7/28/2019 Is England Really That Good

1/2

Is England really that good? Dave Richardson an Englishman in Australia objectively and

fairly explores the weaknesses of the English team to give the Aussies a glimmer of hope.

The humbling defeat of Australia at the hands of dominating England at Lords has rightly

raised questions over the fragility of the Australian batting order, their lack of penetration with

the ball at crucial times and two spinners who are not test class. But are there any hopes ofan even contest in the next three test matches? Adopting a pseudo Sports Psychology and

a glass half empty approach an analysis of the England XI provides the Aussies with some

hope:

Alistair Cook Struggling with the bat and feeling the heat of captaincy in his first ashes

series. Has dominated with the bat with 12 centuries since the last ashes but has he drunk

the well dry? Still young but has probably peaked and is due a bad series.

Joe Root Got away from the Aussies at Lords but now the pressure is on. Comparisons to

being the new Messiah (or at least the new Boycott) will not help. Looks highly talented but

did have a bit of luck. Plays all the shots (mainly on the ground) and had a mighty impressivewagon wheel but that could be his Achilles heel. Useful off spinner having picked a couple of

crucial wickets including Clarke but is it really test class spin? All said early days for the

young man and the jury is out

Ian TrottLooks in form but the stats dont lie. Only averaging 26 in this series and only has

the three hundreds against Australia in eight tests. Vulnerable at slip and given Cook is out

of form is getting to see too much of the new ball. Might come good but just doesnt look

happy.

Kevin Pieterson A spent force and past his best. Usually saves his best for the big

occasions but the pressure from the last few years is now taking its toll. Admittedly a goodaverage against the Aussies, not far off 50 but hes not getting any younger as the injury at

Lords proves. He will want to prove the doubters wrong and might get one of his lucky 200s

but not sure the Aussies should hold any fear that he will save himself for the big occasion

this time round.

Ian Bell Everyone has their day in the sun and Bells series has peaked. Has all the shots

and is lovely to watch but test cricket is more than that. Due some bad luck, ok has 3

centuries from his last 3 matches against the Aussies but current form isnt everything.

Vulnerable as the series moves on

Jonny Bairstow A good fighting spirit but yet to score a test century. Likely to chip in with

a useful and lucky 50 but genuine questions whether he is test class. Good in the field,

reserve keeper and a long term option. Not as good as Collingwood at the same age.

Matt Prior In horrible form with the bat and like a few others in the team probably past his

best. Mind you not a bad average of 43 for a number seven and was named England

cricketer of the year in 2012. Keeping looks ok but has missed the odd stumping. Could

surprise with one of his aggressive counter attacking hundreds like the lucky one in he got in

Sydney but just doesnt look committed this series.

Tim Bresnan- A fill in who bowls a heavy ball. Played reasonably well in this test but is he

as consistent as Finn? Only managed 11 wickets in two test matches in the last ashes. Might

7/28/2019 Is England Really That Good

2/2

rise to the occasion playing on his home ground in the next test but more likely the pressure

will tell. Finn a better nightwatchman.

Stuart Broad Nothing but a show pony. Looks good but is he? Useful wickets, useful runs

combined with the odd big wicket haul but thats all you get. Not popular with the Aussies

and they will continue to target him as they did at Lords. Is he still the bowler that took 6-91at Leeds and 5-37 at the Oval in 2009, or for that matter the lucky 7-44 he recently got

against the Kiwis?

Graeme Swann The Joker in the pack and good last test but clearly hasnt fully recovered

from his surgery as the full bunger against Rogers proves. Unlikely to get conditions to suit

again and his 13 wickets in two tests at 22 is flattering. Likely that Rogers, Khawaja, Hughes,

Smith and Haddin will sort him out.

Jimmy Anderson Only average at Lords and looks like Trent Bridge has taken its toll.

Proven abilities to move the ball both ways and has overtaken Fred Truemans test record.

But is he as good as Fred? Is the flavour of the month with some and the go to man forEngland but are 37 wickets in his last 7 tests against Australia good enough. Due an injury

You see there is hope Australia!

Note: The writer has lived in Australia since 1993 and is still recovering from the 20 years of

hurt inflicted on the English cricket team by Australia. He understands and appreciates the

pain and suffering associated with cricketing loss and dominance. He is here to help.

Dave Richardson

Darwin

22.7.13