England v India in a 5 match test series should whet the appetite, but with two defensive captains in charge of their sides, can both teams take twenty wickets to win a test match?
Alistair Cook has not had a good 8/9 months, both in his captaincy and also his personal form. His last test hundred was at Headingley on 24th May 2013 against New Zealand, for this once prodigious run machine he is woefully out of touch. It is obvious to me that his captaincy is affecting his batting.
Cook has been groomed to be England captain by the ECB, but has he ever been the right man for the job? He has allowed himself to get involved in an unnecessary spat with the biggest wind-up merchant of all time Shane Warne. To the outsider it is obvious what Warne is doing, he is merely goading Cook, due to Warne's close personal friendship with Kevin Pietersen. The England captain should not be entertaining the thoughts of commentators, wasting time and effort answering them, or letting these comments affect him.
Cook's actual cricketing tactics are so negative and un-inspiring at times, it beggars belief. If Plan A doesn't work, let's keep trying it again, seems to be the only tactic. His reluctance to bowl a spinner is also infuriating, which he first showed signs of doing in Australia with Monty Panesar. If England want Mooen Ali to become a test match spinner, then he must bowl him...simple really. Either you pick him and bowl him, or you leave him out and go with five seam bowlers.
There has been a worrying trend in recent matches, that once the opposition are down to their tail-end batsmen, but there is still an established batsman in, the field set to that batsman is so defensive it's an absolute joke. They are allowed to get easy singles and keep the scoreboard ticking over. Bowl at the stumps, keep the fielders close. Play the game to take wickets!!
Look what an innovative inspirational captain is doing for New Zealand cricket.
Back to this Test series, and whilst England are in a state of transition, there are some highly promising players, if only they were allowed to play with the handbrake off.
I anticipate England to line up as follows:
Cook
Robson
Ballance
Bell
Root
Ali
Stokes
Prior
Broad
Anderson
Plunkett
Chris Jordan can count himself unfortunate to be dropped, but England must find a way of getting Ben Stokes into the side, he is a genuine quick bowling all rounder, which he proved in the Ashes over the winter. There is good depth in the batting with Prior coming in at number 8, so that gives some insurance if there any blips in the top order. The pace quartet should trouble the Indian batsmen, who in the last series played in England, got themselves in such a mess that they made the English bowlers reminiscent of the West Indies 1980s pace attack!
Mooen Ali must bowl more overs to give the pace bowlers plenty of time to rest. Without the spinner being bowled, and England's reliance on Jimmy Anderson, you genuinely feel how many years Anderson has bowling in test cricket for England. He is being bowled into the ground at present.
Let's hope for an entertaining series and ideally an England victory. However if England end up losing this series comfortably, then I fear it is the end for Captain Cook.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Saturday, 5 July 2014
Thursday, 3 July 2014
Players must earn their Spurs under Poch
Pre-season training begins tomorrow, and at Hotspur Way the new man in charge Mauricio Pochettino will get his first look at the players, albeit the one's not included in the World Cup.
On the basis of last season's performances and the final league position which was flattering to say the least, I would think that only three players should be certain of their place in the starting line up. Hugo Lloris who was for me Spurs player of the season, Kyle Walker who performed consistently, and was hugely missed when he was unavailable for the last few months of the season. Finally Jan Vertongen as well, who has proved in this World Cup that he is a top quality player, when he has mind on the job.
You then have the next bracket of players, who just need to add more consistency to their game, and they should fit into Pochettino's high pressing playing style.
They are Christian Eriksen, who should be given the opportunity to play behind the front man. Eriksen has the ability and after a season in the Premier League adapting to the pace, we should see his creativity and dead ball skills shine this season.
Moussa Dembele when he left Fulham, fans felt he was an outstanding signing, but he hasn't really pushed on, and last season he appeared a shadow of his Fulham self, when he used to effortlessly glide past players. Was he carrying an injury, was he saving himself for the World Cup, or was he carrying out tactical instructions, either way this is a big season for Moussa, as he will need to prove to Pochettino that he is still the player Spurs signed in 2012.
Andros Townsend has the opportunity under Pochettino, to really kickstart his career. Andros who has played better for England than he has ever done for Spurs, has the pace, the direct style of play, and deep down the shooting ability to be a real star for Spurs. However he needs to learn some game management, as to when to pass, and when to shoot. Again consistency is the key for Andros.
We then move onto the unknowns, and these players should be desperate to prove to Pochettino that they have a role at Spurs in the future.
Erik Lamela was signed as the next bright young thing, and apart from a good performance against FC Sheriff, his appearances were limited. You sensed under Tim Sherwood, that he wasn't "one of Tim's lads" and he was never going to get a look in, and mysteriously missed the last 6months of the season through injury. When Lamela was at Roma, he used to cut in from the right, and tantalise defenders, and fire in shots at will on his left foot. He has real star quality, but can he cut it in the Premier League, time will tell.
Paulinho was a highly sought after player when he joined from Corinthians in the Summer of 2013, but what does he actually bring to the side. Can he pass? no. Can he shoot? not really. Can he tackle? Lazily. He seems to be in a rut, which can be seen by his performances or lack of performance for Brazil in the World Cup. He needs to return from Brazil in late July, with a point to prove to all Spurs fans, or his time at Spurs could well be over.
Emanuel Adebayor, oh Ade Ade Ade...what are you going to be like next season. Are you going to be the unplayable centre forward of December/January last season, when you carried the team on your shoulders. Or are you going to be the Adebayor who switched off at the end of the season once he knew his mate Sherwood was going to be sacked. Adebayor is the biggest conundrum for managers. Wenger has tried, Hughes/Mancini have tried. Harry Redknapp probably got the best out of him. I can see Pochettino giving him the chance to lead the line, but this chance could all be over by the end of August, and we may see Levy scuttling around Europe trying to land another targetman on deadline day.
Interesting times are ahead at Spurs, and we will await the shaping of Pochettino's side with baited breath.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
On the basis of last season's performances and the final league position which was flattering to say the least, I would think that only three players should be certain of their place in the starting line up. Hugo Lloris who was for me Spurs player of the season, Kyle Walker who performed consistently, and was hugely missed when he was unavailable for the last few months of the season. Finally Jan Vertongen as well, who has proved in this World Cup that he is a top quality player, when he has mind on the job.
You then have the next bracket of players, who just need to add more consistency to their game, and they should fit into Pochettino's high pressing playing style.
They are Christian Eriksen, who should be given the opportunity to play behind the front man. Eriksen has the ability and after a season in the Premier League adapting to the pace, we should see his creativity and dead ball skills shine this season.
Moussa Dembele when he left Fulham, fans felt he was an outstanding signing, but he hasn't really pushed on, and last season he appeared a shadow of his Fulham self, when he used to effortlessly glide past players. Was he carrying an injury, was he saving himself for the World Cup, or was he carrying out tactical instructions, either way this is a big season for Moussa, as he will need to prove to Pochettino that he is still the player Spurs signed in 2012.
Andros Townsend has the opportunity under Pochettino, to really kickstart his career. Andros who has played better for England than he has ever done for Spurs, has the pace, the direct style of play, and deep down the shooting ability to be a real star for Spurs. However he needs to learn some game management, as to when to pass, and when to shoot. Again consistency is the key for Andros.
We then move onto the unknowns, and these players should be desperate to prove to Pochettino that they have a role at Spurs in the future.
Erik Lamela was signed as the next bright young thing, and apart from a good performance against FC Sheriff, his appearances were limited. You sensed under Tim Sherwood, that he wasn't "one of Tim's lads" and he was never going to get a look in, and mysteriously missed the last 6months of the season through injury. When Lamela was at Roma, he used to cut in from the right, and tantalise defenders, and fire in shots at will on his left foot. He has real star quality, but can he cut it in the Premier League, time will tell.
Paulinho was a highly sought after player when he joined from Corinthians in the Summer of 2013, but what does he actually bring to the side. Can he pass? no. Can he shoot? not really. Can he tackle? Lazily. He seems to be in a rut, which can be seen by his performances or lack of performance for Brazil in the World Cup. He needs to return from Brazil in late July, with a point to prove to all Spurs fans, or his time at Spurs could well be over.
Emanuel Adebayor, oh Ade Ade Ade...what are you going to be like next season. Are you going to be the unplayable centre forward of December/January last season, when you carried the team on your shoulders. Or are you going to be the Adebayor who switched off at the end of the season once he knew his mate Sherwood was going to be sacked. Adebayor is the biggest conundrum for managers. Wenger has tried, Hughes/Mancini have tried. Harry Redknapp probably got the best out of him. I can see Pochettino giving him the chance to lead the line, but this chance could all be over by the end of August, and we may see Levy scuttling around Europe trying to land another targetman on deadline day.
Interesting times are ahead at Spurs, and we will await the shaping of Pochettino's side with baited breath.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Wednesday, 2 July 2014
Murrays Mint
Andy has given up his Wimbledon crown at the quarter final stage this year, and for me he has always suffered a harsh press.
He will be the first to admit he did not play well today, but some credit should be given to his opponent Grigor Dimitrov, who seems to have the ideal game for grass. He reminds me of a young Richard Krajicek.
It maybe some people's disbelief that Murray lost today, that people have again questioned his patronage (maybe jokingly) and his actual tennis ability. These people have short memories, as Murray has actually won Wimbledon, and got to the final the year before that as well, losing to an inspired Roger Federer. Also what shouldn't be forgotten is that he won the Olympics at the All England Club that year as well.
Tennis is a highly demanding sport, and it has been proved in the last 24hours, that anyone within the top 150 can give the top 5/10 players a good game. Has there been as much knashing of teeth in Spain with Rafa's defeat to Kyriakos....I highly doubt it.
Murray's personality does lend itself to criticism, and he is in my view unfairly vilified for this. Not all sportsmen can be characters, and personally I would rather fully support a winner, like Murray, Faldo or Mansell, than characters like Frank Bruno, Paul Gascoigne, who despite their public support did not maximise their undoubted potential.
Let's remember Murray's Grand Slam record, he is a 3 times Australian Open finalist, a two-time French Open semi finalist (in the Nadal era), a US Open winner, and of course a Wimbledon winner. For someone who grew up having to watch Jeremy Bates / Andrew Castle / Mark Petchey occasionally win the odd match, I just wish the British public would get fully behind the best British Tennis player of this, and the last generation.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
He will be the first to admit he did not play well today, but some credit should be given to his opponent Grigor Dimitrov, who seems to have the ideal game for grass. He reminds me of a young Richard Krajicek.
It maybe some people's disbelief that Murray lost today, that people have again questioned his patronage (maybe jokingly) and his actual tennis ability. These people have short memories, as Murray has actually won Wimbledon, and got to the final the year before that as well, losing to an inspired Roger Federer. Also what shouldn't be forgotten is that he won the Olympics at the All England Club that year as well.
Tennis is a highly demanding sport, and it has been proved in the last 24hours, that anyone within the top 150 can give the top 5/10 players a good game. Has there been as much knashing of teeth in Spain with Rafa's defeat to Kyriakos....I highly doubt it.
Murray's personality does lend itself to criticism, and he is in my view unfairly vilified for this. Not all sportsmen can be characters, and personally I would rather fully support a winner, like Murray, Faldo or Mansell, than characters like Frank Bruno, Paul Gascoigne, who despite their public support did not maximise their undoubted potential.
Let's remember Murray's Grand Slam record, he is a 3 times Australian Open finalist, a two-time French Open semi finalist (in the Nadal era), a US Open winner, and of course a Wimbledon winner. For someone who grew up having to watch Jeremy Bates / Andrew Castle / Mark Petchey occasionally win the odd match, I just wish the British public would get fully behind the best British Tennis player of this, and the last generation.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Dawson loves his Spurs, but Spurs have fallen out of love with him
As any fan would tell you, they all love a player who gives 100% every game for the club. It's like there is a supporter actually on the pitch playing for his favourite club. Unfortunately at times Michael Dawson has played like a supporter.
