Chris Tremlett: With Bairstow and Buttler firing England have the best ODI batting line-up in the world May 15, 2019 If the last two games have shown us anything it’s that the sky is the limit for England’s batsmen. Twice in the past week they’ve scored over 350 in One-Day International victories against Pakistan. It’s happening so frequently now that it’s really no longer a surprise. England have the best 50-over batting line-up in the [...]
Chris Tremlett: Joe Denly’s position as third spinner is a bonus not a problem – England shouldn’t overthink his place May 8, 2019 Moeen Ali’s absence from the first One-Day International against Pakistan today threw up another small selection dilemma for England ahead of the World Cup. While Moeen’s rib injury isn’t serious, it meant Joe Denly was thrust into the spotlight to audition as the third spin option. Unfortunately for him, the rain denied him a chance [...]
Chris Tremlett: Alex Hales only has himself to blame – England were right to drop him over drugs breach May 1, 2019 I don’t have a lot of sympathy for Alex Hales. The batsman was this week dropped from England’s World Cup squad after failing a recreational drugs test and I think director of cricket Ashley Giles has made the right decision. It’s not the first time he’s been in the spotlight for his actions away from [...]
Eoin Morgan interview: England captain on World Cup preparation, reaching world No1 and squad make-up April 30, 2019 With the Cricket World Cup just around the corner you could forgive the captain of the hosts and favourites for displaying some signs of nerves. After all, the events between 30 May and 14 July will define Eoin Morgan’s four years of hard work. Alongside coach Trevor Bayliss, Morgan has been instrumental in turning England [...]
Chris Tremlett: England’s bowlers are beginning to feel the pressure with World Cup edging closer April 24, 2019 Having watched England push the boundaries of one-day cricket over the past four years it’s clear to me just how much the format has changed since I retired. I used to bowl pretty much the same way with the red ball and the white ball. Like most seamers I tried to hit the classic Glenn [...]
Alec Stewart interview: Surrey’s director of cricket on rising stars Ryan Patel and Will Jacks and the club’s ethos April 23, 2019 Alec Stewart has seen a lot of players come through the ranks at Surrey. While he witnessed it first hand as a player, between the years of 1981 and 2003, it is since February 2014 that he has taken a particular interest. Having been appointed director of cricket five years ago, Stewart has set about [...]
Middlesex fast bowlers Steven Finn and Toby Roland-Jones targeting England returns after shaking off injuries April 22, 2019 The maxim “it’s the taking part that counts” isn’t usually applicable to professional sport, but right now Steven Finn and Toby Roland-Jones are exceptions to the rule. With the county cricket season well under way, both bowlers have already achieved their first goal of the campaign by simply being on the pitch for Middlesex’s opening [...]
Chris Tremlett: England must find room in their squad for Jofra Archer – even if he doesn’t impress against Pakistan April 17, 2019 The problem for England in one-day cricket used to be who to pick – now it’s who to leave out and I think that just shows what a strong position they are in. The exclusion of Jofra Archer from the preliminary 15-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, but inclusion for the upcoming Pakistan one-day [...]
England’s Cricket World Cup squad: Jofra Archer and the other selection dilemmas for the hosts to consider April 16, 2019 The Cricket World Cup is lurching ever closer and with just 44 days to go until the hosts kick things off against South Africa at the Oval we’ve reached a significant step. England will name their provisional 15-man squad tomorrow ahead of the 23 April deadline. Read more: Chris Tremlett: It's open season for England's batsmen [...]
Chris Tremlett: It’s open season for England’s batsmen with places up for grabs at the top of the order April 10, 2019 The start of the County Championship seasons brings excitement and opportunity, with players knowing a run of performances could put them onto England’s radar. This year, with the bowling ranks settled, it’s the top order batting where places could be up for grabs, meaning early-season runs are bound to catch the eye of selectors. Unless [...]