Cricket... brief

Well, what a series so far for England. 3-0 up on foreign territory is good anywhere in the world, but for it to be in the Indies, it makes it 10 times better. Is it just me, or am I the only one who doesn't really feel sorry for Brian Lara. He's destroyed England's seamers many times in the past, and I'm quite glad the tides have turned. England now seem to have a balanced line-up, which has been lacking in the past. With the experience of Vaughan, Butcher, Hussain and Thorpe at the top of the order, and Hoggard, Jones, Harmison and Flintoff doing the business at the bowling end. Even though Chris Read's keeping has been outstanding, his batting performances have been far from the same level. This is why Geraint Jones has been given the opportunity to appear for his country for the 4th test.
I think that a series whitewash would give England an unbelievable boost going into the test series against New Zealand on home turf. Although we shouldn't underestimate the Kiwi's, who have recently proved strong opposition for South Africa. They also have key players in their line-up. The biggest two have just recently been called up, Nathan Astle and Shane Bond, both can turn matches around. Other players like Vettori and Fleming are also key players, so they could be targeted by England, like Brian Lara was.
In Zimbabwe, Heath Streak is viewing legal action against the Zimbabwe cricket board for unfair dismissal as captain. There has been a lot of controversy over this issue. The Zimbabwe cricket board claimed he had resigned, where as Streak's father claimed that he hadn't. 10 senior Zimbabwe players have threatened to resign as of this situation. It is chaotic. One thing is for sure. That Tatenda Taibu will captain the side for their Test and one day series in Sri Lanka at the experienced age of 20. He will the youngest ever test captain, being younger than recent record holder Graeme Smith (South African Captain, 22).

For me personally, I hope this will be my best season in cricket so far. I have been drafted up to the Leicestershire South-East District side, where I hope to keep a place in the starting XI. I am also playing for Enderby, and I hope I can help bring a trophy for them as well. In fact, just playing any kind of cricket would please me, after just returning from knee surgery.
So I hope that England stuff the Windies in the 4th test. I hope that Brain Lara gets a Golden Duck, and that England can beat the Kiwi's on home soil. It's not too much
By James Reeves