Davison looking forward to World Cup qualifiers
John Davison says he's still committed to Canada, and wants to help them qualify for their third straight World Cup
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
Tony Munro
This article on Cricinfo on Sunday referred to Canada's use of overseas-based players and in particular, John Davison, the former captain. BTTW asked John, now 38, about his career with Canada, and his reaction to that article:
Are you still available for selection in Canada's squads for three- or four-day matches, ODIs and Twenty20s?
John Davison: I have never retired from Canadian cricket in any form. A falling out with selectors and commitments to my work and young family have restricted my involvement in recent times, but I would really enjoy being involved in helping Canada qualify for their third straight World Cup. I am trying to keep in shape with that as my motivation.
When did you last play the Toronto domestic season?
JD: I think it was about 2002, the season before the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. It has been a while.
Are you playing any competitive cricket this Australian summer?
JD: I am captain of Mosman CC in Sydney and am also performing a coaching role for the club. I am looking forward to it. We start on September 27.
Did you see the article on Cricinfo? Are there any surprises in that?
JD: I hadn't seen it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. There were plenty of surprises in that ... plenty that I shouldn't really comment on.
I find it strange that overseas-based players would be so disruptive. The only guys that train together would be the Toronto-based players. Is it disruptive when players from other provinces are selected? The Canadian team have played their best cricket when they play in the big tournaments.
I will tell you why this is: the best players make sure they are available (take leave from work), and high-profile coaches want to be involved in events like the World Cup. The team spends quality time playing together and prepares well over an extended period of time.
Why does it have to be Cheema for Davison ... surely you could squeeze both into the current line-up?
It would be great if the Canadian team was made up of home-grown players and they were competitive, but it would be naive for Cricket Canada to turn their backs on quality overseas-based players when other Associates are embracing them. You can expect Dirk Nannes to make a big impact when he gets the opportunity to play for Holland.
Have you spoken to [Cricket Canada chief executive] Atul [Ahuja] or Cricket Canada about your role within the national team set-up recently?
JD: I have been in contact with Atul ... and it is my understanding that he is keen to have me playing.
Mathew Varghese is sub-editor (stats) at Cricinfo