The Reverse Sweep

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

Lahiru Thirimanne - 2: Fell twice to Anderson with the new ball to total just 28 runs for the series, and with a Test match average currently under 20 has plenty of work to do to establish himself at this level. 

Tillakaratne Dilshan - 5: Contentious second innings dismissal showed up limitations of DRS and meant his wait for a Test hundred extends to 21 innings. Won't be signing up for KP's Switch Hit fan club. Bowled well enough to suggest a bid for all-rounder status would not be unwarranted.

Kumar Sangakkara - 2: Fell to his second successive 1st innings golden duck and is in danger of becoming Anderson's bunny. Undone by a beauty by Swann second time around to complete a dismal series for the man that began it is the world's top ranked batsman.

Mahela Jayawardene - 9: Produced another masterpiece to follow up his big hundred in Galle and then resisted again in the 2nd innings before even he was unable to escape a ripper from Swann.

Thilan Samaraweera - 7: As in Galle, got going in both innings before losing his wicket when a big hundred looked to be in the offing.

Angelo Mathews - 7: Came in after injury prevented his participation in Galle and proved that he can adapt his style to the long-form of the game with a patient fifty in the 1st innings and a similarly sedate 46 second time around. 

Prasanna Jayawardene - 5: Solid again with the gloves but no heroics this time with the bat as he fell for single figure scores in both visits to the crease.

Suraj Randiv - 4: Dealt with contemptuously by Pietersen and was unable to reprise his impressive performance at Galle as England's batsmen played him much more confidently this time. 

Dhammika Prasad - 4: Performed admirably as a nightwatchman opener in the 2nd innings but whilst tidy proved mostly unthreatening with the ball.

Rangana Herath - 8: Bagged his third six wicket haul in a row but lacked the support at the other end he had received in Galle.

Suranga Lakmal - 2: Disappointing with the ball - lacked threat, didn't take a wicket and went at nearly four runs per over.

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

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

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

Lahiru Thirimanne - 4: Failed twice with the bat but as King Cricket explains made himself big like a goalkeeper at short-leg where his bravery and anticipation changed the course of the match when he caught Prior in the second innings.

Tillakaratne Dilshan - 3: Had a game to forget with the bat, but kept it tight with the ball and performed a fielding masterclass with four catches and several breathtaking stops.

Kumar Sangakkara - 2: Cricket's most renowned orator bagged a golden duck in the 1st innings before being undone by a beauty by Swann second time around. Spilled a catch at leg slip to reprieve Pietersen that fortunately for him did not prove crucial in the final reckoning - it's a lot harder without the gloves Kumar.

Mahela Jayawardene - 10: An absolutely brilliant and sublime hundred gave his team an initiative that they were to never truly relinquish. His intelligent attacking strategies in the field suffocated the life out of England's batsmen and demonstrated that Sri Lanka are a completely different side with him at the helm.

Thilan Samaraweera - 5: Exhibited extreme caution to help his captain repair the early damage on day one before a desperately unlucky run out. Was more fluent second time around before uncharacteristically giving his wicket away when well set.

Dinesh Chandimal - 4: Is clearly a fantastically talented young batsman but needs to learn not to give his wicket away cheaply after playing himself in as he did in both innings here.

Prasanna Jayawardene - 8: An electric performance behind the stumps and a crucial unbeaten 61 in the 2nd innings, which helped his side add a decisive 87 runs for the last two wickets. Hugely underrated.

Rangana Herath - 9: He may not be a  Murali or a Saeed Ajmal, but he was still too good for England's spin shy batsmen as he bowled with control to bag a match haul of 12 wickets.

Suraj Randiv - 8: Proved to be a good foil for Herath especially in England's 2nd innings and took six wickets in the match. Useful contribution with the bat as nightwatchman.

Chanaka Welegedara - 5: Just the one wicket and a big one too as it was Pietersen. Dug in both times with the bat adding 54 and 40 for the ninth wicket with the Jayawardenes.    

Suranga Lakmal - 6: Started off England's 1st innings demise with a wonderful ball to dismiss Cook and looked lively enough throughout excepting a mini dismantling by Stuart Broad.

Where next?

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

Sri Lanka's far from ideal preparation

Thilan Samaraweera takes aim at the Sri Lankan selectors

Sri Lankan cricket heroes: Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

So Sri Lanka are not like Jesse Ryder after all

Imagine an inebriated Jesse Ryder at the top of a steep hill. Now factor in that the hill is actually a mountain covered in treacherous icy snow and Ryder has somehow managed to strap himself onto a snowboard covered in grease.

The result would be both messy and inevitable as an out of control Ryder came hurtling down the hill faster than Chris Gayle jumping aboard the latest T20 gravy train.

A few months ago we wrote that Sri Lanka's cricket team were travelling downhill just as quickly as Ryder in his insobriety. Thankfully - Sri Lanka are our second favourite team (aren't they everyone's second team?) - our suggestion of their demise has proved to be greatly exaggerated.

Irrespective of whether they win the deciding final in Adelaide on Thursday, Sri Lanka have looked the best side in the CB Series. Sure they started slowly, and yes they allowed an adrenalin charged Virat Kohli to lead India to a target of 320 in less than 36 overs, but they still look a better all round one day side than number one ranked Australia and World Cup holders India.