Ever since Dawson joined the club in January 2004 in a double deal with Andy Reid (remember him by the way!), Michael has given his all in every match, very much like a modern day Gary Mabbutt.
Michael's better performances, and spells in the team have occurred when he has been partnered with a more experienced centre back. Noureddine Naybet, Ledley King and William Gallas have all helped Dawson, you can sense that they have talked him through games, and helped with his positional play.
When Dawson has been the leader in the defence, this has led to some of his more cumbersome displays. You sense that the responsibility of captaining the side, and marshalling the defence is detrimental to his performance.
Dawson in the summer of 2012 was surplus to requirements at Spurs, when Andre Villas Boas agreed that he could join QPR. Michael however turned down the move failing to agree personal terms. In hindsight would it have been better for Dawson to join QPR at this stage, as he never coped with AVB's (often suicidal) high line defensive structure. He was too slow when turned by opposing forwards about 30yards out from goal, and was a ideal defender when all he is required to do is head and block balls coming into the box from crosses and long balls. Asking him to play out of defence was always a step to far for Michael as well, the long diagonal ball often a favourite of his.
During Spurs 2010-2011 Champions League campaign, Michael had what I felt were his best two games in a Spurs shirt, when we managed to beat AC Milan 1-0 over two legs, he dealt with the threat of Ibrahimovic as well as I can remember any centre back dealing with him.
However as I've said previously Michael should really have joined QPR in 2012, as the Spurs tactical approach highlighted his deficiencies even more, and you also felt he struggled playing in the manner asked of him.
Michael Dawson will be looked on as a Spurs player who loved playing for the club, but most fans will admit he was never quite good enough for a team looking to qualify for the Champions League on a regular basis, and it was only the quality of his experienced centre back partners that made him shine.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Ever since Dawson joined the club in January 2004 in a double deal with Andy Reid (remember him by the way!), Michael has given his all in every match, very much like a modern day Gary Mabbutt.
Michael's better performances, and spells in the team have occurred when he has been partnered with a more experienced centre back. Noureddine Naybet, Ledley King and William Gallas have all helped Dawson, you can sense that they have talked him through games, and helped with his positional play.
When Dawson has been the leader in the defence, this has led to some of his more cumbersome displays. You sense that the responsibility of captaining the side, and marshalling the defence is detrimental to his performance.
Dawson in the summer of 2012 was surplus to requirements at Spurs, when Andre Villas Boas agreed that he could join QPR. Michael however turned down the move failing to agree personal terms. In hindsight would it have been better for Dawson to join QPR at this stage, as he never coped with AVB's (often suicidal) high line defensive structure. He was too slow when turned by opposing forwards about 30yards out from goal, and was a ideal defender when all he is required to do is head and block balls coming into the box from crosses and long balls. Asking him to play out of defence was always a step to far for Michael as well, the long diagonal ball often a favourite of his.
During Spurs 2010-2011 Champions League campaign, Michael had what I felt were his best two games in a Spurs shirt, when we managed to beat AC Milan 1-0 over two legs, he dealt with the threat of Ibrahimovic as well as I can remember any centre back dealing with him.
However as I've said previously Michael should really have joined QPR in 2012, as the Spurs tactical approach highlighted his deficiencies even more, and you also felt he struggled playing in the manner asked of him.
Michael Dawson will be looked on as a Spurs player who loved playing for the club, but most fans will admit he was never quite good enough for a team looking to qualify for the Champions League on a regular basis, and it was only the quality of his experienced centre back partners that made him shine.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Under-prepared England put to the sword by Australia
England received a chastening experience, in the 1st Test in Brisbane writes Christopher Clark, but the England team and management will not be pressing the panic button yet.
Under clear skies on Thursday morning the Australians won the toss, and decided to bat on a pitch which looked flat, ideal for batting, a good toss to win. After the early loss of Chris Rogers, David Warner and Shane Watson were making serene progress, until Watson played at a delivery he should have left alone, at lunch Australia were 73-2.
