Hamilton and Tikolo lead (27 May 1999)

Chelmsford (England) - When this World Cup is over and England's selectors start looking around for replacements for some of their current ill-fitting crop all they need to do is look north of the border

27-May-1999

27 May 1999

Hamilton and Tikolo lead

Trevor Chesterfield

There they can renew their acquaintance with Gavin Mark Hamilton; Scottish-born, educated in Kent, playing for Yorkshire since 1994 and the man who fought an almost lone battle to give Scotland a touch of glory if not respectability in this World Cup tournament.

He was the one man who fought bravely, often single-handedly for glory and a team which was not going to make a major impact other than boosting the opposing team's net run rate; a modern day Robert the Bruce defying more odds than most would care to tackle.

There are those who are going to give a wink and a nudge when you put his name forward as a serious contender. He was once, and not too long ago, mentioned as an England limited-overs all-rounder (frankly he is much better than that) and David Graveney, chairman of England's selectors, was quite happy to mention his name in the same breath as Mark Ealham.

Forget that the Kent all-rounder's World Cup has been noticeable for its distinguished lack of success as a batsman. Elham has Team England behind him as well as another notable flop, Lancashire's Andrew Flintoff. Saddling him with the label of the "new Botham" has had the effect of killing off his career at this early stage. Like Eahlam he may come back, but don't hang tags around his neck.

Anyway, Hamilton, has been an effective member of a side which fought bravely.

Then again there have been a few players from the three ICC associate member countries who have managed to carve a small, grudging reputation out of what has been, for them a tough three weeks. Bangladesh, like Kenya, have a long way to go before Tests status can be conferred on them. Until they get an organised four or three-day structure they are going to rely on the short game to earn respect from the nine big brothers.

Yet, here we have names such as Steve Tikolo, the best batsmen in the tournament not to play for a Test country, showing off his skills and talented strokeplay. Anyone who saw his innings against England could not but help be impressed with his attacking style of batsmanship. Ravindu Shah, the consistent opener from Kenya, Mehrab Houssain, of Bangladesh and his countryman Minhajul Abdin, have made a distinct impression.

Yet Minhajul would not have been at the World Cup had he not been brought in as a late replacement for Jahangir Alam.

What we have are the names of a team selected from the non-Test playing countries to appear in this tournament. It might have a choice or two which others may disagree. But in terms of form, character, strength and quality, it is the best which can be assembled.

So, for what it is worth, here is the side, based on the performances of World Cup '99.

Ravindu Shah (Kenya), Mehrab Houssain (Bangladesh), Minhajul Abdin (Bangladesh), Steve Tikolo (Kenya), Gavin Hamilton (Scotland), Thomas Odoyo (Kenya), Kennedy Otieno (Kenya), Aminul Islam (Bangladesh, captain), Nick Dyer (Scotland), Martin Suji (Kenya), Hasibul Houssain (Bangladesh). Twelfth man: Asim Butt (Scotland).

Source :: Trevor Chesterfield