ENGLAND stumbled to a 1-1 draw in Montenegro last night, a result which leaves their prospects of qualifying for World Cup 2014 looking far from certain.
Wayne Rooney had given Roy Hodgson's men the perfect start in Podgorica, heading in Steven Gerrard's corner after just six minutes, having already hit the woodwork with an audacious chip.
But the Three Lions' early dominance fizzled out after the break as the home side came more and more into the game.
There were plenty of warnings for England in the second half with dangerous Serie A strike pair Mirko Vucinic and Stevan Jovetic both going close.
Eventually, though, it was substitute Dejan Damjanovic who would poke in the equaliser, also from a corner, after an unholy mess of a goalmouth scramble.
Just 14 minutes of the match remained when Montenegro restored parity - but there was still enough time for either side to have won the tie.
The two best chances both came from free-kicks but Vucinic blasted over for the hosts before Gerrard's stoppage time effort was only just kept out by Montenegrin keeper Mladen Bozovic.
Ultimately, then, the teams had to settle with a point apiece, a third successive draw since October 2010, and a result which, this time, no doubt suits Montenegro fine.
After all, it keeps the tiny Balkan nation two points clear at the top of Group H, with England now having drawn all three of their games against their principle rivals so far.
Wins against Moldova and San Marino, as important as they still are, can be pretty much taken for granted and will not decide England's fate in these qualifiers.
And, while Hodgson is technically correct to insist that the Three Lions still have qualification in their own hands, England really need to start winning, rather than running out of steam, in these crucial games against their main opponents.
At least when England resume this campaign in the autumn they will play Poland and then Montenegro at Wembley.
But, before those matches, Ukraine and Poland will have both played their game in hand, and Hodgson's men must also attempt to overcome Ukraine in Kiev in September.
England's four-point lead over the Euro 2012 hosts looks handy enough at the moment but it is, in fact, a rather fragile advantage, particular as Ukraine are yet to face San Marino.
In the very worst case scenario, England would fail even to make the playoffs with Montenegro winning the group and Ukraine making good use of their fixtures to finish runners-up.
Sadly, such an outcome is a distinct possibility in what would be a disaster for English football, the national team having qualified for every World Cup since 1994.
By contrast, even by the admission of their own coach Chris Coleman, third place is the maximum which Wales can achieve.
Belgium and Croatia running away at the top of Group A on 16 points apiece, while Wales - who were beaten 2-1 by the Croatians in Swansea last night - have only two 2-1 wins over Scotland to show for their efforts so far.
The Welsh currently lie a point behind Serbia in fourth - but, if that sounds bad enough, things are so much more hopeless north of the border.
Humiliatingly, and still somewhat unbelievably, Scotland became the first European team to be knocked out of the World Cup after their two defeats this week to the Welsh and the Serbs.
Even the likes of Andorra, Malta, San Marino and the Faroe Isles still have a technical chance of making it to Brazil 2014 whereas, mathematically for the Scots, the dream is already officially over.
The re-building job for new coach Gordon Strachan is perhaps even bigger than he realised.
Meanwhile, over the Irish Sea, matters were little better with Northern Ireland extending their winless run to 13 matches after going down 2-0 to Israel at Windsor Park.
Unlike Scotland, the Northern Irish are not quite mathematically out of equation - but, having fallen eight points behind second-placed and third-placed Israel and Portugal, Michael O'Neill's men might as well be.
In Group C, the Republic of Ireland are still in with a shout - but, following two draws in four days, they have fallen to fourth, behind Austria and Sweden on goal difference.
Germany - eight points clear - are dominating the section as expected, having dropped only two points out of 18 so far.
Undoubtedly, the biggest tie of the night came in Paris where World Cup holders Spain beat France to regain the lead at the top of Group I.
Pedro scored the only goal of the match for Vicente del Bosque's men who had ceded advantage at the top of the group last week following a shock 1-1 draw against Finland in Gijon.
However, victory in Paris preserved the Spaniards' 50-game unbeaten record in World Cup qualifiers, a sequence which stretches back to March 1993.
And, more importantly in the present, it leaves the French praying for another unlikely Spanish slip-up, with the playoffs now looking more likely again for Les Bleus.
In Groups B and D respectively, Italy and Netherlands could actually both afford a slip-up and still retain control of their destiny.
Mario Balotelli scored twice as the unbeaten Azzurri recorded an unconvincing 2-0 win over rock-bottom Malta to remain three points clear of second-placed Bulgaria with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Robin van Persie also scored a brace as the Dutch retained their 100% record with a 4-0 thumping of Romania, a result which has put them seven points clear of Hungary in second.
Finally, at the exact halfway stage in qualifying, Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina lead the way in Groups E and G, respectively.
The Bosnians, who have been beaten by Portugal in the playoffs of the last two major competitions, have never qualified for a World Cup or European Championships since gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1992.
Out-of-favour Manchester City man Edin Dzeko appears determined to change that. He scored twice on Friday in the vital 3-1 win over Greece and, indeed, he is top scorer in the European section of qualifying with seven goals.
Note: Full World Cup 2014 qualification results/tables can be found at the FIFA website and on Wikipedia.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
England make yet another great escape
ENGLAND celebrated a 0-0 series result against New Zealand last night after saving the third Test at Eden Park with a dramatic last-wicket stand.
The stalemate hardly met with pre-series expectations against the world-ranked number eight but it was more than adequate for England after the way the three Tests had gone.
That the series may not be quite as straightforward as just about everyone had anticipated was in evidence straight away as England crumbled to 167 all out on the second day of the first Test in Dunedin following a first day washout.
New Zealand kept the pressure up by scoring 460-9 declared in reply, an innings anchored by a brilliant 171 from Hamish Rutherford's 171.
But the rain delay and a lifeless surface never seemed likely to produce a result - and so it proved when Alastair Cook (116) and Nick Compton (117) both scored centuries in a opening stand of 231.
Even nightwatchman Steven Finn was able to make a largely untroubled half-century as the match finished without even three innings having been completed.
England carried the momentum into the second Test in Wellington, and it showed when the tourists were asked again to bat first by the New Zealanders.
Opener Compton answered those questioning his place in the side with a second successive century and this time he was joined on three figures by Jonathan Trott (121).
Additionally, Kevin Pietersen and Matt Prior both made half-centuries as England compiled an imposing first innings score of 465.
New Zealand were under serious pressure for the first time in the series - and, for the first time, the Black Caps' weaknesses were exposed.
The hosts were reduced to 89-5 before a slight recovery spearheaded by skipper Brendan McCullum who top-scored with 69 in a total of 254 all out.
But, agonisingly for the Kiwis, their total was still 11 runs short of the follow-on. With an eye on the weather, England duly asked New Zealand to bat again. Ultimately, though, the second Test would end just as the first did.
A whole day in Wellington was lost to the weather too - this time it was the final day - leaving the match again without even three completed innings.
And so, it seemed fair enough that the teams arrived in Auckland for the decider with no score on the board.
There had been some criticism of England's first Test performance but Cook's men asking NZ to follow-on in the second Test appeared to have quelled the discontent somewhat.
It soon returned, though, as - incredibly - the Kiwis were able to perform a complete about-turn and put themselves in a position to enforce the follow-on.
England, who won the toss for the first time in the series, had endured a terrible first two days in Auckland after putting the New Zealanders into bat.
First, Peter Fulton (136) overcame early nerves to rack up his maiden international Test century, and he was ably supported down the order as the hosts made 443.
Then, the tourists, in reply, were a bit of a shambles. Deprived of the injured Pietersen, the top- and middle-order struggled for any kind of rhythm while the NZ quicks, Trent Boult and Tim Southee, found the most swing of the series, sharing the wickets of the top six.
Boult would subsequently run through the tail to finish with figures of 6-68 as England slumped to 204 all out, a deficit of 239.
