The Googly

ICC World Twenty20 - Hero of the day: Mahendra Dhoni

The first semi-final today, between Pakistan and New Zealand left me somewhat cold. It was neither thrilling nor fine cricket and my heart sank as I anticipated the second. The signs were that this could also be a stroll in the park - for Australia. But fortunately this was not the case. We were treated to an exciting contest, and one worthy of a world-class semi-final.

Although Yuvraj Singh - recovered from injury - returned the best figures of the day (70 off 30 balls, making that a total in two innings of 128 off just 46 balls), my hero is India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He led his team brilliantly, never losing control and leading by example. He is called a "no-fear" cricketer, and certainly showed that this evening.

Sree Santh particularly was in belligerent mode, and might pay for that after over-appealing when hoping to get Matthew Hayden out, but in general, the team played the mood appropriately and were fierce but fair.

A mention goes to Umar Gul for his three for 15 earlier in the day, helping Pakistan to their win and ensuring a Sub-Continent Final on Monday.

And in a note for Test Match Special - please don't try to compare old Australian cricketers to classic British actors again. Ian Chappelli as the new Leslie Phillips? That just doesn't work.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

ICC World Twenty20 - Hero of the day: Misbah ul Haq

A lot of competition today for Hero. Sanath Jayasuriya hit 88 off 44 balls, with 11 fours and four sixes, which is pretty fine, but it was in a poor match. Sri Lanka really did walk it against Kenya. Australia's Nathan Bracken took three for 22 against England and was awarded Man of the Match, but that again was quite a poor match - England were limp and feeble, and Australia had certainly learned lessons from their defeat against Zimbabwe.

Although rain intruded in the first innings, the match that set the day alight was Pakistan against India. As might be expected Shahid Afridi was explosive with the ball, but his colleague Mohammad Asif with four for 18 was the pure class of the field. Despite that fine performance, Misbah ul Haq is my hero - fantastic batting at the end of the Pakistan innings. The match ended in a tie and praise should go to Sreesanth for bowling the last over with skill and calmness.

Dougie Brown also gets a mention for remaining steadfastedly good-humoured on commentary even after it was sure that Scotland were going home.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Performance of the Day - The England vs India ODI Crowd

One of the many contrasts between the West Indies Tour and the India Tour was the contrast in crowds. Gone, perhaps forever, are the vibrant can-crashing boys of Brixton and Birmingham who supported King Viv, Mikey and the extraordinary West Indian talents of the 70s and 80s. English cricket is much the poorer for it and the ECB should do all it can to attract the sons and daughters of the men (and it was all men) who danced on the sacred turf of Lord's after the 1975 and 1979 World Cup Finals.

But the PotD goes to the ODI crowd for the England vs India ODI series which comprised a balance of supporters for both teams. While the cameras picked out the Bollywoodesque women, there were as many kids, grandads and grandmas waving the Indian flag, all with histories in the Punjab and Bengal and the other states of the vast sub-continent. One of the joys of the crowd was the mixing of colours, with Indian shirts in amongst England shirts with as many on their feet for a Tendulkar four as for a Colly catch.

England couldn't play a triangular tournament against India and Pakistan every year - though there are plenty of worse ideas floated.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Betting Coach - England vs India The ODI Series

Many moons ago, when we all thought a series of seven ODIs would be balls-achingly dull, The Trumpet ventured forth to find some value with the fixed odds bookmakers and the spread betting market makers.

Here's how the sorry tale of how the tips turned out.

With the fixed odds bookmakers, 4/6 about an India series win floundered on this resurgent new England team. Colly to be top English wicket taker at 10/1 looked good at times, as he bowled more overs (46) than many would have expected, but was rewarded with just three wickets compared to Jimmy's impressive 14. The Trumpet went with MS Dhoni at 10/1 to be top Indian run scorer, and the ex-Show Pony did well with 175, but was well behind the old stagers, with Tendulkar's 374 winning out (despite the umpiring). One of the many greats unlikely to play in England again, Sourav Ganguly, was the Trumpet's pick for top Indian wicket-taker at 20/1 - like Colly, he bowled plenty of overs (25), but had just 2 wickets, but such was the lack of Indian penetration, RP Singh topped that category with a mere 7 wickets.

The spread markets are usually more hit and miss and that was the story for the Trumpet's tips. (Bear in mind that all of the Trumpet's positions could be closed at any time to cut losses and the use of the "stop-loss" facility is also recommended).

