowan. Cowan, who made a golden duck in the first innings and was dismissed by the part-time off-spin of Joe Root in the second, was a complete nervous wreck at the crease. The shot he played first ball to James Anderson looked every bit the stroke of a man playing in his first Ashes Test and whilst many of his Test mates rose to the occasion, Cowan crumbled under the pressure. David Warner and Usman Khawaja will thus believe they have a chance to break into the team at some point during the series, although Cowan will probably be given another chance at Lord’s. Both fans and selectors alike will be hoping that (if selected) he can regain his composure for his second Ashes Test.

See you at Lord’s.

England won’t target individuals, says Broad

Ahead of the start of this year’s Ashes series next week, England fast-bowler Stuart Broad says that England are not planning on copying dominant Australian teams of the past and targeting specific players in the Australia team.

Speaking at the Investec Ashes press conference in London, the Nottinghamshire seamer said that discussions and strategies regarding Australia’s batsman would begin at a team meeting this Sunday.

“I think every team would always target members of the opposition batting line-up. Whether they make that public is up to their personal preference.”

He added, “The Aussies probably used to target people but it’s certainly not something I’m going to do.”

Fast-bowling compatriot Steve Finn agreed with Broad, “Those days are past. We’ll have our meeting on Sunday and talk about how we can get people out, but in terms of actually targeting someone specific, there’s nothing like that.”

Meanwhile the retired former Australian Ashes winner Damien Martyn suggested that Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen would be the two key men in the England side that the Australian’s may look to target.

“From an England point of view, for us, I think Cook is a massive one. He’s an amazing player, an amazing leader and his record is outstanding. He stabilises that side, he’s always making runs, he opens the batting and he’s the captain as well.

“And then the X-factor is [Kevin] Pietersen. He is a match-winner. He’s been out a lot recently with injury and hasn’t played much cricket, but those are the two guys Australia will take a look at very closely.

“When Pietersen is in the side, he is always going to be dangerous from an opposition point of view.”

Martyn also stated that there would be no such Glenn McGrath “5-0” predictions or Shane Warne “Sherminator” style outbursts from the Australian team. He suggested that under new coach Darren Lehmann, the tourists will keep team business more private, rather than choosing to air their dirty laundry in public.

Coach-cum-commentator Tom Moody, suggested that the public humiliation of players meant that former-coach Mickey Arthur’s sacking became “inevitable”, stating that he “lost control” and “lost the trust” of the Australian players.

He also believes that the Australians under Lehmann will play with an “underlying confidence” and that the Aussies have been “written off far too early”.

“The unknown can happen in Ashes series. There’s unique pressure and a lot of expectation on both sides, particularly England.”

English FLt20 XI: A team of players to watch in this year’s competition

 

1. Michael Carberry – Hampshire Royals – T20 average: 27.66 – SR: 112.92

The former Surrey and Kent man looked in supreme touch on Wednesday night against his former team, as his 60 off 45 balls drove  the Royals on to an easy win. His innings exemplified all his t20 qualities, as Carberry displayed a 360̊ degree range of shots. His breath of powerful strokes should stand him in good stead at the top of the order, as Hampshire look to retain the title that they won last season. Yet to make a century in t20 cricket, could this be Carberry’s year?

 

2. Dawid Malan – Middlesex Panthers – T20 average: 30.42 – SR: 117.58

Aggressive left-handed batsman Malan has had a huge amount of success in the 20-over format over the past few years, with his most noteworthy performance a magnificent 103 off just 51 balls against Lancashire in 2008. Although he has spent much of this season in the second XI, he returned with 58* against the Unicorns in the YB40 last week and will be a key component in the Panthers batting line-up at the top of the order alongside Paul Sterling and Joe Denly.

 

3. Luke Wright – Sussex Sharks – T20 batting average: 26.31 – SR: 147.02; T20 bowling average: 32.22 – Econ: 8.41/over

England all-rounder Wright has become something of a t20 mercenary over the past few seasons, with stints in the IPL, Big Bash and BPL; however, this fact simply expresses what a fine player t20 player he is. A destructive top-order batsman in the shortest form of the game, Wright’s success often comes from hitting over the top and taking full advantage of the powerplay fielding restrictions. Also a handy seamer, his ability to mix it up and bowl yorkers makes him a reliable death bowler. The Sussex man is in stunning form with the bat, having scored 115 off 61 balls against Kent in the YB40 last week, so expect him to shine for the Sharks this year.

 

4. Owais Shah – Essex Eagles – T20 average: 33.83 – SR: 127.44

Essex batsman Shah is an extremely experienced performer in the t20 format, who like Luke Wright, has played 20-over cricket all around the globe. Formerly a regular international for England in ODI cricket, Shah has the ability to make quick runs in the middle-order, using his wristy technique to powerfully manoeuvre the ball to all corners of the ground. His average and strike-rate show what an exquisite limited overs player he is, and Essex will need Shah to be on top form if they are to qualify out of the competition’s tricky south group.

