It all changed on Sunday morning, Alastair Cook tentatively had worked his way to 15 not out, when he offered up a simple slip catch to Ravindra Jadeja, which was not taken. From then on England dominated every session in the 3rd Test against an out-of-sorts India. Who knows what would have happened if Jadeja had managed to hold onto that catch. Cricket, like most sports, is a game of small margins.
England decided to rotate their back-up bowlers, with Ben Stokes being dropped and being made available to play for Durham, in the hope that he finds some form with the bat. Liam Plunkett was rested for this test, despite bowling well in spells at Lords. Chris Jordan and Chris Woakes were called up, and whilst they didn't offer the wicket taking threat of Plunkett, they managed to bowl in a tight and economical manner. Woakes especially will bowl worse and take wickets. Personally I'm not sure about Jordan's ability at Test Match level, I find that he offers too many 4 balls to the batsmen, and it was only India's strange attitude to this test match, that they did not punish some of his wayward spells. For the next test at Old Trafford, I would hope that Plunkett is recalled, in place of Jordan.
This test match finally was the moment for Jos Buttler's debut, after England showed too much loyalty to Matt Prior by selecting him for this summer's earlier test matches. Prior's contribution to English cricket should not be forgotten, and his poor displays this summer both behind the wicket, and with the bat should not overshadow his otherwise stellar England career. Buttler could not have wished for a better time to come to the crease to make his debut, with England cruising along at 420-5. Whilst Jos hit a typically belligerent 85 off 83 balls, it was a chancy innings and should have been out 3 times. On one occasion Dhoni missed an easy stumping, which summed up his test match. It will be interesting to see how Buttler goes when England are under the pump so to speak, and he has to come in when England are 130/5. Nevertheless it was an impressive debut with the bat, and he was tidy and efficient behind the stumps, but it must be said no great improvement on a fit and in form Prior.
It was finally good to see Ian Bell get a score this summer, is there another batsman in world cricket who looks in touch even when they don't get many runs? AB De Villiers is the only one who comes to mind. Bell's innings of 167 in the 1st innings was sublime, and he also increased his own run-rate when England needed quick runs, and gave away his wicket in that chase for runs.
The only concern over England's batting in both innings was the form of Sam Robson, whilst he has great technique and bats in a tidy manner, there is maybe a clamour for somebody with more flair to open the innings, maybe a Hales or dare I say a Carberry, but I feel Michael's race has run. A little unfairly in my opinion. I anticipate that Robson will retain his place for the final two tests of the summer, but with the plethora of one day cricket in the next 8 months, there is a real opportunity for Alex Hales to get himself in the forefront of the selectors minds.
Jimmy Anderson along with Dale Steyn are the best leader's of a bowling attack in world cricket, and in this test, Jimmy bowled as well as he has done all summer, quite possibly even for a whole year. His control of the ball either outswing or inswing was magnificent, and he is only 15 wickets away from breaking Ian Botham's all time English wicket taking record. Once Jimmy breaks that, it will be fully deserved, and a great honour for the Burnley paceman.
When Stuart Broad is on song, and Anderson is performing to his impeccable best, England have a front line pace attack to be feared by most teams in the world. What England hope is that their back up bowlers can chip in with a few wickets, to ease the pressure on Broad and Anderson. Which leads me to Mooen Ali, what a superb bowling performance by the part-time spinner, a tremendous 6-67 in the second innings. Mooen Ali rushed England to a deserved victory, and certainly silenced his doubters, me included. He rattled through the Indian line up which has questionably the best players of spin in the world. Is Mooen Ali the long term answer, I'm not 100% sure, but again after these two tests there is no test cricket for nearly a year. A chance again for a Briggs/Riley to impress, or more time for Ali to perfect his art.
Moving onto India, that was a performance as abject as England's was at Lords. Obviously they were hindered by the injury to Ishant Sharma, but their display in the field in both innings was sloppy and their general demeanour throughout the test gave an impression of half-heartededness. This all stemmed from MS Dhoni's performance as captain, from his initial team selection, in which he packed the team full of batsmen and again did not select Ashwin, to his quite baffling field placing, and his constant bowling changes, it was a poor test by the Indian captain.
