The Reverse Sweep

County Championship XI of the week #2

Chris Dent (Gloucestershire): Steadfast six hour ten minute knock of 114 from the 21 year old Bristolian gave his side the initiative over fancied Hampshire at a bowler friendly Rose Bowl.

Michael Lumb (Nottinghamshire): The forgotten hero of England's triumphant World T20 side from 2010, made an instant impression for his new county with a crucial 131 at the Riverside as Notts beat Durham.

Nick Compton (Somerset): After 236 against Cardiff MCCU and 99 against his former county Middlesex, the grandson of Denis continued his run-laden start to the season with a second innings 133, which so nearly helped his side turn the tables on Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Dawid Malan (Middlesex): It could just quite as easily have been Kent's Mike Powell, but Malan's painstaking 297 minute epic 88 was worth at least a hundred runs more due to an unusually treacherous Lord's surface. He was eventually last man out after shepherding the tail to add 127 for last three wickets to help Middlesex post 256. It proved crucial in the final reckoning.

Michael Yardy (Sussex): In the week his honest and heartfelt account of his depressive illness was published in this year's Wisden, Yardy compiled a captain's knock of 110 to lead his side to a big victory over the reigning champions at Aigburth - where Sussex were hammered in the corresponding fixture last season.

Michael Bates (Hampshire): The purists have been salivating about his keeping, but where were the runs his detractors asked? A second innings 87, which so nearly helped his side avoid defeat against Gloucestershire allied to an eye-catching display behind the stumps should go some way towards answering that one for one of our County XI to watch.

Mat Coles (Kent): Last week he made our XI with his maiden first-class ton, this time it was his bowling that shone with nine wickets as Northamptonshire were put to the sword by an impressive Kent.

Jonathan Clare (Derbyshire): A dream match for the budding all-rounder saw him hit 21 and 43 with the bat and take five for 17 and six for 40 with the ball to help Derbyshire win their first two matches of the season for the first time since 2002.

Jeetan Patel (Warwickshire): Employed as overseas star for his bowling, his county will be grateful that he can bat too after the New Zealander strolled to the crease at number 10 with 52 required to beat Somerset and duly smashed 43 in 36 balls to settle the epitomy of a see-saw clash at Edgbaston. 

Steve Magoffin (Sussex): The Australian was too good for Lancashire as he ripped through their fragile batting line-up with seven for 34 in the second innings and nine wickets in the match. His match figures were an astounding 35.5-18-55-9. 

David Balcombe (Hampshire): After impressing on loan at Kent last year the 27 year old started the season with a bang with the best figures ever at the Rose Bowl of eight for 71 as part of an 11 wicket match haul.

Where next?

County Championship XI of the week #1

County Championship preview: Our XI to watch in 2012

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

Retaining the County Championship isn't easy...

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

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

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Geoffrey Boycott apologises to Michael Yardy

 
Geoffrey Boycott divides opinion perhaps like no other cricketer past or present.

You either love him or loathe him.

The Reverse Sweep falls into the former camp and mostly forgives him for his many transgressions such as shirking out of the 1974/75 Ashes series, going on the rebel tour of 1982 and for generally being a selfish so and so.

We like people to have opinions in a world that is becoming increasingly banal and obsessed with celebrity and political correctness. Boycott certainly has plenty to say and isn't afraid to share his views with anyone that will listen.

But his remarks about Michael Yardy's premature return from the World Cup due to a depression related illness were beyond the pale. He was clearly talking about a subject on which he knew nothing about and even if his words were probably taken out of context by a media desperate for a bit of controversy, Boycott should have probably kept his mouth shut on this occasion.

So it is refreshing that with the sad news this week that Yardy has had to take more time off to treat his illness, Boycott has issued (albeit rather belatedly) a fairly contrite apology to Yardy via the BBC website.

Boycott is not known for admitting his mistakes, so it is doubly pleasing that on this occasion he has decided to climb down and genuinely (in our view) accept that he got it horribly wrong.

It goes without saying (and not just because we are Sussex supporters) that we wish Yardy a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in action soon.

Where next?

County Championship XI of the week #10: Division 1 Half-Term XI

KP's brush with death at Lord's

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

All-time England Ashes XI: The Openers, Number 3, 4 and 5, All-rounder, Wicketkeeper, Fast bowlers, Spin King

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County Championship Preview - Division 1: Sussex

 
We should probably declare our allegiance here and state that at The Reverse Sweep we are dyed in the wool supporters of the county of our birth. After the shock of relegation in 2009, Sussex are now back where they belong, but how will they fare in their first season back in the top flight?

Strengths

The batting looks strong with the likes of Yardy (subject to a quick recovery from the problems that caused him to leave the World Cup early), Ed Joyce, Chris Nash and the evergreen Murray Goodwin. Monty Panesar was successfully rehabilitated ay Hove in 2010 and with the talented Olly Rayner and Will Beer also on the books, Sussex have the weapons to take advantage of the spin friendly Hove track. Wayne Parnell and Naved-ul-Hasan look good choices to fill the spot of overseas player.

Weaknesses

Matt Prior and Luke Wright are likely to be playing in the one day series against India rather than helping their county at the climax of the season – they will be missed. The loss of Corey Collymore to Middlesex is significant so new acquisition Amjad Khan has big shoes to fill.

Main man

Parnell should do well and Goodwin can always be relied upon for runs, but we opt for Monty Panesar here. With form and confidence regained, Panesar will be looking to kick on in 2011.

Look out for…

Although Naved Arif seems a bit of a wildcard acquisition, his first-class record is excellent, so Sussex fans will be hoping that the club has unearthed a gem.

Prediction

6th – A solid if unspectacular return to the top flight

Where next?

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Lancashire

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Hampshire

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Durham

2010 County XI of the season

Read all our 2011 World Cup posts here

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

ODI Series: England marks out of 10

 
Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss are probably as pleased as we are here at the Reverse Sweep that the ridiculously elongated one day series is over. Never again, must England agree to play a seven match ODI series especially straight after a long and tiring Ashes series.

Not only has morale been sapped by a 6-1 caning at the hands of Australia, but injuries to several key players means that their World Cup hopes potentially lie in tatters.

England used a mind-boggling 19 players over the course of the series. Here's how they rate out of ten:

Andrew Strauss (179 runs at 25.57, 2 fifties, SR 82.48) - 5: Reached 63 twice but other than that the captain had a poor series with his muddled thinking in the field indicative of England's malaise.

