How Will England Bounce Back From Meltdown in Australia?

Cricket

BY NISAR KHAN

While the New Year reigned in with the intention for a fresh start, it was merely a continued meltdown for England’s cricket team, as their problematic tour of Australia drew to a close. Some drastic team changes and a shadow of doubt was cast upon for the rest of the year. With the World Cup on the horizon, how can England bounce back?



England were demolished by Australia in their tour down under from November to February. IMAGE COURTESY: Telegraph.co.uk

Andy Flower would depart from his post as England cricket coach merely days following the tour, and it would be a start of more crumbles to come for the England side. 

“[It’s time] to rebuild with a new set of values and goals”, said the former coach, speaking in the press conference. Flower would also note that he would remain a part of the coaching structure in some form, but far from his recent post.

There is no doubt that Andy Flower’s time as coach was a successful one, winning three Ashes series, taking England to World #1, winning the Twenty20 World Cup and numerous test wins. However, the problems at Australia would outweigh that calling for change in the England cricketing hierarchy. 

Then came the controversial call, the end of Kevin Pietersen’s England career. It dominated the back pages as the England Cricket Board were questioned by the media and fans as to why the cricketer was sacked, having been an influential part of the squad for many years, and possibly many more had he not been dispatched. 

During an emergency meeting with the cricketers and coaches, Kevin Pietersen allegedly went on an “anti Andy Flower” rant (per the Telegraph). This was said to be “the final nail in his England career”, writes Nick Hoult.

We would eventually get answers as to why Kevin Pietersen was relieved of his duties. The board stated that it was the disagreements with captain Alistair Cook and an alleged lack of support that put it to an end. After some time, the ECB would succumb to the calls and release a rather unsatisfying statement:

“It has been a matter of great frustration that until now the England and Wales Cricket Board has been unable to respond to the unwarranted and unpleasant criticism of England players and the ECB itself, which has provided an unwelcome backdrop to the recent negotiations to release Kevin Pietersen from his central contract.

The England team needs to rebuild after the whitewash in Australia. To do that we must invest in our captain Alastair Cook and we must support him in creating a culture in which we can be confident he will have the full support of all players, with everyone pulling in the same direction and able to trust each other. It is for those reasons that we have decided to move on without Kevin Pietersen.”

From the statement provided, we had little to rest the burning questions, with Kevin Pietersen’s release still not really justified. In fact, it just made it a more precarious situation for the board.

Kevin Pietersen’s departure would only worsen the problems from Australia, with more criticism epitomizing towards the captain Alistair Cook and the board. England now have to improve their cricket along with public image, a tough task with the Twenty20 World Cup looming.

If England are taking measures like that to ‘rebuild’, they might as well go all out. A sufficient re-structure of England cricket will quieten the critics, while also keeping a clear image of the leadership needed going forward. 

But the ideal situation will see them model out new systems for their series with West Indies, to see any improvements. Despite that, it’s far from a mock up – any failure could further critics and damage England even more.

England really have their work cut out to disprove many-a-critic and encourage fans that they won’t crumble. Should any further meltdowns occur, there England will be pushed on the verge of a demise.

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Year in Review: Looking Back at 2013 in Cricket

BY NISAR KHAN

This year in cricket we said goodbye to some legends, witnessed a last ever tournament of its kind, Ashes and more. As the sun rises on a New Year, we look at the best moments in 2013 that happened on the field.

This year saw the End of an Era as Sachin Tendulkar retired. Courtesy: Emirates 24/7

The most memorable moments this year in cricket will be retrospectively reviewed with Team of the Year included.

Indian Premier League

The sixth IPL season took place this year, possibly undermined by the spot-fixing scandal, but another destination for some fantastic ODI cricket.

In May, Delhi Police arrested three players from the Rajasthan Royals along with other players from the tournament. They were accused of spot-fixing for the two matches in the tournament.

Later on in that month, more controversy would follow when the Pune Warriors India pulled out of the tournament.

The Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians topped the table before the playoffs, and they would meet in the final.

