Hussain the best captain since Brearley
Nasser Hussain is the best England captain since Mike Brearley and more people would prefer to drink with James Anderson than David Beckham, according to the findings of an exclusive survey commissioned to mark the publication of the first issue of
16-Sep-2003
Nasser Hussain is the best England captain since Mike Brearley and more people would prefer to drink with James Anderson than David Beckham, according to the findings of an exclusive survey commissioned to mark the publication of the first issue of The Wisden Cricketer magazine.
Although Hussain's reign ended abruptly, after England's disappointing performance against South Africa at Edgbaston last July, he is rated more highly than any England captain since Brearley, well ahead of other leaders including Mike Atherton, Mike Gatting, Graham Gooch, David Gower, Tony Greig, Alec Stewart, Mike Denness and Colin Cowdrey. Among post-war captains only Peter May, Ray Illingworth and Brearley were voted ahead of Hussain.
Drinking with Anderson, not Beckham
Cricket followers appear to be immune to the massive hype surrounding football, and David Beckham in particular. Seven out of 10 say they would prefer to have a drink with England's up-and-coming fast bowler James Anderson than with Beckham. And despite the contrasts in profile and pay packets, eight out of 10 say they would prefer their daughters to marry a cricketer rather than a footballer.
Cricket followers appear to be immune to the massive hype surrounding football, and David Beckham in particular. Seven out of 10 say they would prefer to have a drink with England's up-and-coming fast bowler James Anderson than with Beckham. And despite the contrasts in profile and pay packets, eight out of 10 say they would prefer their daughters to marry a cricketer rather than a footballer.
Umpires should be dropped
A huge majority (92%) support the idea that umpires should be treated more like players, with those consistently making poor decisions being dropped. And while most people did not agree that Hawkeye technology should be used by umpires to reach lbw decisions (65% against), opinions were more evenly divided on whether the ICC should adopt more technology to help get the correct decisions at international level (55:45 in favour).
A huge majority (92%) support the idea that umpires should be treated more like players, with those consistently making poor decisions being dropped. And while most people did not agree that Hawkeye technology should be used by umpires to reach lbw decisions (65% against), opinions were more evenly divided on whether the ICC should adopt more technology to help get the correct decisions at international level (55:45 in favour).
Corruption still taking place
The Wisden Cricketer survey canvassed opinions among English cricket fans, asking a wide range of topical and sometimes controversial questions. One of these was on the subject of corruption, where seven out of 10 say they believe that corrupt practice is still taking place in world cricket, despite assurances to the contrary from the game's authorities. Perhaps more surprisingly, fewer than a third said that it spoilt their enjoyment of the game.
The Wisden Cricketer survey canvassed opinions among English cricket fans, asking a wide range of topical and sometimes controversial questions. One of these was on the subject of corruption, where seven out of 10 say they believe that corrupt practice is still taking place in world cricket, despite assurances to the contrary from the game's authorities. Perhaps more surprisingly, fewer than a third said that it spoilt their enjoyment of the game.
Sledging OK in Tests
According to more than half of respondents, sledging is acceptable at the highest levels of the game. This view altered substantially, however, when the same question was asked about village cricket. Two thirds say it is not acceptable at recreational level, although one in three admit to sledging when they actually play.
According to more than half of respondents, sledging is acceptable at the highest levels of the game. This view altered substantially, however, when the same question was asked about village cricket. Two thirds say it is not acceptable at recreational level, although one in three admit to sledging when they actually play.
On the domestic front there was overwhelming support for the ECB's new Twenty20 competition, with 97 per cent saying it was a success and 87 per cent believing it would work as well next year.
Benaud top commentator by a mile
With almost half the votes, Richie Benaud was the runaway winner of a poll of TV commentators from all stations - of the other nominations only Botham, Atherton and Nicholas received double figures. Channel 4's coverage of the game was also highly rated (77%).
With almost half the votes, Richie Benaud was the runaway winner of a poll of TV commentators from all stations - of the other nominations only Botham, Atherton and Nicholas received double figures. Channel 4's coverage of the game was also highly rated (77%).
Return of the Ashes?
Only half of England's followers believe their team has any chance of winning back the Ashes in 2005, a view perhaps influenced by the fact that 70 per cent of them think Shane Warne should be picked to play for Australia again, despite his recent controversies. Continuing the Australian theme, Sydney is the Englishman's favourite choice of ground to watch England play Test cricket, although Lord's is still seen as the home of world cricket by 85 per cent of respondents.
Only half of England's followers believe their team has any chance of winning back the Ashes in 2005, a view perhaps influenced by the fact that 70 per cent of them think Shane Warne should be picked to play for Australia again, despite his recent controversies. Continuing the Australian theme, Sydney is the Englishman's favourite choice of ground to watch England play Test cricket, although Lord's is still seen as the home of world cricket by 85 per cent of respondents.
The Wisden Cricketer is published for the first time on Friday 19 September at a price of £3.25, including a free, 48-page collection of photographs covering England on tour by Patrick Eagar.