This week was quite unusual in that the runs were concentrated in the hands of a few heavy scorers. Some are household names but two youngsters stole the show. At Chester-le-Street, Sussex lost their 100% record to Durham. However, not only did they remain Division One leaders but their tenth wicket partnership record was broken by Oliver Robinson (aged 21) and Matthew Hobden (22). More remarkable was the fact that the former was making his first-class debut.
At Taunton, Middlesex produced a magnificent fourth day batting display to add to Somerset's woes. Amazingly, more than 700 runs were contributed by just three players! Marcus Trescothick (140 and 76) and James Hildreth (187 and 86) totally dominated the home team's innings but in the end it was Adam Voges and James Franklin, whose centuries secured a six-wicket success. At least it wasn't Nick Compton rubbing his old county's noses in the brown stuff!
An intriguingly poised contest between Nottinghamshire and Hampshire was spoilt by fourth day rain. Alex Hales added another 235 runs to his 2015 Championship tally and the two Taylors Brendon and James helped set the home team a hefty target of nearly 400. However, the weather ensured neither side achieved a result. The other top tier fixture also ended in a draw. Warwickshire were in the driving seat for three days, Ian Westwood top-scoring both times and featuring a career-best 196. However, the champions lost only four wickets on the final day to save the situation. New recruit James Middlebrook proved he can still spin it at the top level by taking eight Warwickshire wickets.
In Division Two, Lancashire made it two wins from two, beating Kent by nine wickets after enforcing the follow-on. 20 year-old Lancashire 'keeper Alex Davies just missed out on his maiden hundred, but Ashwell Prince did reach three figures and Paul Horton scored a couple of 50s. Kyle Jarvis was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-50 and 4-67.
Nevertheless, the most noteworthy performance of the week came from Essex number three Daniel Lawrence. Aged just 17, and in the side only because Ravi Bopara was at the IPL, the local boy stroked an excellent 161 to become the third youngest centurion in County Championship history! Even the opposition's greying Kevin Pietersen deigned to shake the hand of the young man, half his age and presumably earning sub-muppet wages. Sadly a final day washout allowed Surrey to escape a likely innings defeat.
Northants failed to win a single match in Division One last year and they gave lowly Leicestershire a rare first innings lead at Grace Road. However, the home county experienced their usual defeat in a game which offered all bowlers some help. All-rounder and prospective one-day England international David Willey top-scored with 88.
At Bristol, Derbyshire made Gloucestershire pay on the second day, with Martin Guptill registering the only double-century of the week. Geraint Jones' outfit made a decent fist of their second innings but the damage had been done. Mark Footitt also captured nine wickets.
Next week's highlights look like being Durham's trip to Lord's and Lancashire's trip to Northampton. I just hope that Somerset find enough form to overcome fellow strugglers Worcestershire, but the weather forecast ain't good.
Team of the Week: Trescothick (Som, *), Westwood (War), Hales (Not), Guptill |Der), Lawrence(Ess), Hildreth (Som), Davies (Lan, +), Willey (Nth), Jarvis (Lan), Footitt (Der), Rankin (War)
Showing posts with label Martin Guptill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Martin Guptill. Show all posts
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Sunday, 29 March 2015
World Cup 2015: Australia make it five!
A shame that the final proved so one-sided because until today the tournament looked as open as any World Cup I can remember. Whether it was home advantage, extra tactical nous or luck, Australia made their experience tell when it mattered, ending New Zealand's magnificent march to Melbourne.
Maybe, too, the script was pre-typed for Michael Clarke to dedicate victory to the late Phil Hughes and announce his retirement from ODIs. Steve Smith has stepped into the breach superbly, with Shane Watson recovering some form at last. More remarkable was the work done by the physios to ensure the Aussie pacemen stayed fit throughout, and each of them played a part in the nation's success.
I felt that if the Aussies were going to win the final they had to dismiss both Black Cap openers cheaply. In the event, four players were out for ducks but none more significant than Brendon McCullum. He was brilliantly bowled by a 93mph inswinging Starc yorker, but not sure if anyone could have dug that one out. Guptill and Williamson fell before the scoreboard read 40 and, while Grant Elliott stuck around for another 80+ score, the quicks did their job and bowled out the opposition with ten overs to spare.
Southee, Boult and Vettori have bowled NZ into the final but, apart from Finch's caught-and-bowled for zero, there was to be no repeat of the group stage heroics. Michael Clarke can retire with head, as well as World Cup, held high, scoring 74 from 72 balls, although James Faulkner's 3-36 earned the Player of the Match award.
