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.

How could such an anti-establishment writer love the sport with which England once hoped to educate its officer class and civilise its empire?

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.