‘THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT’

Adam Hollioake took Surrey to the Twenty20 title in 2003 — the year the abridged version got official status in England. Our correspondent catches up with the ex-England captain

When you first heard of Twenty20, what was your reaction?
I thought this was an invention for players like me, who like to be aggressive all the time. Every time you walk out, there’s a requirement on the field. There’s never a dull moment and that’s what immediately attracted me. Right from the start, T20 seemed pure fun. They are intense games. You’ve to put in the same effort throughout and then go have a shower.

As a captain who won England’s first Twenty20 Cup, what do you think should a team have to succeed in at the world level?
Well, Twenty20 is a deathbed for bowlers. Let me put it this way, they’re there because they are the reasons for the batsmen to entertain. It is out and out a batsman’s game. An aggressive team, led by in-form, hard-hitting batsmen and the madness of trying to send every ball out, that’s what Twenty20 is all about. Those who’ve tried their hand at baseball will know what I’m saying. Success in Twenty20 is about momentum, the batting side that manages to keep it dominates.

When you say Twenty20 is a deathbed for bowlers, then it’s harming one aspect of the game. It’s no more a battle of equals between the batsman and the bowler.
Certainly, bowlers cannot enjoy this format as much as batsmen. Spectators walk in to watch fours and sixes. Bowlers do play a part, no doubt. For instance, Shane Warne’s zooters are the kind extremely difficult to handle when the batsman is looking to have his day out. Bowlers who can think, manage to tie the batsman down succeed. The simpler you keep it, the better it is. You either get hit all around or pluck a wicket, but something keeps happening all the time and that is great.

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How do you see the T20 World Cup coming? And what is your opinion on the Indian team?
(Laughs) As you ask, the first few names that come to my mind are Dhoni and Sehwag. They’ll definitely be looking to have a good time out there. India have quite a few talented youngsters. The one-day side definitely has guys who can do well. The World Cup will open a new variety all over. Until now, it existed in pockets; this could do to this version what perhaps the 1975 World Cup did to one-day cricket.

You said this is for those who have a shorter concentration span.
I find it more satisfying to play a 20-over-a-side game. Though it is shorter, it seeps in a lot of energy. It is fun to know you’re entertaining the paying crowd.

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