The uncluttered country touch

Makhaya Ntini is an example of a cricketer to has developed from humble beginnings in the country © Getty Images

The ethos of cricket lies deep in the hearts and souls of those playing street cricket in Woodstock or Soweto, in an Under-9C schools match, in a family knock-up game at a picnic, and in a country match played on a simple but dignified rural ground.

It is in the hearts of cricket followers. It is not just found at Lord's or at Test matches - in fact, international cricketers can learn so much from the more modest cricket encounters.

The actual playing of cricket is merely the outward physical expression of the game. Cricket itself is not just a game, a hobby, a recreation etc; it is a way of life, a community spirit, an overwhelming philosophy it is also a sense, a being, a full and complete feeling. It pervades the mind, the soul, the gut and the heart; it enters your dreams at night.

That is why so many people love this game - the spirit is captured instantly when a grandfather throws a tennis ball to his grandchild. That simple act evokes joy, interaction, togetherness, love, pleasure and the sense of freedom, purpose and the pleasure of a future that will be fulfilled. One can't really capture the moment in words; you experience it and it fills you with wonder.

This was brought back to me recently when I was invited by an old Varsity friend and first-class cricketing colleague, Arthur Short, to speak at the 125-year anniversary of the cricket ground on his Eastern Cape farm Wheatlands.

What an occasion it was with all the warmth, work, cooking and involvement of the whole community. Ray Mali spoke eloquently of his family's links to the area, Robbie Muzzell was the MC and the evening was social, proud and filled with the essence of cricket. It was noted by Robbie that the ground was built in 1881, a full 19 years before the first church - to which a wag in the audience interjected "they must have been short of umpires!" It was that sort of evening. The day abounded with Pro20 matches, kids on the side of the field playing their own "Test matches", endless teas and cakes and a spirit that soared.

Rural cricket plays a remarkably important role in world cricket. Over 40 percent of the past year's Australian team came from the rural areas. The country touch brings to the game, especially in South Africa, a style often unfettered by the coaching manual, attitudes that are fresh and engaging, an approach which does not bear the restrictive force of status and egotism. The players also give us an original style that breaks and redefines conventional wisdom.

Country cricketers have not, as often quoted, an earthiness or simplicity: rather they have a belief in basics, a sure knowledge of their own self, their strengths and weaknesses and a beautiful straightforwardness about their game which are often the qualities that bring their success - and the admiration of followers.

They play the game their way. Just think of a few off the cuff ... Lance Klusener, Sir Don Bradman, Makhaya Ntini, Jeff Thomson, Thandi Tshabalala and Glenn McGrath.

Sir Don's style is being continually analysed as the possible newage game - and he played in the 1940s and '50s! He was self-taught and his style refashioned the thinking and the attitudes in the game. He upheld the dignity and respect of the game he loved. He was true legend.

I remember late one Sunday night, years ago, receiving a phone call from my brother-in-law, Peter Wise, who played for Umhlali. He excitedly told me he had played cricket with a future SA player - the name of the 15-year-old was "Lance Kushner"!

Peter said that he bowled quick, hit the ball out of the ground and had a wonderful arm. Lance brought a new dimension to the game, changed the attitude to six-hitting, and brought alive the glory of brutal strokeplay and self-belief.

Raymond Booi and Greg Hayes delight in their role of uncovering the world's sometimes No. 1 bowler, Makhaya Ntini. Makhaya shows us that with the right attitude, the delight in fitness and by continually striving for your country and people you can sit on top of the world!

His action - fashioned on concrete wickets, necessitating a jump to the left in his delivery stride, which he still has - did not dilute his wicket-taking talent: it is just 'Mak' and it works. Nothing was going to stand in his way - he overflows with enthusiasm and positive energy. He is legend, too.

Michael Slater's playing days started in Wagga Wagga © Getty Images

A few others that spring to mind are Dale Steyn and Ethy Mbhalati from Phalaborwa, Michael Slater and Mark Taylor from Wagga Wagga, and Geoff Marsh from Wandering, who claimed that his aim was to make more runs than he had sheep!

Country cricketers in some ways have an edge, to my mind, as they have an unencumbered view of the game - they bring a fresh outlook and an uncomplicated approach. That is something that we all can learn from; especially coaches who often incorrectly try to clone players.

The greats were never clones...they expressed their attitude, character and individualism through their game. They were at their best when they were themselves, not trying to copy someone else.

TV and the focus on the international game have been so strong that the heart and soul is often forgotten or overlooked. Stop next time you go past a game in the street, or on the beach, or on a country field or at a school in the afternoon, and feel the tension, see the passion and witness the delight.

That is where you will see the real beauty of cricket.