There's a strange feeling to this South African tour. We're three or more weeks into it and so far the wheels are well and truly in place. Stunning performances from Owen Morgan (so much easier to spell it this way Eoin), Jimmy Anderson, Colly (he just will not lie down), our new Jaapie and others have neutralised the home Saffas. They have only managed two performances of note to our three and frankly rain or no rain we've edged the first half of the tour quite nicely.
So what next? Welllll. Two completely meaningless two day games. One has already started today and the big question of the tour remains unanswered. Will KP be able to play himself back into form physically and mentally? So far on the tour he has looked like a batsman that has lost his way. He has tried to muscle runs, dominate attacks and get back some of the his pre-sacking swagger but it's just not happening.
Even his media pronouncements so far have been bland. Some minor whingeing about being cooped up and not getting enough cricket are worryingly reminiscent of his attempt to bail out and fly back to his wife on the last tour. Is the man's head in the right place? One dominant knock in the West Indies aside when he self destructed in reach of a ton this has not been a good year for him on or off the field. With Strauss firmly in charge of the team and Flower seemingly better positioned in the dressing room than the previous coach is there enough room for him?
Wickman wonders whether this series will be about KP at all. He's the South African that the South Africans fear you would think... but will his role be more one of drawing the fire away and letting Strauss and Trott wear down the recently ex World No 1 Test side?
Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club * 1863 - 2013 * 150 Glorious Seasons
Tuesday 8 December 2009
A Tour Going Well?
There's a strange feeling to this South African tour. We're three or more weeks into it and so far the wheels are well and truly in place. Stunning performances from Owen Morgan (so much easier to spell it this way Eoin), Jimmy Anderson, Colly (he just will not lie down), our new Jaapie and others have neutralised the home Saffas. They have only managed two performances of note to our three and frankly rain or no rain we've edged the first half of the tour quite nicely.
So what next? Welllll. Two completely meaningless two day games. One has already started today and the big question of the tour remains unanswered. Will KP be able to play himself back into form physically and mentally? So far on the tour he has looked like a batsman that has lost his way. He has tried to muscle runs, dominate attacks and get back some of the his pre-sacking swagger but it's just not happening.
Even his media pronouncements so far have been bland. Some minor whingeing about being cooped up and not getting enough cricket are worryingly reminiscent of his attempt to bail out and fly back to his wife on the last tour. Is the man's head in the right place? One dominant knock in the West Indies aside when he self destructed in reach of a ton this has not been a good year for him on or off the field. With Strauss firmly in charge of the team and Flower seemingly better positioned in the dressing room than the previous coach is there enough room for him?
Wickman wonders whether this series will be about KP at all. He's the South African that the South Africans fear you would think... but will his role be more one of drawing the fire away and letting Strauss and Trott wear down the recently ex World No 1 Test side?
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