Posts
Loading ...It’s one of the most unfortunate names I’ve ever heard for a pro-cricketer. The thing that I don’t understand is where Vaughan’s going to fit in. The stats prove that Vaughan’s done much better as an opener than at no. 3, so that means that he’s probably going to replace Strauss. Is he really so great a captain that he can replace Andrew Strauss on merit?
Left arm over
By Emma last year, at the end of May Leave a comment on this post
Thanks to England’s decision to delay their squad announcement until 4pm yesterday afternoon, I was stuck on the A45 in rush hour by the time some vaguely pertinent details crackled over the radio. Jammed into a minibus with cricketers with various levels of interest in the national game, needless to say, the news of Ryan Sidebottom’s inclusion received a predominant chorus of ‘Who?’
It is a curious choice. It is certainly not one for the future – while 29 is by no means ancient, and Stuart Clark has shown it possible to found an international bowling career in your thirties, Graham Onions is fit and in form even if Stuart Broad is not. Nor is this a Shah incident, where a consistent county performer has filled an injury hole. In fact, Sidebottom does not presently rank as even Nottinghamshire’s top performer, being out-averaged by Ealham and out-wicketed by Shreck. The same occurred last season, and only last week, teammate Mark Wagh was talking up Shreck’s chances of an England cap. So what brings the potential of a second Test cap to top Sidebottom’s distinctive curly locks?
After Plunkett and Harmison dealt so poorly with an undercooked West Indian batting line-up, it is only natural that England look for variation – and thus, to the left arm seamer. The former Yorkshire stalwart may not be the most in form or reliable of options, but at least he is something different. True, Sidebottom is unlikely to play a part. However, it may just be that while Moores publicly backs his Durham seamers to come good, there is a feeling that something, indeed anything, different might be what is needed to take 11 wickets. Of course, it can’t hurt that a substantial part of the now Nottingham player’s game was developed at Headingley. Interestingly, Sidebottom’s only previous Test cap was due to an injury to Hoggard some 6 years ago. Might he be adding to his headwear in similar circumstances by the weekend?
Tags: england, headingley, nottinghamshire, ryan-sidebottom, West-Indies-in-England |
7 Responses to “Left arm over”
May 23rd, 2007 at 2.14 am
May 23rd, 2007 at 2.21 am
Are England just trying to fit Vaughan in so he can hopefully win a match and escape the Ashes Winning England Captains curse? Apart from a couple of good matches in Australia, has he ever been that good a batsman? And given his frailty, I’d be looking to groom another captain for the long term. As an outsider, I’d say Strauss is your best option.
May 23rd, 2007 at 2.24 am
“The former Yorkshire stalwart may not be the most in form or reliable of options, but at least he is something different.”
I offer something different. I certainly don’t warrant an England call up.
I watched Ryan’s Test debut at Lord’s. We beat Pakistan by an innings and did it with an attack that didn’t include him. The crowd groaned whenever he was thrown the ball. He was utterly ineffectual.
I thought his selection then was the last in the line of ineffectual medium fast seamers we used to pick in the 80s and early 90s. Honest county pros like Munton, Newport, Radford, Mallender, Allott etc. Never going to set the world on fire but they would be picked to “do a job.”
Can we please pick people who will do more than just a job, and instead have the propensity to take 5 wickets in an innings?
May 23rd, 2007 at 6.07 pm
Sidebottom, Shreck, Onions - that sounds like a comic convention lineup instead of a test cricket team. But then again, the English cricket team may as well turn up at a comic convention with Harmision leading the procession. However, I digress..
I really fail to understand ECB’s loyalty - for want of a better word - to Michael Vaughn. Sure he is an Ashes winning captain, but to me he seems a disruptive influence lately on the team with his seemingly divine right to come into the team whenever he is fit and take over the captaincy.
May 23rd, 2007 at 6.13 pm
I think Ryan Sidebottom could be very effective moving the ball across the Windies right handers. I think its a rather shrewd selection, more than just horses for courses, even though I’d expect him to be not make the 11 ahead of Anderson.
Don’t let Flintoff play unless he’s genuinely fit. He can’t displace any of the top 6 on batting form and it would be awful if he breaks down leaving England with only three strike bowlers plus Collingwood. It’s crucial that he be fit and in form to terrorize India later in the summer. Not so important that he be on and off again vs WI.
Other options: I also like Chris Shreck as a quick to look at. Swings the ball at good pace. Can dig it in to intimidate when required. I keep thinking about him and Broad in tandem using their extra height and ooomph to make life throughly difficult for batsmen.
Still, when all’s said and done, Onions should be the next cab off the rank if Hoggard isn’t back for T3, and the other Durham quicks remain maddeningly ineffective. I think he’s done enough so far this summer to be in contention, and was more than useful on the “A” tour to Bangladesh.
May 24th, 2007 at 10.53 am
Succinct “comments” from “THE Stumper”
I “enjoy” these ‘opinions’ from, (I assume?) the “originator” of this ‘article!’-who I also ‘presume’, may be getting paid to write this piece? (I would ‘appreciate’ someone advising me of how I ‘could get paid for stating my own personal opinions regarding a sport I love with a passion!!!???-AND “know a ‘little bit about…!!!)= ‘bobleray@btinternet.com’
To anyone not familiar with Bob Le Ray-aka “THE Stumper” and the comments/observations I posted last week, relating to the headline “Moores welcomes in The Clinic” (17th May 2007)-I will respond (very briefly!) to to-days’s article.
I have a 1955 edition of the “The Concise OXFORD DICTIONARY of Current English”, in front of me! Who needs spellcheck? If it was good enough for my 86 year old Dad, ‘East End (Limehouse) “urchin”-who “volunteered” at the age of 19, to become a W.O.P./Tail Gunner!!! (3 months life expectancy!!!)He was “so good at his job” that he was quickly ‘elevated’(excuse the pun!) to becoming a specialist Hurricane Pilot in World War II…!!!!!
I “meander!”-back to Cricket!
Observation No.1=
If one cares to look at page 343 on BBC’s Teletext ’service’ this morning, relating to the “State of English Cricket!!!”-quote: “County Cricket ‘failing England’, 3 other “cricketer’s views” on what is ‘wrong’ with our beautiful game!!!
It brings a smile to my face to read four seperate articles which are full of “COMMON SENSE!” Our game has been “littered” with garbage, written by so called ‘experts!’ for more years than I care to remember!
I’m now 57-I first started ‘playing Cricket’, ‘helping out my Dad’s “inter departmental” match at Vickers Armstrong’s ground (later to become British Aerospace=a ‘John Player’, “Surrey Ground” at Byfleet in Surrey). My Dad only had 8/9 players, so (with the opposing Captain’s “permission”) I was allowed to “make up the numbers!”-’what “difference” would a little, 10-11 year old make to…..?
My “getting 2 wickets in my first over!”, was definately not “appreciated” by the ‘opposition!’
(I had previously,at infant school, BOWLED five “batsmen” out in 6 balls! for which I was made a “Prefect?”-Little Nashie, (the Middlesex wicketkeeper- in this his Benefit Year), “raised the bar” at Sunbury Cricket Club by taking 6 in 6 balls!(The little “so & so!!!”-I must ask him today, whether they were ‘all bowled???’)
I “meander further!”-it must be related to my love of fishing-being known as “Bob from Hampton Court”/”The Angling Apprentice” on national radio’s, talkSPORT’s “Fisherman’s Blues”-hosted by Keith Arthur (another “Cricketing Enthusiast!”)
I return back to BBC Teletext’s page 343! I would be very interested in other Cricketer’s thoughts/opinions!
Observation/comments/my own personal opinion-2!
The “selected” squad for the 2nd Test:
Michael Vaughan (C) Lovely guy, too injury prone, and, for the “future of England Cricket”, should never be considered again as an England Captain/Player-IF, England SERIOUSLY, want to move “onwards and upwards” at the highest, International Level!
James Anderson Very good bowler. Needs the likes of Troy Cooley, to “mentor” him through his Cricketing ‘learning curve’.
(To not grant Troy Cooley the 2 year contract he requested-probably the finest Bowling Coach in modern history-was {in my humble opinion!}- the 2nd biggest travesty in English Cricket!!!
The GREATEST TRAVESTY!!!…..was to “retire”, probably the the most knowledgable, forward thinking, Cricketing Coaches, OF ALL TIME!!!!!
I refer of course to the absolutely brilliant, DUNCAN FLETCHER!!!!!
Ian Bell Excellent batsmen, who has learnt how to “graft out an innings”, despite the GARBAGE that the “English Media” wrote about him when things weren’t “going so well” for ‘Belly’. (The “press” are paid to “write something about…”. They have an inherent ‘ability’ to be able to “put someone up on a pedastal, only to…………………………..!-after all, they’ve ‘got to write about something!’
“TRUTH”/Accurate reporting/comments?…mightbe nice for a change!!!)
Paul Collingwood Another excellent team man and grafter! Knows his own “limitations” and uses them to the maximum effect!!!
Alastair Cook Superb start to his England career!
Can only improve with age and time at the wicket! Lovely bloke, who can improve even further with the nurturing/guidance of his former Essex team mate (now Englan’s Assistant Coach-Andy Flower!)
Freddie In my estimation he’s up there with one of the finest ‘English’ All Rounders of all time!
“Both’!”. (The “finest”/”of all time?”=SIR Garfield Sobers!!!!!) Fred, once they’ve sorted out his injury problems, will “do the business!”. He will improve even more so now because he hasn’t got the same “monkey on his back” that ’stunted/affected’ Ian Botham’s game, back in the early 80’s! Please don’t get me wrong! To be Captain of your Country is one of the greatest honours one can bestow on a sportsman! BUT, if that Captaincy affects that player’s ability to carry out with maximum effect, his/their ability to perform at the very highest level, then, common sense dictates that ‘A.N.OTHER’ should be selected as Captain. I need say no more!
