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| Ajmal Shahzad |
Poor technology for umpires, a resting captain, a lack of runs - SkySports pundit David Lloyd has plenty to get off his chest.
Michael Vaughan had very kindly given me some Dunhill golf shirts, so I distributed them to the lads and they were gratefully received. He didn't give me any of his Louis Vuitton handbag man bags though... Freelance Fred should be sorting me out with one of those from Dubai.
I had some good banter on the golf courses of South Africa with Vaughan. It was a good series. I didn't play well in the final game, but overall I'd give myself six out of 10.
I'm not sure the England team would mark themselves quite so high after the final Test. You could tell Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower were very annoyed by the performance, particularly on the last day.
I know these lads like stats and it's alarming that we don't have anybody higher than number 16 in the ICC rankings. We simply don't get enough runs.
These lads want to be up there in the top five, but they need to improve mentally. They can all play and if you can get to 80 you can get to 200. They need to learn how to bat long. I've said it before, we don't score enough runs collectively and that always puts the bowlers under pressure.
I don't think we need changes, the best players are in the team, but I am pleased to see Michael Carberry and Ajmal Shahzad brought in to freshen things up.
Carberry has played for three clubs and has never been put off by being turned down. He's a late developer and has come of age as a player.
He's a wonderful fielder and a big strapping lad - although when I've had brief chats with him in the past I've told him: "You can't hit tens." He sometimes tries to burst the ball and he maybe needs to bring a bit of finesse into his game, but I hope he does well because he's been so determined throughout his career.
The exciting pick is Shahzad. He's quick enough, he can bat and he's got attitude. Everybody I speak to reckons he's the business. As for the business with the captain... I just don't get it.
He should go to Bangladesh. Why does a batsman need to be rested? He doesn't play Twenty20 and yet it appears he's knackered. They say this will stand him in good stead for Australia. They've made a decision, they've stuck to their guns and all I can do is comment on that. Well I'm sorry. I just can't see how missing out on Bangladesh will have any bearing on what he does against Australia.
I used to play a bit of cricket and all I wanted to do was get out there and bat. These lads are only in the game for about 15 years and I think you've got to take full advantage.
I completely understand the need to rotate the bowlers, but I can't fathom why a batsman needs a rest. Remember, this is a captain who has often talked about the need for continuity.
I can't offer any excuses because I just have a complete blind spot over this.
Overall, coming home from South Africa with a 1-1 draw is a good result.
Everybody will be quick to say they did it by the skin of their teeth - twice - but we won the one-day series 2-1 and we managed to scrape a draw in the Tests. In soccer terms, the opposition were better but we managed to go away from home and get a result. -Cricket365 |
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