Dawid Malan

Liam Livingstone Felt Nice After Doing Well In IPL 2022

Published on June 22, 2022

Liam Livingstone, England all-rounder has said that doing well in IPL 2022 has given him plenty of confidence. The hard-hitting batter feels playing in the cash-rich league has helped them gather experience ahead of the 50-over World Cup in India next year.

Liam Livingstone was one of the most expensive players in the IPL 2022 mega auction, fetching INR 11.5 crore from Punjab Kings, and he lived up to expectations. The 28-year-old scored 437 runs at a strike rate of 182.08 in 14 games, averaging 36.41. He had only managed 112 runs in nine innings between 2019 and 2021.

Liam Livingstone. (Image Credits: Twitter)

Liam Livingstone: It Was Nice To Finally Get The Monkey Off My Back About Not Being Able To Do It In The IPL

Speaking after training ahead of the third ODI against the Netherlands on Tuesday, Liam Livingstone said that given it is the best T20 league in the world, he was looking forward to doing well. The leg-spinner, who also took 6 wickets in IPL 2022 also feels that with the World Cup looming, any experience is handy.

“I don’t think it could have gone any worse to be honest. There was only one way and that was up. I hadn’t really had too much opportunity before but there’s always people who say certain things. It’s the biggest tournament in the world, so it was nice to be able to do well. It was nice to finally get the monkey off my back about not being able to do it in the IPL,” he said.

He continued: “It was nice to have a clear role. We go away and play in the IPL so that we can become accustomed to their conditions and that ultimately will help England in a World Cup next year. Any experience you get around the world with World Cups coming up is a great thing to have so I really enjoyed it.”

The right-handed batter was at his best in the first ODI against the Netherlands when England smashed a record-breaking 498. Alongside Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone also grabbed the spotlight with a 17-ball fifty and eventually finished unbeaten on 66 off 22 deliveries.

In the 1st ODI, England was asked to bat first and they put on an outrageous show. They lost Jason Roy in the second over itself but since then they were all over the Netherlands. Philip Salt, Jos Buttler, and Dawid Malan all brought up their centuries. Liam Livingstone scored a blistering knock of 66 off 22 balls and guided England to a total of 498 which is now the highest ODI total. They smashed 26 sixes and 36 fours in their innings.

Liam Livingstone: Going Hard From The Onset Is Becoming More Familiar

The 28-year-old also acknowledged that going hard from the get-go requires plenty of practice and believes it’s what has earned him a spot in the England team. However, he admitted that on some days, that approach might not work.

“It’s something that’s probably got me into this team. It’s starting to become a little bit more familiar now: I did it throughout the whole of the IPL and have done it more and more in the England team. A lot of it comes from practice.”

Liam Livingstone. (Image Credits: Getty)

He continued: “One of the biggest things we’ve got from this group is the trust that it’s not always going to come off: some days it’s not going to work out and that’s absolutely fine. We’ve got trust in everybody’s ability around us that if it’s not your day, somebody else will do it for you.”

In the 2nd ODI, set 236 to win a match reduced to 41 overs per side after a wet outfield delayed the start by nearly three hours, England overhauled the target with 29 balls to spare ahead of the final fixture on Wednesday. Scott Edwards, standing in as captain for Pieter Seelaar – who announced his retirement while sitting out the match with a persistent back injury – led the Netherlands to 235 for 7 with an excellent 78 off 73 balls.

Half-centuries to Philip Salt and Jason Roy saw England to victory by six wickets and an unassailable 2-0 series lead against the Netherlands at Amstelveen. England has already sealed the three-game ODI series, with the third match to start on Wednesday.

Cricket/News

James Anderson Praying That His Test Career Isn’t Over After Being Axed For Caribbean Tour

Published on February 24, 2022

James Anderson says he is ‘praying’ that his England career is not over after being left out of the squad for next month’s tour to West Indies. England will play the first Test against West Indies on March 8 in Antigua, while the three-match series will conclude on March 29.

The 39-year-old England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 640 scalps, said he felt “frustration and anger” after being dropped and believes he still has more to offer.

James Anderson Praying Axe For Caribbean Tour Doesn’t Mean End Of His Career

James Anderson and his long-time bowling partner Stuart Broad were both dropped from the Test squad following the Ashes defeat.

