Pommie bashing

It’s not a bad time to be a South African supporter at the moment. What with Hestrie Cloete reaching new heights, rugby seemingly on the right (or is it White) track, the ‘Goose’ consistently cooking and Ernie leaving everyone else in his wake. Claims are even being made re Federer with his South African mother, but for me that is a bit of a racket!

But if you happen to be an English sports lover…… shame!

Not that long ago rugby was top of the tree but now languishes after comprehensive thumpings from the Anzacs. Tim Henman has again disillusioned his obsessive supporters. By the way, can you believe how pathetic the English public and media are over Tim? Beckham was expected to bring home the Euro 2004 trophy and didn’t he pay the penalty! And for the first time in ages not one British cyclist is competing in the Tour de Lance after David Millar admitted that it’s not about the bike.

If we take a closer glance at the cricket front the picture is suddenly as gloomy as a summer’s day at Derbyshire! Not that long ago, commentators were blustering on about England giving the Aussies a run for their money in the upcoming Ashes series. I am the first to admit their Test performances have been rather notable of late but what’s going on with their one-day team? Even the unpredictable Windies are whipping them.

My question is, “How can the selectors persist with the personnel they are playing?”

They are currently carrying four cricketers in the squad who are simply not up to international standard…. and never will be. How come they don’t realize that? What a sad reflection County cricket is if these guys are the best they have.

Who am I talking about? Let’s get some facts. Robert Key is a top order batsman who made his debut last year and has played 4 one-dayers and has a batting average of less than 9! Rikki Clarke has worn the uniform 17 times and travels at over 5 to the over without picking up wickets. Anthony McGrath is a complete anomaly. He has been paraded on 13 occasions and averages a wretched 18 runs per innings. My last non-performer is Ian Blackwell who averages mid teens with the bat and has taken 15 wickets at 32 runs a piece after 23 games.

How do these guys keep getting the nod? Even more astonishing is the fact that none are spring chickens. Throw in the theory that new keeper Geraint Jones should bat at number three and the result is an enormously perplexing mess.

How ridiculous is it that Mark Butcher who has played 69 Tests has never played a One Day International for England? Work that one out! Where also, is Graham Thorpe? He has previously played 82 one-dayers and averaged 37. It makes no sense.

So in essence, England have gone from a so-called emerging cricketing powerhouse to a floundering muddle in a very short space of time. They may well even fail to qualify for the Natwest Final at Lords!

The Poms are being bashed.