Lehmann: I was wrong

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has admitted he was wrong to verbally attack England bowler Stuart Broad.

Lehmann insists he will learn from the incident after branding Broad a ‘cheat’ on an Australian radio station, before urging Australia fans to give the bowler a hard time when the Ashes series starts Down Under in the winter.

Broad refuse to walk during the first Test at Trent Bridge despite edging the ball through to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. The umpires did not give broad out, meaning he stayed at the crease, much the Australia’s frustration.

Speaking about the incident, Lehmann said: “I’ve had a chat with him already. We just move on.

“It was a good learning curve for a new coach, wasn’t it? You know, it was a jovial setting but you’ve got to learn from that. I’ve got to learn and improve from that.

“The players aren’t on their own in trying to improve. Coaches have got to improve so that’s something I’ve got to get better at.”
The selectors have also come under fire for their changes between each Test during this Ashes summer – the Aussies have named a different team for each match.

Lehmann admits that will change but he is still enjoying his new role as coach, which he only started a number of weeks before the start of the Ashes.

After a poor start that saw them go 2-0 down after just two Tests, the tourists improved, only being denied by rain at Old Trafford before a narrow defeat at Durham and a thrilling draw at the Oval. It was still a 3-0 defeat though, which the Australia cricket betting had generally predicted before the start of the series.

“I’m still loving it – it’s a great job, I’d like to win a Test match though,” he said. “It’s a fantastic job, now I’ve seen all the players here and I’ve got the ODI players starting Thursday so I get to see them and deal with them.

“I think we need to look at how we’re doing in those areas too, Twenty20 and one-dayers so by the end of the tour I’ll have a really good mind-set with all our players which will be quite comforting for me as a coach. The players seem to be enjoying it which is great but we need to win some games.”

Lehmann feels he was plenty to build on ahead of the return series Down Under and that should give Australia fans who Bet on the Ashes plenty of encouragement.

Anderson wants Ashes whitewash

James Anderson says England are now targeting a 5-0 series victory against Australia ahead of next week’s third Test at Old Trafford.

England have never completed a whitewash against their Ashes rivals but the cricket betting suggests their prospects look good this time around, as after only scraping home in the first game at Trent Bridge, Alistair Cook’s men cruised to a 347-run win in the second encounter at Lord’s.

It means a draw in Manchester will see the hosts retain the Ashes for the third series in a row following the successes of 2009 and 2010/11. Anderson wants more though and admits it would be disappointing if they didn’t win the series outright.

The paceman was part of the team that lost 5-0 to the Aussies in 2006/07 and hasn’t forgotten the way some of the Baggy Greens celebrated following their triumph.
In contrast to those days, the current crop of Australians are widely regarded as one of the weakest teams of the last few decades and some punters who bet on the Ashes have questioned the credibility of England’s opening two victories.

However, Anderson says he feels no sympathy for his side’s opponents and is now looking to turn the screw and complete a famous whitewash in the remaining three Tests.

“I don’t really feel any sympathy, to be honest,” the 30-year-old said. “Our job is to win games of cricket. We want to win the series 5-0 and we will be doing everything we can in each game to
win.

“Memories like losing 5-0 have helped us since then. It’s not a great place for a team to be, being on the end of one of those defeats, so everything we focus on is trying to win every game and hopefully if we keep doing that we will be in a good position at the end of the series.”

Awful Aussies display true colours

So England have a clear 2-0 advantage in the Ashes after the easy second Test win over Australia at Lord’s but the clash will be remembered more for the total ineptitude of the tourists rather than an outstanding performance from Alastair Cook’s men.

The Aussies’ display in the closely-fought first Test at Trent Bridge gave heart to the travelling fans that, actually, they could compete with England after all. Even punters who bet on the Ashes had begun to move away from bold predictions of 5-0 thrashings. However, those hopes came crashing back down to earth in London, being well beaten over four days, with all sorts of questions hanging over the side – again both on and off the pitch.

Their battling effort in the first Test has all but been forgotten now because Australia were simply dreadful at Lord’s. There were errors everywhere you looked. Some of captain Michael Clarke’s decisions were baffling, time and again they gave away cheap wickets while, with the ball, their attack lacked spark and control to really trouble England – who were able to play well within themselves to secure another win.

The off-field issues that have dogged the tourists for the past six months or so are all too evident again amid claim and counter-claim of a split in the camp and a major fall-out between Shane Watson and Clarke.

They looked a ragged, disjointed outfit lacking in belief and togetherness at Lord’s.

Clarke again wasted reviews only to again find his side on the receiving end of some highly debatable umpire decisions, both when reviewing and when they had used them all up, while luck was again not on the Baggy Greens side.

But, leaving the merits or otherwise of DRS aside for another time to focus on Australia’s very evident problems, it is fair to say this is a team that is now staring at a series whitewash unless they can somehow regroup and bounce back quickly for the third test at Old Trafford, which starts on August 1.

So far, not very many Australian players can hold their heads high over how they have acquitted themselves in England, with only youngster Ashton Agar and bowlers James Pattinson and Ryan Harris playing anywhere near the level needed to win an Ashes series.

Clarke’s leadership, too, is being rightly questioned and the ongoing accusations over fall-outs in the camp – even if they are publicly denied – means it appears there is something rotten in the squad. And that is clearly not helping them out on the pitch.

Unless an unexpected recovery is forthcoming in the next few weeks, the Australia cricket betting suggests England will keep the Ashes without hardly a challenge – a sign of just how far the Aussies’ stock has fallen in the past 18 months.

Bresnan must Impress at Champions Trophy

Tim Bresnan faces a difficult ICC Champions Trophy campaign if he is to make the England Ashes squad later this summer, after pulling out of the national side’s ODI series with New Zealand last Thursday.

The Yorkshire fast bowler left the camp to be with his wife, who was due to give birth during the series, but is set to return for the Champions Trophy this June, where England are currently front runners in the betting odds to win.

When Bresnan returns he faces a tough challenge to convince selectors he is worthy of an Ashes start, at least in the eyes of Betfair ambassador, Michael Vaughan, for he’s played very little international cricket this year.

His last outing was during the ODI series with India after New Year and since then an elbow injury has hampered his game. He managed only two Tests when touring the subcontinent and failed to take a wicket in either outing, replacing the injured Steven Finn.

The fact he wasn’t a first-choice seamer against India must be a real concern for Bresnan fans in the betting world, for the 28-year-old is now playing catch-up to get back in the side.

What he didn’t need was another withdrawal from the England squad and although he will be back for the Champions Trophy he now has fewer matches to impress selectors. Finn, meanwhile, took wickets against New Zealand this May to push his name forward for contention and will play during the Champions Trophy too.

It looks likely Andy Flower and co. will pick four pacemen and spinner Graeme Swann for the Ashes, and with Stuart Broad and James Anderson guaranteed places there’s just two more up for grabs.

Bresnan may well get a call-up but that doesn’t mean he’ll start during the first Test on 10 July. He was a squad player in the last series and looks destined to be one here, unless he takes major wickets for England this early summer.

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England may pay for excessive caution

On the face of it, England have played it exactly right so far during the second Test against New Zealand.

With the Black Caps on 158-6 at the close, England – in theory – have three seasons to take four wickets on the final day and seal a 2-0 victory.

I say in theory, because the weather forecast on Tuesday is dreadful, with a washout like we saw on day one a real possibility, meaning Michael Vaughan’s prediction of a draw will come true.

If that is the case then England will still win the series, but they should have wrapped this game up much earlier.

On Sunday evening Jonathan Trott brought the innings almost to a standstill, scoring 11 of 69 balls. He is known for digging in and not being rushed into silly strokes – something that makes him a safe Ashes bet. But he showed on Monday morning that he is capable of scoring quickly. – his caution cost England crucial time.

There was then the puzzling decision to bat on well into the afternoon session. England eventually declared on 468 – meaning New Zealand would have to break the world record if they were to win. But this is a batting attack that crumbled for jut 68 only a week ago, was pushing beyond 400 really necessary?

It then wasn’t even as if Cook set ultra attacking fields, with some men posted out on the boundary, as if New Zealand only had 200 to chase down.

In being cautious England have ensured they won’t lose, but they may well have ensured they won’t win either. Andy Flower and co. will say they have still won the series, but if they want to become the best team in the world, they need to develop a ruthless streak. England should have gone for the kill on Sunday evening, setting up an early declaration on Monday.

Instead they will be looking to the heavens, hoping for a spell of dry weather on the final day that will give them enough time to finish the tourists off. And even if they do, questions will still be asked about England’s excessively cautious tactics.

Vettori not risked for second Test

New Zealand have resisted the temptation to throw Daniel Vettori straight back into the side for their second Test with England at Headingley.

The 34-year-old was recalled to the squad after Bruce Martin was ruled out with a calf injury.

However, Vettori has not played for almost a year since an operation on a Achilles injury and the Black Caps medical team were wary of risking him. He is though looking a safe ICC Champions Trophy bet

It means New Zealand will have to go four an all-seam attack with Doug Bracewell coming in for Martin. It also means that part-time spinner Kane Williamson will have to take some of the bowling strain in Yorkshire.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said: “Dan, (coach) Mike Hesson and I spoke about how Dan was feeling and he wasn’t quite confident he’d be able to get through five days.

“His Test future is something we need to discuss regarding what he wants to prioritise in his career, but we certainly see a place for him.

McCullum himself will take the wicketkeeping gloves after BJ Watling was rules out with a knee injury.

It caps a difficult view days for New Zealand who also had to recover from their mauling at Lord’s and are vast outsiders in the England v New Zealand betting.

New Zealand battled bravely for much of the first Test and when they took the final four wickets in England’s second innings cheaply on the fourth morning, setting a victory target of 239, they must have fancied their chances.

However, the side’s fragile batting line-up was exposed yet again and crumbled in the face of some devastating bowling by Stuart Broad, who ended with figures of 7-44.

The Black Caps were dismissed for just 68, the 10th lowest Test score at Lord’s, and know they now have to win at Headingley in order to save the series.

Top order must shine at Headingley

If there is one thing we learned from England’s opening Test victory over New Zealand last week it is that the top order must improve if this team is to challenge Australia for the Ashes.

Both Alastair Cook and Nick Compton put on reasonable displays during their first Test of the summer yet neither proved the rock at the top betting fans looking for cricket tips were hoping for.

Much like their reverse series in New Zealand earlier this year, England had to rely on batsmen further down the order to scrape them clear and their dangerously slow rate last Thursday morning is a real concern.

Both Cook and Compton recorded sub-30 strike rates on a bat-friendly wicket at Lord’s that openly opened up for the bowlers over the weekend. It was a pedestrian performance from the opening pair and it was only Jonathan Trott’s quick-fire innings that got the game into full swing.

Yet it was only by the fifth and sixth men that England made something of this match and both Joe Root (40 & 71) and Jonny Bairstow (41) can rightly be proud of their contributions.

The Yorkshire pair did what Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell have done so often in the past and held up the innings when top-order batsmen failed to do their job.

England cannot afford to keep letting their middle order make up for the failings of the top and what won them the Ashes Down Under in 2010/11 was a strong leading partnership in Andrew Strauss and Cook.

People claim Compton is still learning the ropes but he’s an eight-Test 29-year-old with his name in Wisden now. He cut his cloth in India last winter and now must step up and match Cook blow for blow.

England v New Zealand betting fans have got England down as Ashes favourites but this could swing if the batsmen don’t improve – which gives even more impetus for a good performance in the second Test at Headingley.

Prior named England cricketer of the year

Matt Prior has become the first wicketkeeper to be named England Cricketer of the Year.

The Sussex star beat England captain Alastair Cook and last year’s winner James Anderson to the award at a awards dinner at Lord’s.

It caps a fine 12 months for the 31-year-old, who matched his consistency with the gloves with fine form with the bat.

He hit seven Test half centuries during 2013 but will perhaps be best remembered for his memorable performance in Auckland in March.

Prior’s defiant 110 not out on the fifth and final day of the final Test helped England to salvaged the draw when defeat looked inevitable, ensuring the series remained 0-0.

“I’ve no doubt the innings in against New Zealand is pretty fresh in people’s minds so that’s probably had something to do with it,” Prior said

“It was great to get over the line, a hugely proud moment but from a team point of view we want to be winning Test matches not drawing them.

“But to save a game for your country is a great feeling and I was very proud.”

The South-African born star is preparing for the first Test of the English summer, also against New Zealand, at Lord’s on Thursday. The hosts are heavy favourites in the cricket betting, despite their struggles against the same opposition last time out.

It marks the start of a busy and exciting calendar for England, taking in the ICC Champions Trophy and back-to-back Ashes series against Australia.

Despite the challenges lying ahead Prior insists he is fully focused on the Black Caps, adding: You can’t have Test matches that are warm-ups,” he said. “Every Test match is a special moment.

“You only have to walk into this ground at Lord’s and walk out playing for your country.

“This series is massive. We had a tough series in New Zealand and we want to put in good performances and get a win.”

Boult ready for England challenge

New Zealand paceman Trent Boult says he expects England to “hit new Zealand hard” when the two sides resume their rivalry at Lord’s this week.

The Black Caps are preparing for a two match Test series against Andy Flower’s men just two months after the sides met in New Zealand.

Back then the wet weather forced draws in the opening two Tests before a defiant 110 not out from wicketkeeper Matt Prior helped England salvage a dramatic draw in the final Test in Auckland and keep the series at 0-0.

Most punters who placed a cricket bet on the series did not expect England to encounter too many problems against the Kiwis, who surprised many with their performance.

Boult was one of those who impressed for Mike Hesson’s men and it will be interesting to see how he copes on foreign soil.

England are again heavy favourites in the betting to claim the return series and Boult is bracing himself for an English backlash, though he also insists his team-mates are primed and ready.

“We’re in their home town now and we know they’re a world-class side,” said the 23-year-old.

“They are definitely going to hit us hard. We are expecting that and are ready for it.”

Thursday’s clash will be the first time Boult will have played at the home of English cricket and he admits he is delighted to be able to play at such an historic ground.

There is no doubt there’s a great feel to the ground. It’s awesome to be here,” he added. “A big opportunity lies ahead of us and we’re looking forward to taking it on.”

Swann Ready for English Summer

Graeme Swann says he is “quietly confident” his elbow woes are behind him ahead of an exciting summer of English cricket.

Swann was forced home from England’s winter tour of New Zealand in order to undergo an operation on his troublesome elbow injury.

Bone fragments that that were dangerously close to the nerve had to be removed, a procedure that carried some risk to Swann’s career.

However, the operation was a success and, after two months on the sidelines, the 34-year-old returned to action for Nottinghamshire at the start of the English domestic summer.

He bowled 40.2 overs in a County Championship defeat to Durham earlier this month and featured in two YB40 matches last week.

It is a timely return to action for Swann ahead of an unprecedented year that will take in the ICC Champions Trophy and back-to-back Ashes series.

First though is a two-match return Test series with New Zealand, with Swann poised to link up with the squad in London next week.

The off-spinner, who has taken 212 wickets in 50 Test matches for England, is pleased with how his rehabilitation has gone and is excited to return to action.

“It is a long summer but I’ve had four months off now; I’ve not had a break like that since I started playing for England,” he said to Betfair cricket betting pundits.

“Who knows if the arm will hold up? I think it will – I’m quietly confident. It is an amazing summer – it is a long one with the Champions Trophy and two Ashes series; you can’t get better than that, really.”

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