Saying that an international cricketer is “under pressure” during a Test match is sort of stating the obvious. There are – in England at least – a lot of people watching. It’s the highest level of the game, it’s hard; many fellow professional cricketers are clamouring for your place. This is the first Test of the summer, at Lord’s. There’s pressure, alright.

There’s obviously a bit extra as an opening batsman. The new nut, first few balls of the innings and all that.

Now imagine you’re also the skipper, and you haven’t had a score for a while.

Forget the tiresome stuff about “media pressure” – as I say, there’s always pressure –  the only real stress Andrew Strauss will have felt under will have been his own. He’s a top player, a fine leader, and a proud man. Like anyone else, he needs to be pulling his weight with runs. After a harrowing winter for himself and the side, and a tricky start to the county season – cleaned up second ball by Graham Onions in April – this is clearly a huge game for him, and a first innings century is not a bad way to respond. Although, notwithstanding Onions nicking him off early at HQ a few weeks ago, Strauss will have been grateful to be playing in the familiar conditions of north London rather than the dustbowls of the UAE.

And today, after Broad removed Shannon Gabriel first ball of the day – Gabriel’s first ever contribution in Test cricket a golden duck – the England captain had his chance. To restore a bit of confidence, and to get the media monkey off his back. Strauss – as he had been before the Test – is the story today, but in far more welcome fashion than has been the case of late. Just as he did in New Zealand a few years ago, he’s made a score when he really needed to. The calm assurance and inner toughness that have helped him lead England to world No.1, coupled with the skills of a world-class batsman, saw the skipper to a welcome century.

It was an encouraging start: a compact straight punch down the ground off Kemar Roach from under his eyes brought him three in the second over, and next over he hit the first in a fine series of innings-defining cover drives for four. Footwork sound, downswing fluent. Just a good batsman, really. Considered a back foot player, he actually scored many more runs on the front foot through the covers than rocking back and hitting square.

Then at one point, confidence growing, he came down the track to West Indies’ offspinner and hit over the top for four. Marlon Samuels at Lord’s a less alien proposition than Saeed Ajmal in the desert, but these at least were signs of clear, positive thinking – hell, even enjoyment. He had his luck here – edging to first slip on 95 but saved by the double reprieve of an Aleem Dar no ball call and a Shivnarine Chanderpaul drop. It would have been a shame to ruin the fun of Strauss reaching three figures again. And he was grateful: the relief shot through his face in a broad smile when he finally reached the landmark and the Lord’s crowd rose to him as one.

Strauss’s record on his home ground is impressive: he averaged 57.53 here before today and this was his fifth century in 17 Tests, drawing level with KP’s ton total at Lord’s. Only Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan have more, with six. Strauss might one day look back on stats of such a long term nature with interest and satisfaction. Today, he’ll just be pleased to have a decent total next to his name and to have helped England into a dominant position. Thousands of England supporters will be too.

Click here to read Jo Harman’s account of Chanderpaul’s one man show on day one

Mind The Windows, Tino!

There was no stopping Freddy Flintoff during West Indies tour of England in 2004. Stacks of runs, plenty of wickets, and some priceless sledging saw England’s talisman at his indomitable best. In this clip, Flintoff puts Dwayne Bravo firmly in his place before psyching out tailender Tino Best with hilarious results.

Dwayne Brings The Pain Train

Kevin Pietersen appeared to be cruising towards his third century of the 2007 Test series against the Windies when a bolt from the blue delivered by Dwayne Bravo left England’s No.4 dazed and confused.

Gayle Force

Unfortunately we won’t be seeing Chris Gayle in action during the Test series but the West Indian masterblaster looks set to return for the ODIs that follow after a breakthrough in his feud with the WICB. Here’s a reminder of the damage he’s capable of dishing out. Imagine what he can do with two hands!

Click here to watch last week’s Caught On Camera, featuring some bizarre umpiring decisions

Team of the Week

Delhi Daredevils march on. Three weeks into the tournament and they are leading the table from the second placed team by three points. It has come through consistency, which has been converted into domination and the belief in their ability to win. Pune Warriors were decimated on their home turf as were Mumbai at the Kotla. In fact it was a second such beating handed out to Mumbai in two weeks by the same team. The close match against Rajasthan underlined why they are in pole position to lift the trophy.

But things might get tougher. Kevin Pietersen will not be available anymore, as he returns to England. Yes, David Warner comes in to take his place but that would mean disturbing the batting order once again, which will look a little top-heavy. They need to work out a plan for the play-offs.

Winner of the Week

A win for Deccan Chargers is so rare this season that you have to take your chance and hand it to them when the opportunity arises. For the one win they notched up against Pune Warriors, Deccan were bang on the money. Their basic problem this season has been the patchy work of their batsmen. The batting order is fiddled with at every match and no one really knows what he is supposed to be doing. Almost every game Shikhar Dhawan has a new opening partner. They can’t seem to decide whether Kumar Sangakkara should open or bat at No.3 – or whether Cameron White should bat at No.3. Parthiv Patel seemed to be their one in-form man coming into the tournament and he has been mystified with their revolving doors policy too.

But this was one game where everything clicked for them perfectly, despite Dale Steyn sitting out. They had Dhawan and Parthiv opening the batting, with White at three and Sangakkara coming in at four. And they racked up 177 runs, 78 of them coming from White’s blade alone.

Above the crowd: Morne Morkel has had a big impact for table-topping Delhi Daredevils

Value for Money of the Week

Morne Morkel’s base price in the 2011 players’ auction was a paltry USD 100,000. Delhi Daredevils got him for USD 475,000. That still looks like a good deal for someone who is leading their bowling attack almost single-handedly, has taken 18 wickets in the competition for the Purple Cap, is leading Lasith Malinga (the king of T20 bowling) by three wickets, and who bowled such a superlative nerve-wracking penultimate over against Rajasthan Royals.

Flop of the Week

Pune Warriors were embarrassed this past week. First Delhi came and blew them away, and then Deccan got their first win of the season against them. From fourth in the league table a week ago to seventh currently, this has been a bit of a fall. The competition is very close, with points gaps between teams very tight, but Pune’s big loss is in the defeat to Deccan. While other teams take points off each other, they all seek to win against the lowly Chargers. Any points lost to them can dent your chances and Pune look to have shot themselves in the foot.

