So, the feelgood factor has suddenly disappeared from English cricket. The waves of positivity that engulfed players and fans alike during Brendan McCullum’s initial Bazball revolution have given way to apathy after the latest white ball failure in Pakistan.
Whitewashed in India and humbled in the ICC Champions Trophy, once again, there’s talk of crossroads and crisis when it comes to England’s approach to the 50-over format. Joe Root’s century against Afghanistan has proved scant consolation amid the resignation of skipper Jos Buttler.
It’s not just in the shortened formats where the form is wavering, though. There was a Test series win in New Zealand late last year following a 2-1 defeat in Pakistan. But England fell short in the real acid challenge under McCullum so far, failing to regain the Ashes in 2023 amid a drawn series in Australia.
While the white ball conundrum will continue to stir debate, it’s the red-ball stuff, and the return series Down Under this November will now take precedence. Of course, before that comes the small matter of five Tests on home soil against India, a final chance for players to nail down places.
Matthew Hoggard knows all about the trials and tribulations of Ashes battles. A hero of 2005, he went from English cricket’s greatest high to a harrowing low in 2006/07, when the Aussies regained the urn in brutal fashion with a 5-0 series whitewash.
The former Yorkshire bowler isn’t convinced that this current England Test side is settled either. In fact, if the team was to be selected tomorrow, there’s only one man he thinks is certain of selection.
« Joe Root,” he told Express Sport, without hesitation. “He seems to be the evergreen, ever-reliable, ever-dependable person. He would be on your teamsheet if he’s fit. Saying that everyone else should be a viable place. There’s too much water to throw under the bridge to go to add to him yet.”
Regardless of who boards the plane with England’s record run-scorer, Hoggard envisages a massive challenge. England have won just three Test matches in Australia since that harrowing tour he was on, but he insists this particular problem isn’t confined to his former side.
“Why is it so difficult for away teams to win in England? Why is it so hard for people to go and win in India? It’s not a unique problem,” he said. “Every country has unique challenges and it’s a lot easier for the players in their own country to overcome them. But to be the best in the world, you have to win home and away.”
He has one solution in mind though, to help develop youngsters and the nation’s leading professionals. Hoggard is heavily involved in the new HITZ Cricket phenomenon, a digital concept that allows players to face the world’s top bowlers in an indoor net.
Lauding the notion, he said: “Imagine if you’re a little kid, rocking up to a Hitz Cricket session and being asked, ‘Right then, which bowler do you want to face in the world?’.
“I was lucky enough to face Shane Warne as an adult, but it inspires people if you can do that as a kid and face your hero. It also gives amazing data and feedback, and it’s a lot easier than flying to different countries to face different bowlers. It can be snowing outside, but you are still warm and dry in the cage. It is amazing to see your outcomes as a youngster or even as a pro before you go on the tour.”
After a recent criticism over England’s players allegedly preferring the golf course to net sessions, Hoggard may be onto something. But the current crop should also heed his warning that it will take more than the mercurial Root to end England’s harrowing run in the home of their oldest enemy.
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