Marsh warns against too much expectation

Rod Marsh, chief coach at England's academy and recently appointed as a selector, has dismissed arguments that English cricketers play too much cricket during the year.

In an interview with BBC radio, Marsh dismissed claims by some young cricketers that they are being asked to play too many games. "Name me another professional sport where you basically get seven months off," he said. "What do they do in the winter time? Go away and play if they can. What do they do pre-season? Go and get ready for the season.

"The more you play the better you should become because playing is a lot more fun than practising. That's the attitude I want these youngsters to take." But Marsh warned people not to expect immediate miracles from those at the academy, insisting that the set-up was "miles away" from where he wanted it to be.

"You have to be patient and we have a lot of work to do still and it's mainly the players who have to realise what it takes and make the commitment," he explained. "There is the talent there but they have to understand all the things that go to make a great Test player. They have to make personal sacrifices and be prepared to develop what talent they have."

And Marsh also cautioned the media about building up the newest crop of young players, singling out James Anderson as one who should be given time to develop. "It's early doors for him," Marsh said. "He's only been in the game five minutes. He's got very good ability and I'm sure if he continues to develop he will be an outstanding bowler for England."