My advice to the England team to avoid another thrashing
Over this thanksgiving break here in the US, I managed to watch 3 of the 5 days of the first Ashes test. I didn't have time to write about it, but I had some thoughts in my mind.
First of all, this test was everything I felt it would turn out to be. England were well and soundly beaten. Australia were clinical and thorough in their approach. Flintoff might claim the damage is not resounding, and the English supporters may point to their defeat in the first test of the 2005 series, but my opinion is that, unless things change dramatically, McGrath's arrogant 2005 prediction of a 5-0 whitewash may come true this time around.
In order to avoid this England need to play Monty and Chris Read. Focusing on just wicket-keeping, Read was unfairly dropped after a decent run with the bat. Clearly Fletcher is a man who like his cronies and favorites around, but in order for his team to win matches, one needs a great wicket keeper. Read is talented and I like his batting style. He is a lot more aggressive. (more on this later)
Watching Ashley Giles bowl was painful. He is out of form and the only way he can get wickets if if they are gifted to him. England needs to put faith in their batsman, give them the added responsibility of playing one less batsmen, and play Monty Panesar. Monty is someone who creates the wicket taking opportunities that England so desperately need. The balance in the end would be worthwhile, as ideally, Australia would not score as much (since Monty would be playing) and thus, there would be less runs to chase (which is good, since you're playing a batsmen less).
As far as their batting goes, the Englishmen need to take a page out of the Australian strategy book and realize that attacking is the best option. Langer's assault on the first morning set the precedent for a huge total. England DO have the players who can bat for 200 odd balls. If they could do so at a strike rate of 75, then we would have a match on our hands. I like Strauss, Cook and Bell. I feel they are the best batsmen on this English side who can provide this role of an anchor. Strauss is an aggressive batsmen by nature, and has the ability to focus for long periods of the game.
Pietersen was brilliant on the 4th day. It was fun watching him bat. I doubt anything affects him and he will be fine for the rest of the series.
Flintoff needs some runs under his belt. I have a feeling the extra bowling responsibility that he is taking on is affecting his batting. Makes sense. I mean, one can only take so much strain. Which is where Panesar comes in. He is a wicket taking bowler and he will provide those long spells allowing the pacemen to rest.
As far as the rest of them go, Sajid Mahmood isn't good enough for a look just yet. Harmisson, Anderson and Hoggard are England's best bets, and will probably improve as the series goes on.
The first Ashes test resulted in complete embarrassment for the English. There was no way, i ever thought they were the second best side in the world. Sadly the Aussies have given them a reality check. However all is not lost. I feel they have the ability to draw this next game. Given the way things are going, a draw would be a remarkable achievement in its own right and a victory of sorts for them.
First of all, this test was everything I felt it would turn out to be. England were well and soundly beaten. Australia were clinical and thorough in their approach. Flintoff might claim the damage is not resounding, and the English supporters may point to their defeat in the first test of the 2005 series, but my opinion is that, unless things change dramatically, McGrath's arrogant 2005 prediction of a 5-0 whitewash may come true this time around.
In order to avoid this England need to play Monty and Chris Read. Focusing on just wicket-keeping, Read was unfairly dropped after a decent run with the bat. Clearly Fletcher is a man who like his cronies and favorites around, but in order for his team to win matches, one needs a great wicket keeper. Read is talented and I like his batting style. He is a lot more aggressive. (more on this later)
Watching Ashley Giles bowl was painful. He is out of form and the only way he can get wickets if if they are gifted to him. England needs to put faith in their batsman, give them the added responsibility of playing one less batsmen, and play Monty Panesar. Monty is someone who creates the wicket taking opportunities that England so desperately need. The balance in the end would be worthwhile, as ideally, Australia would not score as much (since Monty would be playing) and thus, there would be less runs to chase (which is good, since you're playing a batsmen less).
As far as their batting goes, the Englishmen need to take a page out of the Australian strategy book and realize that attacking is the best option. Langer's assault on the first morning set the precedent for a huge total. England DO have the players who can bat for 200 odd balls. If they could do so at a strike rate of 75, then we would have a match on our hands. I like Strauss, Cook and Bell. I feel they are the best batsmen on this English side who can provide this role of an anchor. Strauss is an aggressive batsmen by nature, and has the ability to focus for long periods of the game.
Pietersen was brilliant on the 4th day. It was fun watching him bat. I doubt anything affects him and he will be fine for the rest of the series.
Flintoff needs some runs under his belt. I have a feeling the extra bowling responsibility that he is taking on is affecting his batting. Makes sense. I mean, one can only take so much strain. Which is where Panesar comes in. He is a wicket taking bowler and he will provide those long spells allowing the pacemen to rest.
As far as the rest of them go, Sajid Mahmood isn't good enough for a look just yet. Harmisson, Anderson and Hoggard are England's best bets, and will probably improve as the series goes on.
The first Ashes test resulted in complete embarrassment for the English. There was no way, i ever thought they were the second best side in the world. Sadly the Aussies have given them a reality check. However all is not lost. I feel they have the ability to draw this next game. Given the way things are going, a draw would be a remarkable achievement in its own right and a victory of sorts for them.
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