Bleacher Report - Articles by Jon Naylor

Ashes Test at Lord's: Time For the Selectors to Pick Onions

Jon Naylor — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:11:02 -0400

I know the media in this country enjoy harking back to 2005, but if they begin to have an effect on the England selectors on Wednesday then things really will have taken a turn for the worse.

Waiting in the wings for the forthcoming Ashes Test is a Durham paceman with the best bowling average in county cricket this year. There is also a fast bowler from the same county side who was once feared above all others in the game.

One should be picked for a fast, bouncy track at Lord's on Thursday. One has definitely had one too many chances at the top level of the game.

All too often, the press in England have been attempting to rekindle the memories of 2005 by highlighting the bowling performances of Steve Harmison, particularly his stint for the England Lions against Australia preceding the first Ashes Test this year.

The manner in which he 'found out' the Aussies' new Golden Boy, Phil Hughes, by bouncing him out of the crease drew as many plaudits as he had detractors after that second-slip wide in 2007 (notably, the only thing that the newspapers can recall of the whitewashed series).

However, one session of aggressive and hostile pace bowling cannot erase the memories of an erratic and unconfident Harmison bowling as inaccurately as an MP's expense form over the last four years.

The main thing to take from the first Test in Cardiff is that there is a worrying lack of confidence amongst the England side, but most noticeably in the bowling ranks. Introducing a rusty Steve Harmison could be the trigger that blows any remaining self-belief in the England attack. One false move and there could be utter chaos amongst the bowlers, who need a steady hand more than a loose cannon.

What is required is a young, in-form bowler who hasn't been intimidated by the Australians before. That man is Graham Onions who, if there is an ounce of sense amongst the England selectors, should be replacing Monty Panesar for the vital match commencing Thursday.

With Steve Harmison, it could be a case of once bitten, twice shy. He could also take what is left of England's confidence with him.

Premier League 2008-09: The Awards of the Season

Jon Naylor — Sun, 24 May 2009 14:11:56 -0400

And so it is all over again. Manchester United have made it three in a row and the Geordies will be welcoming Scunthorpe to St. James' Park next year. After a year of superb highs and astonishing lows, it is time to dissect the Premier League year that was '08-'09

Goal of the Year: Glen Johnson (PORTSMOUTH vs. Hull City)
A wonder strike from the England full-back and a goal that he surely won't better in his career. The 24 year-old runs onto a bouncing loose ball before he chests and volleys a sweet strike from fully 35 yards that swerves into the top corner. With his wrong foot.

Honourable Mention: Paul Konchesky (Fulham)
Fabulous hit from the Fulham left back, who hammered in an unerring shot from 40-odd yards that found the top corner with pinpoint accuracy.

Player of the Season: Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
The United centre-back has been the rock of United's title-winning season and a terrific professional. Extremely consistent, with only one bad day against Liverpool, and a great reader of the game, Vidic must have felt more than a twinge of disappointment at not receiving the gong from the PFA.

Honourable Mention: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Despite an injury-ravaged season, Gerrard has hit his best ever goals tally and propelled The Reds to their best points total in the Premier League. Quite simply, irreplaceable.

Young Player of the Season: Stephen Ireland (Man City)
He may have been overlooked by the PFA, but the progress made by City's youngster from stroppy International-dodger to regular match-winner has been nothing short of remarkable. Ireland has out-shone his team-mates for the majority of the season and looks set to be rewarded with a bumper contract over the summer.

Honourable Mention: Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
Winner of the PFA award for 2009, Young has wowed Villa Park with great progress in the 08-09 campaign. Fans will be looking to him to build on this year and make even bigger waved next season.

Worst Hair: Florent Malouda (Chelsea)
Those ridiculous dreads-into-a-topknot certainly improved his form, but if this takes on as a fashion statement, Malouda will have a lot to answer for.

Honourable Mention: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
Seriously Bacary. Who thinks that looks good?

Best Fans: Stoke City
With 35 out of 45 points gained at home this season, The Britannia Stadium has been a fortress for the Potters. Stoke's fans have been superb and are testament to a great club with a bright future.

Manager Of The Year: Guus Hiddink (Chelsea)
When Scolari departed the Blues after only a few months in charge, thinks were looking bleak at the Bridge. Hiddink took the reins and steered them to a respectable third in the table, an FA Cup Final and within 60 seconds of a Chanpions' League final against Manchester United.

Outstanding contribution from the Dutch master and a figure that will be sorely missed around the blue side of West London.

Honourable Mention: Roy Hodgson
The Fulham boss has quietly guided his team to European football playing a regular 11 and maintaining a fantastic home record.

Where Craven Cottage used to be a guaranteed three points for the bigger teams, it is now a trip to be feared. Fulham have become the new Portsmouth: the team nobody wants to play on their own turf.

Worst Decision: Rafa Benitez (Liverpool)

Rafa's Rant. It has gone down in the annals of history alongside Kevin Keegan's “I Would Love It” speech. It should have been perfectly timed, with the Reds facing Stoke at home next match and United facing a tough task against Chelsea.

The Red Devils brushed the Blues aside in remarkable fashion and Liverpool registered only a scoreless draw against a plucky Stoke side. Cue howls of derision from Manchester and an extremely embarrassed boss.

Honourable Mention: Phil Brown (Hull City)
Phil Brown's decision to take his players out in front of their own fans and publicly lambast them for a poor first half display against Man City was one that could have gone either way. As it was, they won only once more for the rest of the season.

Team Of The Season: Manchester United
Much as it pains me to say it, United have been a cut above for the majority of the 2008-09 campaign in all competitions.

With a frightening strength in depth and match winners across the park, it came as no surprise when they clinched the title for the third successive year, having already reached their second consecutive European final. Worthy champions and the benchmark for the rest of the league.

Honourable Mention: Fulham
This time last year, Fulham were celebrating an unlikely escape from the drop to the Championship. This year, they are toasting a second foray into Europe in their long history. It has been a fantastic turnaround and one that should be held up as how to achieve without spending huge sums of money.

What are your awards for '08-'09? Disagree with my picks? Please comment below.

Sir Alex Ferguson Pays Football The Ultimate Disrespect

Jon Naylor — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:01:38 -0400

Some men, through their deeds, are untouchable in the press. Winston Churchill achieved it after the Second World War. Bill Clinton seemed to don a Teflon skin in his near impeachment of the 1990s.

And now, it seems, Sir Alex has joined this elite group. It is still early days following the Manchester United elimination from the FA Cup, but articles criticising the pugnacious Scot are few and far between. However, his conduct in the week preceding the match, and his example set during it, surely has to come under scrutiny.

Two weeks ago, Ferguson questioned Rafa Benitez's logic in bringing up Manchester United in a prematch meeting with the press before the European tie with Chelsea. He commented, "He's got a European tie (against Chelsea) and he's talking about Alex Ferguson. Fantastic! I didn't know I was that important!"

He is quick to offer opinion on the actions of others, but it seems he is not so keen on taking his own advice.

Not a week later, he returned the favour by criticising Benitez ahead of Man Utd's cup semi-final against Everton. Fergie refuted a comment made by Benitez two years ago that the Toffees weren't a big club, then called the Reds boss "beyond the pale" in his somewhat ambiguous hand gestures during Liverpool's 4-0 drubbing of Blackburn.

An impressive tirade from the master of mind games and a lofty position to take, having alleged that the Liverpool gaffer is arrogant and, to quote the Scot, a man that showed contempt to a fellow manager.

Step forward to Sunday's semi-final in the FA Cup.

A competition steeped in history, but struggling to maintain its former glory. Played at the home of football, Wembley Stadium. Travelled to by thousands of Manchester United fans, each paying in the region of £100 for tickets and travel, before taking into account matchday costs at the ground. Playing against a team that Ferguson himself argued was a big club.

Yet, his team selection showed the same arrogance and dismissiveness he accused his bitter rival of during the week.

By only selecting two members of the first team, Ferguson showed a complete and utter lack of respect not only to Everton Football Club, but to the FA Cup, the world's oldest footballing competition and a symbol of our nation's game.

Not only that, but it was a slap in the face to his own supporters who had paid a significant sum and travelled many miles to see their best side fight for a place in the showpiece final of English football.

What they got was an insipid performance from a youth team that barely warranted the 0-0 scoreline and defamed the occasion.

We all know the arguments that he has to rest players for other competitions. This, however, is not a game that one should rest players for. A semi-final in the Champions League wouldn't and won't get the same treatment, of that you can be sure.

This is not the first time he has tarnished the name of this great competition, either, having famously withdrawn Man Utd from the 1999-2000 cup to play in the World Club Championship, a move that attracted criticism at the time but has since faded into history.

There might well be questioning articles in tomorrow's newspapers. I truly hope so.

Fergie might be a legend of the modern game, but this latest move has smacked of a man so self-involved he is willing to sacrifice the integrity of a club, a competition, and his own fans.

Liverpool's Champions League Dream Ended by Chelsea: Where Did It All Go Wrong?

Jon Naylor — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:10:33 -0400

The mind is still swirling after a stunning encounter in the Champions League quarterfinal between Liverpool and Chelsea.

