What drama and tension, what a sensational finish and what a Test match. There was unbridled emotion when South Africa defied history and the odds to win the first test in that record run chase in Perth. The lads, led by the pugnacious Graeme Smith demonstrated the nerve and ambition to chase down the record second highest total of 414. The daily newspaper in Melbourne, The Age, carried a banner headline that read: ‘Official: Australia in recession – As the boom times fade into distant memory, South Africa hold their nerve to win at the WACA,’to reflect the mood of a nation slowly realising that their greatest export for almost two decades is in decline.
I always got the impression that the local media had a sense of apprehension when the Proteas arrived in Australia that their team have a big challenge on their hands. Quiet obviously, the team itself gave no such impression – professional to the end they were. But the cracks began to show late on the fourth afternoon when Jacques Kallis and AB De Villiers played a crucial hand to set the panic amongst Ricky Pontings men.
They batted with diligence and with growing confidence. In a period before the close of play, batsmen normally become circumspect when keeping their wicket intact. De Villiers and Kallis in particular, actually turned the tables and the match when they scored 34 runs in the last 3 overs of the day to leave their team needing just 187 with 7 wickets in hand in a total of 92 overs. It was the most crucial psychological upper-hand in the match, when exposing the inexperience in the attack. It was an advantage which the batsmen maintained for much of the memorable 5th day when they batted with uplifting self assurity and verve.
This was only South Africas sixth win in over 98 years of Test match battles between the two countries. Smith again challenged destiny.Earlier this year he achieved one of the great Test match victories and produced one of the the most memorable inning in Tests and by virtue of that seminal performance also achieved his country a series win over England in forty-three years. This time he again set his team on course with a most superbly crafted century, his first against Australia in over 9 innnigs. He inculcated unwavering self belief in his men and found a most willing ally in Hashim Amla to set their team on course.
Kallis has seldom outwardly demonstrated determination as he did in this Test. De Villiers’ has played two innings recently that has seen him settle at number six in the order. His 217 not out in Ahmedabad and 178 in Headingly gives comfort knowing he is developing into a reliable batsman. And JP Duminy? He was given a poor decision in his debut inning and was a ton of nerves in the second. He was so nervous at lunch, how he managed to focus for close on to an hour before the break was remarkable in itself. He reached the dressing room and headed for the washrooms where he threw-up and remained in his pads and gloves like a boxer between rounds. Team manager and doctor Mohamed Moosajee calmed his nerves and when he got to the wicket he played like a master of old and by the time he ran down the pitch and hit Jason Krejza for a six and four, he put the result in no doubt.
For most of the South African touring media that includes four of us from Radio 2000, four from Supersport and three wr iters, the target seemed very much an impossibilty. History suggested that the fourth innings chase over 400 is near impossible. That mark had until Sunday, only been breached twice before in 131 years of Test cricket to win a Test match. I for one have been on record to say in a snap poll among our media, that with a well paced and timed innings, with wickets intact the impossible can be achieved. It feels great to be vindicated, having full confidence and belief that this team had the resolve, inner-belief and potential to defy the odds.
What some of our Aussie broadcast colleagues did say during our commenatry stints while the game ebbed and flowed, was that the local public have long desired a strong and closely fought series. India came close on their tour last year. The question remains, will the Proteas actually achieve what teams have failed to do since 1988, to win a series in Australia. South Africa still have that hurdle to overcome – and it gets more difficult with two Tests still to play.
So all of the finer details and statistics will be read and scrutinised and savoured about this match. But for me this is a season of firsts, of teams achieving the impossible, of fantastic run chases and Test cricket getting the best exposure and advertsing it could hope to get without the razzmatazz and hype we see for the Twenty20 which craves to monopolise the game. India achieved their second highest run chase in early December to beat England, also coming from behind a first innings deficit. For those who want to see Test cricket relegated to the lower rungs and even put to pasture, this will deal a great blow.Finally, let me end by quoting one of my favourite writer and colleague, Australian Mike Coward, who is working with the Radio 2000 team for this series as the expert summariser; “ What joy, What pure joy. This was a Test match for the ages; one that surely convinced the non-believers that the game is pure and beyond compare.”
Aslam Khota in Perth
12.26.2008
12.05.2008
This article was first published in October 2005 in India Today and in the South African edition of the Wisden Cricket magazine
DRAMATIC IRONIES SURROUND THE PUGNACIOUS, PETULANT, and PHENOMENAL PIETERSEN
Irony and coincidence surrounded the drama as it unfolded on that fateful fifth afternoon of the just completed fifth Test of the Ashes series. Kevin Pietersen played a match saving and series-winning inning of 158. As he strode off to the tumultuous applause of an appreciative crowd, he had sealed his precarious position in the Test team and played himself into the hearts of the English forever.
