England v Zimbabwe - Test Series

[MrsTarrant]

Yay More Test cricket!

Stewart under the spotlight as selectors prepare for first Test
Andrew Miller - 16 May 2003

Another Ashes drubbing has been and gone, and several old hands in the England Test team will be nervously contemplating their futures ahead of Saturday's announcement of the Test squad to face Zimbabwe at Lord's next week. A new English summer invariably brings calls for new blood, and predictably enough, one old stager will be the centre of all the headlines.

Ever since Ray Illingworth tried to do away with him in 1996, Alec Stewart has been the subject of perennial speculation. First there was indignation that he had displaced the much-loved Jack Russell as England's first-choice wicketkeeper. Then there was ageism as his 40th birthday came and went and still he wouldn't budge. But James Foster had an uninspired time behind the stumps in India and New Zealand last year, and though Stewart has volunteered to stand down from one-day internationals (without going so far as to retire, of course), the feeling persists that there is no-one yet worthy of filling his boots.

There is one man coming up the rails, however. Nottinghamshire's Chris Read is now 24, and a vastly improved player from the nervous rookie who ducked into a slower ball from Chris Cairns in 1999. He is the prime candidate to take Stewart's place, although Andrew Flintoff's untimely arm injury may yet earn Stewart a reprieve - with Craig White out for much of the season with a rib injury, there are few other allrounders capable of justifying a place.

If Stewart does play in his 127th Test, England will be fielding a wicketkeeper who is more than twice the age of his Zimbabwean counterpart - Tatenda Taibu, Zimbabwe's vice-captain, who turned 20 on Wednesday. All the more reason, therefore, to look to youth in other areas. England's top four of Michael Vaughan, Marcus Trescothick, Mark Butcher (who scored a century in his last Test) and Nasser Hussain are immoveable, which means that Robert Key has to be given his opportunity to build on an impressive Ashes series, in which he displayed character in abundance and runs in moderation. It is tough luck on John Crawley, who did nothing much wrong in his latest return to the colours.

Another young shoo-in is Jimmy Anderson. Rod Marsh, England's new fourth selector, may have tried to play down the hype, saying that Anderson has been in the game "five minutes", but unfortunately he just refuses to stop taking wickets. On Wednesday he included his captain, Hussain, as the middle man in a hat-trick for Lancashire against Essex.

Anderson will bring some youthful exuberance to Lord's, alongside the elder statesman Andy Caddick, who took his first ten-for at Sydney in January, and probably the rapidly random seamers of Stephen Harmison. Matthew Hoggard, who didn't feature in the World Cup despite being part of the squad, might be given the opportunity to swing Zimbabwe into oblivion, while Ashley Giles's left-arm spin will be called upon if required.

Possible squad Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan, Mark Butcher, Nasser Hussain, Robert Key, John Crawley, Andrew Flintoff, Alec Stewart (wk), Ashley Giles, Andy Caddick, Stephen Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, James Anderson.

[Donny]

Caddick ruled out of first two Tests
Andrew Miller - 16 May 2003

Andy Caddick has been ruled out of the Test series against Zimbabwe after sustaining ligament damage in his right foot.

Caddick, England's leading wicket-taker in last winter's Ashes series, had retired from one-day cricket after the World Cup in order to concentrate on Tests. But after seeing a specialist this morning, he is likely to be ruled out of all forms of cricket for up to six months, after being diagnosed as having damaged ligaments in the arch of his right foot.

The chief medical officer of the England & Wales Cricket Board, Dr Peter Gregory, said: "We will re-assess Andy's condition again in the near future but at this stage we anticipate, that with rest, he should be fit and available for the npower Test Series against South Africa." Caddick has been advised to wear a protective surgical boot for up to six weeks to help overcome the problem.

Caddick is not the only England player with fitness problems. Andrew Flintoff recently suffered a trapped nerve in his right shoulder and was ruled out of Lancashire's latest Championship match against Essex. "At this stage there is a slim chance that Andrew will be available for the first Test," added Gregory. "We will have a clearer idea once we have had an opportunity to assess the results of the tests he underwent earlier today."

But Caddick's absence will leave England's selectors with the biggest dilemma when they gather on Saturday to select their squad for the first Test at Lord's, which starts on Thursday. James Anderson is now likely to take the new ball with Stephen Harmison, both of whom were awarded England central contracts last month, but their lack of Test experience is a worry.

Matthew Hoggard and Alex Tudor, both of whom played during the winter, are among the likely candidates to take Caddick's place, but there is the outside chance that England could turn to Darren Gough, whose recovery from a chronic knee condition has been one of the highlights of the early season.

[HAL]

Never heard of him.

[Donny]

Streak calls for stronger opposition
Wisden CricInfo staff - 17 May 2003

Heath Streak, Zimbabwe's captain, has said that he wishes his side had faced better teams in its warm-up games at the start of their tour of England.

When Worcestershire played Zimbabwe last week, two of their biggest stars, Graeme Hick and Nantie Hayward, were missing. And in the match currently in progress, Sussex have left out Mushtaq Ahmed, James Kirtley, Chris Adams and Robin Martin-Jenkins.