No one could have possibly predicted a 12-goal thriller that saw Chelsea emerge 7-5 aggregate winners.

But what went wrong for Liverpool and what lessons can be learned from this defeat?

1. Keeping it tight

Rafa's Liverpool thrived most in Europe in close, tight matches that saw them emerge as winners by an odd goal. This tie was extraordinarily open, making for an exceptional spectacle but a lower chance of a Liverpool victory.

Rafa's tactics were either ignored or completely gung-ho and the Reds suffered as a result.

2. Set piece play

Branislav Ivanovic. Branislav sodding Ivanovic.

The Serb had never previously scored for Chelsea, yet notched two at Anfield and caused problems in the Reds back line at Stamford Bridge. When it works, zonal marking is effective. When it is exploited, it is made to look amateurish.

Defending from corners and free kicks was better in the second leg, but could still be improved.

3. Substitutions

At 3-2 in the second leg, the tie looked dead and buried. Taking off Fernando Torres, though, was the ultimate admission of defeat and it can't have given the players much of a lift. However, this was not the substitution that cost Liverpool the match.

Taking off Javier Mascherano instead of Lucas was a serious error in judgement on Benitez's part. Lucas might have scored a speculative, deflected effort but his failure to track back and watch Frank Lampard's runs into the box cost two goals.

Ask any Liverpool fan—Mascherano is a vital part of the Liverpool system. His work ethic and shielding in front of the back line is second to none and should be preserved until there is no alternative.

4. Steven Gerrard

Even if Liverpool's talismanic captain didn't step onto the pitch, the sheer psychological factor that he was there as an option would have been a boon for his teammates.

If he came on with 10 minutes to go and the Reds needing one more goal to go through, the men on-field might have truly believed they could do it. His sheer presence, even without being 100 percent, could have been enough.

What else do you see went wrong for Liverpool in the Champions League? Agree/Disagree? Please comment below.

Football's Fallen Stars: The Men That Brushed Greatness and Slipped

Jon Naylor — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:23:36 -0400

In a recent article, I wrote about the issues surrounding the excessive hyping of young players emerging through youth setups, the results of which can be devastating. For players falling into this bracket, greatness is expected. World-conquering prowess is immediately par for the course, not an astonishing achievement. There are many, though, for whom this does not materialise for one reason or another. Be it through a mental inability to handle the pressure, a bad career move or simply a career-ending injury, some players simply do not live up to the lofty achievements and expectations of their youth. It is just as important to study those who do not make it as those who do, perhaps to learn from the mistakes that cost them a glittering career in the world's greatest sport.

Begin Slideshow

Man United's Federico Macheda: Another in a Long List of Overhyped Youngsters

Jon Naylor — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:42:33 -0400

When will the madness end?

Ever since the birth of the Premiership, media coverage has increased exponentially. This in turn has led to the celebrity culture surrounding players, not only within football but across all sports. Their careers are measured by column inches as much as honours.

This is all well and good for those old heads who have seen it all before and can take it in their stride, but for those just coming through, there is a tremendous amount of pressure placed upon them when their names are at the fingertips of those who inform a nation of fans.

The British press have gone to new levels with Man Utd's latest starlet, Federico Macheda.

The Daily Telegraph ran "Macheda hailed as new Cristiano Ronaldo." The tabloids were equally gushing as the press ran riot on Monday morning, with The Sun going so far as to check his Facebook status for quotes.

The lunacy was not reserved to the British media, though. Italy's most famous sporting newspaper, La Gazzetta dello Sport, wrote: "an Italian hero sinks the Villains." La Republica recalled: "Kiko received the ball in the area and created a masterpiece. Old Trafford in delirium. And all deserved for little Federico".

To devote this amount of coverage to a player who has played 29 minutes for the first team is insanity.

The gravity of the goal and its implications on the title race is clear for all to see. It was truly a spectacular goal, but to place this amount of pressure on a 17-year-old's career is playing with fire in a way only the media know how.

Macheda is not the first for this to happen to, nor is he the first that has been burdened with unfair comparisons at the absolute beginning of his career.

Bruno Cheyrou, signed by Liverpool in 2002, was labelled by then manager Gerard Houllier as "the next Zinedine Zidane." He played 31 times in four seasons on the club's books before he was offloaded back to France.

Remember David Bellion? Held up by many as the next Thierry Henry? He wasn't either, although he is in a club with Ryan Babel, Theo Walcott, and Carlos Vela as young players compared to the great Frenchman.

For every player that handles and lives up to the hype, as Wayne Rooney has done, there are five that have fallen by the wayside, as Francis Jeffers did.

There are countless examples of these comparisons that place undue pressure on a young player to immediately live up to the inflated expectations of the masses.

Don't, however, think that football is the only culprit; the British media are too far-reaching for that.

Tom Daley, 14-year-old diver. Laura Robson, Wimbledon Girls' Junior champion. Rory McIlroy, Northern Irish golfer. All have achieved great things in the early stages of their careers. All have been put in the glare of public attention. All before their time.

These competitors might well become greats but it is truly unfair, and a sad reflection of the modern culture for immediate results, that they are built up too much before they have the chance to grow as players and people.

The British press are notorious iconoclasts. Let's hope that this doesn't affect the careers of the next generation of sportspeople and ruin them before they have even begun.

Alan Shearer: Right Messiah for Newcastle, Wrong Time

Jon Naylor — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:59:53 -0400

At the risk of being lost under the deluge of top-four jostling, title posturing, and Champions League hype, a story must surely be shared about the prospects of one of the nation's greatest-loved clubs and the plight facing their legendary fans, with one of their own steering a rapidly sinking ship.

Newcastle United—who pack out their 52,000 capacity stadium week-in, week-out—are staring relegation square in the face.

Their end of season run-in makes morbid reading for Geordies the world over. With visits to Tottenham, Villa and Liverpool still to come, as well as a Tyne-Wear derby, hope is in short supply at St. James' Park.

But all is not lost. They have a new messiah to pin their hopes on.

Alan Shearer's managerial debut as Newcastle's saviour came and went without a great deal of coverage from the media, with the national press preferring to use a teenager's (albeit crucial) debut goal to inflate career expectations to insurmountable levels.

But football fans are surely more savvy than that. Football fans will want to know what is to become of everyone's second team. Football fans must be aware that the real story of the season is not the prospects of a 17-year-old Italian, but a 117-year-old institution.

Newcastle's performance at the weekend against title contenders Chelsea showcased a problem that might prove a step too far for their fledgling leader; plenty of perspiration and application, but a worrying lack of quality in all areas of the pitch.

The perennial issue of slack defending reared its head in Newcastle colours once more. Defensive issues are so much a part of the furniture on Tyneside they could fill a showroom at DFS. This is a mindset that many managers have tried, and failed, to rectify and is what surely holds the key to Newcastle's Premier League survival.

Having said this, the back is but one area that is in a terminal condition at Newcastle.

Ever the pundits' favourite soundbite, one is compelled to pose the age-old question, "Where are the goals going to come from?". It would appear that the triumvirate of Owen, Martins, and Lovenkrands cannot come up with the solution to that problem.

There can be no doubting that eventually Alan Shearer will become a manager of genuine quality. There can be equally little doubt that at some point he will hold the permanent position at the helm of Newcastle United Football Club when he is better prepared to steer them in a positive direction.

But he, like so many of us, followed his heart rather than his head when he took this appointment.

Shearer saw a club he loved in the mire and felt compelled to step in to do whatever he could to help in the eight games before the season's close. The cold steel in his face during Saturday afternoon showed the world he fully appreciated the gravity of the situation and his sheer will to pull them out of their predicament will inspire many.

However, this probably won't be enough to save them from the drop. He and his backroom staff know they are swimming against the current with a woefully short period of time to reach their goal. If he pulls it off, he'll be more than the messiah; he'll be a bona fide miracle worker.

Alan Shearer is the right man to lead Newcastle out of the darkness and fill the Kevin Keegan-shaped hole in the fans' hearts. But not now. He needs to do what 95 percent of the best managers around did—start at the bottom and learn the trade.

Football management is one of the hardest jobs going, made even harder under the intense media spotlight that follows the Premier League. It is becoming more and more crucial to learn in the lower leagues before you take the dream job, the one you've always dreamed of doing.

Rafa did it at Extramedura and Tenerife before taking over at Valencia and Liverpool. Alex Ferguson took charge at St. Mirren before leading Aberdeen to a host of silverware and their only league titles in 50 years. Arsene did it at Nancy-Lorraine and Monaco. Jose did it at Uniao de Leiria and Porto. The list goes on.

Shearer might just have let his emotions get the better of him this time. If he goes away after the end of this season, gets his badges, and learns the job, he could be one of Newcastle's managerial legends. Just not now.

Liverpool - Chelsea: Champions League Preview

Jon Naylor — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:27:22 -0400

With the midweek internationals safely out of the way and only minor knocks sustained, the clubs remaining in the Champions League will certainly have one eye on the quarter finals next week.

For two teams, there is a distinct air of familiarity about their opponents. Liverpool and Chelsea have been here before.

The last five years have seen the Reds face Chelsea in every Champions' League and 23 times in total, an astonishing statistic that underlines just how well these clubs will know each other's game by now.

Not only that, but old grudges and arguments will inevitably resurface from the previous encounters, most notably the 'phantom' Luis Garcia goal that set Liverpool on the way to their fifth title and Rafa's diving rant at Didier Drogba before the striker resoundingly answered with two tie-winning goals. The history can only add to the spice of the occasion.

Form-wise, it would appear that audiences are in for a treat.

Liverpool's renaissance is well documented, seeing the club rocket in the estimations of Europe's elite. Victories against the reigning European champions and the most decorated club in the competition's history have boosted confidence as well as the fear factor amongst their rivals. Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has even go so far as to say they are the hardest club to beat in the continent.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have looked back to their imperious best under Dutch mastermind Guus Hiddink. The slip-up against Tottenham aside, Hiddink has overseen a renaissance of the Mourinho era, with the Blues looking difficult to beat and much grittier than under Scolari. They are back to being battlers.

Stamford Bridge has also seen the resurgence of an old hero, a man some supporters had given up on. Didier Drogba has shone under the guidance of the new management and is the type of player that makes matches a real toil for centre-backs. The type of toil that Jamie Carragher revels in.

Hiddink and Benitez might be worlds apart in terms of careers at their clubs, but in style, the men follow similar approaches.

They both have a history of over-achievement in cup competitions, most memorably Hiddink taking South Korea to the semi-finals of the World Cup and Benitez conquering Europe with a frankly average-at-best Djimi Traore in the side. Both also have a reputation for a cool head and an emotionally-detached approach, with strong belief in a disciplined regime.

Both are also widely regarded as the best in the business.

Crucially, the fixtures of the last five years have seen the tenure of four different managers for Chelsea, whilst Liverpool have stuck with one man that they believe is right for the job. Benitez has researched these opponents so often, he probably knows their shoe sizes. This experience could prove telling.

For the two clubs, this is the biggest chance for silverware this season, despite Liverpool's recent form in the league. Not only that, but there is a huge carrot dangling over the final in Rome: a possible date with Manchester United. The team who beat Chelsea on penalties to win last year's competition. The team Liverpool regard as their fiercest rival.

They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but that night in Rome could see an atmosphere beyond boiling point if the winner of this tie makes it there.

Drawing Uncomfortable Conclusions: Change Test Cricket or Risk Losing It

Jon Naylor — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:16:20 -0400

Test Cricket is believed by many to be the last bastion of the thinking man's game: the heart, soul and lifeblood of the sport.

However, those who hold the Test version of the sport up as the epitome of cricket might be of a dwindling number as the spirit of the five-day match is being siphoned away by those who should probably know better.

The scorecards of 2009's Tests make uncomfortable reading for the fan wishing to keep them at the pinnacle of the sport.

Of the 14 Test matches played this year, seven have been drawn over the five days, the majority of which can be explained through one over-riding statement: an unfair contest between bat and ball.

England's recent Test series in the West Indies is a perfect example of this. With the hosts holding a somewhat surprising 1-0 lead after the first match, the remaining pitches were flattened to within an inch of their life, making batting as easy-going as the stereotypical Caribbean lifestyle.

Results were always going to be hard to come by and so it proved, with no wins achieved and the series ending 1-0.

It is not all down to the West Indies groundsmen, though. The explosion of popularity of Twenty20 is again a contributing factor, and one that might see more aggression from batsmen and a stronger likelihood of big scores in the Test arena.

Statistically speaking, the proof is damning.

There have been 44 hundreds scored in 2009, with six over 200 and one treble century. The same period five years ago yielded only two double centuries, whilst 10 years ago only 76 tons were registered in the entire year, a figure set to be eclipsed by some margin in '09.

Additionally, this year so far 40 bowlers have gone for 100 or more in an innings, whilst in 1999 the figure for the entire year was only 52.

in 1959, there were 22 centuries scored and 21 bowlers went for a ton in one innings. This is not a good time to be of the bowling trade.

So, it is apparent that the balance between willow and leather is shifting uncomfortably and decisively, making for much more entertaining limited-overs cricket but lowering the likelihood of results in Tests dramatically.

If the batting lineups dominate the bowlers for five days every time, interest in this form of the sport is likely to wane quickly.

Are these trends merely because there aren't enough quality bowlers and too many intelligent and powerful batsmen? Maybe, but that doesn't stop the facts from being true.

Pace and power are becoming necessary attributes to succeed in any sport; batsmen will be bred to these specifications in future and bowlers will continue to be blasted from the park on a regular basis.

It is time for Test cricket and the sport's governing bodies to remove their heads from the sand and accept what is becoming obvious: Test cricket, progressing as it is, will lose audiences, interest and ultimately, respectability.

Perhaps the groundsmen should be encouraged to bring life back into these ailing pitches, fostering such forgotten cousins as uneven bounce and unpredictable pace.

It would be sacrilege to tamper too much with the rules and regulations of the game itself, but it would be even more of a sin to sit back and silently watch the death of a sporting institution.

Something must be done by the ICC to avert this procession of incessant run-scoring and bowler-bashing that is becoming the vogue of the modern era and the bane of the Test-loving cricket fan.

The Red Revival: What's It Down To?

Jon Naylor — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:03:59 -0400

The last month has seen Liverpool's fortunes reversed, with the last three matches yielding 13 goals and two clean sheets. This astonishing U-turn has brought hope of silverware in Europe and, with the faltering form of the boys up the M62, a renewed sense of urgency in the title race. It seemed that 2009 would bring nothing but doom and gloom to the red side of Liverpool, but turning over two old rivals has brought the buzz back to Anfield. Buy why has this astonishing fightback materialised and can it be sustained?

Begin Slideshow

England's Champions League Dominance: Bad For The Premiership?

Jon Naylor — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:05:37 -0400

Listening to a popular UK football phone-in on the radio, a caller made a very interesting point on the Premiership's dominance in the last four years of Europe's elite competition, the Champions League.

To quote, he stated that the English game is "at risk of killing the goose that laid the golden egg."

Being a top-four fan, this type of thinking had not previously crossed my mind. Will the continued overpowering of European teams by English teams be to the detriment of the English game?

Having thought about it, the answer is that the risk is significant. As the caller so astutely put, sport is centred around competition, making it necessary to maintain as close a competition as possible. Since 2005, this particular competition has most definitely been centred around the English teams.

In 2005, there were two English semi-finalists and an English winner: 2006 saw an English finalist. In '07, however, there were three English semi-finalists and yet another English team losing at the final hurdle. 2008 saw the pinnacle of this sequence so far, with three semi-finalists and an all-English final. But surely this can only be good for the English game?

In short, not necessarily.

If, as mentioned, the competition and therefore the sport ceases to be competitive, the fans will stop watching and the money will slowly flow away from the game. With the Premiership at the epicentre of the cash flowing around football, this is a genuine possibility.

European audiences must surely be getting bored of the growing control the English teams have on the latter stages of the competition and, with the fourth-placed team in England knocking out the champions of major football nations, who can blame them?

With the champions of smaller leagues still having to go through qualifying rounds, the Champions League doesn't look like having many genuine challengers aside from those that we could predict two seasons beforehand.

As many point out, the money that has been thrown around in the last 20 years is slowly sucking the competition out of the sport.

If the Champions League becomes a procession and fans end up switching off or switching to more competitive sports, the money from Europe could dwindle and qualification could mean less money for the clubs, lowering the standard of players in the league.

Money has changed football permanently; this debate has never emerged before as it was never an issue before. Hopefully, as we have seen before, this particular national control will be superseded eventually and the competition that makes the sport great will eventually return.

Should we attempt to curb the dominance of English sides or is this just a phase, similar to the Italian successes of the mid-nineties? If a change is needed, what should be done? Please comment below.

Follow Jon's Sport Rumours on Twitter

Forget Kaka: The Midfielder Manchester City Need Is Wilson Palacios

Jon Naylor — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:32:19 -0500

Kaka. World Footballer of the year 2007. Ballon D'Or 2007. Serie A Player of the year '04 and '07. Not the player Manchester City need though.

The one many deem as the best around, and certainly place in the same bracket as global creative luminaries Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, is on the brink of a sport-shattering transfer to a club two points from the drop zone and four from the foot of the table.

But whilst he would grace anyone's team sheet on a Saturday, he is not the man to save City from a messy relegation scrap.

The man that could, though, is about to join another team that falls in the bracket of down-at-the-bottom-but-really-shouldn't-be-given-the-quality-on-paper. Harry Redknapp, notorious wheeler-dealer and relegation survivor on more than one occasion, has earmarked a man he sees as crucial in providing a platform for a charge up the table.

This South American ace has had trials with Arsenal, yet found his feet in the Midlands.

The man in question does not play in front of 100,000 every week in a world famous stadium, but more 19,000 in a half-empty ground in Lancashire.

The man City need but Tottenham are looking set to land is Wilson Palacios.

