Alec Stewart favors Ravi Bopara

Former English Player Alec Stewart has warned England selectors not to ignore completely in the lines of Mark Ramprakash who have dropped for umpteen number of times. He advised selectors that Ravi based on his form can be dropped from the England side for the last Ashes Test but treating him like Ramprakash is not correct.

Ravi Bopara have clearly struggled in Ashes series and all set to be axed from the team. Stewart sees lot of potential in him and looking forward to watch him play for another 10 plus in international arena. He argues talents like Ravi Bopara and Mark Ramprakash are in English county cricket.

Significantly, Mark Ramprakash, 39, perform exceedingly well in county and England selector’s eye is on him. But he was left playing in county cricket for seven years by now. Marcus Trescothick who was in thick of news of making a comeback is likely to be ignored.

Marcus Trescothick can be brought back in says Somerset CEO

England’s huge loss in Headingley has created widespread criticisms in England. There were general opinion among fans and former players to replace under-performing players with the players who are top in county cricket like Marcus Trescothick and Mark Ramprakash.

Marcus Trescothick, 33, left handed opener has returned from Australia before the start of Ashes tour 2006-2007 due to stress-related disorder. But he is leading English batsman in their domestic circuit and scored 1,130 runs in 18 matches at an average of 78 plus so far in this season. Trescothick also cracked 14 centuries at international level. Mark Ramprakash playing for Surrey showing his top form for three years and averages more than hundred. Ramprakash is also having good average of 42.40 against Australians.

Other than Trescothick and Ramprakash, Robert Key and Jonathan Trott are also front-runners to get a selection.

Australians are back in their winnings ways by beating England by an innings and 80 runs

There is a saying, “Giants cannot be kept quiet for long”. Australians not in verge of things, played like true champions as they cannot be kept quiet silent for long. Australia, undoubtedly one of the power houses in the cricket world was back with the bang. They have beaten England comprehensively by an innings and 80 runs in the 4th Ashes test at Headingley.

This victory means that they have not only leveled the series 1-1 but also given a chance for them to retain the Ashes. Right from the day one, Australians dominated the proceedings and played like a true champions. To start with, they have restricted England to paltry 102 in the first innings in which Peter Siddle took 5 for just 21.

Australia batted well in their first innings to score 445 runs and given a huge first innings lead of 343. Marcus North scored a brilliant century and created partnerships with Michael Clarke who himself missed a century by 7 runs. Ricky Ponting too batted well to score 71. As Ponting expected, make-shift opener Shane Watson hit useful 51. Stuart Broad lone English bowled excelled by taking 6 for 91 runs.

England started off well in their second innings before Hilfenhaus and Johnson started their rampage act. Skipper Andrew Strauss scored 32 and got lbw to Hilfenhaus and Ravi Bopara went lbw for a duck to Hilfenhaus again. Then Johnson who was projected as a strike bowler peaked at the right time. In no time, he has removed Alaistair Cook for 30, Ian Bell for 3 and Paul Collingwood for 4.

Resuming 82 for five in the third day, England again had a nightmarish start. Night watchman James Anderson edged the third ball of Hilfenhaus and Ponting at slip grabbed it. Matt Prior who scored 22 fell to outswinger of Hilfenhaus and Haddin took a brilliant catch behind. Then Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann came in to act. Broad and Swann forged an aggressive partnership. They have scored 100 runs in 73 balls. Broad sweetly timed the ball and scored boundaries continuously. Graeme Swann too was in hammering mood. They both have reduced margin of defeat. But defeat is always in the cards since 2 more days left. Broad utilized the catches dropped by Aussies. Finally he fell to Siddle for 61 runs caught by Watson at deep square leg. Then Swann and Onions got out to Johnson after interval. It was all over for England in less than 3 days. Johnson ran in to form by taking five wickets for 69.

Andrew Flintoff puts Ashes higher than IPL and world cup

English alrounder Andrew Flintoff have told that he rates as an Englishman Ashes rivalry against Australia is ultimate thing, even better than world cup or IPL. Playing for England in Ashes for these five weeks is been best. But Flintoff prematurely announced his test retirement owing to continuous injuries. He told in last four years, two years has been spent in rehabilitation.

Flintoff recalled great players, great contests and tradition involved in Ashes. He further recalled Edgbaston crowd’s noise was amazing, the ground is fully packed, we have to just with it and enjoy, veteran alrounder added.

Flintoff who have starred in Ashes 2005 England win, have done well in Edgbaston too to gain a lead. He is looking forward to lift Ashes for England before he leaves the team.