Postcard (22 March 1999)

22 March 1999

Postcard

from Justin Langer

Heals proves once again he's tough as old boots

All in a day's work for Ian Healy.

There isn't a lot seasoned campaigner Ian Healy hasn't seen or experienced on a cricket field. While he is as tough as old RM Williams boots, even 'Heals' has to succumb to the modern tradition of icing up injuries after a day's play. Most guys have to ice knees, shoulders, fingers or elbows, but today our likeable keeper had to ice the top of his skull after falling foul to the following through of a pull shot.

He told me that this is only the second time in his career that he has been hit by a cricket bat while standing behind the stumps. The first time was by another West Indian Sherwin Campbell in Australia a few years ago. Today he received a small gash to the top of the head, a relief considering the extent of the follow through by the West Indian batsman. Lucky for 'Heals' he didn't have his whole head ripped off by the wielded willow.

During play the worst scenario occurred for the good guys. Carl Hooper helped himself to a very elegant century, putting the West Indian 'A' side into a pretty solid position at stumps. Considering Hooper looks certain to be selected for the third Test in Barbados, we would have liked top have saved him from this important match practice. Unfortunately this was not to be, so we have given away a small advantage to the opposition coming up to the vital third Test. An advantage we will have to quickly eliminate in a few days' time.

From Antigua, JL