England's Woes

Everyone has an opinion on the wretched winter England cricket experienced. But the issue is now how is it retrieved?

There are many things the ECB has done wrong in the PR laden disaster that has befallen them during the past 5 months, culminating in defeat to one of my former teams, The Netherlands, in the T20 World Cup. Many of the wounds are self-inflicted and the rest are as a result of some exceptionally poor decision making.

The reality is, players take the field and not the coaches. The truth is, the coaching staff set the agenda and the players respond to it. So we have a virtuous circle - or in England's case, a vicious circle - that seamlessly interlinks success on the field with a happy camp.

So here are my '5 things to ensure' that English cricket gets its mojo back before it's too late:

1. Lose the cringeworthy 'team culture' message being spouted by everyone in an ECB tie, tracksuit or part of the payroll. 

2. Select the best available players to represent England, embrace the fact they are individuals and blend them into a winning outfit.

3. Stop speaking to fans and the media as if 'Team England" is a large corporate machine and we have stakeholders and shareholders.

4. Be honest when it goes wrong and be forthright about what you are going to do - and then do it.

5. Appoint the appropriate coaches and staff who can do the job they are appointed for, who can step up to the plate and who are willing to take responsibility.

We have lost sight of what's important in the melee of back room staff, reports, reviews, research and sheer numbers of those inputting the 'right culture' into what basically is a simple premise - enjoy your cricket, play without fear and express yourself.

Very soon we will know the successor for Andy Flower. That person will once again be in charge of all three formats of the game. They should have experience of how to develop a winning team. So it cannot be someone currently involved in my view. And it should also be someone who isn't looking for a job in cricket - a serial applicator for each and every coaching role that comes up.

My choice? Justin Langer. If he wanted it.

What's clear is that batting and bowling staff have failed miserably. It's been as if they are deers caught in headlights. They should go. Select the best coaches who can actually coach and make a difference. Do not choose people who are 'popular' just because they are 'good blokes'.

Give Langer a full brief. If he wants to bring back KP, then that is what happens.

Fill the England squad with pride. Appoint those unafraid to ruffle feathers. And above all, bring in an environment where people can be successful and rewarded for performances - not have selections that make no sense.

Grey men appointing grey ECB staff, is not where we can succeed. Cricket is an entertainment business and England must entertain. Ditch the culture. Embrace winning. Employ fighters. Lose the psycho babble and marketing speak. Restore the pride. Take responsibility. Straight talking.

It's a small window of opportunity. I doubt it will be taken. A good summer will again paper over cracks. But we really need a good summer.