Problem players only cause trouble for New Zealand (5 July 1999)

5 July 1999

Problem players only cause trouble for New Zealand

David Lloyd

The success of the World Cup issued Test cricket with a 'follow that' challenge. England versus New Zealand was seen by some as unattractive, but the circumstances - a new England captain, a game in crisis, young bucks making debuts and 'bad boys' returning - made it compelling viewing.

Since the dismal exit from the World Cup, I have buried myself in my new career with Sky Sports. I was involved in the latter stages of the competition and had then travelled the country covering domestic matches. I never gave a thought as to how I would feel in the week building up to the Test. It was on the Tuesday that it finally hit me.

Tuesday is reporting day. Players and staff come together at midday. I would ensure that all the video information on the opposition was available, the format for the day's practice would be put in place, the medical staff would check on the minor injuries and general well-being of the team and there would be the usual banter. Allan Mullally's recent batting performances would get an airing with the big lad telling everyone that he was 'on fire' and back in the runs. New boys and returning boys would be taken care of, the team meetings would be organised, countless press interviews undertaken. And the process would be repeated on Wednesday.

I missed the boys, I missed the smell of the changing-room, I missed the buzz. But that was all. I kept well out of the way, not my place, not my show. As it was, on the Tuesday, Sky Sports covered Leicestershire's day-night game against Yorkshire and I arrived in Birmingham at about midnight. Next morning, I was due to do a publicity shot at Edgbaston with Nasser Hussain. I actually arrived at the ground but got cold feet and did an about-turn. It just did not seem right. Many, many people have stopped me or written to say how relaxed I look now. It is funny, you know, I genuinely thought that I was always relaxed but I will bow to their better judgment - the evidence seems to be overwhelming!

England won. Hussain was mightily impressive and his team played for him. Important that, because there was talk about the 'selfishness' and 'self-centredness' of the new captain. I did not hear it from the players, though, and they are the ones that matter.

"Should have been captain 18 months ago," has been the call. No, his time is now. Have you seen his eyes? There is fire in there and it will get stoked up. There were a couple of clues in the game as to what we can expect. I detected Mullally 'having a word' in the middle and so did Mark Butcher. England under Hussain will fight fire with fire and although he admired the captaincy and diplomacy of Australia's Mark Taylor, Hussain will know that the orchestra was led by Steve Waugh and if you play against him you certainly know about it - ask South Africa, ask Hansie Cronje.

It is never a bad thing to lose the toss at Edgbaston. A sample plug was taken out of the pitch and there was dampness all the way through it. There was cloud cover and a tinge of green in the pitch. Stephen Fleming and New Zealand would know all about the indifferent bounce as the game progressed and he would feel that he had no alternative but to bat first, and to bat well.

England included a spinner. Many thought it should have been four quicks. Me included. If it was Hussain's decision, it was a good one. Phil Tufnell twinkled and teased, and he took five wickets in the game. Problem child? Says who? I have been on two tours with him and he is fine, and damn good company. He can be a bit odd at times, but what is wrong with that? Aren't we all? Let he who is without sin etc.

Andy Caddick also returned. "Doesn't fit in - not liked." Says who? Yes, he is different but he will do anything for anyone. 'Handy Andy' will fetch it, lend it or mend it. He went out of the team because he bowled like a drain at times when it really mattered in the West Indies. Ask him. He was told to 'keep working', 'get it back', 'take some wickets', 'force yourself back into the team'. He had done all that and looked the business once again.

Everyone probably agreed that England's bowling performance was just OK on that first day. About six out of ten. Too wide at times and a touch short. New Zealand showed us the length on day two and we were bundled out. England, being England, came back strongly in New Zealand's second innings. Caddick and Mullally demolished them with swing and seam in ideal, sultry conditions. They were well supported in the field and especially behind the stumps. Chris Read is special. A little, fresh-faced lad who is here to stay. I am sure he will bring out more from the more established players. They will treat him as their kid brother and I thought it was marvellous as he and the towering Alex Tudor walked off with their arms round each other at the end of New Zealand's second innings. The selectors did well and gave us two smiling lads. I hope the smiles will become infectious.

What can one say about Alex Tudor? Well done again, Nasser, you chose well in having him as nightwatchman. It could have been Caddick, it could have been 'Big Al'.

Hussain, after the game, made a point of saying what his team thought of Tudor. I can tell you, too. He is a very, very impressive young man who works tirelessly at his cricket. Mark Ramprakash - yes, Mark Ramprakash, another 'problem' - has shown him the way. They are at the nets together before anyone else, just working at their batting, at Ramprakash's instigation. It is so pleasing when all the hard work pays off.

There will be the predictable 'it is only New Zealand' comments from predictable people, but England are striving to win games and series and this is as good a time as any to start.

Edgbaston provided a reminder of Test cricket's standing. New Zealand lost and got little from the game. England had heroes who finished with a fantastic feeling.

Spare a thought for Alec Stewart and Roger Twose. Twose was 'coming home'. He came and went twice in a flash. Stewart did likewise and missed catches. Both will need to dig deep. They know that the game itself is about tragedy, despair, elation and success. Above all, it is about character. They will come again.

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph