P Roebuck: Stewart seen as the safe choice (10 May 1998)

10 May 1998

Stewart seen as the safe choice

By Peter Roebuck

ALEC STEWART'S appointment as England captain was expected. Although he had lost his position as vice-captain and his spell in charge of a county had lasted a single year, his elevation was inevitable. Apart from anything else, he is more experienced, consistent and presentable than Nasser Hussain, a rival with more tactical acumen but a fiery tongue that has ruffled feathers.

It is a partial appointment because Stewart will not lead England in their next match, a 50-over game. Adam Hollioake, a colleague at Surrey, has retained his position in these brief affairs. Not until the Test series begins will Stewart assume an office he will hold throughout the summer and, unless he makes a hash of it, on to the winter tour of Australia.

Time will tell whether his predecessor will play this sunmer. Mike Atherton has not been scoring runs for Lancashire and his game is in disarray. The selectors will not feel obliged to choose him on reputation alone. In any case, it is a long time since Atherton was at his peak as a nimble and dependable opening batsman. These days, he seems flat-footed and frail.

Stewart was the safe choice. He is polished and stylish enough to satisfy Lord's, he dresses neatly and shaves every day. He is an optimistic fellow and will bring a buoyancy to the team that was missing under his deadpan predecessor.

It is quite a challenge. In pursuit of his duties, Stewart will be obliged to compromise his cricket. Throughout, he has been torn between rival conceptions of himself. In his heart, he wants to bat, to hook and cut and to play with dash and poise. He is a fine batsman, brave, and almost in the highest class.

Moreover, he plays with a confidence otherwise missing from this England team. Even his walk to the crease is full of challenge and soon he is busy, tapping his guard, defying his opponents to do their worst. All his lines are clear, too; not a crooked elbow in sight or an untidy stroke in view. He could open the batting for England for another five years.

Stewart, though, is also a gifted wicketkeeper and the best all-rounder in the country. Although he yearns to concentrate on his batting, he knows he must take the gloves so that England can play a fifth bowler without weakening their position.

The selectors have said he must drop down the order. Stewart prefers to open, likes to face the faster bowlers, does not care to sit in the pavilion waiting his turn. And he can appear stiff against spin. But the selectors think that no man can captain, keep and open the batting at the same time.

About Stewart's captaincy, little can be predicted. Hitherto, he has not proved himself either as a tactician or as a man prepared to pursue the lonely path of leadership. Indeed, he has seemed happier in the pack, contributing his chirpy commonsense. Now he must show he can lead a group of men. Much can be told about him from his batting, which is forthright and unwavering. But it does lack subtlety, those touches, placements, angles and perceptions that keep the board rolling along. He does not show a feel for the game, a sense of its moments and moods. Under his stewardship, England will show lots of sweat and pluck and not much originality.

Rather than dwelling upon the captaincy, though, England might concentrate on producing players. No longer can selectors whistle down the mines for a fast bowler because most of them have been closed. Instead, they should encourage the game among immigrant populations whose contribution to football and athletics has been enormous. Some players are already emerging, others will follow. Despite themselves, England will be strong again, though it might take 20 years.

Stewart must try to stop the rot so that English cricketers can hold their heads high. He has a thick skin, commitment to the cause and his needs are few. Nevertheless, it is a lot to ask of a man from whom so much is already expected. So far, luck has been on Stewart's side. Supporters will hope it does not desert him at this hour.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)