The Ashes Tour has start – Match One

In the blur that is modern international cricket, the focus in English cricket has morphed from the T20 World Cup into The Ashes. That’s right, the main event of 2009 has started. The first class match against Sussex is underway. Hooray.

The match has passed the half way point and one thing is sure: Australia’s selection dilemmas are in no way resolved. I don’t even know what the selectors intentions are. The choice to take two and a half all rounders was truly puzzling and is no less so now.

North, presumably competing with Watson, did himself no favours, scoring just one first innings run.

Horrie, the number one spinner took 0/98 at 5.44 rpo. Meanwhile Katich took 1/32. Interestingly, North, whom I thought would be regarded as the first backup spinner wasn’t given a ball. What should we read into that?

We have five seamer playing for three spots. I am assuming that Horrie or Ronnie will play in Cardiff. Cardiff is supposed to take spin so the selectors will want a specialist spinner. If he is not good enough (obviously he is not), the selectors seem hell bent on McDonald. Unless of course, Watson is preferred to North (see what I mean – who knows what the thinking is – perhaps it’s each way betting by the selectors). I guess we have two seamers playing for fours spots, assuming Johnson’s place is assured. Those four are playing – Lee and Clark took three wickets each. Sidders and Hilfie took 3 wickets between them – all top order batsmen – and conceded less than 3 rpo – Lee and Clark conceded more than 3 rpo (Lee 3.97). Personally, I would stick with the three who did the job in South Africa – they have earned it. The fourth bowling spot can go to Lee or Clark. Stuff Horrie and McDonald. There are three competent part time spinners – not ideal – but the selectors need to be honest about Horrie’s ability.

One interesting and worrying thing for the Aussies is that Lee bowled 8 no balls in 13 overs. The team managed 22 in 80 overs. That is a disgrace. Does anyone remember 2005? How many wickets were taken from no balls in 2005?

And a personal interest story to conclude: Robin Martin-Jenkins is playing for Sussex. He is 33 years old, is six foot fix inches and is the son of Christopher Martin-Jenkins – or “CMJ”, one of the revered BBC commentary team.

All in the twinkling of an eye

One minute England were rejoicing over defeating India by a slender 3 runs and simultaneously staying alive in the T20 World Cup and eliminating India. Just 24 hours later, England had joined India on the scrap heap.

It seems everything is fast and furious T20. The matches are over before you can blink. At times they are won or lost on the back of just 10 overs of lusty and lucky hitting. The matches come around quickly with two per day/night. The whole cricketing experience is concentrated and condensed. Last night, in the winner takes all match of Group E, the Windies needed to bat well for just over 8 overs to book their place in the semis via the D/L method. It seems ridiculous but good on them.

Tonight, the Kiwis take on Sri Lanka in the do-or-die final match of Group F, to decide the last semi-final position.

In keeping with the essence of T20, this piece is long enough already.

Congratulations on your 10 years anniversary, Waqas! Sorry that I missed you today.