Irony not lost on Paul Collingwood
Following England’s annihilation at the hands of Australia (I could qualify that and say in the most recent ODI, but is there much point?), Paul Collingwood’s been running his mouth off spouting nonsense running the PR show in his column for the BBC. He spins all the usual stuff “we were really disappointed”, “we have to work harder”, “we still believe we can turn this around” yahda yahda yahda. In fact, it would be possible to completely pick apart his column and scream “NO SHIT, SHERLOCK” at virtually every comment.
“…at the moment we are not completely on the ball.”
Uh-huh. You think?
Curiously, there was absolutely no mention of the shot that Collingwood played to remove himself in Englands innings of 110 all out. The shot where he skipped down the pitch to Symonds, then 7 ironed a gentle catch to mid off.
But the real below-the-belt-kidney-bursting-nut-cracking-sucker-punch was when he spewed:
“We talk about that all the time, trying to figure out where we can improve but at some point the talking has to stop and we have to perform.”
Ouch. That really stings. We’ve been hearing / saying that since Day 1 of the First Test however many moons ago that was. The irony is frightening (and sickening), the motive is sound but it inspires no sympathy from this disenthused blogger.
Ahead of England’s next match (yet another must-win) against New Zealand, Colly and the rest of the England team still think (or at least want to be perceived to be thinking) that there is actually some value in England trying to get through the finals. But after watching Australia narrowly beat New Zealand over the weekend, not only are the chances non-existent, but the merit is doubtful. Australia batted first and scored a massive 343, with Ponting and Hayden scoring centuries. New Zealand in reply started very slowly and at one point looked to be on the ropes, but man-mountain Jacob Oram came in and turned things around with an unbeaten 101, including six enormous sixes. New Zealand fell 8 runs short. In any event it was a fantastic game of cricket which was played at a standard England can currently only dream of matching. If New Zealand take anything like that sort of form in to the next match with England, then their place in the finals is assured, and England will at last be allowed to go home.
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POSTED IN: Cricket
1 opinion for Irony not lost on Paul Collingwood
phuzzz
Jan 29, 2007 at 12:15 pm
I am sure England will continue their consistency and win the only thing that they can seem to win more the once on this tour which is the Toss. They will no doubt elect to bat first.
It’s alittle bit like the movie “Groundhog Day” instead of Bill Murry awakening to the sound of his alarm clock. Instead its Freddy saying we’ll hav a bat” and we all know what happens next.
Hopefully NZ win the toss and elect to bat so they can post a decent total. It will give the patrons some value for their money.
The one thing that I dont understand is you look at the aussies. Although they are winning they still make regular charges to there side for each game. Either to rest players or to see the form of players that are not in the squad. Australia are using this series to help them select their best possible 15 for the world cup.
Yet england will only make changes due to injury they will not experiment nor will they give oppurtunities to younger players. They dony even pick players who are in form. I feel for the genuine english cricket supporter. You deserve so much more.
As for NZ I hope they manage to beat Oz a couple of times before the world cup as it will help australia keeps things in perspective and not get to complacent,
Bemused Aussie
Phuzzz.
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