Arguments
I have had arguments with the Australian cricket hierarchy before. So here we go again. They are cock-a-hoop after beating someone – anyone – after a lean spell and are in danger of losing any kind of perspective. The Indians are currently a soft target and yet you might think they have conquered the world.
Remember that the only two bowlers who have played in all three Tests v India are Siddle and Hilfenhaus and their names ring a bell. Ah! Yes. They are the same chaps who bowled nearly 300 overs against England last year with combined figures of 20 wickets at an average of 52 runs each. Hardly world class.
Have they improved at all? Hilfenhaus – Yes. Mind you, he needed to with only 7 wickets at over 60 against England: Siddle - not noticeably. Hilfenhaus has found a way to get the ball to straighten more often – good for him, but the real difference has been in the surfaces they have been lucky enough to bowl on against the Indians.
In three Tests, of the 1350 overs scheduled for play only 861 have been bowled and, admittedly without counting, it seems probable that at least 800 have been bowled by the fast bowlers. Whatever happened to the glorious game, renowned for it's variety and twists and turns. It has just been one way traffic down a slippery highway, specially prepared to make the Indians look like learner drivers.
Commentators initiated a public poll on the last day at Perth asking whether leaving copious amounts of grass on the pitches was the right thing to do: and managed to achieve an 80% positive response. Their own opinions were just about unanimous in agreement.
Why was there no counter argument – what about the dearth of Australian slow bowlers. Will they ever encourage any spinners if they load the dice against them? Then there are the game's finances. Finishing 5 day Tests in less than three is hardly good housekeeping.
I just hope that the England hierarchy is keeping a close eye on what is going on down-under with a view to scuppering their one-eyed plans with a plan of their own.
They have a great chance to begin the process of establishing a “spinning” advantage in the Test against Pakistan due to start in Dubai in two days time. It is a long time since England played two spinners but now is the time to start with Monty Panesar in form with the ball on pitches which may be just the ticket.
There will be a natural reluctance to change the Ashes winning team balance of just four bowlers with Swann the only spinner but getting too set in your ways can be a weakness in itself. Talking as someone who suffered at the hands of the Indians in India many moons ago when they played just one fastish bowler and three spinners to very good effect, I urge England to play according to the conditions and not to any pre-conceived formula.
Meanwhile, it would be churlish not to mention new boy left handed Australian opener Warner. He played the innings of his life - the fourth fastest hundred in Test history. He looks to have a fine future in the game with his quich hands and generally compact style. I have only one warning bell. In the back of my mind. There are words written about Kevin Petersen after his stunning hundred at the Oval in 2005 = the innings that saved the match and ensured the Ashes. " Amongst all the plaudits there is the sobering thought that in only his fifth Test match, Petersen may already have played the best innings of his career for England. Here we are, nearly seven years later and that thought probably holds good.
The other superb element of the Australian victory was the close catching - right up there with the vey best over the years - including one of the definitive catches of the 21st century taken by Clarke at an apparently impossible height and angle above his head. Wow!!
Remember that the only two bowlers who have played in all three Tests v India are Siddle and Hilfenhaus and their names ring a bell. Ah! Yes. They are the same chaps who bowled nearly 300 overs against England last year with combined figures of 20 wickets at an average of 52 runs each. Hardly world class.
Have they improved at all? Hilfenhaus – Yes. Mind you, he needed to with only 7 wickets at over 60 against England: Siddle - not noticeably. Hilfenhaus has found a way to get the ball to straighten more often – good for him, but the real difference has been in the surfaces they have been lucky enough to bowl on against the Indians.
In three Tests, of the 1350 overs scheduled for play only 861 have been bowled and, admittedly without counting, it seems probable that at least 800 have been bowled by the fast bowlers. Whatever happened to the glorious game, renowned for it's variety and twists and turns. It has just been one way traffic down a slippery highway, specially prepared to make the Indians look like learner drivers.
Commentators initiated a public poll on the last day at Perth asking whether leaving copious amounts of grass on the pitches was the right thing to do: and managed to achieve an 80% positive response. Their own opinions were just about unanimous in agreement.
Why was there no counter argument – what about the dearth of Australian slow bowlers. Will they ever encourage any spinners if they load the dice against them? Then there are the game's finances. Finishing 5 day Tests in less than three is hardly good housekeeping.
I just hope that the England hierarchy is keeping a close eye on what is going on down-under with a view to scuppering their one-eyed plans with a plan of their own.
They have a great chance to begin the process of establishing a “spinning” advantage in the Test against Pakistan due to start in Dubai in two days time. It is a long time since England played two spinners but now is the time to start with Monty Panesar in form with the ball on pitches which may be just the ticket.
There will be a natural reluctance to change the Ashes winning team balance of just four bowlers with Swann the only spinner but getting too set in your ways can be a weakness in itself. Talking as someone who suffered at the hands of the Indians in India many moons ago when they played just one fastish bowler and three spinners to very good effect, I urge England to play according to the conditions and not to any pre-conceived formula.
Meanwhile, it would be churlish not to mention new boy left handed Australian opener Warner. He played the innings of his life - the fourth fastest hundred in Test history. He looks to have a fine future in the game with his quich hands and generally compact style. I have only one warning bell. In the back of my mind. There are words written about Kevin Petersen after his stunning hundred at the Oval in 2005 = the innings that saved the match and ensured the Ashes. " Amongst all the plaudits there is the sobering thought that in only his fifth Test match, Petersen may already have played the best innings of his career for England. Here we are, nearly seven years later and that thought probably holds good.
The other superb element of the Australian victory was the close catching - right up there with the vey best over the years - including one of the definitive catches of the 21st century taken by Clarke at an apparently impossible height and angle above his head. Wow!!
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