Not for the first time in his distinguished career, Kevin Pietersen has taken the cricketing press by surprise. His sacking, or should I say resignation, from the England captaincy in January 2009 after just three Tests was the first example. And now he has repeated the dose by retiring from both forms of the international one-day game in seemingly complicated circumstances.
As far as I can gather from the ECB’s press release KP wanted to stop playing the 50-over game, and instead play only Tests, Twenty20 Internationals and, of course, the IPL. But the ECB have decided, in an echo of the way they previously reacted to his request to oust coach Peter Moores during his short stint as captain, that opting out of the middle format of the game only is not permissable. Their reasons for this are actually quite sound. Playing in Twenty20 but not ODIs suggests a player picking and choosing their cricket, and sets a dangerous precedent for others in an era where, in England at least, the 50 over game is fast becoming subservient to the shorter and longer forms of the international game. Although why Pietersen didn’t delay his retirement until after September’s World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka is unclear, particularly as he has reiterated that he “would have readily played for England” in that event. The England management get things right more often than not these days, and I can completely understand why Andy Flower doesn’t want Pietersen waltzing in and out of the dressing room whenever he likes.
For me, Pietersen has got his priorities completely wrong. He says that, at almost 32, it is time to let others gather experience for the 2015 World Cup. But 32 should be a batsman’s peak, and recent form suggests that after a few years of indifferent form, he is now back to his best. He will only be 35 in 2015, and it is very reasonable to believe that he will still be amongst the best one-day batsmen in world cricket. Therefore, I am drawn to the conclusion that other issues have cropped up. Has he ever fully patched up relations with the ECB’s top brass? Has the lure of IPL money become too much? Was he riled by the decision to fine him for his opions on Nick Knight? Whatever the reason I am willing to dismiss the theory that he doesn’t care for the 50 over game. Evidence for this can be found in his joy at finally scoring an ODI hundred in the UAE this winter and his imfamous tweet describing his omission from the squad against Pakistan in 2010 as a “f**k up”.
It should also be pointed out that Pietersen is likely to have plenty of opportunites to become a globetrotting Twenty20 player in four or five years time when his international career has finished. For now his involvement in the IPL, and therefore earning capacity, is unlikely to be increased, and whilst still playing in the Test team, he probably won’t be able to play much in the Big Bash League either. And I’m sure that more cricket for his beloved Surrey, now an option, is not his number one priority in life.
The blow will be hard to take for England. Despite his much publicised ODI century drought between October 2008 and this February, KP was arguably England’s greatest limited-overs cricket of all time. Three hundreds in his first major international series, against South Africa in early 2005, brought Pietersen to the attention of the wider cricketing public. And after another incredible ton against Australia ahead of that summer’s Ashes, Bob Willis said on commentary that his batting had “shades of Vivian Richards”. It took his average 18 ODIs to drop below the 100 mark, and by 2008 he had seven hundreds. One of the most memorable came against New Zealand at Chester-le-Street in that year, when he unveiled his trademark switch-hit for the first time. Ironically his retirement came in the same week that the ICC cricket committee recommended a change to the lbw law to take the shot into account.
But perhaps his most significant contribution to the limited overs game came in the format that he wanted to keep playing. It took Kevin a few years to get to grips with Twenty20, but once he did in 2010 his big hitting propelled England to their first ever international trophy and he was Man of the Tournament. In the two years since his good form in the flashiest type of cricket has continued, with him passing the 1,000 career runs landmark, and reaching the top of the ICC Rankings.
I could be wrong, but I have a strange feeling that we have not seen the last of Kevin Pietersen in England one-day colours. Here’s hoping that he gets his priorities in order, and remembers that he could, and perhaps can still be, one of the very best in the world for years to come.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
England v West Indies 2nd Test - Marks Out of Ten
ENGLAND
Andrew Strauss 10 - I rarely give out 10s but almost 200 runs in the match and captaining the side to victory is deserving of it on this occasion.
Alastair Cook 7 - First innings failure; milked England to victory second time round.
Jonathan Trott 6 - No hugely significant contribution, but unbeaten at the end and on the winning team.
Kevin Pietersen 8 - Aggressive knock on Saturday evening was a momentum swinger. Will be disappointed not to have gone on.
Ian Bell 5 - Not a busy game.
Jonny Bairstow 2 - A very uncomfortable second Test innings. Needs to score at Edgbaston or face dropping out of the team.
Matt Prior 7 - The usual faultless 'keeping display.
Tim Bresnan 9 - Ineffective for much of the first innings, but came back well against the tailenders, before playing a leading role in the West Indian collapse second time round. Also added critical runs.
Stuart Broad 6 - Perhaps a little below his best with the ball, but his partnership with Bresnan was significant.
Graeme Swann 6 - Again left with little to do. Did take the important first innings wicket of Chanderpaul.
James Anderson 8 - Rarely disappoints these days.
WEST INDIES
Adrian Barath 2 - Still far from the finished article.
Kieran Powell 3 - Got off to a good start first time round, but made another misjudgment in the second innings.
Kirk Edwards 1 - His two Test centuries are becoming a distant memory. Never looked the slightest bit comfortable.
Darren Bravo 3 - Looks the most assured of the young batsmen, but no Lara at this stage.
Shiv Chanderpaul 6 - Staved off England for a long time in the first innings. Can't do all the work every day, as was shown in being bounced out in his second knock.
Marlon Samuels 10 - The real Marlon Samuels finally seems to have arrived. Led the resistance in both innings, and recorded his first Test hundred for over four years. Contributed a couple of wickets too.
Denesh Ramdin 5 - One dropped chance, but kept reasonably well. Needs to score more runs to justify selection ahead of Baugh.
Darren Sammy 9 - Lets give the man some credit. An aggressive maiden Test hundred briefly gave his team a sniff, and he bowled as well as can be expected of him.
Kemar Roach 7 - Bowled some aggressive spells, but no balls continue to be an issue.
Shane Shillingford 3 - Not a threat in English conditions.
Ravi Rampaul 7 - Demonstrated his improvement over recent years, and took three wickets. Pace similar to Broad and Anderson.
Andrew Strauss 10 - I rarely give out 10s but almost 200 runs in the match and captaining the side to victory is deserving of it on this occasion.
Alastair Cook 7 - First innings failure; milked England to victory second time round.
Jonathan Trott 6 - No hugely significant contribution, but unbeaten at the end and on the winning team.
Kevin Pietersen 8 - Aggressive knock on Saturday evening was a momentum swinger. Will be disappointed not to have gone on.
Ian Bell 5 - Not a busy game.
Jonny Bairstow 2 - A very uncomfortable second Test innings. Needs to score at Edgbaston or face dropping out of the team.
Matt Prior 7 - The usual faultless 'keeping display.
Tim Bresnan 9 - Ineffective for much of the first innings, but came back well against the tailenders, before playing a leading role in the West Indian collapse second time round. Also added critical runs.
Stuart Broad 6 - Perhaps a little below his best with the ball, but his partnership with Bresnan was significant.
Graeme Swann 6 - Again left with little to do. Did take the important first innings wicket of Chanderpaul.
James Anderson 8 - Rarely disappoints these days.
WEST INDIES
Adrian Barath 2 - Still far from the finished article.
Kieran Powell 3 - Got off to a good start first time round, but made another misjudgment in the second innings.
Kirk Edwards 1 - His two Test centuries are becoming a distant memory. Never looked the slightest bit comfortable.
Darren Bravo 3 - Looks the most assured of the young batsmen, but no Lara at this stage.
Shiv Chanderpaul 6 - Staved off England for a long time in the first innings. Can't do all the work every day, as was shown in being bounced out in his second knock.
Marlon Samuels 10 - The real Marlon Samuels finally seems to have arrived. Led the resistance in both innings, and recorded his first Test hundred for over four years. Contributed a couple of wickets too.
Denesh Ramdin 5 - One dropped chance, but kept reasonably well. Needs to score more runs to justify selection ahead of Baugh.
Darren Sammy 9 - Lets give the man some credit. An aggressive maiden Test hundred briefly gave his team a sniff, and he bowled as well as can be expected of him.
Kemar Roach 7 - Bowled some aggressive spells, but no balls continue to be an issue.
Shane Shillingford 3 - Not a threat in English conditions.
Ravi Rampaul 7 - Demonstrated his improvement over recent years, and took three wickets. Pace similar to Broad and Anderson.
Monday, 21 May 2012
England v West Indies - 1st Test Marks out of Ten
ENGLAND
Andrew Strauss 9 - A long-awaited ton, and captained his team to victory.
Alastair Cook 8 - A rare failure first time round, but a calming head in the run chase.
Jonathan Trott 7 - Scored runs in the first innings, as we have become accustomed to seeing him do.
Kevin Pietersen 5 - Could have waited until the third morning to play in such an aggressive manner first time round, and got himself out in the process.
Ian Bell 9 - A fine match. Only got out in the first innings in the pursuit of quick runs and with the lower order in.
Jonny Bairstow 5 - Looked assured before being given out lbw. Fielded well.
Matt Prior 7 - Pretty faultless keeping display from memory.
Tim Bresnan 5 - Not his best match, but still worked hard.
Stuart Broad 9 - Probably not quite at his very best, but still took 10 wickets in the match, and caused problems for West Indians throughout.
Graeme Swann 7 - Not that much to do, but did his job when required with both bat and ball.
James Anderson 7 - Great new ball spell on the first morning. Broad took centre stage after that.
WEST INDIES
Adrian Barath 6 - Fluent start to the match, but could and should have kicked on.
Kieran Powell 2 - Not yet ready for Test cricket.
Kirk Edwards 2 - Beaten in the first innings. Unlucky with the second innings run out.
Darren Bravo 6 - Showed his class at times, but like Barath didn't make it count.
