Graeme Swann triumphantly declared to BBC Sport today: "I have an 85% chance of being fit for Thursday."
What I want to know is what formula Swann used to calculate that probability.
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Friday 13 February 2009
The right response
Saturday's press no doubt will be high on condemnation of the Antiguan Cricket authorities. Let's get one thing straight: today's farce of a "test match" at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was totally unacceptable. It was a problem that could have been totally avoided.
But I have to look at the positives. I am very impressed with the swift response to a nightmare situation. To re-stage the test at the quaint Antigua Recreation Ground just 48 hours later is a terrific move.
The ARG ground staff, match-day staff, broadcasting authorities and everyone else involved should all be applauded. It saves the day for thousands of England fans who have spent thousands on the dream holiday.
Let's hope an under-prepared wicket can create a result instead of the usual flat-track draw.
But I have to look at the positives. I am very impressed with the swift response to a nightmare situation. To re-stage the test at the quaint Antigua Recreation Ground just 48 hours later is a terrific move.
The ARG ground staff, match-day staff, broadcasting authorities and everyone else involved should all be applauded. It saves the day for thousands of England fans who have spent thousands on the dream holiday.
Let's hope an under-prepared wicket can create a result instead of the usual flat-track draw.
Tuesday 10 February 2009
Anti-dote
If England's batsmen could select a country to recapture their form, I'm pretty certain Antigua would be pretty high up their list.
Out of 22 tests matches in the Leeward Island, 12 matches have been draws. You have to go back until 2003 for the last time any test playing team won in Antigua.
True, Antigua's Recreation Ground has been replaced by the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium but judging by last year's draw between the Windies and Australia there is little difference between the pitches.
The Recreation Ground was where one Brian Charles Lara twice broke the world record for runs in an innings and despite a change of grounds a run-fest continued at the SVR Stadium last year (where Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan all recorded tons).
England's second innings batting display in Jamaica was embarrasing and humilating (along with certain other words), but on reflection I would pick an unchanged side for Friday's second test.
Why? First of all, Kevin Pietersen aside, all four of England's other frontline batsmen are in a position to be dropped.
Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood all know their positions are under threat. And yes, it would be harsh for Owais Shah to miss out again. But by naming an unchanged side, it should be a risk-free way of restoring confidence, form and pride.
Out of 22 tests matches in the Leeward Island, 12 matches have been draws. You have to go back until 2003 for the last time any test playing team won in Antigua.
True, Antigua's Recreation Ground has been replaced by the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium but judging by last year's draw between the Windies and Australia there is little difference between the pitches.
The Recreation Ground was where one Brian Charles Lara twice broke the world record for runs in an innings and despite a change of grounds a run-fest continued at the SVR Stadium last year (where Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan all recorded tons).
England's second innings batting display in Jamaica was embarrasing and humilating (along with certain other words), but on reflection I would pick an unchanged side for Friday's second test.
Why? First of all, Kevin Pietersen aside, all four of England's other frontline batsmen are in a position to be dropped.
Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood all know their positions are under threat. And yes, it would be harsh for Owais Shah to miss out again. But by naming an unchanged side, it should be a risk-free way of restoring confidence, form and pride.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
