The Ashes summer is very nearly upon us, and with the first ball due in just a few hours, cricket buffs across the country are beginning to hypothesize about how the latest chapter in the game's oldest rivalry may pan out this year.
I've had a dig around and picked out five key things I think you should keep your eye on this summer.
Joe Root
Warmly welcomed into the England setup at the end of last year and already a favourite among the game's critics, Joe Root has fast become England's leading hot prospect.
A batsman with poise and patience well beyond his 22 years, Root exemplifies that which has made England's top order so successful in the inter-Ashes years. His debut knock of 73 from 229 balls no finer example of the composure that could see him quickly fill a Strauss-shaped void for years to come.
It is this composure too, I believe, that has seen him fast-tracked to the top of the pecking order for 10 July. Root has none of the blonde highlights and flashy off drives that made Ian Bell such a prospect in 2005. But I think interestingly it is the Yorkshireman's lack of/or ability to rein in his youthful flamboyance that has gained him favour with both cricket's inner and outer circles, and put him on the brink of an Ashes debut.
Spin
Always a topic of conversation when England meet Australia, the Aussies have arrived with just one reputable spinner in the form of Nathan Lyon and young hopeful, Ashton Agar. Oh, and Steve Smith. Secret weapon Fahwad Ahmed could still play a role too. But whilst his ascent to potential Ashes selection is almost novel-worthy, he has only played 22 professional games and hardly set the world on fire in the process.
England have named Graeme Swann as their only frontline spinner and with the series likely to be decided in swing and seam-friendly conditions it would be hard to argue for the inclusion of another specialist tweaker.
Swann's record with the ball in Ashes cricket is, perhaps surprisingly, rather modest. Three wickets per game at an average of around 40 runs per wicket are not very Swann-like returns, but what Chin crucially offers that the Aussie spinners (I believe) do not, is the ability to hold up an end and to control a match. On more than one occasion he has proven an invaluable foil to England's trio of seamers, bowling marathon spells at economy rates well below the innings average.
In the fifth Test in 2009, after taking four wickets alongside Broad in the first innings, he then bowled 40 overs in the second and took a further four vital wickets at an economy of 2.97 (England's innings average was 3.4 runs per over). Another epic performance followed down under in 2010 when he churned out a 40 over spell in the second innings of the second Test, bagging five wickets in the process at an economy of 2.21, almost a run better than the team average.
The Return of KP
An Ashes hero some eight years ago, but absent last time Australia toured England in 2009, Pietersen will be hungry to rekindle the kind of performance that saw him shoot to stardom in 2005.
His return will also bring some calm to England fans, many of which may have been fearing the potential fragility of England's batting lineup post Trott and pre-Prior, were he not fit.
He is of course an enigma, but he is more than likely to wade in with some important and no doubt entertaining runs at some point during the series. Averaging 52.71 in Ashes cricket, he is also likely to be the most talked about player in the Australian dressing room and could serve as a useful distraction for England's younger batsman as they try to establish themselves early on in the series.
The Captains
Now this is fascinating. Neither Cook nor Clarke have taken charge of an Ashes Test, yet both have excelled under the "burden" of captaincy.
They have both been imperious over the past 12 months. Clarke averaging 84.14 in nine games, scoring four centuries in the process, with Cook averaging 52.10 in 12 games with six three-figure scores to his name. Clarke's stats though are a little skewed as the majority of his runs have come in Australia where he averages well over a hundred. Conversely Cook has scored more runs abroad (New Zealand and India) than he has at home.
In terms of Ashes calibre Clarke averages 45.50 and Cook 50.56. Each have four hundreds as well. Interestingly though, Clarke averages 48.93 against England in England, whereas Cook, who averages 65.12 against the Aussies in their backyard, only averages 24.66 against Australia in England, and has yet to score a century against them on home soil.
As captains they are still both establishing themselves, however they've each proven themselves to be more than useful in charge. In terms of style Clarke is more Warne-esque and quicker to think outside the box. Whereas Cook is very much in the mould of his predecessor and happy to sit back and remain patient.
Both world-class performers, this series and the return leg down under could well make a legedn of one of these men.
Aussie bowling attack
If they steer clear of injury then Australia have a wealth of seam options. On paper all six of their plucky pacemen look to have tremendous potential, but for most that is still potential. Discounting Peter Siddle, the remaining five have just 33 Test caps between them, and James Faulkner has yet to even play a Test match. Add Ryan Harris and his injury woes into the equation and it could be a topsy-turvy series for Clarke's bowling unit.
Conditions will help though, and with England's batsman unlikely to have faced many of these young Aussie quicks, they could well have some success. However, over the course of five Test matches I think youth and inexperience may well begin show.
It will also be interesting to see how Michael Clarke manages his bowlers. In the 2010/11 series down under England made two series-defining changes to their bowling line-up midway through the tour. Tim Bresnan replaced the inconsistent Steven Finn and Chris Tremlett was given the nod as replacement for the injured Stuart Broad. Bresnan and Tremlett went on to take 20 wickets at 23 in England's victories in Melbourne and Sydney, helping England take control of the series. How Clarke manages this inevitable conundrum this summer may well be equally as pivotal.
Showing posts with label Tim Bresnan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tim Bresnan. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Saturday, December 10, 2011
England announce squad for Pakistan series
England have announced a sixteen man squad to take on Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates next month.
Stuart Broad, Eoin Morgan and Chris Tremlett have all recovered from injury and are included, whilst Monty Panesar is selected as second spinner. Ravi Bopara keeps his place after replacing the injured Jonathan Trott against India, and Steven Davies returns as Matt Prior's understudy. Tim Bresnan remains the only doubt having recently undergone elbow surgery.
