Since England's debacle at Headingely there has been a huge debate regarding whether Ramps should be recalled or not? did he fail in tests due to lack of ability, or was it because he didn't had test match temperament?
To start with I am not a fan of Ramps, and if I look at his average of 27.32 I would say he isn't good enough, but if one looks deeper into it I may say the selectors didn't handle him well.
His critics will always say he played in 52 tests, and was given ample opportunities, but they don't see the number of times he has been dropped after every 2 or 3 games.
Ramps made his debut in 1991 against Ambrose Walsh, Bishop and co. and as expected he didn't do well against an superb bowling attack. Next up on the cards he had to play 2 tests against Akram and Younis and was dropped after that series.
It is not right to pick a player against such type of quality bowlers, and then to drop him soon.
Anyhow coming back to Ramps the pattern continued as in 93 he came back against Aus, and did well only to be dropped after another series against Ambi and co.
He was again picked against Ambi and co in 95,but again dropped after 1 bad series against SA.
In 98 he started to play better, and these are his averages in that period.
66.5 against Ambi and Walsh.
31.12 against Donald and co.
47.37 in Aus. against Warne and McGrath.
47.5 against Murali and co.
25.4 against NZ.
Again one bad series and he was dropped!!
He came back in 2000 only to be dropped again after a few games.
In 2001 he again came back, and made a splendid hundred against Aus. only to be dropped in 2002. After selectors dropped him in 2002 he has not played for England.
The selectors never gave him a decent run in the side, and when he looked good in 98 he was dropped after one bad series against NZ though he had succeeded against his nemesis Ambi and Walsh, McGrath, Murali etc.
Anyhow coming back to the test at Oval I would say there aren't many candidates for the middle order slot.
Ramps is still in great form in CC.
I don't see too many question marks regarding his ability as he plays late, and has more time on his hands than the average County batsman.
He is 39 years of age which can go against him.
His mental toughness would be a question mark as he hasn't succeeded in test cricket, but he does average 42 against Australia!
I was against England picking Ramps, but on second thoughts if I look at the candidates available for selection I would say Ramps need not be the worst pick.
6 comments:
It might be true that selectors did not pay him for what he was capable of but at the moment including him in England team for the Ashes is not reasonable because there will be lot of pressure on him to perform better because he will have to change his platform instantly to Test cricket and his age is also a barrier.
Yeah but other candidates don't seem to be better and that is the problem.
I think players should be picked on county form, regardless of age. So, Ramps has to be a candidate, IMHO.
Great blog, BTW, GB!
Yeah Ramps is in great form so that is a factor to consider.
Anyhow Mike thanks for your comments!
Even though he may be old, he is still a force to be reckon with and can very well be used as a short term asset while newer batsman are put through the county circuit or while the middle order regains form...
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England should look to win the match. So the best candidate should play and if it is Ramps he has to play.
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