Described as 'arguably New Zealand's greatest ever one-day player', by members of the New Zealand media, Lancashire's new signing Nathan Astle is arriving at Old Trafford in June with a rather large reputation in tow.
Whether that statement is too flattering is indeed open to debate, but there is no question that Astle comes with the kind of explosive batting talent that will ensure bums on seats at grounds around the country. The plan is also to help fade the memory of Brad Hodge's departure from Lancashire as he returns home for an Australian 'A' team tournament.
One thing the new overseas signing will bring with him is experience - in abundance. He has represented New Zealand in 79 Test matches and 212 One-Day Internationals.
His strike rate of 72.74 runs per 100 balls in the one-day game shows his aggressive nature, and he also scored 16 centuries (which currently sees him in joint 9th position in the most centuries ever scored in one-day internationals), including an impressive 83 sixes!
The style and techniques of the departing Aussie and arriving Kiwi are quite different. Brad Hodge is the more classical and orthodox bat, where as Astle is more comfortable making room for himself and blazing through the offside, unconcerned if the ball takes the aerial route. The immense power he strikes the ball with has the fielders and spectators alike diving for cover.
The man from Canterbury is perhaps best known for scoring the fastest double century in Test cricket in 2002. England was the opposition and they were flayed to all parts of the ground as he reached his 200 off 153 balls, before finally falling for 222.
Nathan Astle isn't just a one trick pony, he possesses a safe pair of hands, generally in slips, and has the uncanny knack of breaking partnerships with his wily medium pace.
County cricket is not something new to Astle. He appeared on these shores back in 1997 for Nottinghamshire and also in 2005 for Durham.
His record in domestic cricket in England is impressive without being outstanding. He has scored 917 runs at an average of 38.2 and taken 25 wickets at 25.68.
There is no doubt many people will come to watch Nathan Astle alone, hoping to catch this potential match winner in full flow. However, Mike Watkinson and co will be hoping he achieves the consistency of his Australian predecessor.
(BBC Lancashire, 07/06/06)
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
Lancashire on Tour
Since Lancashire's season finished last year, four of the squad will have visited 5 different countries between them (not including England) over the winter months in aid of international cricket.
Andrew Flintoff would have better advised purchasing a round the world ticket, as he has called at Australia, Pakistan and has now arrived in India, returning home after each tour.
Brad Hodge flew home and joyously made his international debut for Australia and will imminently be flying with members of the Test squad to contest a series in South Africa.
Jimmy Anderson also joined Flintoff in Pakistan, for the one-day series and is currently with Sajid Mahmood in the West Indies for the England A Squad tour.
'Freddie' appeared in England's disappointing tour of Pakistan where they lost the Test series 2-0 and the one-day series 3-2. Flintoff himself never really recaptured his Ashes form, such is the exceptional level he has set for himself. Given the pitches offered England's seamers very little in terms of pace, bounce and movement, Flintoff did well in capturing 13 wickets in the 3 Tests (8 coming in the first test), averaging 31.46. He never really got going with the bat, passing fifty on only the one occasion in 6 attempts.
In the ODI's he averaged an improved 46.75 with the bat, and with the ball he was generally accurate, especially when asked to bowl at the death.
The England squad, who are preparing for the First Test against India in Nagpur on March 1, will be missing the inspirational all-rounder for the third and final Test, if, as expected, he returns home to be with his wife Rachel for the birth of their second child.
Flintoff also flew to Australia in October to appear in the inaugural (or farcical) World Series where he represented a strong looking World XI against Australia. The World XI being soundly beaten in both forms of the game.
The big man has been collecting awards like he has air miles. He became the first cricketer since England Legend Ian Botham to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He was awarded Natwest PFA Player of the Year, for the second year running, voted for by the players, and he collected (along with Jacques Kallis) the ICC World Player of the Year. Finally, he was given an MBE along with the other England Ashes heroes on December 31. Busy or what ?
Lancashire's overseas player Brad Hodge made his first class debut for Victoria in October 1993, and after 12 years of consistently scoring big runs he finally broke through into the Australian side this winter. It came in November against West Indies where he made a solid 60 in his first knock.
Hodge, 31, would surely have made his international bow years earlier, had the Aussies not been so dominant in the last decade.
He went some way to cementing his Test place when he produced a quite brilliant 203 not out in only his third Test, this time against South Africa. In the process becoming only the 5th Australian to go on and pass 200 in the innings he made his maiden Test century.
His one-day international career has also got underway, but he has not yet been as successful in the 50-over game.
He will certainly be looking to build on his ever growing reputation in the Test series in South Africa starting on March 16.
Fast bowler Jimmy Anderson has represented England only in the shortened version of the game, so far this winter. He has yet to regain the England form that catapulted him into the public eye, but showed signs in Pakistan.He captured 7 wickets at the cost of 25.57 apiece. His best figures coming in the final game where he took 4-48 in Rawalpindi.
He has not played a Test match since January 2005 and is currently on standby in the Caribbean with England 'A', hoping to get noticed with the type of performances we all know he is capable of. He will of course be joining England in India when the one-day series gets underway.
Another player aiming to get some recognition from the England management while in the Caribbean is another Lancashire quick, Sajid Mahmood.
His willingness to continue learning and improving saw him travel to Dennis Lillee's Fast Bowling Academy in Chennai (Madras). He made the trip along with Simon Jones, Notts Mark Footit, coaching guru Troy Cooley and his impending replacement Kevin Shine.
