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Sharjah: Former England captain Graham Gooch holds the world record for the highest run getter in first class, list A and One-day matches put together. He scored 67,057 runs with 172 tons and 356 half-centuries.
Gooch, who is here as the coach of the Essex County team who are taking part in the Arch Trophy, talked about various aspects of the game.
Gulf News: How are you enjoying your career as a coach?Gooch: Coaching is different from playing. Rather than retire, I decided to be involved with the game as a coach. I have been with Essex since 2002. We have some good players and we are looking forward to a good show here. Sharjah is a lovely place to play cricket. I have fond memories of playing here and I feel nice to be back.
Is the general standard of English County cricket dipping?
It needs to improve because we select the England team from it. We have some good players coming through the system like Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara, who both are from Essex.
What is needed for England to emerge as a strong cricket team?
They need to improve their cricket if they want to regain the No 2 spot in Test cricket. They are a long way away from doing it because India have been playing particularly well and looks a good side. England disappointed by losing the Hamilton Test but must try and win the Wellington Test starting on Thursday.
Do you think England have resisted introducing young players or is there a dearth of talent?
Cook made his Test debut at 21 and has scored seven Test hundreds in 18 months. Bopara and Stuart Broad made their debut at 21. They are introducing youngsters.
Why did you decide against becoming England selector?
I did not put my name forward because I am happy coaching the Essex team. I was a selector once and my aim now is to produce some good players for England.
You played until the age of 40 but now there is a general trend against senior cricketers...
Players are now much fitter than they used to be. If leagues like the IPL are around and the money is going to be good, players will want to play longer.
So how long do you think Sachin Tendulkar could go on?
Tendulkar at 35 is in his best form knocking up hundreds again. I do not see any reason why he cannot go on for another three years. As long as he maintains his fitness and the desire to score runs remains, he should continue.
What do you feel about IPL?
Commercialisation of cricket was bound to come. It will be lovely to see great cricketers playing for different teams. It will be like watching eight different World XIs. India is also a fantastic place to play.
Do you think Australian cricket is in decline?
I won't say they are sliding. They have lost a few great players and they need time to regroup. They will come back stronger. It is nice to see that there is good competition around the world.
Is sledging on the rise?
Sledging has been around for a long time. It did not start now. It has been there ever since I started playing.
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