England have been turgid, but this pitch is incredibly slow (the slowest of the series, apparently, which I find extraordinary in itself). Yes, England could be showing a bit more (cough) intent, but this isn't ever going to be a free-flowing pitch. One reason why pitches like this are so toss-dependent and frankly so ****.
He seems a very defensive person. I don't think it's what this England team needs to flourish. Players like Pietersen, Root & Prior haven't had the best of series and they are all scoring at much slower rates than they are used to/can comfortably do. There is room for someone to drop anchor and everyone to bat around them but yet again we are 142/2 off 67 overs, its absolutely dire batting and we are just going nowhere. It's a good wicket, quick outfield and we are putting ourselves under pressure here.
Things happen, the other team just get a burst of energy, things are going against you and everything is going the other teams way. You have to scratch around and try and stay in there till things go your way.
Who is in charge of the ODI team? No coincidence.
Ashley Giles.
Based on what we've seen I'd have to say he's better, but that could definitely change as his career goes on. He hasn't had the same opportunities to make mistakes that Ponting had.
Yeah, there's been a few obvious run-scoring opportunities declined or not taken, but that's what happens when you haven't gotten any fluency in your batting. England have been defensive, yes, but much of that is a response to irritatingly slow pitches and very, very accurate bowling.
No, he'll wait for Smith to come on. Right now.
Yeah I agree.
Don't even get me started