A mention should also go to Tom Smith, who signed professionally with Lancashire for the forthcoming season, as he was named a part-time student at the ECB National Academy for winter 2005/06.
Let us hope when the domestic season arrives upon us, that all these players return fully fit and better players for their winter experiences.
(BBC Lancashire, 24/02/06)
Andrew Flintoff would have better advised purchasing a round the world ticket, as he has called at Australia, Pakistan and has now arrived in India, returning home after each tour.
Brad Hodge flew home and joyously made his international debut for Australia and will imminently be flying with members of the Test squad to contest a series in South Africa.
Jimmy Anderson also joined Flintoff in Pakistan, for the one-day series and is currently with Sajid Mahmood in the West Indies for the England A Squad tour.
'Freddie' appeared in England's disappointing tour of Pakistan where they lost the Test series 2-0 and the one-day series 3-2. Flintoff himself never really recaptured his Ashes form, such is the exceptional level he has set for himself. Given the pitches offered England's seamers very little in terms of pace, bounce and movement, Flintoff did well in capturing 13 wickets in the 3 Tests (8 coming in the first test), averaging 31.46. He never really got going with the bat, passing fifty on only the one occasion in 6 attempts.
In the ODI's he averaged an improved 46.75 with the bat, and with the ball he was generally accurate, especially when asked to bowl at the death.
The England squad, who are preparing for the First Test against India in Nagpur on March 1, will be missing the inspirational all-rounder for the third and final Test, if, as expected, he returns home to be with his wife Rachel for the birth of their second child.
Flintoff also flew to Australia in October to appear in the inaugural (or farcical) World Series where he represented a strong looking World XI against Australia. The World XI being soundly beaten in both forms of the game.
The big man has been collecting awards like he has air miles. He became the first cricketer since England Legend Ian Botham to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He was awarded Natwest PFA Player of the Year, for the second year running, voted for by the players, and he collected (along with Jacques Kallis) the ICC World Player of the Year. Finally, he was given an MBE along with the other England Ashes heroes on December 31. Busy or what ?
Lancashire's overseas player Brad Hodge made his first class debut for Victoria in October 1993, and after 12 years of consistently scoring big runs he finally broke through into the Australian side this winter. It came in November against West Indies where he made a solid 60 in his first knock.
Hodge, 31, would surely have made his international bow years earlier, had the Aussies not been so dominant in the last decade.
He went some way to cementing his Test place when he produced a quite brilliant 203 not out in only his third Test, this time against South Africa. In the process becoming only the 5th Australian to go on and pass 200 in the innings he made his maiden Test century.
His one-day international career has also got underway, but he has not yet been as successful in the 50-over game.
He will certainly be looking to build on his ever growing reputation in the Test series in South Africa starting on March 16.
Fast bowler Jimmy Anderson has represented England only in the shortened version of the game, so far this winter. He has yet to regain the England form that catapulted him into the public eye, but showed signs in Pakistan.He captured 7 wickets at the cost of 25.57 apiece. His best figures coming in the final game where he took 4-48 in Rawalpindi.
He has not played a Test match since January 2005 and is currently on standby in the Caribbean with England 'A', hoping to get noticed with the type of performances we all know he is capable of. He will of course be joining England in India when the one-day series gets underway.
Another player aiming to get some recognition from the England management while in the Caribbean is another Lancashire quick, Sajid Mahmood.
His willingness to continue learning and improving saw him travel to Dennis Lillee's Fast Bowling Academy in Chennai (Madras). He made the trip along with Simon Jones, Notts Mark Footit, coaching guru Troy Cooley and his impending replacement Kevin Shine.
A mention should also go to Tom Smith, who signed professionally with Lancashire for the forthcoming season, as he was named a part-time student at the ECB National Academy for winter 2005/06.
Let us hope when the domestic season arrives upon us, that all these players return fully fit and better players for their winter experiences.
(BBC Lancashire, 24/02/06)
Finally Loye gets his Reward!
Recently selected in England's 30-man provisional World Cup squad, his chances of making the final cut appeared slim. Previously not been given a chance to prove he can do to international attacks - yet that's what he does so consistently and menacingly to the County sides. It seemed unlikely he would have forced his way in without having had any international exposure.
With Michael Vaughan tearing his hamstring Loye belatedly gets his chance to show his worth and showcase his talent ahead of the selection of the final 15-man World Cup squad which is announced on 15 February.
The confusion in and around England's World Cup selection places is as clear to see as the constant question marks over West Indies readiness to stage this prestigious event that kicks off with the opening ceremony on 11 March.
England have stated they are happy with their top three. While Strauss, Vaughan, and Bell are all quality players in their own right, are any of these capable of giving England the kind of impetus at the start of the innings to take full advantage of the growingly important early powerplays?
With no Trescothick, and Pietersen returning home early, the current side seem short on boundary firepower within the batting ranks to cause the top sides great concern with regards the run rate. As we have witnessed in the past, much pressure is being placed on the shoulders of our own 'Freddie' Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen to keep the scorers pen busy. However, both are too important to give it away early in their innings attempting to unnecessarily hit over the top.
So to Mal Loye, this is certainly a man that is worthy of his chance, someone who is more than capable of setting a ferocious pace at the top of the innings. This is generally achieved by the combination of bludgeoning blows and innovative deflections, especially the sweep shot to the more express pace bowlers - a sight that is worth the admission fee alone - if just to see the puzzled expressions on the strike bowlers face.
