Plenty hunger, not enough teeth
Andrew McGlashan presents England's marks out of ten for their series against West Indies
Andrew McGlashan
11-Mar-2009
England arrived in the Caribbean with high expectations, but, after their embarrassment in the first Test in Kingston, they found they lacked the firepower to blast their way back into contention in the series. Cricinfo runs the rule over the men that came, saw, and were thwarted.
9
Andrew Strauss
Led from the front after the debacle at Sabina Park, finding the form of his life with three hundreds in three matches. He was back playing the way of the Andrew Strauss who burst onto the scene in 2004 and if anything his 142 in Barbados was his most fluent Test innings. Captaincy clearly has a positive impact on his batting - he now averages more than 60 in the role - and he also remained an impressive figure off the field, dealing with the multitude of issues that came his way in a calm manner. There was the odd murmur that he could have been more aggressive in his tactics, but the end results were hampered by an attack that laboured for wickets on flat surfaces.
Led from the front after the debacle at Sabina Park, finding the form of his life with three hundreds in three matches. He was back playing the way of the Andrew Strauss who burst onto the scene in 2004 and if anything his 142 in Barbados was his most fluent Test innings. Captaincy clearly has a positive impact on his batting - he now averages more than 60 in the role - and he also remained an impressive figure off the field, dealing with the multitude of issues that came his way in a calm manner. There was the odd murmur that he could have been more aggressive in his tactics, but the end results were hampered by an attack that laboured for wickets on flat surfaces.
8
Paul Collingwood
Once again Collingwood silenced any doubters with a run-filled series, striking centuries in Antigua and Trinidad along with 96 in Barbados. He won't always be everyone's cup of tea because he lacks the flair of other players, but his value to the team is huge. One criticism that probably can be levelled is his pace of scoring, strange for someone who has a good one-day record, as he occasionally becomes one-paced in the longer format. But the runs speak for themselves - Collingwood isn't going anywhere in the near future.
Once again Collingwood silenced any doubters with a run-filled series, striking centuries in Antigua and Trinidad along with 96 in Barbados. He won't always be everyone's cup of tea because he lacks the flair of other players, but his value to the team is huge. One criticism that probably can be levelled is his pace of scoring, strange for someone who has a good one-day record, as he occasionally becomes one-paced in the longer format. But the runs speak for themselves - Collingwood isn't going anywhere in the near future.
Matt Prior
A series that restablished Prior as the best all-round wicketkeeping option for England despite a swift trip home to see his newborn son. He was in strong form before the interruption to his tour, and even better when he returned. Hit a career-best 131 in Trinidad and that was followed by 61 off 49 balls to conjure the victory opportunity. Those efforts suggested he could hold down the No. 6 slot on a permanent basis, but his glovework still needs refining as 51 byes and a crucial drop off Shivnarine Chanderpaul showed in the final Test.
A series that restablished Prior as the best all-round wicketkeeping option for England despite a swift trip home to see his newborn son. He was in strong form before the interruption to his tour, and even better when he returned. Hit a career-best 131 in Trinidad and that was followed by 61 off 49 balls to conjure the victory opportunity. Those efforts suggested he could hold down the No. 6 slot on a permanent basis, but his glovework still needs refining as 51 byes and a crucial drop off Shivnarine Chanderpaul showed in the final Test.
Graeme Swann
Despite an encouraging tour of India, Swann had to wait until the hurriedly-arranged ARG Test for his chance but immediately grabbed it with both hands. Deserved to finish on the winning side after a maiden five-wicket haul before toiling long and hard for five more on the featherbed in Barbados. Between times it emerged that a long-standing elbow problem was having a serious impact and it was decided surgery was required. However, he almost helped England to a memorable series-levelling victory with an outstanding final-day spell. If the elbow recovers he'll be facing Australia.
Despite an encouraging tour of India, Swann had to wait until the hurriedly-arranged ARG Test for his chance but immediately grabbed it with both hands. Deserved to finish on the winning side after a maiden five-wicket haul before toiling long and hard for five more on the featherbed in Barbados. Between times it emerged that a long-standing elbow problem was having a serious impact and it was decided surgery was required. However, he almost helped England to a memorable series-levelling victory with an outstanding final-day spell. If the elbow recovers he'll be facing Australia.
7
Alastair Cook
The key moment for Cook was finally reaching three figures for the first time since December 2007, although his unbeaten 139 in Barbados was made in the most benign of conditions. After a tough start in Jamaica, Cook's form improved during the series and his partnership with Strauss flourished. His technique outside off stump still remains suspect, but his runs tally can't be argued with. The fielding is a different matter and he still doesn't convince as a close catcher, especially at bat-pad to the spinners.