James Anderson said, “I’m praying this isn’t the end but if I never play for England again, I know I’ve got amazing people around me to support me and that’s really important. I’ve got a lot left to offer – I’ve still got the hunger and passion to play.”

“There is likely to be a new director of cricket and new head coach so I just hope that whatever decision is made, it is talked about in the way that it should be. Another frustration for me is that it was just a five-minute phone call – it doesn’t really clear much up for you,” Anderson further said

England's Stuart Broad. (Photo by Jon Super / POOL / AFP) — England’s Stuart Broad. (Photo by Jon Super / POOL / AFP)

“It was a shock and a disappointment to get that call but having processed it, it’s important I try to focus on stuff I can control and that’s showing people what I can do with the ball in my hand. I’ve got one more go at digging deep,” added James Anderson.

Stuart Broad, who is England’s second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 in 152 matches, vented his frustration at a similar scenario when he broke his silence on being dropped in an emotional column. Stuart Broad picked up 13 wickets from three Tests in Ashes 2021/22 in Australia at a decent average of 26 and still sees himself as being in England’s best Test side.

Also left out are opening batters Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed, No.3 batsman Dawid Malan, spinner Dom Bess, wicketkeeper-batsmen Jos Buttler, and Sam Billings. Recalled to the side is wicketkeeper Ben Foakes while four uncapped players are included: opening batsman Alex Lees, seam bowlers Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher, and legspinner Matt Parkinson.

James Anderson To Feature For Lancashire In County Championship

Like Stuart Broad, James Anderson is desperate to regain his place in the England team this summer and will feature for Lancashire when the County Championship starts in April.

“It was a shock and a disappointment to get that call but having processed it, it’s important I try to focus on the stuff I can control and that’s showing people what I can do with the ball in my hand,” he said.

James Anderson has snapped 640 Test wickets from 169 Test matches, the most by any fast bowler, and is only behind Australia’s Shane Warne (708) and Sri Lanka’s spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan (800) in the list of leading Test wicket-takers.

James Anderson, who will turn 40 in September, has the appetite to serve the England cricket team in white colours and won’t consider retirement despite being dropped from the squad for one series.

Cricket/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

Mickey Arthur Reckons England Should Stop Players Sending To IPL To Improve Its Test Side

Published on February 16, 2022

England must stop their players from participating in the IPL to improve their Test side, former South Africa and Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur said on Wednesday.

England’s Test squad came under intense criticism after they lost the five-Test Ashes series 4-0 against Australia, a result which led to the departure of head coach Chris Silverwood, batting coach Graham Thorpe and managing director Ashley Giles.

England Haven’t Scored Enough Runs In Ashes: Mickey Arthur

Mickey Arthur, who joined English county Derbyshire as head of cricket after stepping down as Sri Lanka coach late last year, said county cricket is not to be blamed for England’s poor performance in tests in recent years.

“England haven’t scored enough runs. It’s as simple as that,” Arthur said. “If you want to lay the blame, you can lay it right there. County cricket isn’t to blame.”

“For so long county cricket has been a really good producer of international players. I don’t think there’s a problem with the system … If you want the strength early season, unfortunately you are going to have to stop the players going to the IPL.

“They are playing there in the early part of the season just before the first tests. You need your best players playing county cricket preparing for that.”

England had reinvented as a one-day cricket powerhouse since their early exit from the 2015 World Cup, winning the next edition of the format’s biggest title on home soil. But their record in the longest format of the game has been less impressive in recent years, with the final Ashes Test loss marking their 15th consecutive test in Australia without a win.

Overall, there were contracts for 11 England-qualified players across the two-day event, bringing the tally at the 2022 IPL to 13, with Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali already having been retained by their franchises.

James Anderson And Stuart Broad Dropped For Windies Tour After Ashes Debacle

James Anderson and Stuart Broad were among eight players to have been dropped by England from the Test squad to tour the West Indies next month. The veterans’ axing, and other omissions, suggests England are embarking on wholesale change after the Ashes debacle when they were lucky to escape with a 4-0 defeat.

James Anderson, Stuart Broad (Credits: Twitter)

Also left out are opening batters Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed, No.3 batsman Dawid Malan, spinner Dom Bess, wicketkeeper-batsmen Jos Buttler and Sam Billings. Recalled to the side is wicketkeeper Ben Foakes while four uncapped players are included: opening batsman Alex Lees, seam bowlers Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher, and legspinner Matt Parkinson.

