England’s man of the summer

Mike Selvey Jimmy Anderson. The ball darted and swooped as if controlled remotely rather than manipulated by a master conjuror. Thirty-seven wickets in the seven Tests at 20.89 apiece represents bowling of the very highest calibre, and then throw in an innings of 81, uncharted territory for him at Trent Bridge as well. And at Headingley he came within a whisker of saving the series against Sri Lanka.

Vic Marks Jimmy Anderson. Not always for the right reasons – and not for his batting. When on song with the ball he possesses an artistry beyond the others that does not require him to open his mouth. Other candidates include the prolific Yorkshire pair, Joe Root and Gary Ballance, as well as Alastair Cook for having the good sense to listen to his wife.

Simon Burnton Jimmy Anderson. England’s man of the series both against Sri Lanka and India, who also gave journalists and fans a bonus disciplinary conversation-starter. Anderson, though was bowling on favourable wickets so is expected to collect scalps by the hatful, so Moeen Ali’s improvement as a bowler over the last three months, and his 19 Indian wickets, makes him a serious rival.

John Ashdown Jimmy Anderson deserves all the plaudits he has received, but we’ve always known that he can make the ball talk in English conditions. Of greater long-term significance was Joe Root’s summer. After being dropped for the final Test in Australia, he finally fully established himself in the middle order – over the seven Tests he has a Bradman-esque batting average of 97.12.

Barney Ronay Jimmy Anderson. That rare thing: a bowler creeping up on a record while still in his absolute prime rather than paunchily hanging on. Meek in the winter, buffeted by the Jadeja affair (and he really should stop all that) but the out-and-then-in-swinger two-card-trick to Murali Vijay on the fifth day at the Oval summed up the second half of his summer.

Daniel Harris Joe Root. Only he and Gary Ballance performed consistently. I’ve picked Root because it’s harder to regain form when you are a known quantity, with opposition sides aware of your flaws, than it is to surprise everyone at the first instance. Though Root’s front-foot ability against serious pace remains unproven, his temperament and judgment is beyond question. He is able to assess a situation then impose himself upon it, pacing his innings accordingly, and the pleasure he takes in competing hard is as proper as it is infectious.

Vithushan Ehantharajah Jimmy Anderson. Not since Mohammad Asif has Test cricket had the privilege of witnessing such an artist at work. Anderson’s pace this summer counters suggestions he is trundling through his twilight years. He mustered 33 wickets at 21.39 and muttered expletives at anyone who dared, well, exist near him this season. It is an ugly trait that, after having flirted with a suspension that would almost certainly have resulted in an India series win, is one he will cut out.

Overseas man of the summer

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews celebrates his century during day four of the second Test at Headingley. Photograph: Rui Vieira/AP Photograph: Rui Vieira/AP

MS Angelo Mathews. Led Sri Lanka to their series win in an uncompromising way not seen since Arjuna Ranatunga, evidenced by his approval of the ‘mankading’ of Jos Buttler in the preceding one day series. His centuries at Lord’s and Headingley helped keep his side in the game in the first instance, and put them in a position to win in the second by running Alastair Cook and his team ragged.

VM Both the captains impressed at times – MS Dhoni batted with a magnificent, understated defiance while all the others disappeared from view in the final three Tests of the series – but it has to be Angelo Mathews. The architect of victory for Sri Lanka at Headingley, where he produced a superb match-winning innings. Moreover he seemed able to galvanise his team rather better than Dhoni.

SB Angelo Matthews. The Sri Lanka captain’s four first-innings wickets and second-innings 160 did much to settle the second Test, and with it the series. Varun Aaron impressed when given a chance by India, and boasts a rhyming name which has to count for something.

JA Angelo Mathews. The Sri Lanka captain’s 160 in the second innings at Headingley has a strong shout to be the best innings of the summer, and the way he managed his resources in the field was an object lesson for Cook and co.



BR Rangana Herath. Perhaps he shouldn’t be the best spin bowler in the world, but he is.