Mumbai won by 23 runs to capture the IPL Championship.



Champions Trophy

The final edition of the ICC Champions Trophy was the very first tournament that TheSportMatrix began coverage on with match reports, previews, opinions and even a match where TheSportMatrix staff headed down to watch England vs. Australia at Edgbaston.

India outclassed South Africa in the first game in Cardiff, while England’s first game was a 48-run victory against Australia.

England would defeat South Africa, and an 8-wicket victory from India against Sri Lanka set up for the final.

Edgbaston witnessed a twenty-over thriller between the finalists, ultimately ending in a marginal five-run victory for the Indians.

The final Champions Trophy delivers with an entertaining tournament.

Triumph: The Champions Trophy win was part of a successful year for the Indians. Courtesy: Telegraph.co.uk

Retirement: Kallis, Ponting Retire

Two esteemed players in International cricket that are always reminiscent of their cricketing nation. Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting announced their retirements from the sport this year.

Kallis struck a century in his final test, and in regards to runs, it is fitting that he has only been surpassed by Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar in most test runs – both men who also retired this year.

Although retiring from International cricket in December 2012, Ricky Ponting announced he would retire from all forms of cricket in October, in a year where he won the IPL with the Mumbai Indians.

Two esteemed cricketing legends bow out, farewell to Kallis and Ponting.

Bowing Out: Jacques Kallis scored a century in his final test. Courtesy: NDTV

The Ashes: A tale of two very different series

Consisting of nine Ashes tests in the calendar year, we really did see a contrast from England to down under, when it was contested in Australia.

England defeated Australia 3 – 0 in the series, with the Old Trafford and The Oval tests being drawn due to poor weather – just one of the problems in the series.

The other problem was in the spotlight from the start, the DRS controversy. It really developed into a situation where a traditional series was overshadowed by the problems of modern technology.

England delivered fantastically during the Summer, then came Australia in the winter… 

From the very first test in Australia, disaster struck for England. Losing by 381 runs in Brisbane, England collapsed and had a problematic time – which would lead on to three more losses before the year ended.

Australia had another easy outing in the second test, winning by 218 runs in Adelaide followed by a 150-run win in the third test in Perth.

England were keeping their own, at least for the start of the fourth test. Soon they would crumble again and Australia would lead by eight wickets. It could be a whitewash if the final test of the series in 2014 is won by the Aussies. 

Following the Summer’s Ashes action, England were on top, captain Alistair Cook and his teammates were the recipient of much praise – how things have changed just months later… 

Alistair Cook could possibly be out of the captaincy, and directors and other managerial positions in the club could be poised to change. It just went terribly wrong for England who were embarrassed in Australia, and this could increase come next month. 

In Turmoil: England’s year ended in the worst of lows with four consecutive losses to Australia. Courtesy: BelfastTelegraph

Sachin Bids Farewell

This year, Sachin Tendulkar retired from International Cricket, bowing out in Mumbai to a huge ovation in one of the greatest sporting moments of 2013.

Twenty-four years and one day after his debut, Sachin Tendulkar retired in his 200th Test match.

His final test innings was a 74-run stint against the West Indies. 


The “Little Master” really was an incredible person to watch on the cricketing field. After 24 years of playing for India, he gave a farewell and signed off in style.

In the most moving moment of the year, Tendulkar would culminate his illustrious career by passing the torch to India’s future legends. 

Thank You Sachin: Tendulkar parades the pitch for one last time as he bids farewell.

Team of the Year: India

India won the Champions Trophy, Triangular Series and delivered in International tours too. Sachin Tendulkar passes the torch toward a prosperous future. 

We said goodbye to cricketing legends, two Ashes series commenced, the final Champions Trophy took, a controversial IPL season and more this year in cricket.

That’s it for this year. We’ve looked back at the best from 2013, but now look ahead to 2014, featuring the ICC Twenty20 World Cup along with more nations playing cricket. Stumps until next year, then…

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THE ASHES: Bell Century Gives England Upper Hand

By Cena Harpin
 
  England’s Ian Bell scored a century to give England the edge over Australia in The Ashes Fourth Test at Chester le Street.

Ian Bell celebrates his century that saved England.

Australia were bowled out by England in their 1st Innings for 270 runs, 32 runs more than England’s 1st Innings score.

Joe Root was the first man to fall as the impressive Ryan Harris getting bowled for just 2.

England’s woes were real when captain Alistair Cook edged to Brad Haddin off the bowling of Ryan Harris. Ryan Harris was proving to be unstoppable and England’s troubles got even bigger when this time Trott edged to Haddin and England were in big trouble at 49-3.

Kevin Pietersen provided England with some stability leading them to 155-3 but Pietersen was only to be caught by Rogers off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.

By this time Australia had England on the back foot but that was soon changed thanks to Ian Bell. Bell came in while Australia were dominating England but Bell proved why he should be in the England team and went on to score 105 not out alongside Johnny Bairstow and then Tim Bresnan.

Bell scoring 105 not out has put England back in control of the 3rd test. Tomorrow Bell starts on 105 and Bresnan starts on 4.

By Cena Harpin  

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THE ASHES: A Traditional Series Ruined by Modern Technology

  This year’s Ashes series has been flooded with controversy of the DRS system, and it has taken a lot of spotlight – in fact far too much than it should have. While the rain is something of which is harder to control, the DRS speculation is running rampant amongst cricket fans.

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England players rejoice but Usman Khawaja was incorrectly given out. Courtesy: Reuters

Usman Khawaja was dismissed in an injustice of the DRS System. Courtesy: Getty Images

Throughout the three tests thus far in the series, players from both teams have been mystified by umpire decisions that have ran against the verdict from the Decision Review System.

 These controversial decisions have turned the focus from the cricketers to the umpires, something of which should be a very rare occurrence with technology that should be used to keep games fair.

 While the job of the umpire is one of the hardest in a game such as cricket, the technology is used to aid the umpires, not contradict them. 

 Another umpiring device, hot-spot, has been a recipient of much criticism. It allows the umpire to see if a batsman has edged the ball, but in picking up these small hits it has seemed to fail. 

 Matt Prior and team-mates thought that they had David Warner out when it seemed he edge the ball on Day 4 of the Third Test, but Tony Hill gave it Not Out, and hot-spot agreed on that occasion. 

 Player reviews serve the purpose of allowing fair decisions to be called in cricket, it is acceptable that an umpire can’t be perfect 100% of the time, but the reviews should be pretty much impeccable for fair decisions.  But the fact that reviews are being lost because of technology failures should not be an occurrence, players should be allowed to trust the review system for giving them fair outcomes.

 At home watching, it is evident for cricket fans that the umpire has made a wrong decision, the fundamental purpose of the technology is to correct these decisions, but this has not been the case. 

 The problem is that the DRS System has been the buzz news topic about The Ashes, rather than the cricket itself. 

Players disputing with umpires has been a regular occurrence from both teams in the series. (Courtesy: Metro.co.uk)

 One piece of modern technology used for a cricket problem is the flood lights that deal with lighting the ground for when there is bad light. Yet umpires Hill and Marais bewildered players when they called of play at half four due to bad light, although the flood lights were on. 

 If the flood lights are used to deal with bad light, but play is called off for bad light, then what purpose does it serve?

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Another discussion is that it is down to human error. The technology may do it’s job, but maybe the umpires themselves are making the mistakes. The DRS System has done the opposite of what it’s supposed to do, it has created problems rather than solving disputes, it has dampened the spirits of  those watching cricket, and even worse, those playing it.

 In order to possibly deal with the problems, a clear set of regulations should be introduced, this is because leaving it down to someone to always make the decisions creates too much human error.

 One issue that was thrown around – maybe with much less seriousness – is the introduction of roofs in cricket. This would be a logical way to deal with the problem of the rain but it won’t work. Cricket stadiums are designed to be open, putting roofs on there would be a costly and difficult task. While we cannot really do an awful lot about the rain, the technology is something we can do a great deal about.