Perhaps most surprising is the inclusion of Panesar who has not played for England since the first Test of the 2009 Ashes series. Since then Graeme Swann has gone on to establish himself as both England's and the world's premier offspin bowler, however with trips to Sri Lanka and India later in the year England are clearly keen to once again integrate Panesar into their plans. His chances of playing against Pakistan remain slim though with Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower likely to maintain the tried and tested six batsman, four bowlers ratio that worked so effectively this year.
Ravi Bopara will also likely find himself on the sidelines at least initially as England's batsman aim to continue what was a prolific year with the willow in hand. Having fought off competition from the likes of James Taylor and Johnny Bairstow, Bopara has done well to at least keep himself in the England setup, although he will have to make a marked improvement on his last outing in the subcontinent (Sri Lanka, 2007) if he is to remain in the picture in 2012.
With a cloud still hanging over Tim Bresnan, Steven Finn and Chris Tremlett will also be looking to stake their claim for a recall in the two three-day warm up matches before the first Test on January 16.
Stuart Broad, Eoin Morgan and Chris Tremlett have all recovered from injury and are included, whilst Monty Panesar is selected as second spinner. Ravi Bopara keeps his place after replacing the injured Jonathan Trott against India, and Steven Davies returns as Matt Prior's understudy. Tim Bresnan remains the only doubt having recently undergone elbow surgery.
Perhaps most surprising is the inclusion of Panesar who has not played for England since the first Test of the 2009 Ashes series. Since then Graeme Swann has gone on to establish himself as both England's and the world's premier offspin bowler, however with trips to Sri Lanka and India later in the year England are clearly keen to once again integrate Panesar into their plans. His chances of playing against Pakistan remain slim though with Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower likely to maintain the tried and tested six batsman, four bowlers ratio that worked so effectively this year.
Ravi Bopara will also likely find himself on the sidelines at least initially as England's batsman aim to continue what was a prolific year with the willow in hand. Having fought off competition from the likes of James Taylor and Johnny Bairstow, Bopara has done well to at least keep himself in the England setup, although he will have to make a marked improvement on his last outing in the subcontinent (Sri Lanka, 2007) if he is to remain in the picture in 2012.
With a cloud still hanging over Tim Bresnan, Steven Finn and Chris Tremlett will also be looking to stake their claim for a recall in the two three-day warm up matches before the first Test on January 16.
Monday, November 22, 2010
England dominate in final warm-up
England XI 523 and 0 for 11 beat Australia A 230 and 301 (White 111, Hughes 81, Bresnan 4-86, Panesar 3-63, Tremlett 3-67) by 10 wickets
With still a third of England's warm-up games to play England have decided to effectively name four of their starting eleven over a week before the 'real' Test begins by sending their youthful trio of seamsters and world-class cherry tweaker up to Brisbane for a hard-earned net. In their absence England's batsman were instead joined by four back-up all eager to stake their claim should Messrs Flower and Strauss choose to make changes during the five match campaign.
Strauss called correctly and gave his new look attack the first opportunity to exploit what looked a lively surface. Chris Tremlett, who has undergone a cricketing rebirth since his move from Hampshire to Surrey last summer, took the new ball and was first to strike, drawing Phil Hughes into a defensive poke high outside his off stump edging to keeper Matt Prior. Tremlett carrying where Andrew Flintoff left off in 2009 exposing Hughes with the shorter ball, a frailty he will have to overcome if he is to feature this winter.
Ajmal Shahzad who has been on the fringe of the England setup for much of year joined forces with Tremlett and together they caused havoc on a pitch that was doing just enough. Shahzad was justly rewarded with the wicket of Test hopeful Usman Khawaja having beaten the outside edge on numerous occasions and spitting some Sidebottom-esque banter at the hapless Aussies for good measure.
Tim Bresnan came on as first change and despite looking the least threatening soon joined in the fun catching Callum Ferguson on his crease with a ripsnorter that barely feathered the outside edge. Exactly five overs later and Bresnan had Monty Panesar to thank for his second wicket of the morning. Opener Ed Cowan who had quietly trundled to 31 pulling a short ball in the air only for the Monster to pull off a blinding catch with his right paw, naturally he took the plaudits.
When Tremlett had captain Cameron White bowled for 5 through the gate the hosts found themselves tottering at 58 for 5 and in danger of complete capitulation. However wickie Tim Paine and allround Steves, Smith and O'Keefe, provided some steadfast lower order resistance, both Smith and O'Keefe passing fifty ensuring Australia posted a respectable 230. Aptly it was Tremlett and Shahzad who finished most impressively, the former bagging four wickets, while the Yorkshireman claimed three victims at an economy of well below three.
Seven overs at the tail end of the day against the England captain and his deputy was an unlikely consolation for Australia A, and the prized wicket of Andrew Strauss made sure the hosts had something to build upon on day two.
Nightwatchman Panesar removed Australia's bowlers had less luck on the second morning Cook soon passing fifty to back up his unbeaten century in Adelaide. But a mini-collapse (don't say it too loudly!) in the afternoon that accounted for Cook, Trott and Pietersen left England teeering at 137 for 5.
As it turned out Australia A claimed their sixth wicket over 60 overs and 240 runs later as the tourists took complete control of the match. It was England middle order stalwarts Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood who exacted most of the damage, the former batting his way to a hefty 192 and effectively rubbishing any chances of an Australian victory.
Bell is a changed man nowadays, no blond highlights, ripped jeans or cocky swagger and most importantly a departure from the school boy inhibitions about technique and in its place a new found thirst for runs. He still compiles his innings in meticulous fashion however, watchful early on punishing the bad ball, and later on able to rotate the strike and find pockets in the field to keep the board ticking over, truly a joy to behold.
Bell and Collingwood guided England through to the close of play Bell having passed his ton with consummate ease and Collingwood not out on 74 within sight of the three figures that alluded him against South Australia in the previous game.
Resuming on 335 for 5 the destructive duo added a further 42 runs before Collingwood edged behind to Paine trying to pull Clint McKay falling 11 runs short of a century. Bell powered on past 150 partnered by keeper Matt Prior (27) and Tim Bresnan (36) and was eventually caught at cover eight short of a double century. The Warwickshire batsman came to the crease at 137 for 5 and left with his team in complete command at 487 for 8, his contribution a testament to Bell's renewed importance to the England team over the past 18 months leaving the likes of Eoin Morgan to carry drinks around cricket grounds the world over.
Chris Tremlett was eventually caught at mid off trying to clear the ropes but not before England had passed 500, eventually bowled out for what at a day ago seemed an unlikely 523.
After a marathon 141 overs in the field the Australians could be forgiven for a slight lapse in concentration when returning to the crease on day three to try and make a dent into what was now a potentially match-winning deficit of 293. And after a promising start led by a determined Hughes England broke through thanks to the wiley arm of Tim Bresnan forcing Cowan into dragging on. The very next ball and Australia were two down and Bresnan on a hat-trick, Khawaja edging low to Prior behind the stumps to leave the hosts delicately poised on 66 for 2.
The Yorkshireman failed to complete a hat-trick but did take his tally to three six overs later, Callum Ferguson bowled for 10 and capping off a disappointing match for the South Australian. The arrival of Cameron White sparked a mini-recovery for the home side with White and opener Hughes sharing a stand of 101 for the fourth wicket. But is was Tremlett's extra lift that again proved Hughes' undoing, Strauss taking a sharp chance at first slip to send the left-hander on his way for a gritty 81.
However his departure marked the beginning of the end for Australia A who capitulated in the face of what was now inevitable defeat. Paine and Smith managed just two runs between them as Tremlett laid down a marker for his fellow second-string compatriots. Monty Panesar made useful contributions knocking over the tail and giving himself a much-needed confidence boost.
Amongst the carnage White remained imperious passing fifty and soon a hundred with relative ease proving his repertoire extends well beyond the hustle and bustle of limited overs cricket. The Aussies eventually crept over 300 but a lead only 10 runs meant 9 balls into England's second innings and Strauss' team had completed a comfortable victory over a team of talented international cricketers.
The 'real' Test is now in sight for England and if the last three weeks are anything to go by on then it has been a near perfect pom performance thus far...
With still a third of England's warm-up games to play England have decided to effectively name four of their starting eleven over a week before the 'real' Test begins by sending their youthful trio of seamsters and world-class cherry tweaker up to Brisbane for a hard-earned net. In their absence England's batsman were instead joined by four back-up all eager to stake their claim should Messrs Flower and Strauss choose to make changes during the five match campaign.
Strauss called correctly and gave his new look attack the first opportunity to exploit what looked a lively surface. Chris Tremlett, who has undergone a cricketing rebirth since his move from Hampshire to Surrey last summer, took the new ball and was first to strike, drawing Phil Hughes into a defensive poke high outside his off stump edging to keeper Matt Prior. Tremlett carrying where Andrew Flintoff left off in 2009 exposing Hughes with the shorter ball, a frailty he will have to overcome if he is to feature this winter.
Ajmal Shahzad who has been on the fringe of the England setup for much of year joined forces with Tremlett and together they caused havoc on a pitch that was doing just enough. Shahzad was justly rewarded with the wicket of Test hopeful Usman Khawaja having beaten the outside edge on numerous occasions and spitting some Sidebottom-esque banter at the hapless Aussies for good measure.
Tim Bresnan came on as first change and despite looking the least threatening soon joined in the fun catching Callum Ferguson on his crease with a ripsnorter that barely feathered the outside edge. Exactly five overs later and Bresnan had Monty Panesar to thank for his second wicket of the morning. Opener Ed Cowan who had quietly trundled to 31 pulling a short ball in the air only for the Monster to pull off a blinding catch with his right paw, naturally he took the plaudits.
When Tremlett had captain Cameron White bowled for 5 through the gate the hosts found themselves tottering at 58 for 5 and in danger of complete capitulation. However wickie Tim Paine and allround Steves, Smith and O'Keefe, provided some steadfast lower order resistance, both Smith and O'Keefe passing fifty ensuring Australia posted a respectable 230. Aptly it was Tremlett and Shahzad who finished most impressively, the former bagging four wickets, while the Yorkshireman claimed three victims at an economy of well below three.
Seven overs at the tail end of the day against the England captain and his deputy was an unlikely consolation for Australia A, and the prized wicket of Andrew Strauss made sure the hosts had something to build upon on day two.
Nightwatchman Panesar removed Australia's bowlers had less luck on the second morning Cook soon passing fifty to back up his unbeaten century in Adelaide. But a mini-collapse (don't say it too loudly!) in the afternoon that accounted for Cook, Trott and Pietersen left England teeering at 137 for 5.
As it turned out Australia A claimed their sixth wicket over 60 overs and 240 runs later as the tourists took complete control of the match. It was England middle order stalwarts Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood who exacted most of the damage, the former batting his way to a hefty 192 and effectively rubbishing any chances of an Australian victory.
Bell is a changed man nowadays, no blond highlights, ripped jeans or cocky swagger and most importantly a departure from the school boy inhibitions about technique and in its place a new found thirst for runs. He still compiles his innings in meticulous fashion however, watchful early on punishing the bad ball, and later on able to rotate the strike and find pockets in the field to keep the board ticking over, truly a joy to behold.
Bell and Collingwood guided England through to the close of play Bell having passed his ton with consummate ease and Collingwood not out on 74 within sight of the three figures that alluded him against South Australia in the previous game.
Resuming on 335 for 5 the destructive duo added a further 42 runs before Collingwood edged behind to Paine trying to pull Clint McKay falling 11 runs short of a century. Bell powered on past 150 partnered by keeper Matt Prior (27) and Tim Bresnan (36) and was eventually caught at cover eight short of a double century. The Warwickshire batsman came to the crease at 137 for 5 and left with his team in complete command at 487 for 8, his contribution a testament to Bell's renewed importance to the England team over the past 18 months leaving the likes of Eoin Morgan to carry drinks around cricket grounds the world over.
