Burns in, takes 3-18, tricks you into thinking he’s finally arrived as a fast bowler, then takes 0-32 in his next spell and finally ends up with those same three wickets for about 120.

Stupid, round-armed short-arse.

Tillakaratne Dilshan’s saving Sri Lanka with 58 not out off 57 balls. We can’t quite believe that he’s 31 and we can’t quite believe that he’s averaging 37 in Tests. We thought both figures were lower. Another mindless, autopilot article about young players finally coming good goes begging.

Once upon a time, we weren’t bound by ‘facts’ and wrote what we felt like.

Tags: Fidel Edwards, Sri Lanka, Tillakaratne Dilshan, West Indies by King Cricket
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A good signing for Worcestershire, but perhaps an even better deal for Fidel Edwards.

The lack of West Indians appearing in county cricket is both a symptom of their current weakness, but also a cause. A great line of West Indians have broadened their cricketing education in England, from Learie Constantine in the Lancashire leagues of the Thirties to Brian Lara - who seemed to know quite a bit anyway in scoring 501 in a single innings.

But recently county cricket’s been awash with Australians and second-rate South Africans. Any new Australian Test batsman can be guaranteed to have eaten up county attacks for at least a couple of seasons. Mike Hussey and Phil Jaques have played over here for years. It’ll be no surprise when they’re not fazed by the conditions in 2009.

But West Indians have been missing these benefits. Edwards should learn a little about bowling while he’s in England, but he should also learn something about being a professional. Overseas pros are expected to perform because they’re the biggest names in the team.

Kumar Sangakkara said that philosophy helped his batting attain the rare heights of late. It’s up to Fidel Edwards how he responds, but he’s at least got a good opportunity here.

Tags: Fidel Edwards, county cricket by King Cricket
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