Cricket: Alleyne returns after death of his father

Stephen Brenkley
Sunday 07 February 1999 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

MARK ALLEYNE, the England all-rounder, left the tour of Australia yesterday after the death of his father in a car accident. He immediately flew home with his wife, Louise, and will now travel to Barbados where the accident happened.

England will not replace Alleyne, who has impressed intermittently on his first senior tour without quite giving the impression that he was wholly comfortable on the international stage. In a sad way his departure may increase the determination of his colleagues as they prepare for the finals of the Carlton & United one- day series.

"The playing of cricket is meaningless when set against personal tragedy," said the tour manager, David Graveney. "But once the shock has been absorbed by the players it will prove to be a real focal point for the team. It will work as an inspiration to the team to do it for Mark."

Alleyne's father, Euclid, 56, had returned to Barbados to live in recent years. He was a keen club cricketer who was immensely proud of his son's achievements after first demonstrating his talent for the game at Haringey Cricket College in London.

Graveney said that England expect to be able to pick from a full squad of 15 for the first final in Sydney on Wednesday. The team physiotherapist, Dean Conway, is making optimistic noises about the respective hamstring injuries of Neil Fairbrother and Darren Gough, though no final decision will be made until tomorrow.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in