Natural talent versus coached

Prior to the beginning of the First Test, on TMS that know-all Michael Vaughan was holding forth on his view that the primacy of Australia, England and India enabled them to coach their best talent and thereby it was not a level cricket field.

I agree with the first contention – but not the second – as I believe that natural talent will always come through.

For 20 years the Windies dominated Test cricket – and before that had the 3 Ws, Gary Sobers, Rohan Kanhai and Lance Gibbs – none of whom were coached.

Two of the finest speedsters  in recent years – Mohammed Amir and Jofra Archer – were uncut diamonds who did not require polishing.

Conversely, amongst the sad tributes to Graham Thorpe one perceived that, as a non conformist, he did not appreciate coaching.

Over at Sussex CCC, James Coles – their finest talent in a young side – emerged from Oxfordshire without rigorous coaching.

One can extend my arguments to other sports: Muhammad Ali, Seve Ballesteros and British athletes Daley Thompson and Steve Ovett were all massive natural talents.

Alex Ferguson was adept in integrating individual talent like Eric Cantona into his system, much as Matt Busby had achieved with George Best.