Unlike in Wellington, there was no rain in the air or the forecast, and suddenly New Zealand were left with a glorious chance of a series win against a side other than Zimbabwe or Bangladesh for the first time since 2006.
Indeed, McCullum calculated there was enough time left in the game not to enforce the follow-on, and the Kiwi skipper opted to bat again.
It did not look the best of decisions at close on the third day with New Zealand reduced to 8-3 - but, with the first innings lead added on top, that was still effectively 247-3.
The only way England were going to win the Test and series was to run through the Black Caps for perhaps less than 100 but, buoyed by their overnight position, McCullum's men attacked on day four.
Fulton followed up his maiden Test century with another one, while his captain hit 67 from just 97 balls as the hosts hammered home their advantage.
Certainly, New Zealand were rather helped by England's ultra-negative mindset which resulted, at one stage, in all nine fielders being placed on the boundary rope.
It was crazy stuff from skipper Cook - and indeed, often, their positioning did not matter, with the ball regularly flogged to the boundary in an innings which contained no fewer than eight sixes.
Bowlers were losing their temper with fielders. It was all, in short, a rather horrible mess - and the Kiwis were loving it.
McCullum declared with 143 overs left in the match in the knowledge that England had survived less than 90 in the first innings.
For the first time since the series had begun, New Zealand were odds-on, and they closed day four with the added bonus of four second innings England wickets.
Only twice before had any Test team in England's position heading into the final day avoided defeat. England achieved it in South Africa in 1995 when Michael Atherton finished unbeaten on 185, and South African did it against Australia in Adelaide last year.
Nevertheless, Ian Bell and the fledgling Joe Root seemed undaunted by their task, and their partnership saw England through to the new ball with barely an appeal from the Caps.
New Zealand were hardly feeling the pressure yet themselves, though, and the hosts made their final day breakthrough just before lunch when Boult trapped Root lbw.
The new ball had done its job but the New Zealanders should have had even more pre-interval success with Bell and new main Jonny Bairstow both dropped in quick succession off danger man Boult.
The Bairstow drop would not prove too costly, the Yorkshire man put out of misery shortly after lunch in his first First-class match since late November.
However, Bell would end up playing a magnificent innings, scoring 75 off 271 balls, and occupying the crease for 351 minutes.
The Warwickshire man's vigil would eventually come to an end on the stroke of tea and his wicket left England still in trouble on 237-7.
But, by then, Prior had played himself in, and the finest current wicket-keeper-batsman in the world would remain unbeaten until the end, earning himself a seventh Test century.
Surprisingly, he was aided by Stuart Broad, a player whose batting had widely considered to have gone way backwards over the past 18 months.
This was a really steely effort by Broad - only perhaps he knew he had it in himself to grind out an innings like this, as he set a record, in terms of minutes, for remaining on 0 not out in Test match.
Broad eventually got off the mark from his 62nd delivery after 103 minutes at the crease, and he would only ultimately manage a score of six before being caught by Ross Taylor off the occasional off-spin of Kane Williamson.
But his six from 77 balls - and Prior's impenetrable patience - had got England to within four overs of the finish.
As usual with Test cricket, though, there was a twist, and no sooner had Broad departed, then his fellow fast bowler James Anderson was back in the hutch for a duck.
Suddenly, England were 304-9 with Monty Panesar heading for the middle.
New Zealand put all nine fielders around the bat as Panesar took strike against the final ball of the 140th over. He survived, but only just, almost dragging the ball onto the stumps behind.
Three overs left - but, while Boult got no change from Prior, the failure to score a single put Panesar back on strike for the penultimate over.
Not for long, though, as Panesar managed to get the first ball of the over away before dashing to the other end and diving comically early for the line.
Still, somehow, he returned to the popping crease and left Prior to see out the rest of the over. But, yet again, Prior could not get off strike and Panesar was brought back into the action one final time against the pace of Boult.
Panesar left the first two deliveries before sending an inswinger through mid-off to scramble another single. Prior was back on strike for the last three balls.
It would have been a cruel twist of fate if England had failed at that point - but it was as if such a thought never crossed Prior's mind. He defended the final three balls with ease. England had done it.
Done it again, indeed - surviving for the fourth time with a last-wicket stand since 2009, a quite remarkable statistic.
In the 1990s, England fans became accustomed to their going down lamely, particularly against Australia in the Ashes. By contrast, this generation of English cricketers truly never seems to know when it is beaten.
The Aussies, meanwhile, seem to have performed a role-reversal - if their 4-0 thumping in India is anything to go by - but England really should not get too far ahead of themselves.
Captain Cook has denied there being any complacency in the squad, and perhaps it was more just the case that this was some of the finest Test cricket which New Zealand have played in years.
Cook's opposite number McCullum has thoroughly brightened up his team with some brilliant, attacking fields which have helped his bowlers to operate to their full potential.
He may blame himself for batting too long in the third Test but he really should not.
Ultimately, it was a couple of dropped catches just before lunch which were the reason why the Black Caps are not now celebrating a first home series win over England since 1984.
Of course, the Kiwis will get a chance of what would actually be a third series win on English soil almost immediately - and there will now be no underestimating their talents when they arrive to these shores in May.
England may be getting a reputation for the great escape - but, in the end, even they know that there are only so many Get of Jail Free cards in the set.
ENGLAND'S RECENT GREAT ESCAPES
July 2009
Cardiff
England 435 & 252-9 drew with Australia 674-6dec
Paul Collingwood scored 74 from 245 balls as the last man partnership of James Anderson and Monty Panesar survived more than 11 overs to keep the Ashes at 0-0. England would eventually win the series 2-1.
December 2009
Centurion
England 356 & 228-9 drew with South Africa 418 & 301-7dec
Collingwood was at the heart of another great escape, scoring 26 off 99 balls and partnering last man Graham Onions for more than three overs.
January 2010
Cape Town
England 273 & 296-9 drew with South Africa 291 & 447-7dec
In the very same series, which would ultimately finish 1-1, England made a second escape in a matter of weeks. Onions was the hero again, facing 11 balls to save the game, after Ian Bell's four-hour 76.
March 2013
Auckland
England 204 & 315-9 drew with New Zealand 443 & 241-6dec
Matt Prior survives 19 balls alongside last man Panesar for a deserved century after 75 from Bell in 351 minutes, and six from Stuart Broad over two hours. Broad also broke the all-time Test record by sitting on 0 not out for 103 minutes.
HOME & AWAY: TOUR RESULTS/FIXTURES
NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND
ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND
The stalemate hardly met with pre-series expectations against the world-ranked number eight but it was more than adequate for England after the way the three Tests had gone.
That the series may not be quite as straightforward as just about everyone had anticipated was in evidence straight away as England crumbled to 167 all out on the second day of the first Test in Dunedin following a first day washout.
New Zealand kept the pressure up by scoring 460-9 declared in reply, an innings anchored by a brilliant 171 from Hamish Rutherford's 171.
But the rain delay and a lifeless surface never seemed likely to produce a result - and so it proved when Alastair Cook (116) and Nick Compton (117) both scored centuries in a opening stand of 231.
Even nightwatchman Steven Finn was able to make a largely untroubled half-century as the match finished without even three innings having been completed.
England carried the momentum into the second Test in Wellington, and it showed when the tourists were asked again to bat first by the New Zealanders.
Opener Compton answered those questioning his place in the side with a second successive century and this time he was joined on three figures by Jonathan Trott (121).
Additionally, Kevin Pietersen and Matt Prior both made half-centuries as England compiled an imposing first innings score of 465.
New Zealand were under serious pressure for the first time in the series - and, for the first time, the Black Caps' weaknesses were exposed.
The hosts were reduced to 89-5 before a slight recovery spearheaded by skipper Brendan McCullum who top-scored with 69 in a total of 254 all out.
But, agonisingly for the Kiwis, their total was still 11 runs short of the follow-on. With an eye on the weather, England duly asked New Zealand to bat again. Ultimately, though, the second Test would end just as the first did.
A whole day in Wellington was lost to the weather too - this time it was the final day - leaving the match again without even three completed innings.
And so, it seemed fair enough that the teams arrived in Auckland for the decider with no score on the board.
There had been some criticism of England's first Test performance but Cook's men asking NZ to follow-on in the second Test appeared to have quelled the discontent somewhat.
It soon returned, though, as - incredibly - the Kiwis were able to perform a complete about-turn and put themselves in a position to enforce the follow-on.
England, who won the toss for the first time in the series, had endured a terrible first two days in Auckland after putting the New Zealanders into bat.
First, Peter Fulton (136) overcame early nerves to rack up his maiden international Test century, and he was ably supported down the order as the hosts made 443.
Then, the tourists, in reply, were a bit of a shambles. Deprived of the injured Pietersen, the top- and middle-order struggled for any kind of rhythm while the NZ quicks, Trent Boult and Tim Southee, found the most swing of the series, sharing the wickets of the top six.
Boult would subsequently run through the tail to finish with figures of 6-68 as England slumped to 204 all out, a deficit of 239.
Unlike in Wellington, there was no rain in the air or the forecast, and suddenly New Zealand were left with a glorious chance of a series win against a side other than Zimbabwe or Bangladesh for the first time since 2006.
Indeed, McCullum calculated there was enough time left in the game not to enforce the follow-on, and the Kiwi skipper opted to bat again.
It did not look the best of decisions at close on the third day with New Zealand reduced to 8-3 - but, with the first innings lead added on top, that was still effectively 247-3.
The only way England were going to win the Test and series was to run through the Black Caps for perhaps less than 100 but, buoyed by their overnight position, McCullum's men attacked on day four.
Fulton followed up his maiden Test century with another one, while his captain hit 67 from just 97 balls as the hosts hammered home their advantage.
Certainly, New Zealand were rather helped by England's ultra-negative mindset which resulted, at one stage, in all nine fielders being placed on the boundary rope.
It was crazy stuff from skipper Cook - and indeed, often, their positioning did not matter, with the ball regularly flogged to the boundary in an innings which contained no fewer than eight sixes.
Bowlers were losing their temper with fielders. It was all, in short, a rather horrible mess - and the Kiwis were loving it.
McCullum declared with 143 overs left in the match in the knowledge that England had survived less than 90 in the first innings.
For the first time since the series had begun, New Zealand were odds-on, and they closed day four with the added bonus of four second innings England wickets.
Only twice before had any Test team in England's position heading into the final day avoided defeat. England achieved it in South Africa in 1995 when Michael Atherton finished unbeaten on 185, and South African did it against Australia in Adelaide last year.
Nevertheless, Ian Bell and the fledgling Joe Root seemed undaunted by their task, and their partnership saw England through to the new ball with barely an appeal from the Caps.
New Zealand were hardly feeling the pressure yet themselves, though, and the hosts made their final day breakthrough just before lunch when Boult trapped Root lbw.
The new ball had done its job but the New Zealanders should have had even more pre-interval success with Bell and new main Jonny Bairstow both dropped in quick succession off danger man Boult.
The Bairstow drop would not prove too costly, the Yorkshire man put out of misery shortly after lunch in his first First-class match since late November.
However, Bell would end up playing a magnificent innings, scoring 75 off 271 balls, and occupying the crease for 351 minutes.
The Warwickshire man's vigil would eventually come to an end on the stroke of tea and his wicket left England still in trouble on 237-7.
But, by then, Prior had played himself in, and the finest current wicket-keeper-batsman in the world would remain unbeaten until the end, earning himself a seventh Test century.
Surprisingly, he was aided by Stuart Broad, a player whose batting had widely considered to have gone way backwards over the past 18 months.
This was a really steely effort by Broad - only perhaps he knew he had it in himself to grind out an innings like this, as he set a record, in terms of minutes, for remaining on 0 not out in Test match.
Broad eventually got off the mark from his 62nd delivery after 103 minutes at the crease, and he would only ultimately manage a score of six before being caught by Ross Taylor off the occasional off-spin of Kane Williamson.
But his six from 77 balls - and Prior's impenetrable patience - had got England to within four overs of the finish.
As usual with Test cricket, though, there was a twist, and no sooner had Broad departed, then his fellow fast bowler James Anderson was back in the hutch for a duck.
Suddenly, England were 304-9 with Monty Panesar heading for the middle.
New Zealand put all nine fielders around the bat as Panesar took strike against the final ball of the 140th over. He survived, but only just, almost dragging the ball onto the stumps behind.
Three overs left - but, while Boult got no change from Prior, the failure to score a single put Panesar back on strike for the penultimate over.
Not for long, though, as Panesar managed to get the first ball of the over away before dashing to the other end and diving comically early for the line.
Still, somehow, he returned to the popping crease and left Prior to see out the rest of the over. But, yet again, Prior could not get off strike and Panesar was brought back into the action one final time against the pace of Boult.
Panesar left the first two deliveries before sending an inswinger through mid-off to scramble another single. Prior was back on strike for the last three balls.
It would have been a cruel twist of fate if England had failed at that point - but it was as if such a thought never crossed Prior's mind. He defended the final three balls with ease. England had done it.
Done it again, indeed - surviving for the fourth time with a last-wicket stand since 2009, a quite remarkable statistic.
In the 1990s, England fans became accustomed to their going down lamely, particularly against Australia in the Ashes. By contrast, this generation of English cricketers truly never seems to know when it is beaten.
The Aussies, meanwhile, seem to have performed a role-reversal - if their 4-0 thumping in India is anything to go by - but England really should not get too far ahead of themselves.
Captain Cook has denied there being any complacency in the squad, and perhaps it was more just the case that this was some of the finest Test cricket which New Zealand have played in years.
Cook's opposite number McCullum has thoroughly brightened up his team with some brilliant, attacking fields which have helped his bowlers to operate to their full potential.
He may blame himself for batting too long in the third Test but he really should not.
Ultimately, it was a couple of dropped catches just before lunch which were the reason why the Black Caps are not now celebrating a first home series win over England since 1984.
Of course, the Kiwis will get a chance of what would actually be a third series win on English soil almost immediately - and there will now be no underestimating their talents when they arrive to these shores in May.
England may be getting a reputation for the great escape - but, in the end, even they know that there are only so many Get of Jail Free cards in the set.
ENGLAND'S RECENT GREAT ESCAPES
July 2009
Cardiff
England 435 & 252-9 drew with Australia 674-6dec
Paul Collingwood scored 74 from 245 balls as the last man partnership of James Anderson and Monty Panesar survived more than 11 overs to keep the Ashes at 0-0. England would eventually win the series 2-1.
December 2009
Centurion
England 356 & 228-9 drew with South Africa 418 & 301-7dec
Collingwood was at the heart of another great escape, scoring 26 off 99 balls and partnering last man Graham Onions for more than three overs.
January 2010
Cape Town
England 273 & 296-9 drew with South Africa 291 & 447-7dec
In the very same series, which would ultimately finish 1-1, England made a second escape in a matter of weeks. Onions was the hero again, facing 11 balls to save the game, after Ian Bell's four-hour 76.
March 2013
Auckland
England 204 & 315-9 drew with New Zealand 443 & 241-6dec
Matt Prior survives 19 balls alongside last man Panesar for a deserved century after 75 from Bell in 351 minutes, and six from Stuart Broad over two hours. Broad also broke the all-time Test record by sitting on 0 not out for 103 minutes.
HOME & AWAY: TOUR RESULTS/FIXTURES
NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND
| Date | Match | Result | Venue | |
| 9 Feb | First T20 | ENGLAND 214-7 beat NEW ZEALAND 174-9 by 40 runs | Eden Park | |
| 12 Feb | Second T20 | NEW ZEALAND 192-6 beat ENGLAND 137 by 55 runs | Hamilton | |
| 15 Feb | Third T20 | ENGLAND 143-0 beat NEW ZEALAND 139-8 by 10 wkts | Wellington | Eng won series 2-1 |
| 17 Feb | First ODI | NEW ZEALAND 259-7 beat ENGLAND 258 by three wkts | Hamilton | |
| 20 Feb | Second ODI | ENGLAND 270-2 beat NEW ZEALAND 269 by eight wkts | Napier | |
| 23 Feb | Third ODI | ENGLAND 186-5 beat NEW ZEALAND 185 by five wkts | Eden Park | Eng won series 2-1 |
| 6-10 Mar | First Test | ENGLAND 167 & 421-6 drew w/ NEW ZEALAND 460-9d | Dunedin | |
| 14-18 Mar | Second Test | ENGLAND 465 drew w/ NEW ZEALAND 254 & 162-2 | Wellington | |
| 22-26 Mar | Third Test | NEWZEALAND 443 & 241-6 drew w/ ENGLAND 204 & 315-9 | Eden Park | Series tied 0-0 |
ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND
| Date | Match | Venue | ||
| 16-20 May | First Test | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Lord's | |
| 24-28 May | Second Test | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Headingley | |
| 31 May | First ODI | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Lord's | |
| 2 Jun | Second ODI | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Rose Bowl | |
| 5 Jun | Third ODI | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Trent Bridge | |
| 25 Jun | First T20 | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | The Oval | |
| 27 Jun | Second T20 | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | The Oval | |
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Cameron brokers long-awaited press regulation deal
PRIME MINISTER David Cameron has finally thrashed out a "historic" deal with his deputy Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed Miliband over a new press watchdog this week.
The regulator will be established by royal charter, meaning there will be no need to pass statute in the Houses of Parliament.
Importantly, the charter can only be amended if there is a two-thirds majority in both the Commons and the Lords. This is unlike other charters which are altered by the Queen on the advice of Privy Council, which comprises of government ministers of the day.
So, almost two years since the News of the World phone-hacking story broke and over 100 days on since Lord Leveson published his £5m report, why has it taken so long just to get to this point?
Well, the main problem was that Mr Cameron was opposed to any statutory underpinning of regulation as suggested by Lord Leveson.
This contrasted with Mr Clegg and Mr Miliband who both thought that the judge's recommendations should be enforced in their entirety.
The schism caused a protracted period of political wrangling, which left the newspaper industry in limbo - and the gridlock reached its peak last Thursday when Mr Cameron called a halt to the cross-party talks.
Instead, the PM had planned to force a Commons vote on a royal charter on Monday evening - but, ultimately, the parties and victims campaign group Hacked Off were able to make a deal in the early hours of the same day.
Incredibly, though, the talks did not include a single member of the press.
Now, at this point, it must be accepted that the newspaper industry has caused a lot of damage over the years. Indeed, Lord Leveson himself stated it had "wreaked havoc in the lives of innocent people".
But to exclude the whole industry from discussions over its future regulation seemed a pointless thing to do - especially when it ended up being some members of the press who actually could be said to have forced the breakthrough.
Alan Rusbridger, Chris Blackhurst and Lionel Barber - editors of the Guardian, the Independent and the Financial Times, respectively - broke ranks with other media titles by suggesting the way forward was to accept the idea of a charter.
In the end, the trio's proposal formed the basis for what politicians agreed on.
The politicians, bless'em, all seem rather pleased with themselves with Mr Cameron describing it as a "neat solution". However, there has already been dissent in the ranks of the Fourth Estate.
For, while some of the aforementioned newspapers have cautiously welcomed the plans, others remain virulently opposed to any external interference.
Associated Newspapers, owners of the Daily Mail, News International - representing the Sun and the Times - as well as the Telegraph Media Group are all exploring the possibility of setting up their own body.
The Mail branded the deal "a grim day for all who value freedom" and, like the Times, accused Mr Cameron of threatening press freedom for the first time since newspapers were licensed 300 years ago.
Tim Jotischky, deputy editor of the Telegraph, tweeted late on Monday: "We can never lecture a Mugabe or a Putin on freedom of expression again. Quite an achievement for Hacked Off et al."
Meanwhile, magazines Private Eye and the Spectator have already rejected signing up to the new regulator.
Spectator editor Fraser Nelson said: "Press regulation is too important an issue to be answered by some tawdry deal cooked up at two in the morning in Ed Miliband's office.
"The result is unacceptable, state licensing of the media, something we haven't had in this country for 300 years."
Eye editor and Have I Got News For You panellist Ian Hislop agreed, adding: "You can't really say this is a considered and thoughtful process when, in the middle of the night, two bits are added to other bills.
"This doesn't really look like thoughtful considered legislation which has been worked through."
Moreover, some of the other implications of the new regulator - such as the extent to which the new regulator monitors online content - are unclear. Will bloggers be affected at all, for example?
The local press, which was hitherto seldom in trouble, also fears a "crippling" rush of compensation claims under the new system of arbitration for small-scale complaints.
All in all, then, the situation still remains a rather messy one - but, despite the rushed nature of the deal, it is difficult from a media perspective not to disagree with Indy editor Mr Blackhurst.
He said: "I don't think it's too bad. It could've been a lot worse, it could've been better. I think we have to recognise the mess the industry got into. The industry did some bad things and our existing regulator just wasn't up to the task."
Only time will tell if the new one is.
The regulator will be established by royal charter, meaning there will be no need to pass statute in the Houses of Parliament.
Importantly, the charter can only be amended if there is a two-thirds majority in both the Commons and the Lords. This is unlike other charters which are altered by the Queen on the advice of Privy Council, which comprises of government ministers of the day.
So, almost two years since the News of the World phone-hacking story broke and over 100 days on since Lord Leveson published his £5m report, why has it taken so long just to get to this point?
Well, the main problem was that Mr Cameron was opposed to any statutory underpinning of regulation as suggested by Lord Leveson.
This contrasted with Mr Clegg and Mr Miliband who both thought that the judge's recommendations should be enforced in their entirety.
The schism caused a protracted period of political wrangling, which left the newspaper industry in limbo - and the gridlock reached its peak last Thursday when Mr Cameron called a halt to the cross-party talks.
Instead, the PM had planned to force a Commons vote on a royal charter on Monday evening - but, ultimately, the parties and victims campaign group Hacked Off were able to make a deal in the early hours of the same day.
Incredibly, though, the talks did not include a single member of the press.
Now, at this point, it must be accepted that the newspaper industry has caused a lot of damage over the years. Indeed, Lord Leveson himself stated it had "wreaked havoc in the lives of innocent people".
But to exclude the whole industry from discussions over its future regulation seemed a pointless thing to do - especially when it ended up being some members of the press who actually could be said to have forced the breakthrough.
Alan Rusbridger, Chris Blackhurst and Lionel Barber - editors of the Guardian, the Independent and the Financial Times, respectively - broke ranks with other media titles by suggesting the way forward was to accept the idea of a charter.
In the end, the trio's proposal formed the basis for what politicians agreed on.
The politicians, bless'em, all seem rather pleased with themselves with Mr Cameron describing it as a "neat solution". However, there has already been dissent in the ranks of the Fourth Estate.
For, while some of the aforementioned newspapers have cautiously welcomed the plans, others remain virulently opposed to any external interference.
Associated Newspapers, owners of the Daily Mail, News International - representing the Sun and the Times - as well as the Telegraph Media Group are all exploring the possibility of setting up their own body.