Chris Tremlett was eventually caught at mid off trying to clear the ropes but not before England had passed 500, eventually bowled out for what at a day ago seemed an unlikely 523.
After a marathon 141 overs in the field the Australians could be forgiven for a slight lapse in concentration when returning to the crease on day three to try and make a dent into what was now a potentially match-winning deficit of 293. And after a promising start led by a determined Hughes England broke through thanks to the wiley arm of Tim Bresnan forcing Cowan into dragging on. The very next ball and Australia were two down and Bresnan on a hat-trick, Khawaja edging low to Prior behind the stumps to leave the hosts delicately poised on 66 for 2.
The Yorkshireman failed to complete a hat-trick but did take his tally to three six overs later, Callum Ferguson bowled for 10 and capping off a disappointing match for the South Australian. The arrival of Cameron White sparked a mini-recovery for the home side with White and opener Hughes sharing a stand of 101 for the fourth wicket. But is was Tremlett's extra lift that again proved Hughes' undoing, Strauss taking a sharp chance at first slip to send the left-hander on his way for a gritty 81.
However his departure marked the beginning of the end for Australia A who capitulated in the face of what was now inevitable defeat. Paine and Smith managed just two runs between them as Tremlett laid down a marker for his fellow second-string compatriots. Monty Panesar made useful contributions knocking over the tail and giving himself a much-needed confidence boost.
Amongst the carnage White remained imperious passing fifty and soon a hundred with relative ease proving his repertoire extends well beyond the hustle and bustle of limited overs cricket. The Aussies eventually crept over 300 but a lead only 10 runs meant 9 balls into England's second innings and Strauss' team had completed a comfortable victory over a team of talented international cricketers.
The 'real' Test is now in sight for England and if the last three weeks are anything to go by on then it has been a near perfect pom performance thus far...
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Bangladesh v England, 2nd Test, Dhaka
England 496 (Bell 138, Bresnan 91, Shakib 4-124) & 209 for 1 (Cook 109) beat Bangladesh 419 (Tamim 85, Swann 4-114) & 285 (Shakib 96, Tredwell 4-84) by 9 wickets
Day One
The first day of the second test in Dhaka was a strangely disappointing affair as both England and Bangladesh struggled to get a strangle hold on the match. The hosts failed to capitalise on a flat, lifeless wicket, whilst England were never able to maintain pressure on the Bangladeshi batsman, and quickly ran out of ideas as to how to contain a certain Tamim Iqbal who's reputation as a no-holds-barred opening batsman has sky-rocketed in the last few months. His 85 from 71 balls propelled the Tiger's to 119 for 1 before an attempted sweep off debutant James Tredwell appeared to clip Tamim's glove en route to a grateful Matt Prior behind the stumps, replays showed it may well have only glanced his forearm but thankfully for England the decision stood.
After a scorching start Bangladesh began to totter as the ever-reliant Graeme Swann trapped Jahurul Islam in front LBW leaving Shakib's men delicately poised on 122 for 3. But the tourists were unable to take advantage and wickets became less frequent throughout the afternoon session, Junaid Siddique constructing a useful 39, whilst the versatile Mahmudullah passed his half-century with ease only to be undone by Stephen Fin in the first ball of his spell. The captain Shakib Al-Hasan fell one short of a half-century of his own and Mushfiqur Rahim the Bangladeshi wicket-keeper dug in with Naeem Islam for 30 off 83 balls, but having shown such promise in the first test it was a shame to see the little man not launch some sort of counter-attack whilst the pitch was at its best.
Ultimately it was the hosts inability to convert decent chances into big substantial innings that haunted them throughout the days play. So often blown away at the top level, almost all of Bangladesh's batsman got their eye in only to loose concentration and throw their wicket away. Equally England only really found momentum in the final session having never been able to effectively pressurise the opposition in the field. Cook seemingly unwilling to take a risks and instead happy to move through the motions opting for defensive fields when England were in need of a breakthrough, rather than chancing his arm. All things said a gritty final session saw Cook's men restrict Bangladesh to 330 for 8 overnight, and considering Tamim's fireworks and the dire state of the pitch England would have no doubt been satisfied with their days work.
Day Two
Day two was in fact shaded by Bangladesh, who resuming on 330 for 8 were finally bowled out for an admirable 419 thanks to half-centuries from Naeem Islam and Shafiul Islam. The two Islams shared a stand of 74 as England's bowlers failed to get into their stride early on, the two batsmen proving useful foils for one another as Shafiul threw caution to the wind, whilst the more experienced Naeem kept the English fielders on their toes rotating the strike and frustrating the tourists. Unsurprisingly Shafiul was the man to fall first shortly after registering his maiden Test match 50, but the toil continued for Cook as a 31-run tenth wicket partnership between Naeem and Rubel Hossain saw Bangladesh pass 400. However with the pitch still flat and true Bangladesh would still have to work extremely hard to dislodge England's top order who had already enjoyed milking their bowlers for big runs only a week before in Chittagong.
As it turned out the Tigers soon found themselves in a tidy position thanks to some indifferent English batting and determined bowling by the likes of Rassak and Hussain. After a fluid 21 it was Cook who was first back into the changing rooms oddly deciding to slop-sweep Abdur Razzak only for the England skipper to pick out Imrul Kayes at midwicket. With KP at the crease Shakib opted to use both of his left-arm spinners in tandem hoping to once again undo England's foremost stroke-maker. For a while Pietersen was equal to the task and he soon past 5,000 Test runs, but following a succession of maidens and marginal decisions that went the batsman's way he was undone by his old nemesis. Yes it was Shakib's left arm tweakers that induced a leading edge from England's No.3 and Kayes bagged his second catch of the match at short cover. When Paul Collingwood succumbed to the reverse swing of Hossain Bangladesh were firmly in control and the tourists were in real trouble at 107 for 3.
