No let up for history men

13 April 2012

Michael Vaughan's team are within touching distance of an achievement that has been out of England's reach for nearly half a century.

Vaughan's men have already earned plenty of praise this summer, first whitewashing New Zealand 3-0 and then taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the npower series against the West Indies.

But another victory in Manchester this week will make it six wins on the trot - a sequence of success not enjoyed since the late 1950s when Peter May was captain and Fred Trueman and Brian Statham led England's attack.

Curiously, New Zealand and the West Indies were the soundly beaten visitors then as well. But, unlike in 1958 when England effectively used their Old Trafford Test against the Kiwis as a trial for the following winter's tour of Australia, Vaughan will be demanding five days of flat-out effort, starting from tomorrow.

Nine victories and a draw in 10 Tests this year indicates quite clearly that Vaughan's team have developed a winning habit.

Crucially, though, with tougher series ahead - in South Africa this winter and then at home to Australia next summer - England know they need to keep improving.

Encouragingly, there is absolutely no sign of England being satisfied with themselves as they prepare for this year's penultimate Test against the West Indies.

Geraint Jones has been working on his wicketkeeping at Old Trafford with former England star Jack Russell.

And 35-year-old Graham Thorpe confirmed there is just as much determination at the other end of the experience scale by saying: "All we can do is to keep trying to improve by pushing ourselves."

Thorpe has known plenty of tough times during his England career, including against the West Indies.

"I've been on the reverse end of what's happening now," said the Surrey batsman.

"And this is no time for us to be taking the West Indies lightly. It's them or us.

"If we take our foot off the accelerator now they can pinch a Test match. And if they pinch one then you go into the last Test with them thinking they can draw the series. All we can do as individuals is keep showing that ruthless edge. We want to win the series 4-0.

"If you keep winning you have to keep finding a new challenge - and I think to try to win all seven Tests has to be our challenge. That would make it a magical summer."

Thorpe's 'second coming' as an international cricketer - following the break-up of his marriage - began against South Africa at The Oval a year ago. Since then, England have won 11 of 15 Tests.

"That's the best run I've been involved in but it's also been great seeing the guys improving and enjoying their cricket," adds Thorpe.

Mind you, winning tends to generate-a few smiles. The West Indies have had precious little to grin about this year - particularly captain Brian Lara. "Of course you have to feel for him," said his deputy, Ramnaresh Sarwan. "I don't think this would be easy for any captain. But we will continue to support him."

England, meanwhile, are set to choose between fast bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Simon Jones for the last place after releasing spinner Gareth Batty.

England (from): M Trescothick, A Strauss, R Key, M Vaughan (capt), G Thorpe, A Flintoff, G Jones (wkt), A Giles, M Hoggard, S Jones, S Harmison, J Anderson.

West Indies (from): C Gayle, Devon Smith, R Sarwan, B Lara (capt), S Chanderpaul, D Bravo, Dwayne Smith, R Jacobs (wkt), O Banks, P Collins, C Collymore, J Lawson, F Edwards, D Mohammed. Umpires: S Taufel (Aus), A Dar (Pak). TV replays: M Benson (Eng).

Referee: R Madugalle (SL).

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No let up for history men

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