This notion that "you can't coach pace" is utter nonsense, and the problem with such sweeping statements is that it only takes one exception for the assertion to be open to ridicule. Well, look no further than Collingwood: recognised by all to have added "a yard of pace" in recent times.

Any coach worth his salt would back himself to get an extra yard or two of pace out of Broad over the next two years. He has what tennis coaches look for in a young player: an action that gives the player the chance to utilise improved physique and with areas that can be improved without disrupting the basics.

All of this is rather besides the point though: what made Dexter's plan so absurd was the lack of realism - he really did underestimate what is involved in coaching technique and control (and most especially that glorious wrist position needed for genuinely mature bowling)... and completely undervalues the merits of bowlers who can manage technique and control without the pace.

Dexter comes across as someone who'd pass over Fraser, McGrath, Hoggard and Bedser in favour of a single Sami or Tait: pretty dumb.