The top four have all scored runs. Tillakaratne Dilshan unencumbered by the captaincy looks like the man who has averaged around 46 since moving up to open in 2009. Kumar Sangakkara is as serene as ever and Mahela Jayawardene has been clearly energised by his restoration as captain. Finally, Dinesh Chandimal looks a batsman that Sri Lanka can build a new generation on.

Add in the brilliance of the now injured Angelo Mathews and a deceptively varied bowling attack led by Lasith Malinga who has been sublime one day and ridiculous the next in this series and Sri Lanka look a damn fine one day side.

Memories of a disappointing tour of England last summer, which formed a prelude to a chastening home defeat by Australia and finishing second best to Pakistan in all formats in the UAE have dissipated slightly.

They may have only won one Test since the retirement of Murali, but it seems that they are gathering momentum at just the right time before England visit Sri Lankan shores in the coming weeks. They also look a decent bet to win the Asia Cup.

All in all and unlike Ryder, Sri Lanka no longer look like they are going to end up in a disorientated heap at the bottom of the hill in the near future.

Where next?

Virat Kohli's very very special innings

Beware Brad Haddin; John Inverarity & the NSP are coming to get you

Thilan Samaraweera takes aim at the Sri Lankan selectors

Sri Lankan cricket heroes: Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

The second coming of Tillakaratne Dilshan

 
Despite having to remove the egg from our face after our bold (and obviously premature) statement that England are the new Australia, we thoroughly enjoyed Tillakaratne Dilshan’s exceptional hundred at Lord’s.

Even taking into account the flatness of the pitch and England’s lacklustre bowling attack, Dilshan’s 193 was a truly splendid one as well as being the highest by a Sri Lankan in a Lord’s Test.

In only his second Test at the helm and after the harrowing capitulation on the final day at Cardiff, Sri Lanka really needed their captain to lead the way in responding to England’s imposing 486. And Dilshan certainly didn’t disappoint.

Dilshan’s masterpiece was just the latest in a number of gems since he moved up to open the batting in 2009. Indeed, his transformation from an inconsistent middle order batsman to one of the best openers in the world across all formats has been simply stunning.

Having graduated from the Sehwag School for Batting, the contrast in Dilshan’s record pre and post his move up the order is stark.

In Tests he made the perfect start as an opener against New Zealand at Galle in August 2009 with innings of 92 (off just 72 balls) and a slightly more sedate 123 not out (off 131 balls). In total he averages 54 as an opener from 13 Tests with four hundreds. This is 13 runs higher than his average in the middle order.

The same is true in ODI, where he started opening against Pakistan in January 2009. Prior to moving up the order, Dilshan averaged just 29 in 152 ODI with just one hundred. In his 51 matches since at the top of the order, Dilshan has smashed nine hundreds, averages 54 and has a phenomenal strike rate of 98.

The World T20 in England in 2009 was where Dilshan’s ability as an opener was first exhibited on the world stage – Dilscoop and all. So, unsurprisingly the pattern continues in the shortest format of the game too. As an opener, Dilshan averages 35 from 21 matches, which is over double the 17 he averaged from 11 T20I in the middle-order.

Anyone would think opening the batting was easy. Dilshan certainly makes it look that way.

Where next?

Jack Hobbs by Leo McKinstry | Book review

1st Test, Cardiff: England marks out of 10

2nd Test Preview: Lord's - Imperious England target series win

Cricket Heroes: Jack Hobbs

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Likely line-ups

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

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

Look out for…

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

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

Previously at Cardiff

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

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

Stat attack

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

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

Prediction

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

Where next?

Seven reasons why England should not underestimate Sri Lanka

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

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

Eoin Morgan has got "it"

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Seven reasons why England should not underestimate Sri Lanka

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

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

King Kumar isn’t wearing the gloves

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

Dilshan seems to have taken to the captaincy

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

Batting Princes

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

They’ve got the winning habit

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

Sri Lanka like playing in England in May

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

They won’t miss Malinga that much

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

There’s always Chaminda

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

Where next?

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

The ten most poignant cricket memories of 2009

Cricket Heroes: Aravinda de Silva

Cricket Heroes: Sanath Jayasuriya

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

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

 

It must be the modern way.

In days of yore, a former international cricketer wanting to reveal tales of match fixing, would put on his coat and hat before making his way to his local ICC Corruption Office. Upon arrival, he would take a ticket, wait patiently in the queue and then when his number was called, move to a separate office for his interview with an ICC Corruption Officer. Et voila.

Now in keeping with our times, match fixing allegations are announced on a television show.

We’re not sure if Hashan Tillakaratne was appearing on the Sri Lankan equivalent of ‘Sri Lanka’s Got Talent’, or that the match allegations he subsequently made were in vain attempt to get the sympathy vote after his particularly poor ventriloquist act.

Perhaps with his near namesake Tillakaratne Dishan being made the new Sri Lankan captain, Hashan was sore at not being the most famous ex-Sri Lankan cricket captain called Tillakaratne anymore.

Whatever the reason, the bug seems catching and now, Arjuna Ranatunga has also since announced similar tales of match fixing skullduggery involving Sri Lanka stretching right back to 1992.