Shiv Chanderpaul 9 - Just got on with his own business of run-making. Cost Bravo and K Edwards their wickets in the process though.
Marlon Samuels 8 - An improved display from an often disappointing player. Composed second innings knock might have deserved a ton.
Denesh Ramdin 6 - Not a bad game behind the stumps, and contributing with the bat.
Darren Sammy 6 - Did his job as an all-round cricketer, and generally captained well.
Kemar Roach 8 - Slightly off colour in the first innings; brilliant in the second.
Fidel Edwards 6 - An honest trier, but knows he can bowl quicker and more aggressively.
Shannon Gabriel 7 - A pretty promising debut. Strong and consistently the quickest bowler on show.
Andrew Strauss 9 - A long-awaited ton, and captained his team to victory.
Alastair Cook 8 - A rare failure first time round, but a calming head in the run chase.
Jonathan Trott 7 - Scored runs in the first innings, as we have become accustomed to seeing him do.
Kevin Pietersen 5 - Could have waited until the third morning to play in such an aggressive manner first time round, and got himself out in the process.
Ian Bell 9 - A fine match. Only got out in the first innings in the pursuit of quick runs and with the lower order in.
Jonny Bairstow 5 - Looked assured before being given out lbw. Fielded well.
Matt Prior 7 - Pretty faultless keeping display from memory.
Tim Bresnan 5 - Not his best match, but still worked hard.
Stuart Broad 9 - Probably not quite at his very best, but still took 10 wickets in the match, and caused problems for West Indians throughout.
Graeme Swann 7 - Not that much to do, but did his job when required with both bat and ball.
James Anderson 7 - Great new ball spell on the first morning. Broad took centre stage after that.
WEST INDIES
Adrian Barath 6 - Fluent start to the match, but could and should have kicked on.
Kieran Powell 2 - Not yet ready for Test cricket.
Kirk Edwards 2 - Beaten in the first innings. Unlucky with the second innings run out.
Darren Bravo 6 - Showed his class at times, but like Barath didn't make it count.
Shiv Chanderpaul 9 - Just got on with his own business of run-making. Cost Bravo and K Edwards their wickets in the process though.
Marlon Samuels 8 - An improved display from an often disappointing player. Composed second innings knock might have deserved a ton.
Denesh Ramdin 6 - Not a bad game behind the stumps, and contributing with the bat.
Darren Sammy 6 - Did his job as an all-round cricketer, and generally captained well.
Kemar Roach 8 - Slightly off colour in the first innings; brilliant in the second.
Fidel Edwards 6 - An honest trier, but knows he can bowl quicker and more aggressively.
Shannon Gabriel 7 - A pretty promising debut. Strong and consistently the quickest bowler on show.
County Championship Round-Up - Week 7: Batsmen hit back as weather offers respite
The batsmen bit back with a vengeance during the seventh round of County Championship matches, with six of the seven fixtures drawn despite relative respite from the wet weather.
Division One leaders Warwickshire dominated the first three days of their encounter with defending champions Lancashire, before a tremendous unbroken partnership of 139 between Paul Horton (137*) and wicket-keeper Gareth Cross (75*) on the final afternoon remarkably secured a draw for the visitors to Edgbaston. Horton’s innings took up 455 minutes and 362 deliveries, and is the type of rearguard effort that could kick-start a thoroughly disappointing campaign for Lancashire thus far.
It was Warwickshire who had piled up the runs at the beginning of the contest. Varun Chopra (113) and the in-form Rikki Clarke (123*) both scored their second centuries of the campaign, and there were also sizeable contributions from Ian Westwood, Darren Maddy, Chris Woakes and Tim Ambrose, who fell four short of a century himself. A total of 557 for 6 declared was amassed, with Lancashire left-arm spinners Simon Kerrigan and Gary Keedy managing 99 overs between them for just four wickets. Lancashire coach Peter Moores, and captain Glen Chapple, will probably reflect that they misread the pitch in omitting both Kyle Hogg and Sajid Mahmood. But the home bowlers had far more success, and Lancashire were soon reduced to 54 for 5. Only a resilient 87 not out from South African Ashwell Prince ensured that a total of 197 was reached. Chris Wright, Jeetan Patel and Woakes, returning after an injury lay-off, took three wickets each. The follow-on was enforced and with the score 122 for 3 at the start of the final day, a Warwickshire win seemed almost certain. But that was before Horton and Cross got together.
Somerset’s trip to The Oval to face Surrey also threatened a positive result, despite the visitors managing over 500 in their first innings. Nick Compton, the batsman of the season thus far, contributed 83 but it was stand-in captain James Hildreth (120) and Arul Suppiah (106) who reached three figures. Youngster Alex Barrow, whose 47 at the top of the order came off 48 balls, had earlier set up the innings. Surrey were resting Jade Dernbach, a questionable move given that he needs to keep proving to the England selectors that he is not just a limited overs specialist. The decision did not pay off as Chris Jordan and George Edwards both went at more than five runs per over. Steve Davies led the response with 104, and Tom Maynard continued his impressive form with 89. But Vernon Philander took 4-40 and Somerset a first innings lead of 124.
Stuart Meaker was in sensational form during the Somerset second innings. His career best figures of 8 for 52 ripped the heart out of the opposition batting line-up, and may have nudged a selector or two – not that any Test places are on offer to fast bowlers at the moment. He set up a run chase of 305, which, on the evidence of the previous match against Worcestershire, some Surrey fans felt was attainable. But in reality it was always a big ask and captain Rory Hamilton-Brown’s unbeaten 70 saved rather than won the match. Young Irish spinner George Dockrell recorded an analysis of 4 for 89.
Sussex openers Chris Nash and Ed Joyce returned to form in a drawn game against Worcestershire at New Road. Nash’s 84 appeared to be leading Sussex to a big first innings total, but his team was pegged back by Richard Jones (3-79) ad Jack Shantry (3-72), and could eventually only muster 315. Only one Worcestershire batsman – Moeen Ali (85) – got past fifty in response, but the top eight all made double figures, and ensured that the deficit was only 56. An opening stand of 189 then put the visitors in pole position for victory. Nash added a further 98 to an excellent match personally, and Joyce was unbeaten on 108 when the team declared with a lead of 316. But 67 from Michael Klinger, playing his last game before being replaced by fellow Australian Philip Hughes, secured the draw for Worcestershire.
Derbyshire were the only winners in either division this week, and consequently extended their lead at the top of the Division Two table to fourteen points. Bottom-placed Glamorgan at least had something to cheer about when they secured their first batting point of the 2012 campaign on the opening day, thanks largely to 79 from Marcus North, who was starting life with a record sixth county. But that was just about as good as it got for the Welsh county. Derbyshire’s overseas star Martin Guptill (132) combined with captain Wayne Madsen (130*) to reach 213-2, before a poor showing from the middle and lower order saw the side bowled out for 355. Simon Jones, making a rare first-class outing, took 2 for 70. Will Bragg was the only man to put up any resistance in the Glamorgan second innings, making 78. But spinners David Wainwright (5 for 51) and Wes Durston (3 for 43) ensured that the rest of the batsmen made little impact, and that Derbyshire required only 70 to win in the fourth innings. Two wickets fell but the match was completed with a day to spare.
Rain intervened to prevent a result between Leicestershire and Essex at Grace Road despite the use of the hotly disputed declaration bowlers. Exiled West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan (117 and 98) showed his class for the hosts, and was well supported in a first innings total of 372 by the talented Josh Cobb, who managed 80. David Masters, with 6-82, was the pick of the bowlers against his former county. In reply, Essex were able to secure a narrow lead thanks to half-centuries from Tom Westley (81), Mark Pettini (57) and Ben Foakes (93). Those in the know believe that Foakes is the pick of the current England Under 19s squad, and sure to go on to full international honours. Consistent all-rounder Wayne White picked up 5 for 74. A final day run chase of 270 was set for the visitors, after Westley and Pettini had allowed their bowling to be dispatched to all parts by Ned Eckersley (70*) and White (50*). But all was in vain, as the weather had the final say.
Kent v Northamptonshire was a particularly turgid game of cricket, which ended in a predictable draw. After winning the toss and batting Northamptonshire put on 418. David Sales, whose form has been very poor in recent seasons, struck 140 and all-rounder David Willey, batting at number nine, 64. Rob Newton had earlier retired hurt whilst on 23, and will be absent for at least a month. Michael Powell (61) and Darren Stevens (57) made half-centuries in the Kent reply, before captain Rob Key declared 138 runs behind in order to put pressure on the visiting batsmen. To his credit Northamptonshire captain Andrew Hall set Kent 262 to win on the final afternoon. But the match never showed any real signs of coming to life.
Division One leaders Warwickshire dominated the first three days of their encounter with defending champions Lancashire, before a tremendous unbroken partnership of 139 between Paul Horton (137*) and wicket-keeper Gareth Cross (75*) on the final afternoon remarkably secured a draw for the visitors to Edgbaston. Horton’s innings took up 455 minutes and 362 deliveries, and is the type of rearguard effort that could kick-start a thoroughly disappointing campaign for Lancashire thus far.
It was Warwickshire who had piled up the runs at the beginning of the contest. Varun Chopra (113) and the in-form Rikki Clarke (123*) both scored their second centuries of the campaign, and there were also sizeable contributions from Ian Westwood, Darren Maddy, Chris Woakes and Tim Ambrose, who fell four short of a century himself. A total of 557 for 6 declared was amassed, with Lancashire left-arm spinners Simon Kerrigan and Gary Keedy managing 99 overs between them for just four wickets. Lancashire coach Peter Moores, and captain Glen Chapple, will probably reflect that they misread the pitch in omitting both Kyle Hogg and Sajid Mahmood. But the home bowlers had far more success, and Lancashire were soon reduced to 54 for 5. Only a resilient 87 not out from South African Ashwell Prince ensured that a total of 197 was reached. Chris Wright, Jeetan Patel and Woakes, returning after an injury lay-off, took three wickets each. The follow-on was enforced and with the score 122 for 3 at the start of the final day, a Warwickshire win seemed almost certain. But that was before Horton and Cross got together.
