The Reverse Sweep

England bowling out Sri Lanka for 82 is not such a big surprise

 
The amazing conclusion to what had been until the final two hours an incredibly tedious Test in Cardiff perhaps shouldn’t have surprised English cricket fans (including the Reverse Sweep) as much as it did.

Seeing the excellent Chris Tremlett and Graeme Swann bowling out Sri Lanka for 82 in just 24.4 overs was pretty exhilarating stuff. Indeed, it was the 10th shortest innings in Test history.

However, England have been making a bit of a habit of this over the last 12 months, having dismissed the opposition in double-quick time for under 150 seven times in the last 11 Tests they’ve played.

It all started against Bangladesh at Old Trafford last June, where the visitors were hustled out for 123 in just 34.1 overs.

Pakistan then became the serial fall guys: bundled out for 80 in 29 overs at Trent Bridge, 72 in 39.3 overs at Edgbaston as well as 74 in 33 overs and 147 in 36.5 overs at Lord’s.

Finally, and perhaps most famously of all, Australia were humbled on day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, being shot out for just 98 in 42.5 overs.

So whilst England have proved to be pretty rubbish at ODI cricket, they have developed an unerring ability to bowl teams out in Tests in far less than 50 overs.

Maybe it’s time to change England’s ODI kit to the traditional whites.

Where next?

1st Test, Cardiff: England marks out of 10

Day 1 Talking Points: Cold Turkey for Aussies on Boxing Day

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

1st Test, Cardiff: England marks out of 10

 
Andrew Strauss – 5: Got his career as a Test specialist off to a fairly inauspicious start by getting dismissed in the last over of day 2, but that will fade into the background after an amazing final day heist.

Alastair Cook – 9: Imperious and in the form of his life. Now has five hundreds in his last ten Test innings – a hot streak beaten only by Hammond and Compton for England.

Jonathan Trott – 10: He may not enthuse the purists with his style but no one can question Trott’s effectiveness or his monumental Test average, which now stands at an incredible 66.77.

Kevin Pietersen – 2: Oh dear. After talking the talk in the build-up, KP was dismissed again by a left-arm spinner – that’s 19 times in his last 61 Test innings. The chink in his armour has become a gaping wound, but will it prove terminal?  

Ian Bell – 9: In contrast to Cook and Trott’s remorseless accumulation, Bell compiled another sublime eye-catching hundred to make one ponder whether he is wasted at five. Stunning catch at short-leg to remove Perera on the final day.

Eoin Morgan – 5: The rain and runs by those above him in the batting order limited Morgan to a brief 19 ball cameo. Will hope for a better opportunity to shine at Lord’s.

Matt Prior – 5: A quiet match for the Sussex keeper. Not called upon to bat, but tidy enough with the gloves.

Stuart Broad – 6: Wayward and expensive with the new ball on Day 1, but improved as the match wore on and grabbed the final two wickets. Also became the second youngest England bowler to reach 100 Test victims – so you’d have thought he’d have learnt how to appeal properly by now.

Graeme Swann – 8: Didn’t get a huge amount of help from the wicket, but still managed to take seven wickets including four for 16 in the second innings as he and Tremlett did a passable impression of McGrath and Warne in their heyday.

Chris Tremlett – 9: Should have been given the new ball in the 1st innings and started Sri Lanka’s slide when he got it second time around in what was a brilliant spell of hostile fast bowling. Now has 22 wickets at 23 since being recalled at Perth – another shrewd call by the selectors and a feather in the cap for bowling coach David Saker.

James Anderson – 7: The pick of England’s bowlers in the 1st innings before picking up a side strain. Needs to be wrapped up in cotton wool to ensure he is fit to face India later in the summer.

Where next?

Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott are just like Barcelona

Farewell and a tribute (of sorts) to Shane Warne

Ashes 2010/11: England series marks out of 10

County Championship XI of the week #8

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Jack Hobbs week

 
This week is Jack Hobbs week on the Reverse Sweep timed to mark the release today of a new biography on the Master by Leo McKinstry (buy it on Amazon here).

As such there will be a series of posts on Hobbs over the coming days culminating (hopefully, if we finish it in time) by our review of the book, which was kindly sent to us by those nice people at Yellow Jersey.

As a child we were fascinated by the remarkable feats of Hobbs. During his long career that stretched from the age of Grace to the era of Bradman, he scored more first-class runs and centuries than any player before or since. Even today, he remains England’s greatest run-maker in Ashes Tests.

Having thoroughly enjoyed McKinstry’s insightful biographies of Geoff Boycott and Alf Ramsey, we were looking forward to his take on Hobbs and the book certainly hasn’t disappointed so far.

Let the festivities commence.

Where next?

County Championship XI of the week #8

Marcus Trescothick so close to cricket's Holy Grail

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

KP's Summer of Cricket Diary #11 - They came to see me bat...

 
Afternoon peeps.

There aren’t many people that I don’t like.

There’s Jason Gallian of course - how dare he even touch my kit, let alone throw it off the dressing room balcony.

You’d probably guess that I’m not too keen on Peter Moores either. I’d still be England captain if it wasn’t for him.

And the less said about that muppet Graeme Smith, the better.

But apart from that, I pretty much love everybody. Even Stuart Broad.

Until yesterday.

There I was coping admirably with some swine bowling devilish left-arm spin when some spurious appeal was referred to the Third Umpire and he had the temerity to give me out.

How dare he? Didn’t he realise that everyone at the ground had come to see me bat? They’d had to endure rain deluge after rain deluge and even worse, a day of Cook and Trott batting.

They wanted some entertainment. They wanted KP. They wanted to feel the love.

As I said angrily to the spoilsport umpire in question Rod Tucker (or should that be F***er?) “They came to see me bat, not you to give me out umpire”.

Apparently some bearded Victorian geezer said something similar.

Oh well, back to my least favourite chair in the Cardiff dressing room again...

Where next?

KP: "My super injunction shame..."

Daryl Harper - Goodbye and good riddance

Read all the excerpts of KP's Summer of Cricket Diary

Farewell and a tribute (of sorts) to Shane Warne

10 reasons why Ian Botham may have worn sunglasses at the premiere of 'From the Ashes'

KP's Ashes Diary: 2nd January - It was KP that won it...

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Jonathan Trott is a good starter

 
Jonathan Trott has accumulated many impressive figures since his memorable debut in the Ashes decider of 2009 – the second highest Test batting average since Bradman being the obvious standout.

Trott’s double hundred yesterday raised his average to a stellar 66.77 and was yet another example of his penchant for starting a series well.

The Warwickshire batsman has played in seven Test series now. At the time, one would have thought it difficult to top his Test bow when he made 41 and 119 at The Oval – obviously his first (and only) Test of that series.

Next up was the tour of his birthplace, South Africa. Although Trott had a poor series, he did make a crucial and typically stubborn 69 in the 1st Test at Centurion, which helped save the match for England.

In the first Test of the last English summer, Trott plundered 226 off Bangladesh at Lord’s mirroring his 203 yesterday. And who can forget his 135 not out at Brisbane as England famously recovered from a large first innings deficit to post 517/1 in their second innings.

Despite rumours to the contrary, Trott is human and the 1st Test of last year’s trip to Bangladesh saw Trott make a measly 39 and 14. Similarly, the initial Test of the home series with Pakistan saw him make only 38 and 26.

Nevertheless, it is clear that Trott is someone who normally hits the ground running, unlike say Kevin Pietersen who cut such a sad and disconsolate figure as he trudged off after his dismissal yesterday.

Where next?

KP's Summer of Cricket Diary #10 - Cook and Trott just don't get it...

Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott are just like Barcelona

County Championship XI of the week #8

Marcus Trescothick so close to cricket's Holy Grail

The England-Sri Lanka series features four of the best 22 Test batsmen ever

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

County Championship XI of the week #8

 
Marcus Trescothick (Somerset) – Hundreds in each innings against Yorkshire, and his brutal 2nd innings knock of 151 (off just 131 balls) led Somerset’s charge to victory. Narrowly failed to reach cricket’s Holy Grail.

Alviro Petersen (Glamorgan) – When we made-up with the Glamorgan captain after our spat on Twitter, we implored him to score a double hundred. He did just that at The Oval in what by all accounts was a wonderful innings. Good on you, Alviro.

Will Smith (Durham) – A sad tale with a happy ending. Smith abruptly resigned the Durham captaincy halfway through 2010 and didn’t play again last summer. But he is back now and his 179 set up an innings victory against Warwickshire.

Karl Brown (Lancashire) – The likes of Dale Benkenstein, Usman Khawaja and Sam Robson may have scored tons, but Brown’s anchoring innings of 96 on a tricky Rose Bowl pitch gets him the nod for this XI.

Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire) – His golden summer continued with 136 and 80 in the defeat at Taunton. A good long-term bet to eventually replace Matt Prior in the Test side.

Andrew McDonald (Leicestershire) – The game with the Division 2 leaders may have petered out to a draw, but not before McDonald had exhibited his all-round abilities with 164 and 51 not out with the bat and three wickets in Northamptonshire’s only innings.

Ben Stokes (Durham) – Normally more of a batting all-rounder, but starred with the ball at Edgbaston taking seven wickets as Warwickshire were trounced by an innings. One of our ten to watch in 2011.

Adil Rashid (Yorkshire) – In a poor week for spinners, Rashid bagged four first innings wickets and then an unbeaten 51 at Taunton. However, his is a fortunate selection given that he went for 88 in 10.1 wicketless overs in the second innings as he was punished severely by Trescothick.

Kyle Hogg (Lancashire) – Took a stunning 11 for 59 as the leaders cruised to victory at the Rose Bowl including a first innings seven for 28. Not bad for his first Championship outing of the season.

Tim Murtagh (Middlesex) – Eight wickets in the match to nearly help Middlesex to victory at Chelmsford.

Ashley Shaw (Kent) – The 20 year old bagged a five-fer on Championship debut at Canterbury.

Where next?

Marcus Trescothick so close to cricket's Holy Grail

County Championship XI of the week #7

County Championship XI of the week #6

County Championship XI of the week #5

County Championship XI of the week #4

County Championship XI of the week #3

County Championship XI of the week #2

County Championship XI of the week #1

Ten to watch in 2011: Adam Lyth, Jade Dernbach,  Rory Hamilton-Brown, Samit Patel, Alex Hales, Danny Briggs, Ben Stokes, James Harris, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

KP's Summer of Cricket Diary #10 - Cook and Trott just don't get it...

 
Cook and Trott just don't get it, do they peeps?

It's all supposed to be about me. Not them.

But just like at Brisbane last November, they had the temerity to bat all day, leaving me all dressed up and nowhere to go. I'm probably going to get piles now from sitting on that chair for so long.

And where was the excitement? It's all up to me to save the day when (if?) I bat later. That's me peeps - Mr Entertainment.

Where next?

KP: "My super injunction shame..."

Daryl Harper - Goodbye and good riddance

Read all the excerpts of KP's Summer of Cricket Diary

Farewell and a tribute (of sorts) to Shane Warne

10 reasons why Ian Botham may have worn sunglasses at the premiere of 'From the Ashes'

KP's Ashes Diary: 2nd January - It was KP that won it...

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott are like Barcelona

 
As Liverpool fans, last night’s Champions League Final was a particularly enjoyable spectacle as the maestros of Barcelona delivered a stunning master-class. There was an absolute chasm between the sides and in truth it was men against boys.

Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott may not bat with the flair and panache that the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi exhibit with the ball at their feet, but they were just as dominant yesterday: the third day’s play at Cardiff also saw an exhibition of men against boys.

England’s number two and three are both in the midst of phenomenal runs. It seems unthinkable that many were calling for Cook’s head last summer when he struggled badly against Pakistan. But since what was billed as a career saving hundred at The Oval in the Third Test of that series, Cook has morphed into Jack Hobbs. He now has five hundreds and over 1,000 runs in his last ten Test innings.

Trott’s golden run stretches back further to the start of last summer when many thought he was only keeping the number three spot warm for Bell or Pietersen and could even be replaced in the XI for the Ashes by Eoin Morgan. 18 innings later and the small matter of over 1,200 runs with five hundreds, Trott has the second highest batting average ever in Test history (for batsmen with over 20 Test innings) – overnight it stands at a staggering 66.34.

Cook and Trott like batting together too. From a 116 partnership in the aforementioned Oval Test last summer to the unforgettable 329 stand at The Gabba, 173 at Adelaide and now 240 in this Test. And who would bet against them extending their union past 300 when play resumes this morning?

Dominance may present itself in different forms, but even if Cook and Trott are not as easy on the eye as the footballing geniuses of Barcelona, they are certainly every bit as effective.

Where next?

How England won the Ashes: Part 4 - Runs, runs, runs...

Ashes 2010/11: England series marks out of 10

KP: My super injunction shame

The England-Sri Lanka series features four of the best 22 Test batsmen ever

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Marcus Trescothick so close to cricket's Holy Grail

 
In Monty Python and the Holy Grail, God appears in the form of that Victorian master of cricket W.G.Grace and instructs the motley crew of Python knights to seek out the Holy Grail with hilarious results.

The ghost of Grace may well have been frequenting Somerset before the start of the season too as Marcus Trescothick has failed by just a whisker from obtaining one of cricket’s Holy Grail’s – 1,000 runs in an English season before the end of May.

Trescothick’s glorious unbeaten 151 (off just 131 balls) helped Somerset chase down 228 to beat Yorkshire yesterday. It was Trescothick’s fourth hundred of the season and second in the match and took him to 978 first-class runs for the season – just a tantalising 22 runs short of immortality.

Only eight batsmen in history have broken the fabled 1,000 run barrier before the end of May: Grace was the first to achieve the feat in 1895 and was followed by Tom Hayward (1900), Wally Hammond (1927), Charles Hallows (1928), Don Bradman (1930 and 1938), Bill Edrich (1938), Glenn Turner (1973) and Graeme Hick (1988).

Given Trescothick (and Somerset’s) shambolic start to the season, the former England opener’s haul is all the more impressive. Somerset were thrashed in their first two games with Trescothick contributing just 18, 5, 4 and 21 as his side were defeated twice by an innings.

But since then Trescothick has hit 227 and 23 against Hampshire, 31 and 23 against Worcestershire, 144 in his only innings against Durham, 63 and 79 at Hove versus Sussex and finally 189 and 151 not out against Yorkshire.

Unfortunately, Somerset don’t have another First-Class match before the end of May, so for Trescothick it is a case of so near, yet so far – just like the Pythons, whose quest for the Holy Grail memorably ended with arrest by the police.

Where next?

Marcus Trescothick resurrects Somerset's season

Somerset has a really, really bad day at the office

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Somerset

County Championship XI of the week #6

County Championship XI of the week #4

Heroes: Marcus Trescothick

2010 County XI of the season

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

KP's Summer of Cricket diary #9: My super injunction shame

 
Ok, peeps it’s time to be honest.

I’ve decided to follow Andrew Marr’s lead and come clean about my super injunction.

Yes, peeps I’m ashamed to admit that I successfully applied for a super injunction a couple of years ago when I got wind that the News of the World was about to publish details about my long-standing sordid affair.

I was weak. I was wrong. But I couldn’t help myself.

However, now is the time to come clean so I can concentrate on reaching my goals: 10,000 Test runs, breaking the record for most Test hundreds by an England batsman and helping England win the World Cup in 2015. England needs me.

I beg your forgiveness peeps. I have already prostrated myself at the feet of Jess, Andy, Andrew and the other captains whose names I must admit I’ve forgotten – there are so many.

My sordid affair was with myself. I couldn’t help it. What can I say, I am irresistible.

Sorry peeps.

Where next?

Daryl Harper - Goodbye and good riddance

Read all the excerpts of KP's Summer of Cricket Diary

Farewell and a tribute (of sorts) to Shane Warne

10 reasons why Ian Botham may have worn sunglasses at the premiere of 'From the Ashes'

KP's Ashes Diary: 2nd January - It was KP that won it...

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

The England-Sri Lanka series features four of the best 22 Test batsmen ever

 
That’s quite some statement and one that most cricket aficionados would vehemently (and quite understandably) disagree with.

However, if we take averages as our sole (and rather misleading) barometer and set the qualification criteria at a minimum of 20 Test innings, the 1st Test at Cardiff does feature statistically at least four of the best 22 batsmen in the history of the game (see full list here).

In 22nd place is Mahela Jayawardene, who averages 53.82 from his 117 Tests.

Four places higher is Thilan Samaraweera, the current cricketer with the largest amount of shrapnel in their body. He averages 54.25 from 64 Tests.

Then moving past the likes of legends like Hutton, Hobbs and Tendulkar, we reach 12th place where Kumar Sangakkara averages 57.25 from 95 Tests.

But, top of the pile and behind only Bradman in the pantheon (as far as averages go at least) is Bob Willis’s favourite batsman Jonathan Trott, who will have to go some this summer to maintain or improve upon an average of 61.53 from his 19 Tests.

Only five batsmen in Test history who have more than 20 innings average over 60: Bradman, Graeme Pollock, George Headley, Herbert Sutcliffe and for the time being Trott.

As Mark Twain so rightly said “there are lies, damned lies and statistics”.

Where next?

