It’s now more than six months since I moved to Oxford (or, to be more accurate, I was moved by parents due to my broken bones rendering me unable to drive). I think now, for the first time, I’m reaching the stage where I’m beginning to feel part of Oxfordshire, rather than on-loan from Devon.
Since transformation and South Africa’s reintroduction to international cricket, much work has been put into developing Black African cricket. There are many different opinions on whether enough has been done and what the correct strategy should be. However, whatever the viewpoint, goodwill and resources have been devoted to this topic and yet the majority of cricketers are still products of the traditional White and Coloured cricketing communities. The relatively small number of Black African cricketers that are coming through are predominantly bowlers. What are the reasons for the lack of Black Batsmen?
With another testing series against Sri Lanka ahead, the West Indies selectors are back to work to earn their ample wages. The search is on for the eleven men who can compete for five days at a time and reverse a humiliating trend of mediocrity. Thus far the selectors have named a squad of fifteen players in preparation for the first Test. But the only firm selection decision as yet is the confirmation of Chris Gayle to the West Indies captaincy. An unfortunate consequence of his injury, the move resigns Ramnaresh Sarwan to the role of deputy again.