My thoughts at that moment shifted to another South African who had played for England in the summer of 1968.He needed not only to succeed against the Aussie attack, but had to even beat off the conspirators at government levels in South Africa and England, who’d gone through great clandestine lengths to deny him a place in the team to travel to South Africa, no matter how well he performed. A dramatic irony and coincidence had just unfolded – for those who remembered.
Basil D’Oliveira too played the innings of his life. Before he strode on the following morning, not out on 20, to resume his inning, he had realised the magnitude of the occasion. The weight of burden was none too heavy, as he went out to bat for England, his dignity, and all of black South Africa. He told his wife Naomi before leaving for The Oval cricket ground: “ send the kids out to play and stay watching the telly, I am going to get a hundred.” He did. He scored 158 and was a certainty to make the squad bound for South Africa during the English winter.
When he did eventually make the touring party, the South African government refused him entry, England cancelled the tour and South Africa began its long banishment from the international game.
There is a contrast too between the two South Africans from different epochs. Basil was quiet, dignified and humble. Pietersen is a brash and self-centred individual who doesn’t care for the dignity and sensitivity of others.
At most times one admires a fellow being when he or she speaks his or her mind. Kevin Pietersen is one such person. The problem is he speaks before he thinks. The Natal born naturalised Englishman has taken English cricket by storm with his strong and sometimes audacious batting style.
Much is being said about his BMT (big match temperament), including a Talk Radio host, John Robbie a former Irish Rugby international writing in a column in the Saturday Star weekly column. Very little I am afraid is said of his big mouth. His continuous and contemptuous insults toward South Africa, his racist opinions about the transformation policy, hasn’t endeared him to right thinking South Africans – but more about that later.
One has to admire his phenomenal rise from an average off-spin bowler-who-can-bat, to a star on the world stage. Focused and with total determination, he grabbed the opportunity to play at international level, where very few have made instant impact. The modern dearth of limited overs cricket provides added incentives and opportunities for specialist in the instant game. For Pietersen, his pugnacious style suited the requirements and the results catapulted him into the Test line-up as well.
Early this year he scored three stunning centuries against South Africa in the limited over matches, won the man-of-the-series award and thus ushered his arrival and his eventual call-up to the England Test camp was a formality. It is no doubt that he played his hand, pardon the pun (he dropped five catches in the just completed Ashes series) in England reclaiming the Ashes after 18 years, with a watershed innings in the final Test to ensure a drawn Test and a series win.
D ‘Oliveira (Dolly) rise was even more phenomenal. From the back streets of Cape Town, and after scoring tons of runs and a bucket load of wickets, he went to England, qualified after four seasons of county cricket and represented his adopted country with pride, passion and dignity. His humility under the strain of the conspiracy to oust him from the squad was the catalyst in him being awarded the OBE and so many accolades.
Five seasons ago Pietersen turned his back on the country of his birth under a cloud, later claiming in England that the quota system had denied him a chance to play at the top level. He told Natal he sought better opportunities in England. A closer look into the facts reveals a petulant character and spoiled kid, who only wanted things his way.
He was a gentle off spinner who batted in the lower order, and had on occasion hit the ball a great distance. He was part of the KZN academy since he was sixteen. Progressed to the UCB academy, where tens of thousands of Rand are invested in individuals. He toured Australia in a pre-season warm up with the Natal team and on his arrival shocked the board when he announced his intentions to play in England. The union had just spent over R30 000 on the individual!
By contrast, Dollys dream to play in England would never have been realised had it not been for friends from Cape Town and other parts of the country contributing money towards his plane fare.
On Robbie’s morning drive show, after the memorable parade through London, Pietersen used the opportunity again to slate the game and its administrators in South Africa. He criticized the cricket situation as ‘ridiculous’ and used the word ‘rubbish’ on more than one occasion and ended by stating that: “ you could do well on the day and be dropped the next because of the colour of your skin.”
That’s utter rubbish. Someone needs to remind him of the over hundred years of subjugation suffered by black, coloured and Indian sportsman and more particularly cricketers. Has he ever bothered to read into the history of our cricket? I wonder.
The quota system was the reason for leaving this country he had said after arriving in England in 2000. But had never given the system a chance. Why is it that if he was unhappy did no one advice him (if he took advise, that is) to play in any of the other ten provinces? It is clear that money was the fundamental factor for his decision to quit and cunningly chose to blame the quota system instead. Facts also prove that his coaches whilst he played for KZN, was Graham Ford and Englishman Phil Russell – both white men!
His deceit and dishonesty continues and he is without doubt placed himself as a saviour for like minded South Africans who have not and do not want to accept the inevitable – that every South African will share all the resources of the new democratic order and toil to make this a nation of winners.
I know most of us, and that is all South Africans are happy that Pietersen is playing for England. Who needs his type anyway?
