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You know what really gets me…
By Will 2 years ago, mid-December, Comments
…about the whole Ashley Giles selection is he has been vilified for being him. By everyone. Me included, and it’s pretty unfair. Those selected can’t help being selected. Therefore, just to reiterate, it is the selectors’ fault - not helped by Giles’s inadequacies of course, but he can only do what Ashley Giles can do…as he memorably said in 2005. Will hates people who talk in the third person. He finds it stupid and embarrassing.
If you went to a fish restaurant and ordered the chicken, you can’t expect it to be the best piece of poultry you’d ever tasted. And that’s not the chicken’s fault…it’s Fletcher’s for not choosing the cod.
Anyway, just a small point there. I’m fully aware I’ve just compared Giles to a chicken and Monty to a piece of cod. Apologies to both.
My other gripe is about Monty. He’s clearly buzzing and (unless Fletcher has a death wish) ought to play at Perth. But the pressure he is now under is approaching boiling point. He is England’s saviour apparent. 10 wickets beckon, even a knighthood. But Australia will come at him, hard, right from the off. So let’s hope he can hold his nerve, adjust his pace and loop accordingly, and see what he’s made of.
Also…Mahmood should play. In fact, go on then, what’s your XI for Perth?
CommentsAre you Ashley Giles in disguise?
By Will 2 years ago, mid-December, Comments
No, not you - Nathan Deakes. This gem from the Tonk:
CommentsOne of them participates in what might be called the most pedestrian of sporting pursuits — the other is a race walker. Ashley Giles, England bowler, has never been seen in the same room as Nathan Deakes, walk record holder and no relation to a famous Australian marathon runner sharing the same surname. After the walker’s face was splashed across newspapers during the Adelaide Test, it is believed England coaching staff hit upon their most cunning substitution racket yet, hatching a plan to switch Giles for Deakes in the third Test, reasoning no one would notice and it couldn’t be any worse.
Ashley Giles the Borat of Spain
By Will 2 years ago, at the start of December, Comments
Oh it’s cruel, it’s painfully cruel
Courtesy of The Ashes Blog who provide the following reasons Ashley Giles should continue playing for England:
Comments1. He makes James Anderson look threatening.
2. His bowling average is almost as good as Matthew Hayden’s batting average.
3. As the Personal Life Coach for Ricky Ponting, Ashley Giles felt that the Australian captain was in desperate need of a bit of encouragement, so he sacrificially dropped that catch on the boundary. But that’s just the sort of kind, generous guy that he is.
4. His Royal Highness brings a certain amount of class and dignity into the England team. Well, they need to make up for Kevin Pietersen’s presence somehow.
So please, keep Ashley playing, and make benefit glorious King of Spain.
All very 1990s
By Will 2 years ago, at the start of December, Comments
We arrived at work fully expecting a pleasantly dull late-night’s work, the blinkered bastards that we are. In a few hours, the game would be drawn and we could all go home and sleep until the next Test. But in a few hours, England jumped in their time machine and rewound to the early 1990s.
Apparently before the final day’s play, England’s bowlers didn’t even have a proper net. It was all about the batting, all about saving the game and, in that respect, they lost it spectacularly before a ball was bowled. This was England diluted. A very good team were made to look absolutely ridiculous - or rather they made themselves look like that. There seemed to be a clear plan not to score any runs in the morning session. None. Block it. Block it or get out but for God’s sake, don’t score any runs. It was classic 1990s and brought a reminiscant tear to our eyes.
England are back!
No, it’s not all that bad. One bad session does not a bad team make, as that old expression doesn’t go. But we have just lost the Ashes. Rather, Ashley Giles has lost the Ashes. We were quite cruel to him on commentary at Cricinfo - honest might be more accurate - but it was always deservedly earned. England selected him purely for his apparent multi-dimensional skills but he failed in every department. He bowled like a drain, batted like a rabbit and fielded like a pensioner.
After a blushing defeat, Duncan Fletcher still insisted he needed a No.8 who could hold an end up - “just look at what Shane Warne did with the bat” he cried, hopelessly. Nasser Hussain often says Fletcher very rarely makes a mistake, however blinkered his decisions might be. Picking Giles for this series is the worst, most short-sighted decision he will ever make and has cost England the series.
Only miracles from Monty, Harmison and Pietersen can save England now.
CommentsLive: Australia v England, 2nd Test, Adelaide, 3rd day
By Will 2 years ago, at the start of December, Comments
The third day from Adelaide. England are in a terrific position, but the pitch remains flat and they only have the one spinner. No pressure, Ashley Giles…or Steve Harmison for that matter. It’s up to those two to produce something special.
CommentsFast, and not so fast, bowlers
By Scott 2 years ago, at the end of November, Comments
There’s been more ink and bytes spilled on the Steve Harmison issue then any other English player in the last week or so then I can remember. Given that so many English hopes rested on his shoulders, that is understandable.
Jagadish crunches some numbers on Harmison. Meanwhile, his fellow fast bowlers escape scrutiny.
England’s other bowlers deserve some stick as well. Matthew Hoggard is an honest toiler, but he will struggle in Australian conditions. The lack of reverse swing has gone a long way to de-fang him. And, let me make it clear, it would have de-fanged Simon Jones as well, if he had been here. There might have been a few less half volleys, but it is wishful thinking to think that England’s attack would be much more dangerous with Jones about. At best, he might have stemmed the tide.
Since Jones is not around, England called upon two younger sorts. Jimmy Anderson got the nod at Brisbane, and he was mediocre. His bowling figures reflect that too. He was not able to bowl a consistent line or length to develop any pressure on the batsmen and Australia’s batsmen just waited for the bad balls and picked him off.
And there’s no excuse for that- his performance was barely worthy of first class cricket. Anderson needs to stop worrying about his hair product, get a copy of his Brisbane pitchmap, and get his arse in the nets and start working.
He certainly doesn’t deserve a place in the Adelaide Test but he might get it; the only other pace alternative is Sajid Mahmood. I saw Mahmood in the first game of the tour against the Prime Minister’s XI, and he was even worse then Anderson. If England seriously bring him into the XI for Adelaide, it will be Christmas come early for the Australian batsman.
Much more likely is the introduction of Monty Panesar. I’ve not seen him bowl except for highlights, but everyone that has seen him was surprised that he wasn’t included at the Gabba. From what I can tell, England’s best option is to include both spinners, and rely on Flintoff to attack with short sharp bursts, including the new ball.
Giles is not regarded as a serious wicket-taking options, but he does have the merit of keeping it tight. That is a handy virtue to have while Panesar is attacking at the other end. It is a huge ask to Panesar on Ashes debut, but England’s bowling plight is desperate, and there’s nothing else for it.
Anyway, that’s my take. Tim de Lisle has his take here. What’s your take?
CommentsMonty Panesar or Ashley Giles?
By Will 2 years ago, at the end of July, Comments
It’s time for another poll. After Monty Panesar destroyed Pakistan yesterday, is he now the English spinner in possession? Should Ashley Giles be recalled if and when fit? Place your votes, now!
Note: you need to visit the website in order to vote. Click here.
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CommentsIs Vaughan’s career finished?
By Will 2 years ago, at the end of June, Comments
The news that he could be sidelined for nine months puts yet another brake on England’s Ashes preparations. Ashley Giles, too, could face further surgery. What do you think? I have a stinking cold so will leave the rather open-ended discussion to you lot. Vote, leave comments, and generally make a nuisance of yourselves. (if you’re reading via the feed / RSS, click here to vote).
CommentsPanesar gives glimpse of full Monty
By Will 2 years ago, at the start of March, Comments
Now how about that for a headline? Monty Panesar is a tabloid sub-editor’s dream! Anyway, I’d like to agree wholeheartedly with Jag who was delighted to see an English left-armer bowl around the wicket. I know Ashley Giles gets a lot of stick, some of it undeserved, but even he cannot deny that his over-the-wicket tactics have been painfully dull to watch.
I didn’t see a lot of Panesar today. However, what immediately struck me was the similarity between Daniel Vettori. In the piece I wrote for Cricinfo on Monty, Mark Ramprakash said we [England] should be looking to find someone of Vettori’s ability. While it’s too early to suggest Panesar has the same ability - incidentally, he certainly doesn’t have the same talent with the bat which Vettori possesses - he did well today, and looks a decent prospect. It’ll be really fascinating to watch his progression.
Maybe one day he’ll be / reveal the full Monty! (sorry, again)
CommentsAshley Giles doubt for India
By Will 2 years ago, at the end of January, Comments
Looks like Ashley Giles won’t be fit for England’s tour of India. Ian Blackwell or Monty Panesar? Discuss
CommentsEngland are not quite ready yet
By Scott 3 years ago, at the start of December, Comments
David Hopps reports that with Michael Vaughan having surgery on his knee, England’s preparation for the ODI series against Pakistan are in a bit of disarray.
