My Verdict: The cream always rises to the top..

England retained the Ashes in Melbourne into the early hours of this morning (GMT) and what a way to do it.

Andrew Strauss's boys emphatically won by an innings plus, totally destroying Australia in the process. Fittingly, Tim Bresnan weighed in with 4-50, picked ahead of beanpole bowler Steven Finn, showing why he can do the business in the bowling department.

'Bres' took the final wicket of Ben Hilfenhaus to skittle the hosts to 258 all out (Ryan Harris absent hurt).

This is the first time England have won 'down under' since Mike Gatting's heroes did the job 24 years ago, and this was no better time to win here than any other before.

Currently four Tests now played, England humiliated Australia at the MCG. Bowled out for 98 on Day One, the game was lost by an innings and 157 runs, with the press calling for Ponting's resignation after losing 3 of the last 4 Ashes series.

Roll back five years ago, and the nPower Ashes Test was well under way. Ricky Ponting was skipper for this one, leading the likes of Hayden, Langer, Martyn, Gilchrist, Warne, Lee and McGrath. Legends of yesteryear, who all at once, went in one clump. Here, lead by Michael Vaughan, enjoyed our very own heroes. Flintoff most notably amongst Hoggard, Harmison, opened with Trescothick and followed by by Strauss himself. Now known as the 'Greatest Test Series, Ever', England won 3-2, with the following year with the return fixture, and this was one to forget for newly appointed skipper, Andrew Flintoff.Oh how we took a hammering. Warne claimed Collingwood as his 700th Test victim, Ponting wrecked havoc amongst England's bowlers, consistently scoring hundreds. McGrath on-song as per, followed up by Brett Lee's devastating pace, with the exception of the 551 scored in the Second Test, England failed to get close to Australia's standards.

Fast forward to 2009, and everything changes. Australia came to England with the urn, currently going through a process of changes. McGrath retired in 2007 after the ICC World Cup, Shane Warne hung up his bowling boots a year later in 2008, and the Ashes winning team of 2002/3 and 2006/7 soon went altogether, allowing fresh crop of players to come to the forefront of the International stage. Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Phillip Hughes, even Mike Hussey, one of the older-heads of the group were allowed to open his wings. Ponting's job became harder. He didn't have the 'Golden Generation' to help come up with the goods. Here, the responsibility became twice as hard. Nontraditional in the Ashes Test schedule sense, the First Test was held in Cardiff, historically, and not Lords. It didn't disappoint.

Dramatically - not as exciting as 2005, but in terms of getting on over the Aussie's, this was equivalent as the last Ashes here. They wouldn't of thought so at the time, but it was pretty inevitable to say which way Aussie's were going.

Unlike England, Australia didn't nurture young with the old, bedding them in on the big scene, learning from the best. Instead, the ACB decided to stick it out for as long as possible, sitting on top of the world, and thinking of the present and living off the past. What they hadn't realised was, Steve and Mark Waugh wasn't around. Neither were the greats - Hayden, Langer and Warne and co. Albeit, they thought that the next generation of cricketers can emulate these legends, and a term used NOT out of context. This was misunderstood, as it will be probably impossible to achieve what these have achieved, winning Ashes series after another, dominating world cricket in every format possible. However, England went the right way about it. When Vaughan retired, another was waiting in the wings. Step forward Alastair Cook, who hit a masterful 200+ at Chelmsford, Essex, ironically versus the Aussies in 2005. Cook, despite a bad run of form prior to the 2010 Ashes, is currently the leading run scorer now, ahead of Mike Hussey, and showing his true, potential talent. When Hoggard hadn't been selected, Stuart Broad was waiting in the wings. The trend was was rotational. Future stars were tried, not necessarily dumped, but just gaining that extra little bit more help and advice in what will make them quality players.

In stark contrasts to our rivals, our policy has paid off. Success wasn't instant, but within itself, it was eventual that we would become successful. The cream always rises to the top as they say, and England have had their just rewards.

Cook in his first Test, hit a patient 67 and surprised many with a world-class 235 not out currently on 577 tour runs so far, with one to play. Trott, not really a youngster, and as Atherton described him after retaining the Ashes, "the babe of the team", quite inexperienced, but a very stubborn number 3. He has settled in nicely at 3, playing an anchor role, frustrating the bowlers and not showing much weakness. Trott averages 111.25, scoring 445 runs, one place behind Hussey.

Stuart Broad, in his first Ashes series 'down under', fell unfortunately to an injury, that forced him to go back home after playing two tests. Despite being fairly economical, he averaged at 80. However, he didn't have chance to bowl at Perth and Melbourne, and the final one in Sydney, so to call his game wouldn't be fair. Broad has so many exciting years ahead of him, and will have many more chances to go back to Australia, and continue retaining the Ashes.

England have never really had a consistent spin bowler. Robert Croft has tried; to a certain extent, Monty Panesar has tried, but not gone; we can even look back to Richard Dawson who went to Australia last time around; but no one has come as close than what Graeme Swann has over the past couple of years. His performances has made him a cult hero, even his Sprinkler dance on  Swanny's Diary has become something special. Nonetheless, he has been outstanding. Swann has 13 series wickets now, and despite his average being 37.30, he has took vital and important wickets, those mainly being Hussey, his former Northamptonshire team mate many moons ago.

Steven Finn emerged as a hot prospect for the future with fantastic tours to Bangladesh and a home series versus Pakistan, Finn found himself on the plane to Australia, deservedly. Although he was tactically dropped, not just because of his expensive spells, Finn has 14 wickets to his name, behind Jimmy Anderson on 17. This boy has so much talent. A young body with an old head, he knows what he is doing. He will have learned so much from this, and this isn't the end of the tour yet for Finn. He can still contribute to a vast amount of games.