The Mail branded the deal "a grim day for all who value freedom" and, like the Times, accused Mr Cameron of threatening press freedom for the first time since newspapers were licensed 300 years ago.
Tim Jotischky, deputy editor of the Telegraph, tweeted late on Monday: "We can never lecture a Mugabe or a Putin on freedom of expression again. Quite an achievement for Hacked Off et al."
Meanwhile, magazines Private Eye and the Spectator have already rejected signing up to the new regulator.
Spectator editor Fraser Nelson said: "Press regulation is too important an issue to be answered by some tawdry deal cooked up at two in the morning in Ed Miliband's office.
"The result is unacceptable, state licensing of the media, something we haven't had in this country for 300 years."
Eye editor and Have I Got News For You panellist Ian Hislop agreed, adding: "You can't really say this is a considered and thoughtful process when, in the middle of the night, two bits are added to other bills.
"This doesn't really look like thoughtful considered legislation which has been worked through."
Moreover, some of the other implications of the new regulator - such as the extent to which the new regulator monitors online content - are unclear. Will bloggers be affected at all, for example?
The local press, which was hitherto seldom in trouble, also fears a "crippling" rush of compensation claims under the new system of arbitration for small-scale complaints.
All in all, then, the situation still remains a rather messy one - but, despite the rushed nature of the deal, it is difficult from a media perspective not to disagree with Indy editor Mr Blackhurst.
He said: "I don't think it's too bad. It could've been a lot worse, it could've been better. I think we have to recognise the mess the industry got into. The industry did some bad things and our existing regulator just wasn't up to the task."
Only time will tell if the new one is.
Budget 2013: Osborne still yet to get Britain going
CHANCELLOR George Osborne conceded growth in the British economy will be just 0.6% this year in his fourth Budget speech to the House of Commons today.
In a rowdy chamber, Mr Osborne said: "I'm going to level with people about the difficult decisions we still face. It is taking longer than anyone hoped."
That indeed it is, with anticipated debt levels expected still to be rising as the country heads to the next general election in 2015.
Nevertheless, chinks of light have emerged from this Budget for both individuals and businesses due to several measures being brought in.
The personal tax allowance will increase to £10,000 from the start of the next tax year, one year earlier than planned in the coalition agreement.
That move, in particular, will please the Liberal Democrats who promised as much in their manifesto before the last election.
Meanwhile, for motorists, the planned September fuel duty rise has been cancelled altogether.
For drinkers, too, the beer duty escalator - which previously increased the cost of a pint 3p above inflation - has been scrapped.
Indeed, Mr Osborne went one further on this issue, cutting beer duty by 1p from Sunday night. Other alcohol levies remain as previously announced but this was the best news for the drinks industry for a long time.
The Campaign for Real Ale was certainly pleased. Chief executive Mike Benner said: "This is a momentous day for Britain's beer drinkers, who will tonight be raising a glass to the Chancellor for axing this damaging tax escalator and helping keep pub-going affordable for hard-pressed consumers."
But it was not just the publicans and brewers who will benefit from this Budget.
The Chancellor announced a further corporation tax cut to 20%, and small businesses will be hugely helped by a £2,000 cut in the bill from employers' National Insurance contributions.
Meanwhile, the housing industry will be hugely encouraged by Government move to offer "mortgage guarantees" totalling £130bn.
In the scheme, prospective buyers would contribute 5% of the value of the property and the Government will guarantee another 15%. This, in effect, will mean people can afford a bigger mortgage with a small deposit.
There was absolutely nothing, however, in Mr Osborne's 53-minute speech to get the banks to lend more.
And the aforementioned lack of growth and increased levels of debt left Labour leader Ed Miliband with an easy line of attack - that nothing had changed since the coalition had come to power.
"Three years on, what does he say? Exactly what he said three years ago" was Mr Miliband's opening gambit.
He added: "We still need four more years of pain, tax rises and spending cuts. In other words, after all the misery, all the harsh medicine, all the suffering by the British people, three years, no progress, deal broken."
The Leader of the Opposition also reminded the public of the cut in the highest rate of income tax from 50% to 45%, speculating in pantomime fashion just how many of the Cabinet would benefit.
Earlier at Prime Minister Questions, though, David Cameron had correctly stated that the rate is still higher than it was at any time during 13 years of Labour government.
And, one of the biggest problems with the current Labour set-up is their refusal to set out their own alternative detailed plan for the economy.
Consequently, Mr Miliband was left taking pot-shots about Mr Osborne being roundly booed at the Paralympic Games last summer.
But, while the Chancellor may be considered a bit of a figure of fun after last year's disastrous omnishambles Budget, he made sure to make no such mistake this time around.
Indeed, the Conservatives could get a short-term boost from today's announcements on fuel duty, the removal of the beer escalator, and help for house-buyers. It was certainly all good politics.
However, Mr Osborne is still yet to find the answer to Britain's lack of growth - and the feeling is that today's measures, though welcome, are not fundamental enough to change the overall picture.
More worrying for the Chancellor himself is that time is beginning to run out to get Britain moving. He will need no reminder that there are now just over two years until the next election.
2013 BUDGET DETAILS
Growth forecasts/Fiscal policy
*Growth will be just 0.6% in 2013. It is expected to be 1.8% in 2014, 2.3% in 2015, 2.7% in 2016, and 2.8% in 2017.
*Debt will be 75.9% of GDP in 2013, 79.2% in 2014, 82.6% in 2015, 85.1% in 2016, 85.6% in 2017, eventually starting to fall in 84.8% in 2018.
*Deficit will fall from 7.4% of GDP in 2013, and 6.8% in 2014.
*Borrowing in 2013 will be £114bn, falling to £108bn in 2014, £97bn in 2015, £87bn in 2016, £61bn in 2017, and £42bn in 2018.
*Inflation target remain unchanged at 2%.
*OBR expects 600,000 more jobs in 2013.
Taxation/Benefits
*Personal tax-free allowance to £9,440 for 2013-14, and £10,000 for 2014-15.
*£2,000 cut from employers' National Insurance contributions
*Corporation tax rate will be 21% in 2014, and 20% in 2015. As previously, banks will get no benefit from corporation tax rate due to bank levy being increased to 0.142%.
*New tax relief to encourage private investment in social enterprises.
Levies
*Alcohol: Beer duty escalator scrapped, and beer duty cut by 1p. Other alcohol duties remain unchanged.
*Fuel: Planned September increase cancelled altogether.
Investment
*School and health budgets remain ring-fenced
*Extra £3bn a year for infrastructure from 2015-16
*Help-to-buy scheme providing £3.5bn over three years for shared equity loans worth up to 20% of a new-build home for those looking to move up housing ladder. £130bn of guarantees for low deposit mortgages.
*Govt to seek £11.5bn of current savings in the Spending Review in June
*Public sector pay increases limited to 1% in 2015-16, except for service personnel
*LIBOR banking fines used to help combat stress in ex-military personnel
*Govt accepts Lord Heseltine's proposal of a single competitive fund for local enterprise
*Working families to receive up to £1,200 per child for childcare.
*Help for Equitable Life policy holders who bought annuities before 1992
*Social care costs for the elderly to be capped at £72,000 from 2016
In a rowdy chamber, Mr Osborne said: "I'm going to level with people about the difficult decisions we still face. It is taking longer than anyone hoped."
That indeed it is, with anticipated debt levels expected still to be rising as the country heads to the next general election in 2015.
Nevertheless, chinks of light have emerged from this Budget for both individuals and businesses due to several measures being brought in.
The personal tax allowance will increase to £10,000 from the start of the next tax year, one year earlier than planned in the coalition agreement.
That move, in particular, will please the Liberal Democrats who promised as much in their manifesto before the last election.
