7 June 1999
Beyond the boundary - Godot Kept Waiting
Shakil Kasem
Unless you have a name like Geoffrey Boycott, that fiercely loyal son
of Yorkshire, you would not want to have anything to do with cricket
at Headingley. To a man, cricketers from Yorkshire have been dour,
stubborn kinds who spent most of their misspent youths in the
minepits, because the dull, drab and dreary weather was too much to
bear. Playing on those uncovered wickets in the days of yore, with
the rain never more than a bouncer or two away, players like Trueman
and Boycott emerged as much as characters of the game, as
accomplished players which they undoubtedly were. You have to take
Headingley and its weather and live with it. If not, "this game has
"nowt to do with thee," as they say in Yorkshire.
Zimbabwe and New Zealand received the customary welcome at Headingley
with a late start. The covers were on, as predicted, and the familiar
sight of the patrons huddled under the ubiquitous umbrellas was
enough to depress anybody other than Geoffrey Boycott, out of his
mind.
The toss was won by Zimbabwe, who promptly decided to bat. The wicket
did not look like gifting runs to any side and the Zimbabweans
thought they were better off putting as much on the board as
possible, then make life as difficult as they could for Fleming and
his men. On the face of it, not a bad ploy. But then what is a
defendable total, actually? This World Cup is yet to provide an
answer to this most basic of questions. Granted, the Zimbabweans have
a brilliant fielding side, but the bowling however leaves a bit to be
desired. Neil Johnson, nee Natal and for a while contemplating a slot
in Hansie Cronje's side, looks the only bowler likely to pose any
searching questions with the ball.
Batting first, Zimbabwe immediately ran into trouble, with their most
consistent opener being run out and not being able to flower
(couldn't resist, ignore all those puns). Johnson played on in
unfortunate circumstances, and New Zealand were on top right away. A
brilliant catch later, Campbell's side were 47 for three in only the
11th over. It needed a captain's knock to correct matters and the
captain obliged in the company of Murray Goodwin. The rains dutifully
arrived on cue again, and rehabilitation was suspended once again.
These sort of rain interruptions, as any batsman would tell you, are
good for the ulcers. Both these teams are lying at the bottom of the
totem pole, as far as the quality of assets on view in the Super Six,
is concerned. The way they strove manfully to fight the elements, as
well as try and fashion an outcome of the match in their favour,
boiled down to the most obvious of intentions. The name of the game
was attrition.
Allot was again the pick of the New Zealand bowlers. More than any
other bowler in this competition, he has the knack for picking up top
order batsmen's wickets. Yesterday was no exception either. New
Zealand bowled exceedingly well to stay on top. Zimbabwe batted well
enough under the circumstances, to keep their nose above the water.
Barring the unspeakable, the calculators, in plain pidgin, it
promised to be an engrossing day at Headingley. It is a tough arduous
climb to the top for both these teams.
The only difference is that, Zimbabwe is carrying those extra
canisters of oxygen by virtue of the four points they had remembered
to bring along. New Zealand needed a performance out of the ordinary,
if they are to maintain their reputation as dark horses.
Considering New Zealand's blistering start to their innings, it seems
they are just a tad tired of Yorkshire pudding. It's probably time to
move on.
Source :: The Daily Star