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EDITIONS

  Wednesday, 17 October, 2001, 14:41 GMT 15:41 UK
Time to reflect
James Kirtley writes for BBC Sport Online
In his final diary entry for BBC Sport Online on the Zimbabwe tour, James Kirtley looks back at the trip and takes comfort despite not being in the England squad for India.

Having been back in the UK for two days, getting back to mundane chores like decorating the bathroom, I've had an opportunity to reflect on my first full international tour.

Most importantly, I enjoyed almost every minute of the tour, and enough has been said about the odd exception.

I had my first taste of international cricket and, now the appetite has been whetted, I am waiting for my next chance.

Sadly it looks like I may have to wait a little longer as I have not been included in the squad to tour India and New Zealand.

Hard to oust top dogs

I suppose it is a bit premature to think I will oust Andy Caddick and Darren Gough out of the side.

What I can be sure of is that I know I have not been excluded due to the fuss over my action.

It has been indicated to me that I am very much in England's plans for the future, which is a slight comfort.

Kirtley and Hussain
Kirtley was impressed by Hussain's support

I have learned many things from the tour. I got a chance to understand the approach of Nasser and Duncan Fletcher and their support has been terrific.

I have been able to understand a few more of the complexities of one day cricket in all departments and have a clearer idea of the benchmarks that are required at this level.

So all in all I feel I have achieved as much as could be expected from the trip.

I did my best

The management got a good chance to see me bowl - I even picked up a few wickets - so there is little more I could have done.

The tour obviously finished on a high as we wrapped up the series 5-0 but this was what we had aimed for from the start.

A team that was hungry for success created a very good spirit in a very short time and came out with a thoroughly professional display.

I hope I contributed in some way on and off the field. A good time was had by all on the Saturday night and there was a chance to share a few well-deserved beers.

Sunday with Grant

My Sunday morning was spent with Grant Flower. We went to see my old club Old Georgians play but sadly they were not having a good time of it when we arrived.

It was reassuring to see the same characters and that nothing had changed in the club since I was last there.

Zimbabwe already holds some special memories but none more so than my first international tour, my debut, my first wicket and even my first run.

It is a great place and somewhere I will no doubt go to again. I will remember this tour, and what happened during it, for the rest of my life.

It is without doubt one of the greatest feelings in the world to represent your country and one that I will cherish for a very long time.

England in Zimbabwe

5th ODI, Bulawayo

4th ODI, Bulawayo

3rd ODI, Harare

2nd ODI, Harare

1st ODI, Harare

Kirtley's tour diary

Pocket guide

PHOTO GALLERIES

AUDIO VIDEO
See also:

17 Oct 01 | Cricket
13 Oct 01 | England in Zimbabwe
17 Oct 01 | Cricket
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