1st Test: Cardiff - Preview: England reach for the feel good hit of summer

Seven reasons why England should not underestimate Sri Lanka

The 30 Greatest Batsmen Ever: Part 1 (30-21), Part 2 (20-11), Part 3 (10-1)

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Daryl Harper - Goodbye and good riddance

Not all of our Cricket Zeroes are players...

Umpiring is a difficult job at any level of cricket. But it is downright impossible when you are as deaf, dumb and blind as Daryl Harper.

Despite a trail of blunders, which if depicted on embroidered cloth would be longer than the Bayeux Tapestry, Harper incredibly stood in 94 test matches and 174 one day internationals, and has only today been mercifully removed from the ICC elite list of umpires. Halle-bloody-lujah!

Harper reached the nadir of his ineptitude during the South Africa-England test series early in 2010 when he managed to both make and break the case for the UDRS. When making decisions in the middle, Harper seemed to be part of a secret ICC plot to justify the review system such were the sheer number and utter ineptness of his quite dreadful decisions that were overturned by the TV umpire. Then when he took his turn in the TV umpire's chair, Harper forgot to turn up the volume so missed the audible edge from Graeme Smith's bat in the final test of the series at The Wanderers.

Daryl Harper. Probably the worst umpire in the world. Goodbye and good riddance.

Where next?

1st Test: Cardiff - Preview: England reach for the feel good hit of summer

Cricket Zeroes: Billy Bowden

Cricket Zeroes: Charles Colville

Check out all our other Reverse Sweep heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Podcast: England vs Sri Lanka, West Indies vs Pakistan & cricket in Tonga(!)

 
The Reverse Sweep was delighted to take part in this week's 'One Hand, One Bounce' podcast organised by our good friends at World Cricket Watch in Melbourne.

Podcast: An action-packed magical mystery pod this week. Dave, Murray and Jimi and joined in the studio by Tom Dixon who shares tales of Tonga cricket (including kirikiti). Blaise phones in from down the road in the West Indies to review their series against Pakistan. Plus The Reverse Sweep joins us from the South of France to preview England-Sri Lanka.

NB: Please allow a moment while it buffers/loads

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Click on link

Don’t miss a single episode of the One Hand One Bounce Podcast. Automatically get each new episode by subscribing via iTunes or subscribing to the RSS feed.

Where next?

1st Test: Cardiff - Preview: England reach for the feel good hit of summer

Seven reasons why England should not underestimate Sri Lanka

Responsibility and Misbah-ul-Haq

County Championship XI of the week #7

Farewell and a tribute (of sorts) to Shane Warne

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

1st Test: Cardiff - Preview: England reach for the feel good hit of summer

 
The first Test of the English summer has always been an historic event and this year is no different as England embark on their first Test action since that wonderful Ashes triumph down under.

We’ve already written why Sri Lanka should not be underestimated, but talk of England's quest to become the number one Test side in the world shows no sign of abating.

Even Sri Lankan coach Stuart Law has been at it saying that over the last eighteen months “I believe England are the best team in Test cricket”. Whether he truly means that or if it is simply a case of Law getting his excuses in early awaits to be seen.

Certainly, we will know a lot more about how close England are to achieving their goal by the end of the summer given that current top ranked side India visit English shores for a four test series after Sri Lanka have departed.

India are yet to lose a series in eleven under the leadership of MS Dhoni, but England also have a long unbeaten run stretching back to the Caribbean in 2009 where the first series of the Strauss-Flower axis was lost. Since then the pair have overseen home and away wins over Australia and Bangladesh, as well as home victories over Pakistan and West Indies and a creditable drawn series in South Africa.

But India can wait for now as the series with Sri Lanka promises to be a tasty and intriguing hors d’oeuvre.

Likely line-ups

Now that the Morgan vs Bopara contest has been settled in favour of England’s adopted Irishman, the only question mark over England’s final XI is between Chris Tremlett and Steve Finn. In our view, it is the Surrey giant who should get the nod to build on his pivotal role in the last three Ashes Tests.

Things are not so clear with the Sri Lankan line-up. Nuwan Pradeep has gone home with injury and there is a doubt over Dilhara Fernando. Farveez Maharoof, who has been called into the squad from Lancashire will probably play.

Look out for…

As usual a lot of the focus in the build-up to the Test has been on Kevin Pietersen, with some in the media suggesting that he could be dropped for India if he fails to shine. Pietersen has said that he has got the bug back, so the RS expects him to build on a successful Ashes series where he averaged over 60 and hit that magnificent double hundred at Adelaide.

