Read looking forward but Athers says he has to go
by Alan Rowley, 9th January 2004

Former England skipper Michael Atherton has launched a scathing attack on Nottinghamshire wicketkeeper Chris Read saying that the England selectors should "look elsewhere" for a keeper. Speaking on BBC Radio, Atherton said England should pick their best batsman / wicketkeeper rather than their best wicketkeeper / batsman.

Read (pictured), who scored only 125 runs from nine innings on the recent Bangladesh and Sri Lanka tour, has been selected for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies. Atherton said that it is "far easier for a batsman to develop his skills behind the stumps than it is for a wicketkeeper to improve his batting".

Record breaking former England keeper Bob Taylor was quick to rush to the defence of the Nottinghamshire star. Speaking to the Nottingham Evening Post, Taylor said: "I like Mike Atherton and have a lot of time for the guy, but his comments on the wicketkeeping situation are utter rubbish".

Taylor went on to say: "England got rid of Chris far too early in 1999. He played three tests against New Zealand and was then left out of the side. If England persevere with him this time, I'm sure both they and the player will get their rewards".

Taylor: Give Read time | Read's fight echoes my own battle

Read, meanwhile, said: "I was hopeful of being included, but it's always nice when you hear your name read out. The West Indies are an improving side and it will be tough to beat them on their own patch. I'm really looking forward to the challenge".

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