Commanding one-tenth the fee of his world-famous counterpart, Palacios has quietly impressed all who have watched him this season with his battling displays, vision and sheer athleticism in the engine room of the Wigan midfield. Manager Steve Bruce is resigned to losing him, saying that for him to exit the club would be "like losing my right arm." Here is a player that knows how to fight.

Wigan have been revitalised this season and, whilst Valencia and Zaki have stolen the headlines, Palacios has been a crucial part of the Latics stunning rise to the verge of a UEFA cup slot. Wigan's defensive steel is not found merely in a reinvigorated Chris Kirkland and Titus Bramble, but in the Honduran master in the middle of the park.

Manchester City's problems have not been puttting the ball in the net, rather picking it up out of it. If the table was based on goals scored, City would be second behind Chelsea. Every match won this campaign has been by at least three goals and their goal difference is the best outside of the top five, yet they find themselves in 16th. Their solution? Buy a world-class forward. Hmm.

Their back four were exceptional last season, with Richard Dunne and Micah Richards heralded as one of the great centre-back pairings in the league. These players don't lose their skill overnight: it is confidence that is causing them to haemorrhage goals, and this confidence is evapourating as their midfield bomb forward to leave them horribly exposed at the back.

City and Spurs are two clubs whose defensive fragility is costing them dearly at the moment. Neither club has a truly great defensive midfielder and Palacious could fit that bill perfectly, with proven Premiership pedigree and great ability to boot. For a player that cost Wigan £1m twelve months ago, even £14m could be a steal.

Perhaps Manchester City shouldn't be chasing Hollywood names and rather be focusing on where their team is weakest: covering a defence woefully low in confidence. This more than anything would get them closer to achieving survival, let alone a Champions League place.

Why Liverpool Will Leave Man Utd and Chelsea in The Dust For The Premier League

Jon Naylor — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:46:12 -0500

It's easy enough to back Liverpool for the title when they are sitting pretty at the summit of the table, but some detractors would have you believe that they will capitulate under the charge from more experienced rivals. But there are plenty of reasons why this year the Reds have a better chance than any of the last 19 years.

1. Torres and Skrtel are back

Arguably Liverpool's two best performers at the back end of last season, the centre back and centre forward have missed the best part of the current campaign with niggling injuries. The second half of the season, though, will see the lanky Slovakian and the European Championship winning forward return to first team action.

Extra security at the back and a greater cutting edge up top can only help the title charge.

2. United's strikers are misfiring

As was so pertinently picked up by the BBC this week, Manchester United's strikers have been struggling to hit the back of the net in recent times. Having gone past the half-way stage in the league campaign, the men up the M62 have scored 29 goals. The treble-winning side of '99 struck 83 times in the league that season.

The Beeb argue that Berbatov has unbalanced the side, which is definitely a case that could be argued for given Ronaldo and Tevez' prolific strike rate last term. Fergie also seems to have something of an aversion to resting the notoriously stroppy Bulgarian, which has upset some sections of the United fanbase and a certain Argentine striker.

3. Chelsea's home form is woeful

Having not lost at home since the Great Fire of London took out their West Stand in 1666, Big Phil has seen his side turned over twice this season, notably to two of their title rivals. They have also dropped an unprecedented 14 points at home this year.

The hoodoo is over. The armour is pierced. Chelsea can be beaten at Stamford Bridge.

4. Arsenal are struggling for fourth with Aston Villa

Having lost to the likes of Stoke and Fulham in 2008, Arsenal have got enough problems on their hands just to stay in the Champions League spots.

Add to that their first captain throwing a wobbler and their second facing weeks on the sidelines, the Gunners will do well to overhaul a young and plucky Villa side.

5. Liverpool's fans, and players, are finally believing

When the Scouse population have said that this year is their year for the last 10, it's easy to just pass this off as another false dawn. But this year feels like the one.

Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are even risking it all by talking up the team's chances. King Kenny's jumped on the bandwagon. It seems that the English footballing world is finally taking Liverpool seriously as genuine title contenders.

Sure, write Liverpool off and say that the pressure is getting to Benitez and the side will crumble having not fought for a League title in March and April. But remember that under the current manager, Liverpool have faced real pressure in major cup finals and come out on top.

I fully expect to see them still on the summit on the 24th of May.

Cricket: England's Ryan Sidebottom Needs Some Anger Management

Jon Naylor — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:03:35 -0400

When Ryan Sidebottom received his first England call-up in 2001, he must have thought his ship had come in. One wicketless test against Pakistan later, the man who stole Brian May's hair returned from duty and faced the stark realisation that he wouldn't pull on his country's jersey for a little while.

Little did he know it would be six years.

Fast forward to the present day and Siders has become an integral part of the England setup. Known to his fans as Mr. Reliable, he has taken regular wickets with his now-trademark inswingers and scrambled seam deliveries.

Currently ranked sixth in the ICC Test bowlers' rankings, Sidebottom has taken 53 test wickets and obtained 22 one-day dismissals.

On the whole, his career has flourished in recent years since his recall to the England side. Why, then, does he seem to flip his switch at the slightest inclination?

The home series with New Zealand has been a case in point. A grisly confrontation with Jamie How in the third test at Trent Bridge was met with disapproval from pundits and supporters alike.

Sidey gave the New Zealand youngster plenty of chat throughout his innings and, upon his dismissal of the Black Caps opener, the England swinger proceeded to scream like a scalded banshee in his face. Displaying the rage normally reserved for Primark customers at the January sales, Sidebottom seemed to cross the line between desire to win and aggressiveness.

The one-dayer at the Oval brought with it another flashpoint between "Sexual Chocolate" and the kiwis. A collision with Grant Elliot, which led to a contentious run-out, seemed to be avoidable. Naturally, he was going for the ball; but at the same time Sidebottom showed little empathy towards the New Zealander.

There can be no doubting that Ryan Sidebottom shows an extreme desire to win at all costs. He has incredible fighting spirit and a will to perform consistently and give his best for the side. At the same time, he seems to let his frustrations get the better of him, both with himself and with opponents.

Is it that his curls are wrapped just a little too tight? Is it years of schoolyard bullying for an unfortunate surname? Most likely it is the desperate desire to prove himself after more than half a decade in the international wilderness.

This anger, if directed properly, can prove to be match winning. If it is manifested in the wrong ways, the England bowler might have to face a Harbhajan Singh-type scandal of his own.

He must learn to keep a lid on his rage, or at least channel it in the right ways. Siders needs to be Mr. Consistent for years to come, not Mr. Angry from the popular children's books. I doubt little green hats suit him anyway.

Half of English Cricketers Would Retire for IPL: End of National Loyalty?

Jon Naylor — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:34:38 -0400

The Professional Cricketers Association recently published the findings of a quite remarkable survey. According to their research, around half of English cricketers would consider "early retirement" in order to compete in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

The PCA asked 334 of England's top cricketers, including 15 members of the national side's touring party to New Zealand, half of whom said that they would turn their backs on England so that they could play in the IPL. The survey also revealed that 56 percent of those questioned believed that T20 would "threaten other forms of the game."

These statistics present worrying notions for the ECB. Especially with regard to their intolerant approach to any player choosing to compete in the IPL or rebel Indian Cricket League. The ECB's restrictions on the ICL currently stand at a 12-month county ban to anyone choosing to play in it.

Eighty-nine percent of those asked agreed with the statement that "freedom of movement should prevail with regard to the Indian cricket leagues," a fact indicating the weight of pressure on the ECB to overturn their laws threatening to disown any England player wanting to represent one of the eight IPL sides.

Are these opinions the beginning of the end for national loyalty in England's cricket team?

Probably not, at least if the ECB do what is expected of them and allow their players to play at least some part in next year's Indian Premier League.

If the current schedules are taken as a guideline, England's stars will be allowed around a week to compete in India, slightly less than the Australians were given prior to their West Indies tour.

However, what is clear is that money is beginning to speak louder and louder to players in cricket.

Where once players would do anything to maximize their national playing careers, many are now prepared to extinguish any hopes of further representing their country so that they can earn the vast sums offered in Twenty20 competition.

The ECB must heed the significance of this survey. When money talks, sportsmen listen.

Cricket Round Table: What's Been Your Champagne Moment?

Jon Naylor — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 11:48:48 -0400

The second instalment of the cricket round table is here, and with it a new glut of cricketing opinion. The query put to our writers this week was:

What's been your champagne moment of this year?

The "champagne moment" is a term frequently used by the radio commentators on Test Match Special in England and refers to a particular point of cricketing excellence, be it a fantastic example of individual skill or a significant piece of action that contributed to a special win. Here's what they had to say.

Anon Payn

Ah, where do I begin? The year’s been grand for cricket. I suppose my “Champagne Moment” of the year will have to be the catch Irfan Pathan took to bring home the CB Series trophy. Having lost the Border-Gavaskar trophy to a less than deserving Australian team, it felt good to get one back on them.

The fact that Tendulkar, their biggest nemesis since the day he set foot on Aussie soil, scored more than 200 runs in the two finals was just the icing on the cake!

The fact that Bracken was made player of the series still doesn’t go down well with me. Gambhir played much better throughout.

