Athers will return (31 March 1999)

31 March 1999

Athers will return

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Mike Atherton is not a quitter.

And, while his World Cup dreams are in tatters, he will find it almost impossible to accept that his entire, record-breaking England career is over.

"Knowing him, it's premature to say this is the end," said his friend and ex-Lancashire team-mate Paul Allott.

And Lancashire chairman Jack Simmons said: "Once he has got over the initial disappointment, I'm sure he will want to keep going and get back into the Test side. He is a battler, we all know that."

England's loss could be Lancashire's gain. Chairman of selectors David Graveney has warned Atherton in no uncertain terms about what he has to do - to get fit, and play well in county cricket over a sustained period.

It's a similar message to the one he gave the 31-year-old opener at the start of last season, following the West Indies tour, and Atherton responded superbly to recapture his place. Then he produced some stirring performances against South Africa.

But, first, he will take medical advice and put himself in the hands of Old Trafford physio Laurie Brown.

England officials believe Atherton could be sidelined for two months, and Lancashire will give him all the help and encouragement possible to return to top-flight action.

Simmons, currently in South Africa where Lancashire are wrapping up a pre-season tour, will speak to him early next week. Atherton has already told Lancashire that, whatever his England status, he wants to continue playing for at least another two years and will be devastated if the latest setback forces him out at this stage.

Meanwhile, England will today assess their options for replacing Atherton.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney already had a secret list of 10 players who he had in mind as cover for every position in the squad.

But before today is out, England must decide who they will call upon to replace Atherton's great experience and, more importantly, his ability to combat the swinging white ball which is expected to prevail during the World Cup.

Mark Ramprakash and Nasser Hussain, both unlucky to miss out on the original squad, are sure to be leading candidates but neither has great experience of opening an innings and other contenders like Ally Brown is more of pinch-hitter than a traditional style of opener.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)