Conversely, this was Alastair Cook's most complete performance as England captain, and whilst I have been critical in the past, I am equally magnanimous to applaud him when it is deserved. Everyone wants to see a winning English cricket team. After that drop from Jadeja on Sunday morning, Cook did not look back, and was incredibly unfortunate not to get a deserved century in the 1st innings. Whilst the Indian batsmen let themselves down in their 1st innings, Cook's fields were generally attacking and he showed more confidence in his back-up bowlers than he has done previously in his tenure. England's charge for runs in the 2nd innings was well changed, and they declared at a good time in the day, to allow themselves plenty of time to bowl to India before the close of day 4.
Thinking ahead to Old Trafford, England will be hoping that Jimmy Anderson avoids a ban from his hearing for his alleged altercation with Ravi Jadeja. If Anderson is banned then I expect Jordan to retain his place, with Plunkett coming into the side anyway. India will be crossing their fingers and hoping Anderson is banned, and surely they must consider picking Ashwin for this test.
It's nice to be able to report on a convincing English victory, and let's hope for another one at Old Trafford.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Thursday 31 July 2014
Monday 21 July 2014
Management bury their heads in the sand, as English cricket plummets
Lords, the home of English cricket, was the scene of another pitiful cricketing performance from an increasingly rudderless English team. Whilst much will be made of Alistair Cook's captaincy, which I have previously criticised, fingers should be pointed at the ECB, who are currently sitting in their ivory towers not commenting on the shambles which is going on before us.
The ECB in their infinite judgement, re-employed a coach who has previously shown that he was not up to the task of coaching international class cricketers. With all due respect to the Lancashire team he coached, there is a huge gulf between coaching and motivating honest county players, and high class international cricketers. What cannot be denied about Peter Moores, is his ability to pluck players from county cricket who adapt to Test Cricket immediately, for example Ryan Sidebottom and Graeme Swann in 2007. However does he have the respect of international players, and do they listen and take on his tactical ideas...recent results would suggest they do not necessarily buy into the Moores philosophy.
In my opinion when Andy Flower decided to walk away from coaching the English team, the ECB should have been more forward thinking in the appointment of new coach, and looked at candidates who had excellent track records in coaching international sides. The likes of Tom Moody, Gary Kirsten and Micky Arthur should have, at the very least, been interviewed for the job.
However the ECB appointed a man, who not only failed at his previous attempt, but could not get on or manage England's most talented batsman of the last 20 years (Kevin Pietersen), thereby instantly making the English team weaker than the one he inherited. Baffling decision making on every level.
It would be highly naive of a supporter of any sporting side, to believe that every single player gets on with everyone. However, the role of a coach/manager is to manage a team of individuals, understanding what each person needs to perform to the best of their ability, ie a kick up the backside, or a massaging of their ego. If this is done to an expert level, think Man Utd in their treble season when Sheringham and Cole did not talk to each other, then these things are put to one side for the benefit of the team as a whole.
In all this sorry mess, David Saker's role should be under scrutiny. Some of the English bowling tactics have been mystifying in the last 12 months to say the least. The barrage of short pitched bowling, by bowlers who average about 85mph, is nonsensical, and at times laughable. We have seen one of English cricket's best young bowling prospect's Steven Finn, completely destroyed by the ineptitude of David Saker. Watching Finn bowl towards the end of his spell in the England side, was dispiriting, here was a bowler who could bowl 90mph, taking wickets by bowling short, or pitching it up. But under Saker, they shortened his run-up, the poor guy lost confidence, and will he ever find his way back, it's doubtful.
Finishing with Alistair Cook, now is the time for him to step down. He re-iterates that he is a strong man, however the sign of a strong man would be to admit that he is not cut out for the job, and step down. However, while the ECB bury their heads in the sand and employ a band of yes-men, I cannot see this happening. Cook was all set to break English batting records at Test level, and we must not forget that he is an excellent batsman, but this captaincy spell is seriously damaging his reputation, which he may never recover.
Who can take over the English captaincy if Cook does relinquish it? Analysts say there is a dearth of good candidates, but until they are given the responsibility, you can't know for sure. For years we were told that Cook would be an excellent captain, but he isn't. For me their is an argument for giving the captaincy to any of the following; Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Joe Root, Jimmy Anderson.
