The Reverse Sweep

England v West Indies - England series marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss (326 runs at 65.20) 9: Redemption at Lord's followed by a second successive hundred at Trent Bridge (to prove that Test match centuries can be like London buses) set up his side's victories in the first two Tests. A touch negative in the field during Samuels' and Sammy's big stand at Nottingham and also when Best and Ramdin caused chaos at Edgbaston.

Alastair Cook (176 runs at 44.00) 6: Failed in the 1st innings of every Test and only made it to 24 at Trent Bridge after being reprieved twice by Roach no balls, but anchored a tricky run chase at Lord's with 79 vital runs and was there at the end at Nottingham whilst looking in decent enough nick.

Jonathan Trott (140 runs at 35.00) 5: Another to look in good touch but could only manage a top score of 58, which was unlike his usual ruthless self. Perhaps he is saving some big innings for his fellow South Africans?

Kevin Pietersen (203 runs at 50.75) 7: Looked in tremendous form at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston but was unable to turn scores of 80 and 78 into big three figure scores. Courted controversy once again by retiring from limited overs internationals but South Africa should beware as KP looks in the mood.

Ian Bell (222 runs at 111.00) 8: No doosra (or Saeed Ajmal), no cry for Bell who eased back into his 2011 vintage with three fifties from four innings with the most crucial coming in the 2nd innings at Lord's when England had stumbled to 57 for four chasing 191.

Jonathan Bairstow (38 runs at 12.66) 3: Started promisingly with a brief cameo of 16 at Lord's but was all at sea at Trent Bridge against the short ball. It is harsh to judge him on four brief innings, but an in-form Ravi Bopara is clearly a better bet against South Africa's daunting pace attack.

Matt Prior (35 runs at 17.50) 5: Whilst his work with the gloves was its usual high quality, he for once failed to cash in against his favourite opponents where in two innings he was bowled through the gate each time.

Tim Bresnan (12 wickets at 33.00; 39 runs at 39.00) 6: Disappointing at Lord's but back to his bustling best at Trent Bridge with eight wickets and an important 39 not out. if Edgbaston is anything to go by, he is far better as a third seamer than the leader of the attack. Winning run ended on 13 by the rain in Birmingham.

Stuart Broad (14 wickets at 21.71; 35 runs at 17.50) 8: Opened up with a career best eleven wicket match haul at Lord's and since the start of the India series last summer has 54 wickets at 18.88 and a batting average of 32.27. That is world-class in any language. Rested for Edgbaston but was still the leading wicket taker in the series.

Graeme Swann (6 wickets at 47.00; 31 runs at 15.50) 6: The pitches offered him scant assistance but took the vital wickets of Bravo and Chanderpaul as West Indies fought hard second time around at Lord's. Should come into his own against the South Africans in the summer's main event.

James Anderson (9 wickets at 26.88; 6 runs at 3.00) 8: Bowled better than his figures suggest, beat the bat countless times and is now the personification of consistency as he barely wastes a ball. Wasn't happy to be rested for Edgbaston where England missed his skill with the ball and nous as the attack leader. His forthcoming dual with Dale Steyn should be fascinating. 

Steve Finn (1 Test, three for 109; 0*) 5: The 'next cab off the rank' came in at Edgbaston as Anderson and Broad were rested and mixed up some unplayable deliveries with several balls - especially in the record last wicket partnership - that were lacking in line or length.

Graham Onions (1 Test, four for 88; DNB) 7: England's decision to rotate their seamers handed the Durham bowler his first Test cap for two and a half years after a serious back injury. He was the pick of the attack with four wickets and may have moved ahead of Finn now in the pecking order. 

Where next?

England v West Indies - West Indies series marks out of 10

2nd Test marks out of 10: England and West Indies

1st Test marks out of ten: England and West Indies

The Plan by Steve James | Book review

Kevin Pietersen's retirement from limited-overs cricket: the case for the defence

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2nd Test: England vs West Indies - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss - 9: So, Test hundreds are like London buses for the skipper. After the relief of Lord's this was much more like the old Strauss versus opponents against whom he has six hundreds and an average of 50. 

Alastair Cook - 6: Was unable to cash in after being dismissed twice off no-balls in the 1st innings effectively making his score 24 for three, before as at Lord's anchoring a serene progress to victory in the run chase. 

Jonathan Trott - 6: Was in immaculate form before a slightly unlucky leg before decision (the ball was just clipping leg) stopped him in his tracks - on this showing though a big score can only be just around the corner. 

Kevin Pietersen - 7: Can someone please tell me how KP can play a Dilscoop in a Test match?? Ridiculous. That maybe so, but England's premier batsman looked in ominous form during his knock of 80, which bodes well for the visit of his native South Africa later this summer.

Ian Bell - 5: Like Trott, looked in great touch before playing across the line and being trapped in front.

Jonathan Bairstow - 1: Given a thorough examination against the short ball and failed dismally, which doesn't auger well for the challenge ahead against Steyn and Morkel.

Matt Prior - 5: As sound as ever with the gloves, but as at Lord's only a fleeting cameo with the bat at a time when England needed him to stay in the middle.

Tim Bresnan - 9: Thirteen may be unlucky for some, but not for this Yorkshireman: eight wickets, useful runs, a glorious spell of reverse swing on the fourth evening, a continuation of his unblemished winning streak and not a cheese sandwich in sight.

Stuart Broad - 7: Had to be content with the support cast after his starring role at Lord's but made inroads with the new ball on the first morning and took the prize wicket of Chanderpaul second time around.

James Anderson - 8: Two wickets in each innings with the new ball and a stunning catch to get rid of Barath on the first morning, but perhaps showed too much frustration during Sammy and Samuels' big stand. 

Where next?

2nd Test: England vs West Indies - West Indies marks out of 10

1st Test marks out of ten: England and West Indies

Kevin Pietersen is innocent (and right about Nick Knight)

Who gets in an England-South Africa composite XI?

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1st Test: England vs West Indies - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss - 9: It wasn't just a monkey that the skipper removed from his back when he finally reached three figures after 19 months and 26 innings, it was an especially large and heavy mountain gorilla. What will certain elements of the press have to talk about now? 

Alastair Cook - 7: Looked horrified to play on in the first dig having played himself in but made up for it in the run chase to quell English nerves and ease his side to victory.

Jonathan Trott - 6: If it wasn't for his fastidiousness and quirky ways, England's number three would be practically invisible so unobtrusive is he at the crease. But his first innings 58 is there on the scorecard, not that we can remember much about it.

Kevin Pietersen - 5: Was in prime form first time around before nicking one behind to Samuels' part-time spin before another poor shot briefly looked to have put England in the brown stuff as they chased on the final morning.

Ian Bell - 8: A couple of attractive sixties were just what the doctor ordered after his dreadful winter expedition to Asia. Now averages 110 in his last ten Tests In England. Tom Jones would doubtless refer to it as the green, green grass of home.

