Graham Thorpe blog

Strauss must re-exert his authority

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:52:31 -0800

Andrew Strauss's return will be huge for England as they have really lacked leadership on the tour so far in his absence - he has a huge bearing on the team now.

Strauss needs to fill his side with confidence because at Centurion they were very flat and timid, unlike the England we saw during the Ashes under the Middlesex batsman's leadership. ...

England need bravery to adapt

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:59:10 -0800

England needed to re-jig their batting order to reflect the match situation in the second Twenty20 at Centurion and they showed a distinct lack of flexibility in leaving it set in stone.

Alastair Cook's side unfortunately reverted back to their long-standing tendency to stick rigidly with plans, which is not at all helpful in the shorter forms of the game - they simply must learn to adapt. ...

Do not drop dangerous Denly

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:06:14 -0800

I have heard whispers that Joe Denly will be under pressure to score runs early on in the South Africa tour to keep his place - that is ridiculous.

When Kevin Pietersen returns there will be an almighty fight for places in that batting line-up, and if anyone is under scrutiny it should be Paul Collingwood. ...

Banter and belief needed for Trott

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:48:48 -0800

One thing that can never be questioned regarding Jonathan Trott is his mental strength and that should ensure that he is a success in South Africa.

Anyone who makes the move to England must possess both a fiercely determined and immensely strong personality.

He may not have the same brashness of Kevin Pietersen, but do not underestimate his self-confidence or his ambition. ...

England can capitalise on SA complacency

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:05:05 -0800

Unlike most people, I genuinely think England are more than capable of beating South Africa in the one-day series.

England have always been a confidence side and if the squad can settle quickly then who knows how successful they can be against a South Africa side never lacking in that department.

I think South Africa may well be very complacent going into the one-day international series and the two Twenty20 fixtures; England can capitalise on that. ...

Unconvincing Cook a major gamble

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:42:52 -0800

I am very unconvinced by the selection of Alastair Cook in the one-day and Twenty20 squads - it represents a huge gamble from England.

It is nothing but a risky move from the management and he has to show something in a coloured England shirt that he has not shown before. ...

Experience eluded English teams

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:50:30 -0800

The two English sides - Somerset and Sussex - did not set the Champions League on fire, but that was mainly to do with their inexperience of playing Indian conditions.

There is not enough international experience in Somerset or Sussex's squads and that has probably counted against them as they crashed out of the inaugural competition. ...

Banish fitness doubts for Bangladesh tour

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:14:26 -0800

Banish fitness doubts for Bangladesh tour

I am all in favour of key England players being given a break in the winter tour of Bangladesh, including the captain Andrew Strauss.

The skipper has suggested that players may be rested for the trip in February and use it for development purposes.

His views have been met with indifference from many quarters. ...

Champions League a priceless experience

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:03:43 -0800

The inaugural Champions League in India is an intriguing competition for the public to follow and it has everyone in the game very excited for the opportunities it will create.

I would definitely see the tournament as very close to international level and it represents a perfect platform for less-established county players to make a name for themselves. ...

Watson and White welcome in new era

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:55:38 -0800

New Zealand had Australia under the cosh early in their innings, but Cameron White and Shane Watson showed immense character in steering their side to victory.

Once Watson and White had weathered the storm after Tim Paine and Ricky Ponting had fallen early, Australia coasted to victory having timed their run-chase superbly. ...