The dust is still settling on Australia’s 4-0 Ashes victory, but the inquest into England’s dismal tour has been under way for many weeks. Players, coaching staff and ECB board members have all faced criticism from journalists and fans alike, who demand answers as to how test match cricket in England has been allowed to fall to an all-time low.
Chris Silverwood, head coach and selector, seems perilously close to being relieved of his duties, with poor selection choices being a constant theme of the tour. Graham Thorpe, Jon Lewis and Ashley Giles also look set for departures. Joe Root, England captain, has faced fierce criticism of his captaincy style, as well as taking the hit for many of his underperforming players.
Despite this, there have been few shinning lights that have emerged from the two-month stint down under. James Anderson once again showed his class with an economy rate of 1.79 across his three matches. This is the lowest economy rate of any bowler in the series, apart from Travis Head, whose single over was a maiden.
Fellow seam bowler, Mark Wood, was arguably England’s key man on the tour, picking up 17 wickets. Wood’s efforts seemed to be going without reward until the fifth test in Hobart, earning a career best 6/37 in the second innings. The efforts shown by Wood can only leave England fans dreaming of what the injured Jofra Archer and Olly Stone may have been able to produce on Australian wickets.
As for the batsmen, there are far less positives to pick from. Only two English batsmen averaged above 30 all series, with Joe Root at 34.12 and Jonny Bairstow at 48.50, after the later scored England’s only century of the summer with 113 at the SCG. Haseeb Hameed, Rory Burns and Ollie Pope all played in the first test at The Gabba, however all three batsmen were outscored by bowlers, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, throughout the series. Arguments can be made for Zak Crawley’s impressive knock of 77 in the second innings at the SCG, however the Kent batsman failed to make any other significant scores.
Now feels the right time for many players to step aside from the test setup, whether it be permanently or temporarily. For Jack Leach, Rory Burns and Jos Buttler, it feels that the curtain has fallen on their time in the side, with fresher, younger players waiting to take their place. As for the younger players in the squad, such as the afore mentioned Ollie Pope and Haseeb Hameed, now may be time to head back to the county game (where issues are also rife) in order to reclaim their position in future. With an upcoming tour of the Windies in early March, there are a few names who may have one eye on a potential seat on the plane to the Caribbean.
Warwickshire’s Rob Yates, Durham’s Alex Lees and Sussex’s Tom Haines all provide left-handed options for England at the top of the order, while right-handed Worcestershire opener Jake Libby also enjoyed a stellar 2021 campaign. A new opener would most likely be paired with Zak Crawley, England’s fifth highest run scorer of The Ashes. Burns and Hameed are in danger of missing out, meaning there could even be space for two new opening batsmen on the tour.
With rest and rotation a key feature of the past two years for England, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see Dawid Malan rested for the Windies tour. After being a part of England’s T20 World Cup squad, as well as touring Australia, Malan may want to spend some time at home after the arrival of his first child whilst he was down under. Ben Stokes may also be given a rest after his lack of match fitness became more apparent as the series unfolded.
Liam Livingstone has stood himself in good stead for a call-up after a playing a pivotal role in the T20 World Cup and has proven himself as a capable red ball batsman with Lancashire. Lancashire teammate, Josh Bohannon, can also keep an eye on the squad announcement after a fantastic 2021 season. Nottinghamshire’s Joe Clarke has recently returned from a stint in the Big Bash with Melbourne Stars and may also fancy his chances of a call up.
If Root decides to recall a former player, James Vince is the leading candidate. A feature of England’s white ball side in the summer, as well as success with the Southern Brave and Sydney Sixers, can only help the case of Vince, who seems to be the forgotten man for England over the past few years. James Bracey may also stake his claim for a spot. The youngster was handed his debut in the summer against a strong New Zealand outfit, batting at seven as well as taking the gloves, a tough ask for a number three who only keeps part-time. The Gloucestershire batter scored two ducks in his first two innings as a test player and endured a torrid time when keeping.
Ben Foakes also has a good chance of a recall as a replacement for Jos Buttler. Foakes looked set to play in his first home test against New Zealand before a hamstring tear ruled him out, leading to Bracey’s nightmare debut. With a test century to his name already, and having previously toured the Caribbean, there is no reason for Foakes to be snubbed again.
Fortunately for England, their bowling attack doesn’t need too much change at this point. Chris Woakes may be rested after a similar winter schedule to that of Malan, as well as Jack Leach looking like he won’t play test cricket again.
Two of England’s key men in the white ball summer may be first in line to fill these gaps. Brydon Carse and Matt Parkinson both were handed ODI debuts at short notice after a COVID outbreak in the England camp. Both men bowled beautifully and more than earned the right for another call-up in future. Carse will look to split the workload with Mark Wood, bowling 90+ MPH deliveries, whilst Parkinson may be in contention with Dom Bess to become England’s frontline spinner for the next 12 to 18 months.
Despite all the room for change, as well as systematic change needed in the County Championship, it is still unclear as to what the next step is. Root may not be captain in the Windies, there may be an entirely new coaching setup, or things may remain exactly the same. One thing is certain, if change doesn’t come now, it is certainly on the horizon.
Comments