It will be interesting to see how Tillakaratne Dilshan fares as Sri Lanka’s new captain. He has made a good start with two wins and a hundred in each of the warm-up games. He has the experience of former captains Sangakkara and Jayawardene to call upon should he need it, but even so it will be a real test to see how he works with what is an inexperienced and largely unproven bowling attack.

Previously at Cardiff

This is only the second Test to be held at Sophia Gardens, and this Test will have to go a long way to match the finish of the inaugural Test in 2009 where Paul Collingwood, Monty Panesar and James Anderson memorably led England’s Great Escape against Australia.

Sri Lanka’s record in England is two wins, three draws and four defeats from nine matches, with both wins (The Oval 1998 and Trent Bridge 2006) being engineered by Muralitharan. How they fare without their spin genius, is just one of the many posers of what promises to be a fascinating series.

Stat attack

Kumar Sangakkara is criminally underrated despite a Test average of over 57. His stats are even more impressive when he doesn’t have the added burden of keeping wicket - a Bradmanesque 76.52 from 46 Tests sans gloves.

Since being rested from the tour of Bangladesh in early 2010, James Anderson has taken 56 wickets at 20.78 in 11 Tests. With a strong battery of quicks to call upon, expect rest and rotation to become a feature of England’s selection over the summer.

Prediction

Earlier this week, we had a hunch that this could be Sri Lanka’s match, but with the pitch likely to favour the batsmen and rain forecast throughout the game, the draw seems the most likely result.

Where next?

Seven reasons why England should not underestimate Sri Lanka

Read all the excerpts of KP's Summer of Cricket Diary

10 reasons why Ian Botham may have worn sunglasses at the premiere of 'From the Ashes'

Eoin Morgan has got "it"

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Seven reasons why England should not underestimate Sri Lanka

 
When reading some of the build-up to the Test series in the media, anyone would think that England are facing Bangladesh or Zimbabwe instead of what we at The Reverse Sweep believe is a very good Sri Lankan side.

Here are seven reasons why we believe it is dangerous to underestimate Tillakaratne Dilshan’s team:

King Kumar isn’t wearing the gloves

Kumar Sangakkara has a claim to being one of the most underrated batsmen in world cricket despite a Test average of over 57. An already excellent record becomes positively Bradmanesque when he isn’t keeping wicket. In 46 Tests without the gloves, King Kumar averages 76.52. Be afraid England, be very afraid.

Dilshan seems to have taken to the captaincy

Responsibility can inspire some whilst breaking others. The early signs are that Dilshan is more likely to be inspired than broken. Two warm-ups and two centuries: 123 off 134 balls before retiring against Middlesex and 117 off 110 following-on against a strong Lions bowling line-up of Finn, Dernbach, Onions and Shahzad.

Batting Princes

Sangakkara and Dilshan are but two of a very strong batting line-up. Mahela Jayawardene, Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera all have Test averages of 54 or over. Dilshan has been a revelation since moving up to open, and Dinesh Chandimal and Tharanga Paranavitana are also decent cricketers. If England’s much vaunted bowling attack shows any signs of rustiness then expect batsmen of this calibre to tuck in.  

They’ve got the winning habit

Despite starting badly in both warm-up matches, Sri Lanka showed great tenacity and togetherness to fight back to beat both Middlesex and then the Lions. They followed on 227 runs behind the Lions only to score 448 in their 2nd innings and then dismiss a strong batting line-up for 183 to win by 38 runs. All this suggests that Sri Lanka are no pushovers and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they were to win at least one of the three Tests.

Sri Lanka like playing in England in May

Contrary to the impression given by many in the media, Sri Lanka are unlikely to flounder on early-season English wickets. For a start the weather has been unseasonably warm and sunny this year, and in any case on their last trip to these shores in 2006 when the series also started in May, Sri Lanka fought like tigers to draw at Lord’s before winning at Trent Bridge to square the series.

They won’t miss Malinga that much

Whilst Sri Lanka will undoubtedly miss Murali and the balance provided by Angelo Mathews, we’re not so sure that Malinga’s absence will be much of a handicap. Malinga has only played two Tests since 2007 and Sri Lanka has managed very nicely thank you. The likes of Dilhara Fernando, Thisara Perera and Nuwan Pradeep (if fit) are much better than the billing afforded them by many in the English media. Just ask the Lions batsmen.

There’s always Chaminda

If their seamers do struggle or fall victim to injury, then Sri Lanka have an emergency measure close by in Chaminda Vaas. The great left-arm quick is having a pretty good season with 19 wickets to help Northamptonshire top Division 2. He may have retired from international cricket, but no doubt he could be persuaded to make one final encore.

