Press Conference - South Team

Today members of the press association from the UK and India were given a rare open question interview with South Team Captain Daddy J. After initial confusion that Daddy J will be holding the press conference with the MCC leading all press turning up in their best suits it was then realised the skipper meant another type of MCC! The skipper looked relaxed while sipping on his alcopops and was unnerved as the press questioned him on numerous issues. The only controversial moment came when a journalist from the North, the Birmingham Echo, attempted to throw a slipper in his direction which he calmly caught one handed and shouted ‘howzat!’ to a rapturous applause and laughter from the press. Daddy J’s personal bodyguards Ricky and Imran removed the offending journalist with Imran insisting he deals with him in his own special way.

Below is the Full Press Conference.

How have you found the preparation of the team compared to last year?

There has been no difference, the boys know what they have to do.

You know the majority of your side from last year but have three new comers in Haps, Rikz and Arsh – how have they settled in the team?

I know what Haps and Arsh do so that makes my life easier. Rikz I am not sure but this was the same case with many players last year who then went on to perform really well.

As well as getting the three players you also lost three good players from last year in Sandeep, Lal and Jigs. Will these 3 not playing be a big loss

Yes we will. Lal/Sunny partnership won the game for us and Jigs picked up a couple of wickets so it is a big loss.

Last years wicket though not looking the best played very well, how are you preparing for this years wicket with rumours spreading it could be a green top?

Its hard to judge the wicket, the forcast is rain this year so we will have to take a look on the morning of the game.

Do the South have any injuries to report? Haps went down with a foot injury a few weeks ago – how is he coming along?

Yes we have a few injuries but I am hoping they will be fit. I have told them to also stay away from the WAG’s.

Going on to your captaincy – how do you see yourself as a captain? Are you a mild mannered Rahul Dravid, A strong Sourav Ganguly or are you the modern type like MSD?

I’m a bit of a mixture of Dada and MSD I think.

Vik once again is your vice captain – do you two bounce idea’s of each other. Does he bring in new idea’s for you to consider?

Yes I have been in regular contact with Vik, we have a good relationship and have been talking a lot, its always good to get a different opinion from the vice skipper.

We had a scorching day last year with the weather. We could have a mix of weather situations on Saturday, is the team capable of being up to the task of the weather as well as the North

It’s a tough one, no one knows.

Though I am sure you are not going to tell me but do you have any preference of whether you bat or bowl first on Saturday?

Like I mentioned before to the journalist from India I will have to take a good look at the wicket before I decide.

Last year bowlers only had to bowl one over, this year it is going to be two overs each. How are the bowlers coming along, especially those who don’t play regularly?

Again it will be tough, last year they all done a great job though we did give away a lot of extra’s. They have been practising and that’s all I ask from them.

Is there anyone in the North or a few players who you could say are the ‘danger’ players to your team. Do you have any special plans for them?

Any team you play are a danger. We have to look at all 12 players as danger. We just need to get our basics right and not worry too much about them.

What the South done well last year was that their players who don’t play weekly like Min, Sunny, Tari do chipped in. Raj, Jigs took wickets and Vik, Lal scored runs. Will you be looking for similar contributions this year?

Yes the boys know what they have to do and I hoping everyone will contribute as it will lead to victory if they do.

Fielding is key on a small pitch, the team have been training very hard of the pitch on fitness. Are you confident this training will show in the game?

Yes, the boys have worked hard in the field and in the nets – now is the time to deliver as we move from practice to the real deal.

Rumours have been rife of a mole in the South team – has this upset preparation in anyway or is it business as usual?

Not at all. You can’t just point the finger at anyone, we have just got on with it as a team and it was forgotten as quickly as it was brought up.

Finally do you have a message for your team and fans all over London as you go into Saturdays huge game.

We are gunning for victory, be there to support us, your support is appreciated. I am hoping to get the same support from the boys as last year as well which will inspire us to victory once again! Jai Hind!

With this final statement Daddy J said his goodbyes to the press and left with the MCC.