The Trumpet's sell on First 15 Overs Runs (965 - 995) was settled at 1031 for a loss of £66 (at £1 per run). The Trumpet's buy in the Batsman Ton-Ups market (54-60) was settled at 35 for a loss of £25 at £1 per run, having shown a healthy profit if closed after the first ODI. The umpires didn't help here! Series Run-Outs (9.6 - 10.4) was advised as a buy and settled at 12 for a profit of £16 at £1 per point. The Trumpet's favourite market was Total Series Wides (118 - 124) advised as a buy and settled at 103 for a loss of £21 at £1 per wide.

In the player markets, The Trumpet's sell of Tendulkar's runs (235 - 250) was settled at 374 for a loss of £139 at £1 per run, I hope stopped at £100. The Little Master was unlucky not to get more and showed that looking tired is not the same as being spent. Some of that loss would have been recovered with the buy of Colly's Series 50-Ups (28-33) settled at 55 for a profit of £22 at £1 per run.

I'll be back tomorrow with the value in the Twenty20 markets, if you dare read on after that performance!

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Ian Bell: NatWest Player of the Series

Joy is an interesting word, and an interesting emotion. Today, after England sealed the series win against India at Lord's, I was, understandably, joyful in victory. But nothing like as joyful as I was some minutes after the win when Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar, and Test Match Special spokesman, Phil Tufnell, decided that the Man of the Series should be my boy, Ian Bell. I have taken a lot of stick for my support of Ian over the past couple of years, and it is joyful, truly so, to see him live up to my expectations.

Earlier this season his own county, Warwickshire, dropped him and many thought that for a player with a "fragile mentality" this could have seen him disappear. Thankfully, Ian has grown up a lot and went away and spent time with England's batting coach Andy Flower, and others, and emerged stronger, and a key component in the England One-day side.

Today, although run out by some heedlessness from Kevin Pietersen, Bell walks away with Man of the Series for his century, two 50s and his excellent fielding skills.

He may not be on the plane tomorrow night for the Twenty20 World Cup, but he has sure laid more foundations for his inclusion in both Test and One-day sides.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Video: Dimitri Mascerenhas clobbers 30 from last over

Let's hope for some more of this tomorrow, but with a bit less of the whole "India scoring more" thing obviously.

The genius of Sachin Tendulkar: video of his 94 at The Oval

Sachin Tendulkar at his magnificent best, scoring 94 in yesterday's ODI.  Apart from the fact that he is Panesar's bunny, you cannot fault the man.

Cricket Snap of the Day: Wright on target

Luke Wright is run out with a direct hit while a whisker away from being home.  Story of England's day really.  [Image: Getty]

Performance of the Day - Charl Willoughby

An incredibly difficult decision today for PotD - Mike Yardy tempted with his 119 for Sussex down at Hove, and at the Oval, there were sparkling performances on both sides. Luke Wright had a great debut, Owais Shah proved his worth with a ton and a wicket, and Sachin Tendulkar was Man of the Match, deservedly.

However, the charms of Somerset playing Essex at Chelmsford in the County Championship Division Two could not be ignored. Charl Willoughby - today's winner - ripped through Essex with five for 36 as the home side was dismissed for 144. Strong batting in their first innings see Justin Langer's Somerset take a lead of 140 runs into the second day.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Why I don't like.... on-field umpires adjudicating run-outs

After a sparkling response to The Trumpet's proposal to call the ball dead after the stumps are broken, I feel journalistically secure, if not psychologically secure, in venturing forth another proposal for a change in the laws.

The confusion surrounding run-outs was highlighted by Paul Collingwood's dismissal (right) in the Sixth England vs India ODI at The Oval today.

Having initially not called for the referral, the umpires appeared to influenced by the replay on the big screen and so belatedly called for the assistance of the TV umpire, who eventually gave Colly out. With big screens commonplace at international matches and hospitality suites all having flat screens to go with the flat beer, any non-referral that looks mistaken will get a huge crowd reaction - this genie is out of the bottle.

The Trumpet's proposal? When available, let TV umpires decide all run outs, referring back to the on-field umpires only if the pictures are inconclusive. This change would also avoid the farcical situation we see now of the on-field umpire running into the prescribed place to make their decision thereby blocking the cameras, but then referring to the TV umpire! What do Googlyers think? 

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Performance of the Day - The England vs India ODI Crowd

One of the many contrasts between the West Indies Tour and the India Tour was the contrast in crowds. Gone, perhaps forever, are the vibrant can-crashing boys of Brixton and Birmingham who supported King Viv, Mikey and the extraordinary West Indian talents of the 70s and 80s. English cricket is much the poorer for it and the ECB should do all it can to attract the sons and daughters of the men (and it was all men) who danced on the sacred turf of Lord's after the 1975 and 1979 World Cup Finals.

But the PotD goes to the ODI crowd for the England vs India ODI series which comprised a balance of supporters for both teams. While the cameras picked out the Bollywoodesque women, there were as many kids, grandads and grandmas waving the Indian flag, all with histories in the Punjab and Bengal and the other states of the vast sub-continent. One of the joys of the crowd was the mixing of colours, with Indian shirts in amongst England shirts with as many on their feet for a Tendulkar four as for a Colly catch.

England couldn't play a triangular tournament against India and Pakistan every year - though there are plenty of worse ideas floated.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Betting Coach - England vs India The ODI Series

Many moons ago, when we all thought a series of seven ODIs would be balls-achingly dull, The Trumpet ventured forth to find some value with the fixed odds bookmakers and the spread betting market makers.

Here's how the sorry tale of how the tips turned out.

With the fixed odds bookmakers, 4/6 about an India series win floundered on this resurgent new England team. Colly to be top English wicket taker at 10/1 looked good at times, as he bowled more overs (46) than many would have expected, but was rewarded with just three wickets compared to Jimmy's impressive 14. The Trumpet went with MS Dhoni at 10/1 to be top Indian run scorer, and the ex-Show Pony did well with 175, but was well behind the old stagers, with Tendulkar's 374 winning out (despite the umpiring). One of the many greats unlikely to play in England again, Sourav Ganguly, was the Trumpet's pick for top Indian wicket-taker at 20/1 - like Colly, he bowled plenty of overs (25), but had just 2 wickets, but such was the lack of Indian penetration, RP Singh topped that category with a mere 7 wickets.

The spread markets are usually more hit and miss and that was the story for the Trumpet's tips. (Bear in mind that all of the Trumpet's positions could be closed at any time to cut losses and the use of the "stop-loss" facility is also recommended).

The Trumpet's sell on First 15 Overs Runs (965 - 995) was settled at 1031 for a loss of £66 (at £1 per run). The Trumpet's buy in the Batsman Ton-Ups market (54-60) was settled at 35 for a loss of £25 at £1 per run, having shown a healthy profit if closed after the first ODI. The umpires didn't help here! Series Run-Outs (9.6 - 10.4) was advised as a buy and settled at 12 for a profit of £16 at £1 per point. The Trumpet's favourite market was Total Series Wides (118 - 124) advised as a buy and settled at 103 for a loss of £21 at £1 per wide.

In the player markets, The Trumpet's sell of Tendulkar's runs (235 - 250) was settled at 374 for a loss of £139 at £1 per run, I hope stopped at £100. The Little Master was unlucky not to get more and showed that looking tired is not the same as being spent. Some of that loss would have been recovered with the buy of Colly's Series 50-Ups (28-33) settled at 55 for a profit of £22 at £1 per run.

I'll be back tomorrow with the value in the Twenty20 markets, if you dare read on after that performance!

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Ian Bell: NatWest Player of the Series

Joy is an interesting word, and an interesting emotion. Today, after England sealed the series win against India at Lord's, I was, understandably, joyful in victory. But nothing like as joyful as I was some minutes after the win when Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar, and Test Match Special spokesman, Phil Tufnell, decided that the Man of the Series should be my boy, Ian Bell. I have taken a lot of stick for my support of Ian over the past couple of years, and it is joyful, truly so, to see him live up to my expectations.

Earlier this season his own county, Warwickshire, dropped him and many thought that for a player with a "fragile mentality" this could have seen him disappear. Thankfully, Ian has grown up a lot and went away and spent time with England's batting coach Andy Flower, and others, and emerged stronger, and a key component in the England One-day side.

Today, although run out by some heedlessness from Kevin Pietersen, Bell walks away with Man of the Series for his century, two 50s and his excellent fielding skills.

He may not be on the plane tomorrow night for the Twenty20 World Cup, but he has sure laid more foundations for his inclusion in both Test and One-day sides.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Video: Dimitri Mascerenhas clobbers 30 from last over

Let's hope for some more of this tomorrow, but with a bit less of the whole "India scoring more" thing obviously.

The genius of Sachin Tendulkar: video of his 94 at The Oval

Sachin Tendulkar at his magnificent best, scoring 94 in yesterday's ODI.  Apart from the fact that he is Panesar's bunny, you cannot fault the man.