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 Stuart Broad was under much criticism when he decided not to walk off when he was ruled not out. It however appeared that he had a thick edge that went off the keeper’s gloves into Michael Clarke at slip. But Australia had no reviews and Broad did have the right to stay but with something so evident this should not be an occurance.

 England batsmen Ian Bell only totted 3 runs when he was caught by Steven Smith. On-field umpires gave the decision to the Third Umpire, who controversially ruled in the batsman’s favor due to the seeing conditions from the lens.

Disputes between players is becoming too often for one’s liking.

Other hot-points that have seen umpires rule or controversially rule against players are Steven Smith, Ashton Agar, Johnathon Trott and probably the most renowned case in Usman Khawaja.

 This has been one of the most controversial Ashes series since it’s introduction in 1882, and it has not been the traditional cricket that has been the hot topic, it has been the modern technology only recently introduced.

 With The Ashes now an imminent draw or win for England, the hosts have retained the prestigious urn, but has this been because of some major umpiring decisions?

THE ASHES: Third Test Coverage:
(MATCH REPORT)
(SCORECARD)

 Two tests now remain in The Ashes series. The prestige of the 131-year-old series has not been taken into account amid the controversy abuzz the cricketing World.

 As a cricket fan, I hope the rest of The Ashes is not determined by human errors from the DRS system, but defined from the fine cricket that has been played through history since 1882.

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THE ASHES: 3rd Test – Scorecard

Australia 172-7 dec. (36.0 overs)

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Player	–	–	Runs	Balls
Rogers	c Prior	b Broad	12	(23)
Warner	c Root	b Bresnan	41	(57)
Khawaja	–	b Swann	24	(38)
Watson	c Pietersen	b Bresnan	18	(24)
Clarke	*not out	30	(32)
Smith	Run Out (Prior)	19	(19)
Haddin	c Broad	b Anderson	8	(9)
Starc	c Swann	b Anderson	11	(11)
Harris	*not out	0	(4)

table.tableizer-table { border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: ; font-size: 12px; } .tableizer-table td { padding: 4px; margin: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc; } .tableizer-table th { background-color: #104E8B; color: #FFF; font-weight: bold; }

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Anderson	8.0	0	37	2
Broad	7.0	2	30	1
Swann	15.0	0	74	1
Bresnan	6.0	0	25	2

READ THE MATCH REPORT HERE >> 

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THE ASHES: Rain Draws in Manchester as England Retain Prestigious Urn

  England retained The Ashes after Australia’s attempt to get back in to the series came to a grinding halt as rain stopped play in the Third Test at Old Trafford.

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The board displays the result in Old Trafford as rain makes the game a draw (via BBC Sport)

 Australia were enforcing dominance early on in the day, putting England in dire straits at 37 – 3 with the dismissals of Cook, Trott and Pietersen.

 This left the odds stacked against England who were chasing a target of 373, but rain shortly after 2pm would recur until play was called off two and a half hours later.

 England – who came into the Third Test with a 2 – 0 lead in the series – now retain The Ashes, as this match is a draw.

 But if Alistair Cook’s side want to prove their domination and win the series rather than draw it, they need to pick up a win in one of the two upcoming tests at Chester le-Street and The Oval.

Fans brave the rain as the inevitability of the draw looms (via BBC Sport)

 Tourists Australia take this as a heavy blow, as they were on the verge of a magnificent revival following their two previous losses at Lord’s and Trent Bridge.

 Australia declared earlier in the test at 527 – 7, continuing the momentum by bowling England all out for 368 runs.

 The Aussies’ second innings that was played on Sunday was batted quickly in a push to declare with enough runs to make England’s chase a huge challenge. 


In a race against inevitable bad weather, Australia declared from their previous innings and England were batting.

 Australia’s bowling was off to a great start, and they could have easily got the win had it not been for the weather. 

Kevin Pietersen scored a century earlier in the test (via ESPN Cricinfo)

The test is a draw and England have retained, but now will they be able to in fact win the entire series or settle for the draw?