Read Phil Walker’s exclusive web interview with Graham Onions.

Spin Kings

Graeme Swann and Muttiah Muralitharan do battle in a winner takes all of 50p competition…

Wound Up Warney

Frustrated by Kevin Pietersen’s heroics in the 2005 Ashes series, Shane Warne resorts to the short stuff…

Inzy In A Spin

According to Mark Nicholas, Inzamam-ul-Haq’s dismissal by Monty Panesar is “the most uncompromising and ugly dismissal you could ever see.” It’s also pretty funny…

Click here to read some extracts from the latest edition of Finny’s Diary

Kevin Pietersen, lest we forget, arrived in Colombo having scored a paltry 100 runs at a rather unbecoming average of 12.50 during the winter. In the eyes of many, he was under more pressure than any of his colleagues, save the skipper himself. It seems many people had forgotten that he had spent the best part of 2011 laying waste to the bowling attacks of Australia, Sri Lanka and India, on his way to amassing 821 runs at a shade over 82. We shouldn’t be surprised, however – criticism and doubt have been a perpetual companion to KP throughout his England career.

But why? Maybe it’s because his unequivocal self-belief, bullish demeanour and unorthodox technique don’t sit easily with the traditionalists. Perhaps it is merely the South African name? Despite living in one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, there are still those who have reservations with players of South African origin bolstering the English ranks. But if that were the case, would not Jonathan Trott have received considerably more criticism as well?

In reality, a combination of the above likely contributes to the amplified scrutiny Pietersen experiences at the first sight of a flaw. Some may indeed resent the South African association, whilst others undoubtedly dislike the outward displays of bravado. It is this individuality, however, that makes Pietersen the player he is.

Hitched up sleeves presenting Pietersen’s powerful, tattooed arms and a propensity for adding an element of extravagance to even the most rudimentary of strokes are all intended as a demonstration of purpose to a fielding side; this is Kevin Pietersen’s stage, not theirs. This hasn’t always sat well with the older generation unused to such pageantry and bluster; plenty are quick to label Pietersen a ‘show pony’ only interested in limited-overs cricket, yet it is widely acknowledged that nobody puts in more hours of practice.

The bottom line, of course, is his record. With the best part of 6,654 runs at an average hovering a shade below 50, and 20 centuries, KP is one of the finest players to have ever picked up a bat. For him to be considered an all-time great some of his softer dismissals will have to stop, but to question his place in the side just doesn’t make sense.

In Kevin Pietersen England has one of the most successful and entertaining batsmen to don the Three Lions in many a year, an astonishing talent likely to have smashed all English Test batting records by the time he hangs up his boots. His tendency for combining the sublime with the ridiculous will likely continue to frustrate, but innings such as those in Colombo are a timely reminder that Pietersen remains a match winner for England, and a batsman that is deserving of considerably more slack than he is currently afforded.

What do you think? Whether you agree or disagree with Andrew, let us know via comments@alloutcricket.com

Andrew is the author of the Silly Point(s) blog. Click here to follow Andrew on Twitter.

I’m walking in Wales this weekend. At least I think I am. I haven’t actually seen it written down (my girlfriend has organised the whole thing), so for all I know we could, in fact, be walking in whales. Not very likely, but possible – just ask Jonah. Whales are probably the only animal you could walk inside, I reckon. Possibly an elephant at a push. Maybe two or three pushes, come to think of it. To tell the truth, I’m just guessing. Best stick to the cricket. The sport, not the animal that is – you definitely couldn’t walk inside a cricket…

Lesson 1. It pays to decide whether Nationwide is a bank or a building society.
AOC diarist Steven Finn can’t be short of a bob or two, but he was clearly struggling to manage his finances on Wednesday, when he tweeted: “Nationwide, you are one hell of an incompetent bank.” Ever the perfectionist, he returned to the Twittersphere shortly afterwards to make sure there was no doubt who was the subject of his ire: “Ok, they’re a building society. Still useless!”

Lesson 2. It’s perfectly fine to place a pineapple on your hand and hack it into cubes with a machete
Having seen a smiling salesman do this repeatedly during England’s second Test with Sri Lanka, we’ve been trying it in the office this week. The key is to find a pineapple that is ripe, but not too ripe. Please, please, please, do not try this at home.

Lesson 3. Dermot Reeve loves chili peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers to be precise. According to an AOC source, the IPL pundit (and former Imran Khan impressionist) has the band’s famous symbol tattooed on his back, and has been strumming a few of their tunes by hotel pools.

Lesson 4. The IPL is all about music
It’s not just Dermot Reeve who’s been making beautiful noises during the IPL. This week has seen KP riffing on the merits of the much-maligned tournament, expressing his desire to see more Englishmen in the tournament, and (best of all) having a gentle dig at the Aussies at the same time: “You’ve got world class players who are sitting in England now wanting to play the IPL,” KP explained, before adding, “you’ve got some second-rate Australians getting gigs here.” Expect to see Savage Garden stepping out for the Super Kings before the season is out.

Lesson 5. Andy Goram is back between the sticks…
… cricket stumps that is. The former Saltires international (four games between 1989 and 1991, in case you were wondering) and Scotland, Rangers and Manchester United goalkeeper is planning to turn out for Western Premier side Uddington at the grand old age of 48. Let’s just hope his comeback is more successful than that of fellow forty-something Martin Crowe.

Now come and see What AOC Learnt last week.

Perhaps Woody Allen’s most perceptive observation since that line in Annie Hall about relationships and dead sharks concerns the “beautiful grey skies” that hover over London when it’s overcast. I thought of Woody when I arrived in south London on Thursday morning. I’m not sure if the old cad has ever done a Groucho and sat through a day at the cricket, but I’d like to think he’d enjoy the fare if he were to.

The floodlights at Kennington were on from first ball to last. The first day of the Championship season had its perfect climate: close, eternal, English. We wouldn’t want to peak too early, so no stolen shafts of sunlight here – that can come later, when the fairweathers flock in with their beers and paper hats, coming down for the short stuff. Sussex won the toss and chose to field. I got to the Bedser Stand just after lunch. No gloves, but a thick black scarf and a collar-up pea coat kept me braced.

