It's really hard what to think about England at the moment. The side has got talent, and has shown it now and again. But they are far too inconsistent. The batsman go from scoring 500+ at Lord to a horrible performance in both innings at Headingley. We need to find the reasons for this. Is it complacency? Are the batsman too cosy in their roles as centrally contracted players? Or is poor form? Technical flaws? Certainly, something needs to be said. Changes may well be the only way to give these players a kick up the backside.
Strauss doesn't look the same player of a few years ago. He's battled away since his recall, but he looked out of his depth at times against Morkel and Steyn. Vaughan is obviously going through a terrible run of form, and you have to wonder if he'll come out of it - he's getting on after all. I'm a big fan of Vaughan, he's one of my favourite all-time cricketers, but we can't carrying him for too much longer. And whilst Collingwood batted brilliantly yesteday, there's still a doubt whether or not he is capable at this level.
I'm happy with Cook, Pietersen and Bell. Once a few issues are ironed out, I'm sure they'll be consistently in the runs. Flintoff can do it with the bat, he just needs time in the middle. Ambrose looks out of his depth, but with so many people already tried, we're running out of options. I just wish Davies could make a double hundred and force his way in. From what I've seen of him (which isn't much), but mainly what I've read, he's probably England's best hope. In the short term, perhaps Foster deserves another go.
The bowling, as Boycott has said, is honest and hard working, but is short of being world class. Anderson and Sidebottom are in the right conditions, but those conditions are rare outside Trent Bridge. A Simon Jones recall will be cried out for by the papers and the public. He would offer something a bit different, and a bit of variety in the attack would be a good thing. Not sure if he is ready however.
The spinner is a different issue. I am of the old fashioned view whereby a spinner should always be part of a bowling attack. Panesar has done OK in his career to date, but today when it really mattered, he didn't perform. I think he should retain his place, but some work really needs to go into his fielding. It can be embarrasing at times.
As it stands, I think this England side has the potential to do well. But there has to be a considered approach by the selectors and the management. Can England really be successful with both Sidebottom and Anderson as part of an attack? And are Strauss, Vaughan and Collingwood likely to perform at the highest level for a sustained period? It's difficult to tell what's a lack of form, and what's a lack of talent (be it mental or technical). Hopefully the selectors will get it right.
Strauss doesn't look the same player of a few years ago. He's battled away since his recall, but he looked out of his depth at times against Morkel and Steyn. Vaughan is obviously going through a terrible run of form, and you have to wonder if he'll come out of it - he's getting on after all. I'm a big fan of Vaughan, he's one of my favourite all-time cricketers, but we can't carrying him for too much longer. And whilst Collingwood batted brilliantly yesteday, there's still a doubt whether or not he is capable at this level.
I'm happy with Cook, Pietersen and Bell. Once a few issues are ironed out, I'm sure they'll be consistently in the runs. Flintoff can do it with the bat, he just needs time in the middle. Ambrose looks out of his depth, but with so many people already tried, we're running out of options. I just wish Davies could make a double hundred and force his way in. From what I've seen of him (which isn't much), but mainly what I've read, he's probably England's best hope. In the short term, perhaps Foster deserves another go.
The bowling, as Boycott has said, is honest and hard working, but is short of being world class. Anderson and Sidebottom are in the right conditions, but those conditions are rare outside Trent Bridge. A Simon Jones recall will be cried out for by the papers and the public. He would offer something a bit different, and a bit of variety in the attack would be a good thing. Not sure if he is ready however.
The spinner is a different issue. I am of the old fashioned view whereby a spinner should always be part of a bowling attack. Panesar has done OK in his career to date, but today when it really mattered, he didn't perform. I think he should retain his place, but some work really needs to go into his fielding. It can be embarrasing at times.
As it stands, I think this England side has the potential to do well. But there has to be a considered approach by the selectors and the management. Can England really be successful with both Sidebottom and Anderson as part of an attack? And are Strauss, Vaughan and Collingwood likely to perform at the highest level for a sustained period? It's difficult to tell what's a lack of form, and what's a lack of talent (be it mental or technical). Hopefully the selectors will get it right.