English cricket is in a sorry state at present, and whilst the decision makers insist that all will be ok in the future, I just cannot see it without the people in charge, senior management, coach and captain being replaced.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
The ECB in their infinite judgement, re-employed a coach who has previously shown that he was not up to the task of coaching international class cricketers. With all due respect to the Lancashire team he coached, there is a huge gulf between coaching and motivating honest county players, and high class international cricketers. What cannot be denied about Peter Moores, is his ability to pluck players from county cricket who adapt to Test Cricket immediately, for example Ryan Sidebottom and Graeme Swann in 2007. However does he have the respect of international players, and do they listen and take on his tactical ideas...recent results would suggest they do not necessarily buy into the Moores philosophy.
In my opinion when Andy Flower decided to walk away from coaching the English team, the ECB should have been more forward thinking in the appointment of new coach, and looked at candidates who had excellent track records in coaching international sides. The likes of Tom Moody, Gary Kirsten and Micky Arthur should have, at the very least, been interviewed for the job.
However the ECB appointed a man, who not only failed at his previous attempt, but could not get on or manage England's most talented batsman of the last 20 years (Kevin Pietersen), thereby instantly making the English team weaker than the one he inherited. Baffling decision making on every level.
It would be highly naive of a supporter of any sporting side, to believe that every single player gets on with everyone. However, the role of a coach/manager is to manage a team of individuals, understanding what each person needs to perform to the best of their ability, ie a kick up the backside, or a massaging of their ego. If this is done to an expert level, think Man Utd in their treble season when Sheringham and Cole did not talk to each other, then these things are put to one side for the benefit of the team as a whole.
In all this sorry mess, David Saker's role should be under scrutiny. Some of the English bowling tactics have been mystifying in the last 12 months to say the least. The barrage of short pitched bowling, by bowlers who average about 85mph, is nonsensical, and at times laughable. We have seen one of English cricket's best young bowling prospect's Steven Finn, completely destroyed by the ineptitude of David Saker. Watching Finn bowl towards the end of his spell in the England side, was dispiriting, here was a bowler who could bowl 90mph, taking wickets by bowling short, or pitching it up. But under Saker, they shortened his run-up, the poor guy lost confidence, and will he ever find his way back, it's doubtful.
Finishing with Alistair Cook, now is the time for him to step down. He re-iterates that he is a strong man, however the sign of a strong man would be to admit that he is not cut out for the job, and step down. However, while the ECB bury their heads in the sand and employ a band of yes-men, I cannot see this happening. Cook was all set to break English batting records at Test level, and we must not forget that he is an excellent batsman, but this captaincy spell is seriously damaging his reputation, which he may never recover.
Who can take over the English captaincy if Cook does relinquish it? Analysts say there is a dearth of good candidates, but until they are given the responsibility, you can't know for sure. For years we were told that Cook would be an excellent captain, but he isn't. For me their is an argument for giving the captaincy to any of the following; Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Joe Root, Jimmy Anderson.
English cricket is in a sorry state at present, and whilst the decision makers insist that all will be ok in the future, I just cannot see it without the people in charge, senior management, coach and captain being replaced.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Saturday 5 July 2014
Cook spoils the broth
England v India in a 5 match test series should whet the appetite, but with two defensive captains in charge of their sides, can both teams take twenty wickets to win a test match?
Alistair Cook has not had a good 8/9 months, both in his captaincy and also his personal form. His last test hundred was at Headingley on 24th May 2013 against New Zealand, for this once prodigious run machine he is woefully out of touch. It is obvious to me that his captaincy is affecting his batting.
Cook has been groomed to be England captain by the ECB, but has he ever been the right man for the job? He has allowed himself to get involved in an unnecessary spat with the biggest wind-up merchant of all time Shane Warne. To the outsider it is obvious what Warne is doing, he is merely goading Cook, due to Warne's close personal friendship with Kevin Pietersen. The England captain should not be entertaining the thoughts of commentators, wasting time and effort answering them, or letting these comments affect him.
Cook's actual cricketing tactics are so negative and un-inspiring at times, it beggars belief. If Plan A doesn't work, let's keep trying it again, seems to be the only tactic. His reluctance to bowl a spinner is also infuriating, which he first showed signs of doing in Australia with Monty Panesar. If England want Mooen Ali to become a test match spinner, then he must bowl him...simple really. Either you pick him and bowl him, or you leave him out and go with five seam bowlers.
There has been a worrying trend in recent matches, that once the opposition are down to their tail-end batsmen, but there is still an established batsman in, the field set to that batsman is so defensive it's an absolute joke. They are allowed to get easy singles and keep the scoreboard ticking over. Bowl at the stumps, keep the fielders close. Play the game to take wickets!!
Look what an innovative inspirational captain is doing for New Zealand cricket.
Back to this Test series, and whilst England are in a state of transition, there are some highly promising players, if only they were allowed to play with the handbrake off.
I anticipate England to line up as follows:
Cook
Robson
Ballance
Bell
Root
Ali
Stokes
Prior
Broad
Anderson
Plunkett
Chris Jordan can count himself unfortunate to be dropped, but England must find a way of getting Ben Stokes into the side, he is a genuine quick bowling all rounder, which he proved in the Ashes over the winter. There is good depth in the batting with Prior coming in at number 8, so that gives some insurance if there any blips in the top order. The pace quartet should trouble the Indian batsmen, who in the last series played in England, got themselves in such a mess that they made the English bowlers reminiscent of the West Indies 1980s pace attack!
Mooen Ali must bowl more overs to give the pace bowlers plenty of time to rest. Without the spinner being bowled, and England's reliance on Jimmy Anderson, you genuinely feel how many years Anderson has bowling in test cricket for England. He is being bowled into the ground at present.
Let's hope for an entertaining series and ideally an England victory. However if England end up losing this series comfortably, then I fear it is the end for Captain Cook.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Alistair Cook has not had a good 8/9 months, both in his captaincy and also his personal form. His last test hundred was at Headingley on 24th May 2013 against New Zealand, for this once prodigious run machine he is woefully out of touch. It is obvious to me that his captaincy is affecting his batting.
Cook has been groomed to be England captain by the ECB, but has he ever been the right man for the job? He has allowed himself to get involved in an unnecessary spat with the biggest wind-up merchant of all time Shane Warne. To the outsider it is obvious what Warne is doing, he is merely goading Cook, due to Warne's close personal friendship with Kevin Pietersen. The England captain should not be entertaining the thoughts of commentators, wasting time and effort answering them, or letting these comments affect him.
Cook's actual cricketing tactics are so negative and un-inspiring at times, it beggars belief. If Plan A doesn't work, let's keep trying it again, seems to be the only tactic. His reluctance to bowl a spinner is also infuriating, which he first showed signs of doing in Australia with Monty Panesar. If England want Mooen Ali to become a test match spinner, then he must bowl him...simple really. Either you pick him and bowl him, or you leave him out and go with five seam bowlers.
There has been a worrying trend in recent matches, that once the opposition are down to their tail-end batsmen, but there is still an established batsman in, the field set to that batsman is so defensive it's an absolute joke. They are allowed to get easy singles and keep the scoreboard ticking over. Bowl at the stumps, keep the fielders close. Play the game to take wickets!!
Look what an innovative inspirational captain is doing for New Zealand cricket.
Back to this Test series, and whilst England are in a state of transition, there are some highly promising players, if only they were allowed to play with the handbrake off.
I anticipate England to line up as follows:
Cook
Robson
Ballance
Bell
Root
Ali
Stokes
Prior
Broad
Anderson
Plunkett
Chris Jordan can count himself unfortunate to be dropped, but England must find a way of getting Ben Stokes into the side, he is a genuine quick bowling all rounder, which he proved in the Ashes over the winter. There is good depth in the batting with Prior coming in at number 8, so that gives some insurance if there any blips in the top order. The pace quartet should trouble the Indian batsmen, who in the last series played in England, got themselves in such a mess that they made the English bowlers reminiscent of the West Indies 1980s pace attack!
Mooen Ali must bowl more overs to give the pace bowlers plenty of time to rest. Without the spinner being bowled, and England's reliance on Jimmy Anderson, you genuinely feel how many years Anderson has bowling in test cricket for England. He is being bowled into the ground at present.
Let's hope for an entertaining series and ideally an England victory. However if England end up losing this series comfortably, then I fear it is the end for Captain Cook.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Thursday 3 July 2014
Players must earn their Spurs under Poch
Pre-season training begins tomorrow, and at Hotspur Way the new man in charge Mauricio Pochettino will get his first look at the players, albeit the one's not included in the World Cup.
