NEIL MANTHORP, Cape Town | Tuesday 2.00pm.
FORMER South Africa coach Bob Woolmer backed up his contention on Saturday that England’s miserable summer at the World Cup, and against New Zealand, does not necessarily mean they will be pushovers during the forthcoming five test series in South Africa.
Apart from agreeing with the popular opinion that Mark Ramprakash was unlucky to be left out, Woolmer said the 17-man test squad is “well balanced”. Ramprakash was the only regular member of England’s top order to be excluded from both the test and one day squads despite continually being required to bat at number five or six, with the tailenders, after the top order had failed.
“I think he (Ramprakash) should have been moved up the order to number four during the New Zealand series and given more responsibility. The innings was already in trouble every time he came to the crease and he wasn’t able to play naturally,” Woolmer said on Monday.
“I’m surprised that four opening batsmen have been named although (Michael) Vaughan and (Darren) Maddy can bat down the order. Mike Atherton’s troublesome back is probably also a concern,” Woolmer said.
“I didn’t expect to see three all rounders chosen but they have to sort out their problems at number seven and eight. Having (Andy) Flintoff, (Gavin) Hamilton and (Alex) Tudor competing for places in the lower order might give England a bit of depth, which they need.
Woolmer will have no mixed feelings during the series. “I’ve made my position clear. In cricketing terms I’m an ex-Englishman and my feelings will be for South Africa this summer,” he said.
Hansie Cronje and his vice-captain Shaun Pollock, meanwhile, have both agreed that Graeme Thorpe’s decision not to tour South Africa will give the home side a distinct advantage. “It’s a definite bonus for us. He’s a fine player and a left hander, which can disrupt the bowlers. He has also held the England middle order together nicely over the years so they’ll miss him,” Cronje said. — MWP