There is one more coincidence in this whole fascinating story of Pietersen’s celebration after his performance and the resultant calamity after Dollys ton!
Pietersen was dropped thrice! Once by Shane Warne when still on 19. Dolly was dropped by wicketkeeper Barry Jarman when on 31 and the great writer E W Swanton wrote that: “that was the most fateful drop in cricket history!”
Pietersen is in a serious need of a strong, very strong spin-doctor (pardon this pun) to protect and save his charge from embarrassing those close to him and keeping South Africans from getting further agitated. It is after all the game we know, that is the greatest leveller.
DRAMATIC IRONIES SURROUND THE PUGNACIOUS, PETULANT, and PHENOMENAL PIETERSEN
Irony and coincidence surrounded the drama as it unfolded on that fateful fifth afternoon of the just completed fifth Test of the Ashes series. Kevin Pietersen played a match saving and series-winning inning of 158. As he strode off to the tumultuous applause of an appreciative crowd, he had sealed his precarious position in the Test team and played himself into the hearts of the English forever.
My thoughts at that moment shifted to another South African who had played for England in the summer of 1968.He needed not only to succeed against the Aussie attack, but had to even beat off the conspirators at government levels in South Africa and England, who’d gone through great clandestine lengths to deny him a place in the team to travel to South Africa, no matter how well he performed. A dramatic irony and coincidence had just unfolded – for those who remembered.
Basil D’Oliveira too played the innings of his life. Before he strode on the following morning, not out on 20, to resume his inning, he had realised the magnitude of the occasion. The weight of burden was none too heavy, as he went out to bat for England, his dignity, and all of black South Africa. He told his wife Naomi before leaving for The Oval cricket ground: “ send the kids out to play and stay watching the telly, I am going to get a hundred.” He did. He scored 158 and was a certainty to make the squad bound for South Africa during the English winter.
When he did eventually make the touring party, the South African government refused him entry, England cancelled the tour and South Africa began its long banishment from the international game.
There is a contrast too between the two South Africans from different epochs. Basil was quiet, dignified and humble. Pietersen is a brash and self-centred individual who doesn’t care for the dignity and sensitivity of others.
At most times one admires a fellow being when he or she speaks his or her mind. Kevin Pietersen is one such person. The problem is he speaks before he thinks. The Natal born naturalised Englishman has taken English cricket by storm with his strong and sometimes audacious batting style.
Much is being said about his BMT (big match temperament), including a Talk Radio host, John Robbie a former Irish Rugby international writing in a column in the Saturday Star weekly column. Very little I am afraid is said of his big mouth. His continuous and contemptuous insults toward South Africa, his racist opinions about the transformation policy, hasn’t endeared him to right thinking South Africans – but more about that later.
One has to admire his phenomenal rise from an average off-spin bowler-who-can-bat, to a star on the world stage. Focused and with total determination, he grabbed the opportunity to play at international level, where very few have made instant impact. The modern dearth of limited overs cricket provides added incentives and opportunities for specialist in the instant game. For Pietersen, his pugnacious style suited the requirements and the results catapulted him into the Test line-up as well.
Early this year he scored three stunning centuries against South Africa in the limited over matches, won the man-of-the-series award and thus ushered his arrival and his eventual call-up to the England Test camp was a formality. It is no doubt that he played his hand, pardon the pun (he dropped five catches in the just completed Ashes series) in England reclaiming the Ashes after 18 years, with a watershed innings in the final Test to ensure a drawn Test and a series win.
D ‘Oliveira (Dolly) rise was even more phenomenal. From the back streets of Cape Town, and after scoring tons of runs and a bucket load of wickets, he went to England, qualified after four seasons of county cricket and represented his adopted country with pride, passion and dignity. His humility under the strain of the conspiracy to oust him from the squad was the catalyst in him being awarded the OBE and so many accolades.
Five seasons ago Pietersen turned his back on the country of his birth under a cloud, later claiming in England that the quota system had denied him a chance to play at the top level. He told Natal he sought better opportunities in England. A closer look into the facts reveals a petulant character and spoiled kid, who only wanted things his way.
He was a gentle off spinner who batted in the lower order, and had on occasion hit the ball a great distance. He was part of the KZN academy since he was sixteen. Progressed to the UCB academy, where tens of thousands of Rand are invested in individuals. He toured Australia in a pre-season warm up with the Natal team and on his arrival shocked the board when he announced his intentions to play in England. The union had just spent over R30 000 on the individual!
By contrast, Dollys dream to play in England would never have been realised had it not been for friends from Cape Town and other parts of the country contributing money towards his plane fare.
On Robbie’s morning drive show, after the memorable parade through London, Pietersen used the opportunity again to slate the game and its administrators in South Africa. He criticized the cricket situation as ‘ridiculous’ and used the word ‘rubbish’ on more than one occasion and ended by stating that: “ you could do well on the day and be dropped the next because of the colour of your skin.”
That’s utter rubbish. Someone needs to remind him of the over hundred years of subjugation suffered by black, coloured and Indian sportsman and more particularly cricketers. Has he ever bothered to read into the history of our cricket? I wonder.
The quota system was the reason for leaving this country he had said after arriving in England in 2000. But had never given the system a chance. Why is it that if he was unhappy did no one advice him (if he took advise, that is) to play in any of the other ten provinces? It is clear that money was the fundamental factor for his decision to quit and cunningly chose to blame the quota system instead. Facts also prove that his coaches whilst he played for KZN, was Graham Ford and Englishman Phil Russell – both white men!
His deceit and dishonesty continues and he is without doubt placed himself as a saviour for like minded South Africans who have not and do not want to accept the inevitable – that every South African will share all the resources of the new democratic order and toil to make this a nation of winners.
I know most of us, and that is all South Africans are happy that Pietersen is playing for England. Who needs his type anyway?
There is one more coincidence in this whole fascinating story of Pietersen’s celebration after his performance and the resultant calamity after Dollys ton!
Pietersen was dropped thrice! Once by Shane Warne when still on 19. Dolly was dropped by wicketkeeper Barry Jarman when on 31 and the great writer E W Swanton wrote that: “that was the most fateful drop in cricket history!”
Pietersen is in a serious need of a strong, very strong spin-doctor (pardon this pun) to protect and save his charge from embarrassing those close to him and keeping South Africans from getting further agitated. It is after all the game we know, that is the greatest leveller.
Pressure Points
At long last we can welcome back the intrigue and uncertainties that only Test cricket can offer. There is great expectation as we warm to watch and marvel at the wondrous talent that abounds in the two contesting teams. There is great anticipation to see which of the two willful combatants in South Africa and Australia will succeed in the series.
The players will be put to the ultimate test of endurance, both physically and mentally as the season goes into overdrive with an intense six Test matches. It will be 22 days of intense cricket away from home then a five ODI’s and two Pro20 matches. The return series of matches in South Africa will happen from mid-February through to April will see the same number of games that will played. It promises to be an enthralling summer with the series now being billed as the world championships. Expect no love to be lost when the 1st Test starts on December 17th in Perth.
Right now it is non-stop cricket for all Test playing nations and the modern day expectations on a cricketer are immense and ever increasing. The intense schedules are chiefly arranged to satisfy the growing demand for cricket as a television sport. The one-day version and now even the twenty-over internationals means that tours are cluttered to meet the objectives set out by rights holders and cricket boards.
What does all this do to a modern cricketer? How do they cope? What is the secret to survive at the very top and how is it all sustained in a totally professional environment?
The country’s once foremost seamer, Shaun Pollock stated as a matter-of-fact that: “Back-to-back tours are difficult.” However, he says that if a player remains fit and without niggles, then the chances to perform well are always easier. “Cricketers look at it differently, if the form is good you don’t want to stop. If there is a dip in form, then a break is welcome to address the problems,” he said.
It is quite obvious that congested programme's don’t allow for adequate recovery from injury or lack of form. As one who had his fair share of injuries during a chequered career, Pollock was pragmatic when he emphasizes that players who are engaged for a sustained period at the highest level begin to understand their bodies better.
The recovery processes for players are so advanced and with the team physio and fitness trainer ever present, they are virtually mechanically ‘fixed’ to be able to take the field. Pollock also remarked that the dreaded ‘Ice Bath’ was a fantastic addition to the recovery process; “and when you are refreshed the next morning, you know it was good for you.”
The man with perhaps the most pressure of responsibility off the field is team physio, Shane Jabbar, who offers some compelling views of fitness management. Among his most vital contribution is to prolong the shelf life, especially of the real star performers. Injuries cause selection posers and it is his brief to best alleviate a crisis. Jabbar is unequivocally critical that a proper period of recovery is under-estimated in world cricket. He stresses the need for inactivity for a player, to recover and recondition his body as the best way to handle delicate injuries.
The constraints of time, especially between matches results in risking further injury. Jabbar recalls that sending Makhaya Ntini home from Australia during their last tour, after the second Test was a tough call. The physio's decision was vindicated, as he explains; “To exacerbate matters, Andre Nel also broke down. The dilemma began when after a fortnights rest Ntini requested to rejoin the tour. Sanity prevailed and the enforced lay-off paid off hugely for Ntini as his body recovered sufficiently and he performed at a high level throughout the series back home against Australia and New Zealand.”
Jabbar and fitness trainer Grant Compton have very little rest, as they observe and monitor among many other things; eating habits, special diets - mainly due to the odd times matches finish in the loaded programme’s of ODI’s and Test’s. Players have to be well fuelled to perform at optimum level at all times. Team and individual recovery sessions are essential and supervised.
They are also responsible to ensure that bowlers and all-rounder’s do not bowl excessively at nets to be fatigued in the match and ensure that they don’t under bowl, which often results in a below par performance. “It’s a fine line,” and all this, says Jabbar; “is to give the South African team a competitive edge.”
England and Australia sent various representative teams via merchant and passenger ships until the Second World War. The tours lasted up to six months and began with a month’s voyage and a prolonged tour that also included matches against State or county teams between Tests. A far cry from today’s revolving door schedules.
Australian writer, Mike Coward writes that: “The modern professional is too pragmatic and preoccupied to harbour romantic notions about any ground. Indeed, his touring life is so frenzied that often he can scarcely distinguish one venue from another as the caravan moves inexorably between airport, hotel and cricket ground around the world.”
Goolam Rajah has his task as logistics manager fine tuned to an almost perfect science. “My job was tough in the beginning but after so many years in management I have found a way around to make everyone’s life comfortable. When we host tours, such as the present one, we are also responsible for the visitor’s logistics from the time they arrive until they leave,” he says. So are there any other pressures?
“The work load is the same for a month long tour or a two week tour, whether we are home or away. The key is that everything must be prepared well in advance to ensure the smoothness of the operation.
“I give special attention to free time to ensure that players have time to unwind, even if it’s a few hours in a day. Fatigue compounds problems for me and the players and the management of time is the key to avoid any pitfalls,” says Rajah. “Pressures?” he laughs, “only when the players are on the field!”
End
The players will be put to the ultimate test of endurance, both physically and mentally as the season goes into overdrive with an intense six Test matches. It will be 22 days of intense cricket away from home then a five ODI’s and two Pro20 matches. The return series of matches in South Africa will happen from mid-February through to April will see the same number of games that will played. It promises to be an enthralling summer with the series now being billed as the world championships. Expect no love to be lost when the 1st Test starts on December 17th in Perth.
Right now it is non-stop cricket for all Test playing nations and the modern day expectations on a cricketer are immense and ever increasing. The intense schedules are chiefly arranged to satisfy the growing demand for cricket as a television sport. The one-day version and now even the twenty-over internationals means that tours are cluttered to meet the objectives set out by rights holders and cricket boards.
What does all this do to a modern cricketer? How do they cope? What is the secret to survive at the very top and how is it all sustained in a totally professional environment?
The country’s once foremost seamer, Shaun Pollock stated as a matter-of-fact that: “Back-to-back tours are difficult.” However, he says that if a player remains fit and without niggles, then the chances to perform well are always easier. “Cricketers look at it differently, if the form is good you don’t want to stop. If there is a dip in form, then a break is welcome to address the problems,” he said.
It is quite obvious that congested programme's don’t allow for adequate recovery from injury or lack of form. As one who had his fair share of injuries during a chequered career, Pollock was pragmatic when he emphasizes that players who are engaged for a sustained period at the highest level begin to understand their bodies better.
The recovery processes for players are so advanced and with the team physio and fitness trainer ever present, they are virtually mechanically ‘fixed’ to be able to take the field. Pollock also remarked that the dreaded ‘Ice Bath’ was a fantastic addition to the recovery process; “and when you are refreshed the next morning, you know it was good for you.”
The man with perhaps the most pressure of responsibility off the field is team physio, Shane Jabbar, who offers some compelling views of fitness management. Among his most vital contribution is to prolong the shelf life, especially of the real star performers. Injuries cause selection posers and it is his brief to best alleviate a crisis. Jabbar is unequivocally critical that a proper period of recovery is under-estimated in world cricket. He stresses the need for inactivity for a player, to recover and recondition his body as the best way to handle delicate injuries.
The constraints of time, especially between matches results in risking further injury. Jabbar recalls that sending Makhaya Ntini home from Australia during their last tour, after the second Test was a tough call. The physio's decision was vindicated, as he explains; “To exacerbate matters, Andre Nel also broke down. The dilemma began when after a fortnights rest Ntini requested to rejoin the tour. Sanity prevailed and the enforced lay-off paid off hugely for Ntini as his body recovered sufficiently and he performed at a high level throughout the series back home against Australia and New Zealand.”
Jabbar and fitness trainer Grant Compton have very little rest, as they observe and monitor among many other things; eating habits, special diets - mainly due to the odd times matches finish in the loaded programme’s of ODI’s and Test’s. Players have to be well fuelled to perform at optimum level at all times. Team and individual recovery sessions are essential and supervised.
They are also responsible to ensure that bowlers and all-rounder’s do not bowl excessively at nets to be fatigued in the match and ensure that they don’t under bowl, which often results in a below par performance. “It’s a fine line,” and all this, says Jabbar; “is to give the South African team a competitive edge.”
England and Australia sent various representative teams via merchant and passenger ships until the Second World War. The tours lasted up to six months and began with a month’s voyage and a prolonged tour that also included matches against State or county teams between Tests. A far cry from today’s revolving door schedules.
Australian writer, Mike Coward writes that: “The modern professional is too pragmatic and preoccupied to harbour romantic notions about any ground. Indeed, his touring life is so frenzied that often he can scarcely distinguish one venue from another as the caravan moves inexorably between airport, hotel and cricket ground around the world.”
Goolam Rajah has his task as logistics manager fine tuned to an almost perfect science. “My job was tough in the beginning but after so many years in management I have found a way around to make everyone’s life comfortable. When we host tours, such as the present one, we are also responsible for the visitor’s logistics from the time they arrive until they leave,” he says. So are there any other pressures?
“The work load is the same for a month long tour or a two week tour, whether we are home or away. The key is that everything must be prepared well in advance to ensure the smoothness of the operation.
“I give special attention to free time to ensure that players have time to unwind, even if it’s a few hours in a day. Fatigue compounds problems for me and the players and the management of time is the key to avoid any pitfalls,” says Rajah. “Pressures?” he laughs, “only when the players are on the field!”
End
Sachin scales crickets everest
Cricket commentator, analyst and writer Aslam Khota pays a brief tribute to Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. The master batsman now holds the world-record for runs scored in Test Cricket.
Sachin scales battings Everest
Sachin Tendulkar finally went pass 11953 runs in Test cricket against Australia in the second Test in Mohali to beat Brian Lara’s world record that was set only 18 months ago. The West Indian had beaten Allan Borders record that was achieved in 1994 also against the Australians, and then suddenly announced his retirement.
But this tribute is about Tendulkar, the first man to touch 12000 runs. This is his moment to saviour, to enjoy and relish a record that is the highest testament of a batsman’s greatness. His countryman are overjoyed and admirers the world over are united in their celebrations. India is a proud nation and they were in similar spirits when Sunil Gavaskar became the first to reach 9000 runs. Then in his 38th year of Test cricket, he scaled the amazing mark of 10 000 runs.
That was in 1987, 21 years ago and Gavaskar became the pioneer, the path breaker and the standard bearer and set the bar for others to challenge. His milestone was achieved against Pakistan when he late-cut Ejaz Fakih for two runs, to move from 9999 to 10 001. There was delirium in the stadium in Ahmedabad, a pitch invasion was inevitable and the celebrations delayed the match for 20 minutes!
Two weeks later, Gavaskar played a classic on a minefield of a pitch in Bangalore. His 96 against a great attack that included Imran Khan and Abdul Qadir was notable for its craftsmanship and impeccable technique. This proved to be his final Test innings – the perfect swansong to a remarkable career.
For Sachin Tendulkar, the final chapter is yet to be written. Sachin also moved to his world record with a late-cut that historic afternoon and it was a most endearing picture as all the Australians congratulated him and the raptures in the stadium in Mohali was chorused with celebratory fireworks. He went about his batting in workmanlike fashion until he was well caught by Mathew Hayden for 86, his contribution in a massive 320 run win over the Aussies.
The little man from Mumbai started his firs-class career as a 16 year old in sparkling fashion and looked to dominate bowlers from the onset. He broke records at will in Tests and limited over internationals (ODI’s). Then the burden of expectation seemed to way him down and he chose a more conservative approach in the latter years. With this record now in his pocket and perhaps with just a year or two left for him, barring injuries, he will in all probability, revert to his old style of batting and entertain the world till his final run. He has the record number of Test hundreds, 39 to be exact. He was the fastest and youngest batsman to reach each of his thousand runs from 1000 to 12000 runs!
Tendulkar first made headlines in February 1988 when as a 14 year old, he was involved in a world-record stand of 664* with his 16 year old school-mate Vinod Kambli. Playing for Shardashram Vidyamandhir, they pummelled the hapless St Xaviers XI at the Azad Maidan ground. Both were unbeaten on 326 and 349 respectively. Two Indian schoolboys, Mohamed Shaibaz and Manoj Kumar scored 721 in 2006 to break that record.
In his maiden Test series aged 16, Tendulkar was hit on the nose by Waqar Younis in the final Test in Sialkot. He was dazed and dropped to the ground, bleeding from his nose, but stood up, wiped the gushing blood, refused medical help and with a bloodied shirt and glove went on to score 57, until he was caught off Imran Khans bowling. This brave and stubborn performance prompted Imran, a brilliant judge at spotting young talent to say that Tendulkar will be a legend.