Cricket Snap of the Day: Wright on target

Luke Wright is run out with a direct hit while a whisker away from being home.  Story of England's day really.  [Image: Getty]

Performance of the Day - Charl Willoughby

An incredibly difficult decision today for PotD - Mike Yardy tempted with his 119 for Sussex down at Hove, and at the Oval, there were sparkling performances on both sides. Luke Wright had a great debut, Owais Shah proved his worth with a ton and a wicket, and Sachin Tendulkar was Man of the Match, deservedly.

However, the charms of Somerset playing Essex at Chelmsford in the County Championship Division Two could not be ignored. Charl Willoughby - today's winner - ripped through Essex with five for 36 as the home side was dismissed for 144. Strong batting in their first innings see Justin Langer's Somerset take a lead of 140 runs into the second day.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Why I don't like.... on-field umpires adjudicating run-outs

After a sparkling response to The Trumpet's proposal to call the ball dead after the stumps are broken, I feel journalistically secure, if not psychologically secure, in venturing forth another proposal for a change in the laws.

The confusion surrounding run-outs was highlighted by Paul Collingwood's dismissal (right) in the Sixth England vs India ODI at The Oval today.

Having initially not called for the referral, the umpires appeared to influenced by the replay on the big screen and so belatedly called for the assistance of the TV umpire, who eventually gave Colly out. With big screens commonplace at international matches and hospitality suites all having flat screens to go with the flat beer, any non-referral that looks mistaken will get a huge crowd reaction - this genie is out of the bottle.

The Trumpet's proposal? When available, let TV umpires decide all run outs, referring back to the on-field umpires only if the pictures are inconclusive. This change would also avoid the farcical situation we see now of the on-field umpire running into the prescribed place to make their decision thereby blocking the cameras, but then referring to the TV umpire! What do Googlyers think? 

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Video of Bopara & Broad's England run-chase

So, England lost yesterday.  But let's not dwell on that, instead we'll have a look at the glorious run-chase from the fourth ODI at Old Trafford instead

Bopara injured

England has suffered another blow today after learning that Flintoff's injury (to that same poor old ankle) is unlikely to get better any time soon.

In attempting to catch Gautan Ghambir off his own bowling, Ravi Bopara has hurt his thumb and been carted off in the blood-wagon. Now it seems that his right thumb is fractured, not just dislocated.

I would have thought it highly unlikely that he will be playing again at Headingley today. Even if he does run on enough adrenalin for this, surely Bopara is now not just a doubt for the last few One-day internationals, but there must also be a big question over whether he will make the Twenty20 World Cup.

Commentators who know Bopara reckon he'll just play on - even today. A bit of strapping and a pain-killing jab, and he'll be just fine. We'll see.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

England will bowl, Flintoff is injured, probably forever.

The fifth ODI is about to get underway in Leeds, but Freddie will not be playing, which clarifies the mumbo-jumbo that the ECB were coming out with yesterday.  I'm really worried for the big man now; it's his left ankle, again; they have no prognosis, again; and I can't help but think that this is the latest chapter in the book entitled "A Slow Death to a Glittering Career"

England have won the toss and are going to bowl on a freezing cold morning in the seamer's paradise of Headingley, and a win today will see them take the series.
[Image: Getty]

Is Stuart Broad ready to tour?

After England's unlikely win in the One-day international against India at Old Trafford last night, one of today's debates is whether Stuart Broad, bless him, should be picked for the England Test squad due to tour Sri Lanka in December.

Stuart and Ravi Bopara saw England home to victory with a record-breaking (in England One-day cricket) eighth-wicket partnership of 99. Stuart had also bowled superbly to take four wickets for 51.

So, unsurprisingly, many reports today have focussed on young Stuart's performance, with headlines such as "England ride on Broad shoulders" and "Bopara and Broad pull a rabbit out of a hat ..." and the blogs are full of praise hailing a new hero. We've been here before - England cricket is littered with names of those who were sure to be the next saviour of the game, but it is very possible that this time, we have a genuine long-lasting hope for the future.

Which brings us to the question? Should Stuart now be considered for the squad that will embark on a six-week trip to Sri Lanka? His father, ICC match referee and former England Test player, Chris today told Cricinfo that he doesn't believe Stuart is ready yet.

"We don't want to get too carried away or look too far ahead" and suggested that his son might be better served going with the England Lions to India, and save a Test debut for when we face New Zealand early next year.

Others reckon that if he's good enough, he's old enough and being part of the Sri Lanka tour will be good for him.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Betting Coach - England vs India The ODI Series Update Number Three

After England's extraordinary win in the Fourth ODI, powered home by the two youngest players in the side, it's time to look again to get the abacus out and assess The Trumpet's tips' performance to date.

