First of all, a really poor batting display from England. I would feel bad for those that were going to watch the last couple of days but it looks as though no one was going to go anyway! We cannot say we don't understand the conditions, these are by ranking the best batting unit in the world and they dropped the ball. They need to dust themselves down, get back in the nets, and prove why they have scrambled, jostled, and fought their way to the pinnacle of test cricket.
Bowling wise England were great, most teams would let their heads drop but I love the fact our bowlers work as a unit and can always create game changing situations and spells. Brilliant. We normally capitalise on that but there was one thing standing in our way...
It is great to see us play Pakistan and, for cricket, great to see them win (he says through gritted teeth). They are a major cricketing nation and even though, quite rightly they were extensively punished for their previous...'misdeeds' shall we say I like the fact they have worked hard and earned a victory (albeit against us). I think international test cricket is finely poised with the battle at the top being between England and South Africa and with Australia and Pakistan in resurgence biting at their heels all the way, hell even India can still cause serious problems when they deign it worthy to get off the team bus!
This is good for cricket. Bad for us at the moment (we will retaliate I am sure) but very good for cricket.
Mixed emotions
posted on 19/1/12
Agreed.It has become far more competitive than it was when Australia were demolishing all of their opponents.This era, unlike the other 2 where Australia and Windies dominated, will mark much greater competition among major test teams.
posted on 19/1/12
It will be good for cricket when the day comes and the top 4-5 teams have very little between them and it's not a done deal before the toss of the coin.
Even allowing for the rankings and England deservedly No.1 it is good for cricket games/results like todays where it shows there is not a huge gap between No.1 and No.5.....test cricket is the best form of cricket in my eyes and we need it to stay healthy against the odds..
posted on 19/1/12
it is interesting though that we have seen a lot more one sided games recently, and not just the top teams thrashing the minnows, but equally matched teams giving each other a hiding. Even in the old days when india were hopeless away from home, they were never given such a beating by the Australian teams of the past, and now this team,which i'm sure we can agree is hardly at the height of its powers is demolishing them.
it really is a funny old game is cricket