When England and New Zealand last met in Test cricket, it was almost unfair. That England was battle-hardened, strong and savvy, but on the down side of a glorious era. New Zealand was on the rise, far from polished, feisty but outgunned. England won those two Tests by KOs. They meet for two more, starting on Thursday at lord’s, and just two years later the circumstances have switched. England is in transition, improving, but at a rate that’s barely tolerated, and overshadowed by a feeding frenzy outside the dressing room.
New Zealand has become a team to be feared, and admired for its attitude, professionalism, and success. Since that whitewash at the hands of England, the Kiwis have been unbeaten, winning four of six test series. The bookies have made England slight favorite, but that’s more to do with home advantage, which is marginal, and history, which is considerable.
England also has been in test mode for far longer than New Zealand, but that recent series in the West Indies showed how the home side has become more dependent than ever on fast bowler James Anderson. Anderson became England’s No. 1 test wicket-taker in Antigua, he was the match-winner in Grenada, and produced his best overseas figures in Barbados. England better hope he doesn’t break down. Second seamer Stuart Broad didn’t meet his previous standards, and all rounders Chris Jordan and Ben Stokes contributed little.
The batting lineup remains fragile, and likely to include uncapped opener Adam lyth, who was taken to the Caribbean but unused. He’s scored a pile for county champion Yorkshire, and should become England’s 666th player. The number is associated with the anti-Christ, but lyth said he would take it: “I’m not bothered.”
He will open with captain Alastair Cook, who rediscovered in the Caribbean his confidence outside off stump, and his touch with a century and two fifties. He needs only 210 more runs to eclipse mentor Graham Gooch as England’s highest test run-scorer. Joe Root also came home with his credentials enhanced, and was confirmed as the heir apparent as captain by being given the vice-captaincy.
His outstanding form in the past year (average of almost 95) was rewarded this week with the England best player award, which Root used to credit the man who he said got the best out of him, Peter Moores.
Moores was sacked this month as England coach by new director of cricket Andrew Strauss, who then barred the return of wild-card batsman Kevin Pietersen on the day he scored a maiden first-class triple century. The way Strauss handled both was widely panned, but Strauss did the team a favor by fronting up on Tuesday and explaining to the team the reasons for his decisions, and his plans. England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler said the players respected Strauss for giving them clarity. New Zealand’s own issues were clearing up, namely the opening pair, and third seamer.
Martin Guptill, unwanted since the last tour to England, appears to have headed off Hamish Rutherford to open with Tom latham, thanks to form at the Cricket WC , for English county Derbyshire, and in the last warm-up at Worcester, where he scored 150. The third seamer was a little harder, a choice between Neil Wagner, who was inexpensive, and Matt Henry, who takes wickets.
Five months since their last test, the Kiwis ought to be handicapped also by the late arrival from the IPl of captain Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, new-ball pair Tim Southee and Trent Boult, and all rounder Corey Anderson.
I gave no ultimatum on Pietersen issue: Cook
london: England Test cricket team captain Alastair Cook on Wednesday denied issuing an ultimatum over the selection of batsman Kevin Pietersen. Pietersen has been told he will not be considered for selection this summer, with reports suggesting Cook would have resigned had the batsman been recalled.
“There was no ultimatum on KP, I don’t know where that came from,” Cook was quoted as saying by bbc. “The players weren’t consulted and I want it to be that way. I just have to go out there and try to win for England.” Pietersen was given hope of an international recall by new England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves, only for director of cricket Andrew Strauss to say the 34-year-old would not be selected because of “trust issues”.
“That was a decision taken by Straussy and chief executive Tom Harrison,” added the 30-year-old Cook. “We’ve got to start looking forward because the story has been put to bed by the ECB. “They’ve decided the direction in which they want English cricket to go. I’m responsible for the team out on the field and I have to focus on that.”
Cook was part of the initial decision to end Pietersen’s international career in February 2014, but repeatedly asserted he not been involved in the most recent disregarding of England’s highest run-scorer. However, despite endorsing Pietersen’s non-selection, Cook would not explain why he was in favour of not having the South Africa-born player in his team.