Our readers weigh in on cricketer’s nicknames, South Africa’s stonewalling, the fortunes of Amir and Irfan, John Mooney’s career and Ambrose’s stirring words
12-Dec-2015Whatever happened to the clever nickname?
Reader: Indianinneredge
Venkatapathy Raju, the former Indian spinner was called “Muscles” for his obvious lack of them. In the 1970-71 Ind-WI series, Windies had a quick called Uton Dowe, seems Indian batsmen took a liking to his bowling prompting the famous banner and take on on the 11th commandment, ‘Dowe shalt not bowl’. How could you miss Jesse “Giddyap” Ryder, Jonty-on-the victory-Rhodes who also was nicknamed ‘the Maritzburg mamba’. “Iron Bottom” was legendary, Rahul Dravid was “Jammy” as his Dad worked in a jam factory, Mark “Purple” (Great)batch, Chris “Drum-roll”… how about ‘the Ab-devil ‘for ABD?Lehmann backs scrapping of toss
Reader: puntificator
When I was growing up watching cricket, the curator was assumed to be a neutral party, like a match official. Their job was to produce the best cricket wicket possible under the circumstances of local conditions and weather, while staying true to the character of the wicket. Now the ground staff are increasingly seen as part of the home side’s entourage. Home fans and commentators scream if the wicket isn’t tailored to the home side’s bowling. This is the thin end of the wedge though. The next step is zoning a pitch, so that it favours right-handed over left-handed fast bowlers, or offspin over legspin. Together with the right to choose the make of ball, too much is in the home team’s hands.The solution? Make the ground staff answerable to the match referee, and give the MR the power to award the toss to the visiting side, if they feel the pitch is not prepared appropriately for competitive cricket, given local conditions and the historical character of the wicketA tale of two Pakistani bowlers
Reader: r1m2
Irfan has done very well with the limited opportunities he’s had during his career thus far. He was unlucky to be playing at a time when Pakistan isn’t playing many Tests and whatever Tests they play are on the barren desert land. I feel the story of both Irfan and Amir are kind of tragic. Amir everyone knows the reason. Irfan because of his age. I wish he was discovered by 20 and groomed to be ready for international by 25. Instead he started around 28 and now with his typical fast bowler’s injuries and Pakistan’s lack of cricket he’s turned 33 (34 soon) without playing a whole lot of matches.For me a cricketer doesn’t leave much of a legacy if they play less than 50 Test matches. For me those talented and performing cricketers with less than 50 Test matches are in the category of potentials. At the same time variety of stadiums and pitches also account for much of the practical international performance.I have a slight hope that Irfan by some miracle gets to play at least 50 matches and some matches in Australia, England and West Indies, more in South Africa. Then we will know the true quality of Irfan. I also hope that he is able to show his talent more consistently with the limited opportunities he gets so that he can be talked about in the same tone as the West Indian greats, especially for his height. All these are highly unlikely occurrences . Hence they are hopes.If only the current West Indies side had a player like Curtly Ambrose•WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks LaTouche PhotoReader: Khurram S Chaudhry
In Ahmer’s last article, he gave some stats for bowlers after WC 2015. Based on those, I think none of Wahab or Irfan or Yasir is (the) leader of attack. Wahab has been wicketless 7 times in 12 matches. Yasir 5 times in 12, Irfan 4 times & picked more than 1 wicket in only 3 games (3 wickets twice & 2 once). Clearly not leaders of attack. Wahab can give you spells here & there which most will keep talking (about) but not wickets which are required. Same is the case with Irfan. Difficult to play but batsmen can avoid giving him wickets.Amir has been good and he is bowling well in BPL or QAT. He has served his ban so should be given fair chance. Not based on past performances but recent ones (which) are better than the bowlers played in last 12 months or so. Also Pak need to think about Junaid Khan. He has been really good on these Asian wickets in ODIs & Tests. Out of form after his injury but what’s been happening for him to get back to some shape?South Africa push for draw in epic blockathon
Reader: _-Will-_
Stone cold resistance. Indeed, this is one of the primary elements that has contributed to South Africa’s awesome nine-year away record. Very glad to see they’ve still got it!This final match, albeit a dead rubber, has been the most enjoyable for me. From an Indian perspective several things were quite refreshing, including: all our bowlers operating as a cohesive and effective unit in the second innings, Rahane’s superb twin hundreds, the stoic Rahane-Kohli partnership on day three, Ashwin’s 50.Nothing wrong with Kohli’s declaration IMHO; he removed the chance of an SA win from the equation, allowing over five sessions on a day 4-5 pitch to bowl SA out. If this isn’t enough time, we don’t deserve a win.But again, really happy to see the re-emergence of the renowned SA brick wall type resistance/determination. Their fast bowling was also of typical top shelf quality.Already looking forward to the SA v ENG tests. As for India, we must wait many months for more Test matchesMooney retires from internationals
Reader: MariusPontmercy94
So much loyalty to that shirt that he may as well have bled green when bowling himself into the ground for his team. A giant of Irish cricket in more ways than one. Cricket is poorer for your retirement, but so much better off now than it was when you first came along. Thanks for the memories, and all the best for whatever comes next, Mooney.Ambrose fires up Frank Worrell bout
Reader: tappee74
Sir Curtly is among my dearest cricketers. He is a no-nonsense man trademarked with that glare. Anyone young or old knows that he is indeed among the finest fast bowlers ever. How I wish we can have a man or two of his like in the WI team. I have entertained his views,but I do not necessary agree with him. The ammunition in the quiver is weak,the alloy lacks the lethal steel. Nevertheless, pouring from his heart are words of comfort and hope, which in many ways may be an inspiration to a group who is about to face the greatest challenge in cricket or perhaps in life. I wish them well, I am still disappointed with the selectors for not taking Chanderpaul, who in my opinion would have been important to the batting.