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CRICKET ROADSHOWS

Week 10 Review - 13 Jul, Lord's Flexibility is your one-day friend

One word above all others – flexibility - dominated discussion as Saturday's Cricket Roadshow went in search of the key ingredient for success in the one-day format.

"You have to be flexible," insisted Ronnie Irani, England's surprise star turn in the triangular NatWest Series. "Because of the fielding restrictions in the first 15 overs it is absolutely vital if you want to be successful in one day cricket."

Australia's Michael Slater was of the same opinion and used Sachin Tendulkar to highlight his belief that quality players will always adapt. "You'll find that your best player is your most flexible as well. Looking towards the World Cup the side that's going to win is going to be the most flexible side," he said, continuing the morning's theme.

Not to be outdone former India star Ravi Shastri – over in England to commentate for Channel 4 during the forthcoming Test series – added his own observations on the same subject. "If you look at sides that have won the World Cup they've all had guys at the top of the order who can roll their arm over as well, so flexibility is important," he stressed.

Arguably England's best one-day bowler of recent times has been Darren Gough but the irrepressible Yorkshire quickie has been somewhat subdued during the NatWest Series as he eases his way back to fitness after such a lengthy lay-off. Bearing that in mind Michael Atherton said Gough's performances had been highly encouraging.

"He's done really well considering he's had three or four months out of cricket and no matter how good or experienced you are coming back in after that kind of break is difficult. Therefore every credit to him for standing up in this tournament," said the former England captain.

As for the man himself, Gough acknowledged there was still much work to be done before he's back to his swashbuckling best. "I'm just glad to be back playing and enjoying my cricket," he told Sybil Ruscoe.

"I'm not 100 per cent yet, I think there's still a bit to go, but the big test will be when I have to play the next day because coming back from two knee operations has not been easy. This one day series has been hard," admitted Gough.

And he said it was a similar with England regarding World Cup ambitions – definite progress is being made but there's still a long way to go.

"If I was a betting man I'd put on a few bob on India winning the World Cup but we're not allowed to do that, but if England can keep on competing with India then I think we've got a great chance," said the ever bullish "Dazzler".

Elsewhere on the programme Dermot Reeve gave a Masterclass on the reverse sweep/paddle, an innovation widely derided when it first appeared – remember Mike Gatting in the World Cup final? – but now openly adopted by all players including India's Sachin Tendulkar, the world's finest one-day batsman.

Barry Richards spoke about the need for the game itself to keep developing and suggested future one-day games could be reduced to 32 or 25 overs to enhance spectator entertainment.

"We've got to develop the game and embrace it. People expect action, lights and fun, and that's what we've got to provide. There's a vehicle for it and we've got to do it," he said.

There was also a half-term report from Rod Marsh, director of the ECB's National Cricket Academy, as well as a feature on Kent's Rob Key, one of last winter's star pupils.

And finally it was time for the Cricket Roadshow to say goodbye to Michael Slater, at least for a year, before he returns to Australia and tries to reclaim his Test spot for the forthcoming Ashes series.

"What I need to do is have a very consistent season and get back to run-scoring time-in and time-out, and then hopefully if there is an injury in the top of that batting order then I'm the next man to go in," said the dashing opener.

"I start in late September with my club side University of South Wales – that's first grade competition in Sydney – and from there the state side is selected and the Australian side is then selected from that. I'm really excited. It's going to be huge comeback but it's an exciting time as well."

Next week the Roadshow comes from Hampshire's Rose Bowl and will feature a batting Masterclass by Sachin Tendulkar.

Mail the Cricket Show team at cricketshow@cricket4.com

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