The deadly duo, like a modern day Morecambe and Wise (let's face it Ranatunga appears born for the part of the small, fat sidekick), have already left their audience gasping for more by promising more revelations in the coming days.

This story would appear to have some legs.

Where next?

County Championship XI of the week #4

Cricket Heroes: Aravinda de Silva

Cricket Zeroes: Salman Butt

Cricket Heroes: Sanath Jayasuriya

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Our best XI of the 2011 World Cup

 
As the celebrations in India doubtless continue, it is time to select our Reverse Sweep World Cup 2011 XI based on performances over the six years weeks of the tournament:

Virender Sehwag (380 runs at 47.50, 1 100, 1 50, SR 122.58)

He may not have scored as many as others, but the impact of his runs was the most dramatic. In our view, Sehwag’s whirlwind cameo in the semi-final in the end proved the difference between the sides.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (500 runs at 62.50, 2 100s, 2 50s, SR 90.74; 8 wickets at 15.75 ER 4.06)

The tournament’s leading run scorer takes his place as the apprentice in our opening partnership to Sehwag’s sorcerer. Dilshan’s bowling was more than useful too – just ask Andrew Strauss – and he ended up with only one fewer wicket and a better economy rate than Harbhajan Singh.

Sachin Tendulkar (482 runs at 53.55, 2 100s, 2 50s, SR 91.98)

Is it sacrilegious to push the Little Master down the order to accommodate our choice of opening partnership? Maybe, but Tendulkar is clearly good enough to bat anywhere and is the ultimate team man. His longevity is astounding.

Kumar Sangakkara (465 runs at 93.00, 1 100, 3 50s, SR 83.78)

King Kumar was serenity personified throughout the tournament and he captains our side (although it was a wrench to leave out Dhoni). Is there a more underrated batsman in world cricket?

Mahela Jayawardene (304 runs at 50.66, 2 100s, 1 50, SR 100.00)

His impeccable hundred in the final leapfrogged Jayawardene above AB De Villiers in our XI. A great strike rate and but for the prolific Sri Lankan top three restricting his time at the crease, would have scored more runs in the tournament.

Yuvraj Singh (362 runs at 90.50, 1 100, 4 50s, SR 90.50; 15 wickets at 25.13, ER 5.02)

Lazarus. A cricketer reborn. And a decent pick as the player of the tournament. Yuvraj left his annus horribilis of 2010 behind to take the World Cup by the scruff of the neck. Without his masterful composure in the quarter-final against Australia, India would have suffered an ignominious exit. Also proved to be more than the pie chucker he was famously tagged by Kevin Pietersen.

Shahid Afridi (21 wickets at 12.85, ER 3.62; 84 runs at 12.00)

His batting was dire, but his excitable captaincy and devastating leg breaks galvanised Pakistan and propelled them to the semi-finals. He may not have added to his wicket tally in Mohali, but his incredible haul and impressive economy rate mean his selection for this side was automatic.

Dale Steyn (12 wickets at 16.00, ER 4.15)

This lionheart deserved better than to be part of a fragile side that reverted to type in the quarter-final against New Zealand. Others may have opted for Brett Lee, Umar Gul, Tim Southee or Kemar Roach who all had impressive tournaments, but none of these could have turned the game around against India as Steyn did in their group game.

Zaheer Khan (21 wickets at 18.76, ER 4.83)

Tied with Afridi as the tournament’s leading wicket taker and initially carried the Indian attack on his shoulders until his influence had a more positive effect on those around him in the knockout stages. Equally as dangerous at the start, middle and end of an innings and a master of reverse swinging the white ball.

Lasith Malinga (13 wickets at 20.76, ER 5.54)

Malinga was expensive at times, but was always a threat with that unplayable yorker and subtle changes of speed. So close to being the hero in the final when snaring Sehwag and Tendulkar, and always likely to get you a wicket.

Muttiah Muralitharan (15 wickets at 19.40, ER 4.09)

The final proved a match too far for Murali’s battered and bruised body, but even on one leg Murali still had a stunningly influential World Cup and the departing hero just pips Imran Tahir and Ray Price for the final spot in our XI.

Where next?

Who writes Muttiah Muralitharan's scripts?

The renaissance of Yuvraj Singh

An XI of unlikely World Cup heroes and a not so heroic 12th man

Bruce Springsteen was born to run, MS Dhoni was born to lead

Read all our 2011 World Cup posts here

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Sri Lanka vs India in the World Cup Final - Preview and Prediction

 
Back before the World Cup started, which seems like 1995, The Reverse Sweep predicted that India and Sri Lanka would meet in the final - see the links at the bottom of this post if you don't believe us!

It’s not often we get things right here at The Reverse Sweep, so the fact that we did on this occasion leaves us feeling slightly too smug and self-satisfied.

Even Bollywood couldn’t have scripted it any better: Sachin Tendulkar will go for his 100th international hundred in the World Cup final in his home city of Mumbai whilst Muttiah Muralitharan plays his final international match.

So who will be smiling come Saturday evening? Sachin or Murali?

We tipped Sri Lanka to win the trophy beforehand and the form of their top four means we could end up being right. Dilshan is the leading run scorer in the tournament and Sangakkara and Tharanga are fourth and fifth respectively. If the top four don't fire though, there isn't much to follow.

