Rolling back the years
Stephen Thorpe watches some former greats at the Antigua Independence Festival
13-Dec-2005
Stephen Thorpe watches some former greats at the Antigua Independence Festival
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The steadfast umpire Ian Gould, the former Middlesex and Sussex wicketkeeper, would disagree. "I haven't played since retiring in 1990, and the last time I faced Colin Croft he hit me on the nut with a beamer. He meant it as well. I've never been the same since." "Gunner" held no fear, strapped on his pads and strolled out to face the less troublesome prospect of a new ball propelled by Curtly Ambrose and Joel Garner. There is something endearing and timeless about the greats, creaking limbs and all, at a parade of faded talent and Curtly did not disappoint in a tidy first foray. The tall destroyer hasn't changed much either, if anything he's added a couple of inches though that might be the illusion of a quixotic new hairstyle, and he doesn't like playing, preferring instead the company of his bass guitar.
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More than the cricket, this was a celebration of independence 24 years after Antigua shed its loyalty to Britain and the impressive new Stanford Cricket Ground was a fitting venue, a magnificent 5000-capacity theatre which has already hosted first-class matches for the Leeward Islands. Funded by the Texan financier and philanthropist Allen Stanford, it also embraces a high tech gymnasium and pool complex, with a West Indian Hall of Fame in its startling Sticky Wicket building. With the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium just under construction at North Sound in readiness for the World Cup, spare a thought for the former arena in St.John's--the ramshackle Recreation Ground (ARG), scene of two of the most celebrated feats in Test history, the fastest century off balls faced and the highest individual score, by Richards and Brian Lara respectively. Gone but never forgotten.
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They did well to restrict Lashings to a below-par 147 for 7 but lost four quick wickets in reply and finished twenty short. The tourists fielding was outstanding, a vital factor in this format, underpinned by the Essex quartet of Graham Napier, James Middlebrook, Ryan ten Doeschate and Flower, plus the Kent vice captain Min Patel. Robert Joseph, the burly young Antiguan quick nurtured by Lashings who has already played for Kent, did the early damage and looks a decent prospect with a hint of the raw Patrick Patterson. Lewis reckoned the pitch was possibly the best he had ever played on (had he forgotten his last appearance in Antigua in 1994 when Lara made 375? Understandably, he may have). "It comes on to the bat but bowlers can get something from it too; the lights are excellent, and only slightly difficult facing spin off a shiny surface".
Curtly effectively opened and closed proceedings after a storming last-night set with the Dread and the Baldhead band, though Richie Richardson was the undoubted star of the entire extravaganza--the visionary organiser, player, commentator, general factotum and allround good egg. From Napier though came the quote of the week--at an august gathering of the good and the great, he wondered aloud whether Viv "had ever captained West Indies?" Ok Napes, go and make the tea now, then brush up on your history. You need help.