Loye comes into the squad after another excellent domestic season in 2006. He led the way for Lancashire in the C & G Trophy finishing the clear leading runscorer in the tournament ( nearly 100 runs ahead of second placed Jimmy Maher) with 531 runs at an average of 75.85 and an impressive 88 runs per 100 balls. It would be unfair to have Loye pigeon-holed as a one-day specialist (despite his obvious strengths in this area) , as he made a shade under 1300 County Championship runs last season, including 6 centuries.
It would have been understandable for Loye's international ambitions to fade and the thought of testing himself at the highest level beginning to diminish given the fact he is rather in the later stages of his career at the age of 34. But the recent call up of wicket-keeper Paul Nixon who made his debut at 36 must have persuaded Loye to keep his mobile phone fully charged up and await a rather important call, especially when he would have seen Michael Vaughan in much discomfort clutching the back of his left leg in the last ODI.
He now makes the short trip from New Zealand, where he has been playing for Auckland over the winter. He has featured in two 50 over games and made 90 and 34 at typically speedy pace.
Let us now hope that after such a patient wait, Malachy Bernard Loye's years of consistently entertaining the Old Trafford (and Wantage Road) faithful takes him onto the highest one-day stage of all - appearing in a World Cup. You get the impression, if he gets his chance, he will not disappoint.
Chris Dehring, the Chief Executive of the World Cup project, recently suggested that preparing for this World Cup was like a side chasing a large target in the closing overs of a one-day international, if Loye and Flintoff were at the crease this tournament should run like a dream.
(BBC Lancashire, 24/01/07)
With Michael Vaughan tearing his hamstring Loye belatedly gets his chance to show his worth and showcase his talent ahead of the selection of the final 15-man World Cup squad which is announced on 15 February.
The confusion in and around England's World Cup selection places is as clear to see as the constant question marks over West Indies readiness to stage this prestigious event that kicks off with the opening ceremony on 11 March.
England have stated they are happy with their top three. While Strauss, Vaughan, and Bell are all quality players in their own right, are any of these capable of giving England the kind of impetus at the start of the innings to take full advantage of the growingly important early powerplays?
With no Trescothick, and Pietersen returning home early, the current side seem short on boundary firepower within the batting ranks to cause the top sides great concern with regards the run rate. As we have witnessed in the past, much pressure is being placed on the shoulders of our own 'Freddie' Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen to keep the scorers pen busy. However, both are too important to give it away early in their innings attempting to unnecessarily hit over the top.
So to Mal Loye, this is certainly a man that is worthy of his chance, someone who is more than capable of setting a ferocious pace at the top of the innings. This is generally achieved by the combination of bludgeoning blows and innovative deflections, especially the sweep shot to the more express pace bowlers - a sight that is worth the admission fee alone - if just to see the puzzled expressions on the strike bowlers face.
Loye comes into the squad after another excellent domestic season in 2006. He led the way for Lancashire in the C & G Trophy finishing the clear leading runscorer in the tournament ( nearly 100 runs ahead of second placed Jimmy Maher) with 531 runs at an average of 75.85 and an impressive 88 runs per 100 balls. It would be unfair to have Loye pigeon-holed as a one-day specialist (despite his obvious strengths in this area) , as he made a shade under 1300 County Championship runs last season, including 6 centuries.
It would have been understandable for Loye's international ambitions to fade and the thought of testing himself at the highest level beginning to diminish given the fact he is rather in the later stages of his career at the age of 34. But the recent call up of wicket-keeper Paul Nixon who made his debut at 36 must have persuaded Loye to keep his mobile phone fully charged up and await a rather important call, especially when he would have seen Michael Vaughan in much discomfort clutching the back of his left leg in the last ODI.
He now makes the short trip from New Zealand, where he has been playing for Auckland over the winter. He has featured in two 50 over games and made 90 and 34 at typically speedy pace.
Let us now hope that after such a patient wait, Malachy Bernard Loye's years of consistently entertaining the Old Trafford (and Wantage Road) faithful takes him onto the highest one-day stage of all - appearing in a World Cup. You get the impression, if he gets his chance, he will not disappoint.
Chris Dehring, the Chief Executive of the World Cup project, recently suggested that preparing for this World Cup was like a side chasing a large target in the closing overs of a one-day international, if Loye and Flintoff were at the crease this tournament should run like a dream.
(BBC Lancashire, 24/01/07)
Lancashire's Caribbean Trio
There will have been contrasting feelings surrounding Old Trafford. On one hand will have been the happiness shared by Sajid Mahmood, Jimmy Anderson and Andrew Flintoff, and on the other, the disappointment for Mal Loye and Glenn Chapple on missing out in England's World Cup squad of 15.
Chapple was probably considered to have only an outside chance of reaching destination Caribbean having not had any international game time to impress the selectors. Meanwhile, Loye's hard and innovative hitting at the top of the order in England's recent CB Series success, was not deemed enough to retain his place in the squad.
Loye will look back on a series of starts without going on to make a big score and truly cement his place in the squad. His style of batting certainly had the Australian opening bowlers looking puzzled, as he regularly got down onto one knee for his trademark slog sweep (which on one occasion did earn him a trip to hospital to have his chin stitched up). At this level when a supposed weakness is found the bowlers have the quality to exploit it, and this seemed the case as they probed away just outside Loye's off stump inducing the drive, resulting in him being dismissed four times caught behind the wicket early in the series. The perils for an opening bat of facing bowlers who use the new ball expertly.
It appears Ravi Bopara was the man selected ahead of Lancashire's opener, with England preferring a more multi-dimensional player rather than travelling to the World Cup with seven specialist batsmen.
It is not inconceivable that Loye may still make it to the West Indies as a replacement if any of the batsmen get injured, and with Michael Vaughan's recent problems I shouldn't think Loye will leave his passport too far out of reach.
Jimmy Anderson's selection will be subject to further re-assessment regarding his troublesome back problem. He returned home early from the recent Australian tour merely as a precaution as he was receiving discomfort in a similar area to the problem he had last year. He is back in the nets at Lancashire but only as a batsman, and England will be hoping it isn't too long before he gets a few overs under his belt.
It was during the World Cup in 2003 that Anderson announced himself on the world scene, when at Newlands against Pakistan he ripped through their top order taking 4-29 off his 10 overs, including Yousuf and Inzamam, both for first ballers.
Mahmood's recall into the one-day side coincided with England winning the last four games on the Australian tour and he was understandably delighted when he was told of his inclusion in the World Cup party.
This is considered just reward for the fast bowler who bowled some more than useful spells in the recent CB Series, where he concentrated more on his areas as averse to trying to bowl too quickly.
He visited the West Indies in the early part of last year with the England 'A' squad with encouraging success. He claimed 12 wickets in five one-day games, against West Indies respective 'A' side, at an average of 15.75, also picking up 12 wickets in two 4-day matches. A repeat of that form will certainly help England to progress to the later stages of the competition.
There was no doubt that 'Freddie' Flintoff was to be included in England's selection, it was merely a question of what capacity. Would he be chosen as the man to attempt to lead England to their first ever World Cup victory or would he be restored back to the ranks to concentrate solely on winning England matches with his performances. The latter option was decided as England opted for the injury ravaged Vaughan to take centre stage.
Now does this show a lack of faith in Freddie's leadership that they are willing to gamble once again on a man so unfortunate with knee and hamstring problems, and without a great ODI record, in the hope that he can somehow survive the furious pace of such a prestigious one-day event? Or is it simply the fact that England are a better side when Vaughan takes control and asserts his calming, yet authoritative leadership on the team and leaving Freddie free from the strains of captaincy and focused solely on his own contributions?
It certainly took the pressure off the selectors when it was announced that any injured players can be replaced by players selected in the original 30-man party, making it much less of a gamble to include Vaughan.
So with the unfortunate Loye and Chapple left to watch the event at home, Lancashire will still have three representatives in the England set-up. They will also have two other players that will be representing their countries in Brad Hodge, who was selected for tournament favourites Australia, and Muttiah Muralitharan, who will be hoping to spin Sri Lanka to a repeat of their victorious 1996 campaign.
It is possible that Lancs will be without five of their side when they take to the field at Edgbaston on April 18 for the first game of the County Championship season. That is if England, Australia and Sri Lanka progress to the closing stages of the competition with the second stage of the World Cup not concluding till April 21.
Still I am sure we can find forgiveness for the England trio should they still be there.
(BBC Lancashire, 20/02/07)
Chapple was probably considered to have only an outside chance of reaching destination Caribbean having not had any international game time to impress the selectors. Meanwhile, Loye's hard and innovative hitting at the top of the order in England's recent CB Series success, was not deemed enough to retain his place in the squad.
Loye will look back on a series of starts without going on to make a big score and truly cement his place in the squad. His style of batting certainly had the Australian opening bowlers looking puzzled, as he regularly got down onto one knee for his trademark slog sweep (which on one occasion did earn him a trip to hospital to have his chin stitched up). At this level when a supposed weakness is found the bowlers have the quality to exploit it, and this seemed the case as they probed away just outside Loye's off stump inducing the drive, resulting in him being dismissed four times caught behind the wicket early in the series. The perils for an opening bat of facing bowlers who use the new ball expertly.
It appears Ravi Bopara was the man selected ahead of Lancashire's opener, with England preferring a more multi-dimensional player rather than travelling to the World Cup with seven specialist batsmen.
It is not inconceivable that Loye may still make it to the West Indies as a replacement if any of the batsmen get injured, and with Michael Vaughan's recent problems I shouldn't think Loye will leave his passport too far out of reach.
Jimmy Anderson's selection will be subject to further re-assessment regarding his troublesome back problem. He returned home early from the recent Australian tour merely as a precaution as he was receiving discomfort in a similar area to the problem he had last year. He is back in the nets at Lancashire but only as a batsman, and England will be hoping it isn't too long before he gets a few overs under his belt.
It was during the World Cup in 2003 that Anderson announced himself on the world scene, when at Newlands against Pakistan he ripped through their top order taking 4-29 off his 10 overs, including Yousuf and Inzamam, both for first ballers.
Mahmood's recall into the one-day side coincided with England winning the last four games on the Australian tour and he was understandably delighted when he was told of his inclusion in the World Cup party.
This is considered just reward for the fast bowler who bowled some more than useful spells in the recent CB Series, where he concentrated more on his areas as averse to trying to bowl too quickly.
He visited the West Indies in the early part of last year with the England 'A' squad with encouraging success. He claimed 12 wickets in five one-day games, against West Indies respective 'A' side, at an average of 15.75, also picking up 12 wickets in two 4-day matches. A repeat of that form will certainly help England to progress to the later stages of the competition.
There was no doubt that 'Freddie' Flintoff was to be included in England's selection, it was merely a question of what capacity. Would he be chosen as the man to attempt to lead England to their first ever World Cup victory or would he be restored back to the ranks to concentrate solely on winning England matches with his performances. The latter option was decided as England opted for the injury ravaged Vaughan to take centre stage.
