For all England supporters, the real World Cup starts soon with the winner takes all Super 8 match against South Africa on Tuesday. To all intents and purposes it is a quarter final with the winner virtually guaranteed a place in the semi finals.

There has been much justified criticism of England's performances so far. We have yet to beat one of the eight major nations so Tuesday would be a good time to start.

Cricket is still enjoying the legacy from the summer of 2005 with interest in grass roots cricket continuing to grow at all levels. More money than ever is being invested into recreational and junior cricket. Around 1500 Clubs took part in the NatWest Cricketforce weekend two weeks ago - an event when volunteers are urged to go and help their local club prepare it's facilities for the new season. The ECB has calculated that over £35m worth of time and equipment was invested over the two days.

England really need to reach the World Cup semi finals to help keep this momentum going as we look forward to the start of the 2007 domestic season. Tuesday will be a tense evening.


There has been much speculation about the future of England Coach, Duncan Fletcher. The Schofield Review Group is expected to report within 10 days of the end of England's World Cup campaign. We have no idea what the review will say although our Director of Cricket, Steve Rhodes, has been given the opportunity to give his views. I have previously expressed my view that the time is right for change at the sharp end. Duncan still has a role to play in helping identify future England talent - his track record in this area is outstanding - but every team needs fresh ideas from time to time and the build up to the next Ashes series in 2009 and World Cup in 2011 has to start now. Don't forget the first Twenty20 World Championships are only five months away.

One matter that has concerned me recently is the writings of Angus Fraser. He is on the Schofield Review Group yet has gone into print with his views that Fletcher should go. This, in my view, is very unprofessional. It is a direct conflict of interest and has probably hurt his good reputation within the game as a player, broadcaster and journalist - a reputation that has taken years to develop but a day to lose.

On a more positive it is good to see that the atmosphere within the Caribbean grounds has improved over the last week. West Indies Cricket is all about carnival and the authorities have relaxed some of the ground regulations at last. Having been privileged to watch cricket in Jamaica, Antigua and Barbados over the years, it really has the best atmosphere in the world. To sit with the locals is a joy, particularly when they start sharing their food and drink with you. You could be eating or drinking anything but their generosity has no limits and their humour is infectious. Start making plans for Spring 2009 when England next tour out there.