Bleacher Report - Articles by Sam Rogers

As Bopara Is Left in the Dark, England Reassess Their Oval Options

Sam Rogers — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:32:15 -0400

With less than 48 hours until the fifth and final test of this year’s Ashes series, and Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn after their drubbing of a lacklustre England team, the same England team must now reassess and find a winning formula that four years ago seemed permanently present.

After the fiasco at Headingly, many had called for wholesale changes within a team lacking ambition, direction and above all else, fighting instinct. The first casualty of the disastrous events in Leeds will be Ravi Bopara of Essex.

Having scored a mere 105 runs in seven innings in this series, not even a victory earning unbeaten half century for Essex could save him from being replaced. The man to take his place in the England line-up is South African born Warwickshire batsman Jonathon Trott.

Trott has been in emphatic form for Warwickshire this season, averaging 80 in the County Championship and highlighting his attacking versatility with an unbeaten half century in the Pro40 against Leicestershire last week.

While Trott’s call-up seemed straightforward, it took the rumoured revival of both Surrey’s Mark Ramprakash and Somerset’s Marcus Trescothick’s respective England career. While Trescothick immediately dismissed the rumour despite “mulling it over”, Ramps has enjoyed the spotlight much more and has been quoted as “cherishing” an England recall.

However England coach Andy Flower and the rest of the selectors have favoured the debutant Trott over Ramprakash (Averaged 27 in 52 Tests) and Trescothick (INSERT AVERAGE), a decision which South Africa coach Mickey Arthur believes is a shrewd one. Arthur felt that England’s selectors are looking for longevity over the ‘quick-fix’.

Jonathon Trott’s selection aside, England still have a number of selection quandaries to be solved, the biggest of which is whether or not Harmison should retain his place or if not should Ryan Sidebottom or Graham Onions (who will likely miss out in favour of Andrew Flintoff) take his place.

If Harmison is replaced, Sidebottom is most likely to take his place, despite having not featured in this series previously and having seen Onions impress against the old enemy.

While Onions has the consistency of both line and length needed for the oval, Sidebottom’s left-arm seam provides an extra dimension to a bowling attack that must take 20 wickets to regain the Ashes.

However while Harmison’s figures of 1-87 in 22 overs at the oval in 2005; Sidebottom has equally unfavourable figures of 1-93 in 32 against India two years ago.

That being said, while Harmison can provide pace and aggression, if he isn’t on the mark from he start he often ends up falling by the way-side, whereas Sidebottom has a canny knack of getting wickets even when he is seemingly off form.

In addition to the seam debate, there has been talk of playing two spinners at the Oval, with out of sorts spinner Monty Panesar to join the wily off=spinner Graeme Swann in the lineup. However, with Panesar’s poor form in domestic cricket this season and the need to take 20 wickets, it is likely that England steer clear of this option in favour of four seamers with Andrew Flintoff.

In terms of batting form, England are desperately short of it, and although Alastair Cook is coming off a half century in his last county championship innings, while Ian Bell and the Debutant Trott both scored centuries against a Notts attack that featured England contender Ryan Sidebottom, England will be as worried about scoring enough runs to force a result, as much as they will be about taking 20 Australian wickets.

England Skipper Andrew Strauss will be key in setting England off on a positive start. Whether that means getting a big score on the first day or making the correct bowling changes at the right time, leading from the front will be integral to England having any chance of regaining the ashes.

One thing in the captain’s favour is that he has had success at the Oval against Australia. Four years ago he scored 129 to steady England’s first innings and to give the bowlers a score to defend.

In order for England to go one step better than 2005 and win at the Ashes, a number of things must occur. Firstly England have to take 20 wickets on a batsman’s heaven of a pitch. The only ray of hope for England is that the warm weather predicted prior to the start of the test, brings about an abrasive pitch and leads to reverse swing.

However, this can be favourable for the Australians also, who unlikely to draft in Brett Lee for the final test will benefit from the seam and swing friendly conditions. Additionally England must bat well and bat positively, scoring plenty of runs at a good rate.

By achieving that, England will put Australia under added pressure and perhaps force mistakes from their opponents. If England let Stuart Clark and Ben Hilfenhaus dominate, England will get bogged down and fail to force their hand with enough time to create a winning scenario.