The Ashes series win against Australia was plotted and schemed for at least a year, perhaps longer; by contrast any modifications of approach for the five one-day matches against Pakistan will probably be scribbled down on the back of the circular pushed under all hotel doors yesterday promising “fabulous menus in the steak house from our executive chef Anjum”. Mushroom soup a speciality.
The uncertainty over Vaughan, the loss through injury of Ashley Giles, the time off for Strauss, who is expected back in Pakistan today after the birth of his son Samuel, have all added uncertainty to a one-day squad that, in any case, is showing few signs of settling.
I’ll have the soup.
CommentsGilo, the King of Spa
By Will 3 years ago, at the start of November, Comments
The main reason for this post is to force a reaction from the venerable blogger, S Jagadish. Jag’s been blogging longer than I, and has an unabashed hatred (yes - hatred!) of Ashley Giles, which always amuses me. I too have struggled in the past to sign up to the the Giles Fan Club. But in the last few years, he has “found himself,” and as Andrew Miller remarks, he has carved a niche for himself in this England side, which is an admirable effort considering all the jibes and rude messages that have been flying around…almost for his entire career.
Andrew’s remarks can be read here, and are worthy of your time if only for Jagadish to concede that this is a cricketer of immense guts, character, spirit - and skill. I think it was Scott who, in the summer, said something along the lines of “He doesn’t do much. But what he does, he does very well.” Gilo - King of Spa (© me)
CommentsReview: England v Australia, Trent Bridge
By Will 3 years ago, at the end of August, Comments
I’ve received a few (8) emails and 28 comments from people disagreeing with my statement that this is the greatest series ever, so this review is a vague attempt to quantify it…but it’s more, simply, a review of another brilliant Test. Few can deny that the game we saw was brilliant theatre and a spectacular sporting occasion.
At the start of the fourth day, England were without their trump card, Simon Jones. Remarkably, given his outstanding improvement this series, he wasn’t missed too greatly; a wonderful testament to a collective team effort, showing this England side never need rely on one bowler, or one player. In Duncan Fletcher’s terms, Matthew Hoggard “came to the party” and, praised by Andrew Flintoff, he bowled his best spell of the series. Earlier this month, I wrote a piece for Cricinfo on his importance to the England side, but I was worried it [the article] would soon lose its relevance. Thankfully, Hoggard did once again “sweep the shop floor,” picking up two vital wickets. Two, you ask? Two? Not a massive haul, granted, but they were the two most important. Michael Clarke had looked settled, and batted so well in the morning session. Hoggard got his away-swing working perfectly and, pitching it up he drew Clarke into a wishy-washy poke to grab his wicket just before lunch. It was a vital breakthrough.
Clarke and Katich had arguably set the scene for an Adam Gilchrist batting bonanza. Indeed, Gilchrist’s intent was obvious, smashing two fours in quick succession. But Hoggard returned to trap him leg-before. Suddenly, Australia’s hard work by Katich and Clarke in the morning session had been thrown away. Their lead was futile, a handful of runs; but for another aggressive and brilliant innings by Shane Warne (how well has he batted this tour??), the target Australia eventually set would have been far lower than 129.
One hundred and twenty nine runs to lead the series 2-1. I was very confident it would be a walk in the park, but my colleage at Cricinfo was having kittens. He was an absolute nervous wreck from the start. As I said, 129 wasn’t enough for Australia “barring a Shane Warne special,” and while England did reach their target, it was not without considerable alarm. Shane Warne, again, threatened to end England’s chances of winning the Ashes, with a performance to win over a thousand more fans. He is an utter legend and we’re so bloody lucky to watch him perform. The situation was just perfect for him - backs against the wall, defending a target of 129, he took Trescothick, Strauss and Vaughan’s wickets to leave England 57 for 3. It became 57 for 4 as Bell, unwisely, tried to hook Brett Lee. When Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen were dismissed, my nerves suddenly went into overdrive. “Damn you, Will, and your cocksureness!” I told myself.
Geraint Jones followed, with a really dreadful smite off Shane Warne and suddenly, incredibly, England were 116 for 7. 13 to win. Three wickets left. Ashley Giles and Matthew Hoggard at the crease. How dare you give us another national coronary, England?! Giles and Hoggard saw England home in what Richie Benaud described as one the most tense matches he had ever come across.
I suppose, arguably, England should never have let Australia in with a chance. But Warne is Warne, and if this series has showed us anything, it is the power of a chastened champion.
