Maybe expecting Test cricket at the Rose Bowl by 2009 was asking too much when cows, not cricketers, were enjoying it little more than seven years ago. But its much-criticised
playing surface is improving, if statistics are a reliable guide. Over the first five torrid
summers at the Rose Bowl only two Hampshire players attained the modest target of 1,000 runs: Simon Katich (1,143 in 2003) and John Crawley (1,246 in 2005). Though runs are still not flowing, by the mid-point in the Championship as many as five look on course for 1,000 this year. Crawley had 748 and four others â.. James Adams, Dominic Thornely, Michael Carberry and Nic Pothas â.. had 462 or more. Is it too late for Crawley to be considered as an England player again? Not since he left Lancashire so controversially has â..Creepyâ.. looked so free and confident. He is still only 34 and his England record (average 34.61 from 37 Tests) is not bad either. Shane Warne and Paul Terry reckon he is worth another look.
Pat Symes, The Wisden Cricketer