A dogged unbeaten 64 from Jonathan Trott ensured that English blushes were not quite as rosy and at stumps England had managed to grind their way to 171 for 3. The day though remained to Bangladesh who comfortably passed 400 to amass an unlikely first innings total of 419, and then carried their momentum into the field exercising their plans well and not allowing England to score as freely as they had done before.
Moreover Cook's inexperience as captain was finally beginning to show as he chopped and changed in search of what he considered the 'inevitable' final two wickets. But with the likes of Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan, and Graham Gooch overseeing the progress of the new-look England team, Cook has unrivalled access to some of England cricket's steeliest characters.
Day Three
Following a timid display by England on day two, Cook and his men were aiming to finally stamp their authority on a game that had yet to serve as an inspiring advertisement for Test match cricket. Early signs though were not encouraging. Jonathan Trott unfortunate to be, but ultimately dismissed in only the third over of the day by Shakib Al Hasan who had the forearm of England's gritty opening batsman to thank for the removal of Trott's off-stump. Consequently England were left in a fragile state and their hopes of a 2-0 whitewash well and truly in the balance.
It was up to Ian Bell to breath some life into England's innings, and it was a typically classy 138 that guided the tourists to a slender lead at the close of play. What was most fascinating about Bell's knock was that as he recorded his 10th Test hundred it was the first time he had past three-figures without a team-mate doing so before in an innings. No longer the accomplice Bell became his team's anchor and managed to inspire the likes of Matt Prior (62) and Tim Bresnan who finished the day unbeaten on 72 to avoid any England blushes. No doubt there will be sterner tests ahead for Bell this year, not least this winter, but it still remains a telling statistic, and may well be a sign that Bell is ready to take on the responsibility of putting together match winning scores in the middle overs in the hope of cementing a spot in England's Ashes squad and beyond.
Aside from Belly's heroics luck remained in the batsmen's side with decisions regularly going against Bangladesh and it was not long before Shakib was dragging himself around the field, a feeling of dejection that soon spread to the rest of the hapless Tigers and even the Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons. Siddon's frustration was understandable and he lost his cool or more than one occassion, firstly charging into the umpire's room, and later when an LBW appeal against Bell was turned down, he was seen gesticulating at the boundary edge. Whilst one could sympathise which Siddons's frustration it was hard to see that at such a crucial stage in the Test match that a writhing coach on the sidelines was to going to provide Shakib's men with much-needed inspiration.
However, England's lead remains slender and if the Bangladeshi bowling has proved anything it is that their are few demons in this pitch.With the dangerous Tamim Iqbal eager to clear the ropes from ball one, Cook will have to remain patient and be more canny with his field placements with Graeme Swann and James Tredwell likely to be rolling poles for much of day four as England look to capitalise on a dogged days work with the willow in hand.
Day Four
Continued determination with the bat and an impressive outing with the ball saw England take charge on the fourth day in Dhaka. Resuming on 440 for 8 Bresnan and Tredwell shared a useful ninth-wicket partnership of 47 before the latter fell for 91 trying to loft Abdur Razzaq back over his head, only to be undone by some sharp turn on a wearing surface. The uncharacteristic 'dance' down the wicket from the Yorkshireman though seemed to spark the tourists into life, and a brace of boundaries by Tredwell off Shakib, who amassed a titanic 66 overs in England's second innings, propelled his side to 496 all out.
As expected Cook quickly 'turned' to his spinners and Tredwell was unfortunate not to have Tamim back in the shed early on. The enterprising opener was given all of three lives, first Prior unable to gobble up a fairly straightforward edge behind the stumps, Tredwell himself was then guilty of fumbling a caught and bowled opportunity with Tamim on 26, and it was not before another catch had gone wanting that Swann finally removed Bangladesh's wonderkid, slashing the offspinner to Stuart Broad at point.
Despite missed opportunities England continued to ride their luck. Imrul Kayes bowled after the ball ricocheted off his thigh pad and onto the stumps, and soon after Junaid had got quietly into his stride he somehow managed to cut a Tredwell delivery straight onto the Cook's boot only for the ball to loop back to spinner who gratefully took the most peculiar of caught and bowled.
Bresnan's career best batting figures did little to compromise his bowling, the bustling seamer managed to swing the ball both ways with ease, and it was not long before he snuffed out the talented Mahmadullah taking a thin inside edge as Bangladesh slipped to 130 for 4. A slip soon became a slide thanks to a peach from Graeme Swann completely deceiving Jahurul with dip and grip managing to dart his offspin untouched between bat and pad.
130 for 4 became 156 for 5 and not long after 169 for 6, with only a further three runs added before the bails were removed. Bangladesh's inability to move up through the gears, either getting bogged down in first or skipping directly to fifth, cost them dearly and their immaturity in the longer format was evident. Ploys that have seen Bangladesh become a competitive force in One Day International cricket will never prove fruitful in Test cricket, and this will be a lesson that Shakib's army of youthful cricketers will have to learn before too long.
Day Five
England maintained there one-hundred percent record over Bangladesh with a seemingly comfortable victory over the test minnows in the second and final test in Dhaka. The two captains provided the main talking points throughout the final days play that saw England cross the line, albeit amongst another spirited Bangladesh batting performance.
Having tottered to 172 for 6 yesterday much, in fact almost everything rested on the shoulders of the Tiger's captain Shakib Al Hasan, and he did not disappoint. As his team-mates crashed around him Shakib very nearly guided his team to safety. The birthday boy combined well-timed flourishes with dogged defence and almost put his side on the brink of an upset as he looked to take as much time out of the game as possible. Tragically one shot away from a majestic ton he lost his cool and ran down the wicket to Tredwell attempting an enormous swipe only to hit thin air and be stumped for 96. The manner of his dismissal was typical of Bangladesh's cricket this series, and the naivety that they continue to play with despite possessing raw talent that many well established Test nations would envy.