I’d spent the morning in the office watching England’s top order sap the spirits of Sri Lanka’s bowlers, clearing the ground for the grand emergence of the greying figure of that most occasional of Surrey players, Kevin Pietersen, to play the innings of his recent life: as audacious as his 2005 punkish freakshow at The Oval – or that dismantling of Murali at Edgbaston in 2006 – and as technically secure as his masterful hundred, as captain, against South Africa at The Oval in 2008.

Everything with KP in this latter period of his England career seems like a riposte – to the media, to the imagined armies of doubters, to those who write him off and those who could never quite love him, despite his invocations. This innings, in this match – salvaging England’s No.1 status in the act of saving his own – was the sort of vintage two-fingered salute that those of us who advocate what Pietersen has done for English cricket – and I’m one of them – should use as primary evidence. The celebration of his hundred, theatrical even by his hammy standards, amounted to the offloading of all the stifled energy built up over a winter of deepening discontent. What an innings. A fruitful summer and he becomes England’s greatest century-maker in Test cricket history. “I don’t have anything to prove,” he says repeatedly, during those detached, melancholic interviews he sometimes has to give. And I always think: I believe it, Kev, I do; I just wish you believed it yourself.

Back in the Bedser Stand. In amongst it. The student in the beanie hat, of London’s doomed generation, sipping cold coffee from a pink flask; the old soak in the England cap and Middlesex tie, blazer stretched over his cricket shirt, standing by the players’ gate swigging from a hip flask, delivering soliloquies to incoming batsmen and advising all of us that if we dare to do anything different in life the government issues a pamphlet for it.

And the cricket? Fast-moving and intense. Amjad Khan got carry, gully took a screamer, Tom Maynard (future England player) stood tall and cuffed it on the up. It was too cold to stay for long; the season will heat up as it rolls along.

Two mornings later, after England’s brilliant bowling unit had jabbed and prodded Sri Lanka’s batsmen a second time, Pietersen ran down the pitch to Tillakaratne Dilshan, got nowhere near the pitch and swung his seventh six of the match high over midwicket, delivering another fist pump and a sweet moment of relief. England would still be No.1 going into the domestic summer season; in comic parody, so would the County Championship.

Click here for Phil Walker’s words in Grubbers past.

All Out Cricket has teamed up with sports forum 606 v2 to discuss the game with thousands of like-minded cricket fans. For friendly, informed debate, check out 606 v2 today.

In 133 Tests, ‘The Gaffer’ scored 8,463 runs at an average of 39.54, and claimed more than 250 dismissals behind the stumps. He is also England’s second most capped ODI player and scored 4,677 runs in 170 appearances.

All you have to do to enter the draw to win the shirt is answer the following question:

*THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED*

Who is England’s most capped one-day player?

(A) Andrew Strauss

(B) Kevin Pietersen

(C) Paul Collingwood

Send in your answers to comps@alloutcricket.com with ‘TRAINING SHIRT’ as your subject title. The competition closes on Tuesday April 10. Good luck!

From time to time AOC may send you information on offers, promotions or services that may be of interest to you. If you do not want to be contacted please include the words ‘no mailing’ in your email.

A hat? A brooch? A pterodactyl? If you’ve not seen the film Airplane!, you’ll have no idea what I’m talking about, but that’s really not my problem…

Lesson 1: England cricket is private property
This week’s email newsletter from the punks at Popbitch included an eye-opening fact: “In the current England squad, two-thirds are privately educated. Being state educated means you are statistically 20 times less likely to play cricket for England than if you went to private school.” There was just one privately educated player in the 1986/87 Ashes-winning squad.

Lesson 2: You can get lost in KP’s eyes
Wednesday night saw AOC’s Ed Kemp make the short trip to Lord’s for a net session with Grace’s CC, the first (and possibly only) gay cricket club in the world. As well as more serious topics of conversation, Ed was keen to find out which of the England boys got hearts racing in the Grace’s dressing room, and (perhaps unsurprisingly) Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Alastair Cook were all mentioned. Out favourite comment, however, in response to Ed’s request for an arse appraisal of The Three Lions, came from a lad called ‘Noddy’: “I’m more into eyes than bums. I like KP’s eyes. Those eyes mean business.” I’m sure he’ll be flattered.

Lesson 3: It’s one rule for David, and another one for everyone else
If you wore shiny white trousers, trousers that were far, far too short, and black socks, you’d be laughed off the rec. If you’re David Gower in 1989, however, it’s fine. Absolutely fine.

Lesson 4: A can of Brut is the deodorant equivalent of the magic porridge pot
You might have read Phil Walker’s article about Sachin Tendulkar’s hundredth hundred, written earlier today, in which he mentions a can of Brut that sits in a tray on the edge of my desk. Well, for my money, that simple tin of body spray is far more remarkable than the so-called ‘Little Master’. We’ve had it for a year, it’s used at least once a day, and it still hasn’t run out. That’s longevity, Sachin. That’s longevity…

Lesson 5: David Cameron is going to explain cricket to Barack Obama
Having been taken to a basketball game by the US president, the PM is hoping to utterly bore and confuse the most powerful man in the world. Good plan.

Click here to find out what AOC Learnt This Week last week

South Africa and New Zealand have also been in recent action, with the Proteas fighting back from 1-0 down to claim a thrilling three-match series with a victory by three runs at Auckland’s Eden Park.

As the tournament approaches, we give a progress report on the eight countries most likely to be competing for the trophy at the shortest format’s showpiece event in Sri Lanka.

Australia
Form: LWLWL
Ranking: 5
The Lowdown: If Australia are to win their first ever ICC World Twenty20 they must find the consistency that has eluded them of late. There is a new look to the side, with George Bailey replacing Cameron White as captain, and wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade has impressed, but the recent drawn series against India was indicative of their struggle to put a string of victories together. The Aussies are next in Twenty20 action against West Indies in late March in a two-match series.

England
Form: WWLWL
Ranking: 1
The Lowdown: The reigning champions followed up a series whitewash over Pakistan in the ODI series with a narrow victory in a keenly contested Twenty20 series in the UAE. Kevin Pietersen has returned to form in some style, hitting a series-clinching 62* in the decisive match in Abu Dhabi, while spin twins Graeme Swann and Samit Patel excelled in the middle overs and will be key components for Stuart Broad’s side come September.

India
Form: WLLLW
Ranking: 6
The Lowdown: India may boast the most lucrative domestic Twenty20 tournament in the world, but the winners of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 back in 2007 have struggled of late and that is reflected in their lowly ranking. However, it would be a big mistake to rule them out in conditions that will favour their army of spinners – including the impressive R Ashwin – and their batting line-up remains formidable, with young guns Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli as explosive as any in world cricket when it comes to the shortest format.

New Zealand
Form: LLWWW
Ranking: 4
The Lowdown: The Black Caps will be kicking themselves for letting the recent series against South Africa slip away, having taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with an impressive six-wicket win in Wellington, largely thanks to Martin Guptill’s aggressive innings of 78 off 55 balls. New Zealand looked to have the series in the bag chasing down a target of 166 in the series-decider in Auckland, but the innings subsided badly to give the Proteas the tightest of victories.

Pakistan
Form: LLWWW
Ranking: 7
The Lowdown: The 2009 ICC World Twenty20 winners were hoping to carry their resurgence in Test cricket into the shortest format in the three-match series against England but a string of poor batting displays saw them fall just short and suffer a 2-1 loss. With Saeed Ajmal and Umar Gul in their attack, Pakistan boast one of the most formidable Twenty20 bowling attacks in the world, but a lack of significant contributions from their batsmen continues to cost them dear.

South Africa
Form: WWLWL
Ranking: 2
The Lowdown: In 24-year-old hard-hitting opener Richard Levi, the Proteas appear to have unearthed a gem. The Cape Cobras right-hander smashed an unbeaten 117 off just 51 balls in the recent encounter with the Black Caps in Hamilton, hitting the fastest ton in the format and the most maximums in the process. However, AB de Villiers’ side will be aware there is plenty of work to be done if they are to be considered among the tournament favourites in Sri Lanka after sneaking home in a three-match series against New Zealand which they really should have lost.

Sri Lanka
Form: LWWWW
Ranking: 3
The Lowdown: Home advantage should stand the Sri Lankans in good stead, as exemplified by a 2-0 victory on home soil over Australia last August. In that series Ajantha Mendis returned figures of 6-16 – a Twenty20 record – and while something of his mystery has worn off, he remains a fearsome prospect on dusty tracks. The batting is perhaps overly reliant on Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene but as they’ve proved time and again, they’re more than capable of producing the goods on the big occasion.

West Indies
Form: LWLLW
Ranking: 8
The Lowdown: The Windies caused a major upset by turning over England at The Oval last September with an inexperienced side, but a defeat to Bangladesh the next month demonstrated their lack of consistency. Much will depend on whether Chris Gayle and the WICB can resolve their ongoing dispute before the tournament begins. Without Gayle, they face an uphill struggle.

Book your ICC WT20 Sri Lanka 2012 Official Travel Package NOW

Kevin Pietersen is on a roll. Having gone 38 ODI innings without a century, spread over three years, he scored his second in two matches. And if his ton on Sunday felt a bit like a pressure-free exhibition of batting given the nature of the run-chase, the second ton was a proper matchwinning innings with England really up against it for the majority of the chase. It was almost a case of ‘KP versus Pakistan’ and maybe that’s when he’s at his best. I’m sure he’d tell you that was one of the most satisfying knocks he’s ever played in ODI cricket.

Maybe the penny has dropped with Kevin Pietersen and he’s worked out how to score an ODI ton as an opener. I never managed to do that. I either opened or batted at three and got to 50 often enough but, after that, I wasn’t really sure how to get to 100. Accumulate runs steadily or put my foot on the gas and score quicker? I never had that problem in Tests. If I got to 50 I really fancied my chances of completing my century. But don’t take my word for it, check the stats. 18 tons in Tests and none in ODIs from an almost identical number of games tells its own story!

Two things are for sure. Firstly I think that for the remainder of his career we’ll see KP open the batting in ODIs and secondly he’s the obvious choice to top-score for England in the first T20I. You’ve got to strike while the iron is hot and as an opener in sublime form against the same attack he’s been destroying over the past few days, he’s the smart option at around 4.0 (3-1).

For what it’s worth my England XI for this match would be: Pietersen, Kieswetter, Bopara, Morgan, Patel, Bairstow, Buttler, Swann, Broad, Dernbach, Finn. A good blend of youth and experience and plenty of variety in the bowling as well as a lot of sharp fielders.

It would be just like Pakistan to come out and play brilliantly in this first T20I but we have to look at things logically. England are the better fielding side and whereas KP, Bopara and even Morgan have all been impressive with the bat, I can’t really think of one Pakistan batter who has caught in the eye throughout the series. As for the bowling, maybe England have finally, finally learnt how to play Pakistan’s army of spinners.

Again, it would be just like Shahid Afridi to come along and hit a matchwinning knock of 70 off about 40 balls when we least expect him to. If he does and Pakistan win, good luck to them. But I think England will win this game and they’re actually a slightly bigger price than what I would have expected so at 1.85 (5/6) they’re a confident selection.

2 pts Kevin Pietersen to be top England runscorer @ 4.0
2 pts Back England to win @ 1.85

For all the latest odds check out www.betfair.com

The Cricketing Twits tried, and for the most part failed, to show their romantic side this February 14. Ladies you may want to look away now…

1. Plan ahead – remember, remember the 14th of February. Ok that doesn’t really work.
Jonathan Agnew @Aggerscricket
In the mire. Forgot to book a restaurant for Valentine’s. Everywhere full. Got about 10 mins till age gets back from hairdresser… There are some interesting programmes on Arabic TV on Valentine’s night…. working hard to salvage… .Arabian Corrie not going down well
Disastrous evening. How does ‘she’ become ‘age’ on predictive text? Lenses in the bin. Room service. Arabian TV…….Dog house

2. It’s the thought that counts – a gate? Really???!!!!
David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd @BumbleCricket
got a lovely quiche on the go ..then Emmerdale , then footy .’vipers’ in for a great night .she’s dressed up for it, too ….
valentins day gift gone down really well …new side gate …wrought iron , too ….Vipers only has to fit it …will look great !

3. Tell them how you really feel – no love lost there methinks
Michael Vaughan @VaughanCricket
Message to customs… Don’t let Tevez back in the country please..

