Rain Strikes Again

A full house at Old Trafford was left bitterly disappointed this evening as the Manchester rain rendered the pitch for the second T20I against Australia unplayable. The downpour had subsided a while before the announcement was made, but the faces of the umpires and captains, who examined the offending area - a small but significant part of the bowlers' run-up - between 7:30 and 8:00 pm, told all in this tale of frustration.

It's the most galling pitch controversy to shackle England since the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium debacle in February, and divided opinion amongst the experts. In the Sky studio, David Lloyd agreed that the umpires had no other option, but Nick Knight felt that a format which values entertainment above all else, should take the necessary risks.

Jim Cumbes, the Lancashire Chief Executive, put a new spin on things when he claimed in a Sky interview that he felt the pitch was playable. Clearly the incident is a PR blow to Lancashire CC.

Confusion reigned, points of view differed, a sense that the fans' were let down prevailed.

Rain 'Saves' England

Rain caused the first T20I against Australia to be abandoned yesterday, just seven balls into the England run chase. Having restricted the Aussies to 145 - one over the par score at Old Trafford this season - England were 4-2 when the heavens opened - prompting "Lucky England Saved By Rain" headlines today.

Losing Bopara and Denly so early did represent a poor start, but such a thing is fairly common in T20, and, given the depth of the batting, a full recovery would have been a distinct possibility. Hopefully they will get another chance tomorrow.

The bowling was decent, with only Cameron White looking settled at the crease. The death-bowling duo of Broad and Sidebottom kept their cool admirably. But the fielding could have been better, with Wright and Denly uncharacteristically shelling catches.

It has emerged that Paul Collingwood doesn't know whether he will continue as T20 captain beyond tomorrow's game, but would welcome the chance to lead the side at the next World T20. A decision must be made as soon as possible.

England Hammer Windies. Again.

That's more like it! The final warm-up before the fun starts on Friday saw England cruise to another win against the hapless West Indies. This nine wicket victory was notable for tidy bowling from Rashid (1-20) and stunning clean hitting from Bopara (60 off 35) and Wright (75* off 48).

Delighted for Wright, who hasn't enjoyed much time in the middle for England. He's had to wait a long time since those encouraging early displays two summers ago. Always imagined him in the middle order, but we could be onto something with him and Bopara up top. It wont work every game, maybe not even half the time, but it's great when it does because he is a genuine boundary hitter. And when he does get out, KP gets in - could be worse.

The main thing England must do now is stick with him. We've been striving for a settled opening partnership in one-day cricket for too long, and T20 selection in general has been anything but consistent - 14 players used in first 15 T20s, including 11 different opening partnerships. This one is worth giving an extended run.

Scorecard

Warm-Up Win Over Scotland

England began their T20 World Cup warm-up with victory over Scotland yesterday. It was unspectacular, but tidy enough and achieved with an over to spare. Not an awful lot we can read into such a game, other than we won, and Pietersen was fit and firing - which will be key for the next few weeks. KP looked in good touch, finishing unbeaten on 53 from 39 balls.

Scorecard