Postcard (20 February 1999)

20 February 1999

Postcard

from Justin Langer

Tropical Antigua the perfect jet lag remedy

Antiguan sunsets are the perfect remedy for jet lag recovery!

And mix one of these beautiful 6pm sunsets with a day of soothing warm sea air, a light cool breeze, palm trees, warm ocean water and long white beaches, and the marathon of the last few days rapidly disappears.

Last night I felt as stiff as a lump of Tasmanian oak and my nerves were shot to pieces after three days of travel, but today I am beginning to feel human again as the Caribbean paradise of Antigua has acted as the miracle magic potion.

The atmosphere here is ideal for any form of stress relief, so it is hardly surprising that all of the guys have quickly loosened up during the day. After sampling a couple of West Indian rums tonight, that were as smooth as a cleanly shaven face, sleep would have come so easily for all of the guys.

The big news that has greeted our arrival in the West Indies is the developing rumour that West Indian captain Brian Lara may be ousted from his position as captain. After a very disappointing tour of South Africa, where they were beaten 5-0, the proud West Indian cricket fraternity look as though they may be looking for a new direction in their leadership.

Different names have been thrown around in the newspapers over here but it seems the leading contenders are Ian Bishop and Jimmy Adams.

The issue of the captaincy doesn't only grow in the media. Every person from the local taxi driver to the women cleaning our hotel room seems to have an opinion on the matter, and if public opinion is anything to go by, BC Lara may definitely be on his last captaincy legs. The West Indian public loves its cricket and they all seem shattered and confused by the recent lack of success.

It will be interesting to see how the selectors react to the recent South African tour.

While we know that we must concentrate on our job only, any turmoil in the opposition camp can only be an advantage to us.

From Antigua (looking forward to playing some cricket), JL