Anderson, Finn or Onions?

There are some excellent selectors on Twitter, just like there were some great players of spin as Saeed Ajmal last winter, was conning his way through English defences better than anyone since William the Conqueror! With Jimmy Anderson "rested" now, and wouldn't we all like a week off from our employers for good performance, who do you think should be his replacement?

Anderson...should we have rested our best bowler?

Poetry Middle Stump style

Being a couple of cultural bastards, we feel the time is right to introduce poetry into The Middle Stump. Here, the Bard of Banter gives us his take on the 2012 season and The Middle Stump.

The Bard of Banter

The King of Herts

At The Middle Stump, we are interested in all types of cricket, not just the professional game, but our recent article on players getting paid concentrated on club cricket. Here we catch up with one of the stalwarts of the Minor Counties game, Hertfordshire captain Andy Lewis.

Cricket Mercenaries

After picking up the brand spanking new thecricketpaper three weeks ago (which I got free as the silly cashier at Sainsbury’s thought it was a supplement with the Telegraph!) I noticed that their coverage of the Premier League’s across the country was second to none.

What amazed me this week was how many ex county players are still turning out at a good standard. It is not just former players either, there are a plethora of current stars plying their trade in the top club divisions, there are even a few Internationals too.

The Rise of JM Anderson

Jimmy Anderson has come a long way in the last 10 years. From dodgy barnets to a change in action. The Middle Stump reporter Tom Huelin brings us more on the rise of the Burnley Express...

Jason Gillespie

It's not often you get to catch up with a member of what was probably the best side to ever walk onto a cricket pitch. So when we spoke recently with the opening bowler of that side, it was a huge privilege. I had been told by a couple of our previous interviewees that he was a good guy, and having spoken with Jason Gillespie, I have to agree. Now coaching at Yorkshire CCC, the straight talking Australian spoke to The Middle Stump about coaching, wine and that famous 201, the highest score by a night watchman.

Ugly Cricketers XI

UGLY CRICKETERS

C.C

We take a look at the ugliest players to have played county cricket. Beware, there are some absolute terrors in this team.

So read on and see which cricketers have a face like a stuntman's knee!

Review of the 2nd Test v West Indies

 The West Indian top four scored 84 runs here in their both innings, to add to their paltry 130 at Lord's. Whilst they continue to fail, they will never score enough runs,even whilst the likes of Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy dig them out of holes, like they did here at Trent Bridge. Quite frankly, they are as useful as Anne Franks' drum kit!

England's talisman...a fine all round performance

England's Worst XI

Here we look at the worst players to ever play for England and we wonder if this lot would give Zimbabwe a decent game? Funny how many of them came from the 1980's isn't it? Let us know on twitter @themiddlestump who your worst England XI would be?

Cowdrey...one of a mere four England skippers in 88

Knightgate

Kevin Pietersen's outburst on Twitter has split the cricketing community wide open, after his comments regarding former Essex, Warwickshire and England opener, turned commentator, Nick Knight.

Mr Smooth

"Can somebody tell me how Nick Knight has worked his way into the commentary box for home tests?? RIDICULOUS" he tweeted. Now whether you are a fan of Knight's smooth chino wearing style or not, and we are not here at The Middle Stump, although that is irrelevant, KP being fined is ridiculous, and yet another example of players these days not being allowed freedom of speech. No wonder the characters of the game are dying out?