The Shane Lee Column

ALL the Enfield lads were quick to remind me about my brave forecast for the Texaco Cup one day series!

Last week I predicted an Aussie win, despite losing the first of the three games at Headingley.

Not quite, mates. England, of course, went and won 3-0 and that meant I've had a lot of stick to contend with this week.

But I'll stick by my guns and say the Aussie lads still have enough authority and strength to retain the Ashes.

While England have shown what they are made of with three super performances when they fielded, bowled and batted with a lot of passion, I think once the Australian batting starts to fire then there could some big runs in the bank.

Australia's main problem is the form of skipper Mark Taylor.

He is a great captain and really well respected back home but he is out of form and cannot score any runs. That is a worrying factor for the tourists.

Taylor's batting is hogging all the headlines and I'm sure that could be affecting everybody in the dressing room.

He needs some runs quickly because an in-form opener is so important to a side if they are going to build a big, match-winning score.

The excitement is building for the First Test next week.

England, I believe, have to recall Devon Malcolm. He is an aggressive bowler who makes things happen and the Edgbaston pitch appears to have been pretty unpredictable over the years. Adam Hollioake should also be included because he has proved what a good young all-round talent he is and he deserves his chance. Nick Knight should also open with Michael Atherton.

It is great to have some sun on my back at long last because the first five weeks of the campaign was difficult with all the damp weather.

In fact, last weekend at Todmorden was the first track I've played on this season when the tip of your bat hasn't made a giant hollow in the popping crease when I've taken guard.

That innings (94 not out) at Todmorden probably gave me most pleasure because we were chasing the runs and I had to try and keep everything under control.

I was hitting the ball hard and I felt my timing was fairly good. I just want to keep the runs coming and a repeat performance against Rishton tomorrow at Dill Hall Lane would do nicely to leave Enfield in a strong position.

Talking of the Lancashire League, Corrie Jordaan is proving a fantastic success at Lowerhouse.

His six wickets against Colne last weekend gave Corrie 35 for the season and that is fantastic return.

I've had first hand experience of Corrie - he has got me out twice this season. He is an excellent spinner who gives the ball a lot of air. I don't think the guys over here are used to that type of spin-bowling and Corrie is exploiting that.

See you next week when I hope the Australians are well on their way to a First Test victory!

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