The less said about the fixed odds tips, the better, so we move swiftly on to the Spread bets with all markets quoted offered by Sporting Index.

At the start of the series, The Trumpet advised a sell on First 15 Overs Runs originally quoted at 965 - 995. That market has barely moved to 970 - 985 and I still like the look of that sell.

Next up, The Trumpet advised a buy on the Batsman Ton-Ups market at 54-60. That market rose after the first ODI, but is now back to 55 - 60 and I still like that buy.

The Trumpet liked a buy on Run-Outs at 9.6 - 10.4. Despite some comedy running from Ganguly in particular, that market is now quoted at 9 - 9.4. I suggest that there's more panic to come and even at 10.4, the buy is looking good.

The Trumpet's top tip was a buy of Total Series Wides at 118 - 124. If you refused to cut your losses by closing your position after the First ODI, the spread is now 113 - 116 with swingers' paradise Headingley and radar-wrecking sloping Lord's to come. You may yet get out of that hole.

In the player markets, The Trumpet's sell of Tendulkar's Total Series Runs at 235 - 250 still looks poor with 179 scored to date and the spread quoted at 295 - 305. The "Stop-Loss" option may well be a saver here.

Colly's Series 50-Up spread at 28 - 33 was advised as a buy and has suffered from his tendency to get out in the 40s. He is now quoted at 15 - 20, but he's in form and that buy might yet deliver.

Alastair Cook's Total Series runs at 295 - 310 was advised as a buy. He got a very good one yesterday, so he's still in form, as the spread reflects in its gentle floating down to 278 - 288. There's more runs in the boy and I still like that buy.

The Trumpet will return at the end of the series with the full extent of the damage.

[The Tooting Trumpet]

Are England turning the corner in one-day cricket?

Having yesterday taken a 3-1 lead in the ODI series, and with the bonus of showing some guts, fight and nous along the way, are England finally shaping into a decent one-day side?  Give us your thoughts in the poll and in the comments. [Image: Getty]

Cricket Snap of the Day: Little & large heroes

The heroes of the fourth ODI strike a stark contrast in height while partaking of the now obligatory glove touch.  [Image: Getty]

Fourth one-day international - England beat India by three wickets

A bit of a shocker from England really. They should have wrapped it up earlier. But a superb performance by the India bowlers, and we must not be distracted by our worries about the home side, and not appreciate what fine cricket we've seen tonight from our opponents.

Tonight none of the England top order were up to the demands made on them by the bowlers, and the crowd at Old Trafford (many and vocal India supporters), loved the skill they saw. Zaheer Khan started the rot, dismissing Cook for a duck, and his colleague Agit Agarkar took out all the potential danger men. Prior, Bell, Pietersen and Flintoff all fell to his sharp bowling.

When Collingwood was run out for 47 in a horrid mix-up (which just shouldn't happen at this level), England's hopes of racing to a 3-1 lead in the series were pretty much shot. It all came alive when Stuart Broad, bless him, and Ravi Bopara were together and they got to 32 to win from 50 balls. And then did the biz for England. The two youngest members of the side wrapped it up when England seemed destined to lose.

Rahul Dravid may not have had a stellar match with the bat, but he did the first thing a captain should do, and won the toss. Then he controlled his troops brilliantly, and he must have thought that India would leave Manchester with honours even.

Again the BBC got it right: Ashley Giles was a delight in the commentary box and just gets better every match.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Fourth one-day international - India 212 all out

England did just about OK bowling to India, but as has been pointed out elsewhere, the average first-innings score at Old Trafford is 201 so India with 212 posted above par. Stuart Broad, bless him, and Jimmy Anderson had good figures (four for 51 and three for 38 respectively), but India's ninth-wicket stand of 31 between Chawla and Khan might be costly.

The stand-out performance of the Indian batsmen was from Yuvraj Singh - last man out and a challenging 71. A moment of the day had to be Kevin Pietersen bowling Tendulkar (he went for 55) and I don't think even KP could believe he'd done that.

[Image: Getty]

Have England missed a chance to change their squad for the ODIs 5, 6, 7?

Should England have kept the same squad for the last three ODIs of the England vs India series?

Reading from the top, Prior, the Twenty20 keeper-opener must stay and Cook must be given opportunity to consolidate his revelatory opening; Bell is suddenly undroppable at three as, of course are KP at four and the skipper at five; Flintoff must play all the cricket he can this season and Shah and Ravi Bop need time at the crease, so that's six, seven, eight sorted; Broad and Anderson have come on leaps and bounds, so they're inked in at nine and ten; which just leaves Monty at eleven. Tremlett deserves his slot as back-up seamer, as does Sidebottom if fit, and Dimi has done nothing wrong.

But surely England should have drafted in some of the Twenty20 World Cup squad? But aside from possibly replacing Monty with Schofield (right) or Snape (to howls of derision from purists everywhere) could any room have been found for Kirtley, Solanki, Wright or Maddy? What do Googlyers think? 

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Collingwood in virus scare

Worries for the England camp ahead of tomorrow's One-day international against India at Old Trafford (England hold a 2-1 series lead), as Paul Collingwood was not allowed to train after contracting a virus. It is suspected to be a gastric virus, and for most of us, this would lead to a sick-note for at least 5 days off work, however Paul is very hopeful of playing tomorrow. North-easterners are made of stern stuff.

However, should he prove unfit in the morning, the captaincy will have to pass to a.n. other. Who would it be?  Flintoff - playing on his home ground - is perhaps the natural choice, but his fitness is also under question, and his success as a captain is open to debate. The other obvious candidate is Kevin Pietersen who today was reported in the Guardian as saying:

"I wouldn't say I'm vice-captain or anything like that but Colly is heavily involved in the game, so he talks to me a lot and asks my opinions."

I think Colly should be sent to bed early with a nice hot toddy of honey, lemon and perhaps a dram of single malt. He'll wake up ready to face the best India can produce in the morning.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Peter Moores's coaching team praised

Overseas players and coaches have long played a key part in the development and success of the England side - think Duncan Fletcher and Troy Cooley just for starters. Would England have won the 2005 Ashes series without them? Most probably not.

Today South African Allan Donald and Zimbabwe's Andy Flower came in for some heartfelt praise from England's most improved current player, Ian Bell. Bell, who was last year's ICC Young Cricketer of the Year has until these last few One-day Internationals been suffering with form and confidence. Now, having spent a lot of time in the nets with Andy Flower (63 Tests and 213 ODIs for Zimbabwe), Ian was keen to acknowledge the guidance he has received, particularly regarding batting in the middle overs and how to deal with spin bowlers.

Donald came in for special mention for his motivational skills: "Allan Donald has been fantastic in the dressing room and very passionate about the way he talks about playing for your country." said Bell who was speaking at the launch of an NPower urban cricket initiative.

After the demoralising loss to India in the Test series, it is heartening that England players appear to be in harmony with their coaching team.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

Ian Bell: future England captain?

Far be it from me to go racing ahead and big up Ian Bell, but I have read that he is thought of, now, as a contender for England captain in the years to come. On the back of three decent One-day performances that would seem perhaps a step too far, but looking back over his progress since his days at the Academy - then under the guidance of Rod Marsh - it seems that the FEC initials have been put against his name for some years.

He was described by Dayle Hadlee as the best 16-year old he had ever seen and comparisons to Mike Atherton (a former FEC who made those initials his own) for his tenacious and technically sound batting and for his mental attitude, have been made by some far cleverer than I.

In 2004 Ian made his Test debut against the West Indies and the following year, playing against Bangladesh, his career average read a ludicrous (or as Cricinfo says: obscene) 297. It seemed to go downhill after that - not the first batsman to find McGrath and Warne tough dogs, but he was class in Pakistan having sought help from Alec Stewart. Targetted as a "bunny" in Australia, he managed four half-centuries and was one of England's best players.

Some less than headline-grabbing performances caused many (media writers and cricket watchers) to start writing him off as a one-paced choker, and being de-selected by Warwickshire while "rested" by England didn't help. However, his last three One-day shows against India seem to have brought a reassessment of the Boy and a bit of humble-pie has been eaten.

I think it's too soon to talk of him as an FEC, but as a Rugby boy, he certainly has the E. Whether we can attach Future and Captain to that we have yet to see. I'd like to think so, but then you knew I'd say that.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]

England win - but be cautious

We've just had a great win, but fans and honeys, don't think this is the way it'll be for the rest of the series.

There are about another 39 matches to played - or according to the poor chaps at GU (the guys who have to do Over by Over coverage) about 135 ODIs still to be played. I can identify wth that fear - we're all feeling  fretful about the Twenty/20 World Cup and we're only half-way through this One-day series with India.

The best we know so far is that we have two new top dog commentators. Ashley Giles and  Justin Langer have more than earned their stripes in the box.

There are times when the Beeb really earns its licence fee, and to my mind, they've done it this summer with the guys they've brought into commentary. Not just these boys, but we've had Darren Gough with his Cricket Show which entertained us for weeks in the summer and Dom Cork was a wonderful part of that. On Gab's Saturday show we've had weeks of Graeme Swann - a man in tights making cricket fun.

We, cricket fans, should make our voices heard more loudly so we can have more of these chaps.

{Inage: Getty] [mimitig]

Ian Bell - not just relished by me

I've taken a lot of stick from readers of this Googly for my relishing of the Bell-Boy, but tonight I feel relieved because the commentators have all agreed that he batted very well indeed and closing on the end of the Indian innings, he caught Powar and Chawla.

England have won - Bell and Panesar made it for England. What a team.

I truly believe that Bell is part of the future of England cricket. If anyone can argue against this, then do so.

{Image: Getty] [mimitig]

England vs India - Second ODI: The Trumpet's Verdict

Let's not be deceived by the margin of defeat, this was a hammering for England, who were outplayed from start to finish in every aspect of the game.

On a lightening fast outfield, England chose to drop Monty Panesar and play Chris Tremlett, thus removing a vital "pace off the ball" option from Colly's armoury. In the match, the seven pacemen went for 7.7 runs per over (and delivered 29 wides / no balls); the spinners and dibbly dobblers went for 5.8 runs per over (and delivered three wides) - and taking wickets hardly slowed the rate of either batting side.

Having selected the wrong bowling line up, England then appeared to have no strategy to chase down a 330 target other than the usual one of "hoping that KP, Colly, Freddie" goes big. 330 splits into 150 off the 20 powerplay overs and a run a ball off the other 30. Commentators praised England's start, but the fact is that England were 127/2 after the Powerplay overs were completed, 23 off my target and that deficit was predictably too much to claw back. Chief culprit was Ian Bell, whose 64 occupied 96 balls: the tyranny of numbers shows that he was leaving his team mates to score 266 off the other 204 deliveries at nearly 8 an over. Bell's innings, against less than top class international bowling and with the benefit of nine powerplay overs at his disposal, was a cast iron match loser.

After a fine win at The Rose Bowl against a strangely uninterested India, England are back to their familiar mix of hoping that individual brilliance compensates for a lack of thinking on and off the field. Bell and Tremlett should be dropped and Dimi moved to three with every batsman given their role in setting / chasing a 300+ target - it won't happen.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]

Bell plays beautiful cricket

A packed out ground at Bristol, an India first innings posting the highest One-day score I can remember, and a great night on the commentary with Justin Langer making a mockery of his hard man image. He was just lovely and has gone a long way to warming the cockles of the English cricketing public with his contributions tonight. We are looking forward to more of the same, when he has the time to spare from his Somerset work.

The best part of tonight was following Ian Bell's innings. Please remember that Ian is still young - in years and in experience as an international player. He shut his critics up a few days ago with a ton plus in the first ODI, and tonight, got his half-century but then was gone for 64 (from 96 balls). Langer reckons that Ian has the chance to be England's best number 3, and the selectors should stick with him. Well, Readers, you know how I rate the Boy, and to have that backed up by such as Mr Langer is heartening.

Interestingly, Langer also rates Matt Prior (I don't), but reckons that we in England - fans and media - are far too quick to condemn. Although the game in Australia is very tough (see The Thunder), they give their guys a bit more of a break than we do. I'm not sure about that, but the joy of our radio coverage is that we get these opinions, broadcast, free.

Langer stayed with the BBC for almost the whole evening, and we were treated to his memories as well as his opinions. He is a remarkably humble man who doesn't think he merited more appearances with the Australian One-day side that the meagre nine or so (I may have got that wrong) that he earned. He had so much nice to say about the Indian spinners, and much nice as well about the England batsmen.

What he kept saying was that it was easy to sit up in the box and make comments about how to play, but so much harder to be there trying to do it. Well, I have acres of time for all Australians, but before tonight, I didn't like Justin very much. Now I do, and I will feel deprived if we don't have more of him. When he said that Lord's was his favourite ground, well, I have to admit to shedding a little tear. I think this is another occasion of the BBC getting it all right and well done them. I won't be the only one to have changed my view of Justin after this broadcast. And bless and how sweet that he was worried about how to get "home" to Taunton. I think he'll be with us next year, and gosh, if the young boys bother, what a lot he has to offer them.

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Stuart off to Notts

So as we all know now, young Stuart Broad, bless him, is to abandon Leicestershire and follow his fortune at Trent Bridge. That's all well and good, and we certainly understand why he would chose this path. A young England hopeful, needing experience, the right choice is to go and play for a county who's home ground is a Test pitch.