Sachin was only 17 when he scored his first Test century against England at Old Trafford. India suffered a collapse and at 127 for 5, needed 407 to win. He batted for over 4 hours to be unbeaten on 119 and according to scribes had there been another session India might have won through his efforts.
Noted as the fastest pitch in world cricket, the famed Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) stadium in Perth was the scene of one of the most dramatic hundreds and possibly the best ever scored on Australian soil? Batsmen from the sub-continent seldom come to terms with the pace and bounce in Australia. Tendulkar, then aged 18, came to the crease with the Indians on a 100 for 3. The next five batsmen were then dismissed for the addition of only 59 runs. When he was eventually out with the total on 240, Tendulkar had scored 114 of the 140 that was added while he was at the crease. It was awe-inspiring stuff as Craig McDermott, Merv Hughes, Paul Reiffel, Michael Whitney and Tom Moody watched him strike 16 fours that hit the pickets with ferocity not seen before.
In Cape Town’s new years Test of 1997, South Africans finally witnessed the phenomenon of oriental batsmanship when Tendulkar and Mohammed Azharuddin rescued India from 58 for 5. Their partnership yielded 222 runs in less than 200 minutes in less than two sessions. Azhars 119 off 110 balls with 19 fours and 1 six was bettered by his protégé’s 169 that included 26 boundaries. Allan Donald said it was so brilliant that even he felt like clapping!
Tendulkar has a remarkable record and saves his best against Australia who have clearly been the most dominant team of his era. Of his 39 Test centuries, 9 have been against the Aussies with a best of 241 not out and an average of 55.82. He has scored hundreds against all Test playing countries. Incidentally his poorest average of 35.35 is against the South Africans. He has peeled off 3 hundreds against them and once remarked to me in East London that he considered Donald a great bowler and competitor.
Shane Warne is quoted to have said that; “Tendulkar hits me for six in my nightmares!” The little genius has a phenomenal string of scores and records and they are just too many to mention, save to say that of his record 42 centuries in ODI’s, his first one was only scored in his 79 match!
Azharuddin had a dream start with back-to-back hundreds in his debut, and his end was a nightmare, with match fixing allegations banning him for life from the game. Sachin on the other hand, had one run-in with authority. He was accused of ball-tempering in a Test match in South Africa, by Mike Dennesse, the match referee. The team supported him and refuted the allegations, Tendulkars banning was overturned and he to date has yet to bring the game into disrepute.
There are many the qualities that set him apart. He has old fashioned dedication, determination and concentration combined with a certain technical mastery and an insatiable appetite for runs. His thirst for big scores and success marks him out as the batsman that many would aspire to emulate, like the great Sir Donald Bradman did. Tendulkar placed great store in loyalty and national pride. He is humble with his achievements and lives a simple life, keeping his privacy and that of his wife and daughters out of the public eye.
Cricket’s greatest batsman, whilst watching Tendulkar bat on telly, paid the ultimate compliment when he confided to his wife that Tendulkar reminded him of himself! Bradman was the pre-eminent player of his day. Sachin is a leading figure of his time. Like Bradman, his image will expand rather than diminish when he calls it a day.
END
This article first appeared in THE INDICATOR
If you have comments or questions then email Aslam on
aslamcricket@polka.co.za
Sachin scales battings Everest
Sachin Tendulkar finally went pass 11953 runs in Test cricket against Australia in the second Test in Mohali to beat Brian Lara’s world record that was set only 18 months ago. The West Indian had beaten Allan Borders record that was achieved in 1994 also against the Australians, and then suddenly announced his retirement.
But this tribute is about Tendulkar, the first man to touch 12000 runs. This is his moment to saviour, to enjoy and relish a record that is the highest testament of a batsman’s greatness. His countryman are overjoyed and admirers the world over are united in their celebrations. India is a proud nation and they were in similar spirits when Sunil Gavaskar became the first to reach 9000 runs. Then in his 38th year of Test cricket, he scaled the amazing mark of 10 000 runs.
That was in 1987, 21 years ago and Gavaskar became the pioneer, the path breaker and the standard bearer and set the bar for others to challenge. His milestone was achieved against Pakistan when he late-cut Ejaz Fakih for two runs, to move from 9999 to 10 001. There was delirium in the stadium in Ahmedabad, a pitch invasion was inevitable and the celebrations delayed the match for 20 minutes!
Two weeks later, Gavaskar played a classic on a minefield of a pitch in Bangalore. His 96 against a great attack that included Imran Khan and Abdul Qadir was notable for its craftsmanship and impeccable technique. This proved to be his final Test innings – the perfect swansong to a remarkable career.
For Sachin Tendulkar, the final chapter is yet to be written. Sachin also moved to his world record with a late-cut that historic afternoon and it was a most endearing picture as all the Australians congratulated him and the raptures in the stadium in Mohali was chorused with celebratory fireworks. He went about his batting in workmanlike fashion until he was well caught by Mathew Hayden for 86, his contribution in a massive 320 run win over the Aussies.