Stephen Davies (42 runs at 21, SR 102.43) - 4: Hit a streaky 42 in the first match and was promptly then dropped from the World Cup squad to make room for Prior. Must be wondering what he has done to offend the selectors.

Matt Prior (138 runs at 23.00, 1 fifty, SR 90.19) - 4: England's obsession that their wicketkeeper has to open is doing Prior a dis-service as he would be much better employed down the order. Fell cheaply to the pace of Lee three times. 

Jonathan Trott (375 runs at 62.50, 2 100s, 1 50, SR 81.69) - 9: The leading run-scorer in the series scored over twice as many runs as any other England batsman. His 137 at Sydney in the sixth match was a great one day innings and proved that he could change gears when required.

Kevin Pietersen (185 runs at 30.83, 1 50, SR 90.24) - 5: Started like a dream in the first match at Melbourne before being run out by Mitchell Johnson's passable imitation of Wayne Rooney. Thereafter, KP disappointed getting out to a hopeless shot on more than one occasion.

Ian Bell (154 runs at 22.00, SR 70.00) - 3: Looked a million dollars when scoring a hundred against the Prime Minister's XI in the warm-up as an opener, and was then promptly moved down the order for the entire series.  Should open in the World Cup.

Eoin Morgan (106 runs at 17.66, SR 80.30) - 2: Was understandably rusty at the start of the series after three months of twiddling his fingers and carrying drinks, but failed to get into nick before breaking a digit to put his World Cup spot in jeopardy. Another who found some truly horrible ways of getting out.

Paul Collingwood (53 runs at 17.66, SR 86.88; 4 wickets at 20.75, ER 3.32) - 6: Started the series on the sidelines, but the break didn't do his batting much good. His bowling though was a revelation, being the only man on either side to have an economy rate of less than four runs per over.

Luke Wright (56 runs at 28.00, SR 86.15; no wickets, ER 5.36) - 2: Not even a bits and pieces player and how he can be in the World Cup squad ahead of Bopara defies belief.

Tim Bresnan (4 wickets at 27.00, ER 5.68; 47 runs at 23.50, SR 87.03) - 5: Broke down after two matches to join England's walking wounded and may now have lost his spot to Collingwood for the World Cup.

Michael Yardy (5 wickets at 60.20, ER 5.57; 137 runs at 45.66, SR 84.04) - 3: A couple of useful knocks with the bat could not hide the Sussex captain's ineffectiveness with the ball. A weak link in England's World Cup armoury.

James Tredwell (1 match, 16 runs and 0/44) - 1: Has Samit Patel's love of chapatis to thank for even getting one match. England effectively have a 14 man squad for the World Cup given Tredwell's presence in the squad. Maybe it is better to have someone who eats pies rather than bowls them?

Graeme Swann (1 match, 1/42 and 4 runs): 4: Another to fall victim to the injury curse and how England missed Swann's potency and control with the ball. Hopefully, he will now be rested and raring to go for the World Cup where England's fortunes are likely to improve of Swann fires.

Chris Woakes (7 wickets at 21.28, ER 5.65; 20 runs at 10.00, SR 50.00) - 5: Experienced the highs and lows of international cricket with 6/45 at Brisbane before being walloped for 73 runs in 9.2 wicketless overs in the next match at Sydney. One for the future.

Liam Plunkett (1 match, 2/49 and 20 runs) - 5: Plunkett came from a galaxy far, far away (i.e. the Caribbean) for the final match in Perth and defied jet lag to put in a creditable performance.

Ajmal Shahzad (6 wickets at 40.50, ER 5.15) - 3: Bowled excellently in Hobart, before fading away and then becoming another to pick up an injury. Shows promise but is maybe not as good as many are saying.

Chris Tremlett (6 wickets at 33.50, ER 5.20) - 5: Left out of the World Cup squad and then promptly bowled brilliantly at Hobart to take 3/22. Yet another England bowler who picked up an injury.

James Anderson (7 wickets at 34.00, ER 5.95) - 4: Was given a break back home for the first three matches and must have wished he'd have stayed there after being smashed for 91 runs at Sydney, before bouncing back with 3/48 at Perth.

Steve Finn (3 wickets at 56.33, ER 5.63) - 4: Bowled better than his figures suggest and really enjoyed himself with the bat in Brisbane.

Where next?

Reaction to England's World Cup Squad

An XI of cricketers that died young

Zeroes: Salman Butt

The best Test XI of 2010

The worst Test XI of 2010

4-0 to Jonathan Trott 

Check out all our Reverse Sweep heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Who should England pick for their World Cup XV?

 
With England set to name their World Cup squad by Wednesday, we should probably be writing a long and serious piece on who should and shouldn’t be in the squad.

But like our current disenchantment with football - which has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the fact we support Liverpool (honest) - we are also none too bothered with any form of cricket that isn’t Test cricket.

It could just be a hangover from the Ashes, but with the unappealing prospect of a seven match ODI series between England and Australia, we don’t give two hoots about the World Cup at the moment.

And wasn’t one day cricket invented to provide a quick burst of enjoyment for paying public and couch potatoes alike? Seven match series’ are neither quick nor enjoyable – they are as painful to watch in full as The Phantom Menace. And don’t get us started on the length of the World Cup. Put it this way, our two year old will have graduated by the time it has finished.

So, we are going to name the XV we would pick if the Reverse Sweep was in the shoes of Geoff Miller, but we are not going to dwell too much on the reasons why we would choose these fifteen names.

Slow wickets, spin-friendly conditions, the heat and the risk of injury or delhi belly means that England should pick two wicket-keepers and three spinners in their XV, whilst ensuring that there is enough batting and seam bowling cover.

As such, we would go with the following:

Batsmen:

Strauss, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood and Morgan

Wicket-keepers:

Davies and Prior

Spinners:

Swann, Yardy and Patel

Seamers:

Anderson, Broad, Bresnan, Shahzad and Tremlett

So that means no Trott, Wright, Woakes, Tredwell, Kieswetter or Bopara. In our view, Trott is too one-paced for one day cricket and Prior and Patel can fill in as the spare batsman if required. Wright is pretty hopeless with bat and ball and it is probably a bit too early for Woakes, who lacks pace in any case.

In terms of the third spinner, Patel is a much better bet than Tredwell as would be Rashid. Finally, although we believe Kieswetter was dispensed with too early and are not convinced by Davies at the top of the order, it is probably too late to go back now and the much improved Prior deserves another chance.