Jonathan Bairstow - 5: Brief but attractive cameo with the bat, smart piece of fielding to run out Kirk Edwards and held onto a sharp chance at point to get rid of Samuels in the 1st innings. A promising enough start.

Matt Prior - 6: Another one to sparkle briefly with the bat versus opponents against whom he averages 63. Was as reliable and tidy as ever behind the stumps. 

Tim Bresnan - 4: The lucky charm extended his run to 12 wins from 12 Tests, but was not at his best with the ball and didn't trouble the scorers with the bat. May drop out for Finn at Trent Bridge.

Stuart Broad - 9: Fully deserved his man of the match award for his eleven wickets and is now on the honours board at the home of cricket for ball and bat. Has now taken 51 wickets at 17 since the start of the India series last summer. That is world-class in anyone's language.

Graeme Swann - 7: The pitch offered scant assistance, but his three 2nd innings wickets included the key one of Chanderpaul and he would have had him in the 1st innings too if Strauss had listened to his plea for a review for a leg before.

James Anderson - 7: Hit the right groove immediately on the first morning and bowled well enough - the ball to get Ramdin on day four was a beauty, but was not quite at the level he was in Sri Lanka in April. But if Jimmy don't get you then Broady will.

Where next?

1st Test: England vs West Indies - West Indies marks out of 10

Podcast: England vs West Indies preview

Who should bat at six for England?

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Naughty boy nets - 2012 style

Unlike many of his predecessors as England coach, Andy Flower doesn’t inflict naughty boy nets on his charges. Instead, he has the modern equivalent of punishing poor performers by releasing them to play county cricket in chilly April.

Whilst central contracts have played a significant role in the improvement of England’s fortunes since their introduction and eradicated the ridiculous motorway dash as players scramble to get back to their counties at the conclusion of a Test match, many county cricket fans rightly lament the almost total absence of their England stars from their county line-ups. So, perhaps England’s struggles over the winter have a silver lining after all?

Middlesex and Warwickshire fans will certainly be happy that the winter’s biggest dunces Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell will be turning out for their counties this week against Durham and Lancashire respectively.

Over the forthcoming weeks all of England’s winter squad will feature for their counties ahead of the 1st Test against the West Indies on 17 May – even Kevin Pietersen will have to cut short his stay in India to return for Surrey’s game at Worcester, which starts on 9 May; that’s if he can find his way to New Road as it is an awfully long way from Chelsea.

But is it enough? Whilst one can understand why James Anderson for instance needs a decent rest following his sterling efforts over the winter, it is difficult to understand why Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott and Matt Prior (especially if he played solely as a batsman) are being held back longer than Strauss and Bell.

Maybe Flower is indeed punishing the biggest failures over the winter with a longer stint with their county - Eoin Morgan may not be so disappointed to be warming the bench for the Knight Riders after all.

Where next?

It's not jealously KP, it's pure and simple indifference

County Championship XI of the week #2

2nd Test: Sri Lanka vs England - England marks out of 10

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2nd Test: Sri Lanka vs England - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss - 7: Whilst Trott and Swann defended him off the pitch, the captain did his talking on the field with a dogged fifty to set up England's reply and keep the wolves from the door for now.

Alastair Cook - 8: After a poor winter, the vice-captain was at his obdurate best with a painstaking  94,which gave KP the platform he needed to cut loose. With the shackles released, Cook was far more fluent in the second innings as England cantered to their winning target.

Jonathan Trott - 7: Carried on from his hundred at Galle with another resolute innings here to end a difficult and error ridden winter on a positive note.

Kevin Pietersen - 10: After wintering worse than the German Sixth Army in Stalingrad in 1942-43, the real KP returned with what must go down as one of his best Test hundreds. On a pitch where fluency eluded everyone else, he took the Sri Lankan attack apart as he brought up his 20th Test ton.

Ian Bell - 4: Kept Pietersen company in his match defining innings, but has lost all semblance of his imperious form and confidence of 2011. Could do with being allowed to rediscover his touch in the County Championship for Warwickshire.

Matt Prior - 5: Not at his best with the bat this time, but for once this winter others above him did their jobs. Was his usual reliable self with the gloves.

Samit Patel - 6: Didn't look out of place at this level for the second successive match. He was tidy if not particularly threatening with the ball and added useful runs with the bat.

Tim Bresnan - 7: Held up an end and went at only two runs per over in his first Test of the winter. Now has 11 wins from his 11 Tests, which must make him the largest leprechaun in history.

Graeme Swann - 10: Bagged a ten wicket haul to confirm once and for all his supremacy as England's premier spinner. His six wickets in the second innings included Sri Lanka's big four -Mahela Jaywardene, Sangakkara, Samaraweera and Dilshan making his contribution to the win just as significant as Pietersen's. 

James Anderson - 8: Produced another potent burst with the new ball on the first morning and would seem to have a batsman as great as Sangakkara in his pocket. No one in this side deserved a win this winter more than Dale Steyn's nearest challenger as the best fast bowler in the world.

Steve Finn - 7: After a sterling performance over the winter with the drinks tray, Finn confirmed the impression from the one dayers in India and versus Pakistan that he is quicker and more venomous than before even if the pitch didn't exactly play to his strengths.

Where next?

1st Test England marks out of 10 and Sri Lanka marks out of 10

County Championship preview: Our XI to watch in 2012

Dropping Andrew Strauss

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County Championship 2012 Preview: Division 1 - Sussex

We should probably register our vested interest at this point, as Sussex is our county. Can they bring joy to the Reverse Sweep household come the end of the season?

Strengths

The batting has a a solid if unspectacular look to it with the ever-reliable Murray Goodwin ably supported by the liks of Chris Nash, Ed Joyce, captain Mike Yardy and last season's breakthrough player Luke Wells. The bowling relies heavily on Monty Panesar who got through 750 overs in the Championship in 2011. James Anyon and Amjad Khan provide the seam support.

Weaknesses

The squad lacks the depth of others especially in the bowling department and the loss of Luke Wright to the IPL and Panesar and Matt Prior to England could hit them hard. It's an important season for talented youngsters such as Joe Gatting and Will Beer, who will need to prove they can flourish at this level.

Main man

Murray Goodwin is to Sussex what Marcus Trescothick and Mark Ramprakash are to Somerset and Surrey respectively - a reliable source of runs and undisputed leader of the batting line-up. Sussex could need him to produce at least the 1372 Championship runs he delivered in 2011.

Look out for

The seagulls - there's plenty of those on offer at Sussex's Hove HQ.

Prediction

7th - It's hard to predict anything but a season of struggle, but our (probably jaundiced) view is that they will just have enough to keep their heads above water.    

Where next?

Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire

2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense

County Championship 2011 Preview - Sussex

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1st Test: Sri Lanka vs England - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss - 3: Too negative in the field on the occasions England were on top and  horrendous run with the bat continued with two cheap dismissals having done the hard work and played himself in each time. Has just one hundred in his last 48 innings, averages a paltry 25.50 since relinquishing the one day captaincy and has now lost four Tests on the bounce. Is he now more Captain Caveman than Captain Marvel? 