The afternoon session belonged to Stuart Broad, who blitzed his way through the Australian middle order to leave them 132-6. It took Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson to remind the players that this was a good batting track, and a century partnership added some respectability to the scoreline. It took the new ball being taken to disrupt this partnership and at the end of day one, Australia were 273-8, Broad taking 5 for 65.
Day 2 began with England trying to polish off the Australian tail for under 300, which they duly accomplished. It was then England's turn to bat on what all ex-pro's were calling a great batting track, and again England were making steady progress until the dismissal of the captain, Cook, to a good delivery from Harris. England's Mr Dependable, Jonathan Trott was next to the crease, who has been the glue by which many England's innings have been held together by over recent years. Australia felt that Trott was vulnerable to short pitched bowling, and introduced paceman Mitchell Johnson to the attack. What followed during Trott's innings was one of the most skittish knock's Trott has ever played and he was dismissed just before lunch to leave England 55-2.
England's innings after lunch totally disintegrated in a spell of 6 wickets being lost for only 9 runs, mainly due to a spell of high class fast bowling from the enigmatic Mitchell Johnson. England collapsed to 136 giving Australia a lead of 159 on first innings, which Australia duly capitalised on at the end of day 2, to end up 65-0, a lead of 224.
Australia began day 3 on top, determined to punish England and bat them out of the test match. Despite the loss of some early wickets, brilliant hundreds from the belligerent David Warner, and the Captain, Michael Clarke, set Australia on course for an unassailable lead. Again some lusty blows from Haddin and Johnson rubbed salt into England's wounds, and Australia felt comfortable declaring on 401-7, leaving England with the sizeable task of getting 561 to win, or batting for two and a bit days for the draw...both near impossible achievements.
England's 2nd inning's got off to the worst possible start, when Carberry was dismissed for 0, which led to Trott coming in, and again Johnson was brought into the attack. Johnson as in the first innings completely unnerved Trott with a spell of express short paced bowling, and again Trott was found wanting and dismissed, leaving England at the end of day 3 on a disappointing 23-2.
Alistair Cook and Kevin Pietersen began day 4, needing not only to keep the scoreboard ticking over, but to bat out long periods of time. Considering the circumstances, Pietersen played a dreadful shot and was out caught in the deep hooking Johnson. Cook played a captain's inning's but after his dismissal for 65, there was a grim inevitability to proceedings and England were bundled out for a hugely disappointing 179. England suffered a crushing defeat by 381 runs.
England, due to bad weather in their planned warm up matches, did not get the batting practice they required. However, to a certain extent they were bullied by the Australians, who were very aggressive in their play, attitude, and also their press. This is a resilient England team with strong personalities, who have proved that they can immediately bounce back from disappointing performances, and I anticipate a marked improvement in the next match.
There is a long way to go in this test series!
Chris Clark © 2013 @Chrisclark1975
Under clear skies on Thursday morning the Australians won the toss, and decided to bat on a pitch which looked flat, ideal for batting, a good toss to win. After the early loss of Chris Rogers, David Warner and Shane Watson were making serene progress, until Watson played at a delivery he should have left alone, at lunch Australia were 73-2.
The afternoon session belonged to Stuart Broad, who blitzed his way through the Australian middle order to leave them 132-6. It took Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson to remind the players that this was a good batting track, and a century partnership added some respectability to the scoreline. It took the new ball being taken to disrupt this partnership and at the end of day one, Australia were 273-8, Broad taking 5 for 65.
Day 2 began with England trying to polish off the Australian tail for under 300, which they duly accomplished. It was then England's turn to bat on what all ex-pro's were calling a great batting track, and again England were making steady progress until the dismissal of the captain, Cook, to a good delivery from Harris. England's Mr Dependable, Jonathan Trott was next to the crease, who has been the glue by which many England's innings have been held together by over recent years. Australia felt that Trott was vulnerable to short pitched bowling, and introduced paceman Mitchell Johnson to the attack. What followed during Trott's innings was one of the most skittish knock's Trott has ever played and he was dismissed just before lunch to leave England 55-2.
