Arthur Crabtree wrote:Not really using it as an excuse I don't think. Just an observation. Money shouldn't be a problem given how much the ECB has abandoned in its procurement. Exposure and reach is what English cricket lacks.
Cricket moving off FTA has a lot to answer for. The effects weren't felt for a few years because the players that would become the team of 2009-12 that had quite a bit of success were already in the system, which disguised the problem. Now that we're almost on to a new generation since cricket moved to Sky, the effects of the lack of reach on the depth of talent coming through are obvious.
I agree with AC and doc - England shouldn't have any excuses resourcing wise. The test team certainly underperforms at present. But there's no magic bullet - it's going to take time to fix the system. Let's hope the fallout from the Ashes will begin the process of change. Based on previous thrashings, I am doubtful.
I am not sure what to expect for India in England - if Anderson bowls as well as he did last summer, England will probably win, but that's a big if. India certainly have the ability to win, and I'll be astonished if they don't win at least a test or two. But England's inconsistency, the weather, India's general difficulties batting in England and the possibility of being ambushed on a greentop means that it's not a foregone conclusion either way. The only thing I will say with conviction is that India should do better in England than England did in India.