Another superb performance in a Test series by England as they whitewashed India 4-0 and with it became the world's best Test side.
With everybody chipping in, whether with a bucket full of wickets or a "daddy" hundred, England put on another run of excellent team performances. Taking 20 wickets over and over again and posting three scores over 500 in just 6 innings show what a fantastic all-round team they are. However some players stood out amongst the rest.
Andrew Strauss (captain) - 6
Failed to make the impact at the top of the order that he would have liked. However he did score 229 runs at an average of 38 which won't disappoint him too much, although he only passed 50 once with a top score of 87 at Edgbaston. With a long time off now for the skipper he will put in a lot of hard work before a tough 2012 fixture list for England. Rating of 6 instead of 5 due to his excellent captaincy leading England to a 4-0 whitewash.
Alastair Cook - 7
An ordinary series at best for Alastair Cook however he did fill his boots at Edgbaston as he batted longer than any other England player except for Len Hutton as he made a mammoth 294 runs setting up a massive England victory. Will be hoping to carry this kind of performance into the one day series. Scored more than his skipper in just one innings hence the extra point.
Jonathan Trott - 4
Started with a lovely 70 at Lord's however didn't trouble the scorers in his next three knocks. Picked up an injury so did not feature again in the series and his fourth innings can be discounted due to his injury. Previous form will guarantee him in the team against Pakistan in January and will push Bell back down to 5.
Ian Bell - 9
Fantastic year and series for Ian Bell. Proved he can do it against the 'best' side in the world, although India's bowling was at best of county class. Proved he is now one of England's best batsman and will look to keep his place for many years. Two huge centuries, the second of which was a double and while batting at his preferred number 3 position, although he had never scored a century in that position before - has now proved many wrong that he can bat up the order when England need runs. Misses out on a perfect 10 due to his mistake in the run-out controversy at Trent Bridge.
Kevin Pieterson - 9
A fantastic series along with Ian Bell. After a couple of ordinary years for England Kevin Pieterson he has finally rediscovered his form which made him one of Test crickets most feared batsman. A hard-grafted 100 at Lord's before racing through the gears to make 202 not out and showing why he is so important to England when they need to score quickly - the first 100 showed how he can bat for the team and not for his ego. Two 60's and a thoroughly entertaining 175 at The Oval put Pieterson on par with Ian Bell.
Eoin Morgan - 5/6
A useful 70 to put England in control at Trent Bridge. Excellent against spin bowling however question marks are still there when he faces quality seam bowling. Still has a few critics and a lot of people still to convince he is of Test quality in 2012. Hasn't cemented his place at number 6 yet - especially if England decide to have a 5 man attack with 2 spinners next year on the sub-continent. Matt Prior has enough quality to bat at 6.
Ravi Borpara - 4
Came in for the injured Jonathan Trott however had to bat at number 6. With so much class above him he did not have much chance to prove he can play at Test level - he is quickly running out of chances. All eyes were on him at Edgbaston he failed with just 7. Did however make an untroubled 44 at The Oval. Wasn't given a chance to show he can fulfil Paul Collingwood's role with the ball.
Matt Prior - 8
271 runs at 68 only tell part of the story for the worlds best wicket-keeper batsman. Steered England out of trouble at Lord's with a well timed 100. His keeping was worlds above his opposite number however let himself down when he didn't appeal for a stumping against Sachin Tendulkar and dropped the same man on 85.
Tim Bresnan - 9
Showed what a fantastic all-rounder he now is. Smashed 90 and took 5-48 to help England smash India on day 4 at Trent Bridge. Followed this up with another 50 and 9 wickets in the last 2 Tests. Also has a Test record of played 10 won 10. This series should have guaranteed his place in the England team next year.
Stauart Broad - 10
England's man of the series. Few would have expected this considering he couldn't buy a wicket against Sri-Lanka earlier in the summer. Showed he is Andrew Strauss's strike bowler and not the short pitched enforcer that he was becoming. Started with a duck and a wide, however pitched the ball up with pace and swing which meant he finished the series as the leading wicket taker - 25 wickets at an average of 13 and scored 182 runs at 60.
Graeme Swann - 6
Did very little on unfriendly spin pitches in the first three Tests. This was not a problem for England as their three man seam attack was finding taking 20 Indian wickets extremely easy. Showed why he is the worlds best spin bowler at the moment with a match winning performance when England needed it most on day 5 at The Oval which gives him a generous 6.
James Anderson - 8
21 wickets at just under an average of 26, however was over-shadowed by Broad and Bresnan. Took a five-wicket haul at Lords and showed that he is still England's most reliable and consistent bowler.
Chris Tremlett - 4
Just one Test before injury forced him to sit on the sidelines for the remainder of the series. Height and bounce always gives him an advantage, however the performance of Broad and Bresnan will make breaking back into the team for next year very difficult.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Monday 22 August 2011
England complete series whitewash against India at The Oval
Test crickets best spinner, Graeme Swann, bowled Test crickets best side, England, to another superb victory over India to complete a 4-0 series whitewash, as Sachin Tendulkar fell agonisingly short of a landmark 100th international century.
A big partnership of 144 between Tendulkar and Amit Mishra looked to be guiding India towards a draw as they frustrated the England bowling unit at The Oval.
But then Graeme Swann stepped forward (6-106). Mishra was bowled and Tendulkar, who had several lives in his innings, was given out to a marginal lbw decision in the following over.
The loss of two quick wickets saw the wheels fall off India's innings as their lower order rolled over in quick succession as England secured another emphatic victory by an innings and eight runs - their seventh victory by an innings in their last 13 Tests.
With the break in the Mishra-Tendulkar partnership England took no time in ripping into the Indian lower order. They claimed the last 7 wickets for 21 runs in 94 balls, with Swann finally making his mark on the series in an excellent spell of 4 wickets for 7 runs.
Falling 9 run's short of his 100th century, Sachin Tendulkar offered some resistance to England's bowling attack with a fluent knock, however he did offer England several chances.
First, Alastair Cook failed to hold onto a sharp bat-pad chance off Swann, then Matt Prior dropped a tricky caught-behind chance off the spinner, who also had a close lbw appeal turned down.
With an expectant Oval crowd behind him hoping to witness this historic landmark Tendulkar fell 9 runs short in the following over. He played across a Bresnan delivery and was given out by umpire Rod Tucker, with replays suggesting the ball would have gone on to clip the top of leg stump.
With the "Little Master" back in the pavillion, not before another standing ovation from a packed Oval, India immediately lost all their momentum and their desire to fight fell away.
Syresh Raina was trapped lbw by Swann before MS Dhoni and RP Singh were both caught off edges in the same over from Stuart Broad.
Guatam Gambhir gave a simple catch to to Morgan at backward point and last man Sreesanth was clean bowled after missing a leg-side slash off Swann.
After the match, England were presented with the ICC Test Mace to mark their status as the world's number one side.
Saturday 20 August 2011
England turn screw against India
England gained an even tighter grip on the fourth Test against India by building a massive first innings total and ripping though the Indian top order.
Before rain stopped play at the lunch interval, Ian Bell took his score to a personal best in Test cricket of 235 as England batted forcibly to extend their first innings total to 591-6.
The rain delay meant that 35 overs would be lost from the day which left Andrew Strauss having to declare with a lower total than he would have liked. However the decision was proved correct as the England bowlers removed Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman in the first 4 overs.
It was then time for Graeme Swann to finally make an impact on the Test series. He removed Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina and nightwatchman Ishant Sharma as India collapsed again, not for the first time in this series, to 103-5. Rahul Dravid managed to keep the scoreboard ticking despite wickets tumbling around him as he finished the day 57 not out.
Saturday's play summed up the series, with England finding scoring easier than ever, and then backing up this display with an inspiring display of seam and pace bowling.
England will be hoping to win the fourth Test and the series on day 4 by taking the 5 first innings wickets needed, making India follow on and then looking to rip through them again.
Before rain stopped play at the lunch interval, Ian Bell took his score to a personal best in Test cricket of 235 as England batted forcibly to extend their first innings total to 591-6.