Now does this show a lack of faith in Freddie's leadership that they are willing to gamble once again on a man so unfortunate with knee and hamstring problems, and without a great ODI record, in the hope that he can somehow survive the furious pace of such a prestigious one-day event? Or is it simply the fact that England are a better side when Vaughan takes control and asserts his calming, yet authoritative leadership on the team and leaving Freddie free from the strains of captaincy and focused solely on his own contributions?
It certainly took the pressure off the selectors when it was announced that any injured players can be replaced by players selected in the original 30-man party, making it much less of a gamble to include Vaughan.
So with the unfortunate Loye and Chapple left to watch the event at home, Lancashire will still have three representatives in the England set-up. They will also have two other players that will be representing their countries in Brad Hodge, who was selected for tournament favourites Australia, and Muttiah Muralitharan, who will be hoping to spin Sri Lanka to a repeat of their victorious 1996 campaign.
It is possible that Lancs will be without five of their side when they take to the field at Edgbaston on April 18 for the first game of the County Championship season. That is if England, Australia and Sri Lanka progress to the closing stages of the competition with the second stage of the World Cup not concluding till April 21.
Still I am sure we can find forgiveness for the England trio should they still be there.
(BBC Lancashire, 20/02/07)
England's Keeper Dilemma
The England selection committee are doing their level best to imitate cartoon favourite Homer Simpson when asked the question who should be England's permanent and long-term wicket-keeper. One can imagine the blank faces, head scratching and indecision as if Homer was asked to sacrifice his doughnut or his beer.
Since Australia's Adam Gilchrist has seemingly raised the bar in the role of a wicket-keeper, it has become integral for this man to make big scores, and England appear to be the only country having considerable problems with whom to select. Many of the nations seem to be settled in this particular position, using one man to feature in both one-day and five-day cricket, only Kumar Sangakkara does not keep in both forms of the game, due to his continued brilliance as a specialist number 3 batsman in Test cricket.
In the latest LG ICC Player Rankings, three wicket-keepers feature in the Top 10 ODI Batsman. Australia's Gilchrist, India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sri Lanka's Sangakkara are setting the example for keepers round the world.
Geraint Jones began the Ashes with the backing of Duncan Fletcher and it was generally considered his position to lose, which he duly did after the first three dismal Tests in Australia when, what is considered to be his strength, his batting, sadly let him down. His work behind the stumps was certainly more impressive than his work in front of them, predominantly faultless throughout with the gloves, accentuating his improvement in this area since he first joined the England squad. However, it is indeed his work with the willow that gained him the advantage in his Ashes selection over Chris Read, but unfortunately he has not delivered. In his last 20 innings he has accumulated a meagre 229 runs at an average of 12.05, a considerable drop, when you take into account after his first 6 Tests he averaged in excess of 40.
So the gloves appeared to be reluctantly thrown back to Nottinghamshire's Read, an act that would have hurt Fletcher in particular, as if to emphasize his initial selection was incorrect. Read could have counted himself hard done to in losing his place for the beginning of the recent Australian trip, as he kept impeccably on his recall to the side against Pakistan last summer. His scores were neither earth shattering nor disappointing but he did display encouragement for the future as he registered 38, 55, and 33 and kept wicket with the general tidiness that is incomparable within English domestic cricket. The impression given is that the management do not have full faith in his batting capabilities as a number seven and that certain technical deficiencies will always delay Read becoming a regular feature in the Test team. Maybe given time he could iron out his flaws and get to grips fully with the international scene and begin converting his impressive domestic form. Yet it seems that time is one commodity he is not about to be given.
Perhaps for Read to continue as England's regular, the option of changing team tactics could see him retained, by way of England going into the Tests with only 4 specialist bowlers, with Flintoff as one of them. This would create an opening for an extra batsman, presumably the returning captain Vaughan, fitness permitting, Flintoff dropping to number 7 and Read coming in one place below, thus not placing as much importance on him to contribute big runs.
So we come to the one-day game and a decision that puzzled most within the cricketing world. The debut handed to one wily old keeper by the name of Paul Nixon, which arrived very much out of the blue. Despite his consistent steady service to county cricket since 1989, at the age of 36, Nixon could have been forgiven for giving up on his international ambitions. This choice clearly made as a short term option, signifies the selectors bewilderment as to who to offer the gloves to on a long term and permanent basis for both forms of the game.
You certainly do not begrudge Nixon his moment in the spotlight, he is a fiercely competitive player who will keep things lively on the field and as expected make some typically innovative and crucial runs down the order accompanied by his usual high standard of glove work. If he continues to impress in Australia, a place in the World Cup side that appeared highly unlikely just a few months back could now become a reality, unlike his chance of getting the gloves for the 5-day version.
So who are England likely to turn to next ? Here is a brief look at four of the leading contenders -
1). Matthew Prior (Sussex) - Was born in South Africa and has already appeared for England in the one-day format, generally as an opening bat and with mixed success. Capable of exploiting early powerplays in one-day cricket he also offers a solid batting option down the order in Tests. A career first class batting average of a touch under 40 shows he is no slouch with the bat, crucial if England are to look twice at a keeper, he helped Sussex to the County Championship and the C&G Trophy last season. His development as a wicket-keeper was slightly hindered by having to share the role with Tim Ambrose while at Sussex (especially during seasons 2003 & 2004).
