Butcher ponders his future (10 August 1999)

10 August 1999

Butcher ponders his future

Peter Deeley

England stand-in captain Mark Butcher acknowledged the low level of self-confidence within the team after their narrow escape from defeat in the Old Trafford Test.

Speaking with an openness uncommon these days in England cricketing circles, Butcher conceded that the side had been fortunate to escape with a draw at Old Trafford, and was prepared to criticise his own form and speculate whether he might be dropped for the Oval Test.

He said: "Sometimes you need a bit of luck. We didn't deserve this draw but we'll take it. It may turn out to be a bit deflating for New Zealand going away empty-handed.

"The confidence level of the two teams is very, very different. You can tell a side that are on the up and one that are licking their wounds.

"Whether it's from people in the side or new people coming in, it doesn't matter. We just know we aren't good enough at the moment. There's no magic cure for us. It isn't good for England to be playing the way they are at the moment and we just have to go out there and perform.

"Perhaps a few of the batters aren't scoring the runs they would like. They may be feeling a bit distressed with their performances and that can affect the team's confidence."

Butcher recognised the level of disappointment around the country at England's performance. "New Zealand attracted a lot of negative press but they've proved everyone wrong with gusto. They've played very well and opened people's eyes."

He accepted that in professional sport players would always be under pressure to retain their place. "That's the way it'll always be. No one has a divine right to stay if people aren't performing - including myself."

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was "philosophical" about the rain which he felt had robbed his team of victory. He, too, recognised that England's confidence was "down at the moment" and felt it his role to ensure that his players remained disciplined and aggressive at the Oval. "If we get that right, that will not help England," he added.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)