We desperately wanted to fit Bopara in as we think his multi-facted batting, excellent fielding and useful medium pace could prove a boon on the sub-continent. But including Ravi for one of the batsmen we've picked is unthinkable, so the only way to get him in would be to compromise on the second keeper or third spinner, or take only four instead of five quicks. And that's a risk we're not prepared to take.

Can England win? Probably not. The conditions are against them and they lack an opener who can hit over the top (a la Marcus Trescothick), a quality second spinner to support Swann and pedigree in recent World Cups.

But they could well be good dark horses to back – just as there were in the World T20 last year. And we all know what happened there.

Where next?

Shane Watson: Finally the bride and not a bridesmaid 

How England won the Ashes: Part 1 - Preparation

How England won the Ashes: Part 2 - Inspired selections

Check out all our Reverse Sweep heroes and zeroes including amongst others Andy Flower, James Anderson, Graeme Swann, Marcus Trescothick and Douglas Jardine

Follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Is this how England's World Cup squad should look?

So the Ashes squad was named yesterday and other than Shahzad for Bresnan, we were happy with the selectors choice even if the decision to omit Rashid from the Performance Squad was strange to say the least (see our reaction to the Ashes squad announcement here).

The battle for the little urn isn't the only major event that the England team will embark upon this winter. There is also the small matter of the World Cup and with the one day series with Pakistan having concluded this week (see our marks out of ten for the England squad here), then it seems an opportune time to pick our intrepid XV who will battle to lift a trophy that no England side has won.

Mike Atherton recently chaired a panel of so-called cricket experts comprising Darren Gough, Alec Stewart and Derek Pringle to name their England XV for the World Cup. They surprisingly left out Andrew Strauss, who promptly scored his 126 at Headingley in the hours that followed the transmission of the panel's choice.

As such we wisely chose to wait for the end of the series (no television deadlines for us). We do concur though with one of the views of the panel, who suggested that England should utilise an extended squad for the seven (oh no, not seven again) one day internationals against Australia that immediately proceed the World Cup.

This will enable England to rest key players and then make the borderline decisions that will be required to arrive at the final XV by picking players in form. As such, we will name 20 players, but highlight at the end the 15 we would choose now so no one can accuse us of sitting on the fence.

Batsmen

With Strauss, Morgan, Pietersen and Collingwood probably assured of their places in the final squad, it will likely come down to two from Bell, Trott and Bopara. Each offers something different. Bell is the most talented batsman of the three and as he showed in the recent CB Final is capable of shifting through the gears to play a match-winning innings. Trott averages just under 50 in his 11 ODIs and whilst there is some concern over his strike rate, it is difficult to argue against the volume of runs. But if he doesn't bat in the pivotal number three role (where KP is arguably a better bet), can Trott fit in anywhere else in the middle order? Bopara would seem the best suited of the three to the number six role as he can repair, embellish and support a one day innings in equal measure depending on what is required. His medium pace could also prove useful on the slower sub-continent wickets.

Wicketkeepers

Davies would seem to be in pole position to open the batting with Strauss and wear the gloves in the tournament following a good showing against Pakistan. That leaves Kieswetter and Prior to battle it out for the second wicketkeeper slot if indeed England decide to pick a second keeper in the final XV (it could come down to a choice between a second keeper and a third spinner). In our view, Prior has had enough chances at one day level without ever really convincing so should be left to concentrate on test cricket where he has shone over the last 18 months. Kieswetter's ability to hit over the top may actually make him better suited than Davies to the wickets on the sub-continent, but he may complete his hero-to-zero 12 months by failing to make the cut.

Spinners

Two spinners will be needed in the XI in the World Cup, so three may well be required in the squad. Swann and Yardy are clearly in pole position, but the latter doesn't take many wickets and proved expensive in the series against Pakistan. Samit Patel is a better batsman and bowler than Yardy and in our opinion should be selected irrespective of his supposed girth. The other option is Rashid, but unless the selectors have decided to keep him as a secret weapon then his omission from the Performance Squad tells us everything we need to know.

Bowling all-rounders

Despite rarely taking wickets with the new ball and being regularly carted around for runs, the selectors seem set on retaining Bresnan in the XI. Wholehearted trier? Yes. Useful runs down the order? Yes, sometimes. Bowls the occasional good spell with the old ball. Occasionally. But surely England need a more potent option to open the bowling? The other permanent feature in England ODI squads is Luke Wright. We wouldn't take him in our XV, but hell why not give him the chance to prove us wrong in Australia.

Seamers

We actually agree with the selectors decision not to blood Steve Finn in ODI cricket and he should be left to concentrate on tests for the time being. Anderson and Broad pick themselves and to that illustrious duo we would add the names of Shahzad and Tremlett.

So, the Reverse Sweep longlist of XX for the one day series with Australia is (with our current choice for the World Cup XV in bold): Strauss, Trott, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Morgan, Bopara, Davies, Kieswetter, Prior, Swann, Yardy, Patel, Rashid, Bresnan, Wright, Broad, Anderson, Shahzad, Tremlett.

England marks out of ten for Pakistan ODI series

 
Thank God it's over. We have never been so glad to see the end of an English summer of cricket than this one. This is a shame as the claim and counter-claim of corruption and match-fixing overshadowed what was actually a thrilling one day series. Pakistan's fightback at The Oval and Lord's saw some wonderful bowling from Umar Gul and the momentum seemed to be with Shahid Afridi's side as the tourists again produced brilliance from confusion.

But the toss proved crucial at the Rose Bowl yesterday and despite illness and injury besetting England's innings, another wonderful century from Eoin Morgan and an exhibition of off-spin bowling from Graeme Swann saw England home.

So with the World Cup on the horizon, how did the England players rate during the series and what are their prospects of making the cut for the XV who will travel to the subcontinent?

