This England can achieve more
In the Independent on Sunday , David Lloyd compares England's Class of 2004 to the Class of 2010 and says "Strauss's charges are a work in progress with dreams of becoming the finished article".
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
In the Independent on Sunday, David Lloyd compares England's Class of 2004 to the Class of 2010 and says "Strauss's charges are a work in progress with dreams of becoming the finished article".
For the moment, though, it is interesting to measure the team of 2010 against the one that walloped New Zealand and West Indies in 2004. And while marks may vary by a point or two here and there, depending on who is awarding them, most observers would agree, surely, that Strauss's current set still have ground to make up on their record-chasing predecessors.
Strauss is one of only two players to appear in both classes (the other being Anderson). And although the Middlesex man made a wonderful start to his Test career by scoring a century on debut at Lord's in 2004, he had played only six matches by the time England headed for The Oval. Strauss may not be in the same rich vein of form six years later, but throw in all the experience gained along the way and most would prefer the proven 2010 model.
Alastair Cook is the latest to come under fire for his performance. But it is time for some generosity. This England cricket team is in fine fettle, writes Steve James in the Sunday Telegraph
Finding a reliable opening pair is among the most difficult of tasks for a selection panel. England have a generally sound, settled partnership; surely much better than Australia's makeshift alliance of Shane Watson and Simon Katich. And so, unless calamity strikes, Cook must go to Australia, where the bouncier pitches will suit his game, with the pull shot as its strongest pillar.
In the Observer, however, Vic Marks is of the opnion that some time off will do Cook good.
George Binoy is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo