'Eighteen counties is far too many'
The Wisden Wednesday Interview with Andy Flower
Freddie Auld
05-May-2004
Andy Flower, once ranked as the No. 1 batsman in the world, retired from international cricket after last year's World Cup with a Test average of over 50. He now plays for Essex and South Australia, and, although he refused to speak about the current Zimbabwe crisis, he talked to Freddie Auld at Chelmsford this week:
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How did your season with South Australia go?
It didn't go well. We were a young side, and we struggled as a team. It wasn't a great success personally, but I met a lot of good people, and it was great for the family.
It didn't go well. We were a young side, and we struggled as a team. It wasn't a great success personally, but I met a lot of good people, and it was great for the family.
How would you compare Australian state cricket with county cricket?
In Australia you have a lot more time put aside for preparation before a game, and then also to reflect on the positives, or sort out any negatives after the game. You also have time to rest mentally and physically. Those reasons make for a more competitive four-day game than you play over here. It's something which the majority of county cricket lacks. I'm not sure how you would change that, but more preparation makes for more competitive matches.
In Australia you have a lot more time put aside for preparation before a game, and then also to reflect on the positives, or sort out any negatives after the game. You also have time to rest mentally and physically. Those reasons make for a more competitive four-day game than you play over here. It's something which the majority of county cricket lacks. I'm not sure how you would change that, but more preparation makes for more competitive matches.
Who has the better young talent?
I don't think there is any difference in talent. But in Australia, the younger players have to displace a fewer number of players than in England, because there are only six teams. As a result, there are better players in Australia, and the youngsters really have to fight their way in. But without a doubt, if you cut the number of sides in England to six, then you would have one hell of a competition, and there would be huge competition for places.
I don't think there is any difference in talent. But in Australia, the younger players have to displace a fewer number of players than in England, because there are only six teams. As a result, there are better players in Australia, and the youngsters really have to fight their way in. But without a doubt, if you cut the number of sides in England to six, then you would have one hell of a competition, and there would be huge competition for places.
Do you miss the cutting edge of international cricket?
Very much so, but that decision was made 18 months ago and you have to move on. I now have a big schedule, playing virtually 12 months a year, and that definitely fills the void of international cricket. I play very challenging cricket. In Australia, a state game is like a Test match in terms of intensity.
Very much so, but that decision was made 18 months ago and you have to move on. I now have a big schedule, playing virtually 12 months a year, and that definitely fills the void of international cricket. I play very challenging cricket. In Australia, a state game is like a Test match in terms of intensity.
Do you feel you are as good a batsman now since your international days?
No, I don't. I'm definitely not playing as well. I'm not sure of the reasons why. I'm just not reaching those higher levels that I know I can, but I know batting is all about peaks and troughs, and I'm in a trough at the moment. I don't think it's because I'm not playing international cricket any more. I'm confident I can come back. It's about hard work, understanding yourself and your game, and being smart in who you listen to.
No, I don't. I'm definitely not playing as well. I'm not sure of the reasons why. I'm just not reaching those higher levels that I know I can, but I know batting is all about peaks and troughs, and I'm in a trough at the moment. I don't think it's because I'm not playing international cricket any more. I'm confident I can come back. It's about hard work, understanding yourself and your game, and being smart in who you listen to.
Do you still follow international cricket?
Yes, I enjoy watching cricket, especially the really classy players and the youngsters coming through. Brian Lara is a cut above, in terms of sheer talent, while I enjoy watching the Indians bat, like Sachin Tendulkar. The recent Australia v India series was magnificent to watch and a great advert for the game. It was played in the right attacking manner, both with the bat and ball. Having said that, I still think Australia are far ahead of everyone else at the moment. India are a fine batting side, but they lack penetration with their bowlers. They need to play South Africa and England before they can say they are the second-best side.
Yes, I enjoy watching cricket, especially the really classy players and the youngsters coming through. Brian Lara is a cut above, in terms of sheer talent, while I enjoy watching the Indians bat, like Sachin Tendulkar. The recent Australia v India series was magnificent to watch and a great advert for the game. It was played in the right attacking manner, both with the bat and ball. Having said that, I still think Australia are far ahead of everyone else at the moment. India are a fine batting side, but they lack penetration with their bowlers. They need to play South Africa and England before they can say they are the second-best side.
In the wake of England's Test win in the Caribbean, would you say they are an improving side?
They are definitely improving. It started with Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain, who got a lot of things right. Getting Rod Marsh involved was a positive move too, and if you marked their progress on a graph, it would definitely be on an upward curve. The bowling department is in good shape and they haven't hit their peak yet. Plus they still have some bowlers pushing for a place like Andrew Caddick and Sajid Mahmood.
They are definitely improving. It started with Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain, who got a lot of things right. Getting Rod Marsh involved was a positive move too, and if you marked their progress on a graph, it would definitely be on an upward curve. The bowling department is in good shape and they haven't hit their peak yet. Plus they still have some bowlers pushing for a place like Andrew Caddick and Sajid Mahmood.
If you cut the number of sides in England to six, you'd have one hell of a competition
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Do you think they have a chance of winning the Ashes next year?
No, not really. They would need to raise their game a few levels if they want to achieve that. But the series after that, who knows?
No, not really. They would need to raise their game a few levels if they want to achieve that. But the series after that, who knows?
As a wicketkeeper yourself, did you think Chris Read was unfairly dumped from the England Test team in favour of Geraint Jones?
I didn't get the chance to watch much of the series, but I heard that Read kept well, and although dropping him may have seemed a bit harsh, every keeper must make a contribution with the bat, in my opinion. So if the selectors wanted to give Jones a chance, then that was fair enough.
I didn't get the chance to watch much of the series, but I heard that Read kept well, and although dropping him may have seemed a bit harsh, every keeper must make a contribution with the bat, in my opinion. So if the selectors wanted to give Jones a chance, then that was fair enough.
Have you seen much of them play?
I haven't seen much of Read, but I have seen quite a lot of Jones. We played against him a few times last season and his batting looked really well organised. If he gets a run in the team, he has every chance to excel. As far as his keeping is concerned, he has some work to do. He needs to raise his levels, but I've heard he's not shy of work so hopefully he'll meet the required standards. But playing for England is a tough job. A keeper is scrutinised by the media and the public, and is expected not to make mistakes, and that's fair enough.
I haven't seen much of Read, but I have seen quite a lot of Jones. We played against him a few times last season and his batting looked really well organised. If he gets a run in the team, he has every chance to excel. As far as his keeping is concerned, he has some work to do. He needs to raise his levels, but I've heard he's not shy of work so hopefully he'll meet the required standards. But playing for England is a tough job. A keeper is scrutinised by the media and the public, and is expected not to make mistakes, and that's fair enough.
Is there a way back for James Foster?
That all depends on him. He's certainly good enough, but it's up to him to force his way back into the side in county cricket. He had a good start to the season, scoring a hundred at Lord's for MCC against Sussex, and he's now a lot more organised and understands his game better. I'm not sure what he did in the off-season, but he's come back physically stronger and if he gets a few hundreds, then he could be back in the frame.
That all depends on him. He's certainly good enough, but it's up to him to force his way back into the side in county cricket. He had a good start to the season, scoring a hundred at Lord's for MCC against Sussex, and he's now a lot more organised and understands his game better. I'm not sure what he did in the off-season, but he's come back physically stronger and if he gets a few hundreds, then he could be back in the frame.
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As an outsider, what's your opinion on county cricket in general?
There are fine cricketers here who are really dedicated, and they don't get any kudos for that. The majority of the players are good professional athletes. A number of them haven't played, and won't play, for England, but they are dedicated to the game and some of the flak that comes a county cricketer's way is unjustified. But then again, there are some people who cruise along without the right attitude, and who probably still shouldn't be there. They are typical of the mud that is slung at the county game. But with 18 sides, that is going to be inevitable.
There are fine cricketers here who are really dedicated, and they don't get any kudos for that. The majority of the players are good professional athletes. A number of them haven't played, and won't play, for England, but they are dedicated to the game and some of the flak that comes a county cricketer's way is unjustified. But then again, there are some people who cruise along without the right attitude, and who probably still shouldn't be there. They are typical of the mud that is slung at the county game. But with 18 sides, that is going to be inevitable.
Do you think the structure is right?
Two divisions was a good idea, but I'm not sure if it has worked as was envisaged and hoped for by the ECB. The cream hasn't really risen to the top. Maybe it will five years down the line, but perhaps they should look at other ideas being suggested. I have no great solution myself, and without cutting the number of sides, it's a tough call.
Two divisions was a good idea, but I'm not sure if it has worked as was envisaged and hoped for by the ECB. The cream hasn't really risen to the top. Maybe it will five years down the line, but perhaps they should look at other ideas being suggested. I have no great solution myself, and without cutting the number of sides, it's a tough call.
Do you think Essex can rise to the top?
We have a little way to go, but the good thing for Essex is that we have a group of fine young cricketers and a strong nucleus for the future. Alistair Cook especially stands out. I think he is a sensational player. He has a simple approach to batting, with an impressive clarity of thought for such a young player. Having Darren Gough will help as well. He won't play in every game but will be a big influence for the others to learn from.
We have a little way to go, but the good thing for Essex is that we have a group of fine young cricketers and a strong nucleus for the future. Alistair Cook especially stands out. I think he is a sensational player. He has a simple approach to batting, with an impressive clarity of thought for such a young player. Having Darren Gough will help as well. He won't play in every game but will be a big influence for the others to learn from.
Now you're a British citizen, is there any chance of you playing for England?
I'm not playing well enough - and I'm too old. It's just not going to happen!
I'm not playing well enough - and I'm too old. It's just not going to happen!