Managing a major tour, for all the attractions of sunshine in winter, has never been a sinecure. Even in the West Indies recently, with a coach, assistant coach, media relations officer, physiotherapist, fitness supervisor and scorer-cum-baggage man all prepared to lend a hand, the manager, Bob Bennett, looked very weary by the end of 14 demanding weeks.

The England advisory committee, chaired by Bennett, have recommended Gooch, so the change may safely be interpreted as being voluntary. In the modern idiom, the Australian tour will be hard work for all concerned but Gooch was never afraid of that. Nevertheless, it is one thing to manage a relatively low-key A tour, another to take charge of an Ashes series wherein potential controversy stalks.

As a playing veteran of four tours Down Under, Gooch is well aware of the pitfalls but his record as scorer of more runs than any man in first-class and professional one-day cricket means that he commands respect and talks the players' language.

Graveney is a man of many parts, the main ones being chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, chairman of selectors and, now, the regular manager of England's one-day side. He will supervise England for the ICC tournament in Bangladesh which coincides with the start of the Australian tour, take over from Gooch for a possible 13 one-day games in January and February in Australia and remain in charge for the World Cup.