Anyways, the team spirit shown by the guys, Dhoni’s leadership, Ishant Sharma’s taming of the ultra egoistic Symonds and monster mayhem, Haydos, and Tendulkar’s timely return to form all combined to make a classic win. What a dream!

Thomas Kelly

For any Irishman that loves the game of cricket, there is only one champagne moment.

With the scores level, Ireland needed a safe single from 34 balls to beat Pakistan and show them the way out of the 2007 World Cup. With Ireland at 127-7 one suspected a quick single, but Trent Johnston thought otherwise.

As Azhar Mahmood runs in, a look of steely determination appears on the face of Johnston, who stays firmly rooted to the spot as he smashes the ball far beyond deep mid-wicket and scores a six.

With the match won, and with it being St. Patrick's Day, the "Blarney Army" went suitably crazy.

Shyam Parthasarathi

My champagne moment for this year, as far as cricket is concerned, has to be India's tri-series win in Australia. With Australia having won the test match series rather acrimoniously, a young Indian team led by MS Dhoni showed some grit and qualified for the final in a tournament that also featured Sri Lanka.

In the three-match final, a Sachin Tendulkar inspired India beat Australia in the first two matches to clinch the tri-series and became only the second foreign team to win the tri-series in Australia.

Something which would come close, though, would be watching the first Indian Premier League match which has without a doubt revolutionized cricket—I might even add in the whole tournament as a champagne moment!

Steve White

The moment that stands out the most for me is Dale Steyn bowling Rahul Dravid in Ahmadabad.

India were reeling at 52 for four, Dravid was not out on three from 25 balls, and the vital man if India were going to recover.

Dale Steyn was recalled to the South African attack. His first ball went miles wide down the leg side, Mark Boucher did excellently to stop it going for four wides.

The following delivery pitched on middle stump but swung outwards, evaded Dravid’s bat and clipped top of off. It was an absolutely unplayable delivery, all the more impressive for the fact it was "The Wall" Rahul Dravid whom he had befuddled.

Having got up at 4.00 am to watch, this dismissal certainly made it worth my while!

Jon Naylor

For me, it has to be Monty's third ball against Brendon McCullum that turned the tide firmly in England's favour in the second Test at Old Trafford.

With England posting a poor 202 in reply to the Kiwis' 381, all eyes turned to the bowlers in an effort to limit the Black Caps' lead and any subsequent run chase. Lucky for the Barmy Army, the deteriorating Manchester pitch was perfect for a man of Monty's talents.

Bamboozling the New Zealand batsmen, he cleaned up their prized asset after only three balls, tempting the wicket-keeper into a mis-timed sweep that trapped him plumb.

Panesar's performance and personal-best figures of 6-37 ensured a much more feasible target that England duly knocked off with time, and wickets, to spare.

What's been your champagne moment? Please comment below.

Want to contribute to next week's round table? Email bleacherreportcricket@gmail.com and I'll put you on the mailing list.

Kevin Pietersen's Left-Handed Sixes: Innovative or Illegal?

Jon Naylor — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:38:39 -0400

England's one-day trouncing of New Zealand brought with it not only a magnificent innings from youngster Owais Shah and a timely return to form of captain Paul Collingwood, but a century for England stalwart Kevin Pietersen.

However, Pietersen's unbeaten 110 was significant for two big reasons—namely two crunching sixes through the off side.

Or at least what should have been the off side. Switching his stance to that of a left-hander, he walloped Scott Styris for a pair of incredible maximums that confounded everything seen before in cricket, including a strike over long-on that seemed to flay the leather off the ball.

After seeing the ball sail back over his head, Styris' face sported a look similar to that of a toddler asked the square root of 519.

The South African-born number three hit with the style, panache, and accuracy that some conventional left-handers still can't achieve. Hitting right out of the screws, he cleared the field and the rope with consummate ease.

In the post-match interview, Pietersen admitted to rehearsing the strokes extensively in the nets, hinting that these are shots that could be in his arsenal for years to come.

However, during the play, commentator Michael Holding questioned the legality of switching to a left-hander mid-ball, likening this to a bowler swapping from over-the-wicket to around-the-wicket at the last moment.

The question is: should players be allowed to swap their stance in such a way?

As was pointed out, this was no ordinary reverse sweep, with KP altering his grip and feet to adopt a genuinely left-handed approach.

In my opinion, this could be the evolution of style that propels Pietersen from good batsman to sport-altering batsman. Similar to Murali's deceptive doosras that can bemuse many-a-cricketer, Pietersen switching stance can be the change of angle that forces bowlers to think time and again before deciding what to deliver.

It is far too early to hold this example up as the moment that changed his career, but if Pietersen can develop these left-handed shots into a genuine weapon, and if they are given the green light by the ICC, he can change the face of batting the world over.

To see KP's extraordinary shots, click here.

Are Pietersen's left-handed shots illegal? Should the rules be changed to allow the bowlers change angle at will? Please comment below.

Cricket Round Table: Who Would You Want in Your International Side?

Jon Naylor — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:56:42 -0400

In the first of what will hopefully be many "round table" discussions in the cricket section, we asked several of the top cricket writers:

If you could have any player from another country in your national team, who would it be and why?

This is what they had to say on the matter.

Danny Elliot (England): Australia's Michael Hussey

With England's current middle-order having problems, I think the team needs a player with real "stickability," someone who has a tough mentality, patience and the ability to get big scores when it really matters. I would unashamedly pick Mike Hussey.

With a Test average of 71.71, he has shown an incredible level of consistency since breaking into the Australian side. Even though he is 33 I believe he will play Test cricket for a few years to come.

I would put him in the order at number three, but would undoubtedly keep Michael Vaughan in the team as well!

Zaakir Hoosen (South Africa): Australia's Michael Clark

That's easy... Michael Clark of Australia would be my choice. Why? He's
everything you would want in a player.

An excellent top order batsman, attacking but also with the ability to play defensive when required.

He is a superb spin bowler and a master fielder with some of the best reflexes in the game. Clark has shown that he has an excellent cricketing brain and great mental attitude.

Steve White (England): South Africa's Graeme Smith

Put aside his abrasive character, for me, there is no better opener in world cricket than Graeme Smith. His style is far from textbook, but he rarely fails with the bat. An average of nearly fifty and 14 centuries in Test cricket prove this.

He plays aggressively, scores quickly, scores heavily and always provides a good base for the rest of the team.

Also, I feel he would be able to form a strong partnership with either Cook or Strauss because of the contrasting styles, much as Strauss and Trescothick were able to play so well together.

Shyam Parthasarathi (India): Australia's Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey might be on the wrong side of thirty, but he is probably one of the most consistent performers in World Cricket at the moment.

A steady batsman and an outstanding fielder, Mike Hussey would be a valuable addition to any team. In terms of personality, he doesn't have a "big head"—he is extremely level headed and can fit into any sort of atmosphere.

India may have a considerable amount of riches when it comes to batsmen in the middle order, but Michael Hussey would be a fantastic addition to the side.

Alex Klymyszyn (England): South Africa's Dale Steyn

If I had to pick one player right now it would be Dale Steyn of South Africa.

While the likes of Mohammed Yousuf and Jacques Kallis are still better players, they are near the end of their careers and Steyn has massive potential. He has ferocious pace, the ability to move the ball late and put fear into opposition batsman.

He ran riot during a brief spell in county cricket at Warwickshire and has all the talent to be a match winner like his mentor, Allan Donald. Steyn is definitely a player I would prefer to have next to me than opposing me from 22 yards.

Anon Payn (India): Australia’s Brett Lee

I’d have to go for Brett Lee. The best fast bowler in the world right now, he has mixed his searing pace with a McGrath-like accuracy that few, if any, have been able to achieve.

Since July 2006, Lee has picked up a sensational 73 wickets in just 26 innings, including two five wicket hauls. All this with an average of 23.84, a breath taking recovery from his current career average of about 29.49, which was much worse prior to this purple patch.

He’s no mug with the bat either, recently missing out on his first first class hundred by a whisker for NSW!

As for me? I would pick Shivnarine Chanderpaul. He never throws his wicket away and can stay at the crease for hours on end. Great displays against the Aussies in the Test series have shown his stubbornness in the middle, and he has more than a few commendable scores to his name against major sides.

A staggering average of 148 in the recent series against England and one of Wisden's cricketers of the year, Shiv would add much needed steel to the England middle order.

Missed out on this week's round table?

Send an email to bleacherrerportcricket@gmail.com and I'll put you on the mailing list for next week's discussion.

The "World's Richest Game:" Stanford's Vision Could End Test Cricket

Jon Naylor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:37:58 -0400

Money talks.

This is one statement that cannot possibly be argued with in relation to sports in the current decade. Eight of the twenty English Premier League clubs are under the control of foreign investors, with many of these knowing as much about football as my gran knows about hip hop; just ask a Man City or Liverpool fan what they think of their respective owners.

And the latest story from English sport wouldn't look out of place in today's money-dominated national game: Texan billionaire waves incredible sums of money and garners the interest of the people running proud teams with rich heritage.

Except this time it's not football; it's the traditional, unfettered sport of cricket.

