HADLEE_REACTION_08FEB94

Here is a transcription of an Interview with Sir Richard on TV today (9Feb94).

Reporter: Sir Richard we have just heard news that Kapil has taken his 432nd wicket. Sir RJH: Well he now has the world record. I faxed him a few days ago when he had equalled the world record and congratulated him then, and suggested the next ball would be the inevitable record. I think it's a marvellous acheivement ... Its a very special moment for Kapil and world cricket and I think we should enjoy the moment for Kapil as well.

Reporter: What sort of work and dedication goes into acheiving that mark? Sir RJH: Well he's 36 years of age and he's bowled more balls in the history of Test cricket than anyone else, so I guess the opportunity certainly has come his way, but having said that, it requires a lot of fitness, skill, stamina... I think it's a tribute to a lot of determination. He's had it on his mind, he's been close for some time and it's a major acheivement for him as it was for me several years ago.

Reporter: It must have just been a matter of time as far as you were concerned? Sir RJH: Well records are made to be broken ... I don't think it diminishes anything that I've been able to do in the game. I can look back and be very thankful and very grateful and I've suggested that to Kapil in the fax I sent him to always remember what the game has given you and enjoy the special moments.

====> MORE Hadlee's reaction In reaction, Hadlee told New Zealand television he was delighted for Kapil and a little sad for himself at losing the record. "It's a marvellous performance, although in some ways it's sad. It's a very special moment for Kapil Dev and for world cricket and we should enjoy the moment for Kapil as well," said Hadlee. Kapil's team mates rushed towards him even before umpire A.L. Narasimhan raised his finger to indicate Tillekeratne was out to the second ball of Kapil's eighth over. Surrounded by players, Kapil got a standing ovation for a full minute from banner-waving supporters before play could resume. Kapil, who has also scored more than 5,000 test runs, equalled Hadlee's record in the second test against Sri Lanka in Bangalore last month. On Tuesday, Kapil embellished his image as an Indian folk hero by snatching the record in his 130th test. He made his debut at the age of 19 against Pakistan in the 1978 series. Hadlee, who took his wickets in far fewer tests - just 86 - and is now retired, said Kapil could take as many as 450 test wickets, but predicted young Australian leg spinner Shane Warne was the most likely candidate to outstrip the mark. "Probably in 10 years someone will go beyond Kapil and the way that Shane Warne is going at the moment he could go beyond what Kapil has done...Shane could be the first to get 500."