Cricket/News

Stuart Broad Still Coming To Terms Of His Axe From England Test Squad Alongside James Anderson

Published on February 13, 2022

Stuart Broad, the experienced quick admits he is still coming to terms with being left out of England’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of the Caribbean against the West Indies. Veteran seamer Stuart Broad is still in the dark surrounding the circumstances that led to his recent axing.

Despite some good form at times during the recent Ashes 2021/22 series in Australia, both Stuart Broad and fellow veteran James Anderson were overlooked by selectors for England’s upcoming tour of the Caribbean against the West Indies.

Stuart Broad Struggling To Put Things Into Context After Being Left Out from West Indies’ 3 Test Tour

Stuart Broad admitted he has been struggling to come to terms with being omitted and said he was disappointed with the lack of communication he received from selectors before being axed.

“I am struggling to put things into context. It’s hard to do so when all you’ve had is a five-minute phone call and nothing else,” Stuart Broad wrote in a column.

Stuart Broad picked up 13 wickets from three Tests in Australia at a decent average of 26 and still sees himself as being in England’s best Test side.

“I took 11 wickets in the final two Ashes matches, I have been Test match standard for a long time and, for the last eight years, you would say world class,” Broad said.

“I could take being dropped if I had let my standards slip but facing up to being overlooked when they haven’t is another thing altogether. And so, it makes it even more upsetting that they don’t see me part of their immediate plans, especially with a view to looking at a way of winning away from home, which was briefly explained to me.”

“Do I believe I warrant a place in England’s best team in Antigua on March 8? Of course, I do. That is why it is so difficult to comprehend.”

Just what the future holds for two of England’s best quicks remains unclear, with England’s next Test tour following the West Indies not scheduled to take place until the start of June at home against New Zealand. Interim Managing Director for England Men’s Cricket, Sir Andrew Strauss recently suggested that the latest selection news does not necessarily mean the end of the road for the experienced duo.

“In respect of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, I want to emphasise this does not mean the end for them as England players,” Strauss said.

“We feel that it is important to look at some exciting new bowling potential and give some added responsibility to other players who have featured previously. No one doubts the quality and experience that James and Stuart bring to the England set-up. It will be up to the new managing director and permanent head coach to decide on whether they will be involved this summer and beyond.”

The pace bowling pair of James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s combined 1,177 Test wickets have been deemed surplus to requirements by interim director of cricket Sir Andrew Strauss, whose decision to leave out the pair for this series was rubber-stamped by temporary head coach Paul Collingwood and captain Joe Root.

Stuart Broad Will Spend Time With His Family Stepping Away From Cricket For A While

Stuart Broad said he will use the time away from England’s set-up to spend time with his family and ponder what the future looks like. James Anderson has taken 640 wickets in 169 tests and Stuart Broad is second on England’s all-time list of wicket-takers, with 537 in 152 matches.

“I spoke to my mum Carole on Friday because I am waking up more confused and angrier with each passing day, and she just advised me to take time, step away from the game for a bit and figure things out,” Broad added.

England batsman Jos Buttler (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“Understandably, people will ask if there has therefore been some fall-out behind the scenes, a bit of a rumble during the Ashes, but I can categorically say that is not the case. Hence, neither Jimmy nor I saw this coming. We were blindsided.”

England, on the heels of an off-field clear-out that accounted for the head coach, assistant coach, and director of cricket also dropped eight players following the 4-0 Ashes 2021/22 loss in the series in Australia. Apart from James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and vice-captain Jos Buttler, the following players were also omitted: Dawid Malan, Sam Billings, Dom Bess, Rory Burns, and Haseeb Hameed.

Cricket/News

James Anderson And Stuart Broad Axed From England’s 16-Member Test Squad For West Indies Tour

Published on February 9, 2022February 9, 2022

James Anderson and Stuart Broad, England’s two leading Test wicket-takers of all time, were the headline names in a ruthless post-Ashes cull for next month’s tour of the West Indies. The fast-bowling greats received no assurances that they still had test careers, either.

England, on the heels of an off-field clear-out that accounted for the head coach, assistant coach, and director of cricket also dropped eight players following the 4-0 Ashes 2021/22 loss in the series in Australia. Eight players who featured in the recent Ashes series missed out on selection for the three-match Test tour.