Sir Allen Stanford, self professed cricket "enthusiast" and naturalised resident of Antigua and Barbuda, has offered to bankroll an annual Twenty20 exhibition match between England, the oldest national side in the sport, and his "native" West Indies, the best Test side in the world twenty years ago.

Only it's not the West Indies we know and love; it's a "Stanford XI," hand picked by Sir Allen.

The matches will be played out on his private ground in Antigua with each member of the winning team earning $500,000 for their part in the match. Not only that, but subs and coaching staff have $1m to split between them and £3.5m to be shared between the ECB and the West Indies Cricket Board.

Over five years, the total cost of these matches will rise to an astronomical £50m.

These matches are billed as the most expensive in team sport, worth more than the NBA playoffs, the World Series, the Champions League final or the Superbowl.

On the surface, it appears that Stanford is simply a cricket philanthropist who wants to revive Windies cricket and put on a good show, pumping money into the sport as a result. But he is not a billionaire tycoon by chance.

Stanford's vision is to make Twenty20 cricket the world's most popular sport, breaking into the US and perhaps ousting one of the more established American games.

He said, "With the right financial support, the right vision, it can be the dominant team sport in the world."

He went on to comment, "Twenty20 is what's going to grab the TV revenue and it's the future of the sport, make no mistake about that." A chilling statement for fans of Test matches, a brand of the sport he refers to as "boring."

Stanford's view is even bleaker for ODIs. "I think, of the 50 over game, its shelf life may have come... I think Twenty20 will take [its] place."

The Texan's opinions and vision for the sport raises many concerns.

In these big-money one-off matches, will jealousy breed for those left behind?
Will his drive for Twenty20 spell the end of Test cricket?
Will the money involved rip the soul out of cricket, ending loyalty to club or country in favour of chasing cash?
Will T20 replace other sports in the public eye?

Only time, and the man's chequebook, will tell.

What is your opinion on the Stanford matches? Are they a good or bad thing? Will they spell the end for Tests or ODIs, or perhaps even make T20 the world's most popular sport? Please comment below.

The "World's Richest Game:" Stanford's Vision Could End Test Cricket

Jon Naylor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:27:14 -0400

Money talks.

This is one statement that cannot possibly be argued with relation to sports in the current decade. Eight of the 20 English Premiership clubs are under the control of foreign investors, with many of these knowing as much about football as my gran knows about hip-hop. Just ask a Man City or Liverpool fan what they think of their respective owners.

Except this time it's not football; it's the traditional, unfettered sport of cricket.

Sir Allen Stanford, self-professed cricket "enthusiast" and naturalised resident of Antigua and Barbuda, has offered to bankroll an annual Twenty20 exhibition match between England, the oldest national side in the sport, and his 'native' West Indies, the best Test side in the world twenty years ago.

Only it's not the West Indies we know and love; it's a "Stanford XI", hand picked by Sir Allen.

The matches will be played out on his private ground in Antigua with each member of the winning team earning $500,000 for their part in the match. Not only that, but subs and coaching staff have $1 millon to split between them and £3.5 million to be shared between the ECB and the West Indies Cricket Board.

Over five years, the total cost of these matches will rise to an astronomical £50 million.

These matches are billed as the most expensive in team sport, worth more than the NBA playoffs, the World Series, the Champions League final or the Super Bowl.

Stanford's vision is to make Twenty20 cricket the world's most popular sport, breaking into the US and perhaps ousting one of the more established American games. He said, "With the right financial support, the right vision, it can be the dominant team sport in the world."

He went on to comment, "Twenty20 is what's going to grab the TV revenue and it's the future of the sport, make no mistake about that." That's a chilling statement for fans of Test matches, a brand of the sport he refers to as "boring."

Stanford's view is even bleaker for ODIs. "I think, of the 50 over game, its shelf life may have come...I think Twenty20 will take [its] place."

The Texan's opinions and vision for the sport raises many concerns.

In these big-money one-off matches, will jealousy breed for those left behind?
Will his drive for Twenty20 spell the end of Test cricket?
Will the money involved rip the soul out of cricket, ending loyalty to club or country in favour of chasing cash?
Will T20 replace other sports in the public eye?

Only time, and the man's chequebook, will tell.

Cricket: Is India's Destruction of Pakistan a Sign Of Things to Come?

Jon Naylor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:22:07 -0400

India's one-day side put on a masterclass with bat and ball to send Pakistan packing and stamp their authority on the subcontinent's Tri-Series tournament. Will this dominance continue throughout the summer and into next year?

Pakistan's previous record-breaking run of 12 consecutive victories ended unceremoniously as they succumbed to a worst-ever defeat to bitter rivals India. Pakistan went down by 140 runs in the one-day encounter.

India were stronger in every department and Pakistan only managed to complete 35 overs, a crime in the shorter format of the game.

The only way this result could have been more embarrassing for Pakistan would have been if all of their mothers gave a press conference with baby pictures as punishment.

Throwing wickets away like it was going out of fashion, Pakistan's opener Salman Butt lasted only nine balls before being caught superbly by youngster Rohit Sharma at point.

His captor, Praveen Kumar, also accounted for the other three members of Pakistan's top order as their side crumbled to a miserable 190, with only Kamran Akmal and a commendable 50 from Shoaib Malik, providing resistance to India's command over the match.

However, their stranglehold was also thanks to a superb batting display set up by Delhi Daredevils openers Gambhir and Sehwag, the latter smashing 13 fours and a six in an typically rapid-fire innings of 89 off 76 balls.

Ably supported by Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, India set an imposing target of 330 to win, putting pressure on Pakistan's batsmen and forcing the errors.

But what does this win mean in the wider context of international cricket? Are India as good as Pakistan made them look?

In short, the answer is yes and no. India's strength in depth is tremendous, with a massive stock of bowlers to call upon should anyone fall short of form. They have young spinners in Piyush Chawla and Ahmet Mishra vying for a place, with no-one sure of a regular spot in the side. This competition for selection stifles complacency and encourages regular, quality displays.

However, Pakistan did produce an uncharacteristically bad performance. As captain Malik said, "it was a bad day." Not half, Shoaib. The bowlers did not hit the right areas and produced more wides than a cake sale. They failed to exert regular pressure on India and paid the penalty.

Nevertheless, you can expect them not to be so forgiving next time. They will meet in the final on Saturday, unless Bangladesh can collectively step into a phone box and emerge as SuperCricketMen to beat a resurgent India side on Thursday.

It was a day when India were superb and Pakistan were woeful. There is a chance of a gulf developing between the rivals, but it is not as big as the most recent match suggests. After all, Pakistan's record prior to this match shows they have the ability to turn this around.

Saturday's final should be thrilling, unless Shoaib's men have another "bad day." Let's hope not, for the sake of the game.

From Slaps In India To Ryder's Wrists: The 5 Worst Cricketing Decisions of 07/08

Jon Naylor — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 06:05:54 -0400

In the first of my weekly 'Top 5s', I take a look at my Top 5 worst cricketing decisions of 2007 and what's been of 2008.

5. The ICC: "Of course it's light enough to play, it'll be a good final"

Much has already been said of the 2007 Cricket World Cup, with expensive tickets, banning of instruments in grounds, and the tournament lasting so long that youngsters growing up watching the group stage were eligible for the semi-finals.

But surely the ICC's greatest error was in the staging of the final; the showpiece of world Cricket; the advert for the sport that will convert atheists into believers. Two major forces in one-day cricket, Sri Lanka and Australia, lined up in what looked set to be a classic.

However, in reply to Australia's imperious 281, the Sri Lankan innings ended in complete farce as light and rain caused halts to play and their batsmen were ordered to finish the match virtually by the light of the moon.

An horrendous call by match referee Jeff Crowe saw Sri Lanka groping around in almost total darkness like fumbling teenagers at a house party. The match, and with it the tournament, ended with a whimper. A catastrophic judgement call that compounded a miserable time for the ICC.

4. Andrew Flintoff: "That pedalo look like a laugh; no-one will see me at this time of night"

Following a disappointing defeat to group rivals New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup, Andrew Flintoff and a few of his team-mates decided to drown their sorrows ahead of the next match with Canada. Having had one too many, he proceeded to the beach and stepped into a pedalo, paddling out to sea.

With all the grace expected of a drunken Englishman, Flintoff had to be rescued from sea and come the morning he was left with more than a hangover. Banned from the side for the next match and stripped of the one-day vice captaincy, Freddie will be thinking long and hard before he goes back in the water.

3. Mohammed Asif: "They'll never look in my wallet; I'll stroll straight through customs"

On his way home from the first IPL, Pakistani paceman Mohammad Asif went through customs at Dubai airport expecting to swiftly be home to rest up his elbow ahead of the Tri-Series and Asia Cup.

Things took a turn for the worse, though, when the quick bowler had his wallet searched by Customs and they turned up a bag of 'herbal matter'.

Whether this was medicinal, as claimed by the PCB, or otherwise, Asif made a terrible decision to store the drugs in his wallet and attempt to get through the airport.

Having been detained for eight days now, he could face up to four years in jail should he be found guilty. Not the best preparation for a major tournament.