The little man from Mumbai started his firs-class career as a 16 year old in sparkling fashion and looked to dominate bowlers from the onset. He broke records at will in Tests and limited over internationals (ODI’s). Then the burden of expectation seemed to way him down and he chose a more conservative approach in the latter years. With this record now in his pocket and perhaps with just a year or two left for him, barring injuries, he will in all probability, revert to his old style of batting and entertain the world till his final run. He has the record number of Test hundreds, 39 to be exact. He was the fastest and youngest batsman to reach each of his thousand runs from 1000 to 12000 runs!
Tendulkar first made headlines in February 1988 when as a 14 year old, he was involved in a world-record stand of 664* with his 16 year old school-mate Vinod Kambli. Playing for Shardashram Vidyamandhir, they pummelled the hapless St Xaviers XI at the Azad Maidan ground. Both were unbeaten on 326 and 349 respectively. Two Indian schoolboys, Mohamed Shaibaz and Manoj Kumar scored 721 in 2006 to break that record.
In his maiden Test series aged 16, Tendulkar was hit on the nose by Waqar Younis in the final Test in Sialkot. He was dazed and dropped to the ground, bleeding from his nose, but stood up, wiped the gushing blood, refused medical help and with a bloodied shirt and glove went on to score 57, until he was caught off Imran Khans bowling. This brave and stubborn performance prompted Imran, a brilliant judge at spotting young talent to say that Tendulkar will be a legend.
Sachin was only 17 when he scored his first Test century against England at Old Trafford. India suffered a collapse and at 127 for 5, needed 407 to win. He batted for over 4 hours to be unbeaten on 119 and according to scribes had there been another session India might have won through his efforts.
Noted as the fastest pitch in world cricket, the famed Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) stadium in Perth was the scene of one of the most dramatic hundreds and possibly the best ever scored on Australian soil? Batsmen from the sub-continent seldom come to terms with the pace and bounce in Australia. Tendulkar, then aged 18, came to the crease with the Indians on a 100 for 3. The next five batsmen were then dismissed for the addition of only 59 runs. When he was eventually out with the total on 240, Tendulkar had scored 114 of the 140 that was added while he was at the crease. It was awe-inspiring stuff as Craig McDermott, Merv Hughes, Paul Reiffel, Michael Whitney and Tom Moody watched him strike 16 fours that hit the pickets with ferocity not seen before.
In Cape Town’s new years Test of 1997, South Africans finally witnessed the phenomenon of oriental batsmanship when Tendulkar and Mohammed Azharuddin rescued India from 58 for 5. Their partnership yielded 222 runs in less than 200 minutes in less than two sessions. Azhars 119 off 110 balls with 19 fours and 1 six was bettered by his protégé’s 169 that included 26 boundaries. Allan Donald said it was so brilliant that even he felt like clapping!
Tendulkar has a remarkable record and saves his best against Australia who have clearly been the most dominant team of his era. Of his 39 Test centuries, 9 have been against the Aussies with a best of 241 not out and an average of 55.82. He has scored hundreds against all Test playing countries. Incidentally his poorest average of 35.35 is against the South Africans. He has peeled off 3 hundreds against them and once remarked to me in East London that he considered Donald a great bowler and competitor.
Shane Warne is quoted to have said that; “Tendulkar hits me for six in my nightmares!” The little genius has a phenomenal string of scores and records and they are just too many to mention, save to say that of his record 42 centuries in ODI’s, his first one was only scored in his 79 match!
Azharuddin had a dream start with back-to-back hundreds in his debut, and his end was a nightmare, with match fixing allegations banning him for life from the game. Sachin on the other hand, had one run-in with authority. He was accused of ball-tempering in a Test match in South Africa, by Mike Dennesse, the match referee. The team supported him and refuted the allegations, Tendulkars banning was overturned and he to date has yet to bring the game into disrepute.
There are many the qualities that set him apart. He has old fashioned dedication, determination and concentration combined with a certain technical mastery and an insatiable appetite for runs. His thirst for big scores and success marks him out as the batsman that many would aspire to emulate, like the great Sir Donald Bradman did. Tendulkar placed great store in loyalty and national pride. He is humble with his achievements and lives a simple life, keeping his privacy and that of his wife and daughters out of the public eye.
Cricket’s greatest batsman, whilst watching Tendulkar bat on telly, paid the ultimate compliment when he confided to his wife that Tendulkar reminded him of himself! Bradman was the pre-eminent player of his day. Sachin is a leading figure of his time. Like Bradman, his image will expand rather than diminish when he calls it a day.
END
This article first appeared in THE INDICATOR
If you have comments or questions then email Aslam on
aslamcricket@polka.co.za
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