Finally Loye gets his Reward!

Recently selected in England's 30-man provisional World Cup squad, his chances of making the final cut appeared slim. Previously not been given a chance to prove he can do to international attacks - yet that's what he does so consistently and menacingly to the County sides. It seemed unlikely he would have forced his way in without having had any international exposure.

With Michael Vaughan tearing his hamstring Loye belatedly gets his chance to show his worth and showcase his talent ahead of the selection of the final 15-man World Cup squad which is announced on 15 February.

The confusion in and around England's World Cup selection places is as clear to see as the constant question marks over West Indies readiness to stage this prestigious event that kicks off with the opening ceremony on 11 March.

England have stated they are happy with their top three. While Strauss, Vaughan, and Bell are all quality players in their own right, are any of these capable of giving England the kind of impetus at the start of the innings to take full advantage of the growingly important early powerplays?

With no Trescothick, and Pietersen returning home early, the current side seem short on boundary firepower within the batting ranks to cause the top sides great concern with regards the run rate. As we have witnessed in the past, much pressure is being placed on the shoulders of our own 'Freddie' Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen to keep the scorers pen busy. However, both are too important to give it away early in their innings attempting to unnecessarily hit over the top.

So to Mal Loye, this is certainly a man that is worthy of his chance, someone who is more than capable of setting a ferocious pace at the top of the innings. This is generally achieved by the combination of bludgeoning blows and innovative deflections, especially the sweep shot to the more express pace bowlers - a sight that is worth the admission fee alone - if just to see the puzzled expressions on the strike bowlers face.

Loye comes into the squad after another excellent domestic season in 2006. He led the way for Lancashire in the C & G Trophy finishing the clear leading runscorer in the tournament ( nearly 100 runs ahead of second placed Jimmy Maher) with 531 runs at an average of 75.85 and an impressive 88 runs per 100 balls. It would be unfair to have Loye pigeon-holed as a one-day specialist (despite his obvious strengths in this area) , as he made a shade under 1300 County Championship runs last season, including 6 centuries.

It would have been understandable for Loye's international ambitions to fade and the thought of testing himself at the highest level beginning to diminish given the fact he is rather in the later stages of his career at the age of 34. But the recent call up of wicket-keeper Paul Nixon who made his debut at 36 must have persuaded Loye to keep his mobile phone fully charged up and await a rather important call, especially when he would have seen Michael Vaughan in much discomfort clutching the back of his left leg in the last ODI.

He now makes the short trip from New Zealand, where he has been playing for Auckland over the winter. He has featured in two 50 over games and made 90 and 34 at typically speedy pace.
Let us now hope that after such a patient wait, Malachy Bernard Loye's years of consistently entertaining the Old Trafford (and Wantage Road) faithful takes him onto the highest one-day stage of all - appearing in a World Cup. You get the impression, if he gets his chance, he will not disappoint.

Chris Dehring, the Chief Executive of the World Cup project, recently suggested that preparing for this World Cup was like a side chasing a large target in the closing overs of a one-day international, if Loye and Flintoff were at the crease this tournament should run like a dream.

(BBC Lancashire, 24/01/07)