Plaudits must remain with England though, and after a sketchy series in charge, Alastair Cook ensured that there was little doubt as to his calibre as his country's gritty first choice opening batsman. He finished as the leading run scorer in the series with a career-best 173 in Chittagong, and his unbeaten 109 on the first day in Dhaka ensured that England's victory in the end at least appeared comfortable. A dejected bowling display by the likes of Shaiful Islam and Abdul Razzak gifted the tourists an easy start, and Pietersen joined forces with his captain crafting a sumptuous 74 not out to see England cruise to a nine-wicket victory and a 2-0 series whitewash.
Day One
The first day of the second test in Dhaka was a strangely disappointing affair as both England and Bangladesh struggled to get a strangle hold on the match. The hosts failed to capitalise on a flat, lifeless wicket, whilst England were never able to maintain pressure on the Bangladeshi batsman, and quickly ran out of ideas as to how to contain a certain Tamim Iqbal who's reputation as a no-holds-barred opening batsman has sky-rocketed in the last few months. His 85 from 71 balls propelled the Tiger's to 119 for 1 before an attempted sweep off debutant James Tredwell appeared to clip Tamim's glove en route to a grateful Matt Prior behind the stumps, replays showed it may well have only glanced his forearm but thankfully for England the decision stood.
Debutant James Tredwell was fortunate to end
Tamim Iqbal's domineering knock
Image courtesy of cricinfo.com
After a scorching start Bangladesh began to totter as the ever-reliant Graeme Swann trapped Jahurul Islam in front LBW leaving Shakib's men delicately poised on 122 for 3. But the tourists were unable to take advantage and wickets became less frequent throughout the afternoon session, Junaid Siddique constructing a useful 39, whilst the versatile Mahmudullah passed his half-century with ease only to be undone by Stephen Fin in the first ball of his spell. The captain Shakib Al-Hasan fell one short of a half-century of his own and Mushfiqur Rahim the Bangladeshi wicket-keeper dug in with Naeem Islam for 30 off 83 balls, but having shown such promise in the first test it was a shame to see the little man not launch some sort of counter-attack whilst the pitch was at its best.
Ultimately it was the hosts inability to convert decent chances into big substantial innings that haunted them throughout the days play. So often blown away at the top level, almost all of Bangladesh's batsman got their eye in only to loose concentration and throw their wicket away. Equally England only really found momentum in the final session having never been able to effectively pressurise the opposition in the field. Cook seemingly unwilling to take a risks and instead happy to move through the motions opting for defensive fields when England were in need of a breakthrough, rather than chancing his arm. All things said a gritty final session saw Cook's men restrict Bangladesh to 330 for 8 overnight, and considering Tamim's fireworks and the dire state of the pitch England would have no doubt been satisfied with their days work.
Day Two
Day two was in fact shaded by Bangladesh, who resuming on 330 for 8 were finally bowled out for an admirable 419 thanks to half-centuries from Naeem Islam and Shafiul Islam. The two Islams shared a stand of 74 as England's bowlers failed to get into their stride early on, the two batsmen proving useful foils for one another as Shafiul threw caution to the wind, whilst the more experienced Naeem kept the English fielders on their toes rotating the strike and frustrating the tourists. Unsurprisingly Shafiul was the man to fall first shortly after registering his maiden Test match 50, but the toil continued for Cook as a 31-run tenth wicket partnership between Naeem and Rubel Hossain saw Bangladesh pass 400. However with the pitch still flat and true Bangladesh would still have to work extremely hard to dislodge England's top order who had already enjoyed milking their bowlers for big runs only a week before in Chittagong.
A wagging Bangladeshi tail left the likes of Steven Finn
with their heads in their hands for much of the morning
Image courtesy of cricinfo.com
As it turned out the Tigers soon found themselves in a tidy position thanks to some indifferent English batting and determined bowling by the likes of Rassak and Hussain. After a fluid 21 it was Cook who was first back into the changing rooms oddly deciding to slop-sweep Abdur Razzak only for the England skipper to pick out Imrul Kayes at midwicket. With KP at the crease Shakib opted to use both of his left-arm spinners in tandem hoping to once again undo England's foremost stroke-maker. For a while Pietersen was equal to the task and he soon past 5,000 Test runs, but following a succession of maidens and marginal decisions that went the batsman's way he was undone by his old nemesis. Yes it was Shakib's left arm tweakers that induced a leading edge from England's No.3 and Kayes bagged his second catch of the match at short cover. When Paul Collingwood succumbed to the reverse swing of Hossain Bangladesh were firmly in control and the tourists were in real trouble at 107 for 3.
A dogged unbeaten 64 from Jonathan Trott ensured that English blushes were not quite as rosy and at stumps England had managed to grind their way to 171 for 3. The day though remained to Bangladesh who comfortably passed 400 to amass an unlikely first innings total of 419, and then carried their momentum into the field exercising their plans well and not allowing England to score as freely as they had done before.
Moreover Cook's inexperience as captain was finally beginning to show as he chopped and changed in search of what he considered the 'inevitable' final two wickets. But with the likes of Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan, and Graham Gooch overseeing the progress of the new-look England team, Cook has unrivalled access to some of England cricket's steeliest characters.
Day Three
Following a timid display by England on day two, Cook and his men were aiming to finally stamp their authority on a game that had yet to serve as an inspiring advertisement for Test match cricket. Early signs though were not encouraging. Jonathan Trott unfortunate to be, but ultimately dismissed in only the third over of the day by Shakib Al Hasan who had the forearm of England's gritty opening batsman to thank for the removal of Trott's off-stump. Consequently England were left in a fragile state and their hopes of a 2-0 whitewash well and truly in the balance.
