England's forgotten wicketkeeper
Chris Read, the Nottinghamshire keeper was badly treated by England – and Duncan Fletcher in particular
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
Chris Read, the Nottinghamshire keeper was badly treated by England – and Duncan Fletcher in particular. He talks to Mark Sellek in the Independent on Sunday.
The Fifth Test at the SCG in 2007 was the last time England picked him. But that wasn't the last of it. Read was singled out for criticism by Fletcher in a score-settling memoir. Contrary to Marsh's assessment, Fletcher thought Read's keeping was flawed, and his batting lacked defensive technique. Much worse was the implication that Read was too timid mentally to be a Test cricketer.
Read's own form has been outstanding since 2007 (he has averaged 45, 55, 75, and 50 in the past four Championship campaigns). "It sounds sort of arrogant to say it, but there have been times when I just know I'm going to score runs. I know my own game inside out. My keeping, which in most people's eyes is my stronger suit, hasn't dropped off either."
George Binoy is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo