Atherton keeps everyone guessing about his future

Former England captain Mike Atherton has hinted in an article in New Statesman of a possible retirement after next summer's Ashes series. Atherton said "I say what I say to everybody, that I don't look too far ahead with the recent history of back trouble that I've had and clearly I'm not going to be around forever."

Atherton however added "I haven't given it too much thought. I have a year left on my Lancashire contract which takes me to the end of next season. I've not said I'm going to be quitting. I don't look beyond the next game because you never know what's going to happen. I'm not looking beyond that period."

After making a solid 82 on the opening day of the fifth Test against West Indies, Atherton stated "It's not a revelation. I've been saying it for quite a while. I'm still enjoying the cricket so I intend to play on for a while."

On The Oval Test against the West Indies, Atherton who has led England for a record 52 times said "After 150 for none West Indies won't be too displeased, but we are not too displeased either. He added "I think the first hour tomorrow is going to be critical period when the new ball is due. We've got a couple of batsmen capable of getting hundreds so we could easily get a good score ourselves, but they could easily strike with the new ball."

On West Indian captain Jimmy Adams' decision to bowl first on the wicket, Atherton said ``I thought there was always little bit in the wicket, it kept you watchful and it is the type of pitch where clusters of wickets can easily come. There was something there for the bowlers and you can get an early dismissal or two. It has been a tradition of the West Indies down the years to bowl first. They batted first in the last two matches and got rolled fairly cheaply and that must have swayed their decision." He added "It was an interesting day's cricket, there was something for the spinner, a bit for the seamer and if you get your head down you can get some runs."

Atherton opined "It was difficult at the start and by mid-afternoon the runs were coming nicely. It was always in the back of your mind that you were never `in' on the pitch. You have to be watchful without taking too many liberties.''

On The Oval ground, Atherton said "When I started at The Oval you knew you could get hit on the head but you also knew you could hit through the line fairly easily. It used to be quick but since 1997 it has slightly changed in characteristic a bit, giving the spinners more of a chance.''

Finally Atherton had a word of praise for his new partner Marcus Trescothick with whom he shared a record opening partnership of 159 against West Indies. He said "I think he's got a touch of class. He's got a good temperament and I think he'll go on to open for many years to come."