The Surfer

When the South Africans say Steyn is doubtful for Kingsmead, it might be part of these mind games that are going on now. It is difficult for players really to analyse an opponent until they know he is definitely going to play.

South Africa have to make a decision about Makhaya Ntini. He has been such a wonderful servant, and needs to be respected for the 100 Tests he has played, but he has lost a little of his nip. My information is that he will play the second Test because he is so good against left-handers Strauss and Cook with the new ball. After that, though, I don't think the selectors would mind if he saved them the trouble of whispering in his ear.

He recalls captain Dinesh Karthik walking up to him before the first game of the season — against the Railways in Delhi — and telling him: “You have it in you to become a full-fledged allrounder.” Ganapathi adds: “When your captain, an international cricketer, shows so much faith in you, it definitely helps.” Ganapathi justified Karthik's faith by guiding Tamil Nadu to the lead. Tamil Nadu, requiring 328, was 274 for six and 312 for eight on a pitch encouraging spin before the all-rounder's 32 put his State ahead after a thrilling race.

6 MS Dhoni (captain)

Competition for the gloves has been hot. Several superb keeper/batsmen have emerged, not least in Australia and Pakistan. Dhoni carries himself with an authority that brooks no argument. He plays by his own lights, and with victory in mind. He belongs in the thick of the action and will captain the team.

Consider the call-ups for the Perth Test match. Narsingh Deonarine bowled some tidy off-breaks with his right arm, and batted left-handed. In that regard, he was following in the footsteps of Shiv Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle. According to the Cricket Australia season guide, 12 of the 30 Caribbean cricketers named as candidates for the tour are switchovers. It is an extraordinary statistic demanding an explanation.

Cricket has always been regarded as a two-handed game but all the manuals insist on placing the stronger hand at the bottom of the willow. The mood is changing. Already Langer has broken ranks. He believes his mixed method helped him. Asked on ABC Radio how he'd advise a five-year-old child with a stronger right hand to bat, he replied, ''left-handed''.

Gone forever is what became the traditional Christmas morning drinks party hosted by the press. No more, either, the fancy dress Christmas dinner. David Lloyd, Bumble, was telling me yesterday how, when he was team coach, they had a themed party where every player had to come as another team member. The lad who arrived carrying a cricket stump with a white hand towel wrapped around each end won the contest when he announced that he was Andrew Caddick and this was a necessarily giant cotton bud. Meanwhile, Wayne Morton, the team physio, had been charged with providing a present for each member. Dominic Cork, Bumble recalls, was given a can of Boddington's, because, said Morton, "you are indeed a bitter man".

It would be easier to understand England playing the same side now than the original selection. Selectors do not like changing the team after only one match, because it suggests an error has been made and it is the kind of error that can quickly cause players to lose faith in those passing judgment upon them, something that can affect the morale of the dressing room badly. It is why those initial decisions need to be taken with such care and why it is important to get them right.

I was dropped after just one match. A player can have an unlucky innings or two If you drop someone based on just one match especially someone who is making a comeback then I feel it is unfair. I feel I should been tested for the whole series.

Watson didn't actually say anything to me ... he just kept screaming in my direction. He has a bit of a temper and is pretty emotional so he was probably just letting it all out. Each player is different and getting me out came at a crucial time in an important Test match. There is no doubt he over-reacted but I am prepared to move on and let bygones be bygones.

Over the years the face and the cap have worn and faded together. Nothing else in Ponting's career has been there for so long.