The rain delay meant that 35 overs would be lost from the day which left Andrew Strauss having to declare with a lower total than he would have liked. However the decision was proved correct as the England bowlers removed Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman in the first 4 overs.
It was then time for Graeme Swann to finally make an impact on the Test series. He removed Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina and nightwatchman Ishant Sharma as India collapsed again, not for the first time in this series, to 103-5. Rahul Dravid managed to keep the scoreboard ticking despite wickets tumbling around him as he finished the day 57 not out.
Saturday's play summed up the series, with England finding scoring easier than ever, and then backing up this display with an inspiring display of seam and pace bowling.
England will be hoping to win the fourth Test and the series on day 4 by taking the 5 first innings wickets needed, making India follow on and then looking to rip through them again.
Friday 19 August 2011
Bell and Pieterson put on record partnership
Ian Bell and Kevin Pieterson helped themselves to runs as they made England's highest partnership against India as they took complete control of the fourth Test at The Oval.
England were on the back foot when the duo came together despite starting the day 75-0. Alastair Cook was caught behind after just the fifth ball and Andrew Strauss added just 1 run in the first 50 minutes, then lost his wicket just 1 run later.
Bell and Pieterson came in and steadied the ship for England. In near perfect batting conditions they sapped all life out of India with huge hundreds in a spectacular partnership of 350 on the second day.
Pieterson made 175 and Bell finished not-out on 181 - his fourth Test century of the summer - as England finished the day on a dominant 457-3.
Both players went past 150 in the days final hour as they passed Graham Gooch and Allan Lamb's partnership of 308 set against India at Lord's in 1990, and posted England's seventh highest partnership against any team.
The partnership hurt India more than any other in the series as they had dominated the opening session with a vastly improved bowling and fielding effort.
They took the first wicket of the day with just the 5th ball and stopped England scoring a run until the last ball of the 4th over. When Strauss fell having added only 2 runs to his overnight total of 38 in 32 balls, India would have been looking to run through England's middle order.
With India looking to tighten their grip on England for the first time since the start of the second Test, Bell and Pieterson started cautiously. They batted through till lunch with just one scare as Pieterson's glance of his hips fell just short of Suresh Raina at leg slip.
After the interval England stretched their wings and batted flawlessly as they regained control of the Test and put India's bowlers to the sword.
The duo marked their intentions early after the break as they notched up 59 runs off just 60 balls. Pieterson than forcefully dispatched two Amit Mishra full tosses for four and Bell brought up his fifty with four boundaries in five balls.
With England back in dominant control that they have had all through the series there was never any doubt that both men would make three figures.
Surprisingly Bell got there first with Pieterson joining him with the first ball after tea as he pulled the ball to the fence for four.
Pieterson tried the same shot the very next ball, however he top-edged but was dropped by Gautam Gambhir as he ran back from mid-on banging his head in the process.
This did not stop the England rampage as Pieterson stroked ball after ball to the boundary when he was finally outshone by Bell who smashed two consecutive sixes down the ground off the poor bowling of Mishra.
Finally India got their third and final wicket of the day as Pieterson was out the next ball after hitting his 27th four as he was caught and bowled.
Jimmy Anderson came in as night-watchman, and with Morgan, Bopara, Prior and Bresnan still to bat England will look to pass 700 and will be confident of taking 20 Indian wickets ensuring that once again they will not have to bat twice and with it wrapping up a 4-0 series whitewash.
England were on the back foot when the duo came together despite starting the day 75-0. Alastair Cook was caught behind after just the fifth ball and Andrew Strauss added just 1 run in the first 50 minutes, then lost his wicket just 1 run later.
Bell and Pieterson came in and steadied the ship for England. In near perfect batting conditions they sapped all life out of India with huge hundreds in a spectacular partnership of 350 on the second day.
Pieterson made 175 and Bell finished not-out on 181 - his fourth Test century of the summer - as England finished the day on a dominant 457-3.
Both players went past 150 in the days final hour as they passed Graham Gooch and Allan Lamb's partnership of 308 set against India at Lord's in 1990, and posted England's seventh highest partnership against any team.
The partnership hurt India more than any other in the series as they had dominated the opening session with a vastly improved bowling and fielding effort.
They took the first wicket of the day with just the 5th ball and stopped England scoring a run until the last ball of the 4th over. When Strauss fell having added only 2 runs to his overnight total of 38 in 32 balls, India would have been looking to run through England's middle order.
With India looking to tighten their grip on England for the first time since the start of the second Test, Bell and Pieterson started cautiously. They batted through till lunch with just one scare as Pieterson's glance of his hips fell just short of Suresh Raina at leg slip.
After the interval England stretched their wings and batted flawlessly as they regained control of the Test and put India's bowlers to the sword.
The duo marked their intentions early after the break as they notched up 59 runs off just 60 balls. Pieterson than forcefully dispatched two Amit Mishra full tosses for four and Bell brought up his fifty with four boundaries in five balls.
With England back in dominant control that they have had all through the series there was never any doubt that both men would make three figures.
Surprisingly Bell got there first with Pieterson joining him with the first ball after tea as he pulled the ball to the fence for four.
Pieterson tried the same shot the very next ball, however he top-edged but was dropped by Gautam Gambhir as he ran back from mid-on banging his head in the process.
This did not stop the England rampage as Pieterson stroked ball after ball to the boundary when he was finally outshone by Bell who smashed two consecutive sixes down the ground off the poor bowling of Mishra.
Finally India got their third and final wicket of the day as Pieterson was out the next ball after hitting his 27th four as he was caught and bowled.
Jimmy Anderson came in as night-watchman, and with Morgan, Bopara, Prior and Bresnan still to bat England will look to pass 700 and will be confident of taking 20 Indian wickets ensuring that once again they will not have to bat twice and with it wrapping up a 4-0 series whitewash.
Thursday 18 August 2011
Rain halts England progress at 75-0.
England started strongly as they took full advantage of some lacklustre India bowling to make 75-0 without any difficulty on a rain affected opening day of the fourth Test at The Oval.
Less than a week after losing the series and surrendering their number one Test ranking with defeat at Edgbaston, India's cricket was once again of a poor standard and lacked any meaningful direction or purpose.
Andrew Strauss won the toss at an overcast Oval and choosing to bat, made 38 and Alastair Cook 34 in the morning session before heavy rain stopped proceedings after lunch.
England were boosted with the recovery of James Anderson (thigh injury) who was passed fit this morning ensuring that England could name an unchanged team. India were forced to make a change as Praveen Kimar, their leading wicket-taker, was forced to miss out after injuring his right ankle during the final day at Birmingham. RP Singh was drafted into the squad as replacement despite not playing a Test for three years and no first-class cricket since January.
Ishant Sharma was the pick of the bowlers as he unsettled Strauss with a bouncer that took a chunk out of his protective helmet.
However he received no helpful support from the other end as all of India's bowlers were ineffective. Sreesanth more so than any having conceded 26 runs from just 6 overs.
At 75-0 England will be hoping for better weather tomorrow as they hope to rack up another massive first-innings as they look to complete their first series whitewash of India since 1974.
Less than a week after losing the series and surrendering their number one Test ranking with defeat at Edgbaston, India's cricket was once again of a poor standard and lacked any meaningful direction or purpose.
Andrew Strauss won the toss at an overcast Oval and choosing to bat, made 38 and Alastair Cook 34 in the morning session before heavy rain stopped proceedings after lunch.
England were boosted with the recovery of James Anderson (thigh injury) who was passed fit this morning ensuring that England could name an unchanged team. India were forced to make a change as Praveen Kimar, their leading wicket-taker, was forced to miss out after injuring his right ankle during the final day at Birmingham. RP Singh was drafted into the squad as replacement despite not playing a Test for three years and no first-class cricket since January.
Ishant Sharma was the pick of the bowlers as he unsettled Strauss with a bouncer that took a chunk out of his protective helmet.
However he received no helpful support from the other end as all of India's bowlers were ineffective. Sreesanth more so than any having conceded 26 runs from just 6 overs.
At 75-0 England will be hoping for better weather tomorrow as they hope to rack up another massive first-innings as they look to complete their first series whitewash of India since 1974.
Wednesday 17 August 2011
Cesc Fabregas and Barcelona, what next?
After four years and a saga that has gone round in circles time and time again Cesc Fabregas has finally returned to Spain and his boyhood club Barcelona.
Barcelona, current La Liga champions and champions of Europe, players such as Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, where does Fabregas fit in?
With world class players at their disposal it seems almost impossible that Cesc will immediately walk into arguably the best side the world has ever seen. With a quartet of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets or Lionel Messi, I'm not convinced he will get more than 10 starts this season.
Injury to one of these players seems the only way he will get into the starting 11 or if Pep Guardiola decides to rotate his squad to give players a rest, although this did not happen last year and there is nothing to suggest that this policy will change this year.
The likely outcome will be that Fabregas will have to settle for being an impact player. Coming off the bench on the rare occasions that Barcelona are lacking inspiration or need that extra piece of magic. It is a role that he pulled off to very good effect in Spain's World Cup campaign 12 months ago. However he played just 126 minutes in the whole tournament.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Milan all showed interest in the unsettled play-maker with any of the four surely a better move as he would walk straight into all of their starting elevens.
However, whether or not Fabregas plays for Barcelona at all over the coming season, Barcelona can take the knowledge of knowing they have already got one over on their rivals Real Madrid in securing his signature - even if he just fulfils the role of bench warmer.
Barcelona, current La Liga champions and champions of Europe, players such as Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, where does Fabregas fit in?
With world class players at their disposal it seems almost impossible that Cesc will immediately walk into arguably the best side the world has ever seen. With a quartet of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets or Lionel Messi, I'm not convinced he will get more than 10 starts this season.
Injury to one of these players seems the only way he will get into the starting 11 or if Pep Guardiola decides to rotate his squad to give players a rest, although this did not happen last year and there is nothing to suggest that this policy will change this year.
The likely outcome will be that Fabregas will have to settle for being an impact player. Coming off the bench on the rare occasions that Barcelona are lacking inspiration or need that extra piece of magic. It is a role that he pulled off to very good effect in Spain's World Cup campaign 12 months ago. However he played just 126 minutes in the whole tournament.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Milan all showed interest in the unsettled play-maker with any of the four surely a better move as he would walk straight into all of their starting elevens.
However, whether or not Fabregas plays for Barcelona at all over the coming season, Barcelona can take the knowledge of knowing they have already got one over on their rivals Real Madrid in securing his signature - even if he just fulfils the role of bench warmer.
Monday 15 August 2011
How England became the worlds number 1 Test side.
Beating India 3-0 in front of the Barmy Army at a packed Edgbaston ensured that they would win the series against India by at least 2 Tests and with it replacing them as the number 1 side in the world.
The question is, how in just 2 and a half years have they moved from the 6th best side to world number 1?
2009 West Indies v England.
England started their second innings 74 runs behind the WI's and were dismissed for there 3rd lowest ever Test score of just 51 all out. Andrew Strauss admitted that as a unit England were not good enough. Losing by an innings to the West Indies was an outcome no-one ever expected.
Strauss's captaincy was called into question in the Tests at Antigua and Trinidad as on both occasions declarations by England were left far to late with England in strong positions. However a negative mind set and a lack of brave captaincy from Strauss led to England running out of time to force victory.
Results:
1st TEST - JAMAICA - WI WON BY INNS & 23 RUNS
2nd TEST - ANTIGUA - MATCH DRAWN
3rd TEST - ANTIGUA - MATCH DRAWN
4th TEST - BARBADOS - MATCH DRAWN
5th TEST - TRINIDAD - MATCH DRAWN
WEST INDIES WON SERIES 1-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 6th
England's Rise To The Top
After the defeat to the West Indies Andy Flower was confirmed as the England coach by the ECB and from here is where England started their charge to become the number 1 Test side in just 2 and a half years.
2009 - England v West Indies
Almost straight after the tour of the West Indies, the same series was re-played. However this time it was in England and just 2 Test matches were contested. With Strauss (captain) and Flower (coach) now very much in control England comfortably won the series 2-0 and moved up to 5th in the Test rankings. 8 players in the England squad for this series also feature in this years current series against India and show that the key to England's dominance was the solid backbone of the squad that had been formed.
1st TEST - LORDS - ENGLAND WON BY 10 WICKETS
2nd TEST - CHESTER-LE-STREET - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 83 RUNS
ENGLAND WON SERIES 2-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 5th
After this series was England's first real test. The previous Ashes series in Australia saw England thumped 5-0 under the captaincy of Andrew Flintoff, many saw this as the death and ultimate humiliation of English cricket.
2009 ASHES ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA
The series saw the first ever Test match played in Wales, at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff and will forever be remembered as Monty's last stand. England drew the match thanks to a last wicket stand by James Anderson and Month Panesar who had to survive 69 deliveries between them. Where many England teams would have collapsed without a fight, this England team were made of sterner stuff.
They won the second Test at Lords while the rain-affected third Test at Edgbaston was drawn. The fourth Test at Headingley saw England suffer one of their worst results for many years as they were heavily defeated by an innings. The series was decided at the Oval where England had to win to regain the Ashes. Thanks to arguably Stuart Broad's most inspired innings of bowling and a debut century for Jonathan Trott England won by 177 runs.
The impact of Stuart Broad in the 5th Test was incredible. After being chosen as the man to replace Matthew Hoggard who was controversially dropped by the England selectors it took the young man a while to find his feet. But at the exact time England needed someone to steam in and inspire - just like Andrew Flintoff of time gone by - Broad stepped up to the mark. He finished with his 3rd Test 5 wicket haul and figures of 5-37 off 12 overs.
1ST TEST - CARDIFF - MATCH DRAWN
2nd TEST - LORDS - ENGLAND WON 115 RUNS
3rd TEST - EDGBASTON - MATCH DRAWN
4th TEST - HEADINGLEY - AUSTRALIA WON BY AN INNS AND 80 RUNS
5th TEST - OVAL - ENGLAND WON BY 177 RUNS
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 2-0 AND REGAINED THE ASHES. ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 5th
2009/2010 SOUTH AFRICA v ENGLAND
England's winter schedule saw them travel to South Africa to battle out a 4 match Test Series.
The first test in Centurion finished in a dramatic draw. With 1 over left of England's second innings all South Africa had to do was get the final wicket of number 11 Graeme Onions, however they failed and England managed to avoid the worse outcome of losing the first Test.
The second Test saw England start to turn the screw on the South African's and showed aiming for the number 1 spot was not just a dream as they won by an innings and 98 runs. England made a big 574-9 thanks to hundreds from both Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell. Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann took 9-97 between them to bowl the South Africans out for 133 and give England an innings and 98 run win. The third Test finished in another draw.
With the possibility of a series victory against one of the worlds strongest sides just 5 days away England went into the final test needing just a draw. However they self-destructed. England were bowled out for 180 thanks to a five wicket haul from Dale Steyn for just 51 runs. South Africa made 423 for 7 and demolished England again for just 169 to set-up an innings and 74 run win, levelling the series at 1-1.
1st TEST - CENTURION - MATCH DRAWN
2nd TEST - DURBAN - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 98 RUNS
3rd TEST - CAPE TOWN - MATCH DRAWN
4th TEST - JOHANNESBURG - SOUTH AFRICA WON BY AN INNS & 74 RUNS
SERIES DRAWN 1-1, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 5th
2010 - BANGLADESH V ENGLAND
A controversial tour as Andrew Strauss decided not to tour and the captaincy was given to Alastair Cook.
As it was England went on to comfortably win the 2 Test series 2-0.
2010 - ENGLAND V BANGLADESH
Before the English summer got into full flow England had another 2 Test series against Bangladesh which many saw as just a warm-up. Just like on their travels England eased to another 2-0 victory.
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 2-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 4th
2010 - ENGLAND V PAKISTAN
A four match series again Pakistan was seen by many as the biggest challenge England had faced since the Ashes. The challenge was not evident in the first Test at Trent Bridge as England ran out comfortably victors with a winning margin on 354. Pakistan were dismissed for 182 in their first innings with Jimmy Anderson taking 5-54. Their fight was no more evident in the second innings as England ran through them for just 80 runs - their lowest total against England ever. Anderson finishing with figures of 11-71 in the match.
The second Test was won just as comfortably as Pakistan failed with the bat for the third innings in a row. 72 and 296 all out was easily chased down by England who made 251 and 118-1 to wrap up a 9 wicket victory.
The Oval Test, the third in the series finally brought Pakistan to life. England made just 233 in their first innings thanks mainly to Matt Prior (84 not out) and Stuart Broad (48). Pakistan made 308 with Swann taking 4-68 and his 10th wicket of the series. England's second innings was 11 runs worse than their first as Alastair Cook 110 was the only batsman to offer resistance. Pakistan needed just 41.4 overs to get the required 148 runs to capture a 4 wicket win.
The third Test was just a blip in form as England hit back at Lord's to capture an Innings and 225 run win to secure the series 2-1. England only needed to bat once as they made 446 all out, and steam rolled Pakistan for 74 and 147 all out. Jonathan Trott was the pick of the batsman with 184 and Swann with the ball claiming match figures of 9 for 74 from 21.5 overs.
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 3-1, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 4th.
2010/2011 ASHES - AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND
England went into the winter of 2011 full of confidence after their recent Test record. However with it brought the Ashes battle down under. Despite the know-how of how to beat the Australians having won the last 2 Ashes series in England they still had the memory of being embarrassed 5-0 when they last toured Australia.
This time was very different.
The first Test in Brisbane could not have started worse for England as they lost Andrew Strauss after just the 3rd ball for 0. They did however show some grit and determination as they battled their way to 260. Australia batted comfortably to make 481 with both Swann and Finn conceding over 100 runs each. Then the match turned dramatically as England and Alastair Cook broke numerous records as they posted a mammoth 517-1. Andrew Strauss 100. Alastair Cook 235 not out and Jonathan Trott 135 not out. The latter two putting on a partnership of 329. Australia again were comfortable as they made 107-1 on a Brisbane pitch that had turned flat and was a true batting paradise.
The second Test was completely different as England dominated from start to finish. Australia made 245 all out which included a golden duck for Ricky Ponting as Anderson took 4 wickets. England batted again and batted superbly as they made 620-5 again showing that they only look to bat once in a Test match, Cook this time making 148. But it was Pieterson who stole the show with 227. Bollinger, Siddle and Doherty all going for well over 100 runs apiece. Despite showing some resilience second time round, Graeme Swann took 5 wickets as Australia were bowled out for 304 setting up an innings victory.
A change of momentum occurred in the third Test as England were brought back down to Earth with a bump. Australia made 268 and 309, whereas England managed just 187 and 123, many people started to think England were going to crumble like they had for the previous 24 years in Australia.
However the public and pundits could not have been more wrong. The Boxing day Test, the Melbourne Test, the Australian Test - however this year things were very different. Day 1 and the England pace attack destroyed the Australian batting line-up as they were dismissed for 98. Trott's 168 not out helped England to a total of 513 despite Peter Siddle picking up 6-75. Australia made 258 in their second innings however it did not stop England cruising to an innings and 157 run victory. Melbourne had finally been conquered.
The turn of the year brought with it the 5th and final Test of the series in Sydney with England needing to avoid defeat to win the Ashes back and for the first time in Australia for 24 years. With many use to England falling to defeat when they are so close to victory nobody gave them much hope. This England team had other ideas. Bowling first England restricted Australia to a modest 280 with the pace bowlers doing the damage again. 189 from Alastair Cook got England off to a solid start and 115 and 118 from Bell and Prior respectively got England to a massive 644 all out. England once again restricted Australia to just 281 to not only win the Test but also the Series and with it retained the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 24 years.
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 3-1 AND RETAINED THE ASHES, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 3rd.
THE FINAL ACT
2011 - ENGLAND V SRI-LANKA
A three Test series against Sri-Lanka was all that was left for England before they finally took on the number 1 Test side in the World, India. Despite dismal weather through the series England did manage to force a result.
The first Test, despite being heavily affected by rain ended with the most unlikeliest of victories for England by an innings and 14 runs. Sri-Lanka managed 400 all out with England making 496-5 in reply, a lead of 95 runs. However the rain then continued to fall. However at 2.02pm on the fifth and final day the umpires decided conditions had improved and the Test would be played to a finish with a draw the only apparent result. Then Sri-Lanka collapsed. Swann and Tremlett took 4 wickets each in just 17 overs as Sri-Lanka were blown away for just 82, therefore gifting England one of the most dramatic victories ever.
The second and third Tests at Lords and the Rose Bowl were both heavily affected by wet weather and ultimately both finished in draws giving England another series victory.
1st TEST - CARDIFF - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 114 RUNS
2nd TEST - LORD'S - MATCH DRAWN
3rd TEST - ROSE BOWL - MATCH DRAWN
ENGLAND WON SERIES 1-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 3rd
2011 - ENGLAND V INDIA
Finally the India series was upon England. The biggest series of all that would give England the chance to dismantle India as the worlds number 1 Test side and replace them themselves. However to do so they would need to win by 2 clear Tests.
The series could not have started better for England. Kevin Pieterson made 202 not out as England helped themselves to runs and made 474-8 declared. India's world-class but ageing batting line-up failed to pose England many problems at the first time of asking as they were swept aside for 286. England made a fluent 269-6 before again declaring and bowled India out for 260 with Anderson 5-65 leading England to victory and putting them 1-0 up in the series.
To Trent Bridge and England's winning margin was even greater. Despite trailing by 67 runs going into their second innings England did not panic and a majestic 159 from Ian Bell and 90 from Tim Bresnan helped England to 544 all-out second time around. Bresnan followed up his batting heroics by taking 5-48 in just 12 overs as England restricted India to just 158 giving them a 319 run victory and putting them 2-0 in the fur Test series.
The third Test at Edgbaston and this time the winning margin for England was by an innings and 242 runs. India once again failed to post a total over 300 as England's seamer's tour through them in just 62.2 overs making just 224. Alastair Cook finally found some form as he fell just 6 short of 300 runs as he fell for 294. Eoin Morgan made 104 as England racked up 710-7 declared. Any hope of India saving the Test match and forcing a draw was distinguished almost immediately as Sehwag on his Test return went for another golden duck leaving him with a king pair. It took just 55.3 overs for England to dismiss the Indian's for 244 securing an innings and 242 victory and with that becoming the world number 1 Test side.
The series finale at The Oval followed the same familiar pattern as the three previous Tests. England once again showed their superiority in batting, bowling and fielding. Ian Bell hit 235 whilst batting at number three in place of the injured Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pieterson made 175 as England posted another imposing total of 591-6 declared. India finally showed some resistance with the bat as they finally scored 300 for the first time, much owing to an unbeaten 146 by Dravid. It was not however enough to stop the follow-on being enforced. Graeme Swann finally produced some top-class spin bowling with figures of 6-106 setting up an innings and 8 runs victory.
1st TEST - LORD'S - ENGLAND WON BY 196 RUNS
2nd TEST - TRENT BRIDGE - ENGLAND WON BY 319 RUNS
3rd TEST - EDGBASTON - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 242 RUNS
4th TEST - THE OVAL - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 8 RUNS
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 4-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 1st
What does the future holds for England?
England's next Test series is not until January 2012 when they will be playing Pakistan. The series will consist of 3 Tests. However it will not be contested in Pakistan, the venue will be the United Arab Emirates. This series will see the return of Andrew Strauss as captain as he no longer plays limited over cricket which takes up England's schedule between now and the turn of the year. No disrespect to Pakistan cricket but England will see this as a warm-up series for bigger challenges that are to come later in the year. However this will not show in their cricket or squad selection as they will endeavour to keep winning Test series and show they can stay as the world's number 1 Test side.