As for the World Cup itself, I reckon it was another wonderful advert for the 50-over format. The huge tally of sixes will please the T20 fanatics but there was plenty to enjoy amongst the bowling fraternity and also those of us wanting to see the nations like Ireland and Afghanistan mixing it with the big boys - and England - in 2019.
So who comprises my team of the tournament?
My openers are Martin Guptill and Shikhar Dhawan. The New Zealander's 237 not out against the West Indies was just the icing on the cake and his captain McCullum's four rapid half-centuries came close to edging out the Indian, whose 137 against South Africa showed that ODI batting is not all about slogging the ball over cow corner. Chris Gayle thumped more sixes than anyone but apart from that 215 he was largely quiet.
Kumar Sangakkara is an obvious choice at number three thanks to his four consecutive centuries, also taking the gloves, and AB De Villiers again demonstrated why he is one of the greatest batmen of his generation. However my number four doesn't represent one of the top nations and didn't even reach the quarter-finals. Brendan Taylor of Zimbabwe accumulated 433 runs from his six matches, including successive hundreds against Ireland and India. His scoring rate of 107 was up there with the best, too. He may have occupied the fourth position but I think Mahmudullah's first two ODI centuries of his career were too important for him to be left out of the team.
It wasn't really a vintage World Cup for established all-rounders but I'll make an exception for Corey Anderson. His wickets tended to be expensive but his 231 runs at more than a run a ball provide ample compensation, and gave New Zealand great impetus in the latter stages of a few innings.
Daniel Vettori hasn't played a lot of cricket in recent years but at 36 and recovered from injuries a-plenty, the former NZ captain was the top spinner of the World Cup. He played in all nine games, took 15 wickets at 20 apiece, conceding barely four runs an over. Despite the talents of Mitchell Johnson and Wahab Riaz, two other left-arm quicks led the wicket-taking league. Trent Boult's seam and swing were critical in the Black Caps' success, but Mitchell Starc's extra pace and place on the winner's podium won him the Player of the Tournament award despite both claiming 22 scalps.
Umesh Yadav enjoyed a productive set of games in the latter stages, pipping team-mate Mohammed Shami to the Eleven thanks to his marginally superior wicket tally. Both proved many people, myself included, wrong about the quality of Indian seamers, but it wasn't enough to beat the eventual champions in the semi-final.
In summary, hats off to Guptill (NZ), Dhawan (Ind), Sangakkara (SL, +), Taylor (Zim), De Villiers (SA *), Mahmudullah (Ban), Anderson (NZ), Vettori (NZ), Starc (Aus), Boult (NZ), Yadav (Ind).
Above all, hats off to Australia and New Zealand for co-hosting a successful tournament as well as providing the two best teams. ICC, take note: don't ruin a winning format!
Maybe, too, the script was pre-typed for Michael Clarke to dedicate victory to the late Phil Hughes and announce his retirement from ODIs. Steve Smith has stepped into the breach superbly, with Shane Watson recovering some form at last. More remarkable was the work done by the physios to ensure the Aussie pacemen stayed fit throughout, and each of them played a part in the nation's success.
I felt that if the Aussies were going to win the final they had to dismiss both Black Cap openers cheaply. In the event, four players were out for ducks but none more significant than Brendon McCullum. He was brilliantly bowled by a 93mph inswinging Starc yorker, but not sure if anyone could have dug that one out. Guptill and Williamson fell before the scoreboard read 40 and, while Grant Elliott stuck around for another 80+ score, the quicks did their job and bowled out the opposition with ten overs to spare.
Southee, Boult and Vettori have bowled NZ into the final but, apart from Finch's caught-and-bowled for zero, there was to be no repeat of the group stage heroics. Michael Clarke can retire with head, as well as World Cup, held high, scoring 74 from 72 balls, although James Faulkner's 3-36 earned the Player of the Match award.
As for the World Cup itself, I reckon it was another wonderful advert for the 50-over format. The huge tally of sixes will please the T20 fanatics but there was plenty to enjoy amongst the bowling fraternity and also those of us wanting to see the nations like Ireland and Afghanistan mixing it with the big boys - and England - in 2019.
So who comprises my team of the tournament?
My openers are Martin Guptill and Shikhar Dhawan. The New Zealander's 237 not out against the West Indies was just the icing on the cake and his captain McCullum's four rapid half-centuries came close to edging out the Indian, whose 137 against South Africa showed that ODI batting is not all about slogging the ball over cow corner. Chris Gayle thumped more sixes than anyone but apart from that 215 he was largely quiet.
Kumar Sangakkara is an obvious choice at number three thanks to his four consecutive centuries, also taking the gloves, and AB De Villiers again demonstrated why he is one of the greatest batmen of his generation. However my number four doesn't represent one of the top nations and didn't even reach the quarter-finals. Brendan Taylor of Zimbabwe accumulated 433 runs from his six matches, including successive hundreds against Ireland and India. His scoring rate of 107 was up there with the best, too. He may have occupied the fourth position but I think Mahmudullah's first two ODI centuries of his career were too important for him to be left out of the team.
It wasn't really a vintage World Cup for established all-rounders but I'll make an exception for Corey Anderson. His wickets tended to be expensive but his 231 runs at more than a run a ball provide ample compensation, and gave New Zealand great impetus in the latter stages of a few innings.
Daniel Vettori hasn't played a lot of cricket in recent years but at 36 and recovered from injuries a-plenty, the former NZ captain was the top spinner of the World Cup. He played in all nine games, took 15 wickets at 20 apiece, conceding barely four runs an over. Despite the talents of Mitchell Johnson and Wahab Riaz, two other left-arm quicks led the wicket-taking league. Trent Boult's seam and swing were critical in the Black Caps' success, but Mitchell Starc's extra pace and place on the winner's podium won him the Player of the Tournament award despite both claiming 22 scalps.
Umesh Yadav enjoyed a productive set of games in the latter stages, pipping team-mate Mohammed Shami to the Eleven thanks to his marginally superior wicket tally. Both proved many people, myself included, wrong about the quality of Indian seamers, but it wasn't enough to beat the eventual champions in the semi-final.
In summary, hats off to Guptill (NZ), Dhawan (Ind), Sangakkara (SL, +), Taylor (Zim), De Villiers (SA *), Mahmudullah (Ban), Anderson (NZ), Vettori (NZ), Starc (Aus), Boult (NZ), Yadav (Ind).
Above all, hats off to Australia and New Zealand for co-hosting a successful tournament as well as providing the two best teams. ICC, take note: don't ruin a winning format!
Sunday, 22 March 2015
Quarter-Finals go with form, but can both hosts reach the Final?
More World Cup matches, more records, but the organiser would be more relieved that the big four progressed to the semi-finals. It wasn't all about the batsmen either, as the bowlers were in the ascendancy at Sydney and Adelaide.
The Aussies gave short shrift to Pakistan. It was Josh Hazlewood's turn to take four wickets, before Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Shane Watson applied the coup de grace with the bat. The scoreboard doesn't show the nasty sledging aimed by the Aussie fielders at Wahab Riaz, nor the magnificent fast bouncers delivered by a fired-up Riaz in response to Watson. Both were fined but nevertheless it was Watson who had the last laugh, ending not out and remaining in the competition.
New Zealand continued their serene procession, thanks mainly to Martin Guptill's second-half blitz on the West Indian quicks. The opener shattered Chris Gayle's newly-notched World Cup record score on his way to 237, and poor Andre Russell very nearly went for a century of runs against his name. Gayle started as ferociously as the situation demanded, thumping eight sixes but once Milne bowled him, the game was effectively over. Trent Boult added four more wickets to his tally and Jason Holder's men were on their way home.
Earlier, there had been a rare day in the sun for South Africa's spinners, JP Duminy and Imran Tahir in the first quart-final. After Abbott and Steyn had removed both Sri Lankan openers cheaply, even Kumar Sangakkara could not muster a run every two balls and his side slumped to 133 all out. Not even the South Africans cold throw away such a commanding position but Quinton De Kock struck twelve boundaries to make sure.
In the other match, India maintained their unbeaten run and ended Bangladesh's extended World Cup adventure by 109 runs. Rohit Sharma's excellent 137 did the early damage before Yadav led the attack superbly. Ten more wickets, all bar one down to catches, and India are still looking a great all-round outfit rather than talented batsmen and fielders hoping to win by sheer volume of runs.
But now they face the host nation, and it'll be an interesting clash between the two sets of passionate fans, too, at the SCG on Thursday. Sydney may have witnessed a Sri Lankan meltdown this week but you can't forget the huge first innings totals racked up by the Proteas and Green Baggies against West Indies and Sri Lanka in the group stages. The toss will be a good one to win, although both teams are capable of pacing a run chase.
NZ v SA will be a fascinating encounter, too. I'd love to see McCullum's team reach their first ever World Cup Final but then, of course, neither of these two have yet won the trophy. Eden Park has witnessed two exciting contests, South Africa's narrow defeat by Pakistan and the Black Caps' single-wicket spine-tingler against the Aussies, so there may not be any batting records tumbling in this one. Both teams boast a first-class attack, while AB De Villiers and Brendon McCullum can tear bowlers apart in the right conditions.
I'd like to see India v New Zealand in the final but somehow I reckon Australia v South Africa is the more likely, with Watson or Warner coming to blows with Dale Steyn, both sides banned and the trophy presented to Ireland..... Maybe not, but I can see Michael Clarke as the man accepting the trophy and delivering the victor's speech.
The Aussies gave short shrift to Pakistan. It was Josh Hazlewood's turn to take four wickets, before Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Shane Watson applied the coup de grace with the bat. The scoreboard doesn't show the nasty sledging aimed by the Aussie fielders at Wahab Riaz, nor the magnificent fast bouncers delivered by a fired-up Riaz in response to Watson. Both were fined but nevertheless it was Watson who had the last laugh, ending not out and remaining in the competition.
New Zealand continued their serene procession, thanks mainly to Martin Guptill's second-half blitz on the West Indian quicks. The opener shattered Chris Gayle's newly-notched World Cup record score on his way to 237, and poor Andre Russell very nearly went for a century of runs against his name. Gayle started as ferociously as the situation demanded, thumping eight sixes but once Milne bowled him, the game was effectively over. Trent Boult added four more wickets to his tally and Jason Holder's men were on their way home.
Earlier, there had been a rare day in the sun for South Africa's spinners, JP Duminy and Imran Tahir in the first quart-final. After Abbott and Steyn had removed both Sri Lankan openers cheaply, even Kumar Sangakkara could not muster a run every two balls and his side slumped to 133 all out. Not even the South Africans cold throw away such a commanding position but Quinton De Kock struck twelve boundaries to make sure.
In the other match, India maintained their unbeaten run and ended Bangladesh's extended World Cup adventure by 109 runs. Rohit Sharma's excellent 137 did the early damage before Yadav led the attack superbly. Ten more wickets, all bar one down to catches, and India are still looking a great all-round outfit rather than talented batsmen and fielders hoping to win by sheer volume of runs.
But now they face the host nation, and it'll be an interesting clash between the two sets of passionate fans, too, at the SCG on Thursday. Sydney may have witnessed a Sri Lankan meltdown this week but you can't forget the huge first innings totals racked up by the Proteas and Green Baggies against West Indies and Sri Lanka in the group stages. The toss will be a good one to win, although both teams are capable of pacing a run chase.
NZ v SA will be a fascinating encounter, too. I'd love to see McCullum's team reach their first ever World Cup Final but then, of course, neither of these two have yet won the trophy. Eden Park has witnessed two exciting contests, South Africa's narrow defeat by Pakistan and the Black Caps' single-wicket spine-tingler against the Aussies, so there may not be any batting records tumbling in this one. Both teams boast a first-class attack, while AB De Villiers and Brendon McCullum can tear bowlers apart in the right conditions.
I'd like to see India v New Zealand in the final but somehow I reckon Australia v South Africa is the more likely, with Watson or Warner coming to blows with Dale Steyn, both sides banned and the trophy presented to Ireland..... Maybe not, but I can see Michael Clarke as the man accepting the trophy and delivering the victor's speech.
Monday, 15 August 2011
Player of the Week: Alastair Cook
I normally shy away from awarding my Player of the Week award to the same person twice in a season, but Alastair Cook's marathon innings simply cannot be ignored. Nevertheless, he faced some strong opposition this week.
In southern Africa, Zimbabwe continued to look the part against a lacklustre Bangladeshi team. In two ODIs, they made short work of Shakib's side, with Brian Vetori taking five cheap wickets in both games and Vusi Sabanda making bucketfuls of runs. In Sri Lanka, it's been a good week for Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Mitch Johnson and the whole Aussie team in their ODI series.
Domestically, Darren Stevens has been at it again, taking a career-best match aggregate off 11-70 in Kent's Championship demolition of Surrey. In the same match, his skipper Rob Key produced one of his grittier performances, carrying his bat for 102, but as it turned out Stevens and James Tredwell made that century less important by skittling out the visitors for 104. Wes Durston and Martin Guptill made excellent centuries for Derbyshire and Dmitri Mascarenhas took 6 wickets to give Hampshire their first Championship win of the season against leaders Durham in a game reduced to one innings apiece by rain and forfeited innings. In the Division Two top-of-the-table clash, more than 200 runs for Chris Rogers of Middlesex ensured Northants didn't extend their lead.
In the CB40 ties, 718 runs were scored at Horsham, the majority made by the home side. Ed Joyce and Joe Gatting shared a club-best opening stand of 210, then Worcestershire's Moeen Ali made an decent fist of chasing 400 to win, crashing 20 fours and seven sixes in a score of 158, but his team mates couldn't provide enough support. Martin Guptill struck another century for Derbyshire against Yorkshire and on any other week, the New Zealander would have taken my Player of the Week award.
However, the England opener nicks it for his mammoth 294 against poor India. It was only the second longest England innings in Test history and one of the highest scores. He should not apologise for being irritated at missing out on a 'triple' although I appreciated his rueful grin as he left the pitch. Others may have been cursing and swishing their bat in frustration.
That sums up Cook very well. A seemingly quiet, patient bloke who bats in the same style. If you don't need to whack the ball to the boundary, then don't. Save the aggressive strokes for the bad balls. The nudges, flicks and carves for ones and twos are just as damaging to the bowling side.
Alastair's Test average briefly topped 50 before his dismissal at Edgbaston, putting him right up there with the Pontings, Tendulkars and Jayawardenes of this world. However, unlike that brilliant trio, Cook is only 26 and on the rise. His Ashes and summer runs have elevated him to no.3 in the world rankings, pushing poor Sachin down to fourth, and he has the temperament not to sit back and wallow in his new-found fame. That's not the Essex way! I certainly wouldn't bet against him taking another Player of the Week award before the year is out.
In southern Africa, Zimbabwe continued to look the part against a lacklustre Bangladeshi team. In two ODIs, they made short work of Shakib's side, with Brian Vetori taking five cheap wickets in both games and Vusi Sabanda making bucketfuls of runs. In Sri Lanka, it's been a good week for Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Mitch Johnson and the whole Aussie team in their ODI series.
Domestically, Darren Stevens has been at it again, taking a career-best match aggregate off 11-70 in Kent's Championship demolition of Surrey. In the same match, his skipper Rob Key produced one of his grittier performances, carrying his bat for 102, but as it turned out Stevens and James Tredwell made that century less important by skittling out the visitors for 104. Wes Durston and Martin Guptill made excellent centuries for Derbyshire and Dmitri Mascarenhas took 6 wickets to give Hampshire their first Championship win of the season against leaders Durham in a game reduced to one innings apiece by rain and forfeited innings. In the Division Two top-of-the-table clash, more than 200 runs for Chris Rogers of Middlesex ensured Northants didn't extend their lead.
In the CB40 ties, 718 runs were scored at Horsham, the majority made by the home side. Ed Joyce and Joe Gatting shared a club-best opening stand of 210, then Worcestershire's Moeen Ali made an decent fist of chasing 400 to win, crashing 20 fours and seven sixes in a score of 158, but his team mates couldn't provide enough support. Martin Guptill struck another century for Derbyshire against Yorkshire and on any other week, the New Zealander would have taken my Player of the Week award.
However, the England opener nicks it for his mammoth 294 against poor India. It was only the second longest England innings in Test history and one of the highest scores. He should not apologise for being irritated at missing out on a 'triple' although I appreciated his rueful grin as he left the pitch. Others may have been cursing and swishing their bat in frustration.
That sums up Cook very well. A seemingly quiet, patient bloke who bats in the same style. If you don't need to whack the ball to the boundary, then don't. Save the aggressive strokes for the bad balls. The nudges, flicks and carves for ones and twos are just as damaging to the bowling side.
Alastair's Test average briefly topped 50 before his dismissal at Edgbaston, putting him right up there with the Pontings, Tendulkars and Jayawardenes of this world. However, unlike that brilliant trio, Cook is only 26 and on the rise. His Ashes and summer runs have elevated him to no.3 in the world rankings, pushing poor Sachin down to fourth, and he has the temperament not to sit back and wallow in his new-found fame. That's not the Essex way! I certainly wouldn't bet against him taking another Player of the Week award before the year is out.
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