England's last roll of the dice

As a 24-year old, I’ve seen fewer centuries made, and wickets taken than the average cricket fan, and struggle to recall an English cricket match that has received as much anticipation as next week’s 5^th test decider. Over the past fortnight, people with little interest in cricket have caught ‘Ashes flu’, each with differing opinions regarding England’s strongest team.

It’s not that this year’s Ashes has produced the best cricket, batting averages are lower than previous series, while neither an Australian, nor Englishman can claim to be the star of the series. Quite the opposite has occurred, with several players being criticized and slated as the summer passes by. Despite this, it’s been engaging sporting drama, ever since England snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat at Cardiff, we looked well in control. That was, until a shameful batting display at Headingley, which leaves the series delicately posed at 1 -1.

Calls for the inclusion of Marcus Trescothick, who has retired from International cricket, followed by the 42 year old Mark Ramprakash, to bring a calm and composition to England’s batting, have been suggested. The addition of Ramprakash has become more likely as the week has progressed, which would be a bold move by the selectors, opting for someone who has been in the test cricket wilderness for 7 years.

Bopara has struggled with form throughout the series; while his 1 for Essex in the week’s Division 2 county championship match will not be helping his claim for a place in the squad. Bopara also made an undefeated 52 but these scores highlight the inconsistence that the player is currently showing. The remaining middle order batsman, Bell and Collingwood, have also been wayward for country of late, so it remains to be seen which, if any of the 3 will be jogging out with the rest of the team on Thursday morning at the Oval. Big scores from Bell and Trott for Warwickshire this week, gives the England selectors further food for thought.

The confidence boost for England comes in the return of the talisman, Flintoff, who was hugely missed in Leeds. Big Fred’s last test appearance for England is set-up for the perfect Roy of the Rovers type finish. Flintoff has that quality that few sportsmen have, the ability to instil confidence and verve into dour team performances. Steven Gerrard has it, and Rugby’s Jonny Wilkinson had it in abundance, and if England are going to regain the Ashes this summer we’re going to require a similar Herculean performance from Lancashire’s finest. However, if England’s suffer further middle order dismay, then its unlikely even Flintoff’s last test showdown would be enough for Ashes glory.