Despite my recent prognostications of gloom and doom all is not yet lost. Grateful for the opportunity to see Test cricket from around the world since Christmas on TV. Happy memories of visits to Cape Town and Sydney in the past re-kindled, as well as the joy of watching cricket from New Zealand, which I never managed to get to. Also the added bonus of seeing Australia out-played by India as the ramifications of the ball tampering incident seem to rumble on and on.
One of the success stories from South Africa has been that of quick bowler Duanne Olivier, who was with Derbyshire last season. A few weeks ago rumour had it that he was on Yorkshire's shopping list, but his performances at international level may have put paid to that. So far have managed to avoid watching any of the antics in the Big Bash, although news suggests that Joe Root has struggled for runs and might have been better off taking a rest from cricket, which seems to have become a twelve month a year game for some.
Also news (and photographs) from our man in Barbados, Keith Fenton, who has wisely got away from all the problems facing Bolton Wanderers for a spell of sunshine therapy. Keith proudly states that he saw the fourth day of Barbados v Guyana at Bridgetown and that his first ball of the season was at 9.58 precisely on 7th January.
Barbados were struggling, having been asked to follow on 188 runs behind. As Keith puts it 'that well known Yorkie' Kraig Brathwaite was out early on, but a big partnership between Dowrich and Chase put the home side ahead with six wickets in hand at tea at which point Keith departed with a draw looking certain.
The next day he was surprised to learn that Barbados lost their last six wickets for a little over 20 runs (described as a collapse of Lancastrian proportions) and Guyana knocked off the 48 required to give them victory by six wickets. This made three wins out of three for Guyana, who look like taking their fifth title in a row, despite being off the itinerary for Test Matches. Keith also hopes to see England's first warm up match at the 3Ws stadium on Tuesday. No doubt we can expect a further bulletin in due course.
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