Meanwhile, for motorists, the planned September fuel duty rise has been cancelled altogether.
For drinkers, too, the beer duty escalator - which previously increased the cost of a pint 3p above inflation - has been scrapped.
Indeed, Mr Osborne went one further on this issue, cutting beer duty by 1p from Sunday night. Other alcohol levies remain as previously announced but this was the best news for the drinks industry for a long time.
The Campaign for Real Ale was certainly pleased. Chief executive Mike Benner said: "This is a momentous day for Britain's beer drinkers, who will tonight be raising a glass to the Chancellor for axing this damaging tax escalator and helping keep pub-going affordable for hard-pressed consumers."
But it was not just the publicans and brewers who will benefit from this Budget.
The Chancellor announced a further corporation tax cut to 20%, and small businesses will be hugely helped by a £2,000 cut in the bill from employers' National Insurance contributions.
Meanwhile, the housing industry will be hugely encouraged by Government move to offer "mortgage guarantees" totalling £130bn.
In the scheme, prospective buyers would contribute 5% of the value of the property and the Government will guarantee another 15%. This, in effect, will mean people can afford a bigger mortgage with a small deposit.
There was absolutely nothing, however, in Mr Osborne's 53-minute speech to get the banks to lend more.
And the aforementioned lack of growth and increased levels of debt left Labour leader Ed Miliband with an easy line of attack - that nothing had changed since the coalition had come to power.
"Three years on, what does he say? Exactly what he said three years ago" was Mr Miliband's opening gambit.
He added: "We still need four more years of pain, tax rises and spending cuts. In other words, after all the misery, all the harsh medicine, all the suffering by the British people, three years, no progress, deal broken."
The Leader of the Opposition also reminded the public of the cut in the highest rate of income tax from 50% to 45%, speculating in pantomime fashion just how many of the Cabinet would benefit.
Earlier at Prime Minister Questions, though, David Cameron had correctly stated that the rate is still higher than it was at any time during 13 years of Labour government.
And, one of the biggest problems with the current Labour set-up is their refusal to set out their own alternative detailed plan for the economy.
Consequently, Mr Miliband was left taking pot-shots about Mr Osborne being roundly booed at the Paralympic Games last summer.
But, while the Chancellor may be considered a bit of a figure of fun after last year's disastrous omnishambles Budget, he made sure to make no such mistake this time around.
Indeed, the Conservatives could get a short-term boost from today's announcements on fuel duty, the removal of the beer escalator, and help for house-buyers. It was certainly all good politics.
However, Mr Osborne is still yet to find the answer to Britain's lack of growth - and the feeling is that today's measures, though welcome, are not fundamental enough to change the overall picture.
More worrying for the Chancellor himself is that time is beginning to run out to get Britain moving. He will need no reminder that there are now just over two years until the next election.
2013 BUDGET DETAILS
Growth forecasts/Fiscal policy
*Growth will be just 0.6% in 2013. It is expected to be 1.8% in 2014, 2.3% in 2015, 2.7% in 2016, and 2.8% in 2017.
*Debt will be 75.9% of GDP in 2013, 79.2% in 2014, 82.6% in 2015, 85.1% in 2016, 85.6% in 2017, eventually starting to fall in 84.8% in 2018.
*Deficit will fall from 7.4% of GDP in 2013, and 6.8% in 2014.
*Borrowing in 2013 will be £114bn, falling to £108bn in 2014, £97bn in 2015, £87bn in 2016, £61bn in 2017, and £42bn in 2018.
*Inflation target remain unchanged at 2%.
*OBR expects 600,000 more jobs in 2013.
Taxation/Benefits
*Personal tax-free allowance to £9,440 for 2013-14, and £10,000 for 2014-15.
*£2,000 cut from employers' National Insurance contributions
*Corporation tax rate will be 21% in 2014, and 20% in 2015. As previously, banks will get no benefit from corporation tax rate due to bank levy being increased to 0.142%.
*New tax relief to encourage private investment in social enterprises.
Levies
*Alcohol: Beer duty escalator scrapped, and beer duty cut by 1p. Other alcohol duties remain unchanged.
*Fuel: Planned September increase cancelled altogether.
Investment
*School and health budgets remain ring-fenced
*Extra £3bn a year for infrastructure from 2015-16
*Help-to-buy scheme providing £3.5bn over three years for shared equity loans worth up to 20% of a new-build home for those looking to move up housing ladder. £130bn of guarantees for low deposit mortgages.
*Govt to seek £11.5bn of current savings in the Spending Review in June
*Public sector pay increases limited to 1% in 2015-16, except for service personnel
*LIBOR banking fines used to help combat stress in ex-military personnel
*Govt accepts Lord Heseltine's proposal of a single competitive fund for local enterprise
*Working families to receive up to £1,200 per child for childcare.
*Help for Equitable Life policy holders who bought annuities before 1992
*Social care costs for the elderly to be capped at £72,000 from 2016
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Falklanders overwhelmingly opt to stay British
| FALKLAND ISLANDS | "Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom?" |
| Yes | 1,513 (99.8%) |
| No | 3 (0.2%) |
FALKLAND ISLANDERS have voted overwhelmingly to remain British in a referendum held in the south Atlantic territory over the past two days.
In all, 1,513 (99.8%) voters responded in the affirmative to the set question: "Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom?". Only three people (0.2%) voted against in a strong turnout of 90.7%.
That the outcome was not a surprise is an understatement, to say the least. Indeed, in terms of elections, there will rarely be anything as inevitable as this result.
So, why hold the referendum then in the first place? Well, the Argentine government has claimed it is nothing more than a PR exercise and has already confirmed it will simply ignore the result.
And, in a certain sense, the Argentines are correct in their suggestion. The vote has been held for little other reason than for the Falkland people to make an unequivocal statement.
However, it is now over 30 years since the Falklands War, and more than 26 since the Falklanders last voted to affirm their desire to be British.
It is no wonder they have now felt inclined to do so, particularly with the Falklands recently having become a bit of a hot issue again.
Earlier this year, Argentine foreign minister Hector Timerman said that the islands would be under the control of his country within 20 years. He also accused Britain of occupying the islands for "access to oil and natural resources".
Moreover, the fervour swept up by the Argentine government looks like it is working. Faced with an economic situation, which is worsening by the day, the baseless sabre-rattling is proving to be a successful distraction for Argentina President Cristina Kirchner.
Polling by Yougov and Argentine equivalent Ibarometro shows that, while only 1% of British people pick the Falklands as one of the most important international issues facing the country, 24% of Argentinians do.
Asked directly about Falklands, 54% of British respondents think it is an important issue to Britain, compared to 67% of Argentinians who think it is an important issue to Argentina.
Despite that, many Argentinians seem to have little idea of the islands' history, or remain knowingly ignorant.
The argument used by foreign minister Timerman - that there is no such thing as a Falklander and that Britain occupies the islands solely for use of its natural resources - is parroted unthinkingly.
But, even if it was the case that Britain now maintains a south Atlantic base for oil, it certainly was not in the past. Not unless the first British settlers had incredible foresight in 1690, that is 126 years before Argentina even became a country in its own right.
Of course, the nadir in diplomatic relations between Britain and Argentina occurred in 1982 with the outbreak of the Falklands War, a 74-day conflict which cost the lives of 255 British servicemen, approximately 650 Argentine servicemen, and three Falklands civilians.
The single biggest loss of life came with the sinking of the Belgrano, an Argentine navy ship, by HMS Conqueror. 323 Argentina servicemen were killed in what remains a highly controversial military assault by the British.
Worse, though, was the now infamous tub-thumping reaction of the Sun newspaper, and its sickeningly vainglorious "Gotcha" headline.
No doubt, the fate of the Belgrano and its occupants is the most memorable incident in the war, and one which has coloured the view of many people in Britain of the whole conflict.
