A-teams: Rikki Clarke in 'Has a good game' shocker!

[Andy Mellon]

England A won the latest ODI against Sri Lanka A - thanks to Rikki Clarke. England were languishing at 190-5 chasing 248 (71 from Russell Arnold) when Clarke put the Sri Lankans to the sword with 44 off 27 balls. He also managed an economical 1-36 when he bowled (off 10 overs).

Other good performances from Bell (72), Shah (63), Gidman (29* off 20) and Jon Lewis (2-32)

Still, I hope the England selectors weren't looking too hard, because one good performance does not necessarily make him a good player. It's a step in the right direction though!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cric...nd/4367523.stm

[Zainub]

can I have a link to the whole scoreboard please, thanks in advance, I'm feel'ng very lazy

[Pete]

http://www.ecb.co.uk/stats/fixtures/fix-12113.html

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Andy Mellon

Still, I hope the England selectors weren't looking too hard, because one good performance does not necessarily make him a good player. It's a step in the right direction though!

I would not worry to much Andy, Dev Malcolm took 9 for against SA, and was soon out of the team.
Rikki Clarke playing in the England Test team against Australia, unthinkable.

[Zainub]

Unthinkable is the right word.

[Pete]

So no Rikki Clarke to wrestle back the Ashes, like Botham did?

[Kirsty Harris]

Ah, the enigma that is Ricky Clarke!!! I think he needs a lot more performances like that to get another crack at top-level cricket. He does have some talent, but doesn't seem to know what to do with it!!! Bless him!!!

Another impressive knock by Bell, by all accounts. It seems like Bell and Shah in particular are making the selectors take notice for the future. Good to see.

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

Ah, the enigma that is Ricky Clarke!!! [...] He does have some talent, but doesn't seem to know what to do with it!!! Bless him!!!

No different to Flintoff at the same stage in HIS career: the guy was a joke for some four yers before he finally started looking the part - I've little time for the lad.. but let's at least bear in mind that he's another who has the sort of raw pace and power to suggest he can be manufactured into a handy player.

I'd agree with singling out Bell and Shah though: everyone following this tour seems delighted with their exceptional class.

[Kirsty Harris]

Originally Posted by Rachael

No different to Flintoff at the same stage in HIS career: the guy was a joke for some four yers before he finally started looking the part

I wouldn't entirly disagree with that assessment, Rachael - I always felt Flintoff had the potential to develop, but early on he did struggle to make best use of his talent. It is possible Clarke will end up falling into the same category, but he has a way to go yet. Good effort by him in this game, perhaps a step in the right direction?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by The Times

OWAIS SHAH was taken to hospital and put on a saline drip last night after suffering the agonies of cramp and dehydration as he helped England A to fight back and claim a dramatic and, in the circumstances, courageous victory in the opening game of their triangular one-day tournament against the Sri Lanka and Pakistan A teams.

That's why he retired hurt. I hope he gets well soon.