On the basis of last season's performances and the final league position which was flattering to say the least, I would think that only three players should be certain of their place in the starting line up. Hugo Lloris who was for me Spurs player of the season, Kyle Walker who performed consistently, and was hugely missed when he was unavailable for the last few months of the season. Finally Jan Vertongen as well, who has proved in this World Cup that he is a top quality player, when he has mind on the job.
You then have the next bracket of players, who just need to add more consistency to their game, and they should fit into Pochettino's high pressing playing style.
They are Christian Eriksen, who should be given the opportunity to play behind the front man. Eriksen has the ability and after a season in the Premier League adapting to the pace, we should see his creativity and dead ball skills shine this season.
Moussa Dembele when he left Fulham, fans felt he was an outstanding signing, but he hasn't really pushed on, and last season he appeared a shadow of his Fulham self, when he used to effortlessly glide past players. Was he carrying an injury, was he saving himself for the World Cup, or was he carrying out tactical instructions, either way this is a big season for Moussa, as he will need to prove to Pochettino that he is still the player Spurs signed in 2012.
Andros Townsend has the opportunity under Pochettino, to really kickstart his career. Andros who has played better for England than he has ever done for Spurs, has the pace, the direct style of play, and deep down the shooting ability to be a real star for Spurs. However he needs to learn some game management, as to when to pass, and when to shoot. Again consistency is the key for Andros.
We then move onto the unknowns, and these players should be desperate to prove to Pochettino that they have a role at Spurs in the future.
Erik Lamela was signed as the next bright young thing, and apart from a good performance against FC Sheriff, his appearances were limited. You sensed under Tim Sherwood, that he wasn't "one of Tim's lads" and he was never going to get a look in, and mysteriously missed the last 6months of the season through injury. When Lamela was at Roma, he used to cut in from the right, and tantalise defenders, and fire in shots at will on his left foot. He has real star quality, but can he cut it in the Premier League, time will tell.
Paulinho was a highly sought after player when he joined from Corinthians in the Summer of 2013, but what does he actually bring to the side. Can he pass? no. Can he shoot? not really. Can he tackle? Lazily. He seems to be in a rut, which can be seen by his performances or lack of performance for Brazil in the World Cup. He needs to return from Brazil in late July, with a point to prove to all Spurs fans, or his time at Spurs could well be over.
Emanuel Adebayor, oh Ade Ade Ade...what are you going to be like next season. Are you going to be the unplayable centre forward of December/January last season, when you carried the team on your shoulders. Or are you going to be the Adebayor who switched off at the end of the season once he knew his mate Sherwood was going to be sacked. Adebayor is the biggest conundrum for managers. Wenger has tried, Hughes/Mancini have tried. Harry Redknapp probably got the best out of him. I can see Pochettino giving him the chance to lead the line, but this chance could all be over by the end of August, and we may see Levy scuttling around Europe trying to land another targetman on deadline day.
Interesting times are ahead at Spurs, and we will await the shaping of Pochettino's side with baited breath.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
On the basis of last season's performances and the final league position which was flattering to say the least, I would think that only three players should be certain of their place in the starting line up. Hugo Lloris who was for me Spurs player of the season, Kyle Walker who performed consistently, and was hugely missed when he was unavailable for the last few months of the season. Finally Jan Vertongen as well, who has proved in this World Cup that he is a top quality player, when he has mind on the job.
You then have the next bracket of players, who just need to add more consistency to their game, and they should fit into Pochettino's high pressing playing style.
They are Christian Eriksen, who should be given the opportunity to play behind the front man. Eriksen has the ability and after a season in the Premier League adapting to the pace, we should see his creativity and dead ball skills shine this season.
Moussa Dembele when he left Fulham, fans felt he was an outstanding signing, but he hasn't really pushed on, and last season he appeared a shadow of his Fulham self, when he used to effortlessly glide past players. Was he carrying an injury, was he saving himself for the World Cup, or was he carrying out tactical instructions, either way this is a big season for Moussa, as he will need to prove to Pochettino that he is still the player Spurs signed in 2012.
Andros Townsend has the opportunity under Pochettino, to really kickstart his career. Andros who has played better for England than he has ever done for Spurs, has the pace, the direct style of play, and deep down the shooting ability to be a real star for Spurs. However he needs to learn some game management, as to when to pass, and when to shoot. Again consistency is the key for Andros.
We then move onto the unknowns, and these players should be desperate to prove to Pochettino that they have a role at Spurs in the future.
Erik Lamela was signed as the next bright young thing, and apart from a good performance against FC Sheriff, his appearances were limited. You sensed under Tim Sherwood, that he wasn't "one of Tim's lads" and he was never going to get a look in, and mysteriously missed the last 6months of the season through injury. When Lamela was at Roma, he used to cut in from the right, and tantalise defenders, and fire in shots at will on his left foot. He has real star quality, but can he cut it in the Premier League, time will tell.
Paulinho was a highly sought after player when he joined from Corinthians in the Summer of 2013, but what does he actually bring to the side. Can he pass? no. Can he shoot? not really. Can he tackle? Lazily. He seems to be in a rut, which can be seen by his performances or lack of performance for Brazil in the World Cup. He needs to return from Brazil in late July, with a point to prove to all Spurs fans, or his time at Spurs could well be over.
Emanuel Adebayor, oh Ade Ade Ade...what are you going to be like next season. Are you going to be the unplayable centre forward of December/January last season, when you carried the team on your shoulders. Or are you going to be the Adebayor who switched off at the end of the season once he knew his mate Sherwood was going to be sacked. Adebayor is the biggest conundrum for managers. Wenger has tried, Hughes/Mancini have tried. Harry Redknapp probably got the best out of him. I can see Pochettino giving him the chance to lead the line, but this chance could all be over by the end of August, and we may see Levy scuttling around Europe trying to land another targetman on deadline day.
Interesting times are ahead at Spurs, and we will await the shaping of Pochettino's side with baited breath.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Wednesday 2 July 2014
Murrays Mint
Andy has given up his Wimbledon crown at the quarter final stage this year, and for me he has always suffered a harsh press.
He will be the first to admit he did not play well today, but some credit should be given to his opponent Grigor Dimitrov, who seems to have the ideal game for grass. He reminds me of a young Richard Krajicek.
It maybe some people's disbelief that Murray lost today, that people have again questioned his patronage (maybe jokingly) and his actual tennis ability. These people have short memories, as Murray has actually won Wimbledon, and got to the final the year before that as well, losing to an inspired Roger Federer. Also what shouldn't be forgotten is that he won the Olympics at the All England Club that year as well.
Tennis is a highly demanding sport, and it has been proved in the last 24hours, that anyone within the top 150 can give the top 5/10 players a good game. Has there been as much knashing of teeth in Spain with Rafa's defeat to Kyriakos....I highly doubt it.
Murray's personality does lend itself to criticism, and he is in my view unfairly vilified for this. Not all sportsmen can be characters, and personally I would rather fully support a winner, like Murray, Faldo or Mansell, than characters like Frank Bruno, Paul Gascoigne, who despite their public support did not maximise their undoubted potential.
Let's remember Murray's Grand Slam record, he is a 3 times Australian Open finalist, a two-time French Open semi finalist (in the Nadal era), a US Open winner, and of course a Wimbledon winner. For someone who grew up having to watch Jeremy Bates / Andrew Castle / Mark Petchey occasionally win the odd match, I just wish the British public would get fully behind the best British Tennis player of this, and the last generation.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
He will be the first to admit he did not play well today, but some credit should be given to his opponent Grigor Dimitrov, who seems to have the ideal game for grass. He reminds me of a young Richard Krajicek.
It maybe some people's disbelief that Murray lost today, that people have again questioned his patronage (maybe jokingly) and his actual tennis ability. These people have short memories, as Murray has actually won Wimbledon, and got to the final the year before that as well, losing to an inspired Roger Federer. Also what shouldn't be forgotten is that he won the Olympics at the All England Club that year as well.
Tennis is a highly demanding sport, and it has been proved in the last 24hours, that anyone within the top 150 can give the top 5/10 players a good game. Has there been as much knashing of teeth in Spain with Rafa's defeat to Kyriakos....I highly doubt it.
Murray's personality does lend itself to criticism, and he is in my view unfairly vilified for this. Not all sportsmen can be characters, and personally I would rather fully support a winner, like Murray, Faldo or Mansell, than characters like Frank Bruno, Paul Gascoigne, who despite their public support did not maximise their undoubted potential.