James Anderson And Stuart Broad Dropped For West Indies Tour After Ashes Loss

As well as James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and vice-captain Jos Buttler, the following players were also omitted: Dawid Malan, Sam Billings, Dom Bess, Rory Burns, and Haseeb Hameed.

The pace bowling pair of James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s combined 1,177 Test wickets have been deemed surplus to requirements by interim director of cricket Sir Andrew Strauss, whose decision to leave out the pair for this series was rubber-stamped by temporary head coach Paul Collingwood and captain Joe Root.

England selection panel, consisting of Andrew Strauss (interim managing director of England Men’s Cricket), interim head coach Paul Collingwood and head scout James Taylor, have named a 16-strong squad for the three-match Test tour of the Caribbean starting next month.

“With the start of a new cycle, it has allowed the selection panel to refresh the test squad with a particular focus on competing away from home,” former test captain Andrew Strauss, who is acting as the interim director of cricket following the firing of Ashley Giles, said on Tuesday.

There were some telling words for the 39-year-old James Anderson and the 35-year-old Stuart Broad, too.

“I want to emphasize this does not mean the end for them as England players,” Strauss said.

“We feel that it is important to look at some exciting new bowling potential and give some added responsibility to other players who have featured previously. No one doubts the quality and experience that James Anderson and Stuart Broad bring to the England set-up. It will be up to the new managing director and permanent head coach to decide on whether they will be involved this summer and beyond.”

The use of the phrases “draw a line” and “the start of a process and a journey” in the squad announcement hinted there might be no going back on some of the big decisions, though, with Jos Buttler having also had a tough time Down Under.

James Anderson has taken 640 wickets in 169 tests and Stuart Broad is second on England’s all-time list of wicket-takers, with 537 in 152 matches. Paul Collingwood will lead the team in the West Indies in place of the departed Chris Silverwood, whose assistant, Graham Thorpe, has also left his post.

Matt Fisher, Alex Lees, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson And Ben Foakes Called Up To England’s 16 Man Squad

As part of what is being labelled a “red-ball reset,” seamer Matt Fisher is a direct beneficiary of the rebooted bowling attack while opener Alex Lees was also called up for the first time in the 16-man squad. Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes returns to the squad for the first time in nearly a year, when he played the fourth test against India in Ahmedabad in March. England’s squad leaves on Feb 24 for the three-Test series.

Durham opener Alex Lees and Yorkshire seamer Matthew Fisher are called-up for the first time. Alex Lees, 28, captained the Lions squad in Australia and has shown great potential in the LV= Insurance County Championship over the past few years with Durham and previously Yorkshire. He scored 625 runs in last year’s Championship campaign, with the highest score of 129.

The 24-year-old Matthew Fisher took 20 wickets for Yorkshire last season at an average of 19.65 from County Championship matches. His control with the ball has impressed the England set-up for some time, and he was a stand-out performer for the Lions during the winter program.

England Squad: Joe Root (captain), Jonathan Bairstow, Zak Crawley, Matthew Fisher, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

Cricket/IPL 2022/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

It’s Stupid To Blame IPL For Ashes 0-4 Drubbing: Kevin Pietersen

Published on January 22, 2022

Kevin Pietersen -the ex-England skipper has said that it’s “stupid” to blame the Indian Premier League for England’s embarrassing Ashes 0-4 loss to Australia in the recently-concluded 5 Test match series.

Former England captain David Gower was “annoyed” after England’s meek surrender resulting in another Ashes defeat and said current skipper Joe Root had players who were “unavailable” because of the IPL.

Kevin Pietersen: One Can’t Blame IPL For Test Cricket Demise In England

Kevin Pietersen, an Ashes winner in 2005, 2009, 2010-11, and 2013, laughed at the remark.

“It is stupid. You can’t blame the IPL for the demise of Test cricket in England. It’s the system, it’s the county cricket system, which is poor,” Kevin Pietersen, who is representing World Giants in the Legends League Cricket, said during an interaction on Thursday.

Kevin Pietersen file image | Faheem Hussain - Sportzpics — Kevin Pietersen file image | Faheem Hussain – Sportzpics

“It’s crazy to blame the Indian Premier League because if you have a look at the Test team, there’s only maybe (Ben) Stokes (Jonny) Bairstow and (Jos) Buttler who play the IPL. Hardly any of the Test team players play the IPL… So how can you blame the IPL?”

Off-the-field, the English cricketers were also mired in a controversy after a report claimed that there was a “drinking culture” in the team with the players and coaches drinking late into the night before police broke up the session.

Kevin Pietersen said there was no harm in it as the players are affected by the bio-bubble restrictions. England faced an embarrassing 0-4 defeat in the recently-concluded Ashes series, drawing criticism for their uninspired performances throughout the five Tests Down Under.

Moeen Ali And Jos Buttler Were England Cricketers Retained By CSK And RR In IPL 2022 Respectively

A total of 27 players were retained in the retention list for IPL 2022 by the eight existing teams. Ace players like Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Kane Williamson have been retained by their respective teams ahead of the mega auction in 2022.

Eoin Morgan , Sam Curran, Jos Buttler — Eoin Morgan, Sam Curran, Jos Buttler

England players like all-rounder Moeen Ali and wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler were retained by CSK and RR respectively for IPL 2022. England’s 2019 World cup winning skipper Eoin Morgan, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL 2021 final, was released by the franchise.

Sam Curran picked nine wickets for CSK before he was ruled out of the tournament owing to a lower back injury. Sam Curran was pipped by his compatriot Moeen Ali in CSK’s all-rounder spot in the retention list.

Ahead of the second leg of IPL 2021, Jonny Bairstow (SRH), Dawid Malan (PBKS), and Chris Woakes (DC) had pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons. All three players were released by their respective franchises.

Star England all-rounder Ben Stokes and pace bowler Jofra Archer also were released by the franchise after they couldn’t participate in the entire IPL 2021 season due to various injuries. Punjab Kings duo of pacer Chris Jordan and spinner Adil Rashid along with Delhi Capitals pace bowlers Chris Woakes and Tom Curran are the other released players from England.

Cricket/IPL 2022/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

England’s Pathetic Performance In Ashes May See ECB Barring Them From Playing IPL 2022

Published on January 12, 2022

England has produced a pathetic performance in the ongoing 2021-22 Ashes series against Australia. The Joe Root-led side has already surrendered the series and is currently 0-3 down after 4 Tests concluded.

The below-par performances of the England cricketers in Ashes have now put their participation in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in jeopardy. It has been learned that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is planning to conduct a full review into England’s defeat Down Under.

England May Ban Test Cricketers From Participating In IPL 2022 After Ashes 2021/22 Defeat: Report

According to a report, director of cricket Ashley Giles would be preparing a report which will include a number of recommendations to improve the Test team’s fortunes. Baring English cricketers from taking part in the IPL would be one of the ideas.

The Indian T20 league usually lasts two months, however, this year it’s set to get longer with the introduction of two new teams namely Ahmedabad and Lucknow. The IPL 2022 is set to clash with the initial phase of England’s Test summer as the knockout stages are likely to overlap with their first Test against New Zealand in June.

Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler in action | Sportzpics for BCCI / Pankaj Nangia

The IPL 2022 players auction is scheduled to take place in February in which a lot of England players are expected to take part. So far, only Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali have been retained by their respective franchises. It has also been learned that the players participating in the IPL will be asked to cut short their time in India so that they can feature in some domestic games to prepare for the New Zealand Tests.

Michael Atherton Criticized England Cricketers For Emphasizing IPL Over International Fixtures

On the other hand, former England players have time and again criticized current players for emphasizing IPL over international fixtures. Michael Atherton, former England captain, stressed the fact that the cricketers should not miss national duties for the cash-rich T20 league.

“The leading multi-format players are paid seven-figure sums, but, incredibly, the ECB washes its hands of them for two months of the year during the Indian Premier League,” Atherton wrote in his column.

Michael Atherton Image Source : GETTY IMAGES — Michael Atherton Image Source: GETTY IMAGES

“The players should be told that, while the ECB will be accommodating of the request to play in IPL, a 12-month contract is exactly that, and the granting of a no-objection certificate to play in IPL and other franchised competitions is contingent on it being in the best interests of the England team,” he added.

