Coming to Yesterday’s match, England posted a decent 243, but could not play out their quota of 50 overs. Poor shot selection by settled batsmen at various stages was the reason behind it. At one stage, the scores read 151 for 6, and Luke Wright understood the importance of putting close to 250 on board. Strauss, Trott, and Bell – All got starts but could not convert it to decent individual scores. Darren Saamy showed great confidence in his young bowlers Andrew Russel and Bishoo, who took 7 English wickets put together. Morgan tried to play reverse sweep too early in his innings and lost his wicket. Bresnan and Swann dragged the score past 240.
England had definite plans of going to Quarter finals and since they did their home work really well, they went all out for getting 10 West Indies batsmen out. The task was simple – To get Gayle out and early. Swann started with the attack along with Bresnan. It looked like two different matches were happening at two ends. Bresnan and Tremlett were taken head on by Gayle in their first over itself and Swann could easily bowl out maiden overs at the other end. Swann is an efficient wicket taker and when he was played with utmost respect by two opening batsmen, Strauss picked his magic card (for the day) out. James Treadwell, playing in his opening match, was bowling with strong support of his captain. He striked gold when he picked Gayle in his first over, followed it up with two more scalps in first spell. Strauss was never bothered at any point as West Indies were playing attacking cricket. He Knew that the match was about ten good balls for his side.
Darren Saamy wanted to outsmart Strauss’ captaincy when he promoted himself up the order and continued from where Chris Gayle stopped. He succeeded brilliantly until Strauss brought in his hidden card in form of Ravi Bopara. It clearly showed that Strauss read the conditions so perfect. Bowlers, who bowl stump to stump line in Chennai wicket is bound to succeed. Another master stroke was holding back Swann, as Treadwell started picking wickets. Strauss waited for the inevitable during the last spell of Treadwell and Swann. Ramnaresh Sarwan and Andrew Russell were on course to victory with their partnership, Russel being the dominant partner. The wicket of Sarwan sealed the fate of West Indies. Pollard created the fear with mighty blows, but equally provided chance for the fielders. Ravi Bopara dropped a swirling catch, but then Pollard did not utilize the missed opportunity and got LBW off bowling of Swann.
Credit should be given to England for playing 6 tough games and staying afloat when everybody was finding excuses for England team to be out early from the tournament. Since Ashes victory was considered as million dollar achievement, people attributed the inconsistent performance of England to fatigue. Strauss and his men tried till they are dead and are a happy bunch now as they move to the elimination round as sure shot favorites. Swann, in his post match interview highlighted the point that they might repeat Pakistan's effort of 1992. I totally agree with him, as they faced all the tough conditions in their prelim rounds itself.
South Africa Bangladesh match would decide the teams that are going to qualify for next round from Group B. Thanks to England for pushing the suspense this far.
Regards,
Prashy.
@Prashy: Yet another Nice Article.
ReplyDeleteEngland vs West Indies was a Must win for England. At one stage Elimination was sure for the 3 lions. But Spinners made it sure that they postpone their flight and stay in sub continent.
Chasing a meager total of 244 is certainly a easy task but it was way too much for west Indies. Gayle and Sammy did well with the bat but not enough. The new bowlers Bishoo and Russell were good and the Pacer not only threatened England with ball but also with bat.
Yet again Swann comes to the rescue. What Sarwan did with cannot be termed as Anchoring. Sarwan tried to anchor without even knowing what it is all about. No one would would forget the catch taken by trott of course it was given a SIX still a brilliant effort by the English. Since i watched the match after West Indies were 5 down, So nothing much to comment. But one thing the Crowd must have really enjoyed the game.
My slightest suggestion for english batting line up. Please open with Strauss and Boara. Save prior and Morgan for 5,6 or 7th Place.
But where is our group heading, who we are going to meet in quarters? The puzzle will be solved only March 20th.
Venkats
Good analysis dude.... But somehow i feel england does not have all tooth in place to bite the burger.... in fact i feel there is not even a single team in fray which has... everyone is riding on a wave of uncertainty and leaving it for luck to play a factor....
ReplyDelete@Venkat - Matt Prior is fine for Opening. Bopara steadies the ship when it sinks. To me, he is a better fit in middle order. Matt prior was not striking good with the bat, Strauss pushed him up and have given the license to be aggressive. With Morgan in the middle order, who is a good finisher of the game, they have a balanced batting attack. Anderson is gearing up for elimination rounds. Swann, Treadwell and Yardy are shaping up well. They are ready to play three more close matches.
ReplyDelete@Sai Krishna - I was putting England's chances up because of the intensity with which they played their six matches.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that nobody are favorites, but given the condition, England will fancy their chances more.
Well written piece...
ReplyDeleteThe English have shown a rare display of grit and determination in t&e matches against India, SA and WI. In a way their better performance has come against the better teams of the group.
This will go a long way in the tournament and will aid in keeping their hopes alive and mixing the group equations. It's a commendable effort from the British team.
Having said that let me put a word of caution as well. Such high intensity games may lead to a threshold levels of pressure. We just hope that they don't lose it at the fag end or rather the beginning of the next level where it will be most required. They have to keep up the temperament.
they are a bunch of above average players and if they play like this then they are surely a team befitting to lift the supreme trophy for the first time; after all they started the game in the world..
May the best team win...
@Vaibhav - True. They have come close many times. T-20 world cup win was the impetus needed for this team. Having said that, we can't dsicount the freshness with which other teams would play the elimination rounds.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am replying, Pakistan have placed themselves first in Group A and looks like they might play either England or West Indies in Quarter final. If Its England, I fancy them winning that match. Let's wait and watch.