2). James Foster (Essex) - A premature selection for England some 5 years ago when he was aged 21 and to date has represented his country in 7 Tests and 11 one-day internationals. If the selectors required any reminding of what he is capable of, in 2006, Foster produced the largest of elbows in the selectors ribs. He claimed more victims than any other wicket-keeper in either division in the County Championship with 68 and he also exemplified his talent with the bat accumulating 721 runs at a more than reasonable average of 42.41 (he maintained his batting consistency in the C&G Trophy where he averaged 46.33). Lost his England place when he broke his arm, batting in an Essex net, allowing Alec Stewart the chance to take the gloves. Has since developed into a fine gloveman who has found increased consistency with the bat.
3). Steven Davies (Worcs) - Widely acknowledged as England's future wicket-keeper/batsman, the managemet will be only too aware of the dangers of throwing in a player before he is ready for Test cricket, a la Foster and Read. An undoubted talent, when at the crease Davies's batting has been described by his director of cricket at Worcester, Steve Rhodes, as having a 'bit of David Gower' about it, both a compliment and quite a burden. His glove work is still in need of some fine tuning but he displays a sound basic technique, and is a genuine wicket-keeper as averse to a batter that can keep. His potential remains unquestioned, but he is still young and learning and may have to settle for national selection further down the line.
4). Jon Batty (Surrey) - Rarely gets a mention when there is talk of who England's next keeper should be, and perhaps unfairly so. Since stepping out of the shadows of Alec Stewart at Surrey, Batty has proved himself worthy of a place among the Surrey superstars. He opens the batting in both forms of the game and was even given the chance to lead the side in 2003. A highly respected professional, who is now 32, and must be reinvigorated since Nixon's selection, four years his senior. His coach, Alan Butcher, is mystified as to why Batty never enters the equation, and believes the results he has produced put him alongside 'the best of his type in the country'.
To reiterate the value placed on a keeper to indulge in his fair share of runs, during the period of 1975 and 2000, 50 Test centuries were scored in total by all wicket-keepers. In the 2000's alone a further 50 Test hundreds have already been made.
It is therefore clear that whoever is next selected for England in this role must be an accomplished batsman that is capable of scoring centuries, however, one would hope that the old fashioned virtues of sound glovework are not compromised too extensively in the search for runs, as it is still a specialist position. The four players mentioned above (along with a handful of other keepers not mentioned - Pothas, Sutton, etc) will certainly all be hoping to get out of the traps quickly in 2007 and catch the eye of the selection committee ahead of the visiting West Indies in the middle of May.
(Cricket Web, 18/02/07)
Since Australia's Adam Gilchrist has seemingly raised the bar in the role of a wicket-keeper, it has become integral for this man to make big scores, and England appear to be the only country having considerable problems with whom to select. Many of the nations seem to be settled in this particular position, using one man to feature in both one-day and five-day cricket, only Kumar Sangakkara does not keep in both forms of the game, due to his continued brilliance as a specialist number 3 batsman in Test cricket.
In the latest LG ICC Player Rankings, three wicket-keepers feature in the Top 10 ODI Batsman. Australia's Gilchrist, India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sri Lanka's Sangakkara are setting the example for keepers round the world.
Geraint Jones began the Ashes with the backing of Duncan Fletcher and it was generally considered his position to lose, which he duly did after the first three dismal Tests in Australia when, what is considered to be his strength, his batting, sadly let him down. His work behind the stumps was certainly more impressive than his work in front of them, predominantly faultless throughout with the gloves, accentuating his improvement in this area since he first joined the England squad. However, it is indeed his work with the willow that gained him the advantage in his Ashes selection over Chris Read, but unfortunately he has not delivered. In his last 20 innings he has accumulated a meagre 229 runs at an average of 12.05, a considerable drop, when you take into account after his first 6 Tests he averaged in excess of 40.
So the gloves appeared to be reluctantly thrown back to Nottinghamshire's Read, an act that would have hurt Fletcher in particular, as if to emphasize his initial selection was incorrect. Read could have counted himself hard done to in losing his place for the beginning of the recent Australian trip, as he kept impeccably on his recall to the side against Pakistan last summer. His scores were neither earth shattering nor disappointing but he did display encouragement for the future as he registered 38, 55, and 33 and kept wicket with the general tidiness that is incomparable within English domestic cricket. The impression given is that the management do not have full faith in his batting capabilities as a number seven and that certain technical deficiencies will always delay Read becoming a regular feature in the Test team. Maybe given time he could iron out his flaws and get to grips fully with the international scene and begin converting his impressive domestic form. Yet it seems that time is one commodity he is not about to be given.
Perhaps for Read to continue as England's regular, the option of changing team tactics could see him retained, by way of England going into the Tests with only 4 specialist bowlers, with Flintoff as one of them. This would create an opening for an extra batsman, presumably the returning captain Vaughan, fitness permitting, Flintoff dropping to number 7 and Read coming in one place below, thus not placing as much importance on him to contribute big runs.
So we come to the one-day game and a decision that puzzled most within the cricketing world. The debut handed to one wily old keeper by the name of Paul Nixon, which arrived very much out of the blue. Despite his consistent steady service to county cricket since 1989, at the age of 36, Nixon could have been forgiven for giving up on his international ambitions. This choice clearly made as a short term option, signifies the selectors bewilderment as to who to offer the gloves to on a long term and permanent basis for both forms of the game.
You certainly do not begrudge Nixon his moment in the spotlight, he is a fiercely competitive player who will keep things lively on the field and as expected make some typically innovative and crucial runs down the order accompanied by his usual high standard of glove work. If he continues to impress in Australia, a place in the World Cup side that appeared highly unlikely just a few months back could now become a reality, unlike his chance of getting the gloves for the 5-day version.
So who are England likely to turn to next ? Here is a brief look at four of the leading contenders -
1). Matthew Prior (Sussex) - Was born in South Africa and has already appeared for England in the one-day format, generally as an opening bat and with mixed success. Capable of exploiting early powerplays in one-day cricket he also offers a solid batting option down the order in Tests. A career first class batting average of a touch under 40 shows he is no slouch with the bat, crucial if England are to look twice at a keeper, he helped Sussex to the County Championship and the C&G Trophy last season. His development as a wicket-keeper was slightly hindered by having to share the role with Tim Ambrose while at Sussex (especially during seasons 2003 & 2004).
2). James Foster (Essex) - A premature selection for England some 5 years ago when he was aged 21 and to date has represented his country in 7 Tests and 11 one-day internationals. If the selectors required any reminding of what he is capable of, in 2006, Foster produced the largest of elbows in the selectors ribs. He claimed more victims than any other wicket-keeper in either division in the County Championship with 68 and he also exemplified his talent with the bat accumulating 721 runs at a more than reasonable average of 42.41 (he maintained his batting consistency in the C&G Trophy where he averaged 46.33). Lost his England place when he broke his arm, batting in an Essex net, allowing Alec Stewart the chance to take the gloves. Has since developed into a fine gloveman who has found increased consistency with the bat.
3). Steven Davies (Worcs) - Widely acknowledged as England's future wicket-keeper/batsman, the managemet will be only too aware of the dangers of throwing in a player before he is ready for Test cricket, a la Foster and Read. An undoubted talent, when at the crease Davies's batting has been described by his director of cricket at Worcester, Steve Rhodes, as having a 'bit of David Gower' about it, both a compliment and quite a burden. His glove work is still in need of some fine tuning but he displays a sound basic technique, and is a genuine wicket-keeper as averse to a batter that can keep. His potential remains unquestioned, but he is still young and learning and may have to settle for national selection further down the line.
4). Jon Batty (Surrey) - Rarely gets a mention when there is talk of who England's next keeper should be, and perhaps unfairly so. Since stepping out of the shadows of Alec Stewart at Surrey, Batty has proved himself worthy of a place among the Surrey superstars. He opens the batting in both forms of the game and was even given the chance to lead the side in 2003. A highly respected professional, who is now 32, and must be reinvigorated since Nixon's selection, four years his senior. His coach, Alan Butcher, is mystified as to why Batty never enters the equation, and believes the results he has produced put him alongside 'the best of his type in the country'.
To reiterate the value placed on a keeper to indulge in his fair share of runs, during the period of 1975 and 2000, 50 Test centuries were scored in total by all wicket-keepers. In the 2000's alone a further 50 Test hundreds have already been made.
It is therefore clear that whoever is next selected for England in this role must be an accomplished batsman that is capable of scoring centuries, however, one would hope that the old fashioned virtues of sound glovework are not compromised too extensively in the search for runs, as it is still a specialist position. The four players mentioned above (along with a handful of other keepers not mentioned - Pothas, Sutton, etc) will certainly all be hoping to get out of the traps quickly in 2007 and catch the eye of the selection committee ahead of the visiting West Indies in the middle of May.
(Cricket Web, 18/02/07)
Tuesday, 12 December 2006
Nel to join Essex
Essex appear to have secured the signing of the eccentric South African paceman Andre Nel. He will re-join the side that he appeared for briefly back in 2005.
He will join up with Essex once South Africa's participation in the World Cup in the Caribbean is over, and if all goes to plan, wlil remain there till the middle of June.
Formal approval is still yet to be confirmed from the South African board, as they will no doubt be wanting to protect their paceman who is now generally thought of as a crucial figure in the Proteas pace attack.
David East, the chief executive at Essex, will certainly be pleased if this move comes to its inevitable fruition : “Andre was a huge asset to us in the brief time he was at Essex in 2005. He is a wholehearted competitor and is sure to make a significant early season impact in both one-day and Championship cricket.”
Essex are also closing in on the signing of Australian Andy Bichel for a second successive year. Discussions are in progree for Bichel's stay to last till September 15 and possibly beyond, depending on negotiations. He will share the second overseas place with Andre Nel, and it is hoped he will take over the reins from the 29 year-old South African in June. Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria is the other overseas player that will fulfill his role for the full season.
Both Nel and Bichel are determined competitors and will give Essex some needed firepower, along with the recent signing of former Glamorgan paceman Darren Thomas.
He will join up with Essex once South Africa's participation in the World Cup in the Caribbean is over, and if all goes to plan, wlil remain there till the middle of June.
Formal approval is still yet to be confirmed from the South African board, as they will no doubt be wanting to protect their paceman who is now generally thought of as a crucial figure in the Proteas pace attack.
David East, the chief executive at Essex, will certainly be pleased if this move comes to its inevitable fruition : “Andre was a huge asset to us in the brief time he was at Essex in 2005. He is a wholehearted competitor and is sure to make a significant early season impact in both one-day and Championship cricket.”
Essex are also closing in on the signing of Australian Andy Bichel for a second successive year. Discussions are in progree for Bichel's stay to last till September 15 and possibly beyond, depending on negotiations. He will share the second overseas place with Andre Nel, and it is hoped he will take over the reins from the 29 year-old South African in June. Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria is the other overseas player that will fulfill his role for the full season.