DH Angelo Mathews. Not a difficult choice; without him, Sri Lanka would not have got close to beating England. His leadership was astute and his demeanour aggressive without quite crossing the line – exactly what you need for compelling theatre and fantastic cricket. But, unless you’re Mike Brearley, the crucial aspect of captaincy is leading from the front, and the venom and skills with which Mathews batted and bowled inspired his men to a memorable win.

VE Angelo Mathews. Marshalling Sri Lanka’s first series win in England, Mathews cemented his place as cricket’s new crush. While Arjuna Ranatunga got Sri Lanka punching above their weight, he did so with an XI packed full of talent. Bat in hand, Mathews contributed 306 runs across the two Tests and became only the second captain from the subcontinent to register two Test centuries in England (the other was Mohammad Azharuddin). But his biggest impact was in the field; his tactical nous and ability to pick targets uniting his side to a common goal.

Breakthrough star of the summer

Gary Ballance gave England much to cheer this summer, as did all-rounder Moeen Ali. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

MS Candidates include Gary Ballance, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali. But going for Moeen because he has gone some way on the road to solving a problem that seemed insoluble in the short term when Graeme Swann retired. He is a quality spin bowler and had Alastair Cook trusted him as such earlier in the summer, England might well have beaten Sri Lanka. His unbeaten century at Headingley, one of the best of recent years, showed versatility in approach.

VM Moeen Ali. He was as impressive off the field as on it while coping with the distractions (some self-inflicted) created by his background. The selectors were right; he bowls finger spin as well as any current Englishman – except Monty Panesar at his best. And he can bat, producing arguably the best English century of the summer at Headingley.

SB Gary Ballance. Made his debut in the final Ashes Test in January, when he scored 25 runs in his two innings, but has looked totally at home in averaging 70.40 this summer, with three centuries and three half-centuries (plus a first-ball duck) along the way.

JA The issue of England’s spin option remains a live one, but Moeen Ali has taken all the heat out of the debate with his performances in the last three Tests. Nineteen wickets at 23.00? Against India? Nothing “part-time” about that.

BR Gary Ballance. Already a Test player but now clearly set for a long and prosperous career having shown not just the toughness that was there in Sydney but his full range of shots at this level. Even the drunken shirt-off furore somehow added to his quiet charm (he was shouting “England!” at the time).

DH Gary Ballance. Even in the midst of the various collapses and calamities, it was clear that England were building a proper side. Moeen Ali’s innings at Headingley was near enough perfection, and he now looks likely to develop into a front-line spinner. But it’s impossible to look beyond Ballance who, though he looks as though he ought really to be called Garry Ballance, nevertheless exudes equilibrium. Tough, composed and complete, he can occupy and flay as circumstance demands – and his catching is pretty good too.

VE Gary Ballance. Five scores over fifty, including three hundreds; perhaps the most surprising thing about Balance, in his first full season of Test cricket, is how attuned he is to his own game. Replacing Jonathan Trott is no easy task and yet here he stands – deep in his crease, steady with his feet and punchy with his hands, looking like he belongs at this level. That he poked fun at his own drunken, Nottingham nightclub antics on the Oval pitch yesterday by waving his jumper around his head suggests he’s got a sense of humour. What’s not to like?

Best Test match

Sri Lanka’s players celebrate after taking the wicket of England’s James Anderson with the penultimate ball of the Test at Headingley. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

MS England v Sri Lanka at Headingley. Sri Lanka, 107 behind on first innings, won by 100 runs to take the series, but only by taking the final wicket from the penultimate ball of the match, after the last wicket pair Moeen Ali and Jimmy Anderson had resisted for almost an hour and a half. Ebb and flow, highs and one considerable England low, but great Test cricket.

VM England v Sri Lanka at Headingley. This would not be England’s choice since they forfeited a strong position (311-3 in their first innings) and went on to lose when Jimmy Anderson was dismissed by what might have been the penultimate ball of the match. A good surface was provided; the game fluctuated deliciously. A pity there weren’t more people to watch it.

