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December 11 2000
ENGLAND SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST
Throughout the series, England have matched their more
experienced hosts, run for run, wicket for wicket. The vastly more experienced
Wasim and Waqar never played together, and never quite ripped through
a side like they might have done in the prime.
World-beater and spin-wizard at English county level Saqlain
Mushtaq, backed up by an army of spinners seasoned and new could not budge
England's rocks Atherton and a rejuvenated Graham Thorpe, who in turn
guided each of England's innings to parity with the stroke-players of
Pakistan. No one expected England to survive the series, let alone carry
off the spoils.
The pace attack was never catered for on the dry spinning tracks. But
the Pakistani's overdid the preparation in effect nullifying any advantage
that they would have had. In the second Test, losing nearly a session
to poor light lessened the chances of a positive result.
England began in Faisalabad batting confidently, building partnerships,
particularly the growing adhesiveness of Atherton/Trescothick as a gritty
opening partnership, with a left hand/right hand combination, capable
of staunch defence, and attack in equal measure.
Hussain [far left with Atherton and Thorpe], may have finally completed
his annus horribilus with the bat after defying the Pakistani's in Lahore,
for a well-earned fifty, and a not out in the gloom as England passed
the winning post. Thorpe has showed his true form again. Always working
the ball around, ticking over, solidifying the middle-order. Stewart has
not enjoyed his voyage against spin, but he will come through and show
his worth in the summer on greener tracks.
Now, the enigma, the one, the man of a hundred first-class hundredsÉ.yes
it is Graeme 'get out of jail' Hick. A batsman of enormous talent, but
seemingly little luck at Test level. With nothing to lose and the selectors
pondering his future yet again he joined Thorpe for a decisive partnership
at the death in Karachi and showed us some courage. He is a decent slipper,
and also gives a bowling option. But the axe may fall for the last time,
if Vaughan regains full fitness by early February.
Craig White has blossomed under the new regime, like Caddick has been
slow to build in self-confidence, but lately is showing form with bat
and ball. Just quietly, he gives England an all-round option, but do not
go repeating that too often, it tends break the spell.
Ashley Giles is probably the biggest success of the tour, because he has
been a one-man spin attack - unfortunately for Salisbury - growing with
ability and confidence match by match, and showing decent form with the
bat. His learning curve as England's number one spinner, will increase
with new experiences and situations in Sri Lanka. Then he may have a bit
extra up his sleeve, and might even cause the Aussie's some damage.
As for Salisbury, let's be positive, he has batted well, putting together
valuable partnerships in every Test. On the other hand, he has failed
to build any pressure with the ball. Far too many loose balls to cause
enough problems for the merciless Pakistani stroke-makers in particular.
He may get another shot in Sri Lanka, as he has done his bit in the series
victory, but only the selectors know his fate.
The pace-men battled away on thankless wickets, and when it mattered,
Gough, Caddick and White did enough to keep England in touch. Together
with their decent contributions with the bat, England have built up a
cohesive, steady squad, which injury permitting, bodes well for the next
couple of years.
As for Hussain and Fletcher at the helm, no praise can be high enough.
They have taken the remains of an England team in disarray, and built
a strong team ethic, a more loyal selection policy has built up a clear
feeling of togetherness, that is visible on the pitch. It is a shame the
victory came the day after the BBC sports personality, so that the nation
could not bask in the team's deserved glory.
Richard Kendall
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