Alastair Cook - 2: A Test to forget for England's best batsman. Fell to an excellent delivery to his fifth ball in the 1st innings before falling foul of DRS second time around. Has only passed 14 four times in his last 14 visits to the crease in Tests. 

Jonathan Trott - 9: Recovered from an embarrassing dismissal in the 1st innings to become the first England batsman to reach three figures this winter. It was a heroic knock too and provided a template to his colleagues in terms of its judgement and patience.

Kevin Pietersen - 4: Failed first time around but looked close to his best in the 2nd innings before carelessly giving it away early on the fourth morning. That said, looks set to go big in Colombo - England's number one Test ranking could depend upon it. 

Ian Bell - 5: There were flashes of the batsman who dominated Test cricket in 2011 in his 1st innings fifty, but despite his obvious class Bell clearly struggles against spin on slow wickets. There was no better evidence of this than the injudicious sweep that led to his dismissal second time around.

Matt Prior - 6: Assured behind the stumps as usual. Learned from his 1st innings dismissal when he was leg before playing back to form what looked like a matchwinning partnership with Trott before an unfortunate dismissal led to the final denoument. Good enough to bat in the top six.

Samit Patel - 4: Not the easiest Test to make a debut but Patel didn't let anyone down. Kept it tight with the ball and grabbed a couple of wickets, although will need to learn from his dismissals in both innings if he is to prosper at this level.

Stuart Broad - 4: Was clearly not fully fit and looked to have worsened his injury by the end of the match. Costly no ball enabled Sri Lanka to add another 47 2nd innings runs and was one of eight he bowled in the match. Brief 1st innings cameo with the bat threatened to drag his side back into contention.

Graeme Swann - 8: Expensive in the 1st innings when Jayawardene certainly tucked in, but back to his attacking and potent best second time around with six wickets to prove once and for all he is England's number one spinner.

James Anderson - 8: Heroic bowling in the 1st innings as he bagged his 12th five wicket Test haul and overtook fellow Lancastrian Brian Statham on England's all-time leading wicket taker list. His batting continues to improve.

Monty Panesar - 5: A tidy enough performance with the ball but lacked real threat and generally didn't trouble the Sri Lankan batsmen. Comical in the field where his two drops of Jayawardene ultimately cost England dear.

Where next?

1st Test: Sri Lanka vs England - Sri Lanka marks out of 10

Summer 2011: England v Sri Lanka: England series marks out of 10

Ian Bell, The Prince and The Pauper

Is Ravi Bopara the unluckiest cricketer in the world?

Dropping Andrew Strauss

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Pakistan vs England - England series marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss – 4 (150 runs at 25.00): Preached the virtues of patience prior to the series but then immediately undid it all with a reckless shot in Ajmal’s first over. Improved as the series wore on though and didn’t lack fight as epitomised by his 56 in the last Test. Some will point to his record of just one century in 46 innings and none in his last 21 but this team needs its captain more than ever now.

Alastair Cook – 3 (159 runs at 26.50): The tone was set by his ill-judged cut against Hafeez on the first morning of the series. A characteristically watchful 94 seemed to have set England up for a big 1st innings lead in Abu Dhabi. Fell four times to the new ball and mostly to poor shots too.

Jonathan Trott – 4 (161 runs at 26.83): Should have been in his element in conditions that rewarded his roll up your sleeves and grind the opposition into the ground attributes.  Instead he collected an uncharacteristic collection of careless of dismissals culminating in an ugly slog in the final day of the series. Averages just 35 since the start of 2011.  

Kevin Pietersen – 2 (67 runs at 11.16): The batsman that once mastered Warne and switch hit Murali for six in a Test match was left shaken and stirred by the combination of Ajmal and Rehman with a twist of DRS. His approach to counter them had improved markedly by the 3rd Test, but it was a case of too little, too late.

Ian Bell – 1 (51 runs at 8.50): Had averaged 131, 73, 66, 331 and 84 in his five previous Test series but boy wonder quickly became boy blunder as Bell was completely bewitched and bamboozled by Ajmal’s doosra. Hi s tame dismissal to a Gul long hop on the final day of the series suggested he was mentally shot and harked back to the days of the Sherminator.

Eoin Morgan – 1 (82 runs at 13.66): Supposedly in the side because of his ability against spin but was dismissed five times out of six by Ajmal or Rehman. Has just five 50+ scores in 24 Test innings, averages just 30 and looks decidedly out of his depth. Self-belief can only take you so far.

Matt Prior – 7 (150 runs at 37.50; 5 catches, 1 stumping): The only England batsman to average over 30 and his unbeaten 49 off 58 balls on the last day of the series demonstrated that a more positive approach could yield runs. As secure as Fort Knox behind the stumps.

Stuart Broad – 9 (13 wickets at 20.46; 105 runs at 21.00): Confirmed his emergence as one of the world’s best bowlers with a consistently brilliant performance with the ball. Also showed his batsmen the way with a sparkling 50 in Abu Dhabi that ought to have led to victory.

Graeme Swann – 6 (13 wickets at 25.07; 105 runs at 17.50): Deadly against the left-handers who accounted for nearly half of his wickets for the series. Unfortunately, there were only two in Pakistan’s line-up and although he didn’t perform badly, Swann was consistently outbowled by Pakistan’s spinners as well as Panesar.

James Anderson – 7 (9 wickets at 27.66; 54 runs at 10.80): Used the new ball well and demonstrated impressive control and accuracy on pitches and in conditions that are supposedly not his forte. Scored more runs than Bell and with one exception in Abu Dhabi caught well at slip to the spinners.

Monty Panesar – 8 (14 wickets at 21.57): A welcome return. England’s leading wicket taker in the series despite only playing two games. Shouldered a lot of hard work and was rewarded with two successive five-fors and had a better economy rate than Ajmal or Rehman. Guaranteed his spot for Sri Lanka.

Chris Tremlett – 4 (1 Test, no wickets): Didn’t let anyone down despite failing to take a wicket in a Test innings for the first time. Now faces the surgeon’s knife and an uncertain international future.

Where next?

Pakistan series marks out of 10

3rd Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

2nd Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

1st Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

England's tale of woe against spin in Asia

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3rd Test: Pakistan vs England - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss – 5: That his charges refused to give up is a testament to his leadership and no-one dug in more than the captain with his 82 runs in the match covering 226 balls and nearly five and a half hours of blood, sweat and toil.

Alastair Cook – 4: Tried to atone for his feeble 1st innings dismissal by digging in second time around, but fell one run short of fifty to a spectacular diving catch at slip by Younis.

Jonathan Trott – 2: This series has even scrambled Trott’s brains. First, he didn’t review a LBW decision that would have missed leg stump then he succumbed to a completely uncharacteristic slog second time around.

Kevin Pietersen – 4: Looked much better than in the first two matches of this series and was dreadfully unlucky with his 1st innings dismissal - just as he appeared to be in full flow – a decision that would never have been given pre-DRS.

Ian Bell – 1: A shocking end to an awful series as last summer’s Prom King countered his inability to read Ajmal by tamely chipping a Gul long hop to Shafiq at cover point.

Eoin Morgan – 3: At least went down fighting in the 2nd innings but the suspicion that he is as horribly out of his depth at this level as a Premier League footballer on University Challenge persists.

Matt Prior – 7: Ended the series as he started it with a good knock to top the England batting averages for the series. Was his usual consistent and vocal self behind the stumps – although he was positively mute compared to his Pakistani counterpart.

Stuart Broad – 9: Was once again let down by his batsmen after another lethal exhibition of bowling on a flat track in Asia had reduced Pakistan to rubble on day one. A shoo-in for a current World XI.  

Graeme Swann – 5: Outbowled by Monty for the second game in a row and looked a bit out of sorts, but did at least pick up his new bunny Rehman in both innings. Would have been deadly if Pakistan had 11 left-handed batsmen - unfortunately they only have two.

James Anderson – 7: Like Broad was brilliant on the first morning as Pakistan capsized. Looked more self-assured with the bat than several of his top order.

Monty Panesar – 7: A second successive five-for in his second match back sealed his spot on the plane for the tours to Sri Lanka and India later this year. Surely, he won’t blame himself for this defeat too? 

Where next?

3rd Test: Pakistan vs England - Pakistan marks out of 10

2nd Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

1st Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

Resurrection: A drastic cure to England's spin woes in Asia

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2nd Test: Pakistan vs England - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss - 3: Captained the side well again and at least showed some fight in anchoring the run chase. Sadly the skipper's lack of form and his colleagues lack of stomach did for Strauss and for England. Should consider dropping to three in an effort to regain form.

Alastair Cook - 6: Typically resilient in the 1st innings where his diligence and concentration deserved a hundred. His early loss in the run chase proved terminal for England - it was Cook's sixth single figure score in his last nine Test innings.

Jonathan Trott - 6: Poor footwork cost him his wicket in the 1st innings after he and Cook had done all the hard work. Illness meant it is difficult to level any blame on Trott's shoulders for his failure in the run chase when he eventually came in at number seven. Definitely not Trott's fault.

Kevin Pietersen - 1: Whilst those questioning his place are clearly insane his complete lack of form in this series - only 17 runs to date at 4.25 - and his overall record in Asia where he averages just 29.54 from 13 Tests (excluding matches against Bangladesh) are real causes for concern. 

Ian Bell - 2: The best Test batsmen of 2011 has been made to look a novice by Pakistan's spinners. Seems as likely to be able to read Ajmal's doosra as a tourist in London has of spotting a family of Tyrannosaurus Rex's enjoying a vegetarian picnic in Hyde Park. 

Eoin Morgan - 1: Supposedly in the side due to his ability against spin, but there has been little evidence to date on this tour with his dismissal in the 2nd innings being especially grotesque. Impressing in limited overs internationals is one thing, but Test cricket is quite another. Should be replaced by Ravi Bopara for the final Test.

Matt Prior - 4: Sound again behind the stumps and prepared to battle more than most in front of them. Unfortunately, his game is the least suited of England's top seven to facing quality spin bowling on these type of wickets as evidenced by his tendency to play back too often.

Stuart Broad - 8: Didn't deserve to finish on the losing side after another fine exhibition of bowling and a counterattacking 1st innings fifty that seemed to have put his side in control. As an enforcer he was more Barbie than Rambo, but since he dropped the tough guy act he has taken 33 wickets in six Tests at less than 16. 

Graeme Swann - 7: His hold over the Pakistani left handers - against whom he averages five -continued, but in truth he was outbowled by Panesar for the majority of the Test.

James Anderson - 7: As in Dubai, he barely wasted a ball and performed manfully in conditions that are pretty alien to him.

Monty Panesar - 8: After 29 Tests in the wilderness, Monty made a magnificent return and certainly got through some work, bowling 71.3 overs in the match and taking seven for 153. Looks to have more control, variety and a more attacking line than Monty v1.0.

Where next?

2nd Test: Pakistan vs England - Pakistan marks out of 10

1st Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

All-round Stuart Broad no longer a Charles Hawtrey figure

England's tale of woe against spin in Asia

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England's tale of woe against spin in Asia

During the Dubai Test last week, Sky threw up one of its ridiculous stats, which illustrated how contrary to popular opinion the averages of England’s top seven batsmen against spin are all actually higher than their career averages.

However, Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t be fooled by this and nor were we. Taking the candy on offer from the likes of Xavier Doherty in Australia, Amit Mishra last summer and Paul Harris on frankly any pitch is one thing, but doing it against Anil Kumble, Muttiah Muralitharan and now Saeed Ajmal in their own backyards is quite another.

A quick scan of the averages of England’s current top seven away to Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka is far more revealing – no we are not including Tests in Bangladesh as facing what is effectively a County 2^nd XI attack tends to inflate the averages of even the worse batsmen. Yes, even Chris Martin.

Surprisingly, it is Matt Prior that leads the way with an average of 46.71 from 6 Tests, followed by Alastair Cook (39.33, 8 Tests, 2 hundreds), Andrew Strauss (37.20, 8 Tests, 3 hundreds), Ian Bell (32.95, 12 Tests, 1 hundred) and bottom of the pile Kevin Pietersen with an average of just 31.54 from 12 Tests with two hundreds. (NB: the Test in Dubai was Trott’s and Morgan’s first away to Pakistan, India or Sri Lanka)

The causes of this serial failure are many with some or all of the following applying to each of England’s batsmen: hard hands, a general lack of foot movement, an inability to take singles and rotate the strike, too much deference and not enough decisiveness, tentativeness and a failure to pick Ajmal.

England’s recent record away to Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka is woeful with the defeat in Dubai making it just one win in 18 Tests stretching back to the twin triumphs in Pakistan and Sri Lanka of 2000/01.  It was perhaps hardly surprising therefore that Pakistan’s bowlers took 14 wickets for 184 runs in Dubai on a pretty flat wicket with inconsequential turn and little bounce. This doesn’t bode well for the remainder of this series, nor the ones to Sri Lanka and India later this year.

If any inspiration is required, England should look to four of the leading English batsmen in the subcontinent over the last 30 years. Geoff Boycott leads the way with an average of 58.83 from 8 Tests in India and Pakistan (he never faced Sri Lanka) and is closely followed by David Gower (56.90, 16 Tests), Graeme Thorpe (48.29, 10 Tests) and Paul Collingwood (42.15, 12 Tests).

Three of the four were defined by their grit, bravery and obdurateness, which should be attributes most of England’s batsmen can relate to and hopefully display when they get to the crease later today. Pietersen will hopefully realise that genius as exhibited by Gower can thrive in Asia too. England’s number one ranking depends upon it.

Where next?

Misbah-ul-Haq second only to Bradman

How good are this England cricket team?

