New boys at the England helm must do it their way (28 June 1999)

28 June 1999

New boys at the England helm must do it their way

David Lloyd

I have had more than a passing interest in the recent appointments made in relation to the England cricket team.

First, Nasser Hussain was made captain - probably the worst kept secret in cricket. There was an inevitability about it after the team's early exit from the World Cup. The "heads will roll" juggernaut meant that Alec Stewart was a victim. He has already been joined by Arjuna Ranatunga and could shortly have company from Mohammad Azharuddin and Wasim Akram.

News from the Pakistani camp is that their players were not keen to return home. On reaching Pakistan, they were pelted with eggs and tomatoes, Inzamam's house was targeted and Wasim's brother was assaulted.

On the home front, I see that Stewart is alive and kicking and has been sighted on county cricket grounds. Spare a thought for Stewart. He was the captain of the team that beat South Africa in a five-match series last year. He was the captain in Australia and if Alan Mullally had not had a mental aberration in the run-out fiasco of Steve Waugh, and Angus Fraser had not dropped Ian Healy off a sitter at third man, both in the first Test in Brisbane, and if he had won the crucial tosses in Adelaide and Sydney, he would still hold the position. A big word, if.

Stewart is a good man and Hussain need not worry about his reaction. He has been dumped before and come back fighting. He is a quality player who, without the captaincy and wicketkeeping, should give the innings the start it requires. He has two matches to do it. If he fails, then a change will be made.

Hussain is in a win-win situation. A performing Stewart will give England a rock of experience at the top; if he fails, a younger player will be allowed in and given the chance to succeed. Hussain was mighty impressive at the press conference. He spoke honestly and realistically. He was at pains to point out that he, and the players, are fully aware that the responsibility in terms of performance and results is firmly with them.

The support team of coaches are there to direct, support, encourage, show patience and give information, but players play. I have listened to Richie Benaud recently and read Ted Dexter and fully agree with them that the team is the captain's. The decisions are his and nobody else's. I have never known it any other way. I saw Nasser briefly last week and I am sure I said the right thing: "Do it your way."

What kind of chap is he? Well, a lot of innuendo has come his way - too temperamental, hot-headed, selfish. I prefer: "Speaks his mind, tactically excellent, dedicated, will not shy away from a battle." I hope he gets the fullest of support at all times from 'upstairs'. He will lead and he will show a passion. He might throw his bat occasionally but, please, do not condemn him for that. He, too, is a good man. I wish him well.

I have also read in various places recently that the players do not seem to enjoy it. They do not smile. They are too inhibited by coaches. What tosh, you just have to believe me, and I wish I had a £1 coin for every time I said to the team: "Go out and enjoy yourselves, do it your way, have fun."

Duncan Fletcher has been appointed as coach. I do not know Duncan that well and that would apply, too, to the panel who interviewed him for the job. It would also count in his favour. The interview panel intrigued me. There were six people on it, according to an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman.

In a recent report concerning the central contracts for England players, it emerged that the all-powerful figure is Simon Pack, the international teams director, followed by a team manager, followed by a coach, the team manager being accountable to the ITD. The absence of a team manager was seen as the greatest single weakness of the international team. I would have thought, therefore, that the appointment of the coach should have been made by the ITD because if everyone is accountable to him, he is the only one accountable to the ECB.

The report talks about simplicity, continuity, consistency and competence being key features. It seems to be anything but that and I shout it once again from the rooftops: there are too many management levels and committees. That report caused me, personally, great concern. It talked of "a far reaching examination". I was baffled that, as England coach at the time, I was not consulted by any of the main players.

No matter - back to Duncan Fletcher. The appointment does not take effect until the end of the season. Duncan, pack your bags at Glamorgan and get involved now. New Zealand is not a pushover series. The Hussain/Fletcher partnership needs to develop immediately and not by telephone. The coach needs to know the players at first hand and in matchplay. It simply is not good enough to assume we will get by, piecemeal. We have drawn a line under the previous regime and the new one starts now, not in four months' time. This is our international cricket team and not some Tom Noddy XI.

There, I have said my piece on the subject. All that remains is for me to wish Duncan Fletcher the very best of luck in the best job in the world.

It was brilliant to hear him say he has a pride and passion in everything he does. You and me both, but be careful Duncan lad, it could land you in hot water 'upstairs'! Go well.

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph