Chris Read has the hump

And who can blame him? He has finally spoken about it, even if he didn’t come out and call Duncan Fletcher a fat tosser (for which he might have been forgiven).

“I could not understand how after playing the last few games of the year I was not going to start the Ashes, especially having played well in those two Tests.”

You and me-and–most–of–England-both, mate. Sure, Read didn’t exactly make his mark on the position, but then no-one has done that in the last few years. And there’s no question that he has not had the same chances as other keepers. I don’t think Chris Read’s test career is over just yet, England are sure to dangle the carrot in front of his face but never really take him seriously for years yet to come. The obvious question is what will happen when England stops farting around with Paul Nixon – will they go back to Geraint Jones, or Chris Read, or will they reconsider James Foster or Matt Prior? But as long as Fletcher is in charge, Chris Read will never get a serious run behind the stumps.