Somerset’s trip to The Oval to face Surrey also threatened a positive result, despite the visitors managing over 500 in their first innings. Nick Compton, the batsman of the season thus far, contributed 83 but it was stand-in captain James Hildreth (120) and Arul Suppiah (106) who reached three figures. Youngster Alex Barrow, whose 47 at the top of the order came off 48 balls, had earlier set up the innings. Surrey were resting Jade Dernbach, a questionable move given that he needs to keep proving to the England selectors that he is not just a limited overs specialist. The decision did not pay off as Chris Jordan and George Edwards both went at more than five runs per over. Steve Davies led the response with 104, and Tom Maynard continued his impressive form with 89. But Vernon Philander took 4-40 and Somerset a first innings lead of 124.
Stuart Meaker was in sensational form during the Somerset second innings. His career best figures of 8 for 52 ripped the heart out of the opposition batting line-up, and may have nudged a selector or two – not that any Test places are on offer to fast bowlers at the moment. He set up a run chase of 305, which, on the evidence of the previous match against Worcestershire, some Surrey fans felt was attainable. But in reality it was always a big ask and captain Rory Hamilton-Brown’s unbeaten 70 saved rather than won the match. Young Irish spinner George Dockrell recorded an analysis of 4 for 89.
Sussex openers Chris Nash and Ed Joyce returned to form in a drawn game against Worcestershire at New Road. Nash’s 84 appeared to be leading Sussex to a big first innings total, but his team was pegged back by Richard Jones (3-79) ad Jack Shantry (3-72), and could eventually only muster 315. Only one Worcestershire batsman – Moeen Ali (85) – got past fifty in response, but the top eight all made double figures, and ensured that the deficit was only 56. An opening stand of 189 then put the visitors in pole position for victory. Nash added a further 98 to an excellent match personally, and Joyce was unbeaten on 108 when the team declared with a lead of 316. But 67 from Michael Klinger, playing his last game before being replaced by fellow Australian Philip Hughes, secured the draw for Worcestershire.
Derbyshire were the only winners in either division this week, and consequently extended their lead at the top of the Division Two table to fourteen points. Bottom-placed Glamorgan at least had something to cheer about when they secured their first batting point of the 2012 campaign on the opening day, thanks largely to 79 from Marcus North, who was starting life with a record sixth county. But that was just about as good as it got for the Welsh county. Derbyshire’s overseas star Martin Guptill (132) combined with captain Wayne Madsen (130*) to reach 213-2, before a poor showing from the middle and lower order saw the side bowled out for 355. Simon Jones, making a rare first-class outing, took 2 for 70. Will Bragg was the only man to put up any resistance in the Glamorgan second innings, making 78. But spinners David Wainwright (5 for 51) and Wes Durston (3 for 43) ensured that the rest of the batsmen made little impact, and that Derbyshire required only 70 to win in the fourth innings. Two wickets fell but the match was completed with a day to spare.
Rain intervened to prevent a result between Leicestershire and Essex at Grace Road despite the use of the hotly disputed declaration bowlers. Exiled West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan (117 and 98) showed his class for the hosts, and was well supported in a first innings total of 372 by the talented Josh Cobb, who managed 80. David Masters, with 6-82, was the pick of the bowlers against his former county. In reply, Essex were able to secure a narrow lead thanks to half-centuries from Tom Westley (81), Mark Pettini (57) and Ben Foakes (93). Those in the know believe that Foakes is the pick of the current England Under 19s squad, and sure to go on to full international honours. Consistent all-rounder Wayne White picked up 5 for 74. A final day run chase of 270 was set for the visitors, after Westley and Pettini had allowed their bowling to be dispatched to all parts by Ned Eckersley (70*) and White (50*). But all was in vain, as the weather had the final say.
Kent v Northamptonshire was a particularly turgid game of cricket, which ended in a predictable draw. After winning the toss and batting Northamptonshire put on 418. David Sales, whose form has been very poor in recent seasons, struck 140 and all-rounder David Willey, batting at number nine, 64. Rob Newton had earlier retired hurt whilst on 23, and will be absent for at least a month. Michael Powell (61) and Darren Stevens (57) made half-centuries in the Kent reply, before captain Rob Key declared 138 runs behind in order to put pressure on the visiting batsmen. To his credit Northamptonshire captain Andrew Hall set Kent 262 to win on the final afternoon. But the match never showed any real signs of coming to life.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Resurgent Windies braced for tough Tests
Some would dispute a description of this West Indies side as resurgent. Their last Test victory over higher ranked opposition was against England in February 2009, and they recently succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of a fairly mediocre Australia side. But compared to where they were three years ago, when they last toured England under Chris Gayle’s captaincy, progress has been made. During that disastrous tour the commitment of the team’s leadership and players to the cause was questioned. Easy chances were shelled with regularity, the batsmen offered little resistance to a then inexperienced seam attack containing debutants Tim Bresnan and Graham Onions, and the bowlers could not have been more of a contrast to the wonderful West Indian pack of the 1970s, ‘80s and early ‘90s.
However, since taking over the captaincy almost by default 18 months ago Darren Sammy has instilled spirit in his men that the teams of Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards would have been proud of. Some of the often underperforming star names have been culled. Chris Gayle, who is likely to return to ODI duty in June, and Ramnaresh Sarwan have been conspicuous by their absence. Dwayne Bravo and Jerome Taylor have also drifted away from the Test side. It would be wrong to say that West Indies are a better side without them. But the likes of Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo, Kemar Roach and Ravi Rampaul have been allowed to prosper. Edwards and Rampaul, now both 27, looked likely to be unfulfilled talents. However, under Sammy and coach Ottis Gibson, Edwards, an imposing Barbadian with an unorthodox stance and a preference for the off side, has averaged over 50 from his first seven Tests, and has been hastily promoted to vice-captain. Meanwhile, until a recent injury Rampaul had become the mainstay of the West Indies bowling attack, getting prestigious movement with the new ball.
More column inches are likely to focus on Roach and the younger Bravo. Roach, who had struggled for consistency early in his career, found it against Australia last month, and will be expected to cause the England top-order considerable difficulty. The 23 year-old’s next challenge is to make a case for being mentioned in the same breath as James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel among the global fast bowling elite. Bravo had a more difficult series against Australia. However, the Lara-like elegance of his batting, and his superb showing on a tour of Bangladesh and India at the back end of last year suggests that he too is destined for greatness. No England batsman came close to Bravo’s record on their own sub-continental tour this winter.
Despite these young talents, much will still rest on Shiv Chanderpaul. Chanderpaul has considerable experience of English conditions, both for the West Indies and in county cricket. Recent evidence suggests he is far from done yet, and is still hungry to climb further up the list of Test cricket’s highest Test run scorers which he joined when he passed 10,000 against Australia. If he comes close to matching the 772 runs he scored against Australia, West Indies can at least hope to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash.
However, reversing a pattern of progressively more heavy beatings on the last four tours of England - in 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2009 - is probably the best which Sammy’s team can hope for. The lack of experience at the top of order remains an issue with Anderson and Broad sure to expose Adrian Barath and Kieran Powell, neither of whom have convinced anybody that they are yet ready for Test cricket and average the wrong side of 25. The plethora of left-handers will be expected to struggle against Graeme Swann, who tends to dismiss them with similar frequency as Premier League clubs dismiss their managers. And, although Gibson believes that match practice is not important in England, the lack of exertion in the warm-up matches will be a worry. The defeat to the England Lions showed their frailties in these conditions, and cannot be a good omen ahead of three matches against a motivated number one team in the world. Nevertheless, a good showing here could help propel this talented West Indies side back to the top table of world cricket.
However, since taking over the captaincy almost by default 18 months ago Darren Sammy has instilled spirit in his men that the teams of Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards would have been proud of. Some of the often underperforming star names have been culled. Chris Gayle, who is likely to return to ODI duty in June, and Ramnaresh Sarwan have been conspicuous by their absence. Dwayne Bravo and Jerome Taylor have also drifted away from the Test side. It would be wrong to say that West Indies are a better side without them. But the likes of Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo, Kemar Roach and Ravi Rampaul have been allowed to prosper. Edwards and Rampaul, now both 27, looked likely to be unfulfilled talents. However, under Sammy and coach Ottis Gibson, Edwards, an imposing Barbadian with an unorthodox stance and a preference for the off side, has averaged over 50 from his first seven Tests, and has been hastily promoted to vice-captain. Meanwhile, until a recent injury Rampaul had become the mainstay of the West Indies bowling attack, getting prestigious movement with the new ball.
More column inches are likely to focus on Roach and the younger Bravo. Roach, who had struggled for consistency early in his career, found it against Australia last month, and will be expected to cause the England top-order considerable difficulty. The 23 year-old’s next challenge is to make a case for being mentioned in the same breath as James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel among the global fast bowling elite. Bravo had a more difficult series against Australia. However, the Lara-like elegance of his batting, and his superb showing on a tour of Bangladesh and India at the back end of last year suggests that he too is destined for greatness. No England batsman came close to Bravo’s record on their own sub-continental tour this winter.
Despite these young talents, much will still rest on Shiv Chanderpaul. Chanderpaul has considerable experience of English conditions, both for the West Indies and in county cricket. Recent evidence suggests he is far from done yet, and is still hungry to climb further up the list of Test cricket’s highest Test run scorers which he joined when he passed 10,000 against Australia. If he comes close to matching the 772 runs he scored against Australia, West Indies can at least hope to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash.