The key moment for Cook was finally reaching three figures for the first time since December 2007, although his unbeaten 139 in Barbados was made in the most benign of conditions. After a tough start in Jamaica, Cook's form improved during the series and his partnership with Strauss flourished. His technique outside off stump still remains suspect, but his runs tally can't be argued with. The fielding is a different matter and he still doesn't convince as a close catcher, especially at bat-pad to the spinners.
Kevin Pietersen
He saved his best until last with a flamboyant 102 to give England the chance of a series-levelling victory. Until that century it had been a subdued series for Pietersen, a hangover from the events of January that still hurt him. His 97 in Kingston proved plenty of points, but when the going got easier on flat pitches Pietersen didn't cash in like his team-mates. Still, it's all relative, and the final numbers of 406 runs at 58 are not too shabby.
He saved his best until last with a flamboyant 102 to give England the chance of a series-levelling victory. Until that century it had been a subdued series for Pietersen, a hangover from the events of January that still hurt him. His 97 in Kingston proved plenty of points, but when the going got easier on flat pitches Pietersen didn't cash in like his team-mates. Still, it's all relative, and the final numbers of 406 runs at 58 are not too shabby.
Stuart Broad
Developed nicely on what was billed as a crucial tour. Bagged his first significant haul with 5 for 85 in the first Test (subsequently forgotten in defeat) and put in impressive spells throughout the series. Showed strong stamina, but couldn't hide his frustrations at the batsman-friendly surfaces. With the bat he continued to look the part and there is a Test century looming, while he is a long-term option for the No. 7 spot depending on Andrew Flintoff's health. Needs to watch his appealing and temper.
Developed nicely on what was billed as a crucial tour. Bagged his first significant haul with 5 for 85 in the first Test (subsequently forgotten in defeat) and put in impressive spells throughout the series. Showed strong stamina, but couldn't hide his frustrations at the batsman-friendly surfaces. With the bat he continued to look the part and there is a Test century looming, while he is a long-term option for the No. 7 spot depending on Andrew Flintoff's health. Needs to watch his appealing and temper.
James Anderson
He nearly reached breaking point in Trinidad as a hostile spell of reverse swing went unrewarded, which was the tale of Anderson's tour. Unlucky to be dropped for the opening Test he returned to bowl with pace but without the wickets to show for it. On the last afternoon he almost buried all those frustrations with another wicked spell and his reputation, certainly within the team, remains very high. Will enjoy seeing the green grass of home.
He nearly reached breaking point in Trinidad as a hostile spell of reverse swing went unrewarded, which was the tale of Anderson's tour. Unlucky to be dropped for the opening Test he returned to bowl with pace but without the wickets to show for it. On the last afternoon he almost buried all those frustrations with another wicked spell and his reputation, certainly within the team, remains very high. Will enjoy seeing the green grass of home.
6
Monty Panesar
He looked much more like the old Monty when recalled for the final Test. He had clearly worked on his variations, with the introduction of an arm-ball, and there were more changes of pace. The bounce, both from the ball and the bowler, returned as well, but he finally got the fine that has always been coming his way for over-zealous appealing. He will have to fight for his place when just one spinner is selected, but the signs are that he is learning.
He looked much more like the old Monty when recalled for the final Test. He had clearly worked on his variations, with the introduction of an arm-ball, and there were more changes of pace. The bounce, both from the ball and the bowler, returned as well, but he finally got the fine that has always been coming his way for over-zealous appealing. He will have to fight for his place when just one spinner is selected, but the signs are that he is learning.
Ravi Bopara
After a marathon 41-hour journey from New Zealand, Bopara impressed straight away. Called into the side to replace Flintoff he at last showed the talent that everyone knew he possesses, and cashed in with his maiden century, albeit in some of the flattest conditions imaginable. His bowling is no more than part-time at best, but he has a future in the top order, though at which position remains to be seen.
After a marathon 41-hour journey from New Zealand, Bopara impressed straight away. Called into the side to replace Flintoff he at last showed the talent that everyone knew he possesses, and cashed in with his maiden century, albeit in some of the flattest conditions imaginable. His bowling is no more than part-time at best, but he has a future in the top order, though at which position remains to be seen.
5
Andrew Flintoff
Another tour, another injury. Before a hip problem curtailed Flintoff's Test series he'd posed his normal threat with the ball while maintaining his inability to claim major hauls. However, to watch him bowl through the pain in Antigua was a stirring experience, although the long-term cost is still being measured. The time has come to realise he is not a Test No. 6. The Ashes are looming and they could well determine how his career is remembered.
Another tour, another injury. Before a hip problem curtailed Flintoff's Test series he'd posed his normal threat with the ball while maintaining his inability to claim major hauls. However, to watch him bowl through the pain in Antigua was a stirring experience, although the long-term cost is still being measured. The time has come to realise he is not a Test No. 6. The Ashes are looming and they could well determine how his career is remembered.
Tim Ambrose
Did all that could be asked of him after a rapid recall to replace Prior. Hit a sparky 76 to propel England towards 600 and kept tidily through West Indies' marathon innings. Has maintained his name in the frame should injury strike Prior at any stage.
Did all that could be asked of him after a rapid recall to replace Prior. Hit a sparky 76 to propel England towards 600 and kept tidily through West Indies' marathon innings. Has maintained his name in the frame should injury strike Prior at any stage.
4
Owais Shah
After waiting so long for his chance, 133 runs at 22.16 wasn't what he wanted. Shah's spell at No. 3 started brightly enough with a half-century in Antigua, but his insistence for a nightwatchman later in the match when England were miles ahead was a poor decision, as was the crass run-out that denied him the chance to push for a century. After that he went into his shell, appearing tense at the crease, and suffered another bout of hand cramp in the final Test. The selectors have said he will have a run in the side, but questions are already being asked about the longer term.
After waiting so long for his chance, 133 runs at 22.16 wasn't what he wanted. Shah's spell at No. 3 started brightly enough with a half-century in Antigua, but his insistence for a nightwatchman later in the match when England were miles ahead was a poor decision, as was the crass run-out that denied him the chance to push for a century. After that he went into his shell, appearing tense at the crease, and suffered another bout of hand cramp in the final Test. The selectors have said he will have a run in the side, but questions are already being asked about the longer term.
Amjad Khan
A wayward debut, but there could be something to work with for the future. He managed the key wicket of Ramnaresh Sarwan while also giving Prior plenty of diving behind the stumps. He certainly has pace and with a little refining - and a correction of his no-ball issues - he needn't be a one-cap wonder.
A wayward debut, but there could be something to work with for the future. He managed the key wicket of Ramnaresh Sarwan while also giving Prior plenty of diving behind the stumps. He certainly has pace and with a little refining - and a correction of his no-ball issues - he needn't be a one-cap wonder.
Steve Harmison
Harmison's winter has been a bit like the hokey-cokey - in, out, in, out, spray it all about - and it's impossible to know what the future holds. The usual provisos still apply that if he is bowling well he is a must, but that form has been absent since the end of the English season. He didn't actually bowl that badly in the two Tests he played, battling through illness on a slow surface in Antigua, but it still wasn't good enough from a strike bowler.
Harmison's winter has been a bit like the hokey-cokey - in, out, in, out, spray it all about - and it's impossible to know what the future holds. The usual provisos still apply that if he is bowling well he is a must, but that form has been absent since the end of the English season. He didn't actually bowl that badly in the two Tests he played, battling through illness on a slow surface in Antigua, but it still wasn't good enough from a strike bowler.
3
Ryan Sidebottom
How the mighty have fallen. England's reigning Player of the Year was a shadow of the performer who led the attack for 18 months and those strains have caught up with him. He was economical, but unthreatening, in Kingston and sadly a bit of a liability in Barbados when he shouldn't have played. The mind is clearly willing, but the body has other ideas.
How the mighty have fallen. England's reigning Player of the Year was a shadow of the performer who led the attack for 18 months and those strains have caught up with him. He was economical, but unthreatening, in Kingston and sadly a bit of a liability in Barbados when he shouldn't have played. The mind is clearly willing, but the body has other ideas.
2
Ian Bell
The writing was on the wall for Bell the moment he played a limp cut shot the ball before lunch on the fourth day at Sabina Park. The form slump that was evident in India continued with a number of loose dismissals early in the tour and eventually patience ran out. He will come again, but may have to wait a while. An Ashes place is in the balance, although England could do with his close-catching skills.
The writing was on the wall for Bell the moment he played a limp cut shot the ball before lunch on the fourth day at Sabina Park. The form slump that was evident in India continued with a number of loose dismissals early in the tour and eventually patience ran out. He will come again, but may have to wait a while. An Ashes place is in the balance, although England could do with his close-catching skills.
Andrew McGlashan is a staff writer at Cricinfo