Charles Randall: Alleyne out to make his mark (14 May 1997)

Wednesday 14 May 1997

Alleyne out to make his mark

By Charles Randall

FOR Mark Alleyne, Gloucestershire`s presence at the top of the championship table must come as a relief, if not a surprise.

They play a much-vaunted Surrey at the Oval today as the only side to have won a four-day game, even if the weather has been mostly responsible for their eminence.

When Alleyne took over as Gloucestershire`s fourth captain in four seasons his team were written off before they had started, but he insisted: "We`re so much better than we`ve been given credit for."

There is one striking similarity between Alleyne`s team and Leicestershire, who won the title last year against wider expectation. Both sides are closely knit, socialising with each other as a matter of course, even in the close season.

Alleyne said he was "speechless with joy" when his ambition to be captain was confirmed; as with James Whitaker last season, he is a leader with humility who encourages the newfangled dressing-room democracy.

He has stopped short of using the Leicestershire huddle, when the whole team gather round, arms on shoulders, at the fall of a wicket, and Gloucestershire even appeared to mock the huddle during their recent championship match at Leicester.

Alleyne, a high-quality all-rounder and product of Haringey Cricket College in London, said: "You need the whole team gelling off the field and staying together in the season. Two or three results usually turn on character and spirit."

Gloucestershire seem to have made a well-judged choice for overseas player. Shaun Young, the Tasmanian allrounder, has fitted in well with four fifties and a breezy personality.

Nick Knight captains Warwickshire on his return from injury during the continued absence of Tim Munton, and he has a terrible start to repair against Yorkshire at Headingley.

Mike Watkinson, who missed the Benson and Hedges Cup programme with an arm injury, returns as Lancashire`s captain against Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford.

Seam-bowler Martin Thursfield could make his championship debut for an injury-hit Sussex against Somerset at Taunton, if Vasbert Drakes fails to recover from a side strain.

Hampshire also have injury problems, with Cardigan Connor, their best bowler, out with a knee injury. Jason Laney, opening batsman, is doubtful with a bruised hand for the match against Leicestershire at Southampton. Matthew Keech, another batsman, is out for three weeks with a dislocated and chipped thumb.

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