Shouting from the Hop

The England Cricket Teams tour of Pakistan finished today, with the last one-day international being played in Rawalpindi - England winning the match but losing the ODI series 3-2.

Overall, as the Test series was lost 2-0, and we lost the ODIs too, it hasn't been a very succesful trip. A number of key players suffered injuries during the tour and had to return home - Vaughan, Pieterson, Giles - and a number had niggly stuff that meant they couldn't always play to full potential - Harmison, Flintoff. With Strauss diving home for a paternity break, it was a very disjointed tour.

The euphoria that surrounded the summer Ashes series win has rubbed off a lot by now, and the forthcoming India tour after Xmas is not one that England can undertake with confidence. Indeed, the pitches will turn more in India than they did in Pakistan, and this area is where England are at their most weak.

Following Ian Blackwell's ODI games recently, he could be one option to replace Giles in the test team if the Warwickshire man does not recover from his hip operation in time to play. Blackwell does spin the ball, much more than Udal or Batty, and he can bat, which counts against youngsters Keeley and Penasar. A tough call.

The lads all come home for Xmas now, and a well earned rest. I doubt they will want to get any new DVDs as presents, having spent three months in Pakistan watching them over and over...