Nasser's catch phrase

What an extraordinary comment Nasser Hussain made this week.

He went on record saying that England need to improve their fielding by 600 per cent!

How much is that? I’ve heard of a 100 per cent effort or improvement, but 600 per cent. What does he want, a squad of Jonty’s darting all over the place? If he got that…..I know this is a big statement…..he might even smile!

Throughout the VB Series you must admit we have witnessed some pretty ordinary fielding exhibitions from all teams involved. Australia, normally the trend setters when it comes to this art, along with South Africa, have also been well below par. Sitters have been grassed, basic run out opportunities missed and general ground fielding has been slap dash.

Watching some of the work from the Poms, even Phillip Tufnell could get a spot to this day parading in the covers!

Everyone is currently giving their thoughts as to who will be in the semis along with naming those individuals who will dominate the tournament.

Listen to me loud and clear.

Yes, we will be lucky enough to check out some dazzling displays from the world’s most gifted but don’t underestimate the importance of ‘out cricket’. What is ‘out cricket’ I hear you say. Simply put, it is the art of dismissing an opponent through sheer brilliance in the field. Guess who is head of the pack in the category. Yep, that’s right, South Africa……and by far.

Make sure you sit back and focus during the upcoming magnificent event, on the exhibition in the field that will be put on by the likes of Rhodes, Gibbs, Ponting, Boucher, Gilchrist, Sehwaq, Flower, Sarwan etc. We all know that one single act of gob smacking intensity can change the face of the match and perhaps the tournament. For that matter those teams not up to scratch will come second in a two horse race.

I must say of all the major teams edging toward the world’s greatest cricketing showpiece, it is Nasser’s men that are bringing up the rear.

Which brings me back to my original point on Hussain’s comment. Nasser is confused.

His team needs to improve 1000 per cent…….however much that is!