It was up to Ian Bell to breath some life into England's innings, and it was a typically classy 138 that guided the tourists to a slender lead at the close of play. What was most fascinating about Bell's knock was that as he recorded his 10th Test hundred it was the first time he had past three-figures without a team-mate doing so before in an innings. No longer the accomplice Bell became his team's anchor and managed to inspire the likes of Matt Prior (62) and Tim Bresnan who finished the day unbeaten on 72 to avoid any England blushes. No doubt there will be sterner tests ahead for Bell this year, not least this winter, but it still remains a telling statistic, and may well be a sign that Bell is ready to take on the responsibility of putting together match winning scores in the middle overs in the hope of cementing a spot in England's Ashes squad and beyond.
Mushfiqur Rahim shakes the hand of Ian Bell after a majestic ton on Day Three
Image courtesy of cricinfo.com
Aside from Belly's heroics luck remained in the batsmen's side with decisions regularly going against Bangladesh and it was not long before Shakib was dragging himself around the field, a feeling of dejection that soon spread to the rest of the hapless Tigers and even the Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons. Siddon's frustration was understandable and he lost his cool or more than one occassion, firstly charging into the umpire's room, and later when an LBW appeal against Bell was turned down, he was seen gesticulating at the boundary edge. Whilst one could sympathise which Siddons's frustration it was hard to see that at such a crucial stage in the Test match that a writhing coach on the sidelines was to going to provide Shakib's men with much-needed inspiration.
However, England's lead remains slender and if the Bangladeshi bowling has proved anything it is that their are few demons in this pitch.With the dangerous Tamim Iqbal eager to clear the ropes from ball one, Cook will have to remain patient and be more canny with his field placements with Graeme Swann and James Tredwell likely to be rolling poles for much of day four as England look to capitalise on a dogged days work with the willow in hand.
Day Four
Continued determination with the bat and an impressive outing with the ball saw England take charge on the fourth day in Dhaka. Resuming on 440 for 8 Bresnan and Tredwell shared a useful ninth-wicket partnership of 47 before the latter fell for 91 trying to loft Abdur Razzaq back over his head, only to be undone by some sharp turn on a wearing surface. The uncharacteristic 'dance' down the wicket from the Yorkshireman though seemed to spark the tourists into life, and a brace of boundaries by Tredwell off Shakib, who amassed a titanic 66 overs in England's second innings, propelled his side to 496 all out.
Tim Bresnan fell agonisingly short of a maiden Test century
Image courtesy of cricinfo.com
As expected Cook quickly 'turned' to his spinners and Tredwell was unfortunate not to have Tamim back in the shed early on. The enterprising opener was given all of three lives, first Prior unable to gobble up a fairly straightforward edge behind the stumps, Tredwell himself was then guilty of fumbling a caught and bowled opportunity with Tamim on 26, and it was not before another catch had gone wanting that Swann finally removed Bangladesh's wonderkid, slashing the offspinner to Stuart Broad at point.
Despite missed opportunities England continued to ride their luck. Imrul Kayes bowled after the ball ricocheted off his thigh pad and onto the stumps, and soon after Junaid had got quietly into his stride he somehow managed to cut a Tredwell delivery straight onto the Cook's boot only for the ball to loop back to spinner who gratefully took the most peculiar of caught and bowled.
Bresnan's career best batting figures did little to compromise his bowling, the bustling seamer managed to swing the ball both ways with ease, and it was not long before he snuffed out the talented Mahmadullah taking a thin inside edge as Bangladesh slipped to 130 for 4. A slip soon became a slide thanks to a peach from Graeme Swann completely deceiving Jahurul with dip and grip managing to dart his offspin untouched between bat and pad.
130 for 4 became 156 for 5 and not long after 169 for 6, with only a further three runs added before the bails were removed. Bangladesh's inability to move up through the gears, either getting bogged down in first or skipping directly to fifth, cost them dearly and their immaturity in the longer format was evident. Ploys that have seen Bangladesh become a competitive force in One Day International cricket will never prove fruitful in Test cricket, and this will be a lesson that Shakib's army of youthful cricketers will have to learn before too long.
Day Five
England maintained there one-hundred percent record over Bangladesh with a seemingly comfortable victory over the test minnows in the second and final test in Dhaka. The two captains provided the main talking points throughout the final days play that saw England cross the line, albeit amongst another spirited Bangladesh batting performance.
Having tottered to 172 for 6 yesterday much, in fact almost everything rested on the shoulders of the Tiger's captain Shakib Al Hasan, and he did not disappoint. As his team-mates crashed around him Shakib very nearly guided his team to safety. The birthday boy combined well-timed flourishes with dogged defence and almost put his side on the brink of an upset as he looked to take as much time out of the game as possible. Tragically one shot away from a majestic ton he lost his cool and ran down the wicket to Tredwell attempting an enormous swipe only to hit thin air and be stumped for 96. The manner of his dismissal was typical of Bangladesh's cricket this series, and the naivety that they continue to play with despite possessing raw talent that many well established Test nations would envy.
Alastair Cook finished as the leading run scorer in a victorious series for England
Image courtesy of cricinfo.com
Plaudits must remain with England though, and after a sketchy series in charge, Alastair Cook ensured that there was little doubt as to his calibre as his country's gritty first choice opening batsman. He finished as the leading run scorer in the series with a career-best 173 in Chittagong, and his unbeaten 109 on the first day in Dhaka ensured that England's victory in the end at least appeared comfortable. A dejected bowling display by the likes of Shaiful Islam and Abdul Razzak gifted the tourists an easy start, and Pietersen joined forces with his captain crafting a sumptuous 74 not out to see England cruise to a nine-wicket victory and a 2-0 series whitewash.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Bangladesh v England, 3rd ODI, Chittagong
England 284 for 5 (Kieswetter 107) beat Bangladesh 239 for 9 (Aftab 46, Rahim 40, Bresnan 4-28) by 45 runs
England completed the much-expected whitewash over Bangladesh in Chittagong thanks to a mature maiden century from 22 year-old Craig Kieswetter. Often renowned amongst his fans at Somerset as a man eager to clear the ropes, Kieswetter instead provided much-needed solidity throughout England's innings, as his more experienced team mates failed to find any real fluency, the wicket-keeper-come-opener never allowed the hosts to settle into any rhythm and paved the way for a comfortable England victory.