On the other hand, Australia are having to go through a transitional period, chopping and changing. Knee-jerk reactions and high amount of demands, Australia are faltering in more ways than one. Ponting has come under severe amount of pressure, losing the previous series to India, and most recently not regaining the Ashes from England. The Aussie's have seen a large amount of players come and go, and not performing when needed.

Changes are imminent as well as inevitable. As well as the players on the field, it could also mean changes behind the scenes. Ponting must take the fall for this more so than anyone. He has been allowed to select his own players who he has felt that could do the job, and failed..massively.

Just as so, Ponting has took full responsibility for losing the Ashes. He still has the chance to restore some pride in the Aussie camp, levelling the series in Sydney, but no matter what the result is, the critics will be on the case more than ever now. He has endured a disastrous series, scoring a lowly 113 runs at 16.14 in eight innings. This form suggests and asks questions of his place in the squad, let alone his captaincy abilities. I've always backed Ponting, as a  world-class player. His statistics don't lie, he's averaging well over 50 and scored an astonishing 12300+ runs. But, in modern day cricket, you are vulnerable to the worst if you fail to perform. And Ponting has struggled.

So where do they go from here? It's all in the air. But, if someone of Steve Waugh's calibre questions your authority, then you are in the brown stuff. Ponting is set to sit down with the ACB and discuss the future. He has too much pride to continue playing if he has been stripped of the captaincy. Personally, I can not see him continuing if this is the case. The chances of him carrying on AFTER the Fifth Test are slim.

It's a long and winding road for the Aussie's. As an Englishman, it's a pleasure to see them fall beneath us, but for a neutral of the game, it'd be nice to see Ponting recapture his form that has seen him become one of the best number 3's in the world.

The Ashes - statistics.

In this special Christmas Day blog, I look at all the stats and figures between two massive cricket rivals, and in the world of sport.

Currently, to start things off, as well know, the series is tied at 1-1. After drawing the First Test, England took the Second Test and drew first blood. To secure the Ashes and to bring home that famous little urn, England only need one more win. Traditionally known as the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, England's record in MCG isn't a good omen for Strauss and co, but going into the Ashes as favourites, they can go into this Test very confident, despite losing the Third Test. Since the 1990 Ashes Series Down Under, England's record is abysmal; winning only once in 1998, and losing the rest (1990, 1994, 2002 and 2005), each being heavy defeats.

Here, I look at individual stats on players in this years Ashes Series Down Under:

Mike Hussey currently tops this years highest run scorers list, hitting 517 runs in five innings. Incredibly, 'Mr Cricket' has an average of 103.40 with an highest score of 195. Hussey went into this year's Ashes under form, and under fire of his position, with pundits and fans-alike questioning his place. Hussey has responded in fine manner. Technically correct, and forming a very strong partnership with wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, Hussey has become a brick wall for the English bowling attack, becoming a stubborn batsman and at most times, helping his skipper Ricky Ponting out of a very big hole, in which he has consistantly dug himself into. In his previous ten Test outings, including the Series versus India,  Pakistan and New Zealand, Hussey, going into the Ashes 2010/11, had an average of 28.55, which by an Australian point of view, is not healthy no matter who your opponent is. He recorded only one not out versus Pakistan at Lords, scoring 56. Only 67 was his previous highest in the last ten innings, and this was versus New Zealand in Hamilton earlier this year.

Alastair Cook was also another player to be questioned, but for the English. Cook made a name for himself for Essex in Australia's tour match at Chelmsford. Cook has been on the fringes of the England Test side, but never quite broke in until the English selectors recognised his marvellous 214. However, this year has saw Cook struggling for form in all forms of cricket. Also looking back on Cook's past ten knocks in the Test arena, he also struggled. Only scoring 226 runs in ten innings at an average of 22.6, Cook's highest score was 110 versus Pakistan at The Oval in August this year. Selectors reviewed Cook, and decided to back him for the Ashes, returning the decision to select him with magnificent shows, scoring 450 runs in three innings, and one not out, at an average of 225. Despite his last two innings being less than 40, (32 and13), Cook has now become one of the series feared batsman, amongst Hussey, where the bookmakers have got made the highest run-scorer a two-horse race.

Tasmanian Ricky Ponting is not having the series that he really wanted. Despite going into the series on the back of three consecutive 70+ runs (71,72 and 77), Ponting's leadership has been thrown into doubt, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India 2-0. This was not a preparation the Aussie selectors would of liked, going into the Ashes series below England in the ICC Test Rankings. However, facts does not lie, and Ponting's statistics prove why he is recognised as one of the worlds best batsman. An average of 53.85, he has scored 12,333 runs in Test cricket in a career spanning over 15 years. Ponting is no mug, regardless of whether the Barmy Army dislike him or not. Despite all this, he has come under some fierce scrutiny by legends and pundits, calling for Ponting to step down as captain, and allow someone like Michael Clarke to take over. With only one not out in this series, in the First Test in the fourth innings (51*), Ponting has scored a disastrous 31 runs in 5 innings, with his highest being 12 (twelve) in the Third Test in Perth. Only 10 (ten) was his previous high (excluding his 51*) in the past five innings, and in the world of cricket nowadays, especially in international cricket, your form can prove fatal if it doesn't improve, and Ponting must recognise this fact very soon, or he could find himself on the scrapheap with the likes of Darren Lehmann, Stuart MacGill and Michael Bevan.

Paceman Steven Finn of Middlesex enjoyed a summer season of cricket with England. Only 21 years of age, Finn made his debut versus Bangladesh in March 2010. As this Ashes series shows, Finn can be expensive as well as economical, and despite being the leading wicket taker Down Under, Finn has come under some criticism, and his place and has come in doubt for being too expensive. For the majority of this series, Finn has found his economy of his figures become above five for the majority of the time. He averages at 26.23 with a current best of 6/125 in an innings and a best match figures of 9/187 and having played only 11 Tests in his international career, to take 43 wickets only at 21 is very impressive. He has a lot to learn, and can only learn and improve with this Test series in Australia. Nonetheless, Finny as he known as by his colleagues, is a bright talent and could lead a very sharp, dangerous attack with potentially Stuart Broad and James Anderson.

Overall, this Ashes series just gets better and better. England won't roll over this like they have done over previous tours in Australia. Australia went into this series as second-best and behind England in the world rankings, but everything goes out of the window when the first ball is bowled. Statistics mean nothing, other than the fact that it is 1-1 going into the Boxing Day Test. England need one more win to win retain the Urn, but the Aussie's just seem to have gained momentum after winning the Third Test in Perth.

It's all to play for.

Merry Christmas to all.

Ton-up Tendulkar reaches milestone



 Sachin Tendulkar, affectionately known as 'the little master' reached another landmark in South Africa on Sunday, hitting his 50th Test match century, whilst surpassing 14,500 Test career runs.

India's most successful batsman couldn't prevent a defeat to the Proteas, but this wouldn't stop Tendulkar celebrating in style.

Eleven more centuries ahead than Australia's Ricky Ponting, Tendulkar, 37, may be at his twilight of his career, but he is an absolute joy to watch. Currently apart of the best Test nation in the world currently, dismissed his 50th ton as 'just a number', but to us cricket fans around the world, it is a remarkable achievement by any stretch of the imagination, and one that probably won't be reached for many years to come.

Tendulkar was only 16 when he made his Test debut in Karachi versus Pakistan in 1989 late in November, and it was only a few weeks later he was making his One Day International debut in December, in Gujranwala. (Obviously I wasn't born in 1989) But to make your TEST and ODI debut at the age of 16 is quite incredible. You must have some talent, and boy this is what he had.

He is the most feared batsman ever in the modern day. His technique is perfect. He has no weakness, no bad shots, no bad habits. Simply perfection.

India, and the world of cricket has been blessed with such special talent, and fortunately not overused in the world of cricket, the term simply defines Tendulkar.

The little master is up there with the greats of the game. Don Bradman, Brian Lara, today's players in Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting. But Tendulkar must top this list, if not top two, behind Bradman, who is believed to be the best the game has ever seen.

I have never, ever had the privilege to see Tendulkar in reality, but watching him on television, playing in series all over the world, whatever the format of the game, but you know when Tendulkar walks out to bat, you are destined to see a fine performance.

He probably has a few more years left in him, now at 37 years of age, and he isn't getting any younger, but his performances on the field haven't declined since he first took the field. Tendulkar has textbook written all over him, and for all the youngsters out there wanting to be a batsman, take note of him, learn his ways, because once he bows out of the game, you will see no one better than Tendulkar to learn from.

Another match fixing scandal leads to Pakistan 'keeper going AWOL..



Zulqarnain Haider quits International scene,
aged 24  (PA)





 It has been reported Zulqarnain Haider, Pakistan's wicket-keeper, and a rising star, has retired today, amidst fresh match-fixing scandals in Dubai, regarding the series between Pakistan and South Africa.

It was only Friday that 24-year old Haider, hit the winning runs in the One Day International versus their counterparts, only the flee the team hotel on Monday before the fifth match and final one of the series.

This dark cloud that loomed over Pakistan during their tour to England has seemed to re-appeared, but this time it has took a young professional to come out immediately and take action himself to prevent any further damage to the game. Earlier in the year, we saw Mohammed Asif, Mohammad Amir and Salman Butt all axed from the tour as a result of fixing play, which has now put the game under scrutiny, and after this, it now seems like this won't be the last of the scandal.

The wicket-keeper has reportedly quoted, ""It is best to retire from international cricket since my family and I are constantly getting threats."

On Friday, where allegedly the betting was took place, Pakistan beat South Africa by one wicket, and Zulqarnain hit the winning runs to draw the series level. However, he was told that to "cooperate with us, and you will make a lot of money."




Zulqarnain, (left), hits winning runs in the 4th ODI thriller
vs. South Africa. (BBC)


If these reports of Zulqarnain are true, that he will retire, then this is an absolute shame. At 24-years of age, he has many years ahead of him, and could become one of the best keepers in the world in a few years, but cheats and money forced him to seek political asylum in the UK.

How low has the game, that I personally love to play, and love to watch, become? Back to the England series, the three players involved were, and still are a disgrace to their country for allowing money to rule the game, and ruin the game.  Professionally wiser, and older than Zulqarnain, Butt and Asif should of took a leaf out of this young man's book, and allow cricket to come out on top. Despite Amir being 19, there is no doubt he has let everyone down, with such an exceptional talent, and a breath of fresh air in the game, he now has a reputation that will forever stay with him.

We would all love money. We would all love to have lots of money. I would. I'm not disputing that. But, to be playing cricket for your nation, you should show pride, and dignity, and be proud and no matter what is offered to you, you should NOT get involved in scandals such as this.

Zulqarnain is a massive credit to himself, and to stand up to foul and corrupt people behind this, shows great character about the Pakistani.

The ICC now need to take a massive stance against match-fixing.

This is not just recently, this has happened in the past.

Cronje was found out with links
to corruption. (Mail)

Former South African captain, Hanse Cronje, who died in a plane crash in 2002, was caught out match fixing, with admissions he had took bribes from bookmakers to 'provide information and fix matches'.

Granted immunity from prosecution, Cronje told the King Commission he received around $US140,000 from bookmakers, including $US110,000 from Gupta for information on team selection, daily forecasts and when he would declare against India at Cape Town in January 1997. He denied ever fixing the actual result of a match. He also admitted telling the South African team, before the Mohinder Amarnath benefit game at Mumbai in December 1996, that there was $US200,000 (some sources said $250,000) on the table if they played badly. The team actually debated whether to accept the money before rejecting it; no one reported the matter to the authorities.

- Hansie Cronje, cricinfo.com.



Azharuddin was banned for life. (TopNewsIn)






Ex-India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin was hit with a life time ban after being found guilty. He was found guilty of fixing three one day international matches after it was revealed he amongst three other cricketers had links with bookmakers.



These are two other major examples of corruption in cricket, and the ICC now have to find a way of clamping out, or at the least clamp down on this sorry state of affairs, and clean up the game of cricket, before it spirals out of control.

What most people consider this a 'gentleman's game', this game has now become a target for players like Zulqarnain, but the cricketing world now needs to follow in the footsteps of him, and take action before something serious happens.

The Ashes: Slump in form puts pressure on Ponting and Co..But don't dismiss Ponting as skip!



Australia have endured a torrid time of late.. (Cricinfo)



Australia are currently going through a slump in form, and one that you would rarely see from such a massive cricket nation. Ponting wants to end bad run.

Ricky Ponting's side have now lost seven matches in all forms of the game, and right now, it couldn't of come at a worse time. With the Ashes series just over a fortnight away, Ponting has got to arrest this slide, before his position and many of CB Australia's position becomes under scrutiny.

England's most famous rivals in cricket have been renowned for their most famous cricketing sons', such as Lillee, Chappell - long before I was born, players who have graced us and those I can remember watching at a young age, those of Steve and Mark Waugh, Gilchrist and Healy, Hayden and Langer, most recently, Glenn McGrath, and current captain Ricky Ponting, who himself has had the pressure of the Aussie public, calling for his head.

Legends McGrath, Warne and Ponting celebrate a five-nil Ashes Win..(PA)

But, who better than a level-headed professional, the most experienced in the side who has won the Ashes as captain, and as a player, producing memorable performances. Going back to the 2006-7 series in Australia. The First Test in Brisbane and what a way to start, in their first attempt to win back the Urn since losing it in England. Ponting lead from the front and produced a fantastic 196. Australia surpassed 600 before declaring, skittling out the tourists for 152, and winning the First Test by 277 runs. Brisbane First Test, 2006-7. In Adelaide for the Second test, again in their first innings, he destroyed England's bowlers, hitting a masterful 142 as he lead Australia to 513, despite being 38 runs behind, England failed in the second innings, giving Australia a very low target of 167 on the last day, and England went 2-0 behind. Adelaide Second Test, 2006-7. 

In the Third Test at Perth, England lost the Ashes. Ponting steered home this test with a 206 run victory, and despite only scoring 2 in the first innings, he helped guide the Aussies home with a 75 before getting out. England got it all wrong here down under, the last time they came, and Ponting along with his boys, Hayden, Langer, Clarke, McGrath and Clarke, they helped destroyed England and went on to record a 5-0 whitewash over the tourists. Perth Third Test, 2006-7.

Four years on, the golden oldies of this generation retired. Ponting, Clarke and Hussey are the most notable of the survivors from the last Ashes down under, and a whole new breed of players have grown, but haven't reached the heights of those that had the whole of the cricketing world fearing them. Brett Lee, one of many to retire from Test Cricket.

Now we see the likes of inexperienced Phil Hughes, Clint McKay, Nathan Hauritz to a certain extent. Australia, yesterday, crashed to their seventh defeat in their ODI vs. Sri Lanka. The Aussies of old, never lost to Sri Lanka on home turf, but how times have changed. OK, we still see Shane Watson and Mitchel Johnson, who in comparison with some of their current crop at the moment, are the older heads of the team, have not produced the goods that have had Australia tagged as the greatest nation of all time. Sri Lanka win 2nd ODI.

Murali celebrating yet ANOTHER wicket in Aus.. (Cricinfo)

On Wednesday, in the same fixture, Australia set 239 for Sri Lanka to chase. This was not a huge target, but a respectable one and one to bowl at. The Australians took the attack to them. Sri Lanka soon found themselves in real trouble. After being 84/4, the tourists went on to find themselves at 107/8. But your unlikely heroes would be Angelo Matthews and Lasith Malinga. At number 10, and with Australia having the upper hand, there should of been only one way this result was going, and it did NOT go to Australia. Matthews hit a wonderful 77 not out and shared in a 10th wicket partnership of 122 before Malinga (56 off 48 - six 4's and two 6's) was run out by Steven Smith caused the biggest upset in years, and one that Ponting would want to forget as soon as. Shock upset as Malinga and Matthews guides visitors home.

How can they stop this rot? It all goes back to basics, but the Ashes is not far now, and will somehow have to come up with something to prevent what could be an 8th and possibly 9th match defeat in succession in all competitions.