Sangakkara also has the most balanced attack in the competition available with Malinga’s pace and yorkers dovetailing with the wily spin of Murali, Mendis and co.

However, Angelo Mathews has been ruled out of the final – and even though cricketwithballs will doubtless claim that because he doesn’t exist, it won’t matter; Mathews is actually a key member of the side.

Although India have an injury concern with Nehra, they look in good shape coming into the final. But can they cope with the added pressure of winning on home soil – something no other host in World Cup history has achieved?

Sachin and Sehwag are crucial for them. If Sachin does register his 100th hundred the other players will visibly relax, and if Sehwag gets going then Sri Lanka will be in real trouble especially with the likes of an in-form Yuvraj to follow.

India’s bowling has been a bit hit and miss, but was much improved in the semi-final and Zaheer Khan is an inspirational leader of the attack.

It will probably come down to the fine margins and the toss could prove crucial – without stating the bleeding obvious, chasing under lights to win a World Cup would be a tall order for either side if the other has put decent runs on the board.

But we’ll stick with our original prediction and tip Murali to win the day over Sachin – whatever happens, let’s hope it’s a classic.

Where next?

India: Glory or effigies?

Sri Lanka: Will lightning strike twice?

An XI of unlikely World Cup heroes and a not so heroic 12th man

The renaissance of Yuvraj Singh

Read all our 2011 World Cup posts here

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Lay off England after World Cup proves a bridge too far

Two days later and England’s thumping defeat against Sri Lanka in the World Cup quarter final doesn’t feel any better.

Defeat by ten wickets with 63 balls still remaining is about as comprehensive as it gets.

Whilst England’s batsmen looked like they were batting on treacle, Dilshan and Tharanga never looked in any trouble as they cruised to victory.

The recriminations are in full swing. Whispers about Strauss’ future as ODI captain and the wholesale replacement of others abound.

The painful truth is that England simply weren’t good enough. They blundered through the group stages and failed to put in even one commanding performance.

But whilst the likes of Willis, Botham and Boycott will no doubt baulk at the idea, England never had a chance of success at this World Cup because of the ridiculous poisoned chalice of a schedule they were handed this winter.

Sure, England lacked match-winners and key players like Anderson underperformed, but these guys were dead on their feet.

Whoever agreed to a schedule that saw some players spend just three days at home between arriving back from Australia and embarking to the holding camp in Dubai for the World Cup needs to be summarily sacked.

Lest it not be forgotten, England won an Ashes series down under for the first time in 24 years this winter. The successful campaign was meticulously planned and ruthlessly executed.

But not unsurprisingly, these efforts had a physical, mental and emotional strain on the players.

Fatigue leads to injuries and England’s one day squad doesn’t have the strength in depth to cope with the absence of the likes of Broad, Pietersen and Shahzad.

Of those that remained, Anderson was a virtual imposter such was the emptiness of his tank and the likes of Bell, Prior and Swann all fell significantly from the peaks they reached during the Ashes series.

Perhaps with hindsight, England’s first choice players should have flown home for a much needed break immediately after the Ashes series finished in Sydney.

Then a second-string ODI squad could have battled for the final World Cup squad places in the utterly pointless seven match series with Australia.

But contracts between the cricket boards of Australia and England doubtless prevented that.

The schedule is not an excuse for England’s failure, but it is a reason. England aren’t good enough at ODI cricket either – especially in a World Cup in sub-continental conditions, which negated their main strengths further.

But before casting stones at Strauss, Flower and co, do remember that the main prize this winter – the urn – has been secured and whilst yet another World Cup campaign has ended in disappointment, it was always going to be a bridge too far.  

Where next?

Check out our Reverse Sweep XIs

Read all our 2011 World Cup posts here

Heroes: Bob Willis

An XI of unlikely World Cup heroes and a not so heroic 12th man

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

World Cup Team Previews: Sri Lanka – Can lightning strike twice?

 
Most people have India down as favourites to win the World Cup, but it was Sri Lanka who lifted the trophy the last time the competition was held on the sub-continent. If King Kumar’s team win Group A then they could play all their matches at home right up until the final in Mumbai. So, can lightning strike twice? And will it be Murali rather than Tendulkar who is the all-time great that bows out of ODI cricket with a World Cup winners medal?

Strengths

It’s a long list, but here goes. Firstly, they will play most of their matches at home where they have a formidable record. Then there is the explosive batting of Dilshan, Sangakkara and Jayawardene, the balance provided by Mathews and a strong and varied bowling attack led by Malinga and Murali.

Weaknesses

Expectation is much higher than in 1996, so none of the other teams will underestimate Sri Lanka this time. Malinga’s injury record isn’t great and with Vaas gone, who will lead the attack if the man with the unplayable yorker is missing?

Main man

In 1996 it was Sanath Jayasuriya who lit the tournament up with this electric batting, so we’ll go for his successor Tillakaratne Dilshan. With him providing quick runs at the top of the order, the powerful middle order can fill their boots afterwards.

Look out for…

Some big hitting from Angelo Mathews – his name may be more suited to Aussie soap Home & Away, but expect to see him adding plenty of quickfire runs in the latter overs.

Prediction

Winners – Indian hearts were broken by Sri Lanka in the semi-final in 1996, and The Reverse Sweep predicts the same thing will happen - only this time in the final.