Also, from 2022, the Indian Premier League is set to become grander, as the Indian T20 League will be a 10-team affair. This means that there would be more matches, and the tournament might extend into June. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has decided to retain the services of all-rounder Moeen Ali, while the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have retained Jos Buttler.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged as the champions of the 2021 edition of the IPL, and won the IPL title for the 4th time, beating the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side in the summit clash of the tournament. A total of 27 players were retained in the retention list by the eight existing teams. Ace players like Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Kane Williamson have been retained by their respective teams ahead of the mega auction in 2022.

Eoin Morgan, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL 2021 final, was released by the franchise. Ahead of the second leg of IPL 2021, Jonny Bairstow (SRH), Dawid Malan (PBKS), and Chris Woakes (DC) had pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons.

All three players were released by their respective franchises. Ben Stokes and pacer Jofra Archer also were released by the franchise after they couldn’t participate in the entire season due to various injuries. Punjab Kings duo of Chris Jordan and Adil Rashid along with Delhi Capitals pacer Tom Curran are the other released players from England.

List of England players to be available for IPL 2022 auction: Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Chris Jordan, Chris Woakes, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Jofra Archer (doubtful).

Cricket/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

Nasser Hussain Said England’s Test Cricket Has Been Shambles Throughout 2021

Published on December 29, 2021

Nasser Hussain, the former England captain has hit out at Joe Root and co. for failing to put up any sort of resistance in the first three Ashes Tests and conceding the series without a fight. However, Nasser Hussain added that England’s shambolic show was not a shock as they had struggled in Tests all year.

England crumbled to an embarrassing 68 all-out in their second innings on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test. Australia registered a thumping triumph by an innings and 14 runs and retained the Ashes by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Nasser Hussain. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Nasser Hussain Not Shocked With Ashes Loss

Reviewing England’s performance in his column, Nasser Hussain admitted that the result wasn’t surprising since the visitors weren’t well-prepared for the challenge.

The former England skipper stated: “This is no news flash or shock. With the exception of that wonderful victory by Andrew Strauss’s team England have invariably struggled in Australia. But this Ashes has been a particular shambles and England have not given themselves the best chance to be successful. Their Test cricket has been a shambles all year.”

England’s batting unit again collapsed for a below-par total after Australia inserted the visitors in. The tourists managed only 185, with captain Joe Root being the only one to make a half-century. While England made four changes, including two in the batting unit, that hardly made a difference on the opening day of the third Test.

Marcus Harris made a battling 76 off 189 balls as he top-scored as Australia scored 267 in their first essay taking a first-innings lead of 82 runs, but England lost the plot completely after scoring only 68, thereby losing by an innings and 14 runs.

Nasser Hussain added in his column: “Yet this does seem worse than the two 5-0s and the 4-0 of the last 15 years because it has been coming for some time now and the point has clearly arrived for English cricket to have a good, long, hard look at itself.”

The 53-year-old termed England’s batters the biggest culprits of the loss as their technique and application were brutally exposed by Australia’s quality bowling attack.

Nasser Hussain pointed out: “Look at the damning stat that extras have been England’s third highest runscorer this year. That tells you everything about the discrepancy between Joe Root and the rest and shows exactly where our red-ball batting is.”

The former cricketer added: “Those issues have been there for some time even for the best of them. I watched online when England had their only intra-squad game in Australia before the first Test and it was notable how Ben Stokes who, along with Root has the best technique in the England side, suddenly had massive movements back in his crease.”

England captain Joe Root is the leading run-getter in the ongoing Ashes, having scored 253 runs at an average of 42.16. However, barring Dawid Malan (202), no other English batter has come close to scoring 200 runs.

Nasser Hussain: Heaven Forbid What Will Happen To England When James Anderson And Stuart Broad Retire

Analyzing what the future holds for England’s Test team, Nasser Hussain stressed the fact that they failed to make an impact despite having three of their all-time best in the squad – Joe Root, James Anderson, and Stuart Broad.

Nasser Hussain wrote: “England have over-complicated things and messed it all up at a time when they have at their disposal three of their best Test cricketers of all-time in Root, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. Heaven forbid what will happen when Anderson and Broad go.”

England Test skipper Joe Root backs James Anderson , Twitter — England Test skipper Joe Root backs James Anderson, Twitter

The former England captain concluded that England has plenty of soul-searching to do in the wake of the Ashes disaster, where they have lost the Test series 3-0 with 2 more Tests left. Pat Cummins ripped through the top order by lunch on Day 1 and Nathan Lyon matched his captain’s haul of 3 for 36 while Scott Boland picked 6 scalps conceding only 7 runs in the 2nd innings.

