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Author Topic: Sidebottom Blog  (Read 1340 times)

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skippy

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Sidebottom Blog
« on: January 02, 2009, 10:18:35 AM »

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I've been home for a couple of weeks now but I still can't quite believe what happened in Mumbai. Being out in India and watching the terror attacks certainly had an affect on us.

We were watching the live news channels and the horrific story as it unfolded. And this was taking place in and around a hotel that we had stayed at just a couple of weeks before. You can't help but think 'I could have been involved in this'.

It certainly put cricket into perspective and I think it was a top decision for the squad to come home, spend some time with their families and take their minds off things.

Then to get together again for practise and make a collective decision. I think the ECB handled the situation well. That said, it was still a big decision to continue the tour and a tough one at that.

I know the guys will be given top security and the big challenge now is that they focus on the upcoming Test series against one of the best teams in the world, who are in great form, in their own backyard. But our guys have had a couple of weeks off from cricket and will certainly be raring to go.

I think we have to take the game to India in the first Test at Chennai, not be afraid to unsettle them and be very positive in everything we do.

The forecast I've heard is not the best and maybe the rain that is due will help our excellent battery of swing and seam bowlers - fingers crossed anyway.

The initial plan before we all flew home was for me to get my side fit out in India and then hopefully be in contention for the second Test match. I reckon there is a decent chance I would have been available for selection, but then you take into consideration that I've not played in any competitive cricket for a while.

There's also the chance of trying too hard when you first get back and possibly doing even further damage. Looking forward, there is plenty of cricket to come, with a tour to the West Indies in the New Year followed by an Ashes summer and the World Twenty20. All in all, it was a sensible decision not to rush things.

So, unfortunately, it's the same old story of the last few months. I'm going to be working my butt off at the National Cricket Centre in Loughborough, rehabbing and making sure that come selection for the West Indies tour, I am fit and available.

I think in the past, the setbacks I've suffered would have got me down more. But I'm a bit older and wiser and understand it's a case of being patient, follow my training schedule and working hard. I'll also be keeping an eye on the TV and willing England to turn the tables from the one-day series and put India under pressure.

If you can support the lads in any way, please do. I know they will appreciate it.

Until next time, take care.
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