Streak said that he understood why counties were keen to rest key players. But he added: "We would like to play against stronger county sides; around the world you see state sides or provincial sides putting out their strongest possible team. They try not to let the touring side dominate, making sure they have a tough time in their warm-up games.

"We would have liked to have played a stronger Sussex side but they have also got injury concerns."

During the last 20 years it has become commonplace for English counties, keen to protect their stars for more lucrative domestic competitions, to field under-strength teams. English cricket chiefs tried to remedy the problem by bringing in sponsorship money for tourist games but that was withdrawn ahead of this season.

Streak suggested that in future it might be more beneficial if tour matches in England pitted the visiting side against Test hopefuls. "I don't think it's a conspiracy thing, it is up to each and every county to select their team - maybe if they [the authorities] looked at giving an incentive or combining counties it would be better," he said.

"There is not much that the counties are playing for in these tourist matches, in terms of benefit to themselves," continued Streak. "Maybe there is a need to put guys forward who have some chance of making the England team or put up some financial reward for performances and winning teams. Perhaps then they would be more inclined to play their full-strength sides."

[Donny]

Stewart keeps his place as Anderson, Kirtley and McGrath called up
Steven Lynch - 17 May 2003

Alec Stewart, England's most-capped player, retained his place in England's 13-man squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe, which starts at Lord's on Thursday (May 22). Lancashire's James Anderson comes in for his Test debut, and there is also a first call-up for Anthony McGrath, the Yorkshire batsman, and Sussex fast bowler James Kirtley.

Stewart may have turned 40 in April, but he has played in 126 Tests, scoring 8187 runs and making 260 dismissals. He recently suggested that he shouldn't be considered for England's one-day team any more, but made no such pronouncement about his Test career. Worries over the fitness of Andy Flintoff – he missed the latest round of Championship matches with a shoulder problem – probably helped Stewart to survive ahead of a clutch of highly rated young keepers, such as Chris Read, James Foster and Geraint Jones.

The surprise name among the batsmen is McGrath, 27, who was tipped for stardom as a young player – he toured Pakistan with England A under Nasser Hussain's captaincy in 1995-96 – but more recently has been something of an underachiever. But this season he was appointed as Yorkshire's captain, when Darren Lehmann decided to have a year off, and has made an impressive start. He can also fill in with a few overs of medium-pace, and with Craig White and Paul Collingwood also unfit, this was crucial. David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors, explained: "Our chief medical officer will continue to monitor the situation with Andrew Flintoff and we are hopeful that he will recover in time for the Test match. We discussed at length the type of player that we would need as cover for Andrew and we have gone for Anthony McGrath as a batsman who can share the role of fifth bowler with Mark Butcher."

McGrath was predictably pleased: "I was surprised and delighted to get the call from David Graveney. I think I have been in good form this season so far and played pretty well without getting a really big score. I'm enjoying being Yorkshire captain and I'm really looking forward to joining up with England next week."

Robert Key retains his place ahead of John Crawley and young hopefuls like Bilal Shafayat and Owais Shah. Graveney said: "We feel that Robert is very much part of England's future. But we would stress that John Crawley has not let England down in the past and he has certainly not been removed from our future plans."

A Test call completes an amazing year for Anderson, who was playing for his club, Burnley, at this time last year. But his consistent form since being called up for England's one-day squad in Australia, plus injuries to Darren Gough (hamstring) and Andy Caddick (foot ligaments), made his selection for Lord's a formality. A hat-trick against Essex earlier this week – including Hussain as the middle victim – didn't do him any harm either.

Caddick's absence also allows room for Kirtley, 28. He's a skiddy fast-medium bowler from Sussex whose whippy action has attracted the scrutiny of the ICC in the past, in the course of nine ODIs for England, in which he has claimed seven wickets – and one amazing one-handed diving catch, to dismiss Sourav Ganguly at Lord's last year. Graveney explained: "He has been in good form for Sussex this season. He fully deserves a chance in the longer form of the international game. We did not consider Chris Silverwood, Richard Johnson or Alex Tudor as replacements for Andy Caddick because they are all carrying injuries at present."

If Flintoff is fit to play, McGrath is likely to carry the drinks, with one of the pace bowlers standing down as well unless the overcast weather continues. In that case Ashley Giles might miss out – no England spinner has taken a wicket in the three Lord's Tests played in May since 2000.

Whatever the final selection, England will start as favourites for the Test, the first of a two-match series. Following a spate of retirements after the World Cup, Zimbabwe have only one player (Grant Flower) who has scored a Test century, and there are fitness doubts about Heath Streak, their captain and main strike bowler. The only other time these two sides met in a Test at Lord's, in 2000, England won by an innings early on the fourth day. Ed Giddins (remember him?) took 5 for 15 and 2 for 27 as the ball zigged and zagged on a helpful early-season pitch.

England's 13 for Lord's: Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan, Mark Butcher, Nasser Hussain (capt), Robert Key, Anthony McGrath, Alec Stewart (wk), Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles, James Kirtley, James Anderson, Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison.