Sri-Lanka is the next and final stop on England's winter tour where they will be contesting 2 Tests. Despite comfortably beating SL in England this year the wickets on the sub-continent will be much more suited to Sri-Lanka. Graeme Swann will have to be on top form with the ball if England are realistically going to take 20 wickets in a Test on what are certain to be batting and spin friendly wickets.
England's 2012 summer will start against the West Indies who are in England to play 3 a three Test series. Back at home the England pace attack will welcome the hard and bouncy wickets and will be confident of taking 20 wickets without too many problems. Superb batting conditions and a relatively weak WI's bowling attack should set-up a comfortable victory and no doubt Strauss and Flower will be aiming for a 3-0 whitewash.
England's biggest Test to keep hold of their number 1 ranking will be in July when South Africa come over for a three Test series. SA are currently 2nd in the rankings and many believe are the only team in Test cricket at the moment that can pose any serious threat to England's winning ways. A strong batting, bowling and fielding side they should match England toe-to-toe through the whole series. A win for England, which would be their best arguably since the 2005 ashes against Australia, will be what Strauss and his men are aiming for, but they will need the whole team to make an input and some luck along the way.
The year finishes with 4 Tests against India although this time England are touring. The wickets will be favourable to the Indian batsman and bowlers. Spinning wickets and lack of bounce will mean that England's tall pace attack will struggle. The batsman who like to attack will have to be more cautious and England will have to be accept that all 5 days will be needed to win a Test match. On the plus side for England the Indian squad will be another year older and ultimately may not pose any more threat then they did in England this year where they were whitewashed 4-0.
Will England still be the number 1 Test side by the end of 2012?
Apart from the challenge of South Africa I believe England will still be the number 1 side. Australia are still rebuilding their squad, India showed that their Test cricket is in awful shape at the moment and a year is not long enough to sort out all the problems. South Africa have a quality squad and are deservedly the 2nd best side in the world. However England do have some breathing space and it would have to be a disastrous 2012 for them to be knocked off the top of the Test rankings.
The question is, how in just 2 and a half years have they moved from the 6th best side to world number 1?
2009 West Indies v England.
England started their second innings 74 runs behind the WI's and were dismissed for there 3rd lowest ever Test score of just 51 all out. Andrew Strauss admitted that as a unit England were not good enough. Losing by an innings to the West Indies was an outcome no-one ever expected.
Strauss's captaincy was called into question in the Tests at Antigua and Trinidad as on both occasions declarations by England were left far to late with England in strong positions. However a negative mind set and a lack of brave captaincy from Strauss led to England running out of time to force victory.
Results:
1st TEST - JAMAICA - WI WON BY INNS & 23 RUNS
2nd TEST - ANTIGUA - MATCH DRAWN
3rd TEST - ANTIGUA - MATCH DRAWN
4th TEST - BARBADOS - MATCH DRAWN
5th TEST - TRINIDAD - MATCH DRAWN
WEST INDIES WON SERIES 1-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 6th
England's Rise To The Top
After the defeat to the West Indies Andy Flower was confirmed as the England coach by the ECB and from here is where England started their charge to become the number 1 Test side in just 2 and a half years.
2009 - England v West Indies
Almost straight after the tour of the West Indies, the same series was re-played. However this time it was in England and just 2 Test matches were contested. With Strauss (captain) and Flower (coach) now very much in control England comfortably won the series 2-0 and moved up to 5th in the Test rankings. 8 players in the England squad for this series also feature in this years current series against India and show that the key to England's dominance was the solid backbone of the squad that had been formed.
1st TEST - LORDS - ENGLAND WON BY 10 WICKETS
2nd TEST - CHESTER-LE-STREET - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 83 RUNS
ENGLAND WON SERIES 2-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 5th
After this series was England's first real test. The previous Ashes series in Australia saw England thumped 5-0 under the captaincy of Andrew Flintoff, many saw this as the death and ultimate humiliation of English cricket.
2009 ASHES ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA
The series saw the first ever Test match played in Wales, at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff and will forever be remembered as Monty's last stand. England drew the match thanks to a last wicket stand by James Anderson and Month Panesar who had to survive 69 deliveries between them. Where many England teams would have collapsed without a fight, this England team were made of sterner stuff.
They won the second Test at Lords while the rain-affected third Test at Edgbaston was drawn. The fourth Test at Headingley saw England suffer one of their worst results for many years as they were heavily defeated by an innings. The series was decided at the Oval where England had to win to regain the Ashes. Thanks to arguably Stuart Broad's most inspired innings of bowling and a debut century for Jonathan Trott England won by 177 runs.
The impact of Stuart Broad in the 5th Test was incredible. After being chosen as the man to replace Matthew Hoggard who was controversially dropped by the England selectors it took the young man a while to find his feet. But at the exact time England needed someone to steam in and inspire - just like Andrew Flintoff of time gone by - Broad stepped up to the mark. He finished with his 3rd Test 5 wicket haul and figures of 5-37 off 12 overs.
1ST TEST - CARDIFF - MATCH DRAWN
2nd TEST - LORDS - ENGLAND WON 115 RUNS
3rd TEST - EDGBASTON - MATCH DRAWN
4th TEST - HEADINGLEY - AUSTRALIA WON BY AN INNS AND 80 RUNS
5th TEST - OVAL - ENGLAND WON BY 177 RUNS
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 2-0 AND REGAINED THE ASHES. ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 5th
2009/2010 SOUTH AFRICA v ENGLAND
England's winter schedule saw them travel to South Africa to battle out a 4 match Test Series.
The first test in Centurion finished in a dramatic draw. With 1 over left of England's second innings all South Africa had to do was get the final wicket of number 11 Graeme Onions, however they failed and England managed to avoid the worse outcome of losing the first Test.
The second Test saw England start to turn the screw on the South African's and showed aiming for the number 1 spot was not just a dream as they won by an innings and 98 runs. England made a big 574-9 thanks to hundreds from both Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell. Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann took 9-97 between them to bowl the South Africans out for 133 and give England an innings and 98 run win. The third Test finished in another draw.
With the possibility of a series victory against one of the worlds strongest sides just 5 days away England went into the final test needing just a draw. However they self-destructed. England were bowled out for 180 thanks to a five wicket haul from Dale Steyn for just 51 runs. South Africa made 423 for 7 and demolished England again for just 169 to set-up an innings and 74 run win, levelling the series at 1-1.
1st TEST - CENTURION - MATCH DRAWN
2nd TEST - DURBAN - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 98 RUNS
3rd TEST - CAPE TOWN - MATCH DRAWN
4th TEST - JOHANNESBURG - SOUTH AFRICA WON BY AN INNS & 74 RUNS
SERIES DRAWN 1-1, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 5th
2010 - BANGLADESH V ENGLAND
A controversial tour as Andrew Strauss decided not to tour and the captaincy was given to Alastair Cook.
As it was England went on to comfortably win the 2 Test series 2-0.
2010 - ENGLAND V BANGLADESH
Before the English summer got into full flow England had another 2 Test series against Bangladesh which many saw as just a warm-up. Just like on their travels England eased to another 2-0 victory.
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 2-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 4th
2010 - ENGLAND V PAKISTAN
A four match series again Pakistan was seen by many as the biggest challenge England had faced since the Ashes. The challenge was not evident in the first Test at Trent Bridge as England ran out comfortably victors with a winning margin on 354. Pakistan were dismissed for 182 in their first innings with Jimmy Anderson taking 5-54. Their fight was no more evident in the second innings as England ran through them for just 80 runs - their lowest total against England ever. Anderson finishing with figures of 11-71 in the match.
The second Test was won just as comfortably as Pakistan failed with the bat for the third innings in a row. 72 and 296 all out was easily chased down by England who made 251 and 118-1 to wrap up a 9 wicket victory.
The Oval Test, the third in the series finally brought Pakistan to life. England made just 233 in their first innings thanks mainly to Matt Prior (84 not out) and Stuart Broad (48). Pakistan made 308 with Swann taking 4-68 and his 10th wicket of the series. England's second innings was 11 runs worse than their first as Alastair Cook 110 was the only batsman to offer resistance. Pakistan needed just 41.4 overs to get the required 148 runs to capture a 4 wicket win.
