Medlycott tribute to Hollioake

Surrey coach Keith Medlycott paid tribute to captain Adam Hollioake as Surrey celebrated their championship triumph. Describing him as a "fantastic leader" Medlycott also expressed his belief that Hollioake can win back an England place.

"The players have had the up most respect for him over the last 3 or 4 years," said Medlycott. "He leads from the front and doesn't ask someone to do something that he wouldn't."

Medlycott also praised Holioake's man management and tactical skills. "You know where you stand with him, and if he gives someone an earful you know that emotion has passed within 10 seconds, and you can carry on again."

"I tried to be aggressive when I played, but some of the field placing I've seen from him I can't believe. They only work because the other players have total belief in him, and 9 times out of 10, they do work. If we get a side down he knows how to knock them out. He's not shy of that"

The captain's all round form however has been disappointing. He averages under thirty with the bat, and has hardly bowled this season. Captain and coach both know this is not England form. "He's been under performing with the level of ability he's got and it's up to him to go away and give himself every chance of playing for England again," said Medlycot. "Adam is a realist. It's great he's thrown himself in to Surrey cricket, but he knows that if you're short of runs or wickets at whatever level then you have to be questioned. He needs to be getting more centuries, and big centuries, if he wants to be considered by England. I think he'll do that, and he will play for his country again."

Hollioake agreed, "I still have international ambitions; everyone who plays the game at first class level should. I'd love to play for England again but I know it's not going to be handed to me on a plate. I'm going to have to work hard and produce the goods."

Times have also been hard for Ben Hollioake, the prodigiously talented younger brother of Adam. He now finds himself in the Surrey second X1, and with an uncertain future. It seems only a short time ago that the Australians were last here and the brothers were so instrumental in the one series win against them. They both have the talent to come again.