Cork's a show pony!

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jun 15, 1997 | by Steve Whiting

Dominic Cork last night hit back after a stinging attack by Geoffrey Boycott.

The England and Derbyshire all-rounder came under fire following the departure of his county captain Dean Jones.

Boycott led the attack on yesterday's Grandstand, dubbing Cork "a show pony and a prima donna with an attitude problem."

The former England batsman added that Cork was unpopular with the England team.

Cork, currently out with a groin injury, denied the accusations - and even challenged Boycott to a live TV debate, saying he's fed up with rumours that he doesn't want to fight to get his Test place back.

He also rejected Boycott's claims that he was so unpopular with England players on last winter's tour of New Zealand that they wanted him sent home.

Cork said: "The boys who will tell you if I was all right and give you the real story. Boycott wasn't even in New Zealand and hasn't played cricket for a long time. Nor does he know me as a person.

"I'm having my groin operation in London on Tuesday, just around the corner from Lord's. So if Boycott is around for the second Test, he can pop in and see me.

"Perhaps he could bring me a present - no, that would mean spending some money.

"Why don't we have a live TV debate? I'd like to take him on."

Cork, injured during Derbyshire's opening championship fixture at Kent in April, expects to be playing again soon. He said: "I've been told to expect to be out for four to six weeks after the op.

"I hope to return with Derbyshire on August 1 and, although I accept that I am out of contention for England this summer, I will be working hard to get back.

"It's frustrating not being in the team, but I sent Athers and the lads a good-luck message before the Edgbaston Test - and one of congratulations after it."

Boycott's remarks came after Australian batsman Jones quit on Thursday, blaming lack of support from senior players - understood to include Cork and vice- captain Phil DeFreitas - for his decision.

Boycott said: "Maybe one or two egos got bruised under Jones. Phil DeFreitas can be a little bit awkward - he's had three counties.

"And Dominic Cork is a real prima donna. He may have talent but he has an attitude problem. You may think I had one but he has three times what I had, and I could play better than him.

"Mind you, I never said he couldn't play. He's a very good bowler when he's got his head screwed on."

Aussie captain Mark Taylor was back in the doldrums yesterday, when he was out for just one run at Leicester.

Taylor survived only 11 balls before his stumps were scattered by a yorker from 19-year-old James Ormond.

Later, Aussie wicket-keeper Ian Healy saw red after Leicestershire off- spinner Adrian Pierson grabbed him to steady himself as he staggered to field a shot, dragging Healy to the ground. Healy shook his fist and shouted at Pierson. But at the end of the over he made a point of shaking hands.

Healy soon became the fourth victim of Ormond's superb six for 54 haul as the Aussies ended the day on 220-8. Ormond said: "I'm sure they will still get runs against England - so it is our job to soften them up a bit."

Angus Fraser, once the bane of the Aussies, and Jamie Hewitt sent Glamorgan crashing to an incredible 31 all out as Middlesex won by an innings and seven runs in Cardiff.

The total equalled Glamorgan's fourth lowest in the championship.

They started their second innings 38 runs behind after dismissing Middlesex for 319.

But 76 minutes and 96 balls later it was all over. Hewitt, 21, finished with career-best figures of six for 14 while former England paceman Fraser collected four for 17.