Where next?

World Cup Team previews: Part 1 - India: Glory or effigies?

World Cup Team Previews: Part 2 - South Africa: Don't mention the 'C' word...

World Cup Team Previews: Part 3 - Bangladesh: Shock & Awe

World Cup Team Previews: Part 4 - West Indies: Calypso or Collapso?

World Cup Team Previews: Part 5 - England: How far can resilience take them?

World Cup Team Previews: Part 6 - Ireland/Canada/Kenya/Netherlands: Last chance for the minnows?

World Cup Team Previews: Part 7 - Zimbabwe - An army of spin

World Cup Team Previews: Part 8 - Australia: Four in a row?

World Cup Team Previews: Part 9 - Pakistan: Tigers or Pussies?

Our XI to shine at the World Cup

Check out all our Reverse Sweep heroes and zeroes including Muttiah Muralitharan

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The ten most poignant cricket memories of 2009

As we've written previously, yesterday was a special event in the Reverse Sweep household with the birth of our second child. This means that the posts for the next few days will be looking back rather than commentating on what is happening today and now in the cricket world.

 

This post looks back at 2009 - a year of change for cricket. This was certainly true for England as the year ended with the team in a much better position than they were on New Years Day 2009 with the spat between KP and Peter Moores just about to culminate in both men being sacked.

 

2009 was also a momentous year. England lost to the Netherlands but regained the Ashes. The Aussies fell back into the pack in test cricket but continued to lead the way in the 50 over game. Pakistanwon the World T20 and unveiled yet two more outstanding teenagers. And Bangladesh finally won a series abroad against the West Indies Cricket Board XI.

 

Anyway without further ado here are The Reverse Sweep’s ten most memorable and poignant cricket memories of 2009, appropriately in reverse order.

 

10. Trinidad & Tobago light up the inaugural Champions League

I must admit that I was dubious. For me T20 is more ‘hit and giggle’ than ‘proper cricket’, but I accidentally tuned into the coverage of the inaugural competition on Eurosport and was captivated by the brilliance of T&T. Excellently led by Daren Ganga, the minnows made it all the way to the final against New South Wales; a team full of test players who they had already beaten earlier in the competition thanks to a whirlwind innings from Kieron Pollard. Unfortunately, they lost the final but they were the true winners and their success will hopefully spark the West Indies to a much needed revival.

 

9. Shoaib Akhtar makes us laugh

First there was the press release from the Pakistan Cricket Board explaining that Shoaib was not able to play in the World T20 due to genital warts. And if that wasn’t enough the portly fast bowler was then ruled out for another three months because he had had liposuction. Thanks for the laughs Shoaib.

 

8. Colly, Jimmy and Monty save England in Cardiff

It seemed inevitable that the Aussies were going to go one-up until the dogged Collingwood dropped anchor in a marathon 344 minute innings. And when he was ninth out with over 11 overs to spare, Monty and Anderson took over and became the unlikely heroes. The Durhambattler then repeated the trick at Centurion in tandem with Onions (and Newlands with Ian Bell) and as at Lord’s, England responded by winning the next test at Durban.

 

7. The Netherlands beat England (and not at football)

Now we knew Englandwere bad at limited overs cricket but this really took the biscuit. An absolutely shambolic performance by the home side meant that the World T20 began with a bang. Things actually got worse with the 6-1 ODI reverse to the Aussies. Then an unlikely renaissance with an improved performance in the Champions Trophy followed up by a surprise series win in South Africa. But on that day in June England were well and truly clogged.

 

6. Cool Chris’ 70 ball ton at the WACA

Australia had just declared on 520/7 but that didn’t bother Mr Cool as he smashed a weakened Aussie attack all over the WACA in compiling a devastating 70 ball hundred (the fifth fastest in test history). He hit six huge sixes, four off a shell-shocked Hauritz, including a monstrous shot that landed on the roof of the towering Lillee-Marsh Stand.

 

5. Freddie Lord’s it over the Aussies

Englandhadn’t beaten the Aussies at HQ since 1934 and despite setting them a massive 522 run, an excellent partnership between Clarke and Haddin had the nerves jangling. Step forward Flintoff who blew the Aussies away on a tense Monday morning to take the plaudits ahead of the perhaps more deserving Strauss, who had set up the victory with a first innings 161.

 

4. Sehwag smashes the Sri Lankans for 293

The most devastating batsman in the World reached a new high with this phenomenal innings. Sri Lankahad been bowled out on the second morning for 393 and Sehwag wasted no time as he smashed seven sixes and forty fours in a 254 ball innings. By the end of the second day Indiawere 443/1 off only 79 overs and Murali had been obliterated. Sehwag was out early the next morning so just failed to become the first batsmen to hit three test triple centuries but that should not detract one iota from a truly spectacular knock.

 

3. Trott gets the runs on debut to help England seize the Ashes

Despite calls for former players such as Trescothick and Ramprakash – even W.G Grace was mentioned at one point – the selectors bravely opted for the South African born Trott. And boy did he repay their faith in spades with a brilliant and determined century in the second innings to help set Australiaan unachievable target. Broad, Swann and Harmison did the rest and the Ashes were on their way home.