The third Test was just a blip in form as England hit back at Lord's to capture an Innings and 225 run win to secure the series 2-1. England only needed to bat once as they made 446 all out, and steam rolled Pakistan for 74 and 147 all out. Jonathan Trott was the pick of the batsman with 184 and Swann with the ball claiming match figures of 9 for 74 from 21.5 overs.
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 3-1, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 4th.
2010/2011 ASHES - AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND
England went into the winter of 2011 full of confidence after their recent Test record. However with it brought the Ashes battle down under. Despite the know-how of how to beat the Australians having won the last 2 Ashes series in England they still had the memory of being embarrassed 5-0 when they last toured Australia.
This time was very different.
The first Test in Brisbane could not have started worse for England as they lost Andrew Strauss after just the 3rd ball for 0. They did however show some grit and determination as they battled their way to 260. Australia batted comfortably to make 481 with both Swann and Finn conceding over 100 runs each. Then the match turned dramatically as England and Alastair Cook broke numerous records as they posted a mammoth 517-1. Andrew Strauss 100. Alastair Cook 235 not out and Jonathan Trott 135 not out. The latter two putting on a partnership of 329. Australia again were comfortable as they made 107-1 on a Brisbane pitch that had turned flat and was a true batting paradise.
The second Test was completely different as England dominated from start to finish. Australia made 245 all out which included a golden duck for Ricky Ponting as Anderson took 4 wickets. England batted again and batted superbly as they made 620-5 again showing that they only look to bat once in a Test match, Cook this time making 148. But it was Pieterson who stole the show with 227. Bollinger, Siddle and Doherty all going for well over 100 runs apiece. Despite showing some resilience second time round, Graeme Swann took 5 wickets as Australia were bowled out for 304 setting up an innings victory.
A change of momentum occurred in the third Test as England were brought back down to Earth with a bump. Australia made 268 and 309, whereas England managed just 187 and 123, many people started to think England were going to crumble like they had for the previous 24 years in Australia.
However the public and pundits could not have been more wrong. The Boxing day Test, the Melbourne Test, the Australian Test - however this year things were very different. Day 1 and the England pace attack destroyed the Australian batting line-up as they were dismissed for 98. Trott's 168 not out helped England to a total of 513 despite Peter Siddle picking up 6-75. Australia made 258 in their second innings however it did not stop England cruising to an innings and 157 run victory. Melbourne had finally been conquered.
The turn of the year brought with it the 5th and final Test of the series in Sydney with England needing to avoid defeat to win the Ashes back and for the first time in Australia for 24 years. With many use to England falling to defeat when they are so close to victory nobody gave them much hope. This England team had other ideas. Bowling first England restricted Australia to a modest 280 with the pace bowlers doing the damage again. 189 from Alastair Cook got England off to a solid start and 115 and 118 from Bell and Prior respectively got England to a massive 644 all out. England once again restricted Australia to just 281 to not only win the Test but also the Series and with it retained the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 24 years.
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 3-1 AND RETAINED THE ASHES, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 3rd.
THE FINAL ACT
2011 - ENGLAND V SRI-LANKA
A three Test series against Sri-Lanka was all that was left for England before they finally took on the number 1 Test side in the World, India. Despite dismal weather through the series England did manage to force a result.
The first Test, despite being heavily affected by rain ended with the most unlikeliest of victories for England by an innings and 14 runs. Sri-Lanka managed 400 all out with England making 496-5 in reply, a lead of 95 runs. However the rain then continued to fall. However at 2.02pm on the fifth and final day the umpires decided conditions had improved and the Test would be played to a finish with a draw the only apparent result. Then Sri-Lanka collapsed. Swann and Tremlett took 4 wickets each in just 17 overs as Sri-Lanka were blown away for just 82, therefore gifting England one of the most dramatic victories ever.
The second and third Tests at Lords and the Rose Bowl were both heavily affected by wet weather and ultimately both finished in draws giving England another series victory.
1st TEST - CARDIFF - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 114 RUNS
2nd TEST - LORD'S - MATCH DRAWN
3rd TEST - ROSE BOWL - MATCH DRAWN
ENGLAND WON SERIES 1-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 3rd
2011 - ENGLAND V INDIA
Finally the India series was upon England. The biggest series of all that would give England the chance to dismantle India as the worlds number 1 Test side and replace them themselves. However to do so they would need to win by 2 clear Tests.
The series could not have started better for England. Kevin Pieterson made 202 not out as England helped themselves to runs and made 474-8 declared. India's world-class but ageing batting line-up failed to pose England many problems at the first time of asking as they were swept aside for 286. England made a fluent 269-6 before again declaring and bowled India out for 260 with Anderson 5-65 leading England to victory and putting them 1-0 up in the series.
To Trent Bridge and England's winning margin was even greater. Despite trailing by 67 runs going into their second innings England did not panic and a majestic 159 from Ian Bell and 90 from Tim Bresnan helped England to 544 all-out second time around. Bresnan followed up his batting heroics by taking 5-48 in just 12 overs as England restricted India to just 158 giving them a 319 run victory and putting them 2-0 in the fur Test series.
The third Test at Edgbaston and this time the winning margin for England was by an innings and 242 runs. India once again failed to post a total over 300 as England's seamer's tour through them in just 62.2 overs making just 224. Alastair Cook finally found some form as he fell just 6 short of 300 runs as he fell for 294. Eoin Morgan made 104 as England racked up 710-7 declared. Any hope of India saving the Test match and forcing a draw was distinguished almost immediately as Sehwag on his Test return went for another golden duck leaving him with a king pair. It took just 55.3 overs for England to dismiss the Indian's for 244 securing an innings and 242 victory and with that becoming the world number 1 Test side.
The series finale at The Oval followed the same familiar pattern as the three previous Tests. England once again showed their superiority in batting, bowling and fielding. Ian Bell hit 235 whilst batting at number three in place of the injured Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pieterson made 175 as England posted another imposing total of 591-6 declared. India finally showed some resistance with the bat as they finally scored 300 for the first time, much owing to an unbeaten 146 by Dravid. It was not however enough to stop the follow-on being enforced. Graeme Swann finally produced some top-class spin bowling with figures of 6-106 setting up an innings and 8 runs victory.
1st TEST - LORD'S - ENGLAND WON BY 196 RUNS
2nd TEST - TRENT BRIDGE - ENGLAND WON BY 319 RUNS
3rd TEST - EDGBASTON - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 242 RUNS
4th TEST - THE OVAL - ENGLAND WON BY AN INNS & 8 RUNS
ENGLAND WON THE SERIES 4-0, ENGLAND WORLD RANKING 1st
What does the future holds for England?
England's next Test series is not until January 2012 when they will be playing Pakistan. The series will consist of 3 Tests. However it will not be contested in Pakistan, the venue will be the United Arab Emirates. This series will see the return of Andrew Strauss as captain as he no longer plays limited over cricket which takes up England's schedule between now and the turn of the year. No disrespect to Pakistan cricket but England will see this as a warm-up series for bigger challenges that are to come later in the year. However this will not show in their cricket or squad selection as they will endeavour to keep winning Test series and show they can stay as the world's number 1 Test side.
Sri-Lanka is the next and final stop on England's winter tour where they will be contesting 2 Tests. Despite comfortably beating SL in England this year the wickets on the sub-continent will be much more suited to Sri-Lanka. Graeme Swann will have to be on top form with the ball if England are realistically going to take 20 wickets in a Test on what are certain to be batting and spin friendly wickets.
England's 2012 summer will start against the West Indies who are in England to play 3 a three Test series. Back at home the England pace attack will welcome the hard and bouncy wickets and will be confident of taking 20 wickets without too many problems. Superb batting conditions and a relatively weak WI's bowling attack should set-up a comfortable victory and no doubt Strauss and Flower will be aiming for a 3-0 whitewash.
