The Knight Shift

Dougie Brown had much to celebrate in 2004 © Getty Images

At the heart of Warwickshire's success this season has been the meeting of minds between John Inverarity, the coach, and Nick Knight, the captain: two intelligent men who have brought the best out of a squad that has surpassed most people's expectations, including their own. For Knight, thought by many to be too caught up in his own batting to be an effective captain, his first season in charge has been hugely fulfilling. "The coach-captain relationship is of huge importance to the team," said Knight. "I really felt that John and I gelled quickly and he's been a huge help to me.

"I have immense respect for John, both as a person and as a coach. He's a wise man, a shrewd observer and the way he conveys his knowledge of the game is key. He's not a shouter and a bawler. He watches and analyses but doesn't jump straight in. He waits for the right moment to say things."

The challenge now is to capitalise on their success in coming seasons. "This year we were just looking to consolidate and build for the next two to three years," he said. "Winning the championship was more than I could have imagined but we are still very much looking to the future."

As you would expect, Knight is very keen that Inverarity is a part of that future, the 60-year-old coach having been offered a new one-year contract. "We're hoping that he'll stay and at the moment it's looking likely," said Knight.

Player of the Year: Dougie Brown senior pro, leading wicket-taker, averaging 50 with the bat; the complete team man
High: Heath Streak's extraordinary debut against Northamptonshire. He took 13 wickets and scored a half-century, leading to a fourth win in five Championship matches, the purple patch that brought the title
Low: Relegation in the National League. "Our one-day form is something that needs attention immediately," says Knight

This article was first published in the November issue of The Wisden Cricketer.
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