England's innings after lunch totally disintegrated in a spell of 6 wickets being lost for only 9 runs, mainly due to a spell of high class fast bowling from the enigmatic Mitchell Johnson. England collapsed to 136 giving Australia a lead of 159 on first innings, which Australia duly capitalised on at the end of day 2, to end up 65-0, a lead of 224.
Australia began day 3 on top, determined to punish England and bat them out of the test match. Despite the loss of some early wickets, brilliant hundreds from the belligerent David Warner, and the Captain, Michael Clarke, set Australia on course for an unassailable lead. Again some lusty blows from Haddin and Johnson rubbed salt into England's wounds, and Australia felt comfortable declaring on 401-7, leaving England with the sizeable task of getting 561 to win, or batting for two and a bit days for the draw...both near impossible achievements.
England's 2nd inning's got off to the worst possible start, when Carberry was dismissed for 0, which led to Trott coming in, and again Johnson was brought into the attack. Johnson as in the first innings completely unnerved Trott with a spell of express short paced bowling, and again Trott was found wanting and dismissed, leaving England at the end of day 3 on a disappointing 23-2.
Alistair Cook and Kevin Pietersen began day 4, needing not only to keep the scoreboard ticking over, but to bat out long periods of time. Considering the circumstances, Pietersen played a dreadful shot and was out caught in the deep hooking Johnson. Cook played a captain's inning's but after his dismissal for 65, there was a grim inevitability to proceedings and England were bundled out for a hugely disappointing 179. England suffered a crushing defeat by 381 runs.
England, due to bad weather in their planned warm up matches, did not get the batting practice they required. However, to a certain extent they were bullied by the Australians, who were very aggressive in their play, attitude, and also their press. This is a resilient England team with strong personalities, who have proved that they can immediately bounce back from disappointing performances, and I anticipate a marked improvement in the next match.
There is a long way to go in this test series!
Chris Clark © 2013 @Chrisclark1975
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Can England retain The Ashes this November?
Therefore England, it would appear, are prepared to give the Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry an opportunity to open the batting, and push Joe Root back down to 6 again. Carberry appears a very adept one day batsman, whether he has the temperament to bat at test level remains to be seen.
Published on Country Life online:Read more at http://www.countrylife.co.uk/countryside/article/531762/Can-England-retain-The-Ashes-this-November-.html#KSGSDAx8DMEgj7ST.99
Chris Clark © 2013 @Chrisclark1975
Will Spurs evolve without their Player of the Season?
It can be argued that Scott Parker was Spurs most influential player last season, and one of the factors in the teams loss of form at the end of the season, was due to Scott’s exhaustion, from the manager’s lack of rotating his favourite players.
However as the new season is upon us with AVB in charge, a lot of pundits are predicting a midfield 3 without Parker involved (Sandro / Modric(Moutinho) / Sigurdsson)
Can this be true, a player who was nominated again for players player of the season in 2011/2012 has now been phased out. If AVB wants to play a more progressive pressing game then Redknapp did, then surely no-one is better suited to this than Parker. However AVB will want Parker to do more with the ball than Redknapp did.
So do Parker’s positives outweigh his negatives.
Parker is an excellent team man, and his closing down of players in front of the back 4 is second to none in the Premier League. However his lack of penetrative passing and his tendency to dwell on the ball could cost him a starting place in AVB’s starting eleven.
Also Spurs cannot halt any longer Sandro’s progress. Sandro has the potential to be one of the most dynamic all round midfielders in world football, and you got the impression under Redknapp, that Sandro would only be picked if Scott was not available. Unfortunately football moves on, and Sandro’s time is now.
Is this too harsh on Scott, or will he have to accept that Spurs will have to evolve under AVB.
Written by Christopher Clark Published on Tottenham Live
http://tottenhamlive.com/blog/494-scott-parker-role.html #thfc
Chris Clark © 2013 @Chrisclark1975
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)