SB England v Sri Lanka at Lord’s, which achieved great and totally unforeseeable drama despite a very dull pitch when, with the apparently inevitable draw within touching distance, the tourists slipped from a serene 194-5 to a wildly desperate 201-9. It did still end in a draw, though.

JA In most summers the first Test of the Sri Lanka series would’ve been a no-brainer in this category. But then they followed it up with an even better match. Sri Lanka ground their way to 257, England went past that with two wickets down before collapsing, then Angelo Mathews produced that innings. The final session was drama of the highest calibre, with the tourists taking the last wicket with the penultimate ball of the match. Poor old Jimmy Anderson.

BR If happiness can be defined as the relief of suffering, then the fifth Test at the Oval against India. Because it was over quickly. And because afterwards it meant there would be no more India.

DH The second Test v Sri Lanka. Against less compliant opposition, it would likely have been Old Trafford, easily England’s most testing Test wicket; it’s probably for the best that Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris won’t be bowling on it next summer. More happily, the Headingley Test delivered almost every aspect that might be desired from a sporting context: fluctuations, miscalculations, brilliant performances, plenty of needle, and a thrilling, historic finish.

VE England v Sri Lanka at Lord’s. Three debutants, a return after seven years in the wilderness and a captain trying to win back the fans with Kevin Pietersen’s shadow lingering large – he even came and watched – and England’s new era got underway at HQ as four days of toil led to one over of bedlam. Rangana Herath walked when he wasn’t out, Nuwan Pradeep was given out and then reviewed and wasn’t, and the last ball was edged just short of Chris Jordan in the cordon, as everyone fell in love with Test cricket again.

Best moment

England celebrate what they think is the wicket of Nuwan Pradeep, only for DRS to intervene. Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images

MS Perhaps the most extraordinary moment came at the Ageas Bowl when Alastair Cook’s half century was greeted with a lengthy standing ovation of genuine warmth for a good man emerging from the dark side. It showed that social media, in its various forms, should not be taken as representative of the cricket-supporting public in general.

VM Gary Ballance. No, not his bare-chested appearance in a Nottingham nightclub – though that was innocent enough in an age of informers – but his brilliant catch at third slip to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara on the final day at The Oval seemed to epitomise England’s mini-transformation. By the end they were playing with confidence and smiles and so they were catching just about everything that came their way.

SB Cheteshwar Pujara falling to the first delivery of the fifth over of the first day at Old Trafford to leave India, having won the toss, 8-4. Stuart Broad bowled brilliantly that morning, and Jimmy Anderson was better still. To be fair, this was before anyone fully appreciated quite what an abject rabble India’s batsmen had become.

JA The denouements to both Sri Lanka Tests were stunning sport. The final over of the first Test, with Stuart Broad removing Rangana Herath, then believing he had won the game before the DRS reprieved Nuwan Pradeep will live long in the memory.

BR The end of the second Test against Sri Lanka. An exciting, deserved victory for the tourists, but Moeen Ali’s fine hundred was the start of England’s work-in-progress rebuilding.

DH Jimmy Anderson’s fivefer at Southampton. England’s attack improved so rapidly and to such extent because, Anderson explained, they’d decided to bowl to their strengths rather than the opposition’s computer-generated weaknesses. His thrashing was the most unsettling aspect of a deeply disturbing winter and, unreliable at the start of the summer, it was hard not to wonder if he wasn’t past his best, without a five-wicket haul in over a year. So, his removal of Mohammed Shami signified more than just a number, and he has been devastating ever since.

VE Ishant Sharma’s seven for 74. While it was maddening to watch hook-happy England, with three Indian fielders in the deep, the expression of Ishant more than made up for it. First he was pumped up, believing himself to be the out-and-out speed demon that India had long craved. And then came the realisation that, as well as he bowled, he was merely profiting from the sort of brain-dead nonsense that sees lemmings teeter over cliffs. In the end, when Joe Root found Stuart Binny in the deep for the eight wicket (his sixth), Sharma could only laugh.