However, reversing a pattern of progressively more heavy beatings on the last four tours of England - in 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2009 - is probably the best which Sammy’s team can hope for. The lack of experience at the top of order remains an issue with Anderson and Broad sure to expose Adrian Barath and Kieran Powell, neither of whom have convinced anybody that they are yet ready for Test cricket and average the wrong side of 25. The plethora of left-handers will be expected to struggle against Graeme Swann, who tends to dismiss them with similar frequency as Premier League clubs dismiss their managers. And, although Gibson believes that match practice is not important in England, the lack of exertion in the warm-up matches will be a worry. The defeat to the England Lions showed their frailties in these conditions, and cannot be a good omen ahead of three matches against a motivated number one team in the world. Nevertheless, a good showing here could help propel this talented West Indies side back to the top table of world cricket.
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Home comforts await for England
England’s 2012 summer of cricket starts this week with a three match series against the West Indies which, with no disrespect to their opponents, will act as a taster ahead of South Africa’s tour in July and August.
Life at home has been very comfortable for England in recent years. They have lost only two Tests in this country since South Africa’s last tour in 2008, and last year brushed India aside 4-0. But after their winter travails, mostly against spin, they will feel the need to re-justify their position as the world’s number one team. India’s number one status was called into question by the British press when it was earned largely off the back of home performances. Now England are in a similar position, but know that if they slip up this summer South Africa will in all likelihood usurp them at the top of the ICC Test Rankings.
When they line up at Lord’s on Thursday, England will have added new fire to their middle order. Jonny Bairstow was first noticed for his bright red hair, and for being the son of the late Yorkshire wicket-keeper David. Bairstow senior played only four Tests, but Bairstow junior will now be fully expected to have a long international career. At 22 he already has 5 first-class hundreds, and averages 46 in the longer form of the game. Ravi Bopara would almost certainly have had a deserved opportunity were it not for an untimely injury blow, but Bairstow is a superb alternative. Evidence from recent summers suggests that number six will often be building on the good work of a top-order which is solid in home conditions. On current form, and with the ability to hit the ball out of the park, Bairstow is well placed to do just that. A strong showing this summer could cement his place in the side for years to come.
While Bairstow will be striving to show the world how good he is, the top order need to confirm that this winter was only a blip. Some sections of the media, perhaps unfairly, have suggested that retirement may be just around the corner for England’s captain fantastic Andrew Strauss. I would argue that this is highly unlikely, given the back-to-back Ashes series just over a year away, and the esteem in which he is held by so many in the English cricketing fraternity. But the point stands that runs are needed, and this series against the West Indies is a chance to relieve any lingering pressure. The other man who had two very poor tours was Ian Bell. But in 2011 he averaged in the region of 100 and anybody who thinks he could be dropped, either this summer or for the tour of India in the autumn, is living in the 1990s. Bell is arguably England’s classiest player, and after the best part of two years unbroken success it was hardly a shock to see him have a poor series or two. His form for Warwickshire has been strong, so expect him to go well for England again this season.
If England’s batting has something to prove, the bowling most certainly does not. Player of the year James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who terrorised India last summer and was also brilliant in the UAE, form England’s best new ball partnership since Bob Willis and Ian Botham. One of Anderson’s greatest strengths is his ability to quickly expose vulnerable batsmen to the swinging ball. Left-handers are particularly susceptible and so the likes of Kieran Powell and Darren Bravo might well have their work cut out over the next few weeks. Not that right-handers Adrian Barath and Kirk Edwards can let their guard down either. The identity of the third seamer is as yet unknown. But there are sterling cases for the inclusion of any of Steven Finn, Tim Bresnan and Graham Onions. Those that miss out will be very unlucky indeed. And England’s bowling depth does not end with those three. The England Lions side that beat the tourists at Northampton last week was powered by a third string attack of Jack Brooks, Stuart Meaker and Jade Dernbach. There is a case that that particular group would be a good match for the first choice seamers from India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Given recent weather spin is unlikely to be a factor at Lord’s. But in Graeme Swann England have the perfect bowler to bowl at the plethora of left-handers in the West Indian, and indeed the South African, line-up. By the end of the tour of the UAE it appeared that Swann had lost some of his mojo. But he hit back in Sri Lanka and is now closing in on 200 Test wickets in double quick time. Monty Panesar will have to wait a little longer for another shot.
When you are the best team in the world it is difficult to achieve what everybody expects you to achieve. Nevertheless, Australia managed it for over a decade and, after the blip this winter, nothing less than a dominant performance against West Indies and a series win over South Africa will be regarded as a successful summer this year.
Life at home has been very comfortable for England in recent years. They have lost only two Tests in this country since South Africa’s last tour in 2008, and last year brushed India aside 4-0. But after their winter travails, mostly against spin, they will feel the need to re-justify their position as the world’s number one team. India’s number one status was called into question by the British press when it was earned largely off the back of home performances. Now England are in a similar position, but know that if they slip up this summer South Africa will in all likelihood usurp them at the top of the ICC Test Rankings.
When they line up at Lord’s on Thursday, England will have added new fire to their middle order. Jonny Bairstow was first noticed for his bright red hair, and for being the son of the late Yorkshire wicket-keeper David. Bairstow senior played only four Tests, but Bairstow junior will now be fully expected to have a long international career. At 22 he already has 5 first-class hundreds, and averages 46 in the longer form of the game. Ravi Bopara would almost certainly have had a deserved opportunity were it not for an untimely injury blow, but Bairstow is a superb alternative. Evidence from recent summers suggests that number six will often be building on the good work of a top-order which is solid in home conditions. On current form, and with the ability to hit the ball out of the park, Bairstow is well placed to do just that. A strong showing this summer could cement his place in the side for years to come.
While Bairstow will be striving to show the world how good he is, the top order need to confirm that this winter was only a blip. Some sections of the media, perhaps unfairly, have suggested that retirement may be just around the corner for England’s captain fantastic Andrew Strauss. I would argue that this is highly unlikely, given the back-to-back Ashes series just over a year away, and the esteem in which he is held by so many in the English cricketing fraternity. But the point stands that runs are needed, and this series against the West Indies is a chance to relieve any lingering pressure. The other man who had two very poor tours was Ian Bell. But in 2011 he averaged in the region of 100 and anybody who thinks he could be dropped, either this summer or for the tour of India in the autumn, is living in the 1990s. Bell is arguably England’s classiest player, and after the best part of two years unbroken success it was hardly a shock to see him have a poor series or two. His form for Warwickshire has been strong, so expect him to go well for England again this season.
If England’s batting has something to prove, the bowling most certainly does not. Player of the year James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who terrorised India last summer and was also brilliant in the UAE, form England’s best new ball partnership since Bob Willis and Ian Botham. One of Anderson’s greatest strengths is his ability to quickly expose vulnerable batsmen to the swinging ball. Left-handers are particularly susceptible and so the likes of Kieran Powell and Darren Bravo might well have their work cut out over the next few weeks. Not that right-handers Adrian Barath and Kirk Edwards can let their guard down either. The identity of the third seamer is as yet unknown. But there are sterling cases for the inclusion of any of Steven Finn, Tim Bresnan and Graham Onions. Those that miss out will be very unlucky indeed. And England’s bowling depth does not end with those three. The England Lions side that beat the tourists at Northampton last week was powered by a third string attack of Jack Brooks, Stuart Meaker and Jade Dernbach. There is a case that that particular group would be a good match for the first choice seamers from India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Given recent weather spin is unlikely to be a factor at Lord’s. But in Graeme Swann England have the perfect bowler to bowl at the plethora of left-handers in the West Indian, and indeed the South African, line-up. By the end of the tour of the UAE it appeared that Swann had lost some of his mojo. But he hit back in Sri Lanka and is now closing in on 200 Test wickets in double quick time. Monty Panesar will have to wait a little longer for another shot.
When you are the best team in the world it is difficult to achieve what everybody expects you to achieve. Nevertheless, Australia managed it for over a decade and, after the blip this winter, nothing less than a dominant performance against West Indies and a series win over South Africa will be regarded as a successful summer this year.
Monday, 14 May 2012
County Championship Round-Up - Week 6: Surrey come close to incredible turnaround as rain rules again
Surrey came close to a stunning victory over Worcestershire in the pick of this week’s Division One encounters. Playing at New Road, after the ground recovered remarkably quickly from floods encroaching almost on to the square, Worcestershire captain Daryl Mitchell won the toss and elected to bat first. Surrey were handing a debut to young George Edwards with their seam attack depleted by Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker’s appearances for England Lions against the West Indian tourists. But it was the experienced Jon Lewis (3-79) and Tim Linley (4-78) who did the bulk of the damage as the hosts were bowled out for 285 - a first innings total which both sides would have been content with.
The real drama took place on the third and fourth days; rain having restricted play on Wednesday and Thursday. South African international Jacques Rudolph (68) was the only man to offer any resistance in the Surrey first innings, as the three front-line Worcestershire seamers - Alan Richardson (2-22), David Lucas (4-37) and Richard Jones (4-50) bowled them out for 113. The follow-on was enforced and the score was soon 11-2 after Mark Ramprakash, for whom the vultures are now circling more fiercely than ever, completed a pair. But Richardson soon left the field injured and Surrey’s aggressive batting style started to pay off. Kevin Pietersen, making a rare excursion into the domestic game, set the innings up with an 85 ball 69. And captain Rory Hamilton-Brown (115), and the impressive Tom Maynard (143), carried on where the England man had left off, each scoring crucial hundreds and putting on 225 for the fifth wicket. Both of these players are often overlooked when listing the cream of talent English players, but in recent weeks they have made a case to at least be considered for national one-day honours. By the time Hamilton-Brown declared at 431-7, the lead was 259 and his team had an opportunity to push for victory. This opportunity was created by the fact that Surrey scored their second innings runs at a tad under 5 an over.