4. Make the lady feel special – ‘auditions’ might not be very special?
Herschelle Gibbs @hershybru
I’d love to have a valentine but none hear in dhaka, ill have to find one wen I get back to cape town in 2 weeks time..auditions soon!! Haha
Dwayne Bravo @Newbigdog
To all the sweet ladies out there, happy valentines day, hope you all getting spoilt today

5. Keep the mystery alive – keeping him on his toes Mrs Swann
Graeme Swann @Swannyg66
‘Thanks for the flowers darling’ said the wife this morning. ‘My pleasure’ I said. Now I just have to work out who’s sending my wife flowers

6. Get Bromantic – you heard it here first
Steven Finn @finnysteve
Happy valentines day everyone. Me and @StuartBroad8 will be having a romantic dinner tonight.
Stuart Broad @StuartBroad8
Romantic Valentines Day dinner for… ummm… 5.
Would like to say it’s me and 4 women but I’d be lying.

7. Help a friend out – pimping might be taking it a bit far though
Iain O’Brien @iainobrien
Currently on a Faux Date with @FlorenceMasoe. I’m marred, she’s single and I’m trying to hook her up with a yummy man.#VDaySolution

8. Be understanding – showing you care = quiet life. Simples!
Kevin Pietersen @kevinpp24
No earphones required today if you’ve remembered its Valentines Day… Have a great day x

9. The best things in life are free – but there is no need to tell everyone!
Stuart Broad @StuartBroad8
“@AbuDhabiDaz: the mrs enjoyed her valentines day treat at the ODI in Abu Dhabi.”>> with free tickets?! Wow you do treat her well!! Ha

10. Don’t panic – there has to be one good thing about being single on Valentine’s Day
Steven Finn @finnysteve
Also, like the other singletons, enjoying not having to panic about valentines day flowers!!
Graeme Swann @Swannyg66
I don’t suppose that there’s a postal strike or mass walkout by florists tomorrow to save my bacon?
Stuart Broad @StuartBroad8
The best thing about being single?! Watching the lads panicking about Valentines Day and what to buy the wife last minute…

You can follow all the cricketing action (and not just the lovebirds) in real-time on Tweetsport. You might just be surprised what you find…

After a poor showing in the three Tests that preceded the first ODI in Abu Dhabi, it was both pleasing and somewhat of a surprise to see England run out such comfortable winners. Particularly as, Alastair Cook and Steven Finn aside, there was nothing remarkable about England’s efforts in a match that Pakistan were tipped to win.

That the Three Lions walked away with a convincing victory was largely down to the skipper – who continues to defy his critics, and averages well over 50 since returning to the side – and the increasingly impressive Finn who is now pushing hard for a starting berth in all forms of the game.

Elsewhere, there were some solid performances. Ravi Bopara, though nervy at times, gave valuable support to his skipper and Samit Patel once again showed that he is a very capable allrounder at this level.

The overall aptitude of the middle-order remains a worry, however, and neither Kevin Pietersen nor Craig Kieswetter (who both played uncharasteristically ponderous innings before being put out of their misery) have benefited from a change of scenery. Meanwhile, Jonathan Trott and Eoin Morgan continue to be bamboozled by the vagaries of Ajmal and co.

It could be time for a shake-up – and with both Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow in the wings, the squad isn’t short of exciting alternatives – but England, arch-conservatives when it comes to selection issues, are very unlikely to change a winning side.

What they must change, however, is their overall approach. If Cook, the recognised ‘anchor’, can score at nigh on a run-a-ball, there is no excuse for KP (who has averaged just 26 in the last two years, lest we forget) to plod.

The notoriously nervous starter shouldn’t be encouraged to throw his wicket away, but subcontinental conditions demand a brisk scoring rate early on, when the going is easiest. Pietersen is a powerful player and a natural timer of the ball, who looked suited to opening spot in last year’s World Cup, and a simple, aggressive approach would be best for both the team and an individual who seems to be over-thinking his cricket right now.

More generally, a busier approach with the bat would benefit England. Morgan and (surprisingly) Trott have both struggled to find a successful method on this tour, oscillating between staid defence and somewhat desperate attack with little success.

More than anything, Cook’s brilliant innings was an example of how to keep the scoreboard ticking over. 60 per cent of his runs came from a combination of clever footwork, deft use of the wrists and hard running, and having proved already that they can win a game without a maximum, smart rather than smashing cricket could be enough to secure a repeat of Monday’s result.

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Our betting partners at Betfair analyse the odds for tomorrow’s contest.

Pakistan retain favourite status at 1.84 with England 2.16. Despite maintaining belief in the ‘home’ side we have to recognise the importance of the toss in matches at Sheikh Zayed Stadium and for that reason the gulf is too large. It should not be forgotten that although England have a weakness against spin, Pakistan have one against seam and swing and both sides can look equally foolish when they play in hostile conditions.

Shahid Afridi was the bet to go for on Monday under the auspices of ‘Any Other’, but he is likely to be promoted to individual billing and could go off at around 6.00. Elsewhere, we do not fancy either Pakistan opener, Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Farhat. On first glance they look to have a healthy partnership, averaging just shy of 40 for the first wicket during their time together. But more in-depth analysis (filtering matches against only the Test nations) sees that figure drop to 29. Lay them for 30 or more at around 1.90.

As for England’s batsman, we’ll say no thanks to Kevin Pietersen at around 4.50 and Eoin Morgan at bigger prices. Both could be worth laying for a 50. Alastair Cook, following his rather splendid century, showed Pietersen how to do it and deserves favourite status.

There was a question posted on Betfair’s cricket forum on Monday afternoon wondering whether the Pakistan versus England series had proved the referral system had changed the game forever. “I think so,” said the poster, “inevitably batsmen will have to start changing/tweaking techniques.”

He is almost certainly right. Batsmen no longer have the luxury of padding up to a spinner safe in the knowledge that with a big stride the umpire will not dare raise his finger. Since the system was introduced in 2009, with Test teams being awarded two referrals per innings, the key protagonists in the sport have been left rubbing their eyes, like a baby born into a bright, shiny new world.