Finally and perhaps most important, England must learn from Australia’s mistakes at the Oval four years ago.

Not only did they take bad light when their situation dictated a push for runs, but on the final day they failed to take their chances against a fragile batting order, and in particular Kevin Pietersen whose 158 brought England to safety and confirmed their regaining of the Ashes.

However had Australia held onto one of the numerous chances dropped by the likes of Warne, Hayden and Gilchrist, the result could have been and would have been much different. Ultimately while an England victory is a long shot.

The England lineup will be reminded of events at the USPGA championship in Minnesota last Sunday, with South Korean Y.E. Yang reminding everyone that underdogs can be victorious, even against the most dominant favourite.

Regardless of what happens over the next week, and whether or not England manages to regain the ashes, one thing is for sure, it will conclude what has already been yet another intriguing chapter in the Ashes story.

If The Ashes Started Tomorrow...My Starting XI

Sam Rogers — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:25:36 -0400

On the eve of the second Test between England and the West Indies, I will look at which 11 players i believe will start the first Ashes test at Cardiff on July 8th.

1. Opening Batsman - Andrew Strauss (C)

"Skipper" will lead from the front this summer and after scoring tons in the 3rd and 5th tests on his way to compiling 393 runs at an average of just over 39. I fully expect him to be one of the leading run scorers in the series.

2. Opening Batsman - Alastair Cook

Debatable position this one. obviously in a perfect world the name pencilled in would be 'Banger' himself, Marcus Trescothick, but personal problems and stress related illness has led to his retirement from international cricket.

Alternatively I may have been inclined to place former captain Michael Vaughan at two being an experienced opener with both Strauss and Trescothick, however Geoff Miller the chairman of selector has made it quite clear that Vaughan is not part of England's future plans.

That in mind Alastair Cook, providing he can work on his technique as well as the mental aspect of him getting to 30 or 40 and then getting out to loose shots, as well as overcoming the nerves of a first home Ashes series (having had only moderate success during England's 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the Aussies last time round), he has the potential to be very successful.

Number 3 - ?

As many fans of English cricket will know, this position has been under the spotlight in recent times with many players occupying the role and then seemingly relinquishing it to another.

Ian Bell, Owais Shah, Michael Vaughan, and Ravi Bopara have all had chances and it seems Bopara has made it his own. While I like Bell and Shah, they just don't seem to have anything individual to give other than underperformance and cocky arrogance respectively.

Vaughan as previously mentioned is out of favour, so that leaves Bopara. Bopara has all the makings of a great No. 3 batsman and his rugged confidence and joie de vivre makes him and exciting prospect for the England setup. His athleticism in the field and nagging medium pace bowler make him an asset to any team and hopefully he will prove this in July.

Number 4 - Kevin Pietersen

In recent series Pietersen's name would have been considered the first on the team sheet, but a lot has happened over the past 18 months to suggest otherwise. Stanford and his millions, the captaincy, and Peter Moores affair and his off field feuds with near enough everyone, has changed everyone's viewpoint about the man.

However I believe he has been treated poorly and rather than a thorn in the side he should be seen as a jewel in the crown of English cricket. After all wasn't it his brash arrogance and quirky haircut and earring that endeared him to English fans hearts and ultimately made him the enigma he is today.

Although I believe the right captain is in place (albeit by the wrong path) Pietersen has so much to offer and will be influential in England's triumph, or indeed their demise.

Number 5 - Paul Collingwood

The wise right hander from Durham as gone from England replacement to stalwart of the middle order. His gritty runs when all around him falter combined with his ability to change the pace of an innings rapidly have made him a prized possession to England, almost like Michael Hussey for the Australians.

However Collingwood is far superior to Hussey both in the field (at either slip or backwards point) and with the ball (gentle medium pace that is so hard to score off). A sure start for England.

Number 6 - Andrew Flintoff

Of course this is fully dependant on if he is fit or not, but if indeed he has recovered fully he is the first name on the team sheet. His "teamplayer" ethic as well as his charismatic exuberance, mean he is the go to guy in the England setup, and one that England rarely succeed without.