Where next?

Making match fixing allegations in cricket the modern way starring Hashan Tillakaratne 

The ten most poignant cricket memories of 2009

Cricket Heroes: Aravinda de Silva

Cricket Heroes: Sanath Jayasuriya

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

KP's Summer of Cricket Diary #8

 
If you were Andrew Strauss, who would you make the star of your new book on the Ashes in order to shift a few extra copies?

KP, of course.

Not that usurper Alastair Cook, not James Anderson and certainly not that publicity seeker Graeme Swann. Just little old me.

I haven’t read the book yet, but no doubt Straussy will admit that my sacrificing the captaincy to get rid of Peter Moores was the catalyst to the triumph, and that my double hundred in Adelaide was the final denouement.

It’s hardly a surprise that Straussy has taken this approach (I wonder if he needs a picture of me on the front cover too?). What other cricketer would have a whole Sky Sports News programme dedicated to them? It’s on tonight and the ratings are likely to be higher than the Royal Wedding.

Soon I really will be bigger than Jesus.

Where next?

Read all the excerpts of KP's Summer of Cricket Diary

Farewell and a tribute (of sorts) to Shane Warne

10 reasons why Ian Botham may have worn sunglasses at the premiere of 'From the Ashes'

KP's Ashes Diary: 11th January - The urn needs some bling

KP's Ashes Diary: 2nd January - It was KP that won it...

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

And the winner is...Eoin Morgan

 
When it came down to it, what was always going to be a borderline decision as to who should replace Paul Collingwood in the England Test XI against Sri Lanka came down to a final audition against…Sri Lanka.

And that seems just about right.

Ravi Bopara scored a nervous 17.

Eoin Morgan scored a nerveless 193.

So, it is difficult really to fault the logic of the selectors in going with Morgan.

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride eh Ravi?

Where next?

County Championship XI of the week #7

Eoin Morgan has got "it"

Who should get the vote to be England's new number six batsman?

Who should make the England Lions XI to play the Sri Lankans?

So, Eoin Morgan is a test batsman after all

Lionel Messi & Eoin Morgan - Masters at Work

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County Championship XI of the week #7

 
Chris Nash (Sussex) – First Championship ton of the season after six fifties, and it was a vital one too as Sussex chased down a tricky target of 275 at Hove. Is now the leading run scorer in Division 1 with 656 runs at 54.66. Second successive appearance in our XI.

Rory Hamilton-Brown (Surrey) – In a team bereft of openers, it was the skipper who took the responsibility of moving up the order to face down Essex’s total of 548. RHB’s 159 off 195 was therefore even more impressive than the score already suggests. One of our ten to watch in 2011.

Ian Bell (Warwickshire) – Warmed up for the Sri Lanka Tests and showed his immense class with 139 against a strong Notts attack featuring England colleagues Broad and Swann.

Gordon Muchall (Durham) – Struck his first ton of the season with his 175 being the base from which Durham dominated against Worcestershire at New Road.

Alex Gidman (Gloucestershire) – Pips Ian Blackwell and team mate Kane Williamson to the final batting spot for his fluent 168 (off 244 balls) at Grace Road – a week after his brother also made our weekly CC XI.

Graham Napier (Essex) – World Record equaling performance with 16 sixes in a first-class innings And 172 runs came in boundaries in his 130 ball 196. Phenomenal. Cricket’s Six Million Dollar Man?

Phil Mustard (Durham) – Put Durham out of sight at New Road with 101 and then marshalled his bowlers well to earn an innings victory.

James Harris (Glamorgan) – Eight wickets at Lord’s including that of Andrew Strauss to ease pain over Lions omission and send Glamorgan second in Division 2.

Naved-ul-Hasan (Sussex) – 10 for 161 in the match kept Sussex in the game – his potency proving the main difference between the sides as pre-season favourites Somerset were beaten at Hove.

Gary Keedy (Lancashire) – 10 wickets in the Roses match to put a buoyant Lancashire top of the table. Match figures of 77.3-14-177-10 make him the most deserving selection in this XI.

Steve Harmison (Durham) – Grabs the final spot in our XI ahead of Boyd Rankin and James Anyon for his seven wickets at Worcester. If he stays fit, Durham could challenge for the title they won in 2008 and 2009.

Where next?