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1st Test: Pakistan vs England - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss - 3: Failed to heed his patience policy with a dismal pull in Ajmal's first over and then amidst some rancour gave a faint legside edge behind second time around. Without a Test hundred in 17 innings and averages just 31 since the start of the tour to South Africa in 2009. Talk of him being under pressure though is ridiculous as evidenced by the fight his sides showed in the field.

Alastair Cook - 1: Perhaps the early introduction of spin in only the sixth over of the match surprised him and forced an injudicious cut off Hafeez's third ball. Caught the legside strangulation bug in the 2nd innings. Just 8 runs from 61 balls in the match is not the returns England has become accustomed to.

Jonathan Trott - 4: Successful audition for the part of golden arm with prize wicket of Younis hid two disappointing dismissals with the bat even if he looked in better touch than any of the other top six batsmen - not that that says much.

Kevin Pietersen - 1: Strangely subdued maybe because he had no crowd to play to. His duck in the 2nd innings was particular ghastly. As one wag noted perhaps KP should have been told the full house had come dressed as blue seats.

Ian Bell - 1: Moved rapidly to the head of the queue for the role of Ajmal's bunny after fatally failing to read the doosra in both innings. 

Eoin Morgan - 3: Instigated a mini-recovery with Prior on the first morning and ably demonstrated his ability against spin before missing an attempted slog sweep to fall leg before. Undone by Rehman's arm ball in the 2nd innings.

Matt Prior - 7: Played an unusually cautious knock - he didn't score his first boundary until his 85th ball and brought up his seventh 50+ plus score in his last 11 innings before falling cheaply second time round. Smart diving catch to remove Shafiq.

Stuart Broad - 7: Brought England back into game with wickets of Taufeeq and Azhar, and bowled to a consistently high standard throughout. Unlike Lord's in 2010, there were no heroics with the bat this time around. 

Graeme Swann - 7: Helped bring some respectability to England's first innings and his 39 second time around meant he was just two runs short of being England's highest run maker in the match. Stuck to his task well with the ball and was eventually rewarded with four wickets. Didn't get much turn and found Pakistan's batsmen less willing accomplices than Ajmal found England's.

Chris Tremlett - 5: Failed to take a wicket in a Test innings for the first time but he will bowl worse than he did here and take three or four wickets. Didn't give much away but the pitch nullified his usual bounce and menace.

James Anderson - 7: Barely wasted a ball and scored more runs than Cook, Bell and Pietersen put together. For once not needed as nightwatchman - England really were that bad. 

Where next?

1st Test: Pakistan vs England - Pakistan marks out of 10

How good are this England cricket team?

England will need to be bold to see off Pakistan

2009: England vs Pakistan - England series marks out of 10

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How good are this England cricket team?

On the evidence of today's showing not very good, not very good at all. Indeed the words that come most readily to mind are hubris, intransigence and fallibility.

Hubris

We're not hanging this one on Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss, but since their unofficial coronation as the best Test side on the planet, it's fair to say that they've had a lot of plaudits coming their way: "best England side ever...", "...set to dominate Test cricket for years to come". Some even tried to compare them to the great West Indians of the seventies and eighties and the Australians of the last decade.

Let's call it a case of collective premature ejaculation from the media, but at least it has not spread to Flower and Strauss who have been far more guarded and realistic in their aims.

Intransigence

Whilst there is reasonable basis to stick with a winning team, when it flies in the face of all available evidence it becomes more of a case of stubborn intransigence.

England play nine Tests away to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India this year and if they are going to prevail in any of these encounters they will need to change their rigid Plan A and play two spinners.

Pakistan's spinners took nine for 112 today in Dubai and whilst that had a lot to do with the brain fade of several of their batsmen it also exposed England's six batsmen-three seamer-one spinner strategy as horribly flawed.

Fallibility

If in years to come cricket historians are to view this England side as a great one then they will need to conquer their two obvious shortcomings.

One of these is on rapid and bouncy tracks such as those they encountered in Johannesburg and Perth in 2010 where they were horribly exposed and suffered heavy losses and were bowled out in each of their four innings for under 200.

The other debilitating weakness is against subcontinental teams in their own slow and low backyards -and as it transpires the United Arab Emirates, which contrary to what you might have read is situated on the Arabian Peninsula and NOT on the subcontinent (it would seem that geography is not a strong point for the vast majority of cricket correspondents).

England have only won one of their last 17 Tests away to subcontinental sides (excepting Bangladesh, who even England can beat on their own patch) since the twin triumphs in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, when Nasser Hussain's side executed to perfection the tactics required to succeed.

If the present-day side continue to bat like they did today: tentative, clueless and impatient - Matt Prior apart - then that sorry tale will not improve soon.

...but there is hope

England are nothing if not resilient as they demonstrated in recovering from 43 for five and 94 for seven to get to 192 today. The first day at Brisbane last year saw England have a similarly disappointing first day and look how they responded then.

How good is this England side? It's too early to say, but by the end of this year we should have a much better idea.

Where next?

England will need to be bold to see off Pakistan

Responsibility and Misbah-ul-Haq

England's Dirty Dozen

Annus mirabilis: The best Test XI of 2011

Annus horribilis: The Worst Test XI of 2011

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England will need to be bold to see off Pakistan

A lot has happened since England last played a Test match. Regimes have fallen, cricketers have been incarcerated, David Warner and Vernon Philander have taken to Test cricket like ducks to water and man has finally landed on the moon.

Ok we made the last one up, but it has been a long time – 148 days to be precise – since England wrapped up a 4-0 series against India at The Oval. It was a fitting end to a perfect year that saw England replace the vanquished Indians at the top of the Test rankings and win six out of its eight (the other two being rain affected draws) Tests – four by an innings.

2012 is likely to be both busier – with 15 Tests in all – and tougher given that England face tough assignments in Sri Lanka and India in the sub-continental conditions that have proved to be their achilles heel in the recent past. But first up is an intriguing clash with a rejuvenated Pakistan in similar conditions in the UAE.

One school of thought is that England should stick to the six specialist batsmen, three seamer and one spinner policy that has served them so well in their climb to the top of the pile. But will this lead to success on the flat, slow and entirely different conditions that await them in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka and India?

We think not and believe that England should be bold rather than defensive and trust that Matt Prior is a more than competent enough batsman at six on pitches that will strongly favour the batsmen.

True, it would be better if Tim Bresnan was fit to add ballast at number seven, but Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann both know which end of the bat to hold and in benign conditions should be equipped to perform well enough at seven and eight if they apply themselves.

In any case, if England are to take 20 wickets on pitches where there has been only one positive result (four draws out of five so far) since Pakistan made the UAE its temporary home then Monty Panesar, in form after an eight-wicket haul in the warm-up last week, simply has to be picked alongside Swann and three seamers – Broad, James Anderson and Chris Tremlett in our view with Eoin Morgan the batsman to miss out.

If England do decide to be positive we would expect them to have enough to take 20 wickets in at least one of the three Tests to win the series, but it will be far from easy not just due to the alien conditions but also because Misbah-ul-Haq has made Pakistan a resilient side that will be extremely tough to beat.

Whatever the outcome the return of the number one Test side after such a long sabbatical certainly whets the appetite. 

Where next?

See THAT catch by Monty Panesar again and again and...

Cricket memories of 2011: England trounce India to reach number one

Responsibility and Misbah-ul-Haq

Cricket memories of 2011: Pakistan rise from the abyss 

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The best Test XI of 2011

Alastair Cook (927 runs at 84.27, 4 100s): Started off the year in Sydney with his third hundred of a prolific Ashes series before scoring runs for fun against Sri Lanka and then grinding India into submission with a monumental 294 at Edgbaston.

Rahul Dravid (1145 runs at 57.25, 5 100s): We could have gone for either Taufeeq Umar and Mohammad Hafeez as a specialist opener but instead we opt for the reluctant opener and highest Test run scorer of the year. 2011 was the year of Dravid's resurrection. Whether it was showing the Indian youngsters how to do it with a brilliant hundred on a treacherous Sabina Park wicket or singularly manning a burning bridge in England with three hundreds and a quarter of the team's total runs in the series, Dravid was immense. 

Kumar Sangakkara (1034 runs at 49.23, 4 100s): Others may hadmore impressive averages in 2011, but King Kumar was the second highest scorer in Tests and saved matches at the Rose Bowl and even more memorably at Abu Dhabi where his epic 644 minute 211 foiled Pakistan. Finally his 2nd innings hundred at Kingsmead helped set up a famous win for his side. If that wasn't enough like Dravid he also shone away from the crease too with his already legendary Cowdrey Lecture.

Kevin Pietersen (731 runs at 73.10, 2 100s): A close call with Younis Khan(765 runs at 85.00) but we judged that KP's runs came against sterner opposition. His double hundred at Lord's against India showed a new responsibility to Pietersen's batting whilst his 175 at The Oval showed that he was back to his flamboyant peacock strutting best.

Ian Bell (950 runs at 118.75, 5 100s): From just 11 visits to the crease in 2011, Bell hit one double hundred, four further hundreds and two fifties. He also finally removed the monkey off his back when batting at three with a brilliant match-turning hundred at Trent Bridge and a masterly double hundred at The Oval. Could well be the best batsman in the world at the moment.

Misbah-ul-Haq (765 runs at 69.54, 1 100): Pakistan's inspirational captain proved a calming influence on his exhuberent team and an even calmer presence at the crease where he scored seven fifties to go with his one hundred. As captain his side beat New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and drew in the Caribbean, which given the turmoil when he took over from the disgraced Salman Butt was nothing short of remarkable.

Matt Prior (519 runs at 64.87, 3 100s): Like Cook and Bell started off the year with a hundred in the Sydney Test. He then scored hundreds at Lord's against Sri Lanka and a crucial 2nd innings effort against India after England had suffered a mini-collapse. Perhaps even more important is the speed at which he gets his runs with his strike rate of 89 being the highest of anyone with more than 250 runs in 2011. His work with the gloves continues to impress just don't mention that Lord's dressing room window.

Stuart Broad (33 wickets at 22.30, 1 five-for; 239 runs at 39.83, 3 50s): Welegedera, Gul, Philander and team-mates Bresnan and Tremlett ran him close but Broad's performances against India gets him our vote. In the first two Tests he bordered on the Bothamesque – the partnership with Prior steadied the ship at Lord’s, his fifty at Trent Bridge lifted England from the abyss and his hat-trick the next day dramatically changed the course of the match. He ended the series with 25 wickets at 14 and 182 runs at 61.

Dale Steyn (28 wickets at 19.57, 2 five-fors) - South Africa may have only played five Tests in 2011 but it is impossible to leave the best bowler in the world by a country mile out especially with a strike rate in 2011 of 38.2. Became the second quickest in history (after Lillee) to 250 Test wickets and at his best reminds one of Malcolm Marshall in his pomp. Yes, Steyn is that good.

Saeed Ajmal (50 wickets at 23.86, 3 five-fors): The leading wicket taker in Tests in 2011 and now arguably the best spinner in world cricket - his upcoming battle with Swann in the UAE will be fascinating. Pips team-mate Abdur Rehman, Devendra Bishoo and Rangana Herath for the spinners role in our XI.

James Anderson (35 wickets at 24.85, ER 2.93, SR 50.8, 1 five-for): Completed his demolition job of Australia at Sydney and then moved on to the small matter of India's stellar batting line-up in the summer where he made a certain Sachin Tendulkar look mortal. After Steyn the best quick bowler in the world.

Where next?

The best Test XI of 2010

Read our Cricket Review of 2011

Are Cook, Trott and Bell more impressive than Pippa Middleton's derriere?

Dale Steyn's formidable statistics

Responsibility and Misbah-ul-Haq

Rahul Dravid - The impenetrable wall

Kumar Sangakkara's captivating story

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Who should England pick to face Pakistan?

It's been a long time since England played a Test match - 22nd August to be precise when they completed a resounding 4-0 victory over India at The Oval. 

Since then every other Test playing country - even regrettably Zimbabwe - have been in action whilst the likes of Andrew Strauss have taken to their sofas, inserted their pipes and caught up with the first series of Danish sensation Forbrydelsen (that's The Killing to you and us) on BBC 4. 

England's next assignment as they look to cement their position as the number one ranked side is in the unlikely surroundings of the United Arab Emirates where a three Test series with a rapidly improving Pakistan starts on January 17th in Dubai. 

Whilst there is a whole host of mince pies, mulled wine and other festive delights to negotiate before then, the encounter with Team Misbah will come closer into view with the announcement of the touring party this Friday. 

The selectors don't have any injuries of any significance to worry about but they will need to factor into their deliberations what make-up will be required for the slow turners that will likely be prepared for the 'home' side and their wily spinner Saeed Ajmal. 

England will have to make serious consideration to foregoing their usual six batsmen policy to play two spinners in each of the three Tests. Either that or they retain a four man attack of either three seamers and one spinner or two seamers and two spinners. The squad they name will need to cover each of these eventualities.

With the six frontline batsmen picking themselves, the discussions will centre on identifying the spare batsman, back-up keeper to Matt Prior, two spinners to accompany Graeme Swann and whether to pick four or five seamers.

The spare batsman will probably be Ravi Bopara, although we'd opt for James Taylor. The keeper will be one of Steven Davies (back-up Test keeper in the last touring party, but who hasn't been seen since), Craig Kieswetter or Jonathan Bairstow (who could double up as the spare batsman) with Davies getting our vote as he is the best keeper of the three. 

The choice of seamers will likely be in order of preference James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Tremlett, Tim Bresnan and if a fifth quick is required Steve Finn with Graham Onions next to step in. 

