Former captain Mike Gatting would like to see an Englishman be given the reins as England Test coach and says the team must move on from the Kevin Pietersen saga ahead of two important summer series’ at home.
Following a 5-0 thrashing to Australia in the Ashes series this year, England suffered problems off the field with Andy Flower resigning as coach while Pietersen’s international career was ended by the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for ‘not giving full support’ to captain Alastair Cook.
Gatting acknowledges that it is a difficult time for England, and says the team must forget about the Pietersen issue and concentrate on an important summer against Sri Lanka and India at home.
“I think after all the dust has settled, the ECB have done what they have done and things will have to move on,” the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) president told Sport360° during the first day of the four-day match against Durham at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
“It’s not easy when someone leaves and it’s something as a group you have to deal with in the best way you can.
“The game moves on and it doesn’t wait for anybody sadly. The game is bigger than any individual.”
The former batsman points out to the success of previous coaches Duncan Fletcher and Flower who both won the Ashes, and says there’s no reason why this can’t be achieved by an Englishman.
“We had Duncan Fletcher and Andy Flower who have both done tremendous jobs. From an English point of view, it would be nice to see one of your own coaches do that too.”
While Gatting says limited-overs coach Ashley Giles could be given the role, he has backed new managing director of ECB, Paul Downton, responsible for hiring the coach, to make the right decision.
“It’s a very difficult job. Ashley Giles is doing the job at the moment and knowing him, he is a tremendous person,” he said. “Ashley has been around the team for a fair period so he would obviously have a chance I’m sure.
“On who will be picked I really don’t know but I think they will have to make a decision after the on-going World Twenty20 (in Bangladesh).”
Gatting also explained how he believes the Indian Premier League (IPL) organisers must ensure tickets are reasonably priced to ensure the stadiums are filled when the UAE host the first leg of the tournament between April 16 and 30.
“It will a big treat for them (the fans). I hope they turn up in their numbers to watch many of the idols in real life,” he said. “I hope somebody can make sure that they can afford to come and not be silly with the ticket prices because it’s very important.
“There is nothing worse then seeing empty grounds when cricket is going on.”