Farewell and a tribute (of sorts) to Shane Warne

Cricket XIs: Cricketing Criminals 

County Championship XI of the week #6

County Championship XI of the week #5

County Championship XI of the week #4

County Championship XI of the week #3

County Championship XI of the week #2

County Championship XI of the week #1

Ten to watch in 2011: Adam Lyth, Jade Dernbach,  Rory Hamilton-Brown, Samit Patel, Alex Hales, Danny Briggs, Ben Stokes, James Harris, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid

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Farewell and a tribute (of sorts) to Shane Warne

 
After more retirements and comebacks than Frank Sinatra, it seems that today really is the day that Shane Warne bows out of top-class (if that is not a misnomer for the IPL) cricket.

Perhaps fittingly, the best spinner of his generation (and maybe even in the history of the game) will be up against the premier batsman of the same era as Warne’s Rajasthan Royals take on Sachin Tendulkar’s Mumbai Indians.

Whilst Warne has become a bit of a caricature in recent times – the celebrity girlfriend, the orange fake tan and hawking more products than a lorry-load of travelling salesmen - he has been one of the true greats and has changed the game of cricket. Not many can say that.

Even as a Pom, we’ve nothing but admiration for Warne the cricketer – someone who proved as much of a talisman to Australia as Ian Botham once was to England in Ashes encounters. And like Beefy, Warney never seemed to be far from controversy – be it sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll as well as bottles of peroxide and of course a penchant for piling on the pounds.

Rewind to Adelaide 2006 and despite his powers having dimmed significantly, it was Warne who truly believed, Warne who inspired his team-mates, and Warne who psychologically harried England to fold so dramatically on that final day. He is the best captain Australia never had.

Warne held a spell over England right from the moment he bowled ‘that’ ball to Mike Gatting – even in the 2005 Ashes he was the standout player on either side. And it was not just his skill with the ball that had England in a trance for nigh on fifteen years. The sledges, the supposed new deliveries and the whole theatre that was part of every ball Warne bowled all played a part.

Suddenly, with the success of Warne, every international side saw spin as being as important as pace and that made for a more absorbing spectacle for cricket fans. And with apologies to Murali supporters, Warne is the best twirler we’ve seen in either Test or limited overs cricket.

Yes, he had flaws – big flaws – but you could never accuse Warne of being boring and he will forever be remembered along with the other great spinners of history (Rhodes, O’Reilly, Verity and yes Murali amongst others) in the cricketing pantheon.

Whilst we will continue to cringe with everyone else at some of his antics – the public affair with Elizabeth Hurley really is vomit inducing; we also look forward to hearing more of his honest, ridiculously optimistic and unique form of commentary.

So, as he rides off into the sunset astride the ghastly Hurley, it seems it really is time to bid farewell to Shane Warne the cricketer.

Margherita pizzas all round then.

Where next?

Seven reasons why the Poms love Shane Warne

Ashes hat-tricks starring Shane Warne

All-time Ashes XI

England's Dirty Dozen starring Adelaide 2006

Shane Warne's Ashes nightmare

The 25 Greatest Ashes Tests: Part 3 of 3

KP's Ashes Diary: 15th December - Lamborghinis, hundreds & Liz Hurley

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Eoin Morgan has got "it"

 

We're pretty sure that Roy Orbison didn't have England's adopted Irishman in mind when he penned "You've Got It", but Eoin Morgan definitely has "it".

Despite reportedly falling behind Ravi Bopara in the running to be the replacement for Paul Collingwood in England's Test XI, and having not played a first-class match in 2011 thanks to him prioritising the IPL, Morgan would have given the selectors a timely reminder of his qualities at Derby yesterday.

Whilst Bopara fell for just 17, Morgan racked up a big ton and will be intent on reaching 200 as the Lions resume their innings this morning.

Will Morgan's big hundred have done anything to have changed Andy Flower's mind? Probably not, but Morgan has once again showed that he has the appetite for the big stage and the perfect temperament required to be successful in international cricket - two of the biggest concerns with regards to Bopara.

A borderline decision made even tougher for the selectors and don't count out James Taylor either. He drew the short straw in being asked to open and then compiled a useful 76. As we've said before, the diminuitive Taylor will play 100 Tests - remember where you read it first!

Where next?

Who should get the vote to be England's new number six batsman?

Who should make the England Lions XI to play the Sri Lankans?

So, Eoin Morgan is a test batsman after all

Lionel Messi & Eoin Morgan - Masters at Work

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep