Door opens for Morgan and Hussey
I previously questioned why squads had to be limited in number and said it wasn't good for the World Cup that Eoin Morgan and Mike Hussey wouldn't be gracing the latter stages of the tournament. Well, it seems fate has conspired to allow them both their chance and Hussey describes it as "a dream come true".
Morgan is getting his chance following Pietersen's withdrawal due to a hernia. Pietersen isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I think his withdrawal is a huge blow. His batting is good enough that in the latter stages of the tournament he would have had the capability to win the game single-handedly, as Adam Gilchrist did in the 2007 final. But on top of that, his bowling should always have been a key part of England's strategy in this World Cup and he's being replaced by a non-bowler. Pietersen's bowling was quality yesterday and he was extremely unlucky not to have wickets to add to his economy rate of 3.75 in 8 overs, particularly the missed stumping.
England's best team now is: Strauss, Bopara, Trott, Bell, Morgan, Prior, Collingwood, Bresnan, Swann, Broad, Anderson. And Bopara needs to bowl.
6 comments:
I thought Pietersen's bowling was ok too, but Boycott didn't, I distinctly remember him calling it 'filth' during the commentary yesterday.
I agree it's a blow to England though, although having Morgan back does offset it somewhat. He won't have picked up a bat in anger in a while though, and that was in very different conditions, so I wonder how effective he can be expected to be right away?
I've learnt to ignore most of what Boycott says! I yearn for the day they remove him from TMS and he takes the money in India....
I actually think that if you can get past all the hyperbole, the chat about 'my grandmother could do better' etc... he is still quite insightful at times, especially when talking about batting. It does somewhat depend on what mood he's in, and how well he is marshalled by whoever is alongside him.
I wouldn't go that far, but I know what you mean. He sometimes has those moments where he knows he's going too far and losing objectivity, but seems to revel in it and knowingly take it as far as he can.
I just want someone to call his bluff and tell him that if those moments continue, they'll find someone else that is objective.
I agree with that, it seems to be a common problem in the media in general - pundits reach a point at which they become aware of their own image and from then on it's a battle to stop them playing up to it.
Boycott's day is gone and the same applies to Blofeld. Egos far too big>
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