Ponting (right) will be looking to lead Hauritz (left) and co to Ashes Glory..(cricinfo).

But don't get rid of Ricky. If anyone, you want someone with a vast amount of experience in such an inexperienced squad, and this is where you need Ponting. At 35 years of age, Ponting has amassed 12,250 Test runs in 251 innings. In 148 matches, the Tasmanian born number three bat has an impressive average of 54.68. Hitting 39 centuries and 55 half centuries, if records are anything to go by, you can not dismiss Ponting for Australia's recent demise. His stats are outstanding, his records are unbelievable and his presence on this pitch is priceless.

England may be the favourites, and as an Englishman myself, I would love to see Strauss and the boys bring home the Urn, for the first time since Gatting brought it back in 1986/87. But as a neutral, I would love to see Australia bring back that form, that can devastate anyone, at any point. (But only after The Ashes).

Tradition or Change? Do we bring in two more officials for more accurate decisions?

Tradition plays an important part in all sports. In English football, most notably, a Saturday 3.00pm kick off is tradition. Playing at Wembley in a cup final – this is tradition. A referee and two linesmen in football has always been tradition. BUT, the introduction of two more officials on the pitch, you could consider this absurd. Introduction of five officials. Especially those who have been around to see  England’s 1966 World Cup Final  win for example, or Manchester United’s famous treble, where the thought of having two more officials would never be dreamt of in anyone’s wildest imaginations, but in today’s game, change is happening, and so is this.

Goal line controversies, the ball going out of play by the by touchline are some examples of the reason why this is happening. Who recalls the Pedro Mendes-Roy Carroll incident at Old Trafford. With the score at 0-0, watch this clip:

 

One of many incidents, where this was quite clearly a goal, the officials didn’t give this a goal..

Yep.. officiating at England’s top tier, and failing to identify this, is to be honest, abysmal.

Most recently, let’s go to Vicarage Road, home of Watford Football Club. In this Championship fixture, relatively new referee Stuart Attwell came under fire along with his colleagues for allowing this ‘ghost goal’ to count..

Watford vs. Reading–the goal that never was..

 

I’ll let you make your opinions of linesman Nigel Bannister and referee Stuart Attwell on that one..

But what I want to debate is, do we move on from tradition – banishing the idea of two more officials in today’s football at all or various levels, and continuing the three-official trend, or do we move on, accept change is happening in modern day football, and allow to believe that more officials are required to become more consistent in their performances, and see a decline in faults given.

For tradition, we shouldn’t have to force change. We should be able to rely on officials, to give the right decision and continue the trend set since football began as a professional sport. We shouldn’t have to request TV replays, in which this has been successful however, in cricket and tennis, for unsure decisions. Tradition is great for the game. We don’t and probably will never notice and acknowledge that tradition has been around for-ever.

On the other hand, it is probably what we see now, as a dying breed in the game. Inconsistency at the top level, to give correct decisions has become a liability now. The campaign ‘RESPECT’ for Referees, has been  a fail, massively. How can players respect referees, and trust them if they fail to see something which is so obvious to ANYONE? You can not tell me, we should still ‘respect’ referees if they give dubious decisions, horror calls and get away with it. Players are criticised for their performances, managers are criticised in their area of the game. But we are not allowed to barrack referees for failing to identify a goal for instance, or if the ball has run out of play, which leads to a goal? Respect, yes. Don’t abuse them, I am not promoting this, but maybe I feel it is time to bring in more officials. If anything, to protect referees as well as teams. Based on tradition in the previous paragraph, what could I defend? I couldn’t really, could I? My opinions are stacked up against tradition, and we must see consistency at all times now.

FIFA, UEFA and The FA – allow the introduction of more officials in the game. There you will see more respect for officials on their decisions, and and improved performance all round – providing they get the decision spot, the majority of the game.

(This is an open debate, if you decide to comment).

 

Hughton: Good job, but not good enough?



Speculation Hughton may be on his way out
(Guardian)



Chris Hughton has delivered instant success as manager of Newcastle United Football Club. Alright, it's not the Premier League title the club has craved for many, many years. It's not Champions League football, the standard of football the club of Newcastle's stature should be playing at but promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking is something not easy for anyone at any club, but Hughton has delivered success.

Managers' have come and gone at St. James', the late, great Sir Bobby Robson being the most outstanding name in recent history. But the majority have failed the reach expectations.

Ameobi celebrates one of his two goals in the Tyne-Wear
derby (BBC)

Here, Hughton's win percentage at Newcastle is fantastic. Prior to today's Tyne-Wear derby (Newcastle 5-1 Sunderland), Hughton's track record as manager is impressive. He took over in June 2009, when the Magpies were in the Championship, (Newcastle clinch title), after a dismal Premier League season and steered the club to a first place finish clinching the Championship title. Before this derby fixture, he has played 64 games, winning 38 and losing 11 of them. Drawing 15. His win percentage is well above 50. 59.38 it reads, and some of you reading this may think, "the majority of the games played were in the Championship". So? The Championship is one of the most toughest leagues to come across, maybe not the best, but the toughest! You only have to look at Leeds United's fall from the Premier League to League 1! (Leeds Relegation)

Currently, Newcatsle United sit in seventh place, played 10 games and have 14 points on the board. Newcastle played Arsenal in the League Cup and got hammered nil-four. Hughton fielded a weaker side, and all of a sudden there was media talk that he was on his way out! What a load of rubbish! (Rumours)

So if you was Hughton, what would you do? You're doing a fantastic job at one of the biggest clubs in England, you're seventh placed and the fans love you. You're settled. You've exceeded expectations already, but still insist on staying in the Premier League is top priority. You may lose your job.

Sam Allardyce, "Go to the owners, ask them to sort my contract out, and end speculation".
Yes that is an option. But you may hear something you don't want to hear. A new manager may have already been lined up, possibly, they are ready to come in on training on Monday..

Owner Mike Ashley (PA)

They have to think here. And think through this. Mike Ashley isn't exactly the most popular round Geordie land right now, he won't be doing himself any favours if he gets rid of Hughton. So if he gets rid of Hughton, they have to start all over again. You go from the bottom: the supporters - they would go ballistic! The 52,000 die hard Magpies turn out every week to support their beloved club, you lose them, you lose out on income. The players - they love working under Hughton, and a change of manager wouldn't help. You need the player's respect and they probably won't want to play under a new manager. The performances would drop, their league position would falter. So you then have another problem on your hands. He (Mike Ashley) can't afford to find himself and the club in dire straits again.

Everyone, under Chris Hughton, would benefit. The club, the fans, the players and himself would produce the goods. He's no Mourinho. He's no Ferguson. He's an household name in English football but over time you will see success at St James' again. Ashley can not afford to make a rash decision, but make the right one. That right decision would be to kill off any talk of a new manager and stabilise the club and it's position in the English Premier League.

Ashley and Hughton together, will he stay on? (Telegraph)

Roo-Turn..

Loyalty Means Nothing.

Ian Holloway, the media-friendly, fun loving Blackpool manager. Never one to shy away from the media, as we all know.

Earlier today (Friday), the Premier League manager expressed his anger and frustration of a few topics: player power and the Bosman ruling. Holloway's Rant.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, there is no doubt about that, but was 'Ollie' right to come out and slate Wayne Rooney and the FIFA/UEFA ruling over the Bosman transfer? Bosman Ruling.

Yes. I believe so. OK, so he has nothing to do with the situation but I feel he hit the nail on the head. The two main subjects in this were Sir Alex, and Rooney. Sir Alex has been the most successful manager English football has ever seen. He's won everything over his 24-year managerial career for Manchester United, and the recent headline to dominate the back pages was Rooney's desire to leave. Oh, and how he was taken for a mug. Publicly humiliated over the striker's fitness, Fergie found himself in an unwanted situation. He bought Rooney from Everton for a £30 million fee, and Rooney wanted out.

There is no doubt about it, Fergie has nurtured this young boy, to become one of the world's most deadliest players, and in return, Rooney wanted out. Fair enough, his contract was coming to an end, and maybe he wanted a change, but the lad is 24. There is nothing in the rule book to say, 'a player must stay to reward the faith the manager has shown in him'. Rooney does have a right to move if he wanted to, but what I'm about to write about is 'loyalty'.

Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs of Manchester United, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, both of Liverpool. They've defined loyalty. They've been at their clubs all of their football careers. They've all had opportunities to move, but they haven't. Maybe Rooney should follow suit. But loyalty means absolutely nothing in the modern game. To see a player last three years at a club could be considered a miracle. Money rules. Simple as.

Football is a business. Money is a major factor nowadays. If a club comes in for you, you consider money, naturally. Yes, you want the right deal, the right club, but wages and bonuses are probably the first thing a player would ask. "How much?" It was an honour to play for your football club. For Wayne, to play for Manchester United, it should be an honour, but before signing a new contract (five year deal until 2015), it wasn't ambitions that he chased, it was the money. Real Madrid was willing to offer something ridiculous, as was Manchester City (£300,000 p/w). Unreal, this really is out of this world.

But loyalty means nothing in the beautiful game today. You sign a long term contract such as a five year deal, you are expected to honour it and see it out. This doesn't happen anymore. Players' are clever, they know what they are doing. Within a couple of years, they can leave, and expect a three year pay off. I don't believe Rooney will stay for five years. Manchester City, Barcelona and Madrid will soon come in and tempt Rooney of a move away, and he WILL leave.

So what would of happened if Rooney went and didn't sign a new contract? A major football club would approach Rooney and Manchester United would get absolutely nothing for it. For Rooney's value, United for get nothing in return and how insulting would this of been for Rooney.

Thank God for United he did sign a deal, for the footballing purposes. He's a major asset in the club. A massive influence on everybody who plays for them. Roo Signs Contract.

So, on to the Bosman, yes I agree with Holloway. The Bosman ruling needs to be shut out, because you can snatch a player from a club without paying absolutely anything for him, and this isn't right in today's game. Trading should be made fair. Everyone has a value and clubs' must pay up for what the trading club feels he is worth. But the state of the game today is, the Bosman ruling is allowed.

Holloways' dig may get him in trouble with the football's Governing Bodies, but they can not brush Ollie's comments aside. Something needs sorting, and fast.

Football club's will soon find themselves making losses, and serious losses at that. By this, they will soon find themselves in the red, and it will be too late by the time FIFA make a change.

The Ashes: Down Under, 2010/2011

Well, what do you know!?
England will go in to Australia above them in the ICC Test Rankings in fourth and fifth respectively.

Going back on history, England haven't won a series down under since 1986-1987 and Andrew Strauss and co are looking to add a little bit of history of their own by retaining the Urn.

As per, the pre-Ashes mind-talking games' have already started. Young bowler Steven Finn and top-order batsman Kevin Pietersen have already been targeted by Ricky Ponting but with KP's experience, he will brush this aside, and let his game do the talking (fingers crossed). This will be a different ball game for Finn. The Middlesex seamer has shown his potential, most notably versus Test minnows Bangladesh and troubled Pakistan. But the Australian deck will offer something different than those in Bangladesh and in England. The deck will be harder and the pace will be quicker. His inexperience going down under will come as an easy target for Messrs Ponting and Michael Clarke.

