The difference between Dhoni and Prior
Paul Nixon's upcoming retirement will mark the end of the line for eccentric international wicketkeepers, writes Rob Bagchi in the Guardian
Akhila Ranganna
25-Feb-2013
Paul Nixon's upcoming retirement will mark the end of the line for eccentric international wicketkeepers, writes Rob Bagchi in the Guardian. One way to gauge the gulf between England and India so far in this series has been the contrasting demeanours of the men behind the stumps.
Teams now require gamechangers in the role, counterattackers with the bat who can also pile on the misery at an astonishing rate when their teams are well set.
In that role Prior has flourished and his keeping has improved to such an extent that the order in which the terms batsman and wicketkeeper are joined has become irrelevant. Dhoni has to restore that verve to his game, and do it quickly.
Akhila Ranganna is assistant editor (Audio) at ESPNcricinfo