“Technically speaking, a player doesn’t have to be registered with a county to be eligible for England. But, practically, it’s in the best interest of the player and the England management that he is registered with a county” – so the spectre of Freelance Kev may be some way off yet, if the ECB has any say about it.
“This has changed my thoughts on where I am in the side. During the South Africa tour I thought I was becoming a key part of the team and now I don’t feel like that so much, certainly in the one-day team” – now Jimmy’s dangerously near to a case of the yips following the events of the summer so far. At least he can console himself with the fact that he doesn’t fall over very much.
“Australia will surely be combing the land for a left-arm-spinner” – Andy Bull points to the glaringly obvious attack point for England’s current batting line-up.
ruthless adj without pity; merciless. ruthlessly adverb. ruthlessness noun.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: from obsolete reuthe pity – Chambers English Dictionary
“Anderson produced a near-perfect delivery shaping to swing up the hill to the watchful Jahurul Islam only to nip away off the seam and kick to take the outside edge for another Matt Prior catch” – Test Match Extra celebrates Jimmy’s first Test wicket of the summer.
“Swann et al have the simple briefing of ‘take wickets, then take more’ on day three, as the hosts look to extinguish Bangladesh’s valiant resistance like a long overdue pin thrust into the side of the Betfair blimp” – Cow Corner’s assessment of the day’s work. Here’s hoping they get on with it…
“My ultimate goal is to be the best bowler in the world in the women’s game. It’s great to be part of a successful team with so many talented players and makes taking this award even more special” – Katherine Brunt, speaking after winning an ECB Cricketer of the Year award. We hear Swanny got something too…
“I’m just hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that I am in the squad. Hopefully there’s a spot available there for me and I can take it, score some runs and set myself up for the summer. I’m not undercooked, I’m ready” – Ravi Bopara has his hopes up after a strong performance by the England Lions against Bangladesh.
“At last, we have left the club of never-won-anythings to join South Africa, India and New Zealand in the haven’t-won-muches” – it’s still all we’re talking about, including Mike Holman from the Different Strokes blog.
“Sunil Gavaskar… underlined that this England team has just the sort of skills that should make them very well-suited to the likely pitch conditions in the sub-continent at next year’s 50-over World Cup” – Taking Aggers as your form book, you should get your money on now.