Let's remember Murray's Grand Slam record, he is a 3 times Australian Open finalist, a two-time French Open semi finalist (in the Nadal era), a US Open winner, and of course a Wimbledon winner. For someone who grew up having to watch Jeremy Bates / Andrew Castle / Mark Petchey occasionally win the odd match, I just wish the British public would get fully behind the best British Tennis player of this, and the last generation.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Tuesday 1 July 2014
Dawson loves his Spurs, but Spurs have fallen out of love with him
As any fan would tell you, they all love a player who gives 100% every game for the club. It's like there is a supporter actually on the pitch playing for his favourite club. Unfortunately at times Michael Dawson has played like a supporter.
Ever since Dawson joined the club in January 2004 in a double deal with Andy Reid (remember him by the way!), Michael has given his all in every match, very much like a modern day Gary Mabbutt.
Michael's better performances, and spells in the team have occurred when he has been partnered with a more experienced centre back. Noureddine Naybet, Ledley King and William Gallas have all helped Dawson, you can sense that they have talked him through games, and helped with his positional play.
When Dawson has been the leader in the defence, this has led to some of his more cumbersome displays. You sense that the responsibility of captaining the side, and marshalling the defence is detrimental to his performance.
Dawson in the summer of 2012 was surplus to requirements at Spurs, when Andre Villas Boas agreed that he could join QPR. Michael however turned down the move failing to agree personal terms. In hindsight would it have been better for Dawson to join QPR at this stage, as he never coped with AVB's (often suicidal) high line defensive structure. He was too slow when turned by opposing forwards about 30yards out from goal, and was a ideal defender when all he is required to do is head and block balls coming into the box from crosses and long balls. Asking him to play out of defence was always a step to far for Michael as well, the long diagonal ball often a favourite of his.
During Spurs 2010-2011 Champions League campaign, Michael had what I felt were his best two games in a Spurs shirt, when we managed to beat AC Milan 1-0 over two legs, he dealt with the threat of Ibrahimovic as well as I can remember any centre back dealing with him.
However as I've said previously Michael should really have joined QPR in 2012, as the Spurs tactical approach highlighted his deficiencies even more, and you also felt he struggled playing in the manner asked of him.
Michael Dawson will be looked on as a Spurs player who loved playing for the club, but most fans will admit he was never quite good enough for a team looking to qualify for the Champions League on a regular basis, and it was only the quality of his experienced centre back partners that made him shine.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
Ever since Dawson joined the club in January 2004 in a double deal with Andy Reid (remember him by the way!), Michael has given his all in every match, very much like a modern day Gary Mabbutt.
Michael's better performances, and spells in the team have occurred when he has been partnered with a more experienced centre back. Noureddine Naybet, Ledley King and William Gallas have all helped Dawson, you can sense that they have talked him through games, and helped with his positional play.
When Dawson has been the leader in the defence, this has led to some of his more cumbersome displays. You sense that the responsibility of captaining the side, and marshalling the defence is detrimental to his performance.
Dawson in the summer of 2012 was surplus to requirements at Spurs, when Andre Villas Boas agreed that he could join QPR. Michael however turned down the move failing to agree personal terms. In hindsight would it have been better for Dawson to join QPR at this stage, as he never coped with AVB's (often suicidal) high line defensive structure. He was too slow when turned by opposing forwards about 30yards out from goal, and was a ideal defender when all he is required to do is head and block balls coming into the box from crosses and long balls. Asking him to play out of defence was always a step to far for Michael as well, the long diagonal ball often a favourite of his.
During Spurs 2010-2011 Champions League campaign, Michael had what I felt were his best two games in a Spurs shirt, when we managed to beat AC Milan 1-0 over two legs, he dealt with the threat of Ibrahimovic as well as I can remember any centre back dealing with him.
However as I've said previously Michael should really have joined QPR in 2012, as the Spurs tactical approach highlighted his deficiencies even more, and you also felt he struggled playing in the manner asked of him.
Michael Dawson will be looked on as a Spurs player who loved playing for the club, but most fans will admit he was never quite good enough for a team looking to qualify for the Champions League on a regular basis, and it was only the quality of his experienced centre back partners that made him shine.
Chris Clark © 2014 @Chrisclark1975
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