No1 spot in the Test world rankings beckons for England. That’s all well and good, the real challenge is staying there August 10, 2016 It's all very well getting to No1 in the world Test rankings but the true measure of a side worthy of that tag is to stay there for a long time. That’s the challenge facing England should they hit the summit by the end of the summer. Such a feat will be achieved if Alastair [...]
Move over Joe Root: What England’s greatest ever batsman tells us about how to use statistics August 9, 2016 Cricket fans will be delighted that Joe Root is establishing himself this summer as a truly great batsman. His Test match batting average of 55.49 is bettered by only 16 players from across the world since Test cricket began in 1877. Root currently sits seventh in the England career batting averages, and he clearly has [...]
Alastair Cook’s delight as England take unassailable lead against Pakistan August 7, 2016 Captain Alastair Cook savoured one of the best wins of his tenure after England bowled Pakistan out for 201 to claim the third Investec Test at Edgbaston and take an unassailable lead in the series. Five bowlers took two wickets apiece as Pakistan’s middle order collapsed from 124-3 to 125-7 in just 23 balls and England, [...]
England seamer James Anderson apologises for umpire outburst during frustrating day as Azhar Ali-inspired Pakistan turn the screw at Edgbaston August 4, 2016 England seamer James Anderson was forced to apologise after his emotions boiled over during a frustrating second day of the third Investec Test which saw Pakistan turn the screw at Edgbaston. Anderson clashed with umpire Bruce Oxenford after he was warned about running on the pitch post-delivery. England’s leading Test wicket-taker received two official warnings, [...]
Pakistan have the edge but should be very wary of gritty England and their new ball August 3, 2016 The pendulum is swinging Pakistan’s way. The tourists have the edge after day one of the third Investec Test at Edgbaston but the clash is well set. If England bowl well with the new ball tomorrow morning it will be very hard work for the tourists. There is no doubt, however, that Pakistan will be the [...]
England refuse to hit the panic button despite being skittled out for 297 as Pakistan draw first blood in third Investec Test August 3, 2016 Defiant top-scorer Gary Ballance refused to be downbeat despite England being dismissed for 297 on the opening day of the third Investec Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston. Ballance chalked up a resolute 70 while sharing half-century stands with Moeen Ali, who notched 63, and James Vince after England were invited to bat in seamer-friendly conditions. [...]
Cricket betting: Pakistan can depend on Misbah – but not Masood against Jimmy Anderson August 2, 2016 Misbah-ul-Haq was Pakistan’s saving grace at Old Trafford in an otherwise abject performance in the second Test. Without the 42-year-old skipper’s 52 in the first innings, and 35 in the second, the 330-run margin of defeat would have approached record-breaking territory. Remarkably, the evergreen Misbah is touring England for the first time, having made his Test [...]
Cricket betting: Home sweet home for Woakes and England in crucial third Test August 2, 2016 Momentum is an oft-used word during a Test series, but in recent times its importance has waned. Last summer saw England and Australia trade blows in a see-sawing Ashes series that finished 3-2 to the hosts. England won the first, third and fourth Tests, though were completely outplayed in the other two, as the idea [...]
Skipper Alastair Cook tells middle order the only way to silence doubters is to score big runs as England prepare to face Pakistan August 2, 2016 England skipper Alastair Cook has urged his side’s faltering middle order to silence the snipers by scoring big runs during the third Investec Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, which starts this morning. Questions have been asked of England’s batting unit after vice-captain Joe Root was promoted to No3 following Nick Compton’s decision to take an [...]
Jake Ball, not Steven Finn, should replace injured all-rounder Ben Stokes for England’s pivotal third Test with Pakistan July 27, 2016 Head coach Trevor Bayliss was right to say the loss of Ben Stokes leaves a hole in the England side although the form of fellow all-rounder Chris Woakes, who is proving a real asset, can offset his absence. Stokes will miss next week’s third Investec Test against Pakistan with the calf injury he picked up [...]