Question about AB from Jurie

December 12, 2017 by neil manthorp

Jurie asks: Why hasn't AB played the last two games for the Titans? Seems like more picking and choosing once again! Reply: Hi Jurie – I think you’re being very harsh, there! Have a look at the Titans squad, it’s ridiculous. It looks like a Proteas training camp, never mind all the former national under-19 players. They have to give them some game time. I know this isn’t an exact comparison, but Paul Pogba doesn’t play every game for Manchester United. And frankly, irrespective of cricket reasons, if my best player was father to a couple of toddlers then I would also ‘drop’ him for away trips to East London and Durban for games that were irrelevant. If that makes my best player happy then he is more likely to perform in the big games that do matter. I honestly don’t think it was AB’s decision. I believe the Titans...

Questions & Answers

December 9, 2017 by neil manthorp

Q - Is four-day Test cricket the way forward? The Zim Test has a feeling of 'falseness' about it… A – Most changes to the game have a ‘gimmicky’ feel about them initially, and the vast majority of public opinion is inevitably against them. Human nature. Instinctively I would prefer Tests to remain at five days but, logistically, it makes so much sense to move to four days with more overs per day. A three-Test series could then be played in three weeks with each match starting on Thursday and finishing on Sunday. International fixtures are being squeezed harder and harder by domestic T20 leagues so changing the Test format may be a way to save them. I’d rather have four days of Test cricket than none. And I’d rather see three four day Tests than two five day Tests. We’ll get used to it. Q - Where does AB...