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Rain Affects England's PlayWeather Stops England's Preparations For South Africa MatchesHeavy rain has washed out the Twenty20 match between England and South Africa, but there was some play against Scotland and three fresh players could start Friday's ODI.
Bad weather has thwarted England’s hopes of gaining some valuable practice before the first of their One-Day Internationals against South Africa begins on Friday. Wednesday’s Twnety20 match between Kevin Pietersen’s men and the Proteas has been abandoned more than 24 hours before a ball is due to be bowled because of heavy rain at Durham’s Riverside ground. That means England will not be able to play a competitive game of the new format of cricket before the multi-million pound “winner takes all” match against a Caribbean XI sponsored by Sir Allen Stanford on November 1. GOOD RETURN FOR ENGLAND BOWLERSThe full side had also hoped for a full 50-over match against Scotland on Monday, but again the rain continued to intervene and the game was eventually called off. Nevertheless, England did get a chance to bowl at their northern opposition, in a match that was initially reduced to 47-overs, and then 44. Yorkshire’s Tim Bresnan, back in the England side after a two year absence, impressed for the visitors by taking 2-34. Yet, it was Andrew Flintoff, on the back of his fine performances with the ball in the test series against South Africa, who made the most impact, as he finished with figures of 3-21 from his 8-overs. Stuart Broad took a couple as well and debutant Samit Patel also helped himself to a wicket. Scotland eventually finished on 156-9, with only opener Gavin Hamilton showing any real resistance, as he hit 60 runs off 119 balls. Ian Bell and recalled wicketkeeper Matt Prior did make their way to the middle to start the chase, but on 10-0 after 2.3-overs, the heavens opened again and the game resulted in a draw. STARTS FOR PRIOR, PATEL AND BRESNAN?The inclusion of Prior, Patel and Tim Bresnan for the game in Edinburgh could also see them start against South Africa at Headingley on Friday. Johannesburg born Prior is likely to be recalled onto the international stage, following Tim Ambrose’s poor form with the bat and gloves in recent months. Prior has been out of the England One-Day side since September 2007, when he was out for a duck against India. However, the Sussex keeper has been given a second chance, and should he be chosen, must grasp his opportunity with both hands. Right handed batsman Samit Patel, on the other hand, has been in fine form for Nottinghamshire this season and scored 60 for the England Lions against the Proteas in a warm-up match last Saturday. Patel can also turn his arm and has a decent bowling average of 33.93 in first-class cricket. 23-year-old Tim Bresnan is no stranger to England though, having played in the ODI series against Sri Lanka in June 2006. Unfortunately, for the promising all-rounder, he could only muster a highest score of 20 and take two wickets from the four games he featured in. However, with England playing at Bresnan’s home ground of Headingley, the youngster may be in inspired mood to attack the South Africans. ENGLAND MUST IMPROVE Under the new leadership of Kevin Pietersen, England supporters will be expecting improvements in the One-Day format, after losing their last series 3-1 to New Zealand. The English team will have to be at their best though to beat Graeme Smith’s side, who remain second in the ICC World Rankings behind Australia.
The copyright of the article Rain Affects England's Play in International Cricket is owned by Shaun Holden. Permission to republish Rain Affects England's Play in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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