Steve Harmison I am delighted to say that Harmy is now getting back to his old self! The “disruption” that Troy Cooley’s “departure” had on Harmy at the time, (I recall him describing Troy as “like a big brother!-he was much more than “just a bowling coach”-he was “like my best mate!” [he was my "mentor!"]) Possibly, one of the finest English fast bowlers in modern Cricketing history!!!
K.P. Superb, brilliant cricketer. ‘Still “learning”. Very “underestimated” rcicketing brain!” As the song goes: “Things…….
can only get better!!!”
Matty Prior Nice enough lad. “Unfortunately!” (and I don’t begrudge him one iota of the pleasure he gleaned from batting in his very first test match-at LORDS)-he is not a natural wicketkeeper. If memory serves me correctly, when Moorsey first met Matt, he was “just a batsman”, who got handed the gloves!!! ALL TOP WICKETKEEPERS are judged by:
1-Their hands/glovework!
2-Their foot movement-(Knotty, Bob Taylor and Jack Russell, ALL, without question got their bodies [and eyes/head] behind the line of the ball, where ever possible!-diving for a catch is a “different ball game!!!-sorry guys (& girls)- ‘couldn’t resist that one!!!)
3-In Jack’s “parlance!”-when interviewed my Mark Nicholas in the “Jack Russell Masterclass!!!”(PLEASE_any aspiring wicketkeepers out there!PLEASE look at, and look at again, Jack’s “CRACKER JACK” Video!!! It is compulsive viewing!!!-if my 86 year old Dad, who is riddled with Cancer [but fortunately, in no pain!] AND, has Alzheimer’s!- can sit at 2.30am, last Saturday morning-GLUED TO THE SET! ABSOLUTELY SPELLBOUND/ MESMERISED, watching Jack in action!!! I “do not jest/bullshit!!!”-my Dad sat there, with an unlit fag, 12″ from his mouth, for over 20 minutes!!!”. So engrossed was he with “The Jack Russell Story”) For any ‘doubting Thomas’s out there, who might think that i’m on “some sort of commission???”-”think again”-I do not do things, “simply for money!” My comments are born out of my “Passion for Wicketkeeping/Cricket!!!” I merely mention this “work of art!”[sorry “J.C.R-yet again the dry, extremely quick ‘wit’ of Bob Le Ray!!!”-a “pint of lager will do quite nicely, please, young man!)
The question Mark Nicholas asked Jack= “What DRIVES you (to do what you do?)”. Jack’s, very simple, common sense response was, Quote: “My aggression!!!i.e. what goes on in my head!!!” Its not “rocket science!-we ’simply catch (cricketing) balls! Edge it/’get a ‘nick’ & you’re probably, more often than not, OUT, young man! Go “walkabout” when we’re up at the stumps, and you’re probably, more often than not,……………………………………..!!!!!
My “succinct comments” have ‘gone on’ much longer than I had intended, so, with no disrepect to the remaining England players, I will have to be brief/summarise!
Monty Superb, left arm round’…’Best in the world at the moment! His confidence is growing by the day! Must ‘retain’ his self belief! Just look at the “stunning” progress he’s made with his fielding!!! Unfair to compare him with “Deadly” (Derek Underwood) who bowled frequently, on wet, turners!
A bowler’s “dream’…
A batsmen’s “nightmare?”
A stumper/wicketkeeper’s…………..’almost!’…..
“idea of heaven!-it was SO EASY!!!”
Plunky Has a great future ahead of him.
“Thinks” about what he’s trying to do/achieve! With the right moral/mental/psychological support-will go along way!
Ryan Sidebottom ‘Great “call” by the selectors! Extremely underestimated, gifted bowler. Brings a lovely variation to the England attack with his left arm, medium fast type of bowling. Has the ability to “make things happen!-both off the pitch and in the air!!!”
Strausy Lovely bloke, who I have alot of time for! As mentioned earlier, without “the monkey on his back”-he can then concentrate in getting his game back to where it was a season or so ago!!!
If I have left anybody out, I sincerely apologise!
The numerous broken bones (30+) in my body are “complaining” so I MUST ‘close’-and go fishing!!!
To anyone from The Concise OXFORD DICTIONARY!!!….
my ‘inadequacies’ with my ‘computer literacy’, does not enable me to use “spellchecker!” For any mistakes I may have inadvertantly made! I again, “put my hand up” and “apologise”, unreservedly!!!!!
To all who read my comments/opinions-I do hope that they are pertinent and of interest!!!
At the end of the day though= “Cricket is only a game!!!” I’m sure Mr Boycott and young Dickie (Bird) might like to “debate” my comments, but I reiterate by stating that these words are merely Bob Le Ray, expressing his opinion!!!
Cricket is there to be enjoyed!!!Please, ENJOY!!!!!
Bob Le Ray aka “THE Stumper!!!”
May 26th, 2007 at 10.54 pm
Emma
Would just to say I think you are a p**t. Sidebottom has been Notts best bowler for 3 years. I know I watch them!
Get back to your sowing or better still go and see a county cricket match!
Comments
« England v West Indies, 1st Test, Lord’s, 5th day | Main | The Schofield Report recommendations »
