Prior’s duck leaves question marks over his opening ability
Saturday, January 22, 2011 : England, ODI
After a week in which Matt Prior’s inclusion in the England squad by the 2011 World Cup has been the hottest topic in cricket news, the Sussex man was given the chance to prove his doubters wrong in the second one-day international against Australia this morning. He responded with a duck as England faltered to a humbling loss; one that will have Coach Andy Flower and Captain Andrew Strauss scratching their heads.
The displaced Steven Davies must be wondering where he went wrong after Prior was dismissed tamely by Brett Lee after three balls, caught behind without bothering those in charge of the scoreboard.
But Prior’s inclusion is set in stone and now England must decide on the best way to utilise him if they are to make an impact on the sub-continent in February. The theory behind opening the batting with Prior is clear. Use his big hitting style to get the team off to a flying start while Strauss at the other end uses his finesse to work England into a good position.
Unfortunately the flaw in the plan comes with Prior’s inability to pick his shots in one-day cricket. Putting aside this morning’s efforts, his average of around 25 suggests he doesn’t possess the mental strength to stick around for the long haul; one of the defining characteristics of an opening batsman in any form of the game. Look at Shane Watson for a perfect example of how to balance attacking intent with intelligence to deadly effect. Prior would do well to watch Watson and learn from him.
England must now rethink their plans ahead of the World Cup for Prior. A like for like in terms of his abilities for Davies, in the short time the Surrey man had with the gloves he displayed a good cricketing brain and looked assured opening up the innings; he has already managed to match Prior’s top score in one-day cricket after 7 games compared to Prior’s 56. They are not the same player so shouldn’t have the same role.
Prior would be best deployed down the order as he is in the test side. He is an ideal candidate to come in at seven and knock off the final runs and up the run rate if needed. If he has failed to show an aptitude to open the batting then he has certainly shown he has the shots in his repertoire to do damage lower down the order. Anyone interested in sports betting would be well advised to back him to make runs if he is moved down the order.
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