The Surfer

It is interesting how the bowling group has evolved in the summer. It’s a big group and it’s full of youth and experience. When we head to the Ashes, next year, it will be good for us. It will be a good challenge, as we have a lot of bowlers, ranging from the very young and inexperienced through to Brett Lee. That will be the challenge to try and get all those guys on the same page. One (coaching) technique doesn't work for all bowlers as they are different and it’s important that you work with the talent that each of them have got individually.

The poise and neutrality of his broadcasts were a marvel to many. When he showed a minute bit of emotion at the dismissal of Stan McCabe, Glasgow Herald wrote, “Mr Howard Marshall very successfully dispelled one false impression ... that if Bradman himself dropped dead at the wicket, (he) would not allow even such a shocking happening as this to betray him into raising his voice or indicating anything untoward has happened. When Mr. Marshall came on at 2.20 on Saturday he was describing an over by Farnes to McCabe, and the beautiful voice went easily on, soothing as sunshine to a holidaymaker taking it easy in a deck chair after a good lunch. And then there was a fearful shout as if Mr. Marshall had swallowed his tonsils. ‘He’s out.’”

The lack of expression from the players when it comes to international cricket is understandable. It stems from flawed governance and skewed distribution of resources. The selection inconsistencies and low income sharing of the produce with the players, who have significantly contributed towards it, makes it a fractious environment. With meaningless international contests taking shape in front of empty stands and formats being allowed to eat into each others territories, it is building up towards a fantastic recipe for disaster!

To borrow a few Aucklandisms this is all about location, location, location ... There's ample foot traffic in the area and walk-up crowds would be immense. For those who have never seen a Test in Auckland, there's the chance to satisfy that particular curiosity; while fans old enough to remember the 1992 World Cup will be able to relive those glory days while paying five times as much for a beer. Office workers could sneak away at lunchtime and after work ... The ground could be easily filled during the HRV Cup, too.

Tim May: "From my conversations with Pakistani players, [it is] also an insider's point of view. They need something which unifies the players and that's what a players' association is. It represents the common interest of the players, the players will rally behind the association, and it brings about unity and accountability amongst your own players. That's good for Pakistan cricket ... " An association, and membership of Fica, can only help the renaissance of Pakistan cricket.

What we have to remember is that it isn’t real cricket. The players are out there using cricket equipment fair enough, but it is a form of entertainment, pure and simple. The dancing girls, music, mascots and fireworks are all part of it. Of course, for the players and for the clubs it is a serious matter because, with the Champions League a carrot at the end of it all, there are plenty of big bucks to be won.

Test cricket is harder than it looks. I’ve got a lot more respect for the guys who have done really well in test cricket for a long period of time to deal with that. Test cricket is really interesting at the moment because the wickets have started to become a little bowler friendly, a bit more conducive to 40 wickets falling in a match. And that makes for really good cricket. So, it is just interesting seeing it from close quarters. I feel like I belong and I can do really well. It has been a bit more emotionally exhausting than I thought it would be.

There is a legitimate perception that it might damage Bairstow's long-term development to drop him now, yet a traumatic series against South Africa would do even more harm. England may have to be cruel to be kind. There seems little doubt that Bairstow's time will come eventually. Two outrageous innings – 41 not out off 21 balls against India on his England debut, and 60 not out from 46 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi – attest to a rare talent.

Competition is always healthy. It pushes you to perform much better and brings the best out of you, since someone is waiting in the wings to grab your position. I need to focus on myself, my batting technique ...