End of Test Term Report
So we lost the series. Very disappointing considering how close we were to winning the first game which could have caused a whole different series. However, that is cricket and now we have to look back at who has done what this summer in the two series against the West Indies and India, and who should be looking over their shoulder for the winter tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Andrew Strauss
Copping a load of stick right now from all parts of the media, and he certainly isn’t quite where he was a couple of years ago, and he also failed to score a test century this summer. I think I’m right in saying that him and Cook havn’t had a century partnership either, so he must be looking over his shoulder. Against India he only averaged 2 runs less than his opening partner but Cook had a much better series against the WIndies.
Alistair Cook
As I mention above, had a decent series against the Windies, but he must push on and score more than fifties, and more than small hundreds. Still a class player though and a nailed on certainty to play this winter.
Michael Vaughan
Despite losing his first home series as captain, had a great summer with the bat and almost as importantly, played some cricket after the past few years totally injured! Will stay as captain, but maybe back to opening?
KP
Not a lot you can say about KP that hasn’t been said. Still the talisman of the England side and topping the averages for England in both series. I also like the way he gets up the opposition, keeps it more interesting to watch!
Paul Collingwood
A couple of centuries against West Indies, but nothing more than 60 odd against India, where the team needed more from him. He is a great person to have in the side though for his allround contribution, including 4 wickets against India.
Ian Bell
Not a sparkling summer with the bat by any means, but he was pushed from his spot previously in the order at no3. His scores in the 2nd innings against India until the final test were all in single figures, and he must do more than this. His name will be mentioned when talking about who may be dropped if Freddie was to come back.
Owais Shah
Had just one test against the West Indies and failed, but did himself more justice in the one dayers, and will get more chance to do so in the coming weeks. He’ll travel no doubt, but without injuries or a shift in team thinking it is difficult to see him getting in the side at the moment.
Matt Prior
Getting a lot of attention at the moment for a couple of dropped catches, and after a sparkling debut with the bat he failed against India putting himself under pressure. He is a class batsman though, and given more time he can become the keeper-batsman we so desire. Whether he’ll get that time is the question though… I’d give him time but plenty of critics out there won’t.
Ryan Sidebottom
Despite my worries, he had a good series against the West Indies, but things weren’t quite as easy against the better Indian side. If we had everyone fit I can’t see him playing as well as Hoggard, and despite his batting which looks useful, he may find himself for the chop. He’s done a job this summer though and I take back some of what I said when I heard he was called up!
James Anderson
Walked away with England player of the series against India after taking 14 wickets, and if he can keep the new ball and stay fit he could forge himself a starting spot all winter.
Chris Tremlett
Took 13 wickets against India, and bowled less erratically than I thought he might. However, he possesses no pace of any worry, and has hardly shown why he is in the team above Stuart Broad.
Monty Panesar
Had a disappointing series against India, taking just 8 wickets, 4 of which came in 1 innings. Had a much better series against West Indies, and is probably the 3rd name on the team sheet behind the skipper and KP.
Steve Harmison
Couldn’t play a part in the series against India and England missed him with his pace and bounce. If he can get a good bit of county cricket under his belt before the winter tour, and he doesn’t suffer homesickness, he should be a pivotal part of the side.
Matthew Hoggard
Could play a part in just 1.5 matches this summer, but given fitness he should be straight back in the team. His experience with the new ball just gives you a sense of well being when looking at the side on paper.
Liam Plunkett
In a summer when he could have made himself an integral part of the side he will be rueing the injury which meant he missed out on the series against India. The sort of player that will travel, but players are starting to move ahead of him in the running. He can bat though, so that will help with that no8 position!
I have only mentioned above, those who have played in a test this summer - which leaves out one Andrew Flintoff. When he can come back into the team and be ready to play a full part with the bat and the ball England straight away look a better outfit. It will mean losing a player though, and potentially a bit of a shuffle around. Vaughan could open, Bell go back to 3 and Flintoff replace Strauss. This would then allow us to bring in a second spinner in Sri Lanka and still keep three seamers. That is a topic for another time though no doubt!
Do you disagree with any of the end of term reports above? Leave a comment and let me know!
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