It’s been a while. I originally had grand plans for writing a report on every one day international, but the rigours of a seven match series took its toll not just on the two teams but also on the stamina and enthusiasm of spectators and bloggers. Does anyone outside the marketing men of the various cricket boards seriously think that a seven match one day series is a good idea, especially when it is tacked onto the end of a test series? Long before the series was over it was obvious that England and, to a lesser extent, Australia would rather be doing something else. As Andy Flower has pointed out, coaches should be involved in itineraries and it is difficult to imagine that this series did anybody much good, apart from providing a much needed boost to Australia’s confidence.
It cannot even be said to have been decent preparation for the World Cup, since both sides were hit by injuries and the conditions will be radically different on the sub-continent. Shaun Marsh and Adam Voges, who both played match winning innings at different points in the series, won’t be at the World Cup, while Chris Tremlett, who bowled reasonably well for England, will also be watching it on the telly. All the series has really done is muddy the selectorial waters a little and enable England’s best finisher, Eoin Morgan, to get injured. Bring on the World Cup.
No comments:
Post a Comment