The Surfer

"There is ambiguity,” he said. “We have been surprised by the level acceptance of the contracts by player managers. As a professional representative association, we're surprised that player managers would accept contracts that are probably not as professional as they should be.”

The definition of a throw appears less clear-cut than was supposed. The authorities responded by revising the laws to allow a degree of flex. This has nothing to do with Murali's feats: the law was changed to reflect new research, not to protect Murali. In retrospect it's clear that, far from enjoying preferential treatment, Murali has been singled out unfairly.

The argument that Murali is less good because he is compromised (mainly by Australian insularity) is simply not admissible.

In the past, the appropriate response to any dispute between sportsmen and officials was to support the blokes wearing the sandshoes. But times have changed. Players no longer catch a tram to the MCG or cadge a lift to the SCG. They do not play for a few years and then go off to work for a brewery. Nowadays they have share portfolios, tables at sumptuous restaurants, books on the shelves, shows about wine, chart-topping releases, computer games on sale and dress not in blue singlets but in designer suits. They are advised by managers, promoted by agents, enticed by vast corporations and protected by unions cunningly disguised as associations to placate the right-wingers running amok off the field.

One of the gripes about Martyn during his career was that he was insular and didn't make the effort to spread the wisdom gained from nearly 20 years of first-class experience. He was Australian under-19 captain but never displayed the leadership qualities that could easily have led him to the Test captaincy if his career had taken a smoother course after his debut at 21 in place of Dean Jones. One of the first things Martyn did this year was to sign up for a leadership course. Go figure.

If he takes up the job, Kirsten may discover that India has changed since 1996, but that's not the point. He is being asked to come to India to coach its cricket team, not to do tourism promotion. The point is that people--yes, even cricketers--grow up and Kirsten by all accounts, did. As his career wound down, the left-hander was known as a quiet, thoughtful man, generous of his opponents, who both respected and liked him. That incriminating diary... hell, that's bygones. Or it should be.

He admits he is no sommelier and is a trifle sheepish chatting with those with a much greater wine knowledge, but he knows what he likes and is keen to spread the gospel. And he has the capacity, enthusiasm and infectious personality to do so.

Both leagues give wonderful opportunities to professional cricketers and I think it is right that players should have the freedom to play in whichever of them they wish to. Although the ICL is yet to be given official blessing, I hope that players are not penalised or banned from other competitions.

A CA spokesman said he had spoken to John's workmates and an intermediary, who confirmed the man had boasted about having the ball and that he still had it in his keeping. The man did not come to the phone and has been asked to make contact with CA but has not returned calls.

Give me the choice of a tour to Australia or Sri Lanka and I would take Australia every day of the week. It's not that the cricket is any easier in Australia, just that Sri Lanka is such a difficult place to play.

Sachin Tendulkar: Needs to improve on his agility and work on his fitness.
Sourav Ganguly: Has to improve on his fitness, agility and anticipation.
Robin Uthappa: Was below his normal fielding standards; should work on his fitness, agility and throwing from the deep.

When he made his international debut as an umpire in the match against Zimbabwe at Pune in 1993, Shastri knew the task was going to be tough. “Those days we would get just one match in one year,” he remembered. From 1993 to 1998, he stood in a mere four matches. Since last November, when he returned to the international panel, Shastri has officiated in 15 one-dayers and two Tests.