A transformation of the
England Test set-up, a return for Jofra Archer and a more inclusive sport are all hopes for the new year
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With the Ashes gone, England’s Test team are in what could be tactfully described as some disarray. But where there is despair, let us sow hope. A year ago, The Spin expressed six wishes for 2021, and most of them came true. Cricket’s gates did reopen, Michael Holding did have a bestseller,
Ireland did keep busy and
New Zealand did become world Test champions. One wish went badly awry: Zak Crawley never came close to a second Test century, and for someone who can play so regally, 2021 was an annus horribilis.
Another was only half-fulfilled: Mark Wood did get more Tests – seven in the calendar year, the most for him since 2015 – but appeared only once against
India and was perplexingly rested in Adelaide last month, just when his speed was unsettling Australia’s best batters. Still, as the players say, we go again. Here are six wishes for 2022.