Certainly, there seems to be a lot of bitterness about the Falklands War generally by those on the political Left.
For example, there have been no fewer than three articles on the Guardian website in the last few days, all of them written from an Argentine perspective, including one by the South American country's ambassador to London, Alicia Castro.
Of course, it did not help the Left that one of the direct consequences of the British victory was the huge boost in morale for Margaret Thatcher's ailing Conservative government.
Indeed, having been struggling in the polls through almost all of her first term, the Tories rallied from the summer of 1982 onwards and pulled off a huge landslide win in the 1983 general election.
It was an even bigger victory for Mrs Thatcher than her breakthrough win in 1979, and it essentially sealed her position at the top of British politics for the rest of the decade.
But, while the fate of history was clearly not on the side of the Left politically, such pettiness should be put aside and the Left should accept the necessity of the Falklands War (if not, necessarily, the Belgrano incident).
Ultimately, as far as I am concerned, the good folk in Port Stanley are as British as anyone living in Bristol, Bradford or Birmingham.
And, after the dark day on 2 April 1982 when Argentine forces swept unannounced across the island, those Britons' lives deserved to be protected by a British counter-offensive.
Far from being meaningless, as suggested by ambassador Castro, this referendum result actually means everything to the Falklanders.
It is their only way of making a statement to the rest of the world that they will not be moved. Now, if only Argentina would listen.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
England receive Kiwi wake up call
ENGLAND prepare for this year's back-to-back Ashes campaigns with back-to-back Test series against New Zealand, starting tonight in Dunedin.
Alastair Cook's men take on the Black Caps in a trio of Tests this month, already confident following their two 2-1 wins on this tour in the other forms of the game.
However, the tourists received a rude awakening in their only warm-up match for the longer format. Opener Nick Compton and Kevin Pietersen struggled with the bat as a New Zealand A team picked up a shock win by three wickets.
Meanwhile, England have also gained a slight reputation for starting their away Test series slowly, having gone behind on each of their last three tours.
That said, falling behind in their last Test action before Christmas did not stop England from recording a momentous triumph as they won in India for the first time in 28 years.
There, Somerset batsman Compton averaged 34.66 in his debut series, making a few good starts without ever threatening to hit a really big score - and, subsequently, Compton has come under pressure from Yorkshire's Joe Root.
The 22-year-old Root played brilliantly in the recent ODI series against the Black Caps, becoming the first ever player to pass 30 in all of his first six ODI innings on his way to a 164 series average.
Nevertheless, the decision has been made rightly to stick with Compton for now. It seems a reasonable judgement to me as, while Compton has yet to set the world alight, he has done little wrong yet either.
Moreover, Root's success over the shorter formats does not in any way guarantee a repeat in the Test arena - and, although Compton scored just nine in his debut knock, those nine runs came off 53 balls.
This suggests he has the patience to occupy the crease, a much required skill in Test cricket, already legendarily demonstrated in the England team by the likes of skipper Cook and grinder Jonathan Trott.
In this regard, alongside South Africa, England seem to be somewhat of an exception.
With more and more emphasis on ODIs and T20s, the skill of patience is becoming something of a lost art across international cricket as a whole - and nowhere has this been more evident than in New Zealand.
The Black Caps can still generally compete well in limited overs matches but recent Test results have been dreadful with just one win in the last 11 going back to the start of 2012. Eight of those matches have ended in defeat.
True, the Kiwis' most recent series pitched them away against the number one ranked team in the world, South Africa.
But, in the absence of former skipper Ross Taylor, the Black Caps never even looked like competing.
Both Test matches against the Proteas were lost by an innings and New Zealand's total of 45 in the first innings of the first Test was their lowest in five-day cricket since 1974.
Taylor's withdrawal from the squad was controversial as much as it was conspicuous, depriving the Black Caps of the most naturally gifted player of their current squad.
Stripped of the captaincy in December because of the team's poor form, the 28-year-old made himself unavailable for the tour of South Africa, saying he needed a "break" from the game.
Taylor may well now be back for the England series but New Zealand's problems continue, this time with one of their main bowlers, Doug Bracewell.
The 22-year-old paceman has been ruled out of the first Test at least after injuring his foot in an incident at a party in his own home. Bracewell has apologised to New Zealand Cricket but the damage is already done.
All being equal, Bracewell's availability or lack thereof should actually count for little. This comes across as rather arrogant but England really should expect to win this series comfortably, with a two or three-nil victory most likely, according to the bookmakers.
After all, New Zealand are without a series win against a team other than Zimbabwe or Bangladesh for seven years. Frankly, England are overwhelming favourites.
Nevertheless, the Kiwis should not be underestimated - teams in all sports are always at their most dangerous when that happens - and so, in that sense, the warm-up defeat came at a good time.
However, England simply look to have too much fire-power for the hosts. Former captain Alec Stewart expects the twin threats of James Anderson and Steven Finn to dominate the narrative over the next month, and I cannot disagree.
Experienced swing bowler Anderson recently celebrated becoming England's most successful wicket-taker in all formats, and should find more joy under familiar cloudy conditions.
Meanwhile, though Finn is hopefully much closer to the opposite end of his international career, his early progress - 70 Test wickets at 28.22 - promises much, even if he has now been experimenting with a shorter run-up.
England's other bowling selections are slightly more problematic with Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann struggling with form and injuries.
But, with Graham Onions, Chris Woakes and Monty Panesar also in the squad, there is enough depth not to feel too concerned.
Finally, as has been mentioned elsewhere, it must be hoped that all of England's attention will be focused on this series against New Zealand, and not on events later in the year.
It is all too easy to look ahead at the looming Ashes series - with nine Tests, five at home and four away, against the old enemy before 2013 is out.
But the Ashes themselves usually require a certain momentum, and that momentum is best gained by winning matches - starting with New Zealand home and away from March until May.
HOME & AWAY: TOUR RESULTS/FIXTURES
NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND
ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND
Alastair Cook's men take on the Black Caps in a trio of Tests this month, already confident following their two 2-1 wins on this tour in the other forms of the game.
However, the tourists received a rude awakening in their only warm-up match for the longer format. Opener Nick Compton and Kevin Pietersen struggled with the bat as a New Zealand A team picked up a shock win by three wickets.
Meanwhile, England have also gained a slight reputation for starting their away Test series slowly, having gone behind on each of their last three tours.
That said, falling behind in their last Test action before Christmas did not stop England from recording a momentous triumph as they won in India for the first time in 28 years.
There, Somerset batsman Compton averaged 34.66 in his debut series, making a few good starts without ever threatening to hit a really big score - and, subsequently, Compton has come under pressure from Yorkshire's Joe Root.
The 22-year-old Root played brilliantly in the recent ODI series against the Black Caps, becoming the first ever player to pass 30 in all of his first six ODI innings on his way to a 164 series average.
Nevertheless, the decision has been made rightly to stick with Compton for now. It seems a reasonable judgement to me as, while Compton has yet to set the world alight, he has done little wrong yet either.
Moreover, Root's success over the shorter formats does not in any way guarantee a repeat in the Test arena - and, although Compton scored just nine in his debut knock, those nine runs came off 53 balls.
This suggests he has the patience to occupy the crease, a much required skill in Test cricket, already legendarily demonstrated in the England team by the likes of skipper Cook and grinder Jonathan Trott.
In this regard, alongside South Africa, England seem to be somewhat of an exception.
With more and more emphasis on ODIs and T20s, the skill of patience is becoming something of a lost art across international cricket as a whole - and nowhere has this been more evident than in New Zealand.
The Black Caps can still generally compete well in limited overs matches but recent Test results have been dreadful with just one win in the last 11 going back to the start of 2012. Eight of those matches have ended in defeat.