2. Jesse Ryder: "This toilet window is no match for my hands of steel"

Another tale of drunken antics, New Zealand big-hitter Jesse Ryder decided to go out boozing in Christchurch to celebrate a one-day series win over England. Having been out drinking until 1:30 am the night before the game as well, two nights in a row clearly took a toll on the portly Kiwi.

Deciding that the best course of action was to smash through a bar window, Ryder severed tendons in his right hand and then abused hospital staff who were attempting to patch up the batsman's claret-covered limb.

The injury has ruled Ryder out of action for three months, including the tour of England in which New Zealand have repeatedly failed with the bat. Oh, the sweet irony.

1. Harbhajan Singh: "I'll show that Sreesanth for celebrating a victory"

The Indian Premier League had its share of thrills and spills, but nothing came close to the moment of madness that almost cost Bhaji his cricket career.

After a match between Singh's Mumbai Indians and the King's XI Punjab, Harbhajan took exception to national team-mate Sree Sreesanth, a member of the victorious King's XI.

So incensed was Singh, he followed Sreesanth into the changing rooms and gave him such a dressing-down that the young bowler was later seen by cameras in tears. The action that the BCCI took most exception to, though, was the story of Singh face-slapping Sreesanth like a jilted lover after a night on the tiles.

Those five minutes of pure insanity cost Harbhajan Singh the princely sum of $750,000, his entire IPL fee, and his place in the remainder of the competition. The BCCI also banned him for 5 ODIs and has the threat of a career ban should he commit any further indiscretions.

That and he won't be getting any birthday cards from Sreesanth anymore.

Have there been any worse decisions made in '07 or '08? Disagree with my selections? Please comment below.

Cricket: Asia Cup Beckons For India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Jon Naylor — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:24:04 -0400

The forthcoming Asia Cup is set to be a hotly-contested affair with Subcontinental giants India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka pitting their wits against Test newbies Bangladesh and minnows Hong Kong and UAE. But who will take the trophy home?

Of course, it is overwhelmingly likely that the winners will be one of the three established cricketing nations. But after Pakistan's showing at the World Cup and Ireland's famous victory over them, pressure to overturn the less-experienced sides could prove telling.

The '08 Asia Cup's opening group stages again has two clear favourites to progress from each pool. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka face the UAE, whilst India and Pakistan will play each other and Hong Kong. Should either of the non-Test nations progress, it would be a major shock with serious repercussions for the team to miss out.

With the tournament to be held in Pakistan, the home side will be looking to produce a commendable showing and at least reach the final.

However, the scandal surrounding pace bowler Mohammed Asif could cast a cloud over the rest of the team. Whilst it is not known precisely what drugs were found on his person, his omission from the side has told its own story.

Pakistan will be looking to IPL success story Sohail Tanvir to lead the attack for this series. His unique fast-arm action and haul of wickets for Rajasthan has increased his International stock, and his contribution could be crucial.

In terms of batting, Shahid Afridi and Misbah Ul-Haq need to rediscover their big-hitting form to stamp their authority on the tournament.

India's side certainly looks one of the strongest on paper but, as the cliche goes, cricket is not played on paper. Sreesanth was one of the bowling picks in the IPL and youngsters such as Suresh Raina and Yousuf Pathan lit up the world stage. One-day captain MS Dhoni will also be keen to make key contributions in the middle order.

However, my bet for Asia Cup champions this year has to be Sri Lanka. They have the easier of the two groups, and a semi-final berth seems inevitable.

On the bowling front, legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has been recalled to the side, and Dilhara Fernando bowled beautifully in the closing stages of the IPL. Farveez Maharoof also showed glimpses of brilliance and has some big shots in his batting locker. Unfortunately, though, injury looks to have forced Lasith Malinga's withdrawal.

The explosive form of wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara has been exemplary in recent times and could be vital in the team's push for success.

The keystone of the Sri Lanka team, though, has to be veteran big-hitter Sanath Jayasuriya. If the little legend, recalled to the one-day side for this tournament, can reproduce the kind of batting he displayed for the Mumbai Indians, then his side can look forward to a great tournament.

Whatever happens, the Asia Cup of 2008 will be the acid test for the 50-over version of the game. If it can keep the intensity high and drama flowing, all ideas of scrapping ODIs could be quickly forgotten.

Cricket: Pakistan's Mohammed Asif Detained With Illegal Substance

Jon Naylor — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:54:25 -0400

It has been reported that Pakistan fast bowler Mohammed Asif has been detained in an airport in Dubai after an illegal drug was found on his person.

Asif, one of the most promising seamers in Pakistani cricket and a great hope for his nation in the forthcoming Tri Series in Bangladesh, was returning home after representing the Delhi Daredevils in this year's inaugural Indian Premier League.

Airport authorities held Asif for 36 hours after an "illegal substance" was found in his wallet on his way back to Pakistan. No charges have been filed against him, and the Pakistan Cricket Board were keen to stress that he had been "detained and not arrested."

The "substance" has been claimed as a herbal remedy for an elbow injury suffered by Asif during the IPL. A sample is currently being tested and results are expected to be forthcoming. Stories are now leaking that the drug could have been hashish, but these are as yet unconfirmed.

The PCB are adamant there has been a misunderstanding, stating the "entire matter was either a mistake or an innocent issue."

However, Asif does not have a blemish-free career with regards to drugs. He was infamously banned for a year after testing positive for nandrolone, along with team-mate Shoaib Akhtar. The PCB later lifted his suspension after stating that he took it unknowingly.

Cricket is no stranger to doping controversy, with legend Shane Warne slapped with a drug ban in his career and England spinner Phil Tufnell narrowly escaping similar punishment after failing to produce a sample.

Scandal is threatening to take the sheen off what should be a great era for cricket, with the excitement of Twenty20 encouraging more and more to follow the sport.

Asif's detention could well be a misunderstanding; but if it turns out that something more sinister is afoot, doping scandals that have rocked sports such as cycling and athletics could find their way into the most honest and honourable of games.

Cricket: Rajasthan Royals Cruise Into IPL Final In a Tale of Two Shanes

Jon Naylor — Fri, 30 May 2008 07:00:34 -0400

Messrs. Warne and Watson put on a scintillating performance with bat and ball to ensure the Rajasthan Royals' safe passage into the Indian Premier League final on Sunday.

Warne, easily the captain of the tournament, set an attacking field from the outset and motivated his charges to produce a huge 105-run victory over a Delhi Daredevils side who were never at the races.

The 38-year-old Australian achieved an incredible level of spin and finished his four over spell for 2-21, great figures for a leg spinner in limited overs cricket.

On a Mumbai wicket that had turn and bounce, the Royals racked up an impressive 192 after being put in to bat, with the highlights including an opening stand of 65 between Twenty20's little and large pairing, Graeme Smith and Swapnil Asnodkar.

However, the star of the show was Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who became the first man of the tournament to score a half century and take three wickets in a single match, hitting a quick-fire 52 and taking the key wickets of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Ghambir.

Delhi Daredevils needed a run-rate of almost 10 an over from the outset and, with the pressure piling on the top three batsmen, Sehwag holed out in the deep attempting a vast shot.

Wickets fell at steady intervals and the Daredevils were never in danger of causing an upset, as the Rajasthan Royals proceeded into the final, barely breaking a sweat.

Watson's performances throughout the competition have led to many labeling him as man of the tournament, and this showing will surely have caught the eyes of the Australian selectors.

The plaudits belong to the two Shanes of the Royals, with the expert captaincy of Warne and the explosive hitting of Watson taking the game away from Sehwag's men, many of whom will now be looking towards the Asia Cup in a bid to banish the memories of a failed tilt at the IPL title.

The Royals will play either MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings or Yuvraj Singh's King's XI Punjab, who play their semi-final tomorrow.

The King's XI's Shaun Marsh ensured a good victory over Warne's men earlier in the week, but the question is: will either of these be able to halt the charge of a full-strength Rajasthan Royals side desperate to win the inaugural IPL title?

Avram Grant Launches Scathing Parting Shot at Chelsea As Board Wars Rage

Jon Naylor — Fri, 30 May 2008 03:37:44 -0400

Former Chelsea boss and all-round charisma vacuum Avram Grant has launched into a tirade at his former employers, criticizing the club for its unrealistic ambitions and boardroom squabbles that he claims are hampering Chelsea's progress.

Grant told a national British newspaper that the ongoing rows off the pitch have damaged team morale to the point that it was hindering the ambitions of the Stamford Bridge outfit.

"When I took over, we set ourselves targets that seemed crazy at the time" he said to The Sun.

"The club is overshadowed with constant wars as part of its strategy. The coach fights with the owner through the papers, fights with other clubs and other managers"

Avram Grant was fired in acrimonious circumstances, with the club taking a huge financial hit to rid themselves of a manager they tied to a four-year deal over the winter.

Following him out the back door was ex-Ajax man Henk ten Cate, the coach who not days before was assured his job was still safe by Peter Kenyon.

Supporters will be intrigued to see the ideas brought forward by the new regime, and whether the coaching staff will get on with Roman Abramovich's plans any better than the Israeli, who will no doubt be comforted by his vast payoff signed off by Chelsea.