Perhaps his most shining moment was bowling 14.2 overs unchanged on the fourth day of the final Test in 2005 racking up figures of 4-30, which ultimately gave England the initiative to kick on and salvage a draw and regain the Ashes. I believe England's chances hinge on the performance of this man.

Number 7 - James Foster (WK)

First controversial choice perhaps and to many, it will be an unjustified risk but in Ashes series when a dropped catch can win or lose a Test match or even a series, you truly need the best gloveman around—that man is Foster.

Fantastic standing up to the stumps at Essex and very positive lower-middle order batsman to boot, he should takeover from Matt Prior, and I believe will truly flourish in the adversities that may face him.

Number 8 - Stuart Broad

The first of England's bowling corp and at only 22 is a most exciting prospect. Whether he can continue to develop and take more hauls of wickets remains to be seen but I believe he will become a truly great all rounder as he is already a very competent batsman averaging a shade under 30, which is fantastic for a bowler.

Promising times await the young man and he has broad enough shoulders (no pun intended) to manage the burden of expectation.

Number 9 - Graeme Swann

Broad's Nottinghamshire team mate and a very intelligent right arm off-spinner and lower order bat. He has taken the role as England's premier spin option and run with it, even putting a halt to Monty Panesar's short but often promising England career at the moment.

Swann provides depth in the batting as well as thoughtful bowling and a good pair of hands in the field.

Number 10 - Steve Harmison

Perhaps the second controversial choice of the team. "The Durham Destroyer" has had a very up and down England career of late, from fantastic performances in the Caribbean 2004 (took 7-12) and hostile spells in the 2005 Ashes series, contrasted with the 2007 Ashes series and "that ball" that ended up going directly to second slip.

That being said, Harmison is by far England's fastest bowler and on form can rip through any attack. That is why I believe he has every chance of making the first Test and proving his doubters wrong.

Number 11 - Graham Onions

Now I'm not one for bandwagons but my, oh, my what a debut. That being said I genuinely believe he has the pace and control to be a thorn in the Australian side. His added experience also helps in his favour and alongside Durham team mates Harmison and Collingwood, will fit nicely into the five-man attack.

Stuart Clark Kicks Up a Storm as Kent Deal is Finalised

Sam Rogers — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:28:58 -0400

It's a question that has been on the lips of many England fans around the country, "should Stuart Clark be allowed to play for Kent just months before the Ashes?"

Many believe he shouldn't. Stuart Clark is a world class cricketer and will no doubt be a talismanic figure with the ball come the summer in an Australian side no longer boasting the nagging accuracy of one Glenn McGrath. The issue, therefore, is whether him being able to accustom himself to English conditions, as well as getting plenty of cricket under his belt to aid his return from injury, should be allowed.

The man himself has been quoted as being "stunned" by the response of senior ECB officials and believes there comments have been "over the top" while Australian captain Ricky Ponting has argued the hypocrisy of the England Cricket Board who not so long ago sent now captain Andrew Strauss on an 11-match stint with New Zealand state side Northern Districts.

Regardless of these opinions, Clark has finalised his deal with Kent, and will join them from the middle of this month.

It seems also he won't be the only Australian player to be "acclimatising", as news has come in of Phillip Hughes the young New South Wales opening batsman has just signed a short deal with Middlesex under the advisement of Australian legend Mark Waugh. it is understood that Hughes will also seek advice from former test opener Justin Langer, currently on the books at Somerset.

All of this spells for a very interesting few months county cricket and is building nicely towards an extremely intriguing Ashes summer, one which will be as hard fought as ever but more closely fought than the last.

Young Star McIlroy Faces Disqualification after School Boy Error

Sam Rogers — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:40:31 -0400

Rory McIlroy, the young golfing prodigy from Portrush, Northern Ireland faces an anxious wait—to find out if he will continue the Masters tournament in Augusta.

After failing to get his ball out of the bunker at his first attempt, he rather innocuously kicked the sand in frustration, before continuing his round from there.

However, the problems arose when Augusta officials deemed McIlroy's actions to be "testing the surface of the hazard," something golf fans know is illegal.

McIlroy signed his card at the end of the round, not taking into account the penalty stroke accrued from the kick, and in doing so signed an incorrect card, which in any tournament is grounds for disqualification.

No official word has yet been recieved, but should McIlroy not be disqualified and is instead handed apenalty stroke, it is looking more and more likely he will miss the cut anyway.

Miller and Co. Face Selection Dilemma Ahead of Second Test

Sam Rogers — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:15:54 -0400

Geoff Miller and his team of selectors face a dilemma ahead of the second test match against the Proteas, starting in Headingly on Friday. The return to full fitness of England and Lancashire talisman, Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff, there are now three top players vying for the two places in England's middle order.

Many are of the belief that the only places under threat from the big all-rounder are those currently occupied by Ian Bell, whose sublime 199 on friday all but cemented his place in the side, and Paul Collingwood, England's One Day captain and the man in need of runs the most.

Coming off the back of a very disappointing home series against the Kiwis (32 runs in three matches @10.66), Collingwood was dealt another turn of bad luck, when, in the first innings against South Africa, was wrongly adjudged to have been caught bat pad by Hasim Amla. Replays later showed that he did not in fact hit the ball with his bat and it was merely a deflection off the pad.

A straight swap, Flintoff for Collingwood, seems like the only sensible option, but I believe it is the wrong one.

Firstly, Flintoff himself cannot buy a run at the moment, making only two in his first innings of the LV County Championship against Hampshire today. Although Flintoff would undoubtedly bring both talent and experience into a fairly young England seam attack, his poor form with the bat is still a worry and the pace trio of Anderson, Sidebottom and Broad have dealt well with both an inexperienced New Zealand team and a highly rated south African top order.

This is mind, the only option, other than remaining with the current 11 players adorning the "persil" whites of England, is to replace one of these seamers with the raw pace of Flintoff, a pace that has been missed since his injury.

The only viable swap, then, is James Anderson out and Flintoff in. Taking nothing away from Anderson, he is the weakest of a strong bunch and arguably brings one dimension to the England team. Whereas Broad brings McGrath-esque Consistency as well as a useful No. 8 batsman, and Sidebottom has the unconventional left arm action that seams both in and away, as well as an aggression not seen for a long time among England players. Anderson, on the other hand, can be very inconsistent, and really has no merit with the bat.

Unless Anderson takes a good haul of wickets in the second innings, I believe he is the man to go, although Messrs Miller, Giles and Co. may not agree.

Euro 2008: Spain Breaks through on Penalty Kicks

Sam Rogers — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:31:09 -0400

Having set the European Championships alight over the previous two weeks, it took a penalty shoot-out winner from Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas to knock the Italians out of the tournament and progress to the semi-finals against giant killers Russia.

After a dull first 90 minutes, the game started to liven up in extra time and both teams started to open up and play expansive football. However, 120 minutes couldn't separate the two footballing super powers.

Finally, the self-labeled chokers of international football finally won a penalty shootout on June 22. Spain had been knocked out on penalties in three prior tournaments on this exact date: USA '94, Euro '04 and World Cup '06.

The star studded Spanish will now play Guus Hiddinks' Russian side next Thursday, who turned over the previously unflappable Dutch in extra time.

The winner of that game will play either Turkey or pre-Tournament Favourites Germany, who will contest the other semi final.

Lewis Hamilton Bitterly Disappointed at French Grand Prix

Sam Rogers — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:02:23 -0400

Lewis Hamilton's hopes for his maiden driver's championship took another painful blow today when he finished a dismal ninth in the French GP at Magny-Cours.

Having suffered a 10-place penalty in qualifying, which started him on 13th on the grid, he made his way down to fifth before cutting a chicane which gave the Briton an obvious advantage which led to him having to do a drive-through penalty.

This put him in 10th and ultimately ended his chances of any points. His Ferrari rivals, however, fared much better in the overcast conditions, finishing with a 1-2.

Felipe Massa took another victory. He is at the top of the Driver's championships, five ahead of his Finnish colleague Kimi Raikkonen and ten ahead of Hamilton.

Lewis will hope for a much better performance when the F1 season comes to Silverstone for Hamilton's home race.