True, the Kiwis' most recent series pitched them away against the number one ranked team in the world, South Africa.
But, in the absence of former skipper Ross Taylor, the Black Caps never even looked like competing.
Both Test matches against the Proteas were lost by an innings and New Zealand's total of 45 in the first innings of the first Test was their lowest in five-day cricket since 1974.
Taylor's withdrawal from the squad was controversial as much as it was conspicuous, depriving the Black Caps of the most naturally gifted player of their current squad.
Stripped of the captaincy in December because of the team's poor form, the 28-year-old made himself unavailable for the tour of South Africa, saying he needed a "break" from the game.
Taylor may well now be back for the England series but New Zealand's problems continue, this time with one of their main bowlers, Doug Bracewell.
The 22-year-old paceman has been ruled out of the first Test at least after injuring his foot in an incident at a party in his own home. Bracewell has apologised to New Zealand Cricket but the damage is already done.
All being equal, Bracewell's availability or lack thereof should actually count for little. This comes across as rather arrogant but England really should expect to win this series comfortably, with a two or three-nil victory most likely, according to the bookmakers.
After all, New Zealand are without a series win against a team other than Zimbabwe or Bangladesh for seven years. Frankly, England are overwhelming favourites.
Nevertheless, the Kiwis should not be underestimated - teams in all sports are always at their most dangerous when that happens - and so, in that sense, the warm-up defeat came at a good time.
However, England simply look to have too much fire-power for the hosts. Former captain Alec Stewart expects the twin threats of James Anderson and Steven Finn to dominate the narrative over the next month, and I cannot disagree.
Experienced swing bowler Anderson recently celebrated becoming England's most successful wicket-taker in all formats, and should find more joy under familiar cloudy conditions.
Meanwhile, though Finn is hopefully much closer to the opposite end of his international career, his early progress - 70 Test wickets at 28.22 - promises much, even if he has now been experimenting with a shorter run-up.
England's other bowling selections are slightly more problematic with Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann struggling with form and injuries.
But, with Graham Onions, Chris Woakes and Monty Panesar also in the squad, there is enough depth not to feel too concerned.
Finally, as has been mentioned elsewhere, it must be hoped that all of England's attention will be focused on this series against New Zealand, and not on events later in the year.
It is all too easy to look ahead at the looming Ashes series - with nine Tests, five at home and four away, against the old enemy before 2013 is out.
But the Ashes themselves usually require a certain momentum, and that momentum is best gained by winning matches - starting with New Zealand home and away from March until May.
HOME & AWAY: TOUR RESULTS/FIXTURES
NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND
| Date | Match | Result | Venue | |
| 9 Feb | First T20 | ENGLAND 214-7 beat NEW ZEALAND 174-9 by 40 runs | Eden Park | |
| 12 Feb | Second T20 | NEW ZEALAND 192-6 beat ENGLAND 137 by 55 runs | Hamilton | |
| 15 Feb | Third T20 | ENGLAND 143-0 beat NEW ZEALAND 139-8 by 10 wkts | Wellington | Eng won series 2-1 |
| 17 Feb | First ODI | NEW ZEALAND 259-7 beat ENGLAND 258 by three wkts | Hamilton | |
| 20 Feb | Second ODI | ENGLAND 270-2 beat NEW ZEALAND 269 by eight wkts | Napier | |
| 23 Feb | Third ODI | ENGLAND 186-5 beat NEW ZEALAND 185 by five wkts | Eden Park | Eng won series 2-1 |
| 6-10 Mar | First Test | NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND | Dunedin | |
| 14-18 Mar | Second Test | NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND | Wellington | |
| 22-26 Mar | Third Test | NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND | Eden Park |
ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND
| Date | Match | Venue | ||
| 16-20 May | First Test | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Hamilton | |
| 24-28 May | Second Test | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Wellington | |
| 31 May | First ODI | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Hamilton | |
| 2 Jun | Second ODI | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Napier | |
| 5 Jun | Third ODI | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Eden Park | |
| 25 Jun | First T20 | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Dunedin | |
| 27 Jun | Second T20 | ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND | Wellington | |
Friday, 1 March 2013
Eastleigh stays loyal to the Lib Dems as Tories fall third
| EASTLEIGH | LD hold | ||
| Mike Thornton Lib Dems | 13,342 | 32.1% | (-14.5%) |
| Diane James UKIP | 11,571 | 26.6% | (+24.2%) |
| Maria Hutchings Conservatives | 10,559 | 25.4% | (-14%) |
| John O'Farrell Labour | 4,088 | 9.8% | (+0.2%) |
| Others | 2,056 | 5.0% |
THE LIBERAL Democrats had rare cause for celebration overnight after the party surprisingly held its seat in the Eastleigh by-election.
Mike Thornton is the new MP for the Hampshire constituency - succeeding fellow Lib Dem, former energy minister Chris Huhne - following a caustic campaign between the two coalition parties.
The by-election was called after Huhne resigned from the House of Commons earlier this month in disgrace, having pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice over claims his ex-wife took speeding points for him back in 2003.
Huhne had previously insisted on his innocence but, now hoisted by his own petard, he can expect to be sentenced at the conclusion of the trial of his former spouse Vicky Pryce.
It is likely, based upon previous MPs who have fallen foul of that particular law, that he will face a period in prison - and, indeed, this by-election could not have come at a worse time for the Lib Dems.
Still polling nationally at only around 10%, the party has been further rocked by the allegations against its former chief executive and election strategist, Lord Rennard.
The peer stands accused of "inappropriate behaviour" towards women - but the real fall-out has come from the confusion over just how much party leader Nick Clegg has known about the matter.
As usual, Mr Clegg has hardly helped himself, having taken somewhat contradictory stances over the past week.
First, the Deputy Prime Minister claimed he knew nothing about the allegations. But now, Mr Clegg has admitted that he had, after all, been aware of "indirect and non-specific concerns".
BBC political editor Nick Robinson explains that "this shift was made necessary because it is now clear that allegations were made to the party's chief whip and equalities spokesperson five years ago".
However, it still does not really feel as if we are any closer to the truth.
Despite all this, though, the Tories singularly failed to take advantage in what can only be considered as a worrying outcome for Prime Minister David Cameron.
Based on the Lib Dem majority in 2010, Eastleigh was target seat number 55 for the Conservatives in 2015 - and, even before the result was confirmed, former leadership contender David Davis warned of a possible "crisis".
Mr Davis said: "I think if we came third it would be a crisis, and if it's a close second with UKIP on our tail it will also be uncomfortable."
Well, the Tories did come third following an inauspicious campaign by their candidate Maria Hutchings.
Meanwhile, Labour never expected much from a seat which is way off its published list of targets.
Even the selection as a candidate of broadcaster and writer John O'Farrell seems to have made little impression.
Indeed, it could have made things worse after Mr O'Farrell's old but indiscriminate comments about Margaret Thatcher and her lucky escape from Brighton hotel bombing came to light.
Of course, Ed Miliband's party will have to start winning some seats in the south and east, having been just about wiped out altogether in 2010. But, even if Labour is returned to power in 2015, Eastleigh is not likely to be one of them.
Consequently, this Lib Dem hold is much more a danger to the Conservatives than to Labour, especially now that the boundaries bill is dead in the water.
Labour would be foolish not to make some analysis of the result, though. The great expectancy, given their woeful polling scores, is that the Lib Dems will be obliterated from the political map in 2015.
But that is a dangerous assumption to make and it is one which does not take into account any 'incumbency' factor.
The decisive element in 2015 is indeed likely to be just how many of their 57 seats the Lib Dems will lose - and, contrary to the national polls, it might not be as many as previously feared.
It is little wonder, then, that - while favourite - a Labour majority at the next general election remains odds-against for now. After all, there is still a long way to go yet.
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