England's biggest Test to keep hold of their number 1 ranking will be in July when South Africa come over for a three Test series. SA are currently 2nd in the rankings and many believe are the only team in Test cricket at the moment that can pose any serious threat to England's winning ways. A strong batting, bowling and fielding side they should match England toe-to-toe through the whole series. A win for England, which would be their best arguably since the 2005 ashes against Australia, will be what Strauss and his men are aiming for, but they will need the whole team to make an input and some luck along the way.
The year finishes with 4 Tests against India although this time England are touring. The wickets will be favourable to the Indian batsman and bowlers. Spinning wickets and lack of bounce will mean that England's tall pace attack will struggle. The batsman who like to attack will have to be more cautious and England will have to be accept that all 5 days will be needed to win a Test match. On the plus side for England the Indian squad will be another year older and ultimately may not pose any more threat then they did in England this year where they were whitewashed 4-0.
Will England still be the number 1 Test side by the end of 2012?
Apart from the challenge of South Africa I believe England will still be the number 1 side. Australia are still rebuilding their squad, India showed that their Test cricket is in awful shape at the moment and a year is not long enough to sort out all the problems. South Africa have a quality squad and are deservedly the 2nd best side in the world. However England do have some breathing space and it would have to be a disastrous 2012 for them to be knocked off the top of the Test rankings.
Sunday 14 August 2011
England defeat India to become world number 1 Test side
England swept aside India in front of a rocking Edgbaston crowd to knock India of the top of the Test rankings and become number 1 themselves.
Skipper MS Dhoni and Preveen Kumar delayed the inevitable with a high class and entertaining 75 partnership but not before Jimmy Anderson had set England on their way to victory by removing Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman inside the first hour as he again showed why he is one of the worlds greatest swing bowlers.
Despite the resistance of Dhoni (74 not out) and Kumar (40 off 18 balls) Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan (combined figures of 3-47) mopped up the tail to skittle the tourists for 224. This is now the 6th time in the series India have failed to score over 300 runs against England.
The victory by an innings and 242 runs gives England an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and ensured that they became the worlds number 1 Test side in empathic style.
Andrew Strauss and his team united in a joyous huddle when the final wicket went down and continued to show the good sportsmanship that has ran through the whole series by shaking hands with the entire India team as they left the field.
However the celebrations will be kept short as the two teams head to the Oval for Thursdays fourth and final Test when England will be aiming on inflicting a series whitewash on India, ideally in the same ruthless fashion as the rest of the series.
Skipper MS Dhoni and Preveen Kumar delayed the inevitable with a high class and entertaining 75 partnership but not before Jimmy Anderson had set England on their way to victory by removing Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman inside the first hour as he again showed why he is one of the worlds greatest swing bowlers.
Despite the resistance of Dhoni (74 not out) and Kumar (40 off 18 balls) Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan (combined figures of 3-47) mopped up the tail to skittle the tourists for 224. This is now the 6th time in the series India have failed to score over 300 runs against England.
The victory by an innings and 242 runs gives England an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and ensured that they became the worlds number 1 Test side in empathic style.
Andrew Strauss and his team united in a joyous huddle when the final wicket went down and continued to show the good sportsmanship that has ran through the whole series by shaking hands with the entire India team as they left the field.
However the celebrations will be kept short as the two teams head to the Oval for Thursdays fourth and final Test when England will be aiming on inflicting a series whitewash on India, ideally in the same ruthless fashion as the rest of the series.
Friday 12 August 2011
Alastair Cook hits 294 As England make 710-7
Alastair Cook fell agonisingly short of a triple-century as England made their third highest Test total in their history as they once again showed the frailties of the Indian side at Edgbaston.
Batting for over 13 hours across the last 3 days, Cook was eventually caught at deep backward point on 294 and led the way to a declaration from captain Andrew Strauss with England on a massive 710-7.
Cook's incredible effort was the sixth highest score by an Englishman ever, and the best since the 333 scored by Graham Gooch against the same opposition 21 years ago.
India's reply could not have started worse as they lost Virender Sehwag for his second golden duck in the match.
Guatam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid prevented India from collapsing, which has been a prominent outcome through the series so far, however India will resume day 4 451 runs behind England and will have to bat for 2 days to prevent England securing the win that would ensure they win the series and put them top of the world Test ranking.
A turning wicket looks certain to set the stage for Graeme Swann, the world's number 1 spinner, who will be hoping to finally make an impact on this Test and the series over the next couple of days.
Man of the Day: Alastair Cook
England Lead: 451
Batting for over 13 hours across the last 3 days, Cook was eventually caught at deep backward point on 294 and led the way to a declaration from captain Andrew Strauss with England on a massive 710-7.
Cook's incredible effort was the sixth highest score by an Englishman ever, and the best since the 333 scored by Graham Gooch against the same opposition 21 years ago.
India's reply could not have started worse as they lost Virender Sehwag for his second golden duck in the match.
Guatam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid prevented India from collapsing, which has been a prominent outcome through the series so far, however India will resume day 4 451 runs behind England and will have to bat for 2 days to prevent England securing the win that would ensure they win the series and put them top of the world Test ranking.
A turning wicket looks certain to set the stage for Graeme Swann, the world's number 1 spinner, who will be hoping to finally make an impact on this Test and the series over the next couple of days.
Man of the Day: Alastair Cook
England Lead: 451
Manchester United 'massive favourites' to win 20th Premier League
After a strong, dazzling and counter attacking performance at Wembley in last Sunday's Community Shield, I would make Manchester United huge favourites for the Premier League title once again.
Their 3-2 victory, coming from 2-0 down at half time, put down a huge marker, simply because they were up against their fiercest rivals. They quite beautifully steam rolled over the top of Manchester City in the second half.
United's performance was as you would usually expect against their city rivals, the fact that it was the Community Shield did not matter, it could have been an FA Cup final. It was more who put in the key performances that was most impressive. Their new players, Ashley Young and Phil Jones, along with players who were out on loan last season like Tom Cleverly and Danny Welbeck who all gave arguably the best performances of their careers. Competition for places is going to e fierce.
Many will say it was only the Community Shield, but the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool will all have taken serious notice. All sides with an eye on the title come May would have all been left worried after Sunday's final whistle.
The retirement of Edwin Van Der Sar last May could well be the only small light at the end of a very long tunnel for the likes of Man City and Chelsea. To replace a world class talent like Van Der Sar is always going to be difficult and Sunday's match gave no early indications that David De Gea is going to be the man to do so.
United are also above their nearest rivals in terms of effort and commitment; they simply never give up. They have scored more goals after the 80th minute mark than any other team in Premier League history. Rooney is a fine example. Many people believe he didn't have the best campaign in 2010/11 however it was always guaranteed he would chase the ball down for 90 minutes, this gives any team a massive advantage. Compare this to Mario Balotelli of City, well there is no comparison, he simply isn't that type of player. They do have Carlos Tevez who is arguably more technically gifted than Rooney and has a similar work rate, however it is well known he does not want to be there.
Along with City I expect Chelsea to once again be United's biggest challengers. However a lack of signings and an ageing squad make protecting 2nd spot from Man City a more reasonable aim. Also trying to win the Premier League title back from Man United in Andre Villas-Boas first season in charge is a massive task.
Many will say it was only the Community Shield, but the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool will all have taken serious notice. All sides with an eye on the title come May would have all been left worried after Sunday's final whistle.
Their 3-2 victory, coming from 2-0 down at half time, put down a huge marker, simply because they were up against their fiercest rivals. They quite beautifully steam rolled over the top of Manchester City in the second half.
United's performance was as you would usually expect against their city rivals, the fact that it was the Community Shield did not matter, it could have been an FA Cup final. It was more who put in the key performances that was most impressive. Their new players, Ashley Young and Phil Jones, along with players who were out on loan last season like Tom Cleverly and Danny Welbeck who all gave arguably the best performances of their careers. Competition for places is going to e fierce.
Many will say it was only the Community Shield, but the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool will all have taken serious notice. All sides with an eye on the title come May would have all been left worried after Sunday's final whistle.
The retirement of Edwin Van Der Sar last May could well be the only small light at the end of a very long tunnel for the likes of Man City and Chelsea. To replace a world class talent like Van Der Sar is always going to be difficult and Sunday's match gave no early indications that David De Gea is going to be the man to do so.
