Collingwood won’t be missed at all

Paul Collingwood pondering

gin soak | Flickr | by-nc-nd

Paul Collingwood’s international career will be over very soon I’m afraid.

I hope he can keep playing for the ODI- and T20-sides for some time coming, but if he keeps batting like this, I do not see that happening.

And because of his poor batting form, we probably won’t miss him at all.

New players will come in, and Collingwood’s typical role as Brigadier Block is no longer in high demand for this England side. His grit seems to have rubbed of on his teammates and they can do without him.

His catching and bowling aided England in winning this series, but no batsman can keep his place in the side on just those qualities.

But even though I don’t believe England will miss him, I still feel sad, because he has been a great player to have around for England over the last few years.

Check out these posts from King Cricket and Edward Craig on what made him so good – and so likeable.

Retaining is no winning

England retained the Ashes. But they haven’t won this series yet.

I know the Ashes are supposed to be all about who has possession of the little urn, but retaining them isn’t half as good as an series victory in Australia.

The Ashes are save, but the real price is up for grabs for this England side.

Here’s hoping they will make it happen.

The best thing about the South Africa vs India series

The best thing about the South Africa vs India series is that it takes the mind of what happened in Perth.

South Africa – my second favorite team - are playing good cricket and watching them against India is enjoyable.

England’s travails – my number one favorite team – are slowly becoming a distant memory.

Right now, I can hardly remember how that obnoxious Johnson ran through the England side. Can’t wait for the cry baby to return to his spraying old self.

I really can’t stand Johnson.

The Mystery Spinner from Oz

Jack Iverson's mystery grip

Australian selectors are dreaming of a fairytale. That of the Mystery Spinner of Oz.

An man unknown to all, who suddenly appears from nowhere and mesmerises batsmen with his bowling.

Running through sides with magical deliveries, leaving the opposition clueless and winning back the Ashes for Oz.

And they live happily ever after.

The once in a million years type of bowler.

And you know what, The Mystery Spinner of Oz is not a fairytale at all. He is real.