Respect, Dan

Dan,

It was great that you were able to make that decision to recall Paul Collingwood during yesterday's game.

Following those two Andrew Strauss incidents earlier last week, there's been the usual murmuring from fans and the press about the "spirit of the game", and whether it is of any relevance today. By the time yesterday's game was done, the discussions had palpably quietened down. Perhaps we were all fatigued; I mean, there is only so much debate we can take on an issue which everyone believes is completely black and white. I fully agree with your view of making calls on a case-by-case basis (although I am a little dismayed at how the umpires are getting increasingly marginalised in such matters).

Strauss and you find yourselves under the microscope now, for deciding to front up and play God on the field. You can, however, safely ignore those who cynically suggest these two recalls were quixotic in nature. It was particularly generous in your case, because your side were faced with a knockout scenario; you had England on the ropes after deciding to bowl first on that helpful pitch, and no doubt it was tempting to ram home the advantage by running out Collingwood, who I thought played a little gem of a knock. Again, the cynics might suggest you made that decision because you were conscious of the press you might be getting after the game. Well, what about the reactions that would've emanated had Colly gone on to score a matchwinning hundred? But then you didn't need me to ask that question, right?

There was, of course, delicious irony in the fact that Collingwood was the captain at the Oval last year when England decided not to recall Grant Elliott, after that collision with Ryan Sidebottom. I remember how visibly angry you were on the pavillion that day, but I doubt you would have seen things coming the full circle so soon. They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but an Elliott four-wicket haul can be even sweeter. I'm glad you had put it behind you.

There were also whispers about the incident involving Muttiah Muralitharan in Christchurch a couple of years ago, and the requisite cries of "double standards". Fair point, but the fact that Fleming was the captain then gives you the benefit of the doubt. I don't think Strauss got too many questions over the Sidebottom-Elliott incident, and you needn't have to answer for a decision made by an ex-captain either.

You might not be as tactically astute as Flem was at 30, but you're alright, Dan. You sure did us kiwi fans proud yesterday. Now, win us a semifinal for once, please?

Regards,
Suhas