2020, Asians and ODIs

2020 selection and performance

Many people were critical of the omission of Ian Bell from the team for the recent T20; personally I don’t think this was a massive blunder. Just because he has been in excellent form in test cricket doesn’t merit his selection in the 2020 game; let’s be honest if he had played, he wouldn’t of radically improved England’s chances of winning.  Michael Lumb has performed well in domestic 2020 this year and has had experience of playing 2020 in subcontinent conditions in the IPL which should leave him in good stead for the world 2020’s in Sri Lanka next year.

Chris Woakes selection was in my opinion more questionable as in one day cricket he has proved extremely expensive in domestic one day cricket this season and has had only recently returned from injury. The reason why I assume he was selected was because of his capability to score runs quickly down the order. This is OK if he bowls well but his one day bowling is distinctly erratic.

British Asians need more from Bopara, Patel and Co

At present there is not one regular British Asian in the England cricket team and this is a massive shame given the love of cricket from the Asian community with the UK. Ravi Bopara and Samit Patel both selected for the recent t20 have flattered to deceive in their international careers so far.

The horse has probably bolted in regards to British West Indians making their way into the England side at present but there really needs to be a British Asian player who again makes his way into the England line up and galvanises support from the Asian ranks across the UK. There are plenty of Asians in county cricket at present and plenty in the amateur leagues through the UK, many with good skills and qualities, but at present they’re struggling to break into the England line up.

ODI Prospects

Feeling excitement at the prospect of the forthcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka is probably overstating my interest but it still should be a series that gives a better indication of where England are currently in ODI cricket. In recent times Sri Lanka has had the better of ODI’s against England but England should be winning this series.  All of England’s players are fit, they have home conditions to their favour, and they have a number of very good ODI players so there really is no reason why they shouldn’t win the series.