Andrew Strauss - 9.5 (317 runs at 63.40, SR 93.23, 1 100, 2 50s, HS 126): The captain continued his transformation as a ODI batsman and although he is not quite in the Marcus Trescothick league yet he is getting closer. Has expanded his repertoire of strokes and a strike rate of 93 together with the volume of runs shows that Strauss is consistently giving England good and fast starts. Showed great dignity and restraint in the face of Ijaz Butt's ridiculous accusations. Reverse Sweep WC rating - On the plane despite what Messrs Gough, Stewart and Pringle may think

Steven Davies - 8 (197 runs at 39.40, SR 105.91, 1 50, HS 87): The latest wicketkeeper off the production line impressed throughout the series with bat and gloves. Just under 200 runs at over a run a ball would seem to suggest that the Surrey keeper will pip Kieswetter and Prior to the gloves for the World Cup. However, with the revolving door of wicketkeepers in the England ODI side, Davies won't rest easy until he is on the plane.Reverse Sweep WC rating: Leading the race to the departure gate ahead of Kieswetter and Prior

Jonathan Trott - 6 (131 runs at 26.20, SR 72.37, 2 50s, HS 69): Continued to confound the critics who doubt his suitability for ODI cricket in the first two matches at least. Then seemed to get unsettled by what was happening off the pitch and went into his shell for the last three games. Would seem to have an alternative career as a wrestler if his spat with Wahab Riaz is anything to go by. Reverse Sweep WC rating: Incredibly for a batsman who averages just under 50 in ODI, Trott is likely to lose a straight race with Bell to the final batting place on the plane

Paul Collingwood - 4 (84 runs at 21.00, SR 65.11, HS 47): Judging by his migraine yesterday, Colly is just as worried about his dire form as England supporters are beginning to be. His 18 ball four at Lord's was just horrible. But typically, he returned from his darkened room renewed to resume his innings and make a crucial battling 47 in the decider yesterday to help resurrect England's innings with Morgan. Reverse Sweep WC rating: Needs to regain form and confidence in Australia, but it would seem unthinkable that Lieutenant Colly would not take up his seat next to the skipper on the plane to India

Ian Bell - 5 (55 runs at 27.50, SR 59.13, HS 28): Came back in for the last two matches and looked his usual classy self in difficult conditions for batting. But just like the old Bell managed to get out when he had done all the hard work. Reverse Sweep WC rating: Bell's class and ability to play in different gears would seem to put him ahead of Trott in the queue at the departure gate

Eoin Morgan - 9 (225 runs at 56.25, SR 94.14, 1 100, 1 50, HS 107*): Scored his third brilliant ODI hundred of the year yesterday to confirm his position as one of the best limited overs batsman currently operating in world cricket. Has bottle, skill and a capacity for the unexpected in abundance. Reverse Sweep WC rating: On the plane in one of the first-class seats

Ravi Bopara - 6 (58 runs at 29.00, SR 105.45, HS 35*): His 35* in the first ODI was just the sort of innings that Bopara should be playing at number six. Thereafter he struggled, giving his wicket away at a crucial time in the second match and getting bogged down when promoted to four at The Oval before being dropped for the final two matches. Reverse Sweep WC rating: Would seem the best suited in the squad for the number six role but could yet miss out to Trott and Bell or even Wright

Luke Wright - 7 (49 runs at 49.00, SR 70.00, HS 48*; 1 wicket at 34.00, ER 4.25 BB 1/16): Only played two matches but batted well in a losing cause at The Oval and then bowled a good spell in the decider yesterday to keep him in the mix for the final XV. Reverse Sweep WC rating: Has kept himself in contention but may be left behind at the Terminal in the final reckoning

Michael Yardy - 4 (3 wickets at 57.66, ER 5.96, BB 2/49; 27 runs at 13.50, SR 87.09, HS 13*): Held his nerve at Headingley to see England over the line in a tight finish but disappointed with the ball and proved expensive. Could be a liability at the World Cup. Reverse Sweep WC rating: Samit Patel is more likely to get wickets and is a better batsman, so Yardy could be a Weight Watchers diet away from losing his spot

Tim Bresnan - 5 (7 wickets at 36.85, ER 5.90, BB 3/51; 30 runs at 10.00, SR 111.11, HS 18*): Useful cameos with the bat at Headingley and the Rose Bowl. Bowled well at The Oval, but other than that was expensive. Only took one wicket in five matches with the new ball, which suggests England's strategy of opening the bowling with Bresnan needs reviewing before the World Cup. Reverse Sweep WC rating: An average of 52 with the ball and economy rate of 5.6 in 12 ODIs this summer should see Bresnan dropped for the World Cup, but the England selectors seem to like him...

Graeme Swann - 9 (11 wickets at 19.00, ER 4.44, BB 4/37):Was once again England's star with the ball and was sublime in the last two matches with the balls to bowl Mohammad Yousuf and Fawad Alam at the Rose Bowl worthy of the maestro Shane Warne himself. England's key weapon for the World Cup. Reverse Sweep WC rating: On the plane in one of the best two seats with Morgan

Stuart Broad - 7 (11 wickets at 22.63, ER 5.41, BB 4/81): Took wickets regularly throughout the series and was England's leading wicket taker along with Swann, but was expensive at times especially at Headingley. Bowled beautifully in the decider yesterday to hand the momentum back to his side. Reverse Sweep WC rating: On the plane and in the XI

James Anderson - 8 (6 wickets at 29.50, ER 3.93, BB 3/26): Transformed from the hesitant and unhappy Anderson of earlier in the summer and whilst he didn't get the volume of wickets he deserved, Anderson kept things tight and had the best economy rate of the England bowlers. Reverse Sweep WC rating: On the plane and in the XI 

England aim to complete World Cup jigsaw

Whilst the Pakistan cricket team descends further into chaos after more corruption allegations this time involving Wahab Riaz and two heavy defeats in the Twenty 20 internationals (even Shahid Afridi admits that captaining the side is ‘very hard’), England will be looking to put the final pieces of their World Cup jigsaw in place today when the one day series starts.

It is sometimes hard to believe that it is only a year since England reached their nadir in one day cricket when they were smashed to kingdom come by Australia in the Nat West Series that followed the Ashes. Since then of course, England have adopted a more positive and aggressive approach, which has paid off in spades. An improved performance in the Champions Trophy was followed by series wins in South Africa and Bangladesh, before revenge was gained against the Australians in the Nat West Series earlier in the summer.

However, there is still some work for Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss to do as evidenced by the poor defeat to Bangladesh at Bristol and the two dead rubber losses to Australia when a 5-0 whitewash had looked on the cards. Flower and Strauss also need to put the finishing touches to their first choice XI and doubts still remain over who will open the batting with the captain, who bats at six, who will keep wicket, who will be the second spinner and which seamer will join Stuart Broad and James Anderson in the attack.

Who opens with Strauss?

The rags to riches to rags again story of Craig Kieswetter means that the selectors have decided to opt for Surrey keeper Steven Davies for the five matches against Pakistan. Presumably Davies will open the batting with Strauss, so he could prove a like for like swap with Kieswetter. Davies is arguably a better keeper than Kieswetter, but whether he is the aggressive opener that will be needed for sub-continental pitches is another thing. Ravi Bopara is another possible candidate to open the batting, but may be better at number six.

The middle order

Assuming that either Davies or Kieswetter will eventually win the selectors vote to partner Strauss, that means the four middle order places can be filled by batsmen. The decision to drop Kevin Pietersen from the squad gives Jonathan Trott, who currently averages over 70 in ODI, another chance to nail down the number three spot. It is hard see England going without Pietersen in the long-term, so with Eoin Morgan and Paul Collingwood probably also racing certainties for the World Cup XI, that leaves Trott, Bopara, Ian Bell and Luke Wright battling for the final batting spot. Bopara is arguably best suited to the number six spot as he can bat in several gears and is also a useful medium pace bowler, but if Trott keeps getting the runs (if you pardon the pun) then he will be hard to ignore.

Second spinner

Michael Yardy seems to have the vote of the selectors for the second spinner position and his batting adds another string to his bow. He is not a great spinner of the ball, but his darts have proved pretty effective. Two spinners will be required on sub-continental pitches, so maybe the selectors have missed a trick by not blooding Adil Rashid (maybe at the expense of Wright?) to provide them with another option here.

Broad and Anderson, but which other seamers?

With Graeme Swann, Broad and Anderson nailed on certainties for the World Cup XI that leaves one spot open. Given that the selectors have chosen not to give Steve Finn a try in the 50 over format, it would seem that the choice boils down to Ryan Sidebottom, Tim Bresnan or Ajmal Shahzad. The latter would seem best suited for sub-continental pitches but he is also the least experienced of the three and the selectors seem to like the whole-hearted but limited Bresnan.

Our prediction for the Pakistan series

Pakistan’s current problems mean that they are unlikely to cause England too many problems during the series. However, it should be interesting to see how the 6’10” (or 7'1" depending on which PCB press release you believe) fast bowling giant that is Mohammad Irfan fares. With Umar Akmal, Afridi and Saeed Ajmal all being excellent one day players, Pakistan should win one game despite the chaos enveloping their party. So we go for a 4-1 series win for England.

England marks out of ten for Bangladesh ODI series

Bangladesh's shock win at Bristol may have made the series surprisingly interesting, but England's clinical performance in the decider at Edgbaston showed the true gap between the sides was as big as the one between Craig Kieswetter's bat and front pad.

So that's four one day series wins on the trot now for England since they surprised South Africa in their own backyard last November. How did each if the troops rate in this three match campaign ahead of the World Cup assault next February? And who can start packing their kit bag now?

Andrew Strauss - 9 (237 runs, Avg 79.00, SR 111.26, 1 100, 1 50, HS 154) - Continued his good form from the Australia series and hit a career best 154 in the series decider. His strike rate has quietened the doubters who questioned his place before the Australia series. Reverse Sweep WC rating - On the plane

Craig Kieswetter - 3 (52 runs, Avg 17.33, SR 88.13, HS 32) - Oh dear. Needs to do some work in the nets to close the gap between his bat and front pad, which is the size of the Grand Canyon at present. Even though his fall from grace has been as quick as his rise, Kieswetter should be persevered with for now. Reverse Sweep WC rating - Needs to relocate his passport quickly or could get left at home

Ian Bell - 7 (84 runs, no average, SR 83.16, 1 50, HS 84 not out) - Calm knock at Trent Bridge saw England home before Beckhamesque injury at Bristol ended his series early. What is it with English sportsmen and metatarsals? Reverse Sweep WC rating - Looks to be in a straight fight with Trott for the spare batsman slot

Jonathan Trott - 9 (204 runs, Avg 102.00, SR 81.27, 1 100, 1 50, HS 110) - Took his ODI average to a stratospheric 75.53. He may not be the most exciting, but Trott is certainly effective. Ridiculously criticised by some for his innings at Bristol when he was so close to leading England to an unlikely (and undeserved) victory. But what happens to Trott when KP returns? Reverse Sweep WC rating - Trott or Bell? Take your pick, the other one will stay at home

Paul Collingwood - 5 (51 runs, Avg 17.00, SR 63.75, HS 33. 1 wicket, , Avg 48.00 Econ 3.42, BB 1/16) - Not a great series for the doughty Durham battler with the bat, but he tends to save his best for when the pressure is more intense. Bowled 16 overs for 48 runs to show that his dibbly-dobblers and cutters can still be pretty hard to get away. Reverse Sweep WC rating - On the plane

Eoin Morgan - 4 (25 runs, Avg 8.33, SR 80.64, HS 23) - Poor series for Morgan, but he was due one and rather now than next February. Bell's misfortune is likely to prove Morgan's gain for the tests against Pakistan. Reverse Sweep WC rating - On the plane

Ravi Bopara - 8 (1 match: 45 not out from 16 balls, 4/38) - At last Bopara was given another opportunity in his best ODI position - number six. Could prove to be England's answer to Michael Hussey with his ability to embellish, finish or resurrect an innings. His underrated bowling is a useful weapon too. Bopara or Luke Wright? Not a difficult choice, is it? Reverse Sweep WC rating - Should be on the plane, but how tied are the England hierarchy to Wright?   

Luke Wright - 3 (15 runs, Avg 7.50, SR 65.21, HS 15. 0 wickets, Econ 4.81) - Bell's broken foot could well lead to Wright's England epitaph after Bopara showed exactly what is needed at number six. Is Wright good enough with bat or ball for international cricket? His stats against Australia and Bangladesh would suggest not. Reverse Sweep WC rating - It may be time to book that skiing holiday next February, Luke

Tim Bresnan - 4 (1 innings [10 from 6 balls]. 3 wickets, Avg 26.33, Econ 4.64, BB 2/40) - Has he ever taken a wicket with the new ball? Now has four wickets for 334 against the Aussies and Bangladesh in seven matches. Bresnan is a willing trier and pretty handy with the bat, but is he really ever going to bag a handful of wickets in the World Cup? Reverse Sweep WC rating - In the departure lounge, but could yet have his visa revoked

Michael Yardy - 6 (28 runs, Avg 28, SR 57.14, HS 10 not out. 2 wickets, Avg 40.50, Econ 4.26, BB 1/15) - Has a consistently good economy rate, which is lucky considering his paucity of wickets. Works well in tandem with Swann, but Adil Rashid would be a far more attacking option if perhaps loaded with risk. Reverse Sweep WC rating - In the departure lounge as one of three spinners in the squad, but will he be usurped by Rashid for a place in the XI?

