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dominic cork
‘Traumatised’ England head back to India
By Will 2 years ago, at the start of December, 5 Comments »
Well, not quite. They’re stopping over at Abu Dhabi to defrost, before arriving in India some time next week. Or later this week. Or (and this is highly unlikely) not at all.
Dominic Cork is always good for a quote or seven, but his sensationalistic words today were a little over-the-top. At least, I hope they were. He claims some of the England players were traumatised by the events in India. In no way am I suggesting the terrorism was anything other than vile, and yes I appreciate India’s television showed the true horror, but were they really traumatised? I hope not, for their sake, because the next couple of weeks are going to be pretty bloody awful for them.
I wonder what effect this will have on the cricket, by both teams. It could degenerate into a bit of a farce, or perhaps have the feeling of a charity match. Let’s just hope that, for once, India can pack the grounds full to bursting and give England a warm and welcoming reception.
And by the by, three cheers to Kevin Pietersen. The past few weeks have been a total nightmare for him and England, yet he’s shown diplomacy, honesty and been almost totally positive about everything. Extra turkey and bread sauce for him this year.
5 Comments »Willis: Hick and Ramprakash ‘clogging up county cricket’
By Will 3 years ago, mid-September, 4 Comments »
Bob Willis is never short of opinions. Not all of them are conventional or even particularly thought through, but writing in the latest issue of The Wisden Cricketer he has slammed just about everyone. Ageing players such as Graeme Hick, Mark Ramprakash and Dominic Cork are wasting the money the ECB “create” through their revenue streams, thus impacting on the next generation of England stars.
I don’t have much of an issue with these three, or indeed for any ageing former England player – so long as they perform and contribute to the team. Ramprakash continues to be as prolific a batsman as any – Hick less so, but nevertheless is a reassuring face in a brittle Worcestershire line-up. If their frail frames falter, then goodnight – but so long as they’re producing the goods, their experience is invaluable to younger players.
The Kolpak issue is altogether different, and I suppose I’m contradicting myself if I can allow old English players to play rather than old non-England-qualified Greek/Australian players. But there must be some form of regulation (which, admittedly, comes into force next year) for the selection of third-grade Kolpakians. It’s out of control and impeding the progress of young English talent.
Willis is really off on one, which is always enjoyable to read rather than listen to. Cricinfo has a synopsis and we’ll have the piece up either this weekend or next. Offer your thoughts below.
4 Comments »