Buzzin Cricket

Kevin Pietersen started his reign as England captain with a six-wicket victory in the fourth test against South Africa. Andrew Flintoff hit the winning runs as England picked up a consolation victory in a series where they were beaten 2-1.

Chasing 197 to win on the final day at The Oval, Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook put on 123 for the first wicket to all but secure victory for the home side. However, the run-chase wasn’t without incident. Alistair Cook was dismissed in the 60’s for the ninth time in career before Ian Bell had his leg stump carted out of the ground by Makhaya Ntini. This brought Kevin Pietersen to the crease with many speculating that the script was written for the new captain to hit the winning runs.

Shortly afterwards, Andrew Strauss – who is fighting to keep his place in the side after a disappointing series – departed for 58 as he was caught by Graeme Smith off the bowling of Paul Harris. Despite the flurry of quick wickets, England were still on course for victory and when Kevin Pietersen fell to Paul Harris for 13, only 15 runs were required for victory. The skipper smiled as he walked off, knowing that a test win was round the corner even if it wasn’t to be won in the fairytale way.

As Andrew Flintoff passed Kevin Pietersen on his way to the middle, it was probably the loudest cheer of the day. Kevin Pietersen may well be England’s most popular cricketer in the future, but at the moment, no-one can beat Freddie Flintoff in terms of popularity. Ever the crowd pleaser, the Lancashire all-rounder hit a six off Paul Harris to secure the win for England and finish on 11 not out. Paul Collingwood continued his recent revival, finishing unbeaten on 25 as England secured a comfortable victory.

Overall, South Africa deserved to win the series. I don’t think anyone can have too many complaints about that, these things happen. They were due a win in England after all. England can be optimistic of what the future may bring under the new captaincy though. Kevin Pietersen showed in this test match that he can guide his side to taking twenty wickets and he can still score runs when given the extra responsibility as captain.

Next up on the international calendar is the one-day series between the two sides, which is preceded by a Twenty20 game on the 20th August. In terms of cricket betting, South Africa are undoubtedly favourites to complete a double series victory, but having won the final test match of the summer, Kevin Pietersen’s England will go into the limited over matches in good heart and will want to end the summer on a good note.

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.

Kevin Pietersen is England’s new captain as Ravi Bopara joins test squad.

In a move that could potentially split a lot of cricket fans in England, Kevin Pietersen has been named the new test and one-day captain of England. The Hampshire batsman succeeds Michael Vaughan and Paul Collingwood, who quit from their respective captain posts yesterday.

Kevin Pietersen’s first task is to captain England in the final test match against South Africa which starts on Thursday at The Oval. The series is already lost, but England will be looking to salvage some pride by winning the final test match ahead of the one-day games.

Speaking about being appointed captain, Kevin Pietersen said that he was ‘thrilled’ to be given the opportunity and that it will be a ‘huge honour’ to lead his country out as skipper. The 28-year-old also said that he has learned a lot from close friend Michael Vaughan about the job. Speaking of Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pietersen said that he looks forward to him returning to the test team as a batsman very soon.

Like I have mentioned, if I was to bet on England cricket fans’ opinion on this decision, I would imagine it would be varied. Some people will believe that as England’s best batsman, he should be left to concentrate on scoring runs. Doubters also point to Kevin Pietersen’s large ego that could jeopardise his decisions as captain.

On the other hand though, there are those who believe Kevin Pietersen will revel in the role. They believe his positive approach to captaincy will be exactly what English cricket needs. In terms of England cricket betting the teams chances of winning the Ashes are increased according to these people.

Which camp am I in? Well, I have to say I am pleased about the appointment. Not only do I think his batting will benefit from the extra responsibility, but I think his personality will help make England cricketers more confident and more likely to succeed. He is a very positive individual and this should rub off on the other players.

Kevin Pietersen was the only choice anyway. Other candidates Alistair Cook and Andrew Strauss are uncertain over their place in the one-day side and to bring Robert Key in out of the blue would have been simply ridiculous. How could the captaincy be given to someone who has proved in the past that he isn’t good enough for test cricket?

So, the new England captain is Kevin Pietersen. On Thursday, he will be leading his team out against South Africa as England look to win the final test match of the summer. In terms of the squad for this match, Michael Vaughan – who announced he would be taking a break from cricket – will be replaced by Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara. I will be talking more about this squad later in the week, but until then – good luck Kevin Pietersen. I am behind you every step of the way.

As with anything in sport, there is always one particular topic that just won’t go away. In cricket, it is normally which member of the England cricket team is under pressure for his place. The focus has been on Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood for much of the summer, but now there are increasing doubts over Michael Vaughan’s place in the side.

The England captain has only scored 24 runs in his four innings against South Africa this summer and has just the one century in his last 22 test innings.  Even in his few appearances for Yorkshire, Michael Vaughan simply hasn’t delivered.

Of course, as captain, if his team was winning – he could probably get away with his own personal lack of form. However, after going 1-0 down in the series against South Africa at Headingley, England are struggling again at Edgbaston. After winning the toss and batting first, they were dismissed 231 with Michael Vaughan being removed for a first ball duck. The pressure of England’s most successful captain of all time grows by the minute.

Michael Vaughan’s batting form has been questioned before though. Like most international players he has gone through spells when he hasn’t been getting runs. He is used to answering questions about his batting. However, something that hasn’t been a major part of Michael Vaughan’s career has been criticism about his captaincy. Something which is beginning to sneak in. Selection confusion and poor team performances have caused this and I can’t help but think that the last couple of weeks have been the beginning of the end for Michael Vaughan.

I hope he turns it around, but at 33-years-old, perhaps he won’t have the chance to do so. I respect him for what he has done for English cricket, both as a batsman and as a captain, but things are certainly not how they should be right now and I think he knows it.

Let’s say Michael Vaughan steps down as England captain at the end of this English summer. It probably won’t happy but let’s just consider if it did. My biggest worry would be that there are no obvious candidates for the captaincy. The only man who would be capable of doing the job, in my view, would be Andrew Strauss. However, he is 31-years-old and still has to improve his batting form if he is to 100% cement his place in the team. There is no doubt that in terms of cricket betting, I’d be pretty stumped when it came to choosing the next England cricket captain.

For now though, the focus has to be on avoiding defeat against South Africa at Edgbaston. Things aren’t looking great at lunch on day two and if England do go on to lose the test match, it will be a home series defeat for Michael Vaughan’s men. Something that will pile even more pressure on the England skipper.

Durham fast bowler Steve Harmison has been called up by England ahead of the third test against South Africa which gets underway on Wednesday. The 29-year-old hasn’t represented his country since March but good form in the county game has seen him rewarded with another chance.

I have mixed feelings as to whether this is a sensible decision from the England selectors. Yes, Steve Harmison has been in fantastic form for Durham – he is the leading wicket taker in the County Championship – but his attitude towards international cricket bothers me. He has always shown a lack of commitment – he is retired from one day international cricket and while on tour for England has often hinted that there a million and one places he would rather be.

It does worry me that even if he performs this summer, he will either not want to tour this winter or he will under perform like he did in New Zealand recently. Should he really be selected if there is a good chance he won’t fancy touring India in November?

I guess the priority has to be winning the third test match against South Africa though and the selectors obviously feel that Steve Harmison is the man to make this happen. I’m not convinced, but I wish his the best. At least Andrew Flintoff will have his best mate back in the team with him.

Other changes to the squad include Paul Collingwood and Ryan Sidebottom returning to replace Chris Tremlett and surprise call-up last time round – Darren Pattinson. I’d put all my cricket betting money on Ryan Sidebottom making the 11 to play at Edgbaston, but Paul Collingwood’s involvement will depend on whether England operate a four or five man bowling attack.

If Paul Collingwood plays it will mean that Tim Ambrose will move down the order to eight and two of Stuart Broad, Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar, Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson would have to miss out. If Paul Collingwood isn’t recalled, only one of these will miss out and England would have failed to strengthen their batting line up.

The problem at the moment for England is that nobody seems to know what the best team is. After going six test matches with the same side, things are now very uncertain – what exactly is England’s best team?

Well, putting aside the current squad, below is the team I would select given the choice:

Strauss, Cook, Vaughan, Pietersen, Bell, Flintoff, Foster, Broad, Swann, Sidebottom, Anderson.

As for the test match that starts on Wednesday, I expect Collingwood and Sidebottom to play with Stuart Broad and James Anderson missing out. I hope I am wrong though – this would be a negative move in my opinion.