England:

Let's take a look at The Ashes squad to go down under, and I will tell you who should be in the First Test.

Andrew Strauss, Captain: Without a doubt, the Middlesex opener will be leading at the top of the order. With an average at 43.11, you can't dismiss the fact he's had a whirlwind year and an half. Took over the captaincy from KP, he hasn't put a foot wrong since. A key-man to get out early, once Straussy gets going, he can destroy anyone in the world once he is on top of his game.

 

Alastair Cook: Essex left hander has struggled for form this summer. An average of 42.78 boasts an impressive return, but on what will be a batting track Down Under, Cook will have to prove his worth in the touring squad this winter. He may get away with it as he and Strauss are the only opener's in this side, but Kieswetter and Jimmy Adams, both unproven and inexperienced will look to push Strauss for the number-two spot.

 

Jonathan Trott: South African born Trott who plays for Warwickshire has had a sensational year and a half, coming onto the scene in the Ashes Series in England, hitting a ton at The Oval. I believe he will be at number three, unless something dramatic happens, an anchor man who can bore the bowlers to death, he will thrive on the Aussie decks. An average of 55, you can not afford to leave Trott out.

 

Eoin Morgan/Kevin Pietersen: Now here's a number four place you can debate about. Do you go with an Irishman who hasn't been bedded in fully yet on the test scene, or do you go with the off-form, vulnerable Kevin Pietersen, who will be inevitably be targeted by the Aussie pacemen and the Aussie crowds. KP desperately needs runs. He's dried up, and Morgan has proved himself back home, but as mentioned above, Down Under is different to the English wickets. I'm undecided about slots 4/5, I will let you decide, but if I had to choose, KP would just pip Eoin.

Paul Collingwood: Experienced cricketer. Colly boasts an impressive average at just under 50 in Australia, but his recent form suggests otherwise. Along with KP and you could say Strauss as well in the troubled-series versus Pakistan, he couldn't buy a run. Again, he is one you can't rule out, along with the lads who had been selected to tour. I believe 5 belongs to Collingwood, who has the ability to anchor the innings if the top order collapse.

 

Matt Prior, Wicket-keeper: Yes for me. I am a massive fan of Prior, as I am of Ian Bell. Two similar players with the same prowess. A wicket keeper must score runs as well as the ability to stand behind the sticks. Also, a wicket keeper is a number seven bat. That's what I believe anyway. This boy has proven his worth over the years, scored centurys' versus many big nations, with the top order, and even with the tailenders, with help from Broad, Swann and Panesar before.

 

Graeme Swann/Stuart Broad: Hmm. In all due respects, they can be considered all-rounders. If you like anyway. Broad has scored runs at eight. He has also scored runs at nine. Knowing Broad's background, he represented Leicestershire CCC Academy as a youngster, as an opening batsman. So he is no mug with the bat. He does have his off-days, but when needed, Broad can show what he can do with one Test century to his name. On the other hand, Swann. Broad's team mate at Nottinghamshire CCC. He can bat too. But maybe not as dangerous as Broad, but he can be stubborn at the tail. The ability to frustrate the bowlers, he can play too. But who do you put where? For me, Broad goes above Swannn at eight, Swann at nine. Just so long Broad keeps his head screwed on, Broad can have a massive impact in Australia, not just as a seamer, but as an all-round batsman too.

Swann would be my only spinner. OK, there has been talk of the Aussie deck starting to offer spin, but I would go with a seam attack. But you have to take a spinner, and on form and ahead of Monty by a long mile now, Swanny would be my first and only choice spinner. Second in the ICC bowling ranking, the right areas and set field and he could rip through the Aussie top and middle order. BROAD 8, SWANN 9.

Tim Bresnan: Yorkshire's very own. He's had a good year for club and country. I believe he has earned his right to be in the squad, adding to the three-seam, one medium and one spin bowling attack. I wouldn't go with Tremlett. Unbiased this time, he doesn't offer a great deal for me. The only assistance he would get would be the deck, but he isn't a potential wicket taker who could take 3-5 wickets a test. Bresnan offers a little more. A skiddy bowler is Tim, the Aussie's now know a little more about this lad, but he has to get the line and length right along with his field. There are no margin for errors here for Bresnan, get it wrong, and the batsman would destroy him.

Jimmy Anderson: Crowd favourite Jimmy Anderson. Anderson had played only three one-day games for Lancashire when he was hurried into England's one-day squad in Australia in 2002-03 as cover for Andy Caddick. He didn't have a number - or even a name - on his shirt, but a remarkable ten-over stint, costing just 12 runs, in century heat at Adelaide earned him a World Cup spot. The Burnley-born bowler hasn't looked back since. Only 28, Anderson may be considered a veteran of the side, especially of the bowling attack. He's been there, and done that has our Jimmy. He will be leading the attack for me. The ability to reverse swing, can emulate Matthew Hoggard as a front-line swing seamer, and could cause chaos for the Aussie batsman.

Verdict:

This is going to be one hell of a series for those involved. It will be close. You will not see a whitewash from Australia. You won't see a demolition job. This will be closely contested. Sledging, banter and all sorts, expect the lot. There will not be a dull moment Down Under, I can assure you of this. For us England hopefuls, we can only watch something spectacular this winter, but fingers crossed, let's hope Strauss could do the unthinkable, and bring home that little Urn for the first time since Mike Gatting and co.