 

2. Dilshan takes to opening like a duck to water

Before the start of 2009, Dilshan was known more for his brilliant fielding than his inconsistent batting. Then he had a go at opening and by the end of 2009 was rivallingSehwag as the most exciting and destructive batsman in the world. His stats as an opener are truly impressive: in Tests he averaged 66 and scored three hundreds in only five tests, in ODI it was 56 and four hundreds in 19 matches, and in T20 he averaged 43 and invented the Dilscoop. Arguably, Dilshan was the player of the year; how it has changed in 2010.

 

1. Terrorists attack the Sri Lankan bus

The most poignant event of 2009 happened on 3 March when the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked in Lahoreen route to the Gaddafi Stadium for the third days play. Thankfully, although five players were injured, none were killed but eight other people were and Pakistan is now a no-go destination for all international cricket sides.

 

 

Appropriately, the same two sides contested the World T20 final in June and Thilan Samaraweera, who was shot in the leg, recovered to become the leading test runscorer of the year with 1,234 runs at 72. World cricket needs Pakistan, its most flamboyant side along with the West Indies, and it is to be hoped that the situation will improve to enable international cricket to be played in Pakistan again as soon as possible.

The Worst XI of the World T20

Like everyone else, we'll be selecting our best XI of the tournament too, but watching Michael Clarke's scratchy innings in the final yesterday made us think what the worst XI of the competition should be. We deliberately haven't included any players from the four minnows of Afghanistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe or even Bangladesh as that would be a bit obvious and a tad unfair.

Instead we have come up with an XI of players who came to the Caribbean with high reputations and profiles, and who then flopped like Gordon Brown in the UK General Election. Here we go:

Murali Vijay (India) - Scored 48 against Afghanistan, but then only nine runs in total against South Africa, Australia and West Indies thereafter. Not keen on short bowling and a poor replacement for Sehwag. Just edges the equally disappointing Gambhir.

Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) - The old codger scored 15 runs in six innings  and the longer he refuses to retire the more he besmirches our memories of a once great player. It's way past time for the knackers yard, Sanath.

Michael Clarke (Australia, Captain) - A passenger at T20, he scored 92 runs in seven innings at a paltry strike rate of 81. In this XI (unlike the Australian line-up) there would be no hiding place for the first T20 non-playing captain.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) - His wretched form from the IPL continued with only 71 runs from six innings. The champ of last year's World T20 turned into one of the chumps of this one.

Yuvraj Singh (India) - A shadow of his former self in all but his stomach, which seems to have blown to at least five bellies. Another player who hugely disappointed for India. A change in attitude and diet are required otherwise he will lose his place. 

Kieron Pollard (West Indies)- The best all-rounder in the IPl was an absolute disaster here. 47 runs at 9.40 with the bat and only one wicket with a horrendous economy rate of 11.00 with the ball. His jet lag from the flight back from India seems to have lasted for three weeks.

Mark Boucher (South Africa) - Like the rest of his side, the much vaunted keeper had a poor tournament here with only 29 runs in five innings.

Ravindra Jadeja (India) - If he was Pakistani there would be a parliamentary enquiry into his performances. His ineptitude with ball and bat was only surpassed by fielding that Stevie Wonder sans his guide dog would have been ashamed of. Didn't even have the excuse of being fatigued from the IPL.

Zaheer Khan (India) - The normally reliable Khan had a nightmare with only two wickets in his three matches. Even worse was his economy rate of 9.54. Was he still suffering from the disappointment of Mumbai's IPL final loss?

Mohammad Sami (Pakistan) - Six wickets in three games sounds okay until you see the economy rate of 9.81. Ouch!

Ravi Rampaul (West Indies) - Like the majority of the hosts, Rampaul had a torrid time with an economy rate of 11.50 from his two matches.

England must beware of dangers in paradise

It was a wonderful sight yesterday watching the joyful Sri Lankan side celebrating their brilliant come-from-behind victory over India, which pretty much guaranteed their place in the semi-finals of the World T20. This was confirmed when Australia thrashed the West Indies in the match that immediately followed.

At the start of this tournament, last year's finalists were a team searching for form with the notable exception of Mahela Jayawardene, who continued his imperious form from the IPL to initially play a lone role here. But all that has changed. Things may not yet be perfect as the capitulation to Australia demonstrated, but several key players have regained form and confidence ahead of the match with England.

When you factor in that the semi-final will be played in spin-friendly St Lucia, then Paul Collingwood and Andy Flower should be concerned. Moreover, Sri Lanka have a habit of doing well in ICC limited overs tournaments as evidenced by their reaching the final of the World Cup here in the Caribbean in 2007 and the World T20 in England last year.

That experience and the new ebullience gained from finishing second in the group makes Sri Lanka a dangerous proposition for England. Tillakaratne Dilshan had been in such poor form that we wondered whether he had been replaced by an impostor who didn't know one of the bat from the other. But there were signs in his innings against the Indians that the ball is finding the middle of the bat again. Captain Kumar Sangakkara too is starting to look as eloquent with the bat as he is with his words. And when you add in the all-round skills of Angelo Mathews, the big hitting ability of Chamara Kapugedera and the yorkers of Lasith Malinga, then England will face a tough test in their quest to reach their first ICC final since 2004 (the Champions Trophy at home where they were beaten by West Indies).

