Waugh fears Seles-style stabbing (23 April 1999)

23 April 1999

Waugh fears Seles-style stabbing

The Christchurch Press

GEORGETOWN - Steve Waugh fears a Monica Seles-style stabbing on the cricket field after spectators jostled him during a chaotic conclusion to yesterday's one-day match against the West Indies.

Waugh received whiplash from one man, shoulder charged another, was repeatedly pushed and shoved and almost had his bat stolen before needing a police escort through the throbbing masses at the Bourda Ground.

At least 1000 Guyanese had swamped the ground in a frightening and controversial end to a game that International Cricket Council referee Raman Subba Row declared a tie after stumps.

It is hard to imagine a bigger cricketing farce than Keith Arthurton being unable to run out Waugh (72 not out) or Shane Warne (19 not out) as they attempted the levelling run because all six stumps had been uprooted in a pitch invasion.

For the record, Australia replied to the Windies' 173 for five with 173 for seven in a match reduced to 30 overs per side because of heavy overnight and morning rain.

"That was just crazy, an embarrassment for cricket, something has got to be done," Waugh said. "You are risking your life. It only takes one guy with plenty to drink to take out a knife a la Monica Seles and it's over for you. That could easily happen; it's not over-dramatising it.

"I have whiplash to my neck and I'm happy to get away with it that lightly. It's just ridiculous to have 2000 people running in and taking the stumps while the ball is still in play."

Seles, the former world No. 1 women's tennis player, was stabbed by a spectator at a tournament in Hamburg in 1993. It raised security concerns for all professional sportsmen and Waugh revealed he was verbally harassed after the match as he walked to meet Subba Row to help determine the result.

"As players we are sick of it," Waugh said.

Arthurton thought the game was over when he dislodged the bails at the bowler's end with Warne and Waugh safely home for two. As the locals swarmed toward the pitch, Waugh set off for a third run and Arthurton turned around to pull up a stump but they were gone.

Waugh made his ground by shoulder charging a spectator before being jostled and fending off a man who tried to steal his bat. After meeting Waugh, Windies' captain Jimmy Adams and both team managers, Subba Row announced a tie almost 90min after stumps. West Indies had initially appeared to have edged home by one run. The delay allowed the Australians to leave the ground in safety.

"It was a difficult decision. The batsmen were obviously attempting a third run but with the spectators on the ground it became impossible," Subba Row said.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)