HE may have only been on the scene five minutes, but Craig Kieswetter is almost nailed on to retain his place in the side for the three one-day internationals with Bangladesh, starting on Sunday.
True, he couldn’t have wished for a gentler introduction to international cricket than in the form of a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI, but you can only beat what’s in front of you and his tremendous 143, in just 123 balls, proved just what a talented and level-headed young prospect he is.
Confident and in supreme form with the bat, Kieswetter simply has to start in Mirpur on Sunday – even if it is as a specialist batsman with Matt Prior keeping the gloves. I, for one, am excited to see such an exciting addition introduced to the England top order, especially with one-day specialists at a premium.
Yesterday, however, was a sad day for cricket after Australian fast bowler Brett Lee announced his retirement from Tests after a glittering career spanning 76 matches.
Despite playing for our big rivals, Brett was one of those players you just couldn’t help but like – not only was he a top, top bowler, but he played hard and fair, and always with a smile on his face.
Not only that, but I have been lucky enough to have dinner with Brett a couple of times and he is a true gentleman.
Unfortunately, he seems unable to shake off the elbow injury which has plagued him since before Christmas and he’s decided to call it a day. Test cricket will miss him.