I'll go for a 3-2 win for England. I just hope I haven't jinxed them..

Roo Have Let Me Down..

What a crazy time at Manchester United, not just for Wayne Rooney, but for Sir Alex Ferguson.

To say you want to leave the biggest club, not just in England, but in Europe, you must be nuts. The boy wonder, who came on to the scene as a baby faced 16 year old, scoring the winner vs Arsenal, now 24, has declared his desire to leave Old Trafford. It was supposed he told Sir Alex way back in August. What a bombshell!

Rooney has been involved not just in the back pages, but also in the front. His alleged romps with prostitutes behind wife Colleen's back has been an obvious trouble for the England striker, but he's also been struggling for form for Manchester United. Sir Alex claims that Rooney isn't fit, still struggling from an ankle injury, but Rooney himself believes he isn't struggling, and he showed that vs Montenegro last week, where he lasted the full 90 minutes, despite not having the best of games.

What does Sir Alex do now? Sit down with the lad, talk him out of this, or move on? Dilemma. Fergie has shown over the years that he doesn't mess around if his players have caused a stir (Ronaldo most recently and Jaap Staam most notably). Fergie won't hesitate to get rid, no matter what their star status suggests. Life goes on at United, but this week, publicly, Ferguson seems to have found himself in a situation where he doesn't know what to do.

In the last 24 hours, major clubs such as Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid and Harry Redknapp's Spurs' (long shot) have declared an interest, but both bosses think Rooney will change his mind and stay at the 'Theatre of Dreams'. We can pretty certain he won't be joining major rivals Liverpool to help out of their mess, Chelsea may be out of the question as they are one of the title contenders and it could be possble, a transfer over Mancini's City, but highly unlikely as Fergie probably doesn't want to enhance their chances of going for the Barclays Premier League.

These next few months could get very interesting regarding the former Everton striker. January could seem pivotal, whether Roo goes or not, Fergie must find a way out of this trouble.

New Cricket Season.. Winter Nets..

Good Evening.

The season just gone hasn't been as successful as the season before. Last year, I broke into the first team for the first time as a Sileby Town CC member. I had been a top order batsman and a key bowler for the second team for a few year, even at such a young age.

The story over the past few years has been quite crazy. Three years ago, the season had began, and I was batting at three and bowling long spells at 15/16 years of age. I had been enjoying my cricket, the season before that. I hit my first half century, my first senior century and taking plenty of wickets even at Leicestershire Young Cricketers. Going back to the season after, I had a slow start. I went in at three again, and one game at 4. I scored no runs, literally, and didn't get a bowl. But it took a turn; I had a shock call-up to the first team. How?! I will never know. Skipper Matt Ellis at the time asked me to go to with them away at Lutterworth. And how cricket can be a funny game..

Current professional Jacques du Toit of Leicestershire CCC was on-song. He opened the batting on a rain affected game, overcast and drizzly, and was hitting boundaries for fun off bowlers Phil Hackett and Matt Ellis. "Get loose Mick" said the skip. But my first spell was delayed as rain forced the teams off. Eventually we came back on the field to play, and Hackett resumed his spell, and the first ball back, a half 'tracker' from Phil and du Toit mis-timed his shot and I got the catch at mid-off. And boy what this day would turn out to be. Even if I can say so myself, I had a fantastic debut, and one to remember. I bowled at the Pavilion End, and immediately caused havoc to the Lutterworth middle order. A devastating 6 over spell had Lutterworth at 80-6. I took three massive wickets including one of Karl Smith the captain who had the potential to destroy any bowler. I returned with 3-18 off 6 overs. Admittedly, my batting didn't change the course of the game but I never looked back.

I finished up on 20 first team wickets, and had a steady average at number eight of 24. This would see me as the third highest average in the first team, and second leading wicket taker as well. As a result, I claimed the Player's Player award, voted by the rest of the first team, recognising my performances all year. As well as this, I claimed the 'Alan Trasler trophy' - Junior Cricketer of the Year. This has to be one of my biggest achievements to date, along side a Leicestershire YC cap, a Midlands call-up and runner-up in the National Knockout Championship at Bournemouth at Under 15's.

The following season came round, and I was ever so excited. But unfortunately, I couldn't hit the same notes as the season before. Shortage of runs and wickets had cost me my place in the First team, but it didn't take away the claim of bowling at Saqlain Mushtaq, ex Pakistani spin bowling legend. I also had the privilege of facing him too, and not managing to get out to him!

Back to where I was, my poor performances had seen me dropped. New captain, taking over from fairly new-ish captain, Jake Gillet, Mo Khan had no choice but to replace me. I started back in the Two's at Ratby, and I came back impressively. Taking 4 wickets bowling 22 overs without stop and hitting the winning runs, but this wasn't enough to regain my place in the First team. I struggled all year, confidence had gone, wickets dried up as well as runs. I hadn't enjoyed my cricket, and couldn't of waited for the season to go any quicker.

Three months on, and I am ready to go again. Undecided on where I am playing next season, I could well be at a club up north, or back at Sileby, but at the moment, I just want to pick up a bat and ball again. University of Huddersfield have cricket nets on, on a Friday night. This would be ideal for me, early nets, early training, improvement of fitness. It's all there for me. I can't wait.

My main aim, academically is to concentrate here in West Yorkshire, but professional cricket is my ideal aim. I love cricket. I live it, breathe it, drink it. I'm raring to go, and looking to win some trophies and medals again.