United are also above their nearest rivals in terms of effort and commitment; they simply never give up. They have scored more goals after the 80th minute mark than any other team in Premier League history. Rooney is a fine example. Many people believe he didn't have the best campaign in 2010/11 however it was always guaranteed he would chase the ball down for 90 minutes, this gives any team a massive advantage. Compare this to Mario Balotelli of City, well there is no comparison, he simply isn't that type of player. They do have Carlos Tevez who is arguably more technically gifted than Rooney and has a similar work rate, however it is well known he does not want to be there.
Along with City I expect Chelsea to once again be United's biggest challengers. However a lack of signings and an ageing squad make protecting 2nd spot from Man City a more reasonable aim. Also trying to win the Premier League title back from Man United in Andre Villas-Boas first season in charge is a massive task.
Many will say it was only the Community Shield, but the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool will all have taken serious notice. All sides with an eye on the title come May would have all been left worried after Sunday's final whistle.
Thursday 11 August 2011
England setting up a massive victory against India
Run machine Alastair Cook batted through the whole day to put England in an ever commanding position at the end of day 2 of the second Test at Edgbaston.
Starting the day with 84 runs on the board without the loss of any wickets, the plan in the England camp would have been to bat through the day and access the situation at stumps.
This is exactly what they achieved and with a worrying ease for the Indians.
Led by Alastair Cook (182 not out) who has now batted for over 8 hours moved England to 450-3 a lead of 232 at the close of play. Captain Andrew Strauss who has been desperate for runs scored a solid 87 before being bowled by Mishra but would have been disappointed not to have got a century.
Ian Bell added a quick fire 34 before losing his off-stump to Kumar.
Kevin Pieterson (63) was trapped LBW which he did not agree with, although TV replays showed standing Umpire Steve Davis made the correct decision.
Eion Morgan batted with confidence despite being dropped twice (the second time in the final over of the day) as he ended the day on 44 not out .
A long day in the field for India was not helped by some lacklustre batting, dropped catches in the outfield and numerous over-throws. And with a batting line up which extends down to number 10, India could be facing a deficit around 400 before starting their second innings.
With a lead of 232 going into only the third day England will be hoping they can win this Test match and the series without having to bat their second innings. A pitch already showing signs of spin should allow the worlds number 1 spinner Graeme Swann to finally have an impact on a series which he has so far not been needed.
England lead by: 232
Man of the Day: Alastair Cook not out
India's Bowling Figures (Overs-Runs-Wickets)
Kumar 32 - 75 -2
Sreesanth 22-103-0
Sharma 25-112-0
Mishra 26-100-1
Raina 7-23-0
Tendulkar 1-3-0
Starting the day with 84 runs on the board without the loss of any wickets, the plan in the England camp would have been to bat through the day and access the situation at stumps.
This is exactly what they achieved and with a worrying ease for the Indians.
Led by Alastair Cook (182 not out) who has now batted for over 8 hours moved England to 450-3 a lead of 232 at the close of play. Captain Andrew Strauss who has been desperate for runs scored a solid 87 before being bowled by Mishra but would have been disappointed not to have got a century.
Ian Bell added a quick fire 34 before losing his off-stump to Kumar.
Kevin Pieterson (63) was trapped LBW which he did not agree with, although TV replays showed standing Umpire Steve Davis made the correct decision.
Eion Morgan batted with confidence despite being dropped twice (the second time in the final over of the day) as he ended the day on 44 not out .
A long day in the field for India was not helped by some lacklustre batting, dropped catches in the outfield and numerous over-throws. And with a batting line up which extends down to number 10, India could be facing a deficit around 400 before starting their second innings.
With a lead of 232 going into only the third day England will be hoping they can win this Test match and the series without having to bat their second innings. A pitch already showing signs of spin should allow the worlds number 1 spinner Graeme Swann to finally have an impact on a series which he has so far not been needed.
England lead by: 232
Man of the Day: Alastair Cook not out
India's Bowling Figures (Overs-Runs-Wickets)
Kumar 32 - 75 -2
Sreesanth 22-103-0
Sharma 25-112-0
Mishra 26-100-1
Raina 7-23-0
Tendulkar 1-3-0
Wednesday 10 August 2011
England dominate India in 3rd Test
Tim Bresnan and Stuart Broad took 4 wickets each as England once again ripped through a fragile Indian batting line-up on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston.
Andrew Strauss won the toss and put India into bat with no hesitation. The decision took nearly an hour and a half to prove the right one, but from then on in it went from bad to worse for them.
Only captain Mahendra Dhoni with a quick and fluent 77 managed to save India from total embarrassment as he steered them to a below par 224 all out, recovering from 111-7.
However the most worrying matter for India is that they have failed to score over 300 runs in their five innings, and once again England's seamers ripped apart their top order.
With the end of the day in sight Captain Strauss (52) and Alastair Cook (27) were rarely troubled as they helped England to 84-0 at the close of play.
After impressive victories at Lord's and Trent Bridge, England have put themselves in an ideal position to secure the win they need to displace India from the top of the world Test rankings.
Andrew Strauss won the toss and put India into bat with no hesitation. The decision took nearly an hour and a half to prove the right one, but from then on in it went from bad to worse for them.
Only captain Mahendra Dhoni with a quick and fluent 77 managed to save India from total embarrassment as he steered them to a below par 224 all out, recovering from 111-7.
However the most worrying matter for India is that they have failed to score over 300 runs in their five innings, and once again England's seamers ripped apart their top order.
With the end of the day in sight Captain Strauss (52) and Alastair Cook (27) were rarely troubled as they helped England to 84-0 at the close of play.
After impressive victories at Lord's and Trent Bridge, England have put themselves in an ideal position to secure the win they need to displace India from the top of the world Test rankings.
Tuesday 9 August 2011
England Look Set To Become Number 1 Test Nation.
England already look like they are the number one side in the world and India do not.
Coming into the series, compared to the Ashes of 2005, India were the Number one side in the World. By Sunday it looks incredibly likely that England will de-thrown them.
England lead the series 2-0 and victory over the coming 5 days will see them not only win the series but become the world's number one Test team for the first time since the ranking's were introduced.
Heading into tomorrow's third test at Edgbaston England will be without Chris Tremlett (back injury) and Jonathan Trott (shoulder injury). Ravi Bopara will play in place of Trott, although is likely to bat at number 5 with Ian Bell and Kevin Pieterson moving up the order to 3 and 4 respectively. Tim Bresnan will keep his place with the withdrawal of Tremlett.
Tremlett has been one of England's key men so far in 2011, taking 15 wickets at an average of 23.40 in ther series win over Sri-Lanka earlier in the summer.
As for India, they will be without Zaheer Khan who will miss the rest of the tour (ankle and hamstring injury) which will deflate Indian morale further. RP Singh will take his place despite not playing a Test match since April 2008 taking his 40 wicks at an average of 39.10.
The 3rd Test starts at 11am Wednesday morning.
Coming into the series, compared to the Ashes of 2005, India were the Number one side in the World. By Sunday it looks incredibly likely that England will de-thrown them.
England lead the series 2-0 and victory over the coming 5 days will see them not only win the series but become the world's number one Test team for the first time since the ranking's were introduced.
Heading into tomorrow's third test at Edgbaston England will be without Chris Tremlett (back injury) and Jonathan Trott (shoulder injury). Ravi Bopara will play in place of Trott, although is likely to bat at number 5 with Ian Bell and Kevin Pieterson moving up the order to 3 and 4 respectively. Tim Bresnan will keep his place with the withdrawal of Tremlett.
Tremlett has been one of England's key men so far in 2011, taking 15 wickets at an average of 23.40 in ther series win over Sri-Lanka earlier in the summer.
As for India, they will be without Zaheer Khan who will miss the rest of the tour (ankle and hamstring injury) which will deflate Indian morale further. RP Singh will take his place despite not playing a Test match since April 2008 taking his 40 wicks at an average of 39.10.
The 3rd Test starts at 11am Wednesday morning.
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