 

5. Gary Ballance – Yorkshire Vikings – T20 average: 26.14 – SR: 121.78

Zimbabwe-born batsman Gary Balance is a player showing huge potential and England’s decision to call the 23-year-old into their t20 squad for the series against New Zealand shows just how highly this young man is rated. He toured Australia with the Lions this winter, having excelled in domestic limited-overs cricket last season. He also topped the List A averages for county Yorkshire in 2012 and scored two half-centuries in the Champions League. Big things are to come from this young man.

 

6. Darren Stevens – Kent Spitfires – T20 batting average: 30.20 – SR: 132.83; T20 bowling average: 23.91 – Econ: 7.49/over

Stevens scored the fastest century of the summer so far last week, with a breathtaking 44-ball ton as the Spitfires achieved a world-record run chase against the Sussex Sharks at Canterbury. Ever since his arrival from Leicestershire in 2004, Stevens has been a critical member of the Kent team in all three forms of the game. He has scored over 10,000 runs in first-class cricket and with 2852 t20 runs to date, he is also the most prolific 20-over run scorer on the county cricket scene. Also a more than useful seam bowler, Stevens’ all-round contribution will be vital for the Spitfires this campaign.

 

7. Craig Kieswetter – Somerset – T20 batting average: 27.63 – SR: 120.59; T20 catches: 50 –  stumpings: 17

South-African born wicket-keeper batsman Kieswetter will be hoping that 2013 could be his year. Having lost his place in the England ODI and T20 teams to team mate Jos Buttler, Kieswetter will be hoping to showcase his ability with both bat and gloves in this year’s FLt20, in order to re-stake his claim for his old England spot. His batting relies heavily on his ball striking capabilities and ability to hit over the infield during the powerplay overs, which he did to great effect when he was part of the England team that won the ICC World Twenty20 back in 2010. Somerset are favourites with the bookies to win this year’s FLt20 and the Trescothick-Trego-Kiewswetter combination at the top of their line-up will play a key role.

 

8. Graham Napier – Essex Eagles – T20 batting average: 15.20 – SR: 142.83; T20 bowling Average: 21.29 – Econ: 7.34/over

When it comes to limited-overs cricket, Napier is never too far away from the spotlight. Widely known for his explosive batting performances in t20 cricket, in particular his world-record 152* against Sussex in 2008 when he hit a mammoth 16 sixes, it is his bowling that has helped him make the headlines this year. He took 4 wickets in 4 balls in a YB40 match against Surrey, to finish with figures of 7-32 and Napier also recently took 7-90 in a LVCC Div 2 County Championship game against Leicestershire. He also currently tops the four-day batting averages for his county, having scored 556 runs at an average of 61.78 so far this season, including five fifties and a ton. Napier is a man in serious form.

 

9. James Tredwell – Kent Spitfires – T20 bowling average: 27.72 – Econ: 7.22/over

Kent skipper Tredwell has had a fantastic year, finally breaking thorough into the international side in place of the injured Graeme Swann and also taking over the Spitfires captaincy from former-England batsman Rob Key. Tredwell’s strong showings in the international team have earned him rave reviews from captain Alastair Cook and he has also become a real favourite with the England fans’ too. The off-spinner relies on his consistency, control and subtle variations to out think the opposing batsman, and as a handy batsman and slip fielder, providing Swann is fit enough to play in the Ashes, Tredwell will play a massive role in the Spitfires t20 campaign this summer.

 

10. Jamie Overton – Somerset – List A bowling average: 22.83 – Econ: 5.95/over

Although he has yet to play a t20 match for his county Somerset, many will be expecting young Jamie Overton to make his mark on the competition this season. As one of the most exciting young seam bowlers in the county, Overton has been regularly reaching speeds of over 90mph this season…and he’s only 19!! With 24 championship wickets to date this season, Somerset will be hoping that their Devon-born quick can have a similar impact in the t20 format.

 

11. Boyd Rankin – Warwickshire Bears – T20 bowling average: 17.96 – Econ: 5.60/over

Former Ireland international Rankin made his t20 debut for England this week, having previously played in 52 ODI internationals for the country of his birth. The Derry-born paceman is now targeting more international honours over the next few years for England, and an impressive showing in this season’s FLt20 competition would help to further stake his claim for an Ashes spot. Thus far in his domestic t20 career he has taken 29 wickets in 26 matches, at a very impressive economy rate of just 5.60 runs an over, so expect the six-foot-seven seamer to be cause difficulties for batsman at both ends of the innings this year.