Bradman's fond memories of Amarnath
Death brings out the tributes, full of flowery phrases
Partab Ramchand
10-Aug-2000
Death brings out the tributes, full of flowery phrases. To an extent,
the sentiments may be exaggerated but one is sure the words come
straight from the heart. The tributes for Lala Amarnath are obviously
well meant. For a man who was never afraid to call a spade a spade,
had running battles with those in authority and had a reputation for
being undiplomatic in his approach, one would have thought he must
have made many enemies along the way. But even those who felt that
Amarnath was `blunt' or `rude' could not help adding that he had a
valid point.
These thoughts come to mind on going through Don Bradman's tribute to
Amarnath. In a message conveyed through the website, indya.com,
Bradman says: ``I was very sad to hear the news that my old cricketing
foe Lala Amarnath died over the weekend. I remember first meeting Lala
on the first tour between our two countries in 1947. I found him
absolutely charming and a wonderful ambassador for the game. It was a
special time for me as it was during this series that I made by 100th
century. Lala was one of the first to congratulate me. In fact I
believe the series was one of my most pleasant. There was a wonderful
spirit of camaraderie amidst the players on both sides. Throughout his
life, I know Lala made a significant contribution to Indian cricket. I
extend my sympathies to his family.''
It can be taken that Bradman means every word he has said in his
tribute. If at all proof is needed, one has only to go through his
extremely readable autobiography `Farewell to Cricket' published in
1950. In the chapter on the Indian tour of Australia, Bradman has many
good things to say about Amarnath, both as a cricketer and as a man.
Describing him as a `picturesque player' Bradman says ``throughout the
tour, I found Amarnath absolutely charming in every respect. He and
Peter Gupta (the manager) co-operated in all conceivable ways to try
and make the games enjoyable and the most wonderful spirit of
camaraderie existed between the Australian and Indian players.
Amarnath was such a splendid ambassador that it makes it all the more
difficult to understand his recent suspension by the Indian Board of
Control. (This was following his war of words with Board president
Anthony de Mello). Lala as he was called certainly believed in
speaking his mind at all times and was not averse to expressing his
opinion in regard to a controlling authority or an individual but in
Australia he always did it with the utmost courtesy and tact. I look
back on the season with him as my opposite number as one of my most
pleasant cricket years.''
There surely cannot be a nicer tribute to Amarnath the captain or a
better appraisal of Amarnath the man.