Organising international cricket amid a global pandemic is
never going to be easy. The logistics are phenomenal. In a world where we
strive for certainties, the uncertainness of it all is worrying.
The isolation and secure biosecurity-bubbles can't be good
long term for players or administrators. England ended their tour of South
Africa early before Christmas. Understandably precautions need to be taken.
Cricket doesn't make the world go around – but it helps.
England has done well to have had very few cases of Covid-19
among their ranks. Before today's announcement, I can only think of Sarah Glenn
that has had the illness among England's number.
It can't be easy for many in the squad in Sri Lanka after Moeen
Ali tested positive. If there is a player who has a chance of playing a large
portion of England's marathon schedule this year an inform Ali would be one of
those who would be in with a chance.
It isn't the start that England would have imagined, but
there is no doubting the players' resilience on tour.
Williamson continues to show class
In the tests underway, there is no stopping Kane Williamson.
The New Zealand captain is in a rich vein of form. For the third test in
succession, he has scored a hundred. One of those is a double century and resumes
on 112 not out on day three.
Sri Lanka will be looking to set South Africa a tricky target
when they resume tomorrow with Dimuth Karunaratne 91 not out. It will be difficult
for Sri Lanka, and South Africa are still in a prime position to win.
Ian Salisbury
When Jason Gillespie announced his decision to leave his
position as Sussex coach, I had some thoughts on who I would like to replace him.
In the end, Sussex chose Ian Salisbury and James Kirtley to take over in the
different formats.
Both Sailsbury and Kirtley were a big part of the Sussex
sides I fell in love with when I was younger. Salisbury moved on within a
couple of years of my regular trips to Hove. Kirtley would write himself into a
rich seam of history for the county.
It was with interest that I read an interview in The
Times by Elizabeth Amon with Salisbury. He talks about his passion for the
county and what kind of coach he has become. I was impressed. He is precisely the
type of person I want to be in charge of Sussex.
My wish list for a new coach was someone that had a history
with the county and someone that looks to get the best out of players. Sussex
have that now, and I am looking forward to how things work out.
Bowled her!
The Cricketer Twitter account asked which one wicket you
would watch on repeat for the rest of your life?
I'm tempted to say Simon Jones bowling Michael Clarke during
the 2005 Ashes. There can only be one winner, and that is Anya Shrubsole's
winning wicket in the 2017 World Cup final at Lord's. I was at the ground when
that moment happened. The sense of joy and relief was overwhelming. Also what
an occasion to introduce your niece to Lord's.
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