Names being strongly linked with the club's hot seat are newly-available pair Frank Rijkaard and Roberto Mancini, both of whom managed sides who fell to a Premier League club in this year's Champions' League.

Rijkaard would surely provide the injection of flair that Abramovich so desires, with Mancini's treble of Scudetto titles titillating for the trophy-chasing Russian. However, if either of these men fail to live up to the targets set by the Russian billionaire, we may well be reading a similar story this time next year.

The Problem with England's Fast Bowlers: They Can't Aim!

Jon Naylor — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:16:31 -0400

The England team seems to be finally shaping up, forming a core group of players capable of challenging against the best international sides.

At the top of the order, Cook has begun his career exceptionally, Strauss is regaining the form that made him such a consistent player and Pietersen is backing up his potential and huge hits with runs.

The middle of the order has always had talent—Bell provides the elegant strokeplay and Collingwood is grittier than a miner with gravel in his pants. In Ryan Sidebottom the ECB have found a Mr. Reliable and Stuart Broad is proving to be a more-than-useful number eight.

Monty's spin can be harder to read than War and Peace, leaving one missing piece in the jigsaw: a quicker-than-greased-lightning fast bowler to be feared the world over.

Think of the men that have attempted to fill that void—Harmison, Anderson, Tremlett and Mahmood. All have pace, but equally all lack the quality that would lift them above the competition.

They couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo.

Exemplified by Steve Harmison's first ball of the last Ashes, a delivery so wide you could drive a bus through it, the trend has been followed by Mahmood and lately the antics of a Mr James Anderson.

It has been often said that England see two fast bowlers in Anderson—a "Good Jimmy" and a "Bad Jimmy." "Good Jimmy" can ping a short ball down so accurately he can hit two men on the bounce in one over. "Bad Jimmy" is more a danger to short leg than the batsman.

James Anderson's scatter-gun technique has allowed more than a few batsmen to feast on his "buffet balls," helping themselves to runs short and wide of off stump.

However, he also takes wickets with his good balls and shows great potential for the future. It is clear that he needs to go and work on his game, but who can step into the side for the interim?

Graham Onions has been making waves in the county leagues, and Charlie Shreck has joined him in the England "A" setup. Tremlett has been waiting for his chance after being dropped from the side.

Is there anyone else who can answer England's call for the South Africa Tests?

Cricket: Indian Premier League's Top Batsmen

Jon Naylor — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:01:55 -0400

The league section of the Indian Premier League has drawn to a close, with the Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils making it to the semifinal stage. But who has impressed so far and what can we expect from the remaining four sides?

In selecting a team of the series, it is only fair that I keep to the rules laid out by the league; that is, at most four overseas players and at least three under-21 Indian players.

Shaun Marsh (King's XI Punjab)

Marsh has come from total obscurity, costing the King's XI a mere $50,000 in wages (virtually nothing when compared to MS Dhoni's astronomical $1.5 million). Marsh has repaid the faith put in him, heading the Orange Cap leading run-scorers table having played three games less.

Averaging 74 and having hit an incredible 115 off 69 balls against the Royals, Marsh is definitely one to look out for in the later stages.

Sanath Jayasuria (Mumbai Indians)

Sanath has disappointed in terms of total runs scored, but he has proven just how destructive he can be at the top of the order. With Sachin Tendulkar at the other end, Jayasuria has exploded into form, smashing opening bowlers all around the ground in several frenetic innings.

A useful bowling option as well on slower pitches, he provides captains with another option if 'plan A' fails. When he fires, he is the most dangerous limited-overs batsman in cricket and for that reason he has to take a berth in the side.

Gautam Gambhir (Delhi Daredevils)

Gauti has been the bedrock of so many of the Daredevils' wins this tournament. With him and Sehwag at the top of the order, Delhi have had the finesse and firepower to take games away from the opposition in the opening six overs.

Gambhir led the run-scoring charts for many weeks. His fine strokeplay and superb timing have fully justified his place in the team.

Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings)

When the Super Kings have needed him, Raina has provided the goods. Succeeding where more experienced batsmen have failed, he is a big hitter with the finer cricket shots in his repertoire to pull off when he needs them.

A young talent with something to prove before this tournament, Raina has exploded onto the scene and, along with Sharma, could be the future of Indian cricket.

Rohit Sharma (Deccan Chargers)

Sharma has been one of the few success stories of an extremely poor tournament for Deccan, in which they haven't recorded a single home win. In this terrible run of form, Sharma has lit up the Hyderabad batting lineup, striking 38 fours and 19 maximums in a tournament where he has scored 404 runs.

Sharma has even outshone veteran teammates Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs.

That's the batsmen for my team of the tournament so far; check back for the wicket keeper and bowlers.

EPL Rumour Mill: Spurs Sign Barcelona Wonderkid?

Jon Naylor — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:10:44 -0400

Reports today have announced that Tottenham have sealed a deal worth £12.5m for Barcelona's hotly-rated Mexican youngster Giovani Dos Santos.

The man whose name has been on the lips of Football Manager fans for years will sign a long-term deal with the London club in the next week, if reports are to be believed.

Across North London, the scramble for Arsenal's Belarussian winger Alexander Hleb is well and truly underway, with the likes of Inter, AC Milan, and Barcelona in the running for his signature.

The asking price of £15m is likely to be met, leaving Arsene Wenger looking to dip into the market to replace him, with Hatem Ben Arfa a strong candidate.

Manchester United are coming to understand that it takes more than being newly crowned European Champions to keep hold of your prized assets in today's transfer market. Real Madrid's interest in Cristiano Ronaldo, and apparent bottomless pit of cash, is the worst-kept secret in football.

Should Ronaldo make the switch, the total price of the move is going to seriously test Los Merengues' bank manager, with figures quoted in the region of £150m including player exchanges, wages, and image rights.

An Old Trafford rumour that refuses to die is the move for Man City utility man Micah Richards. Equally at home at centre-back or right-back, Richards is seen as the ideal long-term replacement for Gary Neville. United are set for a mammoth, resolve-testing offer for the England starlet.

Liverpool's Peter Crouch has been exhibiting his stubborn side, threatening to see out his contract and move for free next year in protest at his £15m pricetag that has put off former clubs Aston Villa and Portsmouth.

Reds fans, however, will be more interested in the probable signings of long-term targets Gareth Barry and Andreas Dossena. Full-back Dossena has recently attracted the interest of Fiorentina and so his transfer could run less smoothly than anticipated.

As for Chelsea's managerial merry-go-round, I have put my ear to the ground and understand the five-man shortlist is Didier Deschamps, Mark Hughes, Roberto Mancini, Frank Rijkaard, and "Big Phil" Scolar i.

Of those, I can only see Hughes, Deschamps or Rijkaard in the hotseat, with the Dutchman in pole position to get the job where only the very best is good enough.

As for moves almost certain to go through, expect to see John Mensah in a Pompey shirt, Ricardo Rocha turning out for Benfica, and Giorgios Samaras extending his stay up at Celtic.

Final blockbuster rumour? Go on then, Robinho to Chelsea for £28m.

Cricket: Strauss Ton and Panesar Six Wicket Haul Inspire England To Kiwi Victory

Jon Naylor — Mon, 26 May 2008 04:54:52 -0400

Opening batsman Andrew Strauss hit a gritty 100 to support Monty Panesar's earlier heroics with the ball to hand England a victory in a Test match which only 24 hours ago seemed to be totally out of reach.

A middle-order collapse from the home side left the Black Caps with a seemingly unassailable 179 run first-innings lead going into the afternoon of yesterday's play.

But an inspired performance from England spinner Monty Panesar limited New Zealand to 114 all out from their second stint at the crease, giving his side hope of an unlikely victory.

Panesar struck six times, returning career-best Test figures of 6-37 off 17 overs to swing the momentum back in England's favour on a day which saw 15 wickets fall on a seemingly unplayable pitch.

With the target now a much more likely 294 from the final innings, England still needed a record Old Trafford run chase to overturn a resilient New Zealand side.

Unfortunately for the Kiwis, their captain Daniel Vettori could not repeat his first-innings performance as top-order batsmen Strauss, Cook, Vaughan and Pietersen put on the meat of the runs to take the pressure off the remaining batsmen and see their side home safely, ultimately winning by six wickets with four sessions to spare.

The highlight of England's batting performance was undoubtedly opening batsman Andrew Strauss, whose defiant century put England in the driving seat and proved many of his doubters wrong, staying at the crease for over four and a half hours and keeping the runs flowing steadily.

A sensational Test match which could have gone either way will leave the Black Caps ruing their second innings performance, throwing away victory from a comfortable winning position.

England's only concern will surely be the form of the middle order, with neither Ian Bell nor Paul Collingwood looking comfortable at the crease when knocking off the remaining 48 runs.

The selectors could well look to Ravi Bopara or Owais Shah and leave fan-favourite Collingwood time to perfect his game in the county league.

The win gives England a 1-0 lead in the series, with the final Test to be played at Trent Bridge commencing Thursday 5th June.