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Journalism of Courage
Veteran fast bowler Martin Bicknell admitted today that he was amazed to be recalled to the England team ten years after his last Test.
‘‘I was pretty stunned when I was told the news,’’ the 34-year-old Bicknell said after hearing he was in the 13-man squad to face South Africa in the fourth Test which gets underway at Headingley on Thursday.
‘‘Two or three years ago my name was mentioned and I thought I had a chance of playing, but didn’t and I thought that was it – my chance had gone. The news came as a bit of a shock, I thought someone was having a laugh. I know there are a few injuries around and if I can get onto the pitch I can hopefully do myself proud. This season I’ve been doing ok, but I’ve had better seasons and my focus has been on Surrey. I’ve not really given England a thought but if I get my chance I won’t let anyone down.’’
Bicknell, who made two Test apperarances against Australia back in 1993, was called-up after Durham quick Stephen Harmison sustained a right calf injury during England’s 70 run third Test win at Trent Bridge. Worcestershire’s uncapped 22-year-old seamer Kabir Ali was also included in the squad. However, Harmison still retained his place.
Glen Chapple, a member of England’s squad at Trent Bridge – where the hosts levelled the five match series at 1-1 – but not included in the team, was omitted following the recurrence of an ankle injury. Worcestershire off-spinner Gareth Batty, uncapped as well, was dropped from the squad after failing to make the Trent Bridge team.