James Tredwell - 3 (1 game - DNB, 3-0-18-0) - Only played the one game and didn't enhance his reputation in his three overs. It might sound harsh after such a limited opportunity, but taking Tredwell to the World Cup would smack of negativity and Andy Flower doesn't seem that sort of coach. Reverse Sweep WC rating - Denied visa

Stuart Broad - 7 (1 innings - 21 [SR 84.00]. 4 wickets, Avg 32.50, Econ 4.33, BB 2/43) - Continues to impress as first change and finally showed us at Bristol that he hadn't forgotten which end of the bat to hold. Has had a solid summer in one day international cricket. Reverse Sweep WC rating - On the plane

Ajmal Shahzad - 8 (5 wickets, Avg 13.00, Econ 4.64, BB 3/41) - Only played two matches, but was England's leading wicket taker in the series. Finally, England found a bowler who took wickets with the new ball, which will be crucial on the subcontinent. May have played himself into the starting XI for the World Cup ahead of the toothless Bresnan. Reverse Sweep WC rating - In the departure lounge with all papers seemingly in order

James Anderson - 4 (3 wickets, Avg 40.00, Econ 6.31, BB 3/74) - His form is becoming a real concern. Seems to have forgotten how to take wickets with the new ball and was very expensive in his two matches. Maybe Anderson should go on the same strength conditioning course as Broad and Finn? Reverse Sweep WC rating - Was on the plane, but has been called back to customs for a final check

England ODI healthcheck - how are things shaping up for the World Cup?

5-0 would have been quite a statement, but given England won the first three matches and Australia had an under strength bowling line-up, 3-2 to England probably left honours even. That said it is quite a turnaround for England having lost 6-1 to the same opposition less than a year earlier. Following on from the improved display in the Champions Trophy and series wins in South Africa and Bangladesh, England have certainly made a Lazarus like recovery in the 50 over format.

 

But, just how healthy is the England line-up ahead of the big one - the World Cup next spring on the subcontinent? Dr Reverse Sweep casts an eye over the team below and provides the possible remedies where necessary.

 

The openers

Andrew Strauss quashed the murmurs before the series that he wasn’t worth his place, but there is still a slight question mark whether his favourite run-getting areas will allow him to flourish in a World Cup on subcontinent pitches. But he will be there and will probably open with Craig Kieswetter, who had an inevitable fall after a meteoric start to his international career. Surreykeeper Steven Davies and young Alex Hales of Nottinghamshire (an opener in the Marcus Trescothick mould) are perhaps the unlikely alternatives here.

Verdict: healthy, but caution is required.

 

The middle order 

Kevin Pietersen’s position as the star of the side has now been usurped by the quite remarkable Eoin Morgan. The Irishman’s hundred at the Rose Bowl was one of the best ever scored for Englandin the one day game, and he should do well on the slow pitches of the subcontinent. Pietersen had a poor series and is maybe suffering a hangover from starring in the World T20 and becoming a new father. But as he normally does, Englandfans can be confident Pietersen will raise his game for the big one. Sandwiched between them in the batting order is the irrepressible Paul Collingwood, who just seems to get better and better. This is a middle order that rivals the best in the one day game worldwide.

Verdict: in a rude state of health.

 

The number six spot

This is the main worry in the side as Luke Wright is a place too high at number six and arguably is not worth his place in the side with bat or ball. If Kieswetter opens, then there is merit for having a specialist batsman at number six in the order especially as Collingwood and Pietersen can provide sixth bowler duties if necessary. We’d also argue that Englandcan not accommodate Wright and Tim Bresnan in the same side with the latter’s batting impressing far more than what is supposed to be his strongest suit with the ball. The candidates here are Ian Bell (back in the side for the Bangladeshseries to replace the injured/rested [take your pick] Pietersen), Matt Prior (who could also take the gloves, and who is impressing for Sussexin the FP t20), Ben Stokes (probably too young) and our choice Ravi Bopara. Bopara is a good batsman who can rebuild or embellish an innings in one day cricket and his bowling adds another string to his bow.

Verdict: in need of some medicine from Bopara

 

The spinners

Graeme Swann’s remarkable success story continued in the Nat West series and he will be the key man if Englandare to repeat their Caribbean success in the World Cup. Mike Yardy did a good job in the World T20 and was England’s most economical bowler in the Nat West series. His left hand style complements Swann and as an opener in domestic cricket, he adds batting strength to the lower-middle order. The only doubt concerns his lack of wickets. James Tredwell has come into the squad for the Bangladeshseries in place of the rested Swann, but surely Adil Rashid is the next best option to the two incumbents.

Verdict: in excellent health, but  Rashid should be held in reserve in the First Aid box

 

The seamers  

Stuart Broad returned from his strength conditioning in fine fettle and was England’s leading wicket taker in the series, whilst putting a marker down against Ricky Ponting in particular ahead of the Ashes. James Anderson was his usual hot and cold self – brilliant at Old Trafford but woeful at Lord’s. Tim Bresnan only took one wicket for 255 in the series and one wonders whether he will be even more ineffective on the subcontinent. A more potent opening bowler is required as early wickets are crucial in one day cricket. Steve Finn should probably be kept just for test cricket at the moment, which means that Ryan Sidebottom, who would probably survive a nuclear explosion such is his ability to stay in the mix, comes back into the equation. Ajmal Shahzad is also worth a look.

Verdict: Mixed. Broad looks in good health, but maybe Anderson could also do with some extra vitamins and strength conditioning? A new opening bowler is urgently required otherwise England could quickly get sickly on the subcontinent.

 

Conclusion

Things are looking pretty healthy with eight or nine spots looking nailed down. A new number six is required with either Wright or Bresnan (or both) dropping out. And a more potent opening bowler should also come into the mix. As it stands, England must be amongst the favourites and who thought we’d have been saying that just ten months ago?

Nat West Series - England marks out of ten

In the end dreams of a 5-0 whitewash ended up as a narrow 3-2 victory with many wondering that if Shaun Tait had played from match one, whether the score would have been very different. England certainly controlled the series for the first two matches and ninety overs of the third, and although the batting collapse at Old Trafford did not lead to a disastrous defeat, the pendulum of momentum shifted to Australia thereafter.

