Body language is an under-rated method of reading the game, but South Africa do study the opposition in all aspects and will pick up on any weakness, and they feel that England give away the pre-match, indeed pre-day, ascendancy in every match.
Enthusiasm comes in many ways but any ``faking'' is easily identified by those who do it naturally. A glance here, a stare there sends signals, not to the masses, but to those who know.
Australia are the past masters of body language. Think of all the recent examples - the Chappells, Lillee, Marsh and McGrath - no opportunity to signal their intentions is missed and all before they are on the field! Only Michael Atherton and perhaps Stewart show any outward sign of ``business today''.
England have problems. The opening pair is unsettled with Butcher's injury, and this has proved decisive, together with mediocre contributions from some established players. The batting is fragile. No one, apart from Stewart and Atherton, appears able to survive and score at a rate which causes the opposing captain to have to continually rethink his strategy.
The bowling, too, lacks real variety. Gough possesses charisma but desperately needs a regular pacey partner. Cork is good if the ball swings but later in the match, when it is older, he restricts rather than troubles good Test players. Fraser is very much in the same category, especially when it comes to pace.
The county game is not breeding players for Test cricket. Intensity is the name of the game. With fewer counties and every game counting, the also-rans, who feed on average bowling in the second innings solely to be on the playing staff the following season, would be weeded out. Every player in Sheffield Shield and Currie Cup cricket has come through the ranks with the sole purpose of playing in Tests.
Some have not and once they realise it, they have to perform above expectations or they are disregarded. It is harsh but it means they can step into the Test arena without being out of their depth. Australian and South African club players, in effect, are only two good knocks away from the Test side. Whereas a club cricketer in the England side is so remote as to not even warrant discussion.
The English authorities are on the right track but one is fearful that dramatic change is not embraced by all the counties who hold the aces. The sooner the ECB have the power to to improve the team the happier South Africa, indeed the world, will be. A weak England side is bad news for the game.