Worcestershire were never going to chase the total down, but at 100-7 it looked as if Surrey were set to complete an astonishing heist. Edwards took 4-44 to cap an impressive debut, but Matt Pardoe (38*) and David Lucas (19) dug in to secure the draw for the home team. This match was yet another example of why the County Championship is such an exciting competition, with all four results still very possible at lunch on the final day.
Nottinghamshire and Middlesex played out a high-scoring draw at the usually bowler-friendly Trent Bridge. Steven Finn, tipped by many for selection for the Lord’s Test this week, took 4-117 but could not prevent Michael Lumb continuing his good form to make 162 - his second first-class hundred of the 2012 campaign. Alex Hales (79) and Steven Mullaney (60) also contributed to a total of 423. Middlesex’s response got off to a shaky start. But that was arrested on the third morning, with night-watchman Ollie Rayner (143*) guiding his team out of trouble with a fine hundred. Rayner has plenty of ability with both bat and ball, and his good match continued when he secured four wickets, including all of the first innings fifty makers, in the Nottinghamshire second innings. By the time they were dismissed Lumb and Mullaney had scored their second fifties of the game and, although Nottinghamshire did declare with a lead of 297, the match petered out. England captain Andrew Strauss was 43 not out when the teams shook hands.
Durham’s very poor start to the season continued as they were dismissed for just 125 by a young Somerset attack on the opening day of their match at the Riverside. Many, myself included, predicted that Phil Mustard’s men would launch a title challenge, but the evidence of this season suggests that their experienced team is desperately in need of an injection of youth. Although Vernon Philander took 2-41 it was 18 year-old Craig Overton (4-28) and 20 year-old Craig Meschede (3-36) who caused the most problems. In reply, Somerset managed 267. All-rounder Meschede, who made 62, was again to the fore and Craig Kieswetter, who it is easy to forget remains England’s one-day ‘keeper, was on 96 when George Dockrell was run out by Mark Stoneman to close the Somerset innings. This game, like so many other recent encounters, was heavily effected by rain and Durham were 234-9 in their second innings when the match came to an end. No Durham batsman got past 40 in the match.
Sussex v Lancashire at Hove came to a bizarre conclusion after the first three days were wiped out by rain. The teams were playing only for bonus points, of which Sussex took 5 and Lancashire 2 in addition to three on offer for the draw. Champions Lancashire batted first, seeing that this gave them more opportunities to attain bonus points. But they slumped to 144-8, at which point they pulled out and set about getting some quick Sussex wickets. Ajmal Shahzad, playing his first match since joining on loan from Yorkshire, took three scalps after tea but, inspired by 86 at more than a run-a-ball from Matt Prior, Sussex had the best of the day and reached 300 with two balls to spare.
Gloucestershire and Yorkshire engineered an exciting game of cricket at Bristol, after rain had marred the first two days. The process by which a Yorkshire run chase was set up was complicated and, some would argue, controversial. Gloucestershire were 299-9 in their first innings, and one short of a third batting bonus point, when Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale brought himself and fellow part-timer Adam Lyth into the attack. The bowling was so poor that just 19 balls later the Gloucestershire tail enders had secured a fourth bonus point. A declaration, and a Yorkshire forfeiture followed, after which Bresnan and Sidebottom were rested as the Gloucestershire openers meandered to 48-0, before declaring again with a lead of 399. The merits of this arrangement were hotly debated on the 606v2 message boards. JDizzle argued that “It makes for interesting cricket with all three results still possible”. Guildfordbat agreed that positive results should be sought, but also stated that “we need to be careful how far we go”. One must consider that the best part of two hours worth of cricket was effectively pre-determined. Necessary to create exciting cricket or unsatisfactory in modern professional sport? I can’t decide.
What is for certain is that the equation was in Gloucestershire’s favour. But Yorkshire, seen as promotion favourites, were rarely troubled in the run chase. They owed much to hundreds from Phil Jaques (160) and Gary Ballance (121), and completed an incredible chase with four wickets to spare. Gloucestershire’s attack contains little proven quality, and this was evident in their inability to force victory here. However, their batting has been beefed up by Kiwi Kane Williamson, who scored 111 in the first innings here, and has been in exceptional form in both the Championship and the Clydesdale Bank 40.
The match between Leicestershire and Northamptonshire at Grace Road reached an exciting conclusion after a run chase of 341 was set up for the home side. Scotsman Kyle Coetzer (120) and Alex Wakely (63) put Northamptonshire in a strong position early on. Their knocks were built on by an eighth wicket partnership of 61 between James Middlebrook and David Willey, and a declaration came at 352-7. After both teams batted briefly to set up the target, Northamptonshire found themselves without Chaminda Vaas when they came out to bowl for a second time. The hosts made a decent fist of the run chase. Ramnaresh Sarwan’s 94 and Josh Cobb’s 59 left Leicestershire 240-4 at one stage, but a cluster of wickets fell quickly and last man Matthew Hoggard was soon at the crease and the chance of victory gone. But Hoggard, alongside Wayne White, was able to hold off for 40 minutes and, sensationally, secure a draw and three points for his side. Hoggard’s bowling has been seemingly in reverse since his England career ended in 2008, but this contribution could be pivotal in what is likely to be a close fought battle for the wooden spoon.
The scorecard from Kent’s first innings against Essex at Chelmsford is a most bizarre one. Only two batsmen scored more than 7, as Charl Willoughby (5-70) dominated proceedings either side of a magnificent partnership between veterans Darren Stevens and Geraint Jones. Stevens has got better with age, and rarely will he have rescued his team from such a precarious position as 9-5. His 119 featured 16 fours and 1 six. Jones (88) fell twelve short of what would surely have been a well deserved century himself. The team total was eventually a respectable 225. After the drama of this innings the game meandered towards an unexciting draw. 92 from Mark Pettini and 4-20 from Mark Davies were the only real highlights.
After rain washed out the opening two days of Division Two leaders Derbyshire’s visit to the Rose Bowl the game predictably became a bonus points contest. On that count both teams managed 7 points in addition to the three for the draw. Hampshire managed 352-8 declared in their first innings thanks to 122 from Jimmy Adams, returning to the side after a while out for personal reasons and 93 from Bilal Shafayat, the former Nottinghamshire batsman who was covering for the absence of Michael Carberry with England Lions. Shafayat’s debut makes a strong case for future inclusion in the Hampshire line-up. Derbyshire surpassed the Hampshire total in reply, and achieved maximum batting points. Wes Durston (121) and Dan Redfern (133) scored centuries. None of the bowlers on either side made much impact on a placid surface.
The real drama took place on the third and fourth days; rain having restricted play on Wednesday and Thursday. South African international Jacques Rudolph (68) was the only man to offer any resistance in the Surrey first innings, as the three front-line Worcestershire seamers - Alan Richardson (2-22), David Lucas (4-37) and Richard Jones (4-50) bowled them out for 113. The follow-on was enforced and the score was soon 11-2 after Mark Ramprakash, for whom the vultures are now circling more fiercely than ever, completed a pair. But Richardson soon left the field injured and Surrey’s aggressive batting style started to pay off. Kevin Pietersen, making a rare excursion into the domestic game, set the innings up with an 85 ball 69. And captain Rory Hamilton-Brown (115), and the impressive Tom Maynard (143), carried on where the England man had left off, each scoring crucial hundreds and putting on 225 for the fifth wicket. Both of these players are often overlooked when listing the cream of talent English players, but in recent weeks they have made a case to at least be considered for national one-day honours. By the time Hamilton-Brown declared at 431-7, the lead was 259 and his team had an opportunity to push for victory. This opportunity was created by the fact that Surrey scored their second innings runs at a tad under 5 an over.
Worcestershire were never going to chase the total down, but at 100-7 it looked as if Surrey were set to complete an astonishing heist. Edwards took 4-44 to cap an impressive debut, but Matt Pardoe (38*) and David Lucas (19) dug in to secure the draw for the home team. This match was yet another example of why the County Championship is such an exciting competition, with all four results still very possible at lunch on the final day.
Nottinghamshire and Middlesex played out a high-scoring draw at the usually bowler-friendly Trent Bridge. Steven Finn, tipped by many for selection for the Lord’s Test this week, took 4-117 but could not prevent Michael Lumb continuing his good form to make 162 - his second first-class hundred of the 2012 campaign. Alex Hales (79) and Steven Mullaney (60) also contributed to a total of 423. Middlesex’s response got off to a shaky start. But that was arrested on the third morning, with night-watchman Ollie Rayner (143*) guiding his team out of trouble with a fine hundred. Rayner has plenty of ability with both bat and ball, and his good match continued when he secured four wickets, including all of the first innings fifty makers, in the Nottinghamshire second innings. By the time they were dismissed Lumb and Mullaney had scored their second fifties of the game and, although Nottinghamshire did declare with a lead of 297, the match petered out. England captain Andrew Strauss was 43 not out when the teams shook hands.
Durham’s very poor start to the season continued as they were dismissed for just 125 by a young Somerset attack on the opening day of their match at the Riverside. Many, myself included, predicted that Phil Mustard’s men would launch a title challenge, but the evidence of this season suggests that their experienced team is desperately in need of an injection of youth. Although Vernon Philander took 2-41 it was 18 year-old Craig Overton (4-28) and 20 year-old Craig Meschede (3-36) who caused the most problems. In reply, Somerset managed 267. All-rounder Meschede, who made 62, was again to the fore and Craig Kieswetter, who it is easy to forget remains England’s one-day ‘keeper, was on 96 when George Dockrell was run out by Mark Stoneman to close the Somerset innings. This game, like so many other recent encounters, was heavily effected by rain and Durham were 234-9 in their second innings when the match came to an end. No Durham batsman got past 40 in the match.
Sussex v Lancashire at Hove came to a bizarre conclusion after the first three days were wiped out by rain. The teams were playing only for bonus points, of which Sussex took 5 and Lancashire 2 in addition to three on offer for the draw. Champions Lancashire batted first, seeing that this gave them more opportunities to attain bonus points. But they slumped to 144-8, at which point they pulled out and set about getting some quick Sussex wickets. Ajmal Shahzad, playing his first match since joining on loan from Yorkshire, took three scalps after tea but, inspired by 86 at more than a run-a-ball from Matt Prior, Sussex had the best of the day and reached 300 with two balls to spare.
Gloucestershire and Yorkshire engineered an exciting game of cricket at Bristol, after rain had marred the first two days. The process by which a Yorkshire run chase was set up was complicated and, some would argue, controversial. Gloucestershire were 299-9 in their first innings, and one short of a third batting bonus point, when Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale brought himself and fellow part-timer Adam Lyth into the attack. The bowling was so poor that just 19 balls later the Gloucestershire tail enders had secured a fourth bonus point. A declaration, and a Yorkshire forfeiture followed, after which Bresnan and Sidebottom were rested as the Gloucestershire openers meandered to 48-0, before declaring again with a lead of 399. The merits of this arrangement were hotly debated on the 606v2 message boards. JDizzle argued that “It makes for interesting cricket with all three results still possible”. Guildfordbat agreed that positive results should be sought, but also stated that “we need to be careful how far we go”. One must consider that the best part of two hours worth of cricket was effectively pre-determined. Necessary to create exciting cricket or unsatisfactory in modern professional sport? I can’t decide.
What is for certain is that the equation was in Gloucestershire’s favour. But Yorkshire, seen as promotion favourites, were rarely troubled in the run chase. They owed much to hundreds from Phil Jaques (160) and Gary Ballance (121), and completed an incredible chase with four wickets to spare. Gloucestershire’s attack contains little proven quality, and this was evident in their inability to force victory here. However, their batting has been beefed up by Kiwi Kane Williamson, who scored 111 in the first innings here, and has been in exceptional form in both the Championship and the Clydesdale Bank 40.
The match between Leicestershire and Northamptonshire at Grace Road reached an exciting conclusion after a run chase of 341 was set up for the home side. Scotsman Kyle Coetzer (120) and Alex Wakely (63) put Northamptonshire in a strong position early on. Their knocks were built on by an eighth wicket partnership of 61 between James Middlebrook and David Willey, and a declaration came at 352-7. After both teams batted briefly to set up the target, Northamptonshire found themselves without Chaminda Vaas when they came out to bowl for a second time. The hosts made a decent fist of the run chase. Ramnaresh Sarwan’s 94 and Josh Cobb’s 59 left Leicestershire 240-4 at one stage, but a cluster of wickets fell quickly and last man Matthew Hoggard was soon at the crease and the chance of victory gone. But Hoggard, alongside Wayne White, was able to hold off for 40 minutes and, sensationally, secure a draw and three points for his side. Hoggard’s bowling has been seemingly in reverse since his England career ended in 2008, but this contribution could be pivotal in what is likely to be a close fought battle for the wooden spoon.
The scorecard from Kent’s first innings against Essex at Chelmsford is a most bizarre one. Only two batsmen scored more than 7, as Charl Willoughby (5-70) dominated proceedings either side of a magnificent partnership between veterans Darren Stevens and Geraint Jones. Stevens has got better with age, and rarely will he have rescued his team from such a precarious position as 9-5. His 119 featured 16 fours and 1 six. Jones (88) fell twelve short of what would surely have been a well deserved century himself. The team total was eventually a respectable 225. After the drama of this innings the game meandered towards an unexciting draw. 92 from Mark Pettini and 4-20 from Mark Davies were the only real highlights.
After rain washed out the opening two days of Division Two leaders Derbyshire’s visit to the Rose Bowl the game predictably became a bonus points contest. On that count both teams managed 7 points in addition to the three for the draw. Hampshire managed 352-8 declared in their first innings thanks to 122 from Jimmy Adams, returning to the side after a while out for personal reasons and 93 from Bilal Shafayat, the former Nottinghamshire batsman who was covering for the absence of Michael Carberry with England Lions. Shafayat’s debut makes a strong case for future inclusion in the Hampshire line-up. Derbyshire surpassed the Hampshire total in reply, and achieved maximum batting points. Wes Durston (121) and Dan Redfern (133) scored centuries. None of the bowlers on either side made much impact on a placid surface.
Monday, 7 May 2012
County Championship Round-Up - Week 5: Warwickshire, Onions on song as Lancashire continue to falter
Warwickshire now have a four point lead, as well as a game in hand over second placed Nottinghamshire at the top of Division One after a nine wicket victory over a fancied Durham side at Edgbaston. Last year’s runners-up have been without opening bowlers Chris Woakes and Boyd Rankin so far this season, but their understudies have ensured that they have not been missed too much. Keith Barker and Chris Wright, who was struggling to make Essex’s four day side in Division Two a year ago, have forged a successful partnership, and cut through the experienced Durham batting line-up twice in this game. Barker, who recorded the incredibly impressive analysis of 17 overs, 8 maidens, 5 for 33 in the first innings took the wickets of captain Phil Mustard, England past in the form of Paul Collingwood and England future in Ben Stokes. Meanwhile Wright’s scalps included Michael di Venuto, Ian Blackwell and Graham Onions, who demonstrated that his efforts in South Africa two winters ago were no fluke by top-scoring with 38 as his side made only 163. Barker was also the pick of the bowlers second time round, with similar figures of 5 for 37 to complete 10 wickets in a match for the first time in his career. When Barker bowled Onions for 1 Durham had a lead of only 35.
Warwickshire’s other strength has been batting depth and, whilst only Ian Bell, who returned to form with 120, got past 40, and they were at one stage languishing at 14-4 the support of Darren Maddy (35), Tim Ambrose (39) and Jeetan Patel (30*) ensured that the England man guided his team to a lead of over a hundred after each side had batted once. Graham Onions was again impressive with 4-74, and is making a strong case to again become a central part of England’s plans. Varun Chopra, hitting his own wicket, was the only man to fall as Warwickshire eased towards their target.
Andre Adams has good memories of previous encounters against Lancashire, including three quick wickets to wrap up the title for Nottinghamshire in 2010, and 10 wickets against the same opponents at Southport last year. He repeated that feat this week in the first Championship game at Old Trafford since that decisive match two years ago. His first innings figures of 7 for 32 were the best in first-class cricket for a bowler who appears to have got better with age and he followed that up with 3 for 18, as his team secured a crushing 185 run victory with two sessions to spare. Lancashire’s unsung batting line-up were the glue behind the team’s surprise success last season, but they have had little to celebrate so far in 2012. Nobody reached fifty in either innings on this occasion.
A feature of this match was the presence of three England Test bowlers – James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann. All three impressed at times, and Anderson took 5-82 in the decisive Nottinghamshire second innings. But he spent extended periods off the field, with a minor niggle and a virus, and Broad never quite found the rhythm that has propelled him into becoming one of the world’s leading fast bowlers, going at 4 runs an over throughout. Swann took five wickets, including twice Ashwell Prince, who has been a previous ‘bunny’ for the off-spinner. Nottinghamshire were themselves reduced to 169 all out first time round, thanks to the efforts of Glen Chapple (4-44) and Simon Kerrigan (4-45), as Michael Lumb top scored with 69. But their second innings effort of 304, featuring fifties from the in-form Lumb (62) and Chris Read (54), ensured that Lancashire were chasing an unlikely 328.
The match between Middlesex and Worcestershire at Lord’s seemed headed for a certain rain-affected draw until captains Chris Rogers and Daryl Mitchell agreed to contrive a situation where all three results were possible on the final day. The visitors were 45-2 in their first innings, trailing the London club by 282 when they declared, and Rogers agreed to forfeit his side’s second innings. With a difficult chase likely, first impressions were that this was a waste of an opportunity for a side likely to battle relegation to secure valuable bonus points. But Worcestershire still needed another 155 runs to secure even a single point, with two wickets already down, and so the reasoning for the decision can be understood, given the number of points on offer for a win. In the event Mitchell’s side could only manage 150 as the four-pronged Middlesex seam attack comprised of Tim Murtagh (3-39), Steven Finn (2-30), Gareth Berg (2-20) and Toby Roland-Jones (3-29) dominated precedings. Earlier in the match Joe Denly had scored an unbeaten 134, his first century since swapping Canterbury for the Home of Cricket, and openers Sam Robson and England captain Andrew Strauss had made 59 and 49 respectively in a total of 327 for 7 declared.
Hampshire’s to date disappointing campaign continued, as they were beaten by Northamptonshire at Wantage Road. This was Northamptonshire’s first win of the season and was reliant on the efforts of a bowling attack minus the rested Chaminda Vaas. England Lion Jack Brooks (2-39 and 2-53) again had success, but it was the young all-rounder David Willey (3-53 and 5-39) who stole the headlines. A number of batsmen got starts for the hosts but only David Sales (58) made a half-century. Young players Chris Wood (4-52 and 3-58) and James Vince (46*) came to the fore for Hampshire early in the game, but couldn’t prevent a sizeable target of 297 being set in the fourth innings. Michael Carberry managed 61 but the side, led by Simon Katich in the continued absence of Jimmy Adams, were bowled out for 179 in just over 40 overs.
Derbyshire remain top of Division Two but missed out on a victory over Gloucestershire which seemed almost certain at one stage. Captain Wayne Madsen (101) led the way for the leaders with his first century since taking over from Luke Sutton, and was well-supported by Wes Durston (68) and Dan Redfern (55) amongst others as his team made 388. Tony Palladino, with figures of 5-47, helped restrict Gloucestershire’s reply to 206 all out, at which point Madsen enforced the follow-on. But things did not go at all to plan from this point on. Four Gloucestershire batsmen completed half-centuries, including overseas player Kane Williamson, whose 128 was reminiscent of his superb rearguard action for New Zealand against South Africa at Wellington earlier in the year. Fellow Kiwi and stand-in captain Hamish Marshall (90), the French-born Benny Howell (64) and Ian Cockbain (63) were the other fifty makers in an eventual total of 409 for four which secured a draw.
