ATHERTON_IS_CAPTAIN_28JUL93

England's new captain has just been announced at a press conference. He is... Michael Atherton. He has been appointed for only the two remaining tests against Australia in the first instance, but the committee 'expects to confirm the appointment' for the West Indies Tour in due course. Usual practice is for the tour captain to be appointed in early September, and the committee wanted to follow this procedure. In an unusually frank press conference, it was announced that five other candidates had been given 'full and thorough' consideration. They were: Alec Stewart, Kim Barnett, Mike Gatting, Martyn Moxon and Hugh Morris. One of the criteria was the need for 'mental toughness' in next winter's West Indies tour. All five candidates were highly regarded in this respect; but Atherton was considered to have the best chance of introducing 'new thinking' and a 'fresh approach'. Just interviewed on the radio, Atherton was extremely vague about what 'new ideas' he might bring to the job, but said he would be his 'own man'. Thanks to Robert Benfield on r.s.c. ========== MORE Atherton - back to runs on the square rather than runs round the ground? Newly appointed England captain Mike Atherton has 2 tests to prove himself. Although he does not currently captain his county side, Lancs, he has been captain all the way up the ranks from junior level, U-19, and University and also standing in for Fairbrother at Lancs. At the press conference, he stated he would do things "his own way". Although stressing that the craze about fitness under his predecessor Gooch was an image built up by the media and wasn't as fanatic as it has been portrayed, his own method is known to let players express themselves and that each player needs different treatment. He also stated that Gooch was currently the best player in England at the moment and would certainly be in his team for the next 2 tests. He also scorned at suggestions that this appointment would open the apparent rift between him and re-appointed vice-captain Alec Stewart, saying that Stewart had earlier phoned to congratulate him on the news. Ted Dexter, head of the Committee, stated that the meeting about the captaincy had taken over 2 hours, with Micky Stewart naming his son as captain. Anyway, what's going to happen to the team? Will Atherton push for Gooch to open with him, or have Stewart drop the gloves?? Squad should be picked by end of the week.. Thanks to CGM (mcssecgm@dct.ac.uk) on r.s.c.