The Calm Before the Storm

[ronaldo7777]

Blog 1:

The Calm Before the Storm

Today's action from Worcester made interesting viewing. After Adil Rashid, Graham Onions and Steve Harmison all had opportunities to stake their claim for an Ashes spot on day one, it was time for England's batsman to prove that they should be “next in line” should injury or lack of form befall any of England's current incumbents.

England started well, very well in fact. Stephen Moore – a Johannesburg born English player (lets not get started on South Africans playing in England – at least he's qualified for us I guess) – struck a superb century against a Australian attack who struggled on a placid – slow wicket.

Joe Denly's innings of 66 was very good too – although you would suggest his chances of playing in this series will be low – it was a good time to show the selectors, and the fans that he's knocking on the door.

But it was the inevitable demise of Ian Bell, that was probably the big point of the day. Certainly he got a pearler from Brett Lee who had his tail up after being thrown back into the attack by skipper Ricky Ponting. But Bell's inability to do it when it counts most is becoming a problem that could well hold him back for good to getting his England place back. Then again maybe on superb delivery first up is a little premature to write off his summer, but I do wonder whether Bell has the X Factor to really make it at international level.

Its not just the English who have selection headaches. Australia, who since the retirement of Shane Warne have struggled to find a spinner of any note, could well go into the first test in Cardiff without a spinner. Hard to believe considering England are contemplating two, but it illustrates the gulf in resources between the two nations. Nathan Hauritz – like Rashid – have been unfortunate to be given a flat, turgid wicket to stake their places on, but, the SWALEC aside, that is probably similar to what the rest of the summer will bring.

Marcus North seems to have his spot at number 6 fairly safe, despite his lack of form. His selection may be backed on the fact he can bowl “some off spin”. Although I do find it interesting that many people in the media seem to suggest that taking Clarke, Katich and North in as part time spin, will suffice on the predicted turner. Seriously? I'll be surprised if I'm proven wrong, but if England have any sense they will take that three some and dispatch them to all parts of Wales.

England's selection predicament is equally as interested. Unlike the Australians, they have too many spinners. Graham Swann's place is, quite rightly, secured after an excellent six months against the West Indies. But the dilemma comes from 1) Whether to play two spinners, and 2) who out of Adil Rashid and Monty Panesar will fill the second birth. Panesar's recent form has been dreadful, a handful of wickets at ninety-a-piece this summer is hardly going to set the world alight. But the selections seem to have something for Panesar – that may qualify him for a spot in the test next week. Rashid's time, for now, may have come too early. But for me – I'd stick with 4 seamers, and let Onions (who lets us not forget that it is his place to lose), Anderson, Broad and Flintoff lead the England line.

To see this in its original context: Cricket In The New Age

[aussie1st]

How things have changed since the last Ashes where England couldn't find a spinner while we had Warne, MacGill and Hogg. Sadly we probably will have to rely on part timers as they are about as effective as Hauritz will be.

[Howsie]

Nice Article.

Yeah if England are smart and Australia don't play Hauritz they will have to attack the likes of Clarke and Katich just like the Indian's did to Jason Krejza.