Finding Keepers
On the back of a 1-0 series defeat to India that might be deemed a tad on the unlucky side, England's wicket-keeping position has come under enormous scrutiny and Matt Prior has been the unfortunate recipient of intense media speculation about his supposed deficiencies.
Whilst aspects of Prior's game certainly need improving, the real truth is that England have been searching for a suitable replacement for Alec Stewart since his retirement 4 years ago and that the choice offered by the 18 first class counties has hindered, rather than helped the England selectors. In the last 12 months alone, England have used 4 different wicket-keepers against a variety of opposition at different times of the calendar year. 12 months ago, Geraint Jones was the man in possession only to be replaced in the test side by Chris Read because, quite ironically, he wasn't scoring enough runs.
When the Ashes started, Read himself was dropped because England were worried about the depth of their batting line-up and Jones returned, only to be removed again for lack of runs as Read came back. Then, come the 1 day series, England's lack of 'buzz' in the field prompted the call up of Leicester veteran Paul Nixon and he did a pretty good job during the Commonwealth Bank triumph and World Cup.
A new broom in the shape of Head Coach Peter Moores made a close call for the start of the West Indies series and Nixon headed out to pasture whilst young Sussex stumper Matt Prior came in. His initial successes were followed by some low scores and grave concerns over the quality of his glovework. And now, after an excellent show with bat and gloves in the Friend's Provident final, Durham keeper Phil Mustard is the current flavour on everyone's lips.
My point? England are blessed with some excellent first class wicket-keepers but because we have 18 counties to pick from, the only time we find out how good they really are and whether they will make the grade at international level is when they play for their country. As well as the 5 players already mentioned, there is also ample opinion expressed by knowledgeable commentators about the merits of Steve Davies (Worcestershire), Jon Batty (Surrey), James Foster (Essex), Nic Pothas (Hampshire), Tim Ambrose (Warwickshire) and just about anybody standing behind the stumps in the English 1st class game.
Prior will go to Sri Lanka and with a bit of luck, will display his considerable batting talent in addition to an improved keeping technique. but if it doesn't work out for him, can anybody honestly say who the next England gloveman will be? Read's the best keeper but his batting is not considered good enough. Jones? Has he had his go? Mustard? I'll admit he does look very good but so does Ambrose.
Whoever does become England's long term answer behind the stumps, let's hope he's, above all, a safe pair of hands.
Wello