Both Nel and Bichel are determined competitors and will give Essex some needed firepower, along with the recent signing of former Glamorgan paceman Darren Thomas.
Two Retirements in a Week!
This last week has seen the cricketing world say farewell to two international players, Australian batsman Damien Martyn decided he did not have the necessary commitment to continue competing for Australia, and South African spin bowler Nicky Boje decided to dedicate all his cricketing time to his domestic side.
If, as in Martyn's case, you are giving anything less than 100% during an Ashes revenge clash where you are on the verge of regaining the urn, it is evident that now is the time to relax in front of the tele with a comfy pair of slippers on.
His captain, Ricky Ponting, was more surprised by the timing of his retirement, "When I sat back and digested that he had retired, I thought why didn't he give it one more week?" Ponting said. "He would have had a home Test match and the chance for us to win the Ashes in this Test was there."
On his day, Damien Martyn made the art of batting look as simple as Pele did goalscoring. When in full flourish, Martyn produced glorious drivies through cover-point, an area he was so strong in, both front and back foot. Elegant also through the leg-side, he was as pleasing on the eye as a Mark Waugh.
Martyn was recently made a scapegoat for Australia's Ashes defeat in 2005, (despie many umpiring abhorrations) yet he fought his way back into the side and was selected for the tour to South Africa in March of this year. He re-affirmed his quality with a resounding 101 in the 2nd innings of the 3rd Test.
But after three failures in the current Ashes campaign, Damien Martyn has called time on his career. His statisitcs remain untarnished, after 67 Tests for Australia his batting average registered 46.38, including 13 centuries, a sign of his consistency throughtout his career. In ODI's he appeared in no less than 208 matches, averaging a touch over 40.
Nicky Boje has decided that he has bowled his last spinning delivery for South Africa, citing now was the time for him to concentrate solely on domestic cricket and giving his side the Eagles his full commitment. You can not help but think that after Boje has been messed around for so long from the selectors, that he does not need this constant indecision in his life.
"I have decided to retire from international cricket immediately" said Boje, "and I am accordingly unavailable to form part of the Proteas squad for this season. I have had eleven years of international cricket and will always cherish wonderful memories of playing for South Africa. I now feel that the time has come for me to devote the remainder of my playing years to Eagles cricket."
Boje is very much in the Giles mold, he is not a genuine match winning spinner, instead concentrates solely on keeping it economical and attempting to force the batsman into an undue mistake.
South Africa have repeatedly confessed that they are short of a world-class spinner, which will have done nothing for Boje's confidence, but he has continued to giuve his all for the Proteas side. He collected 100 Test wickets at an average of 42.65, with his economy rate an impressive 2.96 runs per over.
His batting was productive down the order, in both forms of the game, and averages in the mid-20's both in Tests and one-day cricket.
Not without controversy, after he was implicated in the Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal in 2000, which resulted in Boje refusing to tour India again.
An honest pro, who perhaps will never be remembered as a world beater, but always gave his all.
If, as in Martyn's case, you are giving anything less than 100% during an Ashes revenge clash where you are on the verge of regaining the urn, it is evident that now is the time to relax in front of the tele with a comfy pair of slippers on.
His captain, Ricky Ponting, was more surprised by the timing of his retirement, "When I sat back and digested that he had retired, I thought why didn't he give it one more week?" Ponting said. "He would have had a home Test match and the chance for us to win the Ashes in this Test was there."
On his day, Damien Martyn made the art of batting look as simple as Pele did goalscoring. When in full flourish, Martyn produced glorious drivies through cover-point, an area he was so strong in, both front and back foot. Elegant also through the leg-side, he was as pleasing on the eye as a Mark Waugh.
Martyn was recently made a scapegoat for Australia's Ashes defeat in 2005, (despie many umpiring abhorrations) yet he fought his way back into the side and was selected for the tour to South Africa in March of this year. He re-affirmed his quality with a resounding 101 in the 2nd innings of the 3rd Test.
But after three failures in the current Ashes campaign, Damien Martyn has called time on his career. His statisitcs remain untarnished, after 67 Tests for Australia his batting average registered 46.38, including 13 centuries, a sign of his consistency throughtout his career. In ODI's he appeared in no less than 208 matches, averaging a touch over 40.
Nicky Boje has decided that he has bowled his last spinning delivery for South Africa, citing now was the time for him to concentrate solely on domestic cricket and giving his side the Eagles his full commitment. You can not help but think that after Boje has been messed around for so long from the selectors, that he does not need this constant indecision in his life.
"I have decided to retire from international cricket immediately" said Boje, "and I am accordingly unavailable to form part of the Proteas squad for this season. I have had eleven years of international cricket and will always cherish wonderful memories of playing for South Africa. I now feel that the time has come for me to devote the remainder of my playing years to Eagles cricket."
Boje is very much in the Giles mold, he is not a genuine match winning spinner, instead concentrates solely on keeping it economical and attempting to force the batsman into an undue mistake.
South Africa have repeatedly confessed that they are short of a world-class spinner, which will have done nothing for Boje's confidence, but he has continued to giuve his all for the Proteas side. He collected 100 Test wickets at an average of 42.65, with his economy rate an impressive 2.96 runs per over.
His batting was productive down the order, in both forms of the game, and averages in the mid-20's both in Tests and one-day cricket.
Not without controversy, after he was implicated in the Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal in 2000, which resulted in Boje refusing to tour India again.
An honest pro, who perhaps will never be remembered as a world beater, but always gave his all.
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