Hot streaks

Sri Lanka has defeated South Africa 2-0 in the series just completed in South Africa. Sri Lanka clinched the series with an exciting one wicket win overnight. Sri Lanka was set a huge target of 352 and got there largely thanks to Mahela Jayawardene (more on him later). Sri Lanka looked to have the match comfortably in hand, requiring 11 runs with four wickets in hand. But in the twinkling of an eye, they still required two runs with just one wicket remaining. Over in England, the home side had given Pakistan a thumping. In a match that was competitive up until the last day, Pakistan failed by 168 runs to reach the target of 323.

There are some interesting hot streaks happening at the moment.

1. Inzi’s duck in the first innings of the 2nd Test ended a run of ten consecutive scores greater than 50 against England. His first innings demise also added to his portfolio of comical and ridiculous dismissals. He was out hit wicket as he stumbled over his stumps, removing the bails with his box, or arm. It’s hard to say.

http://www.cricket.mailliw.com/archives/2006/08/07/video-of-inzamam-falling-over-his-stumps/

2. Murali has for the second time, taken at least 10 wickets in a match for four matches running. He continues to bowl almost half of Sri Lanka’s overs, so it’s not that surprising.

3. Mahela Jayawardene sealed yesterdays win with a brilliant second innings 123. This follows his epic 374 in the first Test. That’s 510 runs @ 170.00 for the series. He was man of the match in both Tests but was not man of the series! Go figure. (See point 2 above.)

4. Although in the beaten side, Mohammad Yousuf has been enjoying a great batting streak. His 192 in the first innings of this Test added to his 202 in the first Test. In the five Tests prior his scores include: 97, 126, 65, 173 and 223 (also against England). He has stormed up the batting rankings to number 4, just behind countryman, Younis Khan, and should improve when the ratings are next updated.

5. Ian Bell has scored a century in each of the three Tests against Pakistan. Scores of 100*, 106* and 119 have seen average nudge over the 50 mark again. This is not a joke.

Harmison the harmless one?

I know it’s a bit cheeky but I’d like to put Steve under the spot light. Naturally, Harmison’s super impressive 1st innings performance (6-19) in the most recent Test against Pakistan, caused his stocks to rise. Certainly in the eyes of the British tabloids. The Aussie’s had better watch out after all. Well, this Aussie for one, if not quaking in his boots. I will be far more worried if Simon Jones is on the plane come October. And if the English are allowed to use their Duke balls, rather than the good old Kookaburra.

Harmison has a history of stunning bowling performances. The list isn’t that long but here are his top five innings analysis: 7-12, 6-19, 6-46, 6-61, 5-35. There are some seriously high numbers in the wickets column and equally serious low numbers in the runs column. Harmison’s 7-12 against the West Indies in 2004 was stunning. It’s the best seven wicket innings analysis ever. When he followed it up with 6-61 in the next test, the English press announced to all and sundry that Harmison had arrived. Aussies beware. While he played his part in that successful Ashes series, and the wickets were fairly evenly shared, Harmison finished well behind Jones (21.00), Flintoff (27.29) and Hoggart (29.56) with an average of 32.29.

Harmison’s Test bowling average is 27.74. That’s respectable but does not put him up with the greats. The truth is that Harmison has always been hot and cold. When his rhythm is good and the pitch is helping he can do well. When all is working in his favour, he bends his back and can, and has, achieved stunning results. Now let’s look at Harmison’s average specifics. Against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, it’s mid teens. Let’s take them out. Against all nations, except for the two minnows, the average is 30.14. Let’s take it a little further – it we are fair dinkum, we can realise that the West Indies have been an embarrassment during Harmison’s tenure, so let’s take them out too. The average is up to 33.55.

I appreciate that all bowlers get to play all of these teams, so when comparing career averages, you can’t remove certain criteria. However, averages in themselves mean something. Looking at a player’s career average versus his average against the best opposition is a very valid exercise. Harmison’s average against the four best teams: Australia, South Africa, India and Pakistan (he has never played Sri Lanka) is 36.38. And that is ordinary.

So roll on The Ashes and let’s see if Steve Harmison can improve on his average of 36.83 against the Aussies.