In a week dominated by the shock departure of Ajmal Shahzad, Yorkshire thrashed wooden-spoon holders Leicestershire by an innings and 22 runs. Jonny Bairstow, who is now making an excellent case for Test consideration, scored 182 at the intimate ground at Scarborough. 90 from Anthony McGrath and 80 from captain Andrew Gale ensured that the promotion favourites put on 447 in their first innings. All-rounder Wayne White (5-90 and 67) was one of few Leicestershire players to return home with something to show for his efforts. A dismal response of 116, in which the part-time medium pace of McGrath was responsible for four wickets left the visitors following-on, and despite an improved effort of 309, in which Matthew Boyce made 122 and Josh Cobb 69 as well as White’s 67 they were some distance from victory. Steve Patterson (5-77) was the best Yorkshire bowler in the second innings.
South African international Alviro Petersen scored 145 out of an Essex first innings total of 259 for 9 declared at the Swalec Stadium. The innings came against his former countyGlamorgan, whom he departed in somewhat controversial fashion at the end of last season. Petersen is an under-rated cricketer and England will need to take him as seriously as they will some of the better known South Africans this summer. This knock was the difference between the two sides in a hotly contested first innings. Ex-Surrey man Stewart Walters made 69 for the hosts, but an explosive spell of 4-25 from young Tymal Mills restricted Glamorgan to 187. The impressive Huw Waters (3-33 and 5-47) did the bulk of the damage in the Essex second innings, including the wickets of Petersen (4) and top-scoring Tom Westley (52). But the Chelmsford-based side were able to declare with a lead of 238, and if it weren’t for the poor weather would have expected to secure victory. Charl Willoughby had taken four wickets to reduce the hosts to 99-5 when the elements closed in and the match was drawn. Glamorgan remain bottom of Division Two.
Warwickshire’s other strength has been batting depth and, whilst only Ian Bell, who returned to form with 120, got past 40, and they were at one stage languishing at 14-4 the support of Darren Maddy (35), Tim Ambrose (39) and Jeetan Patel (30*) ensured that the England man guided his team to a lead of over a hundred after each side had batted once. Graham Onions was again impressive with 4-74, and is making a strong case to again become a central part of England’s plans. Varun Chopra, hitting his own wicket, was the only man to fall as Warwickshire eased towards their target.
Andre Adams has good memories of previous encounters against Lancashire, including three quick wickets to wrap up the title for Nottinghamshire in 2010, and 10 wickets against the same opponents at Southport last year. He repeated that feat this week in the first Championship game at Old Trafford since that decisive match two years ago. His first innings figures of 7 for 32 were the best in first-class cricket for a bowler who appears to have got better with age and he followed that up with 3 for 18, as his team secured a crushing 185 run victory with two sessions to spare. Lancashire’s unsung batting line-up were the glue behind the team’s surprise success last season, but they have had little to celebrate so far in 2012. Nobody reached fifty in either innings on this occasion.
A feature of this match was the presence of three England Test bowlers – James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann. All three impressed at times, and Anderson took 5-82 in the decisive Nottinghamshire second innings. But he spent extended periods off the field, with a minor niggle and a virus, and Broad never quite found the rhythm that has propelled him into becoming one of the world’s leading fast bowlers, going at 4 runs an over throughout. Swann took five wickets, including twice Ashwell Prince, who has been a previous ‘bunny’ for the off-spinner. Nottinghamshire were themselves reduced to 169 all out first time round, thanks to the efforts of Glen Chapple (4-44) and Simon Kerrigan (4-45), as Michael Lumb top scored with 69. But their second innings effort of 304, featuring fifties from the in-form Lumb (62) and Chris Read (54), ensured that Lancashire were chasing an unlikely 328.
The match between Middlesex and Worcestershire at Lord’s seemed headed for a certain rain-affected draw until captains Chris Rogers and Daryl Mitchell agreed to contrive a situation where all three results were possible on the final day. The visitors were 45-2 in their first innings, trailing the London club by 282 when they declared, and Rogers agreed to forfeit his side’s second innings. With a difficult chase likely, first impressions were that this was a waste of an opportunity for a side likely to battle relegation to secure valuable bonus points. But Worcestershire still needed another 155 runs to secure even a single point, with two wickets already down, and so the reasoning for the decision can be understood, given the number of points on offer for a win. In the event Mitchell’s side could only manage 150 as the four-pronged Middlesex seam attack comprised of Tim Murtagh (3-39), Steven Finn (2-30), Gareth Berg (2-20) and Toby Roland-Jones (3-29) dominated precedings. Earlier in the match Joe Denly had scored an unbeaten 134, his first century since swapping Canterbury for the Home of Cricket, and openers Sam Robson and England captain Andrew Strauss had made 59 and 49 respectively in a total of 327 for 7 declared.
Hampshire’s to date disappointing campaign continued, as they were beaten by Northamptonshire at Wantage Road. This was Northamptonshire’s first win of the season and was reliant on the efforts of a bowling attack minus the rested Chaminda Vaas. England Lion Jack Brooks (2-39 and 2-53) again had success, but it was the young all-rounder David Willey (3-53 and 5-39) who stole the headlines. A number of batsmen got starts for the hosts but only David Sales (58) made a half-century. Young players Chris Wood (4-52 and 3-58) and James Vince (46*) came to the fore for Hampshire early in the game, but couldn’t prevent a sizeable target of 297 being set in the fourth innings. Michael Carberry managed 61 but the side, led by Simon Katich in the continued absence of Jimmy Adams, were bowled out for 179 in just over 40 overs.
Derbyshire remain top of Division Two but missed out on a victory over Gloucestershire which seemed almost certain at one stage. Captain Wayne Madsen (101) led the way for the leaders with his first century since taking over from Luke Sutton, and was well-supported by Wes Durston (68) and Dan Redfern (55) amongst others as his team made 388. Tony Palladino, with figures of 5-47, helped restrict Gloucestershire’s reply to 206 all out, at which point Madsen enforced the follow-on. But things did not go at all to plan from this point on. Four Gloucestershire batsmen completed half-centuries, including overseas player Kane Williamson, whose 128 was reminiscent of his superb rearguard action for New Zealand against South Africa at Wellington earlier in the year. Fellow Kiwi and stand-in captain Hamish Marshall (90), the French-born Benny Howell (64) and Ian Cockbain (63) were the other fifty makers in an eventual total of 409 for four which secured a draw.
In a week dominated by the shock departure of Ajmal Shahzad, Yorkshire thrashed wooden-spoon holders Leicestershire by an innings and 22 runs. Jonny Bairstow, who is now making an excellent case for Test consideration, scored 182 at the intimate ground at Scarborough. 90 from Anthony McGrath and 80 from captain Andrew Gale ensured that the promotion favourites put on 447 in their first innings. All-rounder Wayne White (5-90 and 67) was one of few Leicestershire players to return home with something to show for his efforts. A dismal response of 116, in which the part-time medium pace of McGrath was responsible for four wickets left the visitors following-on, and despite an improved effort of 309, in which Matthew Boyce made 122 and Josh Cobb 69 as well as White’s 67 they were some distance from victory. Steve Patterson (5-77) was the best Yorkshire bowler in the second innings.
South African international Alviro Petersen scored 145 out of an Essex first innings total of 259 for 9 declared at the Swalec Stadium. The innings came against his former countyGlamorgan, whom he departed in somewhat controversial fashion at the end of last season. Petersen is an under-rated cricketer and England will need to take him as seriously as they will some of the better known South Africans this summer. This knock was the difference between the two sides in a hotly contested first innings. Ex-Surrey man Stewart Walters made 69 for the hosts, but an explosive spell of 4-25 from young Tymal Mills restricted Glamorgan to 187. The impressive Huw Waters (3-33 and 5-47) did the bulk of the damage in the Essex second innings, including the wickets of Petersen (4) and top-scoring Tom Westley (52). But the Chelmsford-based side were able to declare with a lead of 238, and if it weren’t for the poor weather would have expected to secure victory. Charl Willoughby had taken four wickets to reduce the hosts to 99-5 when the elements closed in and the match was drawn. Glamorgan remain bottom of Division Two.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
County Championship Round-Up - Week 4: April showers the only winner
The tail end of the wettest April for over 100 years placed Essex and Worcestershire’s grounds on flood alert, and ensured that the fourth round of County Championship fixtures came close to being a total washout. The amount of play possible varied, with matches further North luckier than those in the South, but none came close to a result and two – Surrey v Durham at The Oval and Gloucestershire v Glamorgan at Bristol – were condemned without a single ball bowled. Unfortunately the teams concerned receive only three points; a similar number to that a side loosing by an innings might expect to earn. Something surely has to be done about that. I would suggest the automatic awarding of six points to both teams in matches where the first innings is incomplete and less than 90 overs delivered.
Somerset, fielding a side weakened by injuries to captain Marcus Trescothick, Steve Kirby and Gemaal Hussain, and still missing Alfonso Thomas, who is plying his trade at the IPL, struggled on the opening day of their match against defending champions Lancashire. Steven Croft, an unsung hero of that triumph, hit the club’s first individual hundred of this campaign, making 113. Croft was supported by the South African Ashwell Prince (96), who fell four short of his ton before becoming the maiden first-class victim of England Under 19 international Craig Overton. Overton, along with Craig Meschede and Lewis Gregory, went at over 4 an over, but Lancashire could not go beyond 400 as Vernon Philander, despite not being at his best, took 5-71 and cleaned up the tail. The Somerset response reached 87-3, with Nick Compton, newly restored to the England Lions squad for their upcoming game against West Indies, top scoring with an unbeaten 30. The weather then intervened, forcing Lancashire to settle for 9 points and Somerset for 6.
