England fell just over 50 runs short of winning the test and saving the series and the no. 1 test spot.
In truth they fell short all series and all year. Defeats to Pakistan and South Africa and a drawn series with Sri Lanka represent an under par year with the batting in particular to blame.
In today's test alone England were short of someone going onto a century. A century that could well have won the test.
Pietersen or no Pietersen England have to face the facts, they have been outplayed. And not just in the batting dept but also in the bowling.
Although you would pick Swann over Tahir, Swann had a lacklustre series with the ball. He wasn't the only one Bresnan and Broad weren't able to really ruffle the South African batsmen, only Anderson and yesterday Finn showed the necessary class to bowl out a top side. The next test comes on the sub continent against India. A very different challenge but no less difficult.
Monday 20 August 2012
Monday 13 August 2012
Post olympics depression
Whether it was the spice girls, crowded trains, lack of decent tv or absence of games makers, we came to terms today with the truth. The games are over.
Whilst it is only 4 years until the next games in Rio it is unlikely the UK will host the Olympics for at least 50 years and possibly even more.
But we will remember a great games.
From Mo's double, Jess' heptathlon heights, Hoys heroics, to the unsung unknowns such as Jade Jones and Gemma Gibbons.
But these games weren't just about Team GB.
We had Bolt's repeat of his Beijing double, Rudisha's great world record run, Michael Phelps becoming the greatest Olympian of all time with 22 medals 18 of them gold as well as numerous other highlights.
Every competitor has their own story, and in many cases the story is as remarkable as the performance.
I think of Felix Sanchez learning of the death of his grandmother on the eve of his heats, Tom Daley losing his ever supportive Dad last year, and Monteo Mitchell running through the pain of a broken leg. So many athletes deserved medals for their courage alone, but no medal is gifted, each is earned.
London 2012 has left us with much to remember, the tag line for these olympics was inspire a generation for me the greatest inspiration is that courage can triumph over adversity and if you are dedicated success follows.
Whilst it is only 4 years until the next games in Rio it is unlikely the UK will host the Olympics for at least 50 years and possibly even more.
But we will remember a great games.
From Mo's double, Jess' heptathlon heights, Hoys heroics, to the unsung unknowns such as Jade Jones and Gemma Gibbons.
But these games weren't just about Team GB.
We had Bolt's repeat of his Beijing double, Rudisha's great world record run, Michael Phelps becoming the greatest Olympian of all time with 22 medals 18 of them gold as well as numerous other highlights.
Every competitor has their own story, and in many cases the story is as remarkable as the performance.
I think of Felix Sanchez learning of the death of his grandmother on the eve of his heats, Tom Daley losing his ever supportive Dad last year, and Monteo Mitchell running through the pain of a broken leg. So many athletes deserved medals for their courage alone, but no medal is gifted, each is earned.
London 2012 has left us with much to remember, the tag line for these olympics was inspire a generation for me the greatest inspiration is that courage can triumph over adversity and if you are dedicated success follows.
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