England's World Cup of total and utter anarchy

 
Before this tournament we predicted that the Group Stages of the World Cup would be a long, drawn out and predictable affair; and as far as Group A is concerned – Ricky Ponting’s increasingly bizarre histrionics aside – we have been proved correct.

Group B on the other hand has been completely different and it has almost entirely been down to the efforts of a schizophrenic England side.

Earlier in the week, we wrote that England had more noble aims for this World Cup than actually trying to win the bloody thing.

We still stand by this, but it would also seem that instead of the usual fare of bland R&B or drab Dad rock usually found on the dressing room stereo, England have had the Sex Pistols “Never Mind the Bollocks…” on continual repeat.

This can be the only conclusion drawn from a World Cup campaign that smacks of complete and utter anarchy.

Before yesterday’s do or die match with the West Indies, we doubted whether it was possible for the game to equal what had come before.

How could anything beat the squeaky bums win over The Netherlands, the thrilling tie with the hosts, the defeats snatched from the jaws of victory against Ireland and Bangladesh and especially the come from behind triumph over South Africa?

But yesterday’s match was even more dramatic, bizarre and frankly downright anarchic.

It started with the selection of England’s two drinks waiters Luke Wright and James Tredwell, whilst the West Indies inexplicably dropped Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Then we saw Jonathan Trott playing the role of the pinch hitter and club cricketer Wright salvaging the innings whilst debutant Devendra Bishoo and Andre Russell (in only his second ODI) wreaked havoc at the other end.

When West Indies replied we saw Tredwell finally prove that he could bowl as well as serve a mean gin and tonic, Ravi Bopara taking wickets and bowling maidens in the Powerplay and the last four West Indian wickets fall for just two runs.

Phew! We have only just emerged now from the dark room after a much needed lie down.

What happens next is anyone’s guess.

Where next?

Read about our cricket heroes and zeroes

Check out our Reverse Sweep XIs

Read all our 2011 World Cup posts here

The real reason why Ricky Ponting smashed that television

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Comments

[Mikeysky]

Stopped reading at "Ricky Ponting’s increasingly bizarre histrionics aside", irrelevant and demonstrating a complete lack of substantiated knowledge. Disappointing from someone who is usually worth a read.

[The Reverse Sweep]

Im sorry you didnt like it Mikeysky, but how else would you describe Pontings increasingly frequent shows of temper - if reports are to be believed. There was the agruments with the umpires in the MCG Test, the smashed television, the words with Smith and then there is his form. We have huge respect here for Pontings achievements, but it is sad to see one of the all-time greats struggling so badly for both form and dignity.

[MartDawg]

I'm on your side here RS. Ponting has earned my (grudging) respect over the years, but his behaviour has been odd of late, and that is presumably down to his poor form with the bat. However, As much as I'd absolutely love to, I can't write him or his team off.

Thank God for England though. The group stages would have been roughly one hundredth as interesting without our devotion to utter inconsistency.

[Mikeysky]

See this this article regarding Ponting, provides a bit of perspective to what are generally non issues: http://m.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/not-the-messiah-hes-a-very-naughty-boy-20110317-1byxx.html

It's all obviously opinion, you yourself say 'if reports are to be believed' hardly a ringing endorsement of your mentioning him in this piece. My disappointment stems more from the complete lack of relevance to mentioning Ponting in a negative fashion for the article. But thanks for replying, sorry if my complaint seems pretty, I enjoy your work, but the Ponting reference annoyed me as it is buying into what is essentially a non issue. Cricket here has some real things to work out going ahead, Ponting's alleged temper problems isn't high on the agenda.

[Pedro]

Yeah I agree with RS on Ponting, although if he was batting really well no one would care much.

I'm glad Australia isn't meeting England in the quarters though, they just seem intent with doing the opposite of what any sane person would predict. This will probably mean beating a team or two then bombing out when it seems safe to respect them again.

[The Reverse Sweep]

Thanks Pedro, its a shame actually that Australia arent playing England in the QF as being the craziest team on the planet at the moment (even beating Pakistan!), England would probably win. I cant say I am so confident though about beating Sri Lanka on their home patch. The temper stuff with Ponting is a bit of a non-issue, but I wouldnt consider myself English if I didnt have a sly dig!

[The Reverse Sweep]

Im glad you normally enjoy the blog Mikeysky! Fair point on the Ponting comment being unrelated to the article - although the point I was trying to make was more that Group A turned out to be a rather drab and predictable affair with only the incidents involving Ponting being worthy of any comment. As I said, I actually have a grudging respect for Ponting - he has been a fantastic batsman, and I guess that if he was scoring runs no-one would comment on what are as you say pretty minor issues. Still, as a Pom it is always a pleasure to be able to have a sly dig at the Australian captain!

[The Reverse Sweep]

Wouldnt disagree with you there MartDawg, although Australia will have their work cut out to beat India in the QF. Finally, the WC gets interesting!