Want to be the next Darren Pattinson?

.....well, you could be if you apply yourself! Isn't that what it is all about? Of course it is.

Far from being the embarassment that some in the media predicted, Darren has acquitted himself amazingly well in the second test against South Africa that has just finished. Who will ever forget the rank full toss that produced his first ever test wicket? Certainly not me... and i've forgotten a hell of a lot in my time.

I guess my point about Darren is that there is hope for us all. Maybe one day we too will get our dream chance to represent our country (or someone else's). As more and more countries get involved with test cricket, and more and more people realise that they are not quite good enough to play for their own country, there will always be people willing to use some weak ancestral link to play at the top level. Remeber Geraint Jones, the Fijian-born Australian playing for.....oh.....seems to be a trend here.

But you could get there on merit. Who's to say who England will pick next? Will Junaid's 6 for 15 against Frimley have gone unnoticed from the powers that be at England HQ? Who's to say if the conditions are right, Tun Up won't be getting a call up from Geoff Miller. Perhaps Harry Copeland will come into the England team for Ambrose following a string of great performances.....who knows?

The best way to put yourself in contention is to get out there and play cricket. This Sunday (after Saturday) is as good a chance as any. Anyone fancying a game against the crossbats should contact Jimmy C, who guarantees that it will be "doin' a bit".

WICKMAN JUNIOR

BELIEF