With some England caps already under his belt, although a rough time today against India, there's no doubt that Stuart is well set for a long career (injury permitting) in the whites. It will be interesting to see if he stays in the One-day side for the rest of this series and whether the England management will be serious about letting him develop in the county game, with Nottinghamshire, for the next season.

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Justin Langer is practising

Test Match Special has a way of springing the surprises. Today's little pearl and joy was that they tempted Justin Langer on as a co-commentator alongside Arlo White. Now we all know that Justin has been beavering away all season for Somerset - and with fine results, but how many of us knew before today that he'd had a go at commentary last year in Australia? Well, probably all you Aussies out there - though it was quite sweet to hear that he didn't tell his mum he was trying broadcasting before the first gig. He's a natural in the box, and I'm hoping that with an extension to his Somerset contract for next year (I gather all parties are keen), we'll hear a lot more of him on the airwaves.

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Paul Collingwood: cricket is hard work

Paul Collingwood, St Paul of Collingwood, Colly, Shane Warne's favourite target for mockery, eh? What can we say? I reckon Paul is one of the most hard-working men in cricket this season and should be getting a bit of credit for that. Over the past months, I can barely remember a day when Paul wasn't doing something for Durham or the England team.

He worked hard in two Test series, success against the West Indies and then a tough loss against India, and immediately after that, he was back with Durham for the Trophy fight. Now he's led his One-day troops to an initial victory over India at the Rose Bowl, and there are six more matches before flying off to South Africa for the Twenty20 World Cup. Hardly time to draw breath before the ODIs against Sri Lanka and then, a short relief before the Sri Lanka Test series.

Meanwhile the other England captain, a certain MP Vaughan, has had time to go on holiday and relax. Of course he made sure that while away, poor Paul was tasked with washing the car, putting the bins out and feeding the cats.

It's a tough gig being Paul - but he's a tough north-easterner and if anyone is up to the job it's our man Colly. Still - be nice if someone else could wash the car!

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Ian Bell - my hero!

I offer no apology for bringing more Bell to The Googly. In my view, you can never have enough of the Boy! Yesterday evening, all are agreed that Ian played magnificently, and has proved himself as a One-day player. His shot selection was spot on, and he used his brain (as well as feet, hands and bat) to play the perfect innings. Exactly what his captain, Paul Collingwood, ordered, and it's hard now to see that Owais Shah will nick Ian's place for the next ODI.

Even former critics are not suggesting that last night was a flash in the pan. Most seem agreed that this was the performance that has been bubbling under for a long time.

There's no doubt what it meant to Ian - a breathlessly excited interview with the BBC immediately post-match says it all.

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Checking up on the Bell-Boy

So Ian's back with us, in the pages of The Guardian, and with the bat at Southampton. Although his column shows signs that he has been listening to Teacher, I'm glad to say that today he has been mightier with the bat than he was yesterday (or whenever he actually spoke to the hackette who wrote his piece) with the pen. It was another disappointing piece, short on insight - of course England are rankling after the defeat by India - and to be told that Ian has been "trying to tap into Andy Flower's knowledge since he joined our coaching staff" is just bizarre. For why else would Flower be there as a coach if not to have his knowledge tapped?

For someone who has never watched/followed One-day cricket, perhaps there was merit in Ian describing the need to work the ball into "areas that disturb the opposition's plans" and "moving the field ... so that you can then score in the areas you feel more comfortable in", but to be honest, he's writing on the cricket pages of the sport section, and I would suggest that most readers could have worked all that out for themselves. I did note that he referred to Owais Shah (they played together in the Lion's match at Northampton) and I would guess that Ian was surprised at Shah's omission from the team today. The only point at which I thought Ian's own voice was in this piece was right at the end with the poignant "I'll be available for Warwickshire, and hoping they pick me this time".

Well, I would suggest that after today's show, Warwickshire would be stark staring bonkers not to select him whenever he's available for the end of the county season.

Ian reached his half century today (in partnership with Ali Cook - a magnificent ton for the Essex lad) off just 54 balls, and then accelerated! 101 off 100 balls - eight fours and a six. Bell got his maiden ODI ton in the 45th over (at this point batting with Kevin Pietersen). The TMS crew could hardly contain themselves - almost every stroke Bell played was described as beautiful. For this Bell-watcher, the day could hardly have been better. My boy ended on 126 not out, and England now has to bowl India for 287 or less. It could be tough, but at least there are runs on the board, and Ian really showed himself to be in fine nick. It's possible he might get a bowl tonight - a wicket to add to his century would be very thick icing on the Bell cake.

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