Riding for a Fall

With his spare frame, angular features and portentous manner, John Buchanan has always appeared to be a somewhat mysterious and singular figure alongside the greater spontaneity of most of his players.

But he's always been prone to pronouncements which betray more than a hint of arrogance and it seemed to me, when he apparently stated a few weeks ago that Australia weren't going to be provided with sufficient competition by England and New Zealand and would be better off preparing for the World Cup by playing amongst themselves, that he was again riding for a fall.

Well that's two wins out of two against your boys for England, Mr.Buchanan, and if they make it three tomorrow you can ride off in the direction of the West Indies and then into the sunset with a bit to think about.

Such as, whatever you're thinking, it's sometimes best to keep your mouth shut.