Nasser Hussain stated: “In the short-term England have to somehow salvage as much pride as possible in these last two Tests. Then there will be a lot of soul-searching before they can emerge from this crisis. Where the English game goes from here with our red-ball batting is the biggest question of all.”

The 4th Ashes Test of the ongoing series will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 5.

Cricket/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

Chris Silverwood Believes He Retains Support Of His England Players Despite Embarrassing Defeat In 3rd Ashes Test

Published on December 28, 2021

Chris Silverwood believes he retains the support of his England players despite the side tumbling to a harrowing Ashes defeat in Australia, losing the 3 Tests by heavy margins.

England’s fate was sealed as they were razed for just 68 on day three of the third Test at the MCG, losing the game by an innings and 14 runs and falling 3-0 down in the five-match series.

Chris Silverwood, England head coach Getty Image.

Chris Silverwood Believes England’s Players Are Still Responding To His Methods

The tourists’ latest abject display with the bat means they have passed 200 just twice in six innings in the series, while they have now lost nine and won just one of their previous 12 Test matches.

Asked whether England’s players were still responding to his methods, England head coach Chris Silverwood said: “I think they are. We had a good honest chat after the last game [a 275-run defeat in Adelaide]. We just have to put performances together and start pushing back [against Australia].”

Former England batsman Rob Key says the 3rd Test loss by an innings and 14 runs in Melbourne was ‘one of the worst Ashes defeats ever’ as it ended inside 3 days and Australia won by an innings despite scoring only 267.

“It is disappointing for us all and the lads will be feeling that in the dressing room.”

Chris Silverwood also stressed England do know their best team but the four changes made for the Boxing Day Test – Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow, Jack Leach, and Mark Wood coming in for Rory Burns, Ollie Pope, Stuart Broad, and Chris Woakes – were needed after crushing defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide.

“We do know who are our best 11 players are, but we had to make changes after the first two games. We knew we had good people to come in,” said Chris Silverwood.

Captain Joe Root has carried England’s batting in 2021, with his tally of 1,708 dwarfing the return of the team’s second-highest run-scorer this year, Rory Burns (530) runs. Joe Root is the only England batter averaging over 40 in this Ashes series, with Dawid Malan the only other player averaging over 30.

Chris Silverwood Credits Australia Attack For Bowling Well In The 2nd Innings

Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley have floundered against Australia’s high-quality attack en route to England suffering a series defeat after just 12 days of cricket. England captain Joe Root says it’s time to put some pride back into the badge after Australia retained the Ashes

Chris Silverwood added: “We have some world-class players and some youngsters who are learning on the job constantly. We have to try and give them some confidence. We know they have the ability and we do back them. We have to give them the opportunity to show what they can do in the last two Tests. I have to give credit to the Australia attack [especially] Scott Boland for bowling as well as he did in that second innings. “

“Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are also world class. That said, we have to find a way of competing, find a way of pushing back and scoring runs against them. That is certainly something we will be reflecting on in the dressing room as we want to take something away from this series and compete in the last two Test matches.”

Former England batsman Rob Key blames the side’s batting debacles for their current Ashes defeat in Australia and their recent Test failures. England had dragged themselves back into the Test on day two by reducing Australia to 180-6 – at which point the hosts trailed by five runs. Australia went on to post 267 before reducing England to 31-4 in Monday’s pulsating final hour and then sinking them the following morning.

Still, England coach Chris Silverwood took some comfort from the way England pacers bowled, with James Anderson snaring 4-33, the tourists’ only four-wicket haul of the series so far.

The head coach added: “I think the way the guys applied themselves, the way the bowling attack rallied and got us in a position to get back in the game was a credit to them. The way we caught in the last innings was good as well. There are positives coming out of this.”

Scott Boland just took 19 deliveries to complete his fifer which is jointly the quickest for any bowler in Test Cricket. The Victorian pacer returned with figures of 4-1-7-6 as Australia bowled England out for 68 in the second innings to retain the Ashes with two matches to go. He returned with match figures of 7/55.

Apart from Joe Root(28) and Ben Stokes (11), none of the England batsmen registered double-digit figures.

Brief scores: England 185 & 68 (Mitchell Starc 3-29, Scott Boland 6-7) lost to Australia 267 (David Warner 38, Marcus Harris 76; James Anderson 4-33, Ollie Robinson 2-64, Mark Wood 2-71) by an innings and 14 runs.

Cricket/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

Ashes 2021-22: Ricky Ponting Criticised England’s Team Selection Following 3-0 Drubbing

Published on December 28, 2021

Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain criticized England’s team selections in Brisbane and Adelaide, accusing the tourists of constantly planning ahead without focusing on the game in front of them. England’s Ashes 2021/22 campaign was doomed for failure right from their team selection for the first Test, believes Ricky Ponting.

Speaking after the tourists’ embarrassing innings defeat at Melbourne ensured that the series was finished as a live contest before even reaching its middle day, the former Australia captain accused England’s decision-makers of overthinking their big calls to such an extent that they ended up snookering themselves.

Ricky Ponting. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Ricky Ponting Was Surprised By The Fact That Either Of James Anderson And Stuart Broad Didn’t Play In Brisbane

Recalling the opening Test at Brisbane, for which there was a poor weather forecast and a green pitch, as well as a little history of spinners playing a key role, England opted for spinner Jack Leach over experienced pacer Stuart Broad, while leaving out highest wicket-taker pacer James Anderson as a precaution to have him ready for the day-night Test in Adelaide.

James Anderson told reporters after his four-wicket haul at the MCG that he had been “fit for that game”. It was just the third time in 169 matches that England had gone into a Test without either of their great legendary fast bowlers.

“They’ve out-thought themselves with their selections for Brisbane, looking forward to Adelaide and then looking forward to the MCG,” said Ricky Ponting, analysing the series.

“Pick your best team from the start and then see how far that group can take you. The fact that Anderson and Broad didn’t play in Brisbane is staggering,” said Ricky Ponting.

Once selecting Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, and Ollie Robinson as their seam attack – alongside Ben Stokes, in his first competitive red-ball game for England since March after a significant spell out of the game – they won the toss in overcast conditions but chose to bat first. Rory Burns was bowled round his legs by Mitchell Starc to the first delivery of the series, which set a grisly tone for all that has followed.

“The fact that Joe Root didn’t bowl first in Brisbane was staggering,” added Ricky Ponting. “The fact that Mark Wood didn’t play in Adelaide was staggering. He looked like one of the most likely bowlers up in Brisbane.”

Mark Wood was a rare bright spark in a nine-wicket defeat, offering searing pace and hostility in a team otherwise absent of those qualities, with Jofra Archer and Olly Stone both missing with injuries.

But with England worried about the burden on their X-Factor fast bowler, they rested him for the pink-ball Test at Adelaide, instead of unleashing Stuart Broad and James Anderson together – both fresh after missing the opener, but also rusty because of the shortage of cricket in the build-up.

Ricky Ponting Reckons England To Plan Well In Future

For the second time this year – following a similarly galling defeat at Ahmedabad in India tour – they had drastically misjudged the conditions of a Day-Night Test. Jack Leach, taken down by Australia’s left-handers at Brisbane in the 1st Test, was left out despite the 2nd Test’s Adelaide Oval’s curator publicly warning them that not selecting a spinner would be a serious error.

Ollie Robinson ended up bowling off-spin, while Dawid Malan unfurled his part-time leg-breaks. Jack Leach and Mark Wood watched on from the sidelines.

Jack Leach Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Ricky Ponting said: “All their planning, their thoughts, and their structures have just been completely wrong, and it’s come back to bite them. There’s no good looking forward from Brisbane if you’re going to be one or two-nil down. And that’s what it was: they planned for Melbourne – already being two-nil down, they’ve come here and been pantsed again. So, they’ve got some really, really deep thinking to do.”

Jack Leach, a hero from Headingley in 2019, was treated with contempt in the first Test by Australia’s batsmen and went for 1-102. The decision to drop the experienced spinner for the next Test came back to bite them in Adelaide where they went in without a spinner on what proved a turning wicket. He could only bowl 13 overs because he conceded 102 runs in them at a staggering economy rate of 7.8 in the 1st Ashes Test.

Joe Root’s men were the fastest to surrender the Urn after they were skittled out for a meagre 68 on day 3 of the third Test to lose the match by an innings and 14 runs. England had lost the first two Tests by nine wickets and 275 runs at Brisbane and Adelaide respectively.

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