The Surfer

In the short term, Cricket Australia is working to finalise the visits of New Zealand and South Africa next summer for three Tests each and, in all likelihood, separate head-to-head series of five one-day internationals.

Kirsten confirmed to TOI that he has recommended the appointment of Paddy Upton, also a former fitness trainer with tthe South African team between 1994-1998. Upton now works as a mental conditioning coach at Kirsten's cricket academy in Cape Town and is also his business partner in a venture called "Performance Zone". "It is not yet finalised, but I have told the BCCI that Paddy could add value to the side," said Kirsten.

We have a situation where there is a traffic jam in the Indian batting with 'brand new cars' jostling for space with a few 'old models' that should have long been scrapped. The problem with Indian cricket selectors is that they have always suffered from a delusion that they have an obligation to please everyone.

But in doing so, the veteran leg spinner will surrender his position to Brad Hogg, allowing the West Australian a prime opportunity to cement his place in the Test side over the course of the four-Test series against India. Should all go to plan, MacGill would be available for the final rounds of the Pura Cup competition, then present himself for Australian selection before the tour of Pakistan. But there are no guarantees. At 36, and having already undergone surgery on the knee this season, there is a very real possibility MacGill might not regain fitness in time for the tour of Pakistan. And if Hogg were to perform strongly against India, MacGill's international career would be all but over, anyhow.

It's a cliche but sportsmen ignore it at their peril - show respect for people on your way to the top, or the same people might just elbow you in the breadbasket once you fall to your knees. MacGill never showed much of that respect and consequently people are queuing up to question his future as a Test bowler after his modest performances when hampered by injuries in two Tests against Sri Lanka.

"When pitches are dead, one of the things I want bowlers to do is bowl within themselves. If their top speed is 87?mph I want them to be bowling at 82?mph, but consistently. They can then either go up to their maximum or drop down to 72?mph with a slower ball, which offers them three levels of variation."