David EdwardsNew Zealand’s the Bridesmaid, and England Make the Finals?
February 6th 2007 12:43
It is amazing how in just a small number of matches a whole season can be turned on its head. Just over a week ago, England were destined to be off our shores before the first ball of the finals would be faced, now after a tense win over the Black Caps, they have made the finals, and in fact are in such a form they can upset the entire competition.
Taking a look back, it would seem that this was destined to be England’s ‘summer of shame’. Losing the Ashes, losing every single Test played, set not to win a single match, set not to win against Australia the entire season, set to miss out of the finals, it was looking like they were going to jet away from our shores with a major injury list, and nothing to keep their heads high about.
Well that has all changed, with a damaged squad, not only have England been the only side in the Commonwealth Bank Series to cause an upset over the hosts, but after a thrilling win tonight over New Zealand by 14 runs, they have now booked a place to challenge the hosts once again this summer.
It is quite astounding how well England have turned their game around in a matter of weeks. Three weeks ago, during the Australia Day match, the English squad were humiliated, demoralised, and essentially destroyed all around the Adelaide Oval. Fast forward a week later, and England have been able to overcome the Aussie juggernaut, and essentially pound them to the tune of 92 runs.
And as they showed us tonight, they have really hit their straps when it comes to one day form. Finishing up with 7/270, Collingwood was once again playing his best, scoring his first century, and in fact his first impressive tally, since his massive ton during the Tests. Add that to a half century by Strauss, and good scores by youngsters Joyce and Dalrymple and England were finally showing that they had the ability to punish their opponents with the bat.
New Zealand were then simple stuck in between a rock and a hard place. Fully aware that they needed the win to enter the finals, they held their wickets conservatively, and in the end were not able to get the run rate they needed. Finishing off their 50 overs with two wickets in hand, due to a mid order collapse where they lost six wickets for 63 runs, even a century by the captain Fleming, his highest one day score in three years, could not help New Zealand earn that second spot that a week ago was essentially waiting for them.
But what does this mean for the rest of the series, and more importantly the World Cup tournament soon afterwards? First of all, it really means nothing for the Australian squad. True, England is the only side to beat them in this form of the game this summer, but Australia will not let that happen once again when the series is at stake. The finals will be over as quick as the Ashes, I will guarantee it.
For England, they have hit their form at the right time. Whilst they will not be able to upset the juggernaut that is Australia, they will be setting themselves up to make an impact during the World Cup. From how they are playing, and with the possibility that Pietersen will be making an reappearance during the tournament, they might be able to surprise a few pundits.
New Zealand on the other hand, have pushed this entire season but have always lacked holding that killer edge to change a loss to a victory. Whilst their side is strong both with the bat and ball, they are still missing out on that one factor that would push them from being a good side to a great side. Missing out on the finals could mean two things, one they fully focus on the World Cup, and will come out all guns blazing in the Caribbean, or else they will lose their sight after a few weeks of non playing, and will wimper out of the competition with no real impact. It is hard to see what they will do, and whilst they are one of the contenders for the finals, time will have to tell.
But for the moment, we have to look at the Commonwealth Bank Series, and whilst Australia have endured a small number of set backs this one day season, it seems nothing can stop their momentum. It seems that they will win the trophy once again by doing what they have done all summer, ‘tonking a pom’.
Until next time, sports minds
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