Inexperience All-Round

After an eventful World Cup that will be remembered almost entirely for upsets and off-field happenings, there have understandably been a number of changes in the one-day sides of several of the competing nations. England, South Africa and Zimbabwe, the three countries contending in this year's Natwest Series, will each admit that they underachieved in Southern Africa, leading to various alterations in their respective squads. Although this year's competition may seem to be little more than a chance to rebuild, it should be illuminating, hopefully exposing some fresh cricketing talent and providing the first occasion for selectors, coaches and players to experiment in finding the perfect formula for The Caribbean in 2007.

Zimbabwe's immense inexperience has so far been highlighted by the promotion of the promising 20 year old wicketkeeper, Tatenda Taibu to vice-captain, as well as their uninspiring performances in the Test series with England. However the abundance of young, rising all-rounders in their squad, which are vital in the one-day game, such as Blignaut, Friend and Ervine, suggest that they are stronger over fifty overs than five days. In addition, they were the only side of the three, with assistance from boycotts, to reach the Super Six in Africa, proving that they are not a team to be taken lightly. After losing several key players, including Andy Flower, they will be relying on the likes of Heath Streak and Grant Flower to perform.

Since their return to the international arena, South Africa, like the current Zimbabwe team have had plenty of quality all-rounders to call upon, and this year is no different as their squad includes Pollock, Kallis, Andrew Hall and Nicky Boje. However the absence of Lance Klusener has been largely the biggest talking point for South Africa. The unexpected new captain, Graeme Smith has been criticised because of comments about Klusener's personality and the bad influence he may have on the other players, especially the younger, inexperienced players. For Smith, the competition is his first real test since being surprisingly named as the new captain, however so far he has shown maturity and confidence in the routine thrashing of Bangladesh in the Test series. As the second highest ranked team in one-day cricket, South Africa are clearly the favourites for the trophy, however without Donald, Rhodes, Kirsten and Klusener, they will need to work hard for success.

Michael Vaughan will be hoping to carry England's success of the Natwest Challenge into the triangular tournament. Unlike other sides in world cricket, England have not been graced with many quality all-rounders in recent years. However, with the success of Andrew Flintoff with both ball and bat, as well as the emergence of Anthony McGrath of Yorkshire and the young Rikki Clarke of Surrey, they have a number of players who can score runs, take wickets and bowl economically. Vaughan, like Smith, will be hoping to impress with his captaincy, and help the younger players develop and fulfil their potential. The retirements of Caddick, Stewart and Hussain are obviously costly, however the inclusion of the evergreen James Anderson and the promise of the 24 year old Nottinghamshire keeper Chris Read cushion the blow.

The competition will give the three teams the chance to play to their full potential, without the distractions of politics and hopefully the weather, which plagued the World Cup. It should provide several weeks of compelling and competitive cricket, as well as give the young players in the three camps, and in the cases of Vaughan and Smith the captains, a chance to impress.

Posted by Kelvin