2 January 2021
As England depart for Sri Lanka, it would be quite possible
for the Twitter accounts of some counties to post images of their respective
headquarters clad in snow. While in previous years the welcome relief of those
in the touring party to escape the cold climate for warmer pastures would be
welcome.
These as different times, with bubbles and quarantine, what
welcomes England’s is far from the usual trip to distant shores. England taking
a full-time therapist with them for the first time on tour is not just sensible
but essential.
Already confirmed is that Jos Buttler will start with the
gloves in the tests against Sri Lanka, which when you consider Buttler is an essential
player across all formats seems an opportunity wasted to give someone the likes
of Ben Foakes a spell behind the stumps. What is sure though, as last year
there will be a few players in contention for places.
It would be interesting to see the likes of Ollie Robinson
to prove they can perform on the big stage. Robinson is a player who I have
admired for a while. You can be sure that his name will pop up over the next
year.
New Zealand v Pakistan
Of course, there is test cricket going on all over the
place, and nowhere looks cooler to watch it from Hagley Oval where New Zealand
take on Pakistan in the second test of their series.
Much has been made of how New Zealand has handled the pandemic.
There is also much to admire in the way they play their cricket.
WNCL
There are some concerns about the start of the new WNCL
season, scheduled to begin in the next couple of weeks. With some
state borders likely to be closed. With schedulers nervously pencilling
fixtures in it would be unfortunate if plans for this competition were needed.
The standard is incredibly high, and with a 50 over World Cup
a year away, it may be the final chance for some players to convince the selectors
they deserve to cross the Tasman Sea and pull on the green and gold.
Early Morning Radio
It was good to hear Kathryn Bryce interviewed for the BBC
Stumped radio programme. Even if it was nearly three in the morning when it was
broadcast in the UK. The Scotland and Lightning captain recently picked up the
ICC award for Women’s Associate Player of the Decade. An award she rightly
deserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment