HOWZAT THEN ?

It`s reported today that England cricket captain Andrew Strauss is `shocked` that ex-England spinner Monty Panesar has been giving long practice sessions to his mate Sachin Tendulkar in advance of the opening Test against India that begins at Lord`s today.   It can be argued that, as possibly the best player ever to hold a bat, Tendulkar needs no help from anyone but the fact is he hasn`t been playing much lately and needed to get a bit used to English conditions (damp, dreary, unpredictable) in his quest to record his 100th international century at the home of cricket.

Andrew Strauss`s unawareness of Panesar`s involvement and his subsequent `shock` at finding out seems to be a bit rich coming from someone who just a few days ago `guested` for Somerset in their game aginst India so he could have a look at the Indian bowling attack at first hand.   Strauss took full advantage, scoring a hundred against what looks a bit of a powder puff attack, so he needs to temper his shock at Panesar`s net session with Tendulkar by having a look at his own actions.

Never mind, as an Englishman in love with the game, I will look forward to the upcoming test series against an Indian team comprising wholly of Indians against an English team which includes at least four South African born players, including Strauss himself, and a highly talented and personable Irishman.

Pity there`s not a Decision Revew System for qualification?