Jonathan Trott replaces Ravi Bopara for Oval Test

Jonathan Trott of Warwickshire is replacing Ravi Bopara in the fifth and final test to be played in Oval on Thursday. Trott is expected to play in middle order with his follow county man Ian Bell. Monty Panesar too might get a definite chance to pair with Graeme Swann.

England selectors were much convinced with the performances of Trott and Bell in the Warwickshire match against Nottinghamshire by scoring centuries. That means prospects of Mark Ramprakash and Robert Key playing the Oval Test is becoming null. It is understood Ashley Giles who played key role in their inclusion in to the team as he himself is the director of cricket for Warwickshire.

Another key thing for England is Andrew Flintoff right knee is improving and all set to play in Oval. He might come in place of Graham Onions. Onions have so far done well but lacking swinging deliveries like James Anderson.

England Squad for Oval Test:

1 Andrew Strauss (captain), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Ian Bell, 4 Paul Collingwood, 5 Jonathan Trott, 6 Matt Prior (wk), 7 Andrew Flintoff, 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 James Anderson, 11 Steve Harmison, 12 Monty Panesar, 13 Graham Onions, 14 Ryan Sidebottom.

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.

Andrew Flintoff yet to prove his fitness for Headingley Test

Andrew Flintoff is yet to prove his fitness for the fourth Test in Headingley that start today. It seems Flintoff have struggled with knees while bowling in nets. Even Andrew Strauss acknowledged that the key alrounder is 100 percent fit.

Flintoff’s presence is very vital for England chance of regaining Ashes. England bowled magnificently in the second test and lead England to victory. In the just concluded third test, though he went wicket-less, excelled with the bat by top-scoring in England’s innings. He made vital 70 runs.

Andrew Flintoff’s condition would be discussed today afternoon and his opinion would also be on board along skipper and coach’s opinion. Skipper Strauss told they want to win either one of the two Tests and never would have defensive approach.

Graeme Swann cherishes the delivery bowled to Ponting

England spinner Graeme Swann told that the delivery bowled to Australian skipper Ricky Ponting is very satisfying and best in his international career. Swann is cherishing that delivery a lot and never tire of speaking about that and to even his grandchildren. Taking a wicket of Australia’s best batsman and skipper is very special, he added.

He claims that he manages to bowl 3 or 4 times through the gate every season and getting Ponting wicket was very important especially when England was pushing for the wicket on fourth day.

On explaining about the delivery, he told that he was bowling decent line to him. In the last ball of the over, he got drift away in the air and then turned it sharply to Ponting. He told he used the rough created Mitchell Johnson on the other end.

Meanwhile, Giles Clarke appealed to the England crowd not to boo Ricky Ponting during the 4th test at Headingley. It is understood that Edgbaston crowed has boo wooed Ricky Ponting and players. Marcus North played it down saying it is normal during Ashes tour. It will be same if England teams Australia. Significantly, Ricky Ponting got a standing ovation at Edgbaston, when he became highest test run scorer.

Welcome to my blog on English cricket

The great game of cricket has been invented by England. English crcket is having it rich tradition and they always strict to the old orthodox method of playing the game. This cricket blog would exclusively carries information on English cricket. When it comes to English cricket, the first thing that would strike on our mind is Ashes. Yes! Ashes matches would be extinsively covered.

Apart from Ashes, county cricket, England's statistics and records on Tests, ODI and T20, World cup achievements, news on their cricket players would also be covered. Lords ground in England is seen as 'home of cricket' and England proudly carries various other world-class cricket grounds. News on those traditional grounds would be captured.

Enjoy the royal and traditional cricket of ENGLAND...Here it goes !!!