At The Oval it was nineties from Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, and at Lord's it was a typical back to the wall innings by Michael Hussey that ultimately meant England had too much to chase in the last two matches. On both occasions Tait, Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris made early inroads and unlike at the Rose Bowl in the first match, no-one could emulate Eoin Morgan's masterfully timed hundred to see England home.

So who apart from Morgan shone for England? And who were the dunces that need to stay back for lines and extra tuition?

Andrew Strauss - 8 (191 runs, avg 38.20, SR 78.27, 2 50s, HS 87) Silenced the few doubters before the start of the series by outscoring Kieswetter and getting his runs quicker to boot. Needs to start converting 50s into 100s though.

Craig Kieswetter - 4 (69 runs, avg 13.80, SR 70.40, HS 38) There was bound to be a stutter after such a stellar start to his international career and this was it. Scored 38 in the first game, but really came down to earth with a bump after that. At least Matt Prior is sleeping more easily now.

Kevin Pietersen - 4 (95 runs, avg 19.00, SR 79.16, HS 33) A top score of 33 is not what we have become accustomed to. Still seems to be suffering a hangover from the World T20. Maybe it is all those sleepless nights and nappy changes?

Paul Collingwood - 8 (209 runs, avg 41.80, SR 72.31, 1 50, HS 95) England's all-time record one day runscorer was his usual dependable self and this famous chaser of lost causes nearly rescued his side at Lord's with a brilliant counterattacking 95.

Eoin Morgan - 9 (238 runs, avg 59.50, SR 92.24, 1 100, 1 50, HS 103*) Can now add consistent to his growing number of attributes. His hundred at the Rose Bowl was one of England's best one day innings for years. A very special batsman.

Michael Yardy - 7 (66 runs, avg 22.00, SR 86.84, 1 50, HS 57. 2 wickets, avg 92.50, Econ 4.40) Continued to impress with his darts even if wickets were a rarity. Had the best economy rate of any England bowler and scored a good 57 in a losing cause at The Oval. May have booked his spot for the World Cup.

Luke Wright - 6 (69 runs, avg 13.80, SR 62.16 HS 36. 3 wickets, avg 44.00, Econ 5.07, BB 2/34) His partnership with Morgan at the Rose Bowl helped turn the game England's way but his batting fell away thereafter. The same was true of his bowling after he snared Paine and Ponting in the same match. Can England really accommodate Wright and Bresnan?

Tim Bresnan - 5 (1 wicket, avg 236.00, Econ 5.61, BB 1/52. 109 runs, avg 36.33, SR 91.59, HS 34) Is in the team as a bowler who can bat, so will be disappointed to have taken only one wicket in the five matches. His batting is much more impressive as evidenced by the cool head he showed at Old Trafford to sneak England over the line and his partnership with Collingwood at Lord's. Needs to work on his main role though to keep his place in the side.

Graeme Swann - 8 (8 wickets, avg 20.37, Econ 4.52, BB 4/37) Eight wickets at a decent average and economy rate meant that Swann's success story in international cricket continued. Bowled wonderfully at Old Trafford and his death or glory batting at Lord's was typical of the man.

Stuart Broad - 8 (12 wickets, avg 19.83, Econ 5.40, BB 4/44) If that's what strength conditioning does for you, then Flower should send the whole team on a course. England's leading wicket taker bowled well throughout the series but saved his best for Cardiff where some quality fast bowling accounted for Ponting and Clarke. But what has happened to his batting?

James Anderson - 6 (7 wickets, avg 38.42, Econ 5.72, BB 3/22) It was the usual inconsistent fare with the brilliant (3/22 at Old Trafford) mixed with some absolute tosh. Was lucky to play all five games ahead of Sidebottom. Do Australia's batsmen have his number?

 

 

 

Who should be in England's one day cricket squad?

For England, the two test series with Bangladesh was as flat a follow up to the World T20 triumph as 'The Second Coming' was to The Stone Roses' magnificent self-titled debut album. And just as Ian Brown delivered a famously flat performance at Reading in 1996, the same was true of some of England's stars in the Caribbean at Lord's and Old Trafford. Kevin Pietersen and Tim Bresnan to name but two.

Talk of anti-climaxes leads us to the forthcoming five match one day series against Australia. Yes, we can't believe it either that after the never-ending seven match Nat West series between the same two sides that followed the Ashes last summer, Australia are back again for an encore. But at least it will help Messrs Strauss, Flower and Miller dot a few I's and cross a few T's ahead of the World Cup on the subcontinent next year.

One of the reasons England won the World T20 was that the selectors made some uncharacteristically brave and audacious picks in Michael Lumb, Craig Kieswetter, Michael Yardy and Ryan Sidebottom. All of their punts came off, but will they employ similar ruthlessness when it comes to the England one day side? 

Since the nadir of the 6-1 reverse to Australia in the aforementioned Nat West Series last autumn, the fortunes of the one day side have greatly improved. First they reached the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy with a new attacking approach. Then they won back to back series in South Africa and Bangladesh. Now with the success of the Twenty 20 side, the selectors have some interesting decisions to make.

 

The first is the biggest. Do they retain Andrew Strauss as captain of the one day side knowing that aggression at the top of the order will be critical in the subcontinent next year? Anyone who remembers the 1996 World Cup would agree that Lumb is much closer to Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana than the more obdurate Strauss. However, Flower has given unequivocal support to Strauss following some confused signals from Miller, so we guess this question has been answered for now. Lumb would also need to show that he is capable of scoring hundreds as quickfire 20s and 30s are not enough for an opener in 50 over cricket. So it will be Strauss to partner the hugely impressive Kieswetter at the top of the order.

 

Then it gets a bit easier for the selectors as barring injury or serious loss of form, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Eoin Morgan are certainties for the next three spots in the batting order. Presumably Collingwood, now forever the ginger Bobby Moore, would take the captaincy should the selectors make the brave and unlikely decision to leave out Strauss.

 

Luke Wright did very well in the Caribbean, but the feeling that he is a place too high at number six in Twenty 20, is probably even more the case in 50 over cricket. Assuming that Andrew Flintoff’s time as an international cricketer is over, then this position is up for grabs with Wright, Ravi Bopara and Matt Prior (allowing Kieswetter to concentrate on just his batting) the main candidates. If the selectors are feeling really adventurous, then they may want a look at the hugely impressive Ben Stokes of Durham.

 

Tim Bresnan has surprised many (including us) with the way he has performed with bat and ball in limited overs (if not test) cricket and seemed to have the number seven spot nailed down until his recent injury. This will probably earn Wright a reprieve for now. Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad are also certainties barring injury, loss of form or in Broad’s case suspension for upsetting one umpire or match referee too many.

 

That leaves two seam and one spin vacancies, as two spinners will clearly be required on the slow turners of the subcontinent so surely should be employed now in the run up? Yardy was the right horse for the T20 course offered up in the West Indies, but we are not sure whether this is the case for 50 over contests in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. With the selectors likely to require a second spinner that can bat, Monty Panesar will be deemed surplus to requirements, which leaves James Tredwell and Adil Rashid to battle it out. If Rashid can continue to rediscover his mojo with the ball this summer, then we’d go with his leg-spin option. He should certainly be recalled to the squad for the games with Australia.

 

 

Ryan Sidebottom’s incredible renaissance in the World T20 showed that the variety he offers could also prove valuable in 50 over cricket. That said we will be very surprised if James Anderson, the erstwhile leader of England’s attack, is not back in the side for the World Cup. With Steven Finn hidden from the Australians on an 'intensive strengthening programme' and Bresnan and Graham Onions injured, Ajmal Shahzad - so impressive at Old Trafford, should get a chance in the 50 over format.

 

So our 15 man squad for the games against Australia (with our first XI in bold), as well as the one off match with Scotland and the three games with Bangladesh that sandwich the battles with Ricky Ponting's men would be:

 

Strauss, Kieswetter, Pietersen, Collingwood, Morgan, Bopara, Stokes, Rashid, Wright, Swann, Broad, Sidebottom, Anderson, Shahzad and Yardy.

 

  

  

England waltz to World T20 glory as a nation awakes to an alcoholic haze

One team was utterly fearless and maintained a high intensity from first ball to last whilst sticking to its inherent attacking principles. They fielded like demons and were ruthless in executing their game plan. But this team was England and not Australia as it has been so often in the past. As such, we at the Reverse Sweep are now claiming sage like status for predicting England would win before the tournament. Well, you have to get one right eventually!

Maybe the amazing feats of Michael Hussey only 48 hours before had drained the Aussies? Whatever the reason for their lethargy, it was an inspired England who bossed the final from the three early Australian wickets to when captain Paul Collingwood smashed the winning runs off the dismal Shane Watson, who seemed to want his Mum such was the anguished and demoralised look on his face.

We may have moaned before the tournament that this World T20 came too soon after the last one in England less than a year ago, but we aren't complaining now despite the alcohol fuelled haze of this May Monday morning. England are utterly transformed from the team that famously lost to the Netherlands in last year's competition and skipper Collingwood and coach Andy Flower must take enormous credit for that as do the selectors for picking the right squad for once.

Until yesterday neither Michael Lumb or Craig Kieswetter had made a significant individual score but had continually given England the basis during the powerplay overs from which to set or chase. Michael Yardy was also an inspired pick. His 65mph darts aren't the most attractive but they were effective throughout the tournament despite Cameron White's best efforts yesterday. Finally, Ryan Sidebottom has proved the doubters wrong and his early wickets of Watson and Brad Haddin in the final gave England an early initiative they never lost. So that's four out of four for Geoff Miller and company.

Crucially, England's best batsman and most penetrating bowler were also at the top of their games throughout the tournament. Kevin Pietersen was back to his super-confident and arrogant best and deservedly won the Player of the Tournament award with 248 runs at 62 and a strike rate of 138. Meanwhile Graeme Swann took 10 wickets at 14 and had an excellent economy rate of 6.5. Both too played vital roles in the final.

Having restricted Australia to 147 for six, England appeared to be favourites but even so their supporters were nervous given Australia's tendency for rousing fightbacks and England's past propensity to wilt under pressure. But despite losing Lumb to Tait with the score on only 7, Pietersen and Kieswetter saw off the remainder of Tait's and Nannes' early blast with the new ball, and then started to tuck in to Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith and especially the hapless Watson, who's three overs cost 42.

When 45 runs came from overs 11,12 and 13, the end was nigh for Australia with even Tait and Nannes taking punishment. By this time, England only required 30 for victory with eight overs to go and Kieswetter and Pietersen had added 111 for the second wicket. Pietersen then tried to hit Smith out of the ground, but only found David Warner. However, his job was done and Collingwood and Eoin Morgan guided England home after Kieswetter too lost his wicket attempting the extravagant. England won with three overs to spare, which represents a thrashing in T20 cricket.

So, finally, after thirty five years of trying, England have finally won an ICC limited overs world event and the country that gave cricket T20 has finally learnt how to play it. The hope for England fans is that they can maintain this new found penchant for limited overs cricket and capitalise on the psychological edge this could provide when the Ashes start in six months time.

But for now let's salute Paul Collingwood's world champions.

 

England's World T20 squad

Well for once the England World T20 squad I selected a few days ago was pretty much exactly the one announced by the selectors today, with only two differences.

But I won't be giving up the day job yet; more's the pity. Otherwise, I would have had to make the unfathomable decision to pick Ryan Sidebottom in my squad. I think we have to go back to 2008 for his last good game for England and his fitness has to be drawn into question.

Elsewhere though the selectors have been brave. Matt Prior has rightly been left out of the squad - he could do with the rest and with the emergence of Craig Kieswetter, two wicketkeepers would have been one too many.

Ravi Bopara has been rewarded for his excellent form in the IPL with Kings Xi Punjab and as arguably the most experienced T20 player in the squad will likely open the batting with Kieswetter. Michael Lumb too has been picked following strong performances for England Lions and now Rajasthan Royals over the winter.

Unfortunately, Adil Rashid hasn't been picked, with Sussex captain Michael Yardy given the nod. Yardy isn't a bad choice given the likely pitch conditions with his useful part-time spin and middle order hitting offering an interesting option for Andy Flower and Paul Collingwood.

Other than that with the exception of Sidebottom for Owais Shah, the squad is the same as mine. Shah can consider himself unlucky. He has done well in T20 for England, but seems to have become persona non-grata with the selectors.

Given England are grouped with West Indies and Ireland, they must have a good chance of progressing to the second stage and maybe even reaching the semi-finals. Beyond that though is likely to be a step too far with the Australians and Indians in particular looking strong.