Alastair Cook started brightly but again was undone by his opposite number Shakib Al Hasan, Cook trying to cut a flighted delivery only to feather an edgethrough to Mushfiqur Rahim who made no mistake. It seemed Kevin Pietersen had also failed to learn from his mistakes as Adbur Rassak once again trapped England's No. 3 in front despite a gigantic stride down the wicket. Paul collingwood and Eoin Morgan gave admirable support to Kieswetter both amassing 36, albeit Morgan's coming twice as quick, and as Luke Wright stepped up with only a handful of balls to go, he and Tim Bresnan took full advantage of England's dominant position and two fours and two sixes from the pint-sized pinch-hitter ensured the tourists finished with a sizeable 284 for 5 from their 50 overs.
Craig Kieswetter celebrates a wonderfully crafted hundred from 120 balls
Image courtesy of cricinfo.com
England's total was made to seem even more insurmountable as Yorkshire's 24 year-old Ajmal Shazhad removed the ever-explosive Tamim Iqbal in only his third ball in one-day cricket, the Bangladeshi opener slashing at a wide ball only to edge the ball to Tim Bresnan taking an athletic catch at third man. Bresnan was at the heart of the a action again now with the cherry in his hands, dismissing Imrul Kayes in the final ball of the first powerplay, wicket-keeper Matt Prior taking a superb catch diving forward to leave Bangladesh 40 for 2.
The hosts continued to battle admirably as Aftab Ahmed (46) and Mushfiqur Rahim (40) frustrated the England Attack. Unfortunately it was an error in communication that led to the breakthrough Ahmed glancing a ball from Graeme Swann straight to the man at square leg and charging to the other end where Mushfiqur was not interested, Ahmed left stranded halfway down. Five overs later and Mushfiqur was dismissed in almost equally disappointing circumstances, a well-timed sweep hit close enough to Bresnan at deep midwicket was gratefully gobbled up as the stocky Yorkshireman tumbled over the outfield.
Shakib Al-Hasan continued in the right spirit and was unlucky to have been adjudged LBW off the bowling of Pietersen, however by this point the rate was above ten runs per over and England managed to effectively restrict the likes of Suhrawadi Shuvo (11) and Naeem Islam (18) to ensure a 45 run victory.
Bresnan took the opportunity to notch up career best figures of 4 for 28, but it was Kieswetter who rightfully bagged the man-of-the-match award for setting up the whitewash. England had been effective but not clinical and at times the tourists were caught napping both with bat and ball. However some gritty individual displays coupled with Bangladesh's inability to hammer home an advantage proved the edge between these two sides.
Bangladesh v England, 2nd ODI, Mirpur
England 261 for 8 (Morgan 110*, Cook 60, Shakib 3-32, Razzak 3-52) beat Bangladesh 260 for 6 (Rahim 76, Kayes 63, Bresnan 3-51) by two wickets
After a relatively routine victory only days before England were subjected to a far greater examination in their second outing in Dhaka, and it fell to a steely Eoin Morgan to see the tourists home. Morgan was unflappable on his way to an unbeaten 110, and proved without doubt that his repertoire extended beyond cheeky reverse sweeps and spirited middle-order counter attacks.
England had failed to find a real cutting edge against the Tigers as Mushfiqur Rahim's wonderfully paced 76 paved the way for those around him as they posted a competitive 260 for 6 in their 50 overs. Rahim was ably supported by Imrul Kayes as he dropped anchor allowing for his more fluent partner to keep the board ticking. After Paul Collingwood completed a vintage catch to his right off the bowling of Graeme Swann the Bangladeshi batsman continued to frustrate the English attack.
Contributions down the order from Mahmudullah, Naeem Islam, and Suhrawadi Shuvo meant that only Luke Wright, who was given a full nine overs as Stuart Broad struggled with injury, was able to keep his economy below 5 runs an over. So at the half-way stage many inside the Shere Bangla National Stadium may have felt that this was Bangladesh's chance to level the series and set up a decider in Chittagong, all that was required was some tight bowing and they were certainly in with sniff.
Morgan showed great versatility constructing a crucial century to save England from defeat.
Image courtesy of cricinfo.com
And the scent of victory wafted ever-nearer as Craig Kieswetter and Kevin Pietersen were dismissed in single figures, the former caught low in the slips after advancing down the pitch to Shafiul Islam, whilst KP was not for the first time undone by slow left arm spin, playing all round a ball fro Abdur Razzak only to be struck plumb on the back leg. Things went from bad to worse as Razzak claimed his second victim, Collingwood, so impressive in his last outing again trapped in front attempting a dubious sweep, and when the captain Alastair Cook trudged off for a well crafted, but ultimately inadequate 60 from 61 balls England were in serious doo-doo. Enter Eoin Morgan.
Morgan together with Matt Prior managed to restore some order to England's chase, and a partnership of 90 swung the pendulum firmyl back in the tourists's favour. Even a lacklustre lower order display from the likes of Wright and Tim Bresnan could do little to deter Morgan who moved gracefully onto his maiden ODI century in England colours. The Bangladeshi bowlers had no answer to Morgan's ability to hit all round the wicket and alongside débutante James Tredwell England got over the line with an unlikely 7 balls to spare.
The dogged Irishman was rightfully handed the man-of-the-match for his efforts, and applauded by his team mates as he left the field. each and every one of them breathing a sigh of relief as on another day it could have been a very different story.
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