At Old Trafford, I wrote the tide was turning. In fact, I wrote the tide had turned. England failed to win that (”England lack the killer blow” and all). And so we’ve seen it develop in this Test match, as England really demonstrated their total lack of fear of Australia. As a supporter who has for his entire life only ever witnessed Australia’s dominance over the Urn, it is a proud, special moment. Once again, England trounced Australia for 99% of this Test; brilliant team performance, and one individual again proving his might. Andrew Flintoff, future King, Prime Minister and anything else he wishes for! Already approaching legendary status before this game, his hundred (first against Australia in his first series against them) was a thing of beauty. It almost appeared pedestrian in its pace, yet came from just 132 balls and was the key to England reaching 477 (winning the toss and batting first). His muted celebrations said much about the man. There was no wild hoorays and badge-kissing; simply a raised bat, a standing ovation, and a smile which said “Ta - but this is just the start of things.”
I’ll do a blog and paper round-up later.
CommentsRoebuck: the end is nigh
By Will 3 years ago, mid-August, Comments
I don’t find it easy reading Peter Roebuck’s articles. They are often aggressive, disrespectful and unnecessarily unfair to whoever he hates that week, but this doesn’t stop me reading them, so I must even respect him in some way. Mumblings aside, his latest musings in the SMH provided interest, with the following:
Suddenly this team [Australia] is looking its age. Sometimes, when the end comes, it is quick. Regardless of the outcome of this series - and it is worth remembering that England stand second in the rankings and are playing at home, and that Australia lost by only two runs in Birmingham and that the score is level (in other words, it has not been a debacle) - the selectors will need to take stock.
Rejuvenation is needed, the sort of vitality Hussey can bring to the top of the order, and others elsewhere. Not that Australian cricket has an abundance of emerging talent. It’s been a wonderful run. Harder days lie ahead.
Mike Hussey’s marvellous form, and plentiful skill, was one of few highlights for Australia in the one-day series earlier in the summer. Apart from his innings-salvaging batting (he was the leading run scorer for Australia), his fielding was sharp, dynamic and youthful which are three aspects clearly lacking from Ponting’s Test side at the moment. Only an ageless Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne have demonstrated keeness, focus and finely-honed skill - indeed, the latter has done more to embarass his own side with his batting. Roebuck puts this down to the quality of England’s bowling more than anything else, and so he should.
Before this series started, Australia’s reaction to this “new England” was that they had heard it all before. This arrogance, especially by their batsmen, has cost them, and their fervent fans, dearly. Even in the dying overs of today, with Michael Vaughan and Ashley Giles bowling, chances were being created, and Hayden should have been given out leg-before to M.P. Vaughan. He’s more than useful, and ought to bowl himself more often - but, come on…
Roebuck has for so long, so often lambasted England as a cricketing nation. I suppose the point of this post was the revelation that England has conquered the most ardent Australian cricket fan, and won the respect of one Peter Roebuck. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, that’s no mean feat.
CommentsPreview and thoughts of the second Test, Edgbaston
By Will 3 years ago, at the start of August, Comments
The weather for Edgbaston is set fair; dry, not hot but quite humid. The big talking point so far, and which will continue, is the pitch. Concerns have already been raised, mainly by the groundsman, Steve Rouse, which in itself is worrying. The inclement weather of recent weeks in Britain has prevented Rouse from preparing the pitch, but we’re still not sure how it’ll play, other than it will undoubtedly be slow.
As an Englishman (I’m half Welsh, and a quarter Kiwi actually. In fact, I have no English blood whatsoever, but we won’t bother going into the finer details here now) I’m very positive about this Test. Dropped catches and superb Australian bowling performances aside, England did alright in the first Test. McGrath took the plaudits for his nine wickets, justifiably, but Steve Harmison took eight in the match, and bowled with a ferocity not seen by a home bowler at Lord’s for years. No Australian looked comfortable against him - remember, he hit the top three of Australian’s lineup; Langer, on the arm, Hayden on the head and Ponting on the cheek.
So that’s one great positive - England’s spearhead is on target and firing. The other is Flintoff’s bowling, which continues to be world class. His dominance over Adam Gilchrist, which started in the one-dayers and has continued into the Tests, should not be ignored. Not that it’s panic-stations for Gilly, of course.
I’m not going to bother talking about the negatives, for they have already been documented elsewhere. Let us just hope, for Cricket’s sake, that England perform as well and better than the first Test, and keep this series alive.
Birmingham / Edgbaston weather forecast
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