The match between Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire at New Road was reasonably well developed, before torrential rain wiped out the final day. Nottinghamshire came out on top when these sides met in the opening round of the season, and were in a strong position to repeat that result in this match. Despite the lack of an individual fifty Alex Hales top-scored with 49, and guided Nottinghamshire to a respectable 243 after being put into bat on the opening day. Richard Jones, who had been lethal against the same opponents earlier in the month, took 4 for 76 and Aneesh Kapil 3 for 17. Kapil, a promising teenage all-rounder, also top-scored with 41 in the Worcestershire response. This innings rescued his side from 66-6 to 157 all out. Andre Adams (5-62) and Harry Gurney (4-40) had earlier ripped though the visiting batting line-up. Nottinghamshire were 88-2, with Neil Edwards 49 not out when the rain turned attention to hoping that the devastating New Road floods of 2007 are not repeated.
An unusual occurrence took place at Hove during in-form Warwickshire’s meeting with Sussex. An England batsman made a County Championship hundred. It wasn’t Ian Bell – his current woes continued after being bowled by James Anyon for a seven ball duck, though he is surely too good a player for this to become a prolonged slump. But Jonathan Trott, accumulating in familiar fashion for 407 minutes, made 178 and set a platform for his team to reach 545, the highest total of the season to date. Tim Ambrose (75) and Rikki Clarke (78) piled on the misery for the Sussex attack. It is easy to forget that both have played Tests for England, and at times they have flattered to deceive at county level. But in the last couple of seasons the pair have rediscovered their form and are now integral parts of what is, even with Chris Woakes injured, the longest batting line-up in the country. Sussex were reduced to 80-5, thanks mainly to 3-28 from Keith Barker, before this match surrendered to the elements. Chris Wright bowled Matt Prior for a duck to ensure that two of the three England batsmen on show failed to score a run between them.
Hampshire have had a mixed start to life in the second tier but held the initiative in their game against Leicestershire at the Rose Bowl before Sunday’s play was washed out, as it was everywhere else. Liam Dawson, who has been relegated to something of a part-time spinner after promising early signs, took 5-29 as Leicestershire made only 234 at a ground that has showed signs of being less bowler-friendly than many around the country at this stage of the season. Greg Smith top-scored for the visitors with 68. Michael Carberry, who would appear to be firmly in the selectors plans should Strauss or Cook fall down injured, during the summer after being named in the England Lions squad, scored 84 not out. He was well supported by Simon Katich (54), who was deputising as captain for the absent Jimmy Adams. Leicestershire take 5 points back home with them, whilst Hampshire managed 7.
Yorkshire and Kent played out a high-scoring draw earlier in the season, and that was the result again this time, though for largely different reasons. Four batsmen reached 30 but none 40 in a reasonable Yorkshire first-innings effort of 247. Matt Coles (4-70), another player rewarded for strong form with an England Lions call-up, again enjoyed success against this opposition for the visiting Kent team. Overseas signing Brendan Nash, who has arrived at Canterbury via Queensland and Jamaica, led the reply and was 132 not out when the players shook hands on a draw. England bowler Tim Bresnan took 3 for 89. Ajmal Shahzad, who was ahead of Bresnan in the England pecking order at one stage has played his last game for Yorkshire. He recorded decent, if not spectacular, figures of 2 for 54, but the club have announced, presumably following a disagreement of some sort, that he will be allowed to join another county immediately.
Only 27 overs of play were possible in Northamptonshire’s visit to Essex, though that was enough time for the Chelmsford based side to be reduced to 54 for 6. Jack Brooks, who impressed for England Lions this winter, and will again represent them against West Indies, did the bulk of the damage with four wickets for 22. Essex will probably be glad to receive the 3 points on offer for a drawn game.
In the aftermath of this week’s rain-ruined fixtures, much criticism has been aired of the ECB’s decision to schedule so much cricket in April. Whilst there are justifiable reasons for this – namely that commercial and, frankly, spectator interests demand that Twenty20 is played in June and July, and that the Champions League prevents the season extending into late September and early October – it does seem strange that for some counties a quarter of the season’s Championship cricket has already been and gone. But the truth is that this type of weather can happen at any time of the year in England’s green and pleasant land, and that for the last two year’s April has seen some of the best weather of the entire summer. The counties will hope for better luck this coming week, when highlights include Lancashire v Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire v Durham.
Somerset, fielding a side weakened by injuries to captain Marcus Trescothick, Steve Kirby and Gemaal Hussain, and still missing Alfonso Thomas, who is plying his trade at the IPL, struggled on the opening day of their match against defending champions Lancashire. Steven Croft, an unsung hero of that triumph, hit the club’s first individual hundred of this campaign, making 113. Croft was supported by the South African Ashwell Prince (96), who fell four short of his ton before becoming the maiden first-class victim of England Under 19 international Craig Overton. Overton, along with Craig Meschede and Lewis Gregory, went at over 4 an over, but Lancashire could not go beyond 400 as Vernon Philander, despite not being at his best, took 5-71 and cleaned up the tail. The Somerset response reached 87-3, with Nick Compton, newly restored to the England Lions squad for their upcoming game against West Indies, top scoring with an unbeaten 30. The weather then intervened, forcing Lancashire to settle for 9 points and Somerset for 6.
The match between Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire at New Road was reasonably well developed, before torrential rain wiped out the final day. Nottinghamshire came out on top when these sides met in the opening round of the season, and were in a strong position to repeat that result in this match. Despite the lack of an individual fifty Alex Hales top-scored with 49, and guided Nottinghamshire to a respectable 243 after being put into bat on the opening day. Richard Jones, who had been lethal against the same opponents earlier in the month, took 4 for 76 and Aneesh Kapil 3 for 17. Kapil, a promising teenage all-rounder, also top-scored with 41 in the Worcestershire response. This innings rescued his side from 66-6 to 157 all out. Andre Adams (5-62) and Harry Gurney (4-40) had earlier ripped though the visiting batting line-up. Nottinghamshire were 88-2, with Neil Edwards 49 not out when the rain turned attention to hoping that the devastating New Road floods of 2007 are not repeated.
An unusual occurrence took place at Hove during in-form Warwickshire’s meeting with Sussex. An England batsman made a County Championship hundred. It wasn’t Ian Bell – his current woes continued after being bowled by James Anyon for a seven ball duck, though he is surely too good a player for this to become a prolonged slump. But Jonathan Trott, accumulating in familiar fashion for 407 minutes, made 178 and set a platform for his team to reach 545, the highest total of the season to date. Tim Ambrose (75) and Rikki Clarke (78) piled on the misery for the Sussex attack. It is easy to forget that both have played Tests for England, and at times they have flattered to deceive at county level. But in the last couple of seasons the pair have rediscovered their form and are now integral parts of what is, even with Chris Woakes injured, the longest batting line-up in the country. Sussex were reduced to 80-5, thanks mainly to 3-28 from Keith Barker, before this match surrendered to the elements. Chris Wright bowled Matt Prior for a duck to ensure that two of the three England batsmen on show failed to score a run between them.
Hampshire have had a mixed start to life in the second tier but held the initiative in their game against Leicestershire at the Rose Bowl before Sunday’s play was washed out, as it was everywhere else. Liam Dawson, who has been relegated to something of a part-time spinner after promising early signs, took 5-29 as Leicestershire made only 234 at a ground that has showed signs of being less bowler-friendly than many around the country at this stage of the season. Greg Smith top-scored for the visitors with 68. Michael Carberry, who would appear to be firmly in the selectors plans should Strauss or Cook fall down injured, during the summer after being named in the England Lions squad, scored 84 not out. He was well supported by Simon Katich (54), who was deputising as captain for the absent Jimmy Adams. Leicestershire take 5 points back home with them, whilst Hampshire managed 7.
Yorkshire and Kent played out a high-scoring draw earlier in the season, and that was the result again this time, though for largely different reasons. Four batsmen reached 30 but none 40 in a reasonable Yorkshire first-innings effort of 247. Matt Coles (4-70), another player rewarded for strong form with an England Lions call-up, again enjoyed success against this opposition for the visiting Kent team. Overseas signing Brendan Nash, who has arrived at Canterbury via Queensland and Jamaica, led the reply and was 132 not out when the players shook hands on a draw. England bowler Tim Bresnan took 3 for 89. Ajmal Shahzad, who was ahead of Bresnan in the England pecking order at one stage has played his last game for Yorkshire. He recorded decent, if not spectacular, figures of 2 for 54, but the club have announced, presumably following a disagreement of some sort, that he will be allowed to join another county immediately.
Only 27 overs of play were possible in Northamptonshire’s visit to Essex, though that was enough time for the Chelmsford based side to be reduced to 54 for 6. Jack Brooks, who impressed for England Lions this winter, and will again represent them against West Indies, did the bulk of the damage with four wickets for 22. Essex will probably be glad to receive the 3 points on offer for a drawn game.
In the aftermath of this week’s rain-ruined fixtures, much criticism has been aired of the ECB’s decision to schedule so much cricket in April. Whilst there are justifiable reasons for this – namely that commercial and, frankly, spectator interests demand that Twenty20 is played in June and July, and that the Champions League prevents the season extending into late September and early October – it does seem strange that for some counties a quarter of the season’s Championship cricket has already been and gone. But the truth is that this type of weather can happen at any time of the year in England’s green and pleasant land, and that for the last two year’s April has seen some of the best weather of the entire summer. The counties will hope for better luck this coming week, when highlights include Lancashire v Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire v Durham.
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