England’s record wicket-taker shines on return in place of Stuart Broad but there is an argument Joe Root’s attack would be more effective with the pair bowling in tandemJimmy Anderson, bloody hell. Six for 40, in fierce heat, while everyone else managed four for 339. His best haul in Asia, 17 years after he first played there. The first five-for recorded in an Asian Test by a 38-year-old seamer. I could go on, but it is only 24 hours since this space was last devoted to Anderson’s excellence.Happily, there is another angle here that is just as interesting: the ramifications of rotation. On England’s Sri Lanka tour, Anderson and Stuart Broad are sharing a place in the starting XI. It...
The Yorkshireman’s relentless ODI form saw him compile a 10th century in the format in which he is one of England’s finestThe England men’s last match of the summer started with a slash, a catch, a cuss and a quick apology. Jason Roy threw his bat at Mitchell Starc’s opening ball and sliced a drive straight to backward point. In the silence of the empty ground, the curse he shouted out as he stomped into the dressing room came through loud and clear on the effects microphone. “Sorry for the choice language,” added Mike Atherton. It got worse. Joe Root was lbw to the very next delivery, so England were nought for two. Eoin Morgan was in now, while Jonny...
The England captain needs runs and victories against a South Africa side who have turned to their former captain Graeme Smith for guidance at a time of disarrayThe last time England set off on a winter tour at election time they were also heading for South Africa – in October 1964. On that occasion the political contest had rather more impact on the tour party. Ted Dexter, who had been England captain throughout the Ashes summer of 1964, stood for the Conservatives against Jim Callaghan in Cardiff South East, an undertaking that meant that he was replaced as captain by MJK Smith.Dexter mustered 22,288 votes in Cardiff but – fortunately for England’s middle-order – Callaghan polled 7,841 more than that...
Yorkshireman will have to work his passage with the bat on four-Test tour of South Africa with Jos Buttler remaining the first-choice wicketkeeperThe size of England’s tour party to South Africa betrays the uncertainties. A squad of 17 players is unusual given there are just two warm-up matches and then four Tests in a row. Some of them – Matt Parkinson and Zak Crawley being the likeliest candidates – will be in the nets and in their bibs, enhancing their drink-ferrying capabilities for most of the tour.One other, Mark Wood, will spend more time on the lonely rehabilitation road. It is quite a compliment to him that England are prepared to have him in the squad in the knowledge that...
The Yorkshireman was excellent behind the stumps again but his batting position must be questionedIn the end a losing draw felt about right. England and Australia have finally left the building. Although at times during this fifth Test Australia seemed to have checked out some time early last week. Related: England win fifth Test to draw Ashes series but Australia keep urn Continue reading...