The most interesting decision will be in the spin department. Monty Panesar is by some distance the second best spinner in the country and also has experience on his side, but the selectors seem to like Scott Borthwick and it cannot be a coincidence that Samit Patel announced only a few days ago that he was withdrawing from the IPL auction to concentrate on securing a Test spot.

Borthwick is a big spinner of the ball, can bat and has the added bonus of being a leg-spinner. If England play a second spinner instead of a sixth batsman than Patel could slot in at seven behind Prior. But both are probably not quite Test class yet, so Panesar plus Patel seems the best option to us. 

Of course this could have been the tour to blood Adil Rashid, but he has fallen out of favour with the selectors and had an erractic season with Yorkshire last summer, so once again he will have to sit on the sidelines.

Make no doubt, Pakistan will be a tough proposition for England - as they were in 2005 just a few weeks after that famous Ashes triumph - and the selectors will need to ensure that Strauss and Andy Flower have the requisite resources and flexibility in the squad to combat the steely Misbah and his rapidly improving Pakistan side. 

Our 17 man squad: Strauss, Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Taylor, Prior, Davies, Swann, Panesar, Patel, Bresnan, Broad, Anderson, Tremlett and Finn.

Where next?

Andy Flower and the curse of autobiographies

Spot-fixing: What should the ICC do next?

Is this the greatest England XI of the last 30 years?

England v India: England series marks out of 10

The England cricket team's newest recruit from South Africa

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England v India: England series marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss – 7 (229 runs at 38.16): Looked in decent enough touch but was only able to convert one of his many starts past fifty to extend his wretched run to just one hundred in his last 25 Tests. As captain, he timed his declarations, bowling changes and field placings perfectly and Flower rightly lauded his leadership. Can now put his feet up until the New Year.

Alastair Cook – 7 (348 runs at 58.00): After failing at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, Cook responded with the second longest and sixth highest Test innings by an Englishman showing remarkable levels of concentration and discipline.

Jonathan Trott – 5 (98 runs at 24.50): Ground out a handy 70 when England were under the cosh at Lord’s, but thereafter a couple of rash shots and a nasty shoulder injury curtailed Trott’s participation in the series. His Test average has now fallen below the immortal level of 60 to a still heady 57.79. Will he bat at three or five when he returns?

Kevin Pietersen – 9 (533 runs at 106.60): We predicted that KP’s love of the big occasion would probably see him do well in the series and for once we were proved correct. His double hundred at Lord’s was at first almost Cookesque before reaching its brutal climax. By the time he reached The Oval, KP was back to his arrogant, strutting and dismissive best and punished the woeful Indian attack accordingly.

Ian Bell – 9 (504 runs at 84.00):  Trott’s injury gave Bell the chance to put the past to bed as far as the number three spot went and he did that with aplomb. The hundred at Trent Bridge was magnificent and helped turn the match, whilst the double hundred at The Oval exhibited Bell’s class and elegant stroke making to the hilt. Since coming back into the side at Edgbaston in 2009, Bell has raised his Test average from a touch under 40 to its present 49.28 and he now should surely be considered as currently the best batsman in the world.

Eoin Morgan – 6 (194 runs at 32.33): Clearly has the temperament for Test cricket as his hundred at Edgbaston showed but nagging doubts over his technique to the seamers outside off-stump were there for all to see. Plays the spinners impeccably though so should enjoy the winter Tests against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Ravi Bopara – 5 (51 runs at 51.00): Looked like a nervous boy on his first day at boarding school at Edgbaston but showed glimpses of his talent in a brief cameo at The Oval. It is hard to see how he can secure a permanent slot in the XI and with the likes of James Taylor and Jonathan Bairstow coming up fast on the rails, Bopara’s Test career is in danger of falling into the ‘could of, would of, should of’ category.

Matt Prior – 8 (271 runs at 67.75, 16 catches, 1 stumping): Saved England’s bacon at Lord’s with a brilliant counter-attacking hundred and embellished England’s second innings score at Trent Bridge. Made the occasional mistake behind the stumps but the difference with Dhoni was like night and day as evidenced by his brilliant stumping of Raina at The Oval.

Tim Bresnan – 8 (16 wickets at 16.31, 154 runs at 77): England’s lucky mascot with ten wins from his ten Tests proved a more than adequate replacement for the injured Tremlett. Now has career Test averages of 45 with the bat and 24 with the ball and could well have a secured a permanent spot in the XI for the winter.

Stuart Broad – 9 (25 wickets at 13.84, 182 runs at 60.66): Deservedly named man of the series. His performances at Lord’s and Trent Bridge bordered on the Bothamesque – the partnership with Prior steadied the ship in the second innings at Lord’s, his fifty at Trent Bridge lifted England from the abyss and his hat-trick the next day dramatically changed the course of the match. Bowled a fuller length and was richly rewarded. Unrecognisable from the player that struggled so badly against Sri Lanka.

Graeme Swann – 6 (13 wickets at 40.69, 55 runs at 18.33): Struggled in the first three Tests on pitches that offered little assistance, but bounced back at The Oval with a nine wicket haul to help seal the whitewash. Formed a crucial partnership with Broad in the first innings at Trent Bridge to keep England in the game.

James Anderson – 9 (21 wickets at 25.71, 20 runs at 20.00): Bowled even better than his figures suggest, was often unplayable and made the likes of Tendulkar, Laxman and Sehwag  look like novices at times. Ranks alongside Dale Steyn as the best fast bowler in the world and has a bag of tricks that even accomplished wizards like Merlin and Gandalf would be proud of.

Chris Tremlett – 6 (4 wickets at 31.00): Injury restricted him to just the one Test, but that didn’t stop him impressing at Lord’s where one passage of play of Tremlett bowling to Tendulkar was Test cricket at its absolute gripping best. England’s man of the series against Sri Lanka earlier in the summer now faces a fight to get back into the XI over the winter.

Marks for India to follow tomorrow...

Where next?

England v India: India series marks out of 10

4th Test: The Oval - England marks out of 10

4th Test: The Oval - India marks out of 10

3rd Test: Edgbaston - India marks out of 10

3rd Test: Edgbaston - England marks out of 10

2nd Test: Trent Bridge - India marks out of 10

2nd Test: Trent Bridge - England marks out of 10

1st Test: Lord's - England marks out of 10

1st Test: Lord's - India marks out of 10

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4th Test: The Oval - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss – 6: Had his helmet broken by Sharma and then batted as if stuck in treacle on the second morning to yet again fail to go on after making a start. His golden touch as captain still shows no signs of eluding him though.

Alastair Cook – 5: Left the run plundering to others on this occasion after edging a good ball from Ishant to first slip early on day 2.

Ian Bell – 10: Now ranks alongside Gower and Vaughan as the classiest and most elegant England batsmen of the last 30 years. Batted beautifully to record a richly deserved first Test double hundred and reach a monumental 835 Test runs for the summer. Fantastic catch to snare Mishra when India batted first time.

Kevin Pietersen – 9: Enjoys batting at The Oval and didn’t it show? Now back to his arrogant, dismissive and strutting best. More of a team man now though as his visible joy at the success of others showed.