 In a series flooded by controversy with the DRS system… and now rain, The Ashes is back in England’s hands but we’ve two tests to play to see who takes pride from the series.



 It’s back in England’s hands, but how will The Aussies bounce back?

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THE ASHES: England Romp to a Day Off

  England thrashed Australia by 347 runs to win the second Ashes Test and take a 2-0 lead, meaning they are one win away from winning the 2013 Ashes.

Graeme Swann’s 9th of the match sparked celebrations. (via Tribune)

  Joe Root started the morning with the hope of scoring a double ton after becoming the youngest England player to score an Ashes century at Lord’s on Saturday. Those hopes were soon faded as he was caught on 180 by Steve Smith which prompted skipper Alastair Cook to declare with England leading by 582, Australia needing a mammoth total of 583 to win in the best part of 2 days.

Australia simply could not meet the standards and found themselves three down for just 36. Michael Clarke and Khawaja provided some much needed stability before skipper Clarke fell to Joe Root on 51. Khawaja then fell one run and 16 balls later again to the off-spinner. Any late improvement came from James Pattinson who was trapped by Graeme Swann, who took figures of 4-78.

Khawaja and Clarke were mature in the fourth innings.

The result means that the Aussies, once best in the world, have fast become the declining team in international cricket and have lost their last six Test matches. England however, have become the golden boys in this era of cricket, in Test cricket and also in ODI’s and t20. They will be hoping to wrap up the little red urn on next Thursday at Old Trafford.

Will England keep it going? Is a whitewash on the cards? Stay tuned with TSM during The Ashes for coverage.

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THE ASHES: Root Breaks Record as England Soar

England asserted their dominance over Australia in the second Ashes Test on day 3 with a superb knock from Joe Root.

PHOTO: Young Joe Root with a breakout performance in Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Lords (via TheGuardian)

  The hosts extended their lead in the second Ashes test at Lords to 566 on day three, which Joe Root ended on 178 not out. The ton puts England in cruise control and they will be expected to declare once the Yorkshire youngster reaches a double century. 

England lost only two wickets on Saturday, closing on 333-5, almost a lead of six hundred runs. The Aussies have not been in full fitness since the ICC Champions Trophy and the performance on day three underlined the fatigue and misery in the Australian camp who were bowled out for an awful 128. 

Ian Bell was controversially given not out on three by third umpire Tony Hill despite appearing to be caught just above the ground by Steve Smith.

He made the Aussies pay, hitting fours galore, striding towards yet another century before being caught at mid wicket off Smith.

Root’s steady innings was sufficient evidence that he has talent and ends the debate over his promotion to the top of the order over Nick Compton.

Joe Root’s career is off to a great start and this triumphant batting display at The Ashes further solidifies this.

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ICC Champions Trophy 2013: Preview Series – Australia

With tomorrow being the day until the ICC Champions Trophy kicks off, we preview Australia in the tournament, with predictions for the outcome, squads and more. This is part of The Sport Matrix’s Champions Trophy preview series, where we look at each time and their chances in the upcoming tournament.

  

Star Player: Shane Watson

Captain: Michael Clarke

World Cup Place: Semi Finals

Final Prediction: Runners Up

Squad:

Michael Clarke

Shane Watson

George Bailey

Nathan Coulter-Nile

Xavier Doherty

James Faulkner

Phillip Hughes

Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Johnson

Glenn Maxwell

Clint McKay

Mitchell Starc

Matthew Wade

Adam Voges

David Warner

The Aussies are the only team to have won this tournament twice and they will have all guns firing to try and achieve the hat-trick. They have widely been regarded as the best cricket team in recent years and with hard hitting batsmen like Shane Watson, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell in the side, things look bright for them in this tournament. They are joined in Group A by the likes of England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, all capable of causing damage to Australia’s hopes of a third ICC Champions Trophy title in a row to achieve a extraordinary hat-trick of titles.

Are the Aussies about to achieve an amazing feat? Will their big hitters turn up? Find out all this and more with TSM during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.