Buzzin Cricket

Kevin Pietersen became only the fourth player ever to make a century in his first test match as captain yesterday. After a patient but fluent innings, he was dismissed for exactly 100 off the bowling of Makhaya Ntini as England made 316 to secure a 122 run first innings lead against South Africa.

Now, first of all, let me assure you that I am very pleased for Kevin Pietersen. He relished the responsibility of being captain and delivered the type of innings his team needed in the circumstances. He is a world class batsman and is without doubt England’s finest. The problem for me, is the distance by which he is England’s best batsman. The new captain is head and shoulders above the rest and it is a worry.

Andrew Strauss can’t buy a run, Alistair Cook keeps getting starts then getting out, Ian Bell has only made one significant score this summer and Andrew Flintoff hasn’t looked at home with a bat in his hand for quite some time now. Then there is Tim Ambrose, who simply can’t score runs unless the ball is bowled short. Paul Collingwood, I guess, has showed signs of better form, but he hasn’t exactly had a fantastic summer.

Overall, the over reliance on Kevin Pietersen is something which needs to be addressed. I mean, can you imagine England’s batting line up without him? It doesn’t bare thinking about. I wouldn’t place any of my cricket betting money on an England test win if he was out injured. I just don’t know where the runs would come from.

So, how can England sort out their batting problems? Well, I think some changes need to be made. First of all, at the top of the order. Andrew Strauss has looked vulnerable against a decent South African attack and his only two centuries of recent times were against a poor New Zealand attack. Maybe it is time for a change there. The problem being, who would England turn to? My suggestion would be to get Michael Vaughan back in the fold as an opening batsman. Presuming he scores some runs for Yorkshire towards the end of this season of course.

Next problem is the number six slot. Andrew Flintoff doesn’t seem capable of batting this high up at the moment. So, perhaps the introduction of Ravi Bopara - who could act as the fifth bowler along with Paul Collingwood - will solve this problem. Andrew Flintoff could then move to his more natural position of seven.
Finally, there is the wicket keeper situation. England need to decide what they want from their glove man. Do they want someone who is capable of batting at six but may drop a couple or do they want a solid keeper who can bat a bit? Unfortunately for Tim Ambrose, he isn’t either. His keeping has come under question and his batting has been far from convincing. I doubt he will be on the plane to India in November. I’d suggest that James Foster’s fine form for Essex should be rewarded.

So, plenty to ponder for captain Kevin Pietersen and coach Peter Moores. First of all though, they will want to secure a victory in the final test against South Africa at the Oval. Who knows, maybe the likes of Andrew Strauss and Tim Ambrose will produce a performance to save their careers in the second innings.