Buzzin Cricket

The third and final test match of England’s home battle with New Zealand is almost upon us, with Michael Vaughan’s men needing to avoid defeat to record back to back series wins against the Kiwis.

With no new injury worries, England have named the same side that has seen them take a 1-0 lead in the series,  meaning they have gone four test matches without making a single change to their line up, three of which have resulted in victories. They have been together since Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard were dropped after a humiliating defeat in Hamilton back in March.

Let’s talk about these two. I personally don’t see a way back into the side for either of them. I think that the England cricket team has moved on to a new era of bowlers. James Anderson, for example, is someone that I rate highly. He may have his moments, but on top of his game, he is one of the most lethal swing bowlers in world cricket – an attribute he has used to good advantage in this series where he has taken ten wickets in the two matches. To drop him or the ever improving Stuart Broad now for either Hoggard or Harmison would be a backward step and one that I wouldn’t bet on England cricket coach Moores taking.

An interesting situation could occur if Broad, Anderson or Ryan Sidebottom were to injure themselves. With Harmison taking plenty of wickets for Durham there would a temptation to bring him back. However, as well as he bowls for Durham and as well as he might bowl for England this summer if called upon – he can’t perform abroad and therefore can’t be considered. That may seem harsh, but other than a successful tour of the West Indies in 2004, he doesn’t fancy it on tour. It seems too much of a struggle for him and England can’t afford to carry players.

Hoggard is slightly different. He has a great record for his country and probably would perform admirably if called upon. He is a true professional and has been a loyal servant to English cricket. However, he is the wrong side of 30 and if we are looking ahead to the 2009 Ashes series, other options have to be looked at. Like I have said though, if needed, Hoggard would tour with England and perform to the best of his abilities – something which can’t be said about Harmison.

So who should be considered should the current attack suffer a few injuries? Well, it seems that Graham Onions and Chris Tremlett are the obvious contenders. Don’t rule out Sajid Mahmood either – he will be back in the England fold again at some stage. He just needs to make sure that he comes back as a more accomplished bowler as opposed to one with ‘raw talent’. A season alongside the likes of Glenn Chapple and Dominic Cork at Lancashire should do him some good and help his England chances.

Looking forward to the test match at Trent Bridge, it is likely to be the bowlers decide the outcome of the game. This season in the County Championship, there has only been one score of over 300 and the ball has, by all accounts, been swinging all over the show. Hopefully, Vaughan will win the toss, stick the Kiwi’s in and the youthful and settled England bowling attack can exploit the conditions and set themselves up for a 2-0 series win.