Yet we are all learning. It is a steep curve but the hardest part has probably passed. You know, that moment when the old players, usually positioned in the comm box, mischievously grumble about ‘no need for it in my day… we walked if we were out’ and how change should be resisted with all one’s might. The BCCI? Oh well, there really is no pleasing them.

Perhaps in another two-and-a-bit-years we will be better placed to answer the opening gambit, but enough water has probably passed under the bridge to allow us to have a reasonable stab at it. At Betfair Towers there have been musings on exactly how the Umpire Decision Review System, to give it its full title, impacts the result.

Logic would dictate that we might get more results because more wickets fall with umpires being given a brand new pair of eyes. The counter argument is that these previously unheralded decisions have been cancelled out by the UDRS ridding the game of the umpiring howler. The ICC introduced technology to improve decision making from 91-92 per cent to 96-97 per cent.

The end game, of course, has a betting angle. In Test matches should we be more confident about laying the draw when the UDRS is in use?

Yes. Our study method is somewhat crude and simple but fascinating nonetheless. Since the UDRS was officially launched in the Test between New Zealand and Pakistan in Dunedin in November 2009 there have been 101 matches played (not including India Tests after they refused to use it) in the 27 months that followed.

Of those games 74.2 per cent produced a result with 25.8 per cent drawn. In the 27 months previous to November 2009, 63 per cent of matches produced results with 30 per cent drawn. That is a sizeable swing. One will not be surprised to learn that there have, on average been more wickets with UDRS than without – 32 per game compared to 30. There have been less runs, too – 1,079 compared to 1,108.

As for batsmen having to change their technique, one cannot help but think immediately of one player in particular: Kevin Pietersen. Pietersen, when he burst onto the scene, was an advocate of a big stride forward and a booming front pad sending the ball ballooning away. He knows he can’t do that anymore.

It may explain his struggles against spin in this series and in the recent months. Before UDRS Pietersen fell to spinners 36 per cent of the time. Since UDRS that figure has leapt to 44 per cent. That’s a pretty big problem.

For all the latest odds check out www.betfair.com

To read Finny’s diary in full pick up a copy of the latest AOC but for now, here’s a few choice extracts from his first offering.

Finny on… wedding season

“My roomate and good friend Tim Murtagh got married today. Obviously the day would not have been complete without a bit of Murtagh nudity (him, not his missus), so we used the photo booth at the wedding venue to express ourselves in the only way we knew how. I was only assisting a very drunk man take his clothes in there, may I add, and not once did anything of mine see the lens. Check the wedding album if you don’t believe me!”

Finny on… Call of Duty

“Our evening’s entertainment in the UAE has predominantly been Call of Duty. Broady is the biggest gaming geek I’ve ever come across. He will have a good career after cricket attending Xbox conventions. But the most fascinating gamer is Trotty. Just like his batting, he will get in a focused state and try and stay there, no matter how much the lads try and put him off. But be careful not to thrash him too bad, otherwise he will switch the console off and order you out of his room.”

Finny on… credit card roulette

“Tonight 14 of us went to The Ivy restaurant in Dubai and decided to play credit card roulette. There were plenty of sighs as people’s cards were picked out and eliminated from paying by the waitress. A big ‘boo’ rang out when Trotty’s card was picked out (I don’t know why). And then we were down to our final two – Graham Gooch and Kevin Pietersen. As the last card was taken away , it was as if a crowd of whooping football hooligans had invaded the restaurant, as it was revealed that KP was picking up the tab for the boys. Thanks Kev, it was a top meal.”

Finny on… Speedos

“Realised how many grown men are wearing Speedos by the pool. Slightly disturbed to see one bloke tucking them in to his bum cheeks to get an all over tan. Went to my room feeling decidedly queasy.”

Finny on… flatulence

“We had a practise session today, which was a really good workout. The intensity of the session may have given us jelly legs, but it shouldn’t have made our bowel movements looser. It was like playing Dutch ovens without the covers on the journey home. Graeme Swann is by far the most shameless – a diet of spaghetti bolognese and painkillers have turned his guts to a dreadful state. But the person I was least expecting to emit such smells was newly-wed Alastair Cook. His wry smile just as I got my first whiff was not that of a former choirboy. I wonder if his better half knows what she’s let herself in for!

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Should Finny be in England’s Test team? Discuss this question and all the latest issues in cricket on sports forum 606 v2.

Having lost two Test matches in the last two years, England have now lost three in less than three weeks and the blame will quite rightly be placed squarely on their batsmen. In a series in which the batters were expected to fill their boots it’s been the bowlers who have excelled, only to be let down time and again by a batting unit devoid of confidence and unable to counter Pakistan’s spinners.

It’s been a tour England will want to forget, but given their schedule over the next 12 months – which includes a tour of Sri Lanka in March and a visit to India next winter – there are lessons that must be learnt from this whitewash, and quickly.

Tellingly England’s batsmen failed to score a century in the series and the middle-order of Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Eoin Morgan registered just 200 runs between them at a paltry average of 11.11. The dismissals of all three on day four in Dubai were symptomatic of their travails.

Pietersen once again failed to bring his bat down straight against the spinner and had his timbers rattled, while Bell got locked into the defensive mode that we’ve seen throughout the series and when a long hop came along only succeeded in agonisingly looping a dolly to cover point. Morgan, meanwhile, continued to struggle in striking a balance between attack and defence.

Pietersen and Bell have plenty of credit in the bank after starring against Australia and India and England’s management are too canny to hit the panic button and make sweeping changes, but Morgan now finds himself under serious pressure. His knock of 31 included some fine shots – a flick of the wrists to send a straight six back over the head of Saeed Ajmal providing a reminder of just what a fine strokemaker he is – but it was never an innings that suggested any longevity.

The calculated, controlled aggression that makes Morgan such a fine one-day player is absent when he’s in the whites and his attacking strokes appear to be born out of panic rather than judicious shot selection. His dismissal in England’s second innings rather summed things up. Having carved Umar Gul over point for four, Morgan showed further attacking intent by giving Gul the charge in his next over. The wily seamer saw him coming and dropped it short; Morgan tried to adjust accordingly but feathered an edge through to the keeper.

It was a cunning piece of bowling from Gul and England’s batsmen have played worse shots in the series – plenty worse, in fact – but Morgan’s negotiation of the delivery revealed a muddled, cluttered mind. On the surface he might appear as calm as ever, but Morgan’s ice-cool temperament appears to have deserted him. It might be the last shot he plays in Test cricket for a while.

The upcoming ODI series will no doubt come as a relief to the Dubliner and stacks of limited-overs runs could yet seem him retain his Test place in Sri Lanka, but with a batting average now the wrong side of 30 after 16 five-day outings, England’s selectors may be forced to act.

Click here to read the Wisden Almanack report of Pakistan’s famous win over England at Lord’s in 1992

I had the pleasure of speaking to Mike Brearley yesterday. He, like the rest of us, has been engrossed by events in the UAE but was struggling to get his head around England’s travails against spin, and in particular those of Kevin Pietersen. “He seems to get mesmerised and often misses straight balls,” said the former England captain. “He looks for spin that might not be there and he makes a palaver of it, instead of just playing the ball – which he is so capable of doing.”

For a while, at least, it looked as though Pietersen was beginning to break free of that hypnosis and find an answer to his spin demons. His footwork showed greater intent; coming down the track to Saeed Ajmal and driving firmly to mid on before swatting his next delivery through the covers for two. Two trademark Pietersen boundaries followed in the next over from Umar Gul to take him to 25 off 26 deliveries. He was beginning to motor and there was a hint of swagger returning.

Of course, the true test was yet to come in the form of left-arm spin. Misbah-ul-Haq wasted little time in bringing Abdur Rehman into the attack, but again the signs were positive as Pietersen played authoritatively in defence – getting a good stride in and, by and large, playing with a straight bat.

He continued to play with purpose in Rehman’s second over, skipping down the track to sprint a quick single before slog sweeping the left-arm twirler for four to move on to 30 and bring up a 50 partnership with Andrew Strauss.  Was the spell beginning to break?

Unfortunately for England, the answer was no. Four overs later Rehman – England’s tormentor in the second innings at Abu Dhabi – conjured another wicket as Pietersen’s woes against southpaw spinners continued. Caught on the crease, he was rapped on the pads and Simon Taufel raised the finger. Pietersen can count himself unlucky after the subsequent review showed the ball was flicking 2.2mm of the leg stump but the angle of his bat – pointing towards mid on at the point of impact – once again demonstrated how susceptible he is against the spinners.

With Pietersen’s departure, so went England’s intent. Four overs came and went without the tourists adding to their total before the ever-vociferous Adnan Akmal fortuitously stumped Ian Bell, who had crawled his way to five off 28 balls. Eoin Morgan and Matt Prior soon followed – Morgan to the 35th lbw of the series (a new record for a three-Test series) – as England’s middle-order succumbed to spin once again.

In a low-scoring match England needed a batsman to take the game by the scruff of the neck and establish a first innings lead. For an hour, it looked as though Pietersen could be just that man. Instead England must look to their captain, who remains unbeaten on 41, and the lower-order to add vitals runs on day two and give their hugely impressive bowling attack a lead worthy of the name.

Click here to read how David Green would counter Pakistan’s spinners

Tomorrow sees England take on Pakistan in the third of a trio of desert Tests that have been anything but sweet for the Three Lions. In fact, two abject defeats have left a rather unsavoury taste in the mouth for the Andys, Flower and Strauss, and once again called into question the team’s collective approach to slow bowling.

It is clear that if England are to compete in Dubai – where they failed to make 200 in either innings last month – they must make some changes. Less so in personnel, although it is possible that Ravi Bopara will be given another chance at Test level at the expense of Eoin Morgan, than in the methods for negotiating the combined threat of Mohammad Hafeez, Abdur Rehman and the irrepressible Saeed Ajmal, who last week became the fastest Pakistani to reach 100 Test wickets.

Perhaps ‘negotiating’ is the wrong word. England’s passive approach in the second innings at Abu Dhabi (chillingly reminiscent of that terrible day in Adelaide four years ago) was rightly pinpointed as the key reason for the dramatic collapse that sealed the series, and it has become patently clear that attack will be the best form of defence for a top six that has had little success attempting to play from the crease.

Ideally we would see the likes of Andrew Strauss, Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen (best not tinker with the quirky Cook and Trott, eh?) use their feet considerably more than we have seen in the first two Tests, although this may be deemed a risky tactic against the likes of Ajmal and Rehman, who use flight sparingly to say the least. However, there is no reason why England’s batsmen (particular the four lefties in the top seven) can’t sweep more against Rehman, who has fewer tricks up his sleeve than Ajmal.

More generally, getting on the front foot (rather than playing from the crease) will massively decrease the chances of another slew of lbws, and – hopefully – negate whatever spin Pakistan’s bowlers are able to extract. Most of all, however, I’d like to see more of England’s batsmen take the aerial route. Perhaps a fun thing to say in a Test match preview, but we’re yet to see how Pakistan’s bowlers react to the sort of pressure that only big-hitting and fast scoring creates.

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However England perform with the bat (and here’s hoping things can’t get any worse) they will still have their work cut out to force the win that would add respectability to the final analysis of a sobering series. Not least because it looks like Pakistan will add extra batting strength to their XI. The second seamer hasn’t really been used in either game, with Junaid Khan a virtual spectator at Abu Dhabi, so, being ahead in the series, they might well see fit to bolster their batting. If they opt for this approach, Umar Akmal could come in – and he could be the perfect addition, as he will give Pakistan some extra attacking flare of their own.

England’s bowlers have been good so far (that hasn’t been the problem) but their task would grow harder if faced with a longer batting line-up. Whatever way you look at it, England are up against it to prevent a first series whitewash in four years.

That said, current match odds on Betfair suggest there is very little between the teams, seemingly based as much on England’s long-term as short-term form. With this in mind there may be value in laying the draw at 3.65. These days, few Tests end in a stalemate and in this series both sides have been susceptible to collapses.

For all the latest odds check out www.betfair.com

The Stone Roses have done it. So have the Inspiral Carpets. And now the Happy Mondays have put aside their musical differences, Zimmer frames and freedom passes and announced their reformation along with a clutch of new tour dates and festival appearances.