Eoin Morgan – 2: Succumbed to his obvious weakness to seam outside off-stump once again. Safe for now but may be looking over his shoulder at the likes of Taylor, Bairstow and Bopara.

Ravi Bopara – 6: Much better. The nerves of Edgbaston dissipated as the Essex man compiled a composed and unbeaten 44 to probably seal a spot as the spare batsman over the winter.

Matt Prior – 6: Brilliant stumping of Raina in the first innings was tempered with a couple of dropped catches off Swann. However, the magnitude of his improvement as a keeper is that these errors came as a surprise.

Tim Bresnan – 7: Not as impressive as he was at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston but still picked up three late order wickets first time around and the prize (but fortuitous) wicket of Tendulkar on the final day. England’s lucky mascot with ten wins from his first ten Tests.

Stuart Broad – 8: Highly impressive once again to crown a fantastic series for the T20 skipper. Extracted formidable bounce and movement from a prime batting wicket and caused India’s supposedly stellar top-order batsmen no end of problems.

Graeme Swann – 9: Finally got his chance in the spotlight on a pitch he’d like to take everywhere with him. Spin, turn, bounce and variation – it was all there as he snared a nine wicket match haul.

James Anderson – 8: Swapped roles with Swann to play an unaccustomed support role on this occasion but was as impressive and dangerous as ever, bowling a beauty to remove Laxman in the second innings.   

Where next?

4th Test: The Oval - India marks out of 10

3rd Test: Edgbaston - India marks out of 10

3rd Test: Edgbaston - England marks out of 10

2nd Test: Trent Bridge - India marks out of 10

2nd Test: Trent Bridge - England marks out of 10

1st Test: Lord's - England marks out of 10

1st Test: Lord's - India marks out of 10

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3rd Test: Edgbaston - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss – 7: A first Test fifty of the summer at last, but the skipper will have been disappointed not to have converted it to what would have been his first home Test hundred since Lord’s 2009. Took the bold step to insert India after winning the toss and was richly rewarded by his bowlers. Captain of officially the best Test side in the world – I bet that feels great.

Alastair Cook – 10: Made India pay in spades after missing out at Lord’s and Trent Bridge. Has incredible levels of concentration and now has the sixth highest Test score by an English batsman to his name. The Anti-Sehwag: it may not be pretty to watch but it is certainly relentless and effective.

Ian Bell – 5: A strangely skittish cameo with the bat after his triumph at Trent Bridge even if it still contained some characteristically wonderful strokes. Perhaps he wanted to do well in front of his home crowd too badly?

Kevin Pietersen – 7: Looked in imperious form and back to his absolute best as he raced to fifty before suddenly stuttering and losing his wicket. Maybe it was too easy for him? Still the leading run scorer in the series despite Cook’s momentous innings.

Eoin Morgan – 8: Made India pay for dropping him twice and really knuckled down to complete a workmanlike second Test hundred. Still looks suspect to the seamers outside his off-stump, but luckily for him the winter Tests are in Dubai and Sri Lanka.

Ravi Bopara – 3: Poor old Ravi. Kept from the crease until the score was 596/4 and looked incredibly nervous when he did finally arrive not knowing whether to stick or twist. Didn’t bowl a ball. With Trott set to come back and Taylor waiting in the wings, will he get another opportunity?

Matt Prior – 6: An almost immaculate performance with the gloves once again even if he wasn’t able to embellish another England batting performance on this occasion.

Tim Bresnan – 8: Picked up another five wickets and a second consecutive fifty to raise his Test batting average over 40. Looks a proper Test bowler now and bowled the ball of the match to castle Dravid on the first morning. What happens when Tremlett is fit again? An interesting conundrum for the selectors.

Stuart Broad – 8: Continued his excellent form in the series with match figures of six for 81. Is this really the same player who struggled so badly against Sri Lanka earlier in the summer? A cricketer reborn.

Graeme Swann – 5: Must feel like a bit of a spare part at the moment, but at least the pitch offered him some assistance in the second innings and the wickets of Raina and Mishra to boot. Clearly didn’t enjoy being battered all over Edgbaston by Kumar.

James Anderson – 9: Bowled far better in the first innings than his figures suggested – the working over he gave Tendulkar was sensational and Broad owes him that wicket. Got his reward second time around though with a wonderful opening spell on day four. Now stands shoulder to shoulder with Dale Steyn as the best Test quick in the world.

Where next?

2nd Test: Trent Bridge - India marks out of 10

2nd Test: Trent Bridge - England marks out of 10

1st Test: Lord's - England marks out of 10

1st Test: Lord's - India marks out of 10

The rehabilitation of Stuart Broad

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2nd Test: Trent Bridge - England marks out of 10

Andrew Strauss - 5: As at Lord's, the skipper got two starts but didn't pass 32. Loose shot in the 2nd innings could have proved costly. His leadership is far more impressive than his batting at the moment and the resilience of his side is a credit to his captaincy.

Alastair Cook - 2: His glorious run had to end sometime and it has certainly come to a crashing halt in this series. Unlucky to be given out in the 1st innings but just seven runs in the match is not what we've come accustomed to.

Jonathan Trott - 3: Two failures with the bat and a dodgy shoulder to boot made this a Test to forget for Trott. His Test batting average has now slipped below the immortal figure of 60.

Kevin Pietersen - 7: Played the support role in the pivotal 162 run partnership with Bell in the 2nd innings. Who said he wasn't a team man? Looks back to his best.

Ian Bell - 9: Forget the run out controversy, Bell's sublime innings finally put paid to questions of whether he can be a top-class Test number three and produce the goods when it really matters. Now one of the best Test batsmen in the world.

Eoin Morgan - 7: Followed up his 1st innings duck with a quickfire 70 to cement England's glorious fightback. Forget the nervous nineties, this was the third time that Morgan has fallen in the scary seventies this summer.

Matt Prior - 7: Immaculate with the gloves and his 60-ball 73 in the 2nd innings showed he is equally adept at embellishing an innings as he is at saving one like he did at Lord's. Winning his contest with Dhoni hands down at the moment.

Tim Bresnan - 9: Seven wickets including a first Test five for and 90 with the bat meant that the Yorkshireman filled the enormous shoes of Tremlett magnificently. Bowled with real menace.

Stuart Broad - 9: A Bothamesque performance from the resurgent Broad. Turned the game not once but twice with his counterattacking 64 and then a hat-trick. Man of the series to date.

Graeme Swann - 5: Crucial partnership with Broad brought England back into the game after Tea on day one. Bowling was disappointing although he was clearly hampered after being hit whilst batting.

James Anderson - 7: Not at his best but still picked up five wickets and formed an impressive pace triumvirate with Broad and Bresnan.

Where next?

2nd Test: Trent Bridge - India marks out of 10

1st Test: Lord's - England marks out of 10

1st Test: Lord's - India marks out of 10

The rehabilitation of Stuart Broad

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