| 
Posts and words
Loading ...
steven-davies
No Vaughan, but another new keeper
By Will 2 years ago, at the end of December, 2 Comments »
It wasn’t expected that Michael Vaughan would return, but there was almost a feeling of hope that the selectors would relent and call him back for the West Indies. Possibly at the expense of the constantly-underperforming Ian Bell.
It wasn’t to be. The Mumbai attacks prevented Vaughan from having any match practice with England’s performance squad and, as such, it now seems increasingly unlikely that he’ll be able to force his way back into the side for the Ashes. The pressure, then, is firmly back on Bell to actually score some ugly runs when the team most needs it. When the backs aren’t so much against the wall, as holding up the ceiling entirely. All these pretty little 40s are kidding no-one.
So, no Vaughan. But at least we have a new wicketkeeper – another one! – in Steven Davies who will be Matt Prior’s backup for the one-dayers. Tim Ambrose is Prior’s wingman for the Tests so, in all, England have three keepers available for one tour. It’s a trifle over the top.
Then again, given the state of West Indies cricket (Gayle and Chanderpaul aside), England ought not to break sweat.
2 Comments »Understudy tourists
By Ian 3 years ago, mid-August, 5 Comments »
England will soon have to pick its squad for the winter tours and the three understudy roles up for grabs are those of top-three batsman, wicketkeeper and spinner. My calls for Bob Key were largely dismissed, so I’ll move on to the ‘keeper, who will start as Matt Prior’s back-up, but may get a crack if the Sussex man drops Sangakkara on 0 and becomes Murali’s latest bunny.
It seems England now have an embarrassment of riches at keeper with several stumpers scoring regular runs this season. Foster, Ambrose, Mustard, Read, Jones, Batty have all scored well. Read and Jones have likely had their turn, but Foster may be due another one? Ambrose has been excellent too. Tricky. Mustard must be in line for ODIs, because he’s brilliant at the top of the order for Durham. It’s a shame for Steven Davies that Worcestershire have hardly played this season.
Spinners are more of a quandary. I don’t agree that Pietersen and Vaughan can fill in the gaps. We need a genuine spinner to support Monty, especially in Sri Lanka. The problem is that, as ever, there are no English spinners topping the charts, although I can’t see what Graeme Swann has done to upset the selectors. He would do alright. Adil Rashid has great potential and can bat too. As can Alex Loudon. But would any of them bowl out Sri Lanka? I’m at a loss.
Bring back Shaggy?!
5 Comments »