[Donny]

With Hoggard and Flintoff doubtful and Caddick, Gough and Jones out injured, Zimbabwe's stocks have risen, leading into Thursday's first Test at Lords.

England suffer double injury blow
Wisden CricInfo staff - 19 May 2003

England allrounder Andrew Flintoff's chances of playing in Thursday's first npower Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's have been described as "very doubtful" by the England & Wales Cricket Board's chief medical officer, Dr Peter Gregory.

Flintoff did not practise at Lord's today after tests carried out last Friday revealed bruising and swelling around the nerves in his right shoulder. The injury continues to affect his right bowling arm and hand.

There was more worrying news for England after Matthew Hoggard underwent an ultra-sound scan this morning which revealed strained abdominal muscles in his left side - but according to an England spokesman, the injury is healing and his fitness will be re-assessed after England training on Tuesday. Hoggard batted during England's indoor practice at Lord's on Monday afternoon but did not bowl.

James Kirtley looks likely to make his Test debut at Lord's if Hoggard is ruled out.

As if those two injuries weren't enough, Mark Butcher twisted his right ankle during the practice session, but it is not expected to keep him out of the match.

[Donny]

England hold the aces
Steven Lynch - 21 May 2003

England start favourites for the first npower Test at Lord's, which starts tomorrow. Anything less than a comprehensive victory – to mirror the one they achieved at Lord's three years ago, in the first match between these sides in this country – will be seen as a failure, despite the injuries which have reshaped Nasser Hussain's bowling attack.

In a perfect world Hussain would be tossing the new ball to Darren Gough and Andy Caddick, with Andy Flintoff flexing his muscles as a fourth seamer. But all those three are absent with injuries, and instead Hussain has a promising debutant (Jimmy Anderson), a man feeling his way back into form (Matthew Hoggard), an erratic but speedy tearaway (Steve Harmison) and a fill-in medium-pacer (Anthony McGrath, another debutant). With last year's runfest against Sri Lanka in mind, Ashley Giles is there too – but the forecast this time is unlikely to produce the hard flat pitch served up last year.

England's batting has a more settled look, at the top of the order anyway. The tail looks flimsy, but then so does Zimbabwe's bowling attack. Alec Stewart, England's most-capped player, retains his place at the age of 40 as much for the runs he's likely to contribute as for his wicketkeeping excellence: if England didn't have three No. 10s, then Chris Read or James Foster would probably be padding up instead.

But Hussain still has less to worry about than his counterpart, Heath Streak. Streak and Grant Flower are the only survivors of the Zimbabwean team that was walloped at Lord's in 2000, and Flower is the only member of the entire touring party who has scored a Test century. That's a lot of pressure for someone who managed only 18 runs in four completed Test innings on that tour three years ago.

The good news for Streak is that at least some of his batsmen are in form. Stuart Carlisle has started the tour well, and Mark Vermeulen, the opener, spanked a career-best 198 against Sussex last weekend.

Teams
England (probable): 1 Marcus Trescothick, 2 Michael Vaughan, 3 Mark Butcher, 4 Nasser Hussain (capt), 5 Robert Key, 6 Alec Stewart (wk), 7 Anthony McGrath, 8 Ashley Giles, 9 Matthew Hoggard, 10 James Anderson, 11 Steve Harmison.

Zimbabwe 1 Mark Vermeulen, 2 Dion Ebrahim, 3 Stuart Carlisle, 4 Grant Flower, 5 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 6 Sean Ervine, 7 Heath Streak (capt), 8 Andy Blignaut, 9 Travis Friend, 10 Raymond Price, 11 Douglas Hondo.

[Donny]

In a rain shortened first day, England reached 3/184 in the first Test against Zimbabwe, at Lords.

Vaughan was bowled by Streak for 8 to get the visitors off to a good start before trescothick (59) and Butcher put on 76 for the second wicket.

Friend dismissed Hussain for 19 and Butcher is 52 n.o.

[HAL]

Describe your surroundings.

[Donny]

Guitars and dogs, HAL.

[MrsTarrant]

Lunch day 2 England are 4/270. Butcher scored his century, 100 n.o and Stewart is 26 n.o with Heath Streak taking 2/68 off 25 overs. It's another lovely day in England with rain and bad light looking set to ruin the game! Let's hope not!

[Donny]

England are 6/342 after 101 overs.

Mark Butcher made 137 and Heath Streak has 3/59.

[Donny]

England have taken a Zimbabwe win out of the equation with a 472 run first innings total.

Anthony McGrath - on debut - hit 69 and with Ashley Giles (52) added 68 for the 7th. wicket and Matthew Hoggard (19) and Giles put on 57 for the 9th.

Heath Streak took 3/99, Blignaut, 3/96 and Sean Irvine took 2/95 on debut for Zimbabwe.

At stumps, Zimbabwe were on 1/48 with Dion Ebrahim on 48 n.o.

[Donny]

3/90 Ebrahim 64 n.o. Hoggard has 2.

[Nova Kaine]

Sadly Zimbabwe aren't good enough to beat a side like England, or the likes of Australia, South Africa, India. Well they could win the 2 tests that remain, which is doubtful.