Comments on The Nightwatchgirl™: Nightwatchgirl's Handy Hints for Andrew Strauss

Appreciate the comments, and the humour, but perso...

2009-01-11T11:16:49.864Z

Appreciate the comments, and the humour, but personally i think Strauss already knows what to do as captain.

I've long been a fan of his, and think he has the strength of character (not arrogance, see KP) to become a good captain.

He's got the experience and he's popular within the squad and seems to be well respected by his peers and team mates.

Jamie - you're straight into NWG's good books. NWG...

2009-01-10T12:10:28.601Z

Jamie - you're straight into NWG's good books. NWG may start a Matthew Hoggard petition on the ECB website...

I'll bet the suits at the ECB and the members at t...

2009-01-10T11:10:52.097Z

I'll bet the suits at the ECB and the members at the MCC are happier Strauss is captain, with his nice English accent *smile*

Definitely bring back Matthew Hoggard. Big questions over Steve Harmison this tour, if he doesn't perform then his time has passed. The same should be said of Ian Bell. Sure he looks great but missing straight balls is something he's starting to do as much as I did. I'm just glad there isn't any evidence of my pathetic batsmanship on video... *shudder*

I'm sure Strauss will do well as captain. Those who think he's a soft touch may well be in for a surprise.

Ben - you are way too sensible. NWG hopes that And...

2009-01-10T10:51:56.044Z

Ben - you are way too sensible. NWG hopes that Andrew Strauss reads your comment. It's filled with wisdom.

Always have a couple of positives you can draw fro...

2009-01-09T23:30:18.571Z

Always have a couple of positives you can draw from each match so that it looks like the team is improving. It didnt work for Moores, because he didnt do it with a wink and a cheeky grin. Refer to Harry Redknapp.

Get along well with the coaches, even if they are a bunch of stats freaks, who think video analysis is more important than actually having played the game. Even geeks have feelings sometimes.

Introduce a team huddle when the team goes out to field. Even if it achieves nothing, the fans love that kind of touchy-feely thing.

Be sensitive to the needs of your teammates. Let Freddie bat at number six because he thinks he is a batting all-rounder. Let Harmy keep banging it in short all day because he loves how much bounce he can generate. Tell KP how divine his clothes are and where did he get the lilac jacket from?. Tell Owais to keep it up and how close he is to breaking into the team, while winking at Bell. Tell Monty if he keeps practising his catching, one day he can field at second slip.

Keep telling the media about how strong the team spirit is, even if the dressing room is a war zone. There will be plenty of time to reveal the truth in your shocking autobiography later.

A batting average in the high 30s with the occasional 105 is good enough because your ability to keep everyone happy is indispensable. If any tabloid hack questions your run-making, hint darkly at whether the country can afford to have another KP fiasco.