Mickey's Mantle

I can picture it now.

Yesterday, being Friday, was a travel day in the Caribbean as the 46 member TWI television crew trundled on to the enchanting island of St Lucia for the next two one-dayers in the series between the West Indies and Pakistan.

Tony Cozier and Michael Holding would be in that bunch that flew out of St Vincent in the early hours of the morning, exiting on one of the world’s shortest runways. Two astute cricket personalities who have witnessed more heartache over performances, or should I say non-performances, of their West Indies team than anyone else. They will again be disillusioned following another loss to Pakistan in the first game of the series. They will be thinking about how to mask their immense disappointment the next time they go to air.

No doubt upon arrival in St Lucia they would not have been able to access their rooms yet. Both being laptop junkies at the best of times, they would have headed for the nearest outdoor bistro on the esplanade strip that possesses a Wi Fi hotspot, and logged on. Upon firing up their computers late morning on Thursday, they would have learnt to their astonishment that Ray Jennings has been sacked. Simply put, they were astounded that anyone was even thinking of that possibility whilst I was still working with them earlier in the week. Their comment was that anyone who could assist in putting together a substantial winning streak was worth retaining. Think about it from their point of view. The last times they tasted any real champagne success was when Holding was still charging in!

Now lets change tack. Whether you agree or not, Ray Jennings is no longer the coach.

Mickey Arthur has taken over the helm. There is no doubt that some of the South African players will not be overly pleased with the treatment Jennings has received. That is a far from ideal scenario in which a new coach is to begin. Mickey is a very special individual with a coaching style which differs enormously from Jennings. Is he going to be strong enough? Time is on his side to ensure total commitment to his style of leadership and that is a blessing.

What lies ahead? Australia home and away. That’s what.

There can be no greater baptism of fire and the South African public has become accustomed to favourable results following a very lean period.

Tony and Michael, and others closer to home, will be watching with interest.