posted Nov 12, 2008

"Broad is ranked the fifth best bowler in world cricket..."

WHAT?!! - this for a bowler who got hit six sixes in one over?!
So.. is Boycotts grandma 4th in that list then?

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posted Nov 13, 2008

While the England team have sold themselves out by messing about with largely insignificant and hardly memorable 20/20's pandering to egotistical billionaires in the West Indies, India have been warming up with a series of world class cricket against the very best in the world

After all the talk in recent years about how a lack of preparation badly affected the team (esp. in the build up to the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in 06/07) they land in India with days to go, take a hiding off some amateurs then expect to go in and compete against India?? I think the result of this series is largely baked in stone.

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posted Nov 13, 2008

This will be a more balanced series than the one with Australia, as England have a better bowling attack compared to Oz.

However, a lot would depend on Pietersen's captaincy and batting and Flintoff's bowling in making England a competitive side, especially in a new environment. The last time India toured England they lost a close ODI series.Hopefully this is payback time.

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posted Nov 13, 2008

Any side with Flintoff and KP is great. I think we have a tough time ahead against them. Flintoff has always fabulous. I just love to see this guy. Can't help admiring his game even when he is thrashing our team.

By the way England are you bringing Harmison. He is one dangerous customer.

Just imagine a team with Harmy, McGrath,Flintoff,Steyn and Bond !!!

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posted Nov 13, 2008

"Broad is ranked the fifth best bowler in world cricket..."

WHAT?!! - this for a bowler who got hit six sixes in one over?!
So.. is Boycotts grandma 4th in that list then? ""

Funnily enough the rankings are not based on one-over of a players career, nor do the ODI rankings include slogfest 20-20 matches. Therefore the rankings have had to take in all of Broads bowling figures in ODI's. If you are basing a player on one over in a 20-20 then no wonder you are surprised! 55 wickets from 30-odd ODI's with a best of 5-23 against South Africa and a decent batting average (outstanding average for a 9) makes him an obvious pick and probably above Anderson in the matchwinning stakes.

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posted Nov 13, 2008

'Funnily enough the rankings are not based on one-over of a players career'
..............................................

Well put and mildly humourous, thankyou 158notout.

I agree with you on the points you make and he is a good asset. Though I would argue that Anderson is more of a match winner, simply because his averages have been hit by the performances where he has been terrible.

He gets 4 wickets at great economy one game but next time he gets 0-50. On his day JimmyA is brilliant, but Broad has been more consistent even since his intro into team whilst still learning.

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posted Nov 13, 2008

India have the early advantage as they are playing with 11 as opposed to 10 men. Prior, Bell, KP, Shah, Colly, Fred, Broad, Patel, Harmison, Anderson are definates. But who is the 11th? Cook (specialist stonewaller, only in the squad so he could pick up a share of the Stanford millions)? Bopara (not good enough to play international cricket, never was and never will be, statistically the worst ever player to play Tests for England, may be called upon to turn his arm if England are winning by so much KP wants to give the Indians a few free fours to make a contest of it)

While sat watching it on sky are Swann, Mascheranas and Wright, all players who can contribute with bat and ball

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posted Nov 13, 2008

"** Supporting cast"

If you're going to mention these guys, you should be mentioning the likes of Broad and Bell, who are top class ODI players. Also Bopara. Unlike the guy above (JeffFew), who has clearly never watched a cricket match in his life - at least not involving Bopara - I believe Bopara has the stuff to make it at a high level. He proved it to me in the world cup 2007 when he almost won the game with a battling half century. He's only 23 and he has a List A double century to his name. On his day he can be exceptional.

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posted Nov 13, 2008

This for sure would be an interesting series for the English team could gain tantamount confidence if the outcome favours them.

I would also like to emphasize on the fact that with one day cricket the team which plays best on said day is the best so any assumption is barely that.

About the test series, well, lets keep quiet now as I have a feeling that the one day series might have a say in the 5 day games!!

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posted Nov 14, 2008

Well Broad never got hit for 6 sixers in 1 over in the innings so there is an improvement.... but the bowling attack got creamed all over so alot to do for England not just for this series but for the coming future series here at home.

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