Critics will doubtless claim these bands have no chance of recapturing their former glory and that reforming is a cynical ploy to rake in some dough – and they’re probably right. But as I peeked out from behind the sofa and watched on in anguish as England turned what should have been a very gettable run-chase into the equivalent of an ascent on Everest without oxygen, Sherpas or a discernible plan, I pondered how reformation, renewal and even resurrection would look if applied to the current England batting unit.

Even Andy Flower confessed that England’s batsmen look all at sea against quality spin in Asia, and the stats support him. In matches against India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Asia, Kevin Pietersen averages just 29.54 from 13 Tests, Ian Bell 31.60 from the same number of games and Andrew Strauss 35.35 from nine Tests – with only Alastair Cook (40.64 from nine Tests) of the current top six having a creditable average. Jonathan Trott and Eoin Morgan are experiencing their first taste of Test cricket in Asia on this tour – it’s not been a pleasant one.

For Morgan it has proved particularly painful, with Geoff Boycott commenting that, “when he comes in, I daren’t go for a pee because I know I’ll miss him”.  England’s limited-overs supremo might suffer the axe after his struggles but his replacement Ravi Bopara faced a nightmare of his own against Sri Lanka’s spinners in 2007, leaving England with a headache ahead of two Asian tours before the turn of the year with no aspirin in sight.

So, back to our theme of reformation, renewal and resurrection. Given the chance, which former England batsmen would we restore to their prime to take the place of England’s top six for the third Test in Dubai and the rest of their Asian adventures in 2012? Having waved the magic wand, I’ve come up with the following:

1) Marcus Trescothick
Test record in Asia against India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan: 15 Tests, 1,100 runs @ 37.93
Other England openers have better records in Asia, but the Somerset skipper’s ability to attack the spinners proved a boon on England’s last triumphant tours of Asia to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2000/01 and would surely counter the inertia witnessed in the second innings in Abu Dhabi.

2) Geoff Boycott
8 Tests, 706 runs @ 58.83
Picking Boycs would not only get him out of the commentary box, but his dour accumulation and the fact he is a right-hander would be the perfect complement to Trescothick’s aggression. In any case, he’s told TMS listeners he could take runs off Saeed Ajmal and co with a stick of rhubarb; imagine what he could do with a bat!

3) David Gower
16 Tests, 1,138 runs @ 56.90
Starred against Pakistan’s legspin maestro Abdul Qadir in the 80s and another former great who could teach the current crop a thing or two about batting positively against high-class spin with a top-drawer sweep shot and the ability to play the ball as late as possible.

4) Ken Barrington
8 Tests, 903 runs @ 90.30
No England batsman in history can match his average or tally of four hundreds in Asia and, like Misbah-ul-Haq, Barrington understood that if you are going to block, you need to do so with purpose so as not to relinquish the initiative to the bowler.

5) Graham Thorpe
10 Tests, 821 runs @ 48.29
The Surrey left-hander mastered Muralitharan in his own backyard and almost single-handedly led England to a famous series win in 2001. When boundaries were scarce, Thorpe understood the importance of maneuvering singles to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

6) Ian Botham
9 Tests, 599 runs @ 49.91, 35 wickets @ 26.31
Not only would his bowling ensure England could always play two spinners in Asia, but he’d also have the opportunity to reprise one of the greatest all-round performances in the history of the game. In the Golden Jubilee Test of 1980 against India, Beefy took 6-58 and 7/48, and smashed 114 for good measure, as England won by an innings.

Whimsy though this is, this top six and the four-man bowling attack that performed so well in Abu Dhabi would finally leave England with a team capable of beating Asia’s big three in their own backyard. In their absence England fans will have to put up with more chastening defeats before the year has run its course unless the current batting unit can find an answer to their spin demons.

David Green is the warped mind behind The Reverse Sweep cricket blog and regards Douglas Jardine as his ultimate cricket hero. You can follow David on Twitter @TheReverseSweep

Click here to read David’s account of Pakistan’s rollercoaster ride

A new year, a fresh start. Nothing but potential ahead. So what resolutions have you made? To be a better person? Get fit? Use more of the herbs, spices and condiments in your kitchen cupboard?

Working on that work life balance has been the focus of sportsmen too. So what did those Cricketing Twits get up to away from the field?

1. Join a gym – but don’t overdo it!

Herschelle Gibbs (hershybru):

Back to Perth now, cortisone injection at 330 and a week off til the next game..wat to do that is the question!! Where’s the party at Thursdays in Perth…

Right injection done and dusted wasn’t too bad..docs orders to put feet up tonight but tomor we can let things down again..aviary look out..

2. Get outdoors more – is camouflage really necessary (see main picture!)?
albie morkel (albiemorkel):

Great weather in Slummies. Day off time for some fishing!

3. Take a break – pace yourself now…
Dwayne Bravo (Newbigdog):

Relaxed @ the beach earlier today then went onto a gr8 win 2nite! Thx 4 all ur support #RedForce

4. Stretch yourself – mush! hike!
Matthew hoggard (Hoggy602):

Anybody got any husky’s to help me pull this?

5. Try approaching things differently – could catch on?
Michael Vaughan (VaughanCricket):

Always great to bump into @Jess_Ennis .. But slightly concerned that she was making sand castles in long jump pit..

6. Learn to cook – didn’t work out so well last time Shane, mind yourself now.
Shane Warne (warne888):

Slipped into my sexy new diesel jeans and having a BBQ with my 3 children and their friends – wind still howling , but sun shining ! X

7. Get a new hobby – Herpetology anyone? (Study of amphibians, thank Google.)
Dale Steyn (DaleSteyn62):

A little visitor just came hopping into the house…

8. Lose some weight – who ate all the pies? Kevin apparently…
StuartBroad8 Stuart Broad

Too many mince pies over Xmas @kevinpp24 ?!

9. Get engaged – sorry Ladies
Jason Krejza (JK404):

Proposed to my girlfriend yesterday. She said yes! Officially off the market

10. Get some sun – but cover it up!
kevinpp24 Kevin Pietersen

Today will be spent on a sun lounger until the sun sets.. But, I just realised reading a book on an iPad in the sun is a no go.. #damn

StuartBroad 8 StuartBroad

England have done, but when will the whole world realise its unacceptable for men to wear speedos round the pool?! #horrendi

You can follow all the cricketing action (and not just the New Year’s resolutions) in real-time on Tweetsport. You might just be surprised what you find.