Timeless talent is still intact (7 August 1999)

7 August 1999

Timeless talent is still intact

Simon Hughes

Yesterday Mark Ramprakash played his 65th Test innings in his 36th Test. Mike Brearley and Basil D'Oliveira played roughly the same amount, as did Cyril Washbrook, whose recent death will be marked by one minute's silence at Old Trafford this morning.

Happily, the spectators will not also be mourning the total demise of a once hugely promising young batsman.

For, as Ramprakash showed in the second period of his innings, there are still vivid traces of that precocious talent which was first witnessed in the 1988 NatWest final at Lord's. For after a tortuous 2.5 hours of patient defence, he at last unleashed a severe pull, a sumptuous off-drive and a sizzling square cut.

These were the strokes of the man they used to call "Blood Axe" for his frequent savagery on the field and occasional outbursts off it. The attacking shots were always accompanied by immaculate defence and, in his early 20s, Ramprakash was chosen as the model for a coaching manual. The poise and style of his better work underlines why.

It is indisputable, though, that he has not fully delivered his precious gifts for England. He has recorded only one century in those 65 innings, and his average still hangs below 30, therefore it seems that his place often hangs by a thread.

Perhaps it is his very range of skills that makes his position so unstable. Spectators and selectors constantly expect more from someone with such prodigious and versatile talent. Ramprakash, too, perennially expects more from himself, which leads to tense moods and occasional introversion.

These emotions occasionally boil over, as they did at Lord's a fortnight ago when he stormed back to the pavilion after snicking a near wide from Nathan Astle.

His jaw was clenched, the veins protruded around his temple and the England dressing room emptied onto the balcony before he entered. He felt his last chance had gone. He has lost half-a-stone in the last month through the stress of it all.

The selectors had more faith. At least they got that right. Ramprakash, now playing his 19th consecutive Test, easily his longest run having being dropped seven times, dragged England out of the mire.

He batted for the most part as if he was still on probation and his inner turmoil was partly the cause of Andrew Caddick being run out, but at least in company with the tail-end batsmen he managed to free his spirit.

He seems to thrive in adversity and on bad wickets, so a little wink at his partner, Peter Such, after a truly Caribbeanesque carve through the covers from a yard outside leg stump confirmed that he was enjoying himself.

If only he could bottle that feeling and take a vast swig of it before going out to bat.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)