Published: May 21, 2015, 11:43 AM (IST)
Edited: May 21, 2015, 11:46 AM (IST)
No summer in the recent years would have looked as daunting as this one, with string of off-field issues lingering over England so profoundly, that every blow to them would feel like a body blow. Devarchit Varma explains why there will be no respite for England and winning is the only option for them.
England would be happy that finally the time has arrived for them to concentrate on their cricket and the on-field matters will take precedence, leaving the off-field issues in the background. The only way England can bail themselves out from the strangle that they have put themselves in is by winning, but unfortunately, no more they have the comfort of facing teams that generally struggle in their backyard. READ: Alastair Cook denies he issued “ultimatum” that led to Kevin Pietersen’s exile
For long, England have revelled in the misery of poor travellers such as India, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, crushing them disdainfully at home with lot of ease. But this summer they face the might of New Zealand and Australia — teams that are not only ranked above them in the ICC Test Rankings but also are in a much, much better space than what England are in.
The decision to sack a coach who was instrumental in nurturing the young talent which England are pinning hopes on for a bailout, and the audaciousness to keep Kevin Pietersen away has only doubled the pressure on England. Their fans deserve to see best of what England can field in a cricket match, ably supported by a strong coaching staff. But doing away with the likes of Peter Moores and Pietersen has increased the challenges for England. READ: NZ tour of ENG 2015, Stats preview: Can Black Caps overcome history?
The series against New Zealand and Australia will never be easy. Both the teams that are touring England this season are far more equipped and challenging than what England could muster, and the only way the hosts can get the better of their opponents is by playing better cricket, or perhaps that brand of cricket which England are known for.
These two series will also be a huge test for England’s management, and Andrew Strauss, who has been quite brave in his moves. The hopes are definitely pinned on the young guns such as Joe Root and Gary Ballance, but England’s real power lies in how their main men — Alastair Cook and Ian Bell — go about their jobs. READ: England vs New Zealand 2015: New Zealand’s best shot at history
It is no-brainer that England will be that one home team which will not enjoy the term ‘favourites’ for any of these two series. New Zealand are known for their brave cricket and Australia are already licking their lips on the opportunity to end their misery of not winning The Ashes in England since almost 15 years. England will be under pressure not because of all that has transpired in the past few weeks, but also the fact that they are nowhere close to their best.
The series against New Zealand will set the tone for England and its management in more than one way. If England manage to win, certainly, the talks of Pietersen will die down and the cricketers too will get the confidence they need so badly at the moment. A win against New Zealand in the two-Test series will also set the tone for England going into The Ashes 2015, as they will be far more assured of their plans and skills.
(Devarchit Varma is a reporter with CricketCountry. He can be followed on Twitter @Devarchit)
