Pinter's stroke of genius

Ed Smith pays tribute to Harold Pinter in the Daily Telegraph, and writes his love for cricket - a game regarded as being closest to the English establishment - was not inconsistent with his reputation as an anti-establishment writer.

That underestimates both cricket and Pinter. Cricket, despite its passing snobberies, has never naturally suited narrowness. True, the game remains conservative. But cricket is conservative with a very small 'c' – nostalgic, sceptical, independent-minded and slightly pessimistic.
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It goes without saying that cricket's sub-plots and dramas appealed to the playwright in Pinter. Even a 'boring' draw can, and often does, host the most thrilling battles and sublime moments. I once turned on the television, watched Brian Lara execute a heavenly late cut, and immediately switched off again, perfectly satisfied.