Whilst English football’s fallen heroes toiled against the Germans this week, their cricket counterparts were fairing somewhat better in their Natwest ODI series against Australia.
After securing the series on Sunday England now turn their attentions to completing a 5-0 whitewash in preparation for the England-Bangladesh ODI at Trent Bridge on Thursday 8 July, and Notts players Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad hope to continue their starring roles for their country.
Swann’s Man of the Match performance at Old Trafford on Sunday aided England towards what was a nervy victory, however he sees this summer as an opportunity for English cricket to fill the void left by the nation’s disappointing footballers.
“It would be nice to think that we are the golden generation rather than the footballers,” said Swann.
“But we all wanted England to do well in the World Cup, and that was a big let-down.”
Swann’s figures of 4-37 were key in restricting the Australians innings at Old Trafford, and Swann added that he believed bowling in tandem with fellow slow bowler Michael Yardy has worked wonders for the team.
“It would be nice to think that we are the golden generation rather than the footballers." - Graeme Swann
England find themselves in a far stronger position than last summer, when Australia completed a 6-0 victory in the ODI series, and the Notts spinner believes England are making big improvements.
“We have won the Ashes, won the ICC World Twenty20 and won this series after just three games which you might expect against some teams, but possibly not Australia.”
Notts can boast two players performing for their country on a regular basis as Stuart Broad became the youngest England player to take 100 ODI wickets. Figures of 4-44 in the second ODI in Cardiff once again confirmed the 24 year old’s ability to compete at the highest level.
“I'm delighted to be back playing and it's a fantastic changing room to be in at the moment,” said Broad.
Eight consecutive ODI victories have contributed to the positive feeling within the England camp, and Broad attributes the success of the English bowlers to the guidance he receives from the senior players in the squad.
“You've got fantastic bowlers like Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson who are feeding information all the time,” he said.
“It's important that the younger bowlers just keep learning.”
As England have so far dominated the series against Australia they can look ahead to the remaining two matches and the Bangladesh series in July with great optimism.
Notts fans can see England’s cricketers in action at Trent Bridge on July 8th with tickets still available in all areas of the ground. Click here to visit our online box office.