Furthermore, and as touched on earlier, the slowness of the pitch in St Lucia will assist Sri Lanka's battery of spinners. If Steve Smith can bamboozle batsmen as he did to the West Indians yesterday, what will Ajantha Mendis, Suraj Randiv and Murali (if fit) do to England's traditionally spin-shy batting line-up?

St Lucia is a paradise for tourists. All England fans will be praying that it is for their team too tomorrow.   

 

Prince Dilshan and the Pauper

This post is an appeal from someone called King Kumar. We at the Reverse Sweep are more than happy to oblige what is obviously a very important cause.

"I am appealing for help because our opening batsman Tilli Dilshan has gone missing and been replaced with an impostor who doesn't know one end of the bat from the other.

If any of you have seen the film 'The Prince and the Pauper' or read the book by Mark Twain, you'll have some idea of what our team is going through. In the film, as Henry VIII of England lies dying, his heir the nine year old Edward Tudor comes across a peasant boy who is his doppelganger. Being young boys, they decide it would be a great jape to swap places and the audience is left on tenterhooks waiting to see if the peasant boy will be crowned King as Edward VI.

The same has happened to our cricket team. Over the last year, we promoted Tilli to open the batting in all forms of the game. Prior to that he had been a useful but inconsistent middle-order batsman and electric fielder. But he was a revelation as opener. He invented new cricketing strokes, scored centuries at will in all forms of the game; and in test cricket his strike rate was unequalled by all except a certain Virender Sehwag. He even was announced as a graduate form the Sehwag School for batting.

We first thought something was wrong in the IPL. You see Tilli plays for the Delhi Daredevils and he (or as it turns out, the imposter) only scored 44 runs from six innings with two ducks and an average of seven. But I just thought that it was a case of bad form after a stellar year, and to be honest I had my own problems with my Kings side.

But now I know that the real Tilli has gone missing. We've flown to the West Indies for a little tournament and yesterday we played New Sheepland. The impostor played and managed to score 3 off 19 balls. The real Tilli would have scored 40 runs in that time. That was the irrefutable proof we needed.

So, please cricket fans around the world, please can you help us find our Tilli. And I have a reward for you if you do - I'll give you person who finds Tilli two of my Kings players Sree Rant and Fat Boy Yuv - I think you know who I mean."

Who will be the Lovers & the Shaggers of the World T20?

Last week we introduced you to two categories of T20 batsmen - the Lovers and the Shaggers. 

The warm-up matches and the opening match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka has taught us that the pitches in Guyana, Barbados and St Lucia are slower than an arthritic tortoise who has had a particularly heavy night on the sauce. This means that the shaggers may not be as prevalent as they were in the IPL where Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan and Kieron Pollard in particular shagged themselves silly around India for six weeks.

I always had Tillakaratne Dilshan down as a shagger; and an unconventional one at that, but to see him struggle today to score only three off 19 balls suggests that he won't put as many notches on his belt as he did in England in last year's World T20.

So predicting the Lovers that will aim to provide pleasure all night, be chivalrous with their foreplay and then maintain a steady and patient momentum with the occasional shout out loud moment. Similarly, trying to fathom who will be the Shaggers that are too selfish for foreplay and start banging away from day one looks like it is going to be more difficult than we thought. But, to the hell with it and here goes.

The Lovers - Looking to give some lurve will be the following: Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene, Paul Collingwood, Michael Clarke (if anyone can manage to stay awake), Gautam Gambhir and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

The Shaggers - Warming up with Robin Uthappa's medicine ball will be: David Warner, Bangladesh (yep, the whole team are testosterone fuelled sex maniacs), Eoin Morgan, Murali Vijay, Shahid Afridi (who is probably a bit kinky), Albie Morkel, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Elton Chigumbura.  

  

Openers - an endangered species?

Once upon a time an opening batsman, especially a test match opening batsman used to be a member of an exclusive club. Noticeably different from their middle order colleagues in style and technique, the opening batsman was considered a specialist role and certainly not one that non-openers were queueing up to try.

My, how things have changed. These days the number of specialist openers actually opening the batting is so few, I am starting to wonder if they are going the way of the dodo.

Take Australia for example. Shane Watson used to be an injury prone, under-performing all-rounder who was lucky to bat as high as six. Now he has been reborn as a test match opener who has surprised everyone (probably even himself) by being a success and keeping a specialist opener with a career average of 60 (Phillip Hughes) out of the side. His partner in crime is another former middle-order batsman turned opener in Simon Katich, who has also been significantly more successful since his rebirth.

Other countries are no different. Tillakaratne Dilshan was an underperforming number six who was in and out of the Sri Lankan side. Now he is Son of Sehwag and has taken to opening like a politician to sleaze as he replaced another reinvented opener Sanath Jayasuriya at the top of the order. Sehwag himself, lest it not be forgotten, was also a middle order batsman before realising that his best route to a regular spot in the Indian team was to reinvent how openers should approach test cricket.

Maybe teams like Pakistan and New Zealand should take note. The former have never replaced Saeed Anwar as a succession of specialist openers have struggled in the role since his retirement. Maybe Umar Akmal should have a go at emulating Sehwag and Dilshan? The Black Caps have similarly struggled since the departure of Mark Richardson (and he started as a number 11!) and arguably even all the way back to John Wright. I am sure that SuperDan(iel Vettori) will soon be taking on that role as well.

Chris Gayle and Tamim Iqbal are hardly typical opening batsmen, with their carefree approach more Sehwag than Boycott. And even those starch conservatives South Africa have taken to reinventing Ashwell Price and Neil McKenzie, one with more success than the other, rather than picking a specialist opener to partner Graeme Smith.

Which leaves England. Here at last in the bastion of cricket tradition is a test side with two specialist openers in Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook. Forget fads like pinch-hitters. Forget reinventing Kevin Pietersen as an opener, specialists like cucumber sandwiches and warm beer will continue to be the preserve of at least on cricket team in the World.

So whilst thanks to the home of cricket, the specialist opener is not quite extinct yet, they clearly need an endangered species tag around their necks.

Fearlessness, impetuosity and Tamim Iqbal

Now we at The Reverse Sweep are big fans of Tamim Iqbal. Along with Tillakaratne Dilshan, we nominated Tamim as one of the first two graduates from the Sehwag School of Batting. And we lauded his batting on Saturday, when but for an umpiring error he probably would have scored a century before lunch in the 2nd Test in Dhaka.

Why do we like Tamim? Because he stands and delivers, is utterly fearless and is truly Bangladesh's first world-class batsman now that Mohammad Ashraful has sadly been revealed as a flash-in-the-pan impostor. He turned 21 on Saturday and he certainly has the impetuousness of youth.

Unfortunately, fearlessness and impetuosity can sometimes get you into trouble at the crease. And so it proved today. A slightly more circumspect Tamim had reached his fifty, and with Bangladesh having recovered the first innings deficit for the loss of only one wicket, there was a real chance for his side to post a challenging target on the final day. If he had stayed in that is.

Considering he had already been dropped three times, Tamim should have resolved to make England pay but his luck finally ran out when he attempted a horrible slash off Graeme Swann to Stuart Broad at point. Given that Swann was supposedly suffering from Dhaka belly, Tamim had provided the immodium on a plate.

Fearlessness is good, but only when combined with a good dose of common sense and awareness of the match situation. Let's hope Tamim learns from this.  

Now I know how it feels to be a Delhi Daredevils supporter

As I have detailed previously on this blog I am an IPL virgin with this being the first season that I have watched any of the games.

 

Firstly, I had to decide who to support as watching a competition and supporting none of the teams would be alien to me. In the end I decided to plump for the Delhi Daredevils with the mix of Sehwag, Dilshan, Collingwood (if he ever plays) and Nannes proving irresistible.

 

On making my preference known, I was warned by a number of IPL acolytes that Delhi were perennial underachievers and that I should be prepared to be disappointed. Being a Liverpool FC supporter, I have become accustomed to that since 1990, so if anything that cemented my choice.

 

After the first two matches, I started to wonder what all the fuss was about. Delhi won both games fairly easily and Sehwag lit up the second game against the Rajasthan Royals with some typical blitzkrieg batting.

 

But just like Liverpool in recent years, success was soon followed by dismal failure and the Daredevils were well and truly annihilated by Mumbai Indians yesterday.

 

There was the slight compensation of seeing Sachin Tendulkar deliver another batting masterclass. But I don’t enjoy seeing Wayne Rooney or Didier Drogba torment Liverpool, so my enjoyment was somewhat lessened.

 

There was also the sight of Sehwag and Dilshan opening the batting together, which is nearly as good as seeing Scarlett Johansson and Kylie Minogue in bed together. But it was over before it began and Delhi ended up losing by 98 runs – a massive defeat in T20 cricket.

 

I hope it isn’t a precursor to an inconsistent and disappointing campaign. And also not a bad omen ahead of the Manchester United-Liverpool match on Sunday, but I fear it is.

 

Delhi Daredevils and Yusuf Pathan steal the headlines on day 2

I wrote yesterday that my first real taste of the IPL was a bit disappointing; rather like an overdone rib of beef. The opening ceremony was too long and the actual cricket was mundane. Yesterday was much better.

Firstly, we had Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals pitting their wits against Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians. It was a fantastic match with Mumbai prevailing by four runs after hitting a mammoth 212/4 in their 20 overs. This was harsh on Yusuf Pathan, whose 100 off 37 balls for the Royals was a quite remarkable knock with brutality and subtleness dovetailing seamlessly together.

These days, the IPL is the only chance we get to see Warne and Tendulkar on the same pitch and Pathan's knock is what T20 is supposed to be about.

The second game was just as good, if only because it saw my adopted side, the Delhi Daredevils beat the Kings XI Punjab. England's forgotten man Ravi Bopara looked in good touch and it was thanks to him that Kings were able to post 142/9. I understand that despite having the likes of Gambhir, Sehwag, Dilshan, De Villiers and Nannes in their ranks, Delhi are the serial underachievers in the IPL. Being a Liverpool fan I know just how that feels, so it seems I have picked the right side. As befits this tag, Delhi made a bit of a dogs dinner of chasing their small target and they were indebted to a captain's knock of 72 from Gambhir that saw them over the line in the final over.

So my second taste of the IPL was much better than the first. Yesterday the beef was cooked to its succulent perfection.