Worst moment

The rivalry between Jimmy Anderson and Ravindra Jadeja overshadowed the England v India series. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images

MS The spurious mountain-out-of-a-molehill charge levelled against Jimmy Anderson by India at Trent Bridge, which squandered exorbitant amounts of money, time and energy and arguably distracted the Indian captain disproportionately to his team’s cost. They may have had legitimate reasons to highlight the level of Anderson’s sledging on the field, which is what this was really about, but there were surely more appropriate ways of doing so.

VM The Anderson-Jadeja spat. We never saw it, in fact no one seems to be sure who saw what. But this spat overshadowed the series for too long and there was some relief when the Aussie judicial commissioner, Gordon Lewis, finally booted the issue into touch by finding both “not guilty”. It is just possible that there is a benefit to all of this if Anderson’s excesses on the field are checked so that we can simply admire his bowling.

SB When Matt Prior pulled an Ishant Sharma bouncer straight to Murali Vijay at deep midwicket at Lord’s, part of a witless collapse against Sharma’s short stuff and, as what may well be his final fling of the bat in an England shirt, the most dismal of parting shots.

JA You could probably pick most of the 288 balls Virat Kohli faced in the series. To see one of the world’s great batsmen (and he remains that despite a difficult summer) so horribly out of nick, so miserably unable to cope with the conditions, was a sorry sight and a huge frustration. A close second: Ben Stokes – two Tests, 16 balls, three ducks.

BR The ECB’s slightly embarrassing early summer attempts to massage public opinion post-KP-gate, one of which ended with a public apology from the “managing director”. Time, and a few new players, have done the job much better.

DH MS Dhoni’s tacit acceptance of his team’s weakness. Interviewed after yet another subsidence and asked about the imminent one-day series, Dhoni commented that “it’s not as taxing or demanding as the five-day format”. There was little apparent rage or embarrassment at the invertebrate manner in which his team crumpled, nor much in the way of compelling resolve to improve; rather an acknowledgement that succeeding in Test cricket is too much effort and not that big a deal.

VE The entire Trent Bridge Test. Are we really not getting those five days back?

Funniest/oddest moment

England’s captain Alastair Cook celebrates after dismissing India’s Ishant Sharma at Trent Bridge. Photograph: Philip Brown/Reuters Photograph: Philip Brown/Reuters

MS The general bemusement of the resurrected opener Gautam Gambhir, clearly unsure what on earth he was doing in England in the first place, and wondering whether he had in fact been caught in a time-warp.

VM MS Dhoni keeping to Ravindra Jadeja at Lord’s. Dhoni stood about five feet from the stumps to his left-arm spinner, a sight usually only seen when the village team’s second eleven has turned up without a wicketkeeper and a total novice has been pressed into service. In fact, Dhoni justified this tactic afterwards with easy logic. And it was the one game in which India were victorious, which with hindsight seems an oddity.

SB In the minutes after the humbling defeat to India at Lord’s, waiting for the post-match interviews to see if Alastair Cook would announce his decision to surrender the captaincy – as so many were demanding at the time – news broke that England’s captain had retired from all internationals with immediate effect. It seems an odd moment for Steven Gerrard to have chosen.

JA Alastair Cook. Angelo Mathews. And a large plastic zebra.

BR Alastair Cook’s first Test wicket plus accompanying just-won-the-World-Cup celebrations after having Ishant Sharma strangled down the leg side in a dead match. Occasional bowlers are a rare niche pleasure these days. More of this please.

DH The response to Alastair Cook’s first forward-defensive shot at Lord’s. The Lord’s crowd is a peculiar one, but even in that context to hear it cheering so modest an accomplishment was peculiar. And yet, it was also a perfect encapsulation of a moment; there is no more mortifying mixture than sympathy and irony. Cook then failed twice, before showing, at Southampton how fortitude can override form – and his team responded. It’ll be a while before he endures similar ignominy.

VE Alastair Cook’s first Test wicket. Perhaps all that Trent Bridge was good for. With two overs best described as ‘right arm filth’, an over of optimistic spin was followed by one of impressions. That he has a wicket in this format is a strong enough case for its abolishment.