Cricket: Fraser rejects Illingworth's fitness criticism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ANGUS FRASER arrived home from the West Indies yesterday and rebuffed Ray Illingworth's suggestion that his fitness might not stand up to a punishing summer of international cricket and next winter's tour to Australia. 'I bowled over 90 overs in 10 days, more than anyone else,' the Middlesex bowler said. 'I don't know what more he wants.'
Illingworth, the new chairman of selectors, had described the tour party's performance in the Caribbean as 'not good enough' and was particularly disappointed with Graeme Hick, Jack Russell, Chris Lewis and Mark Ramprakash.
He promised wholesale changes, but this view was not shared by the England manager Keith Fletcher. 'I can't say there are going to be that many radical changes,' he said. 'There are a lot of good things which have come out of this tour. There are a lot of better players now in this team.'
Brian Lara, who broke the world record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, received a warm welcome on his return home to Trinidad. Among the thousands at Port of Spain airport was the Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who said a new city street would be named the Brian Lara Promenade.
Lara plans three days of celebrations in Trinidad before flying to England on Monday to play for Warwickshire.
Lara profile, page 12
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments