From: 9063iyerm@vms.csd.mu.edu (Murali Iyer)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.cricket
Subject: England team's reactions/comments on situation in India
Date: 11 Jan 1993 15:54:57 GMT
Organization: Marquette University - Computer Services
Reply-To: 9063iyerm@vms.csd.mu.edu
NNTP-Posting-Host: vmsa.csd.mu.edu


Last night I stayed awake until too late(I am not quite awake now at work) to
catch BBC for the one-minute news on the England team's tour to India. Jonathan
Agnew was quoted/referred to as the source of report from India. He reported
that some of the players in the England team were concerned about their safety
and the situation in India (Robin Smith was quoted). However, Bob Bennett said
(his voice was broadcast) that he was convinced the Indian authorities were
taking all necessary steps to safeguard the England team, and the team itself
was not worried, and was being taken very good care of. 

The report also said that the three day game petered out into a draw, and soon
moved to American Football, and the forthcoming battle between the Dallas
Cowboys and the 49'ers. I was no doubt disappointed at the meagre coverage of
cricket. :-(

The England team mgmt must be happy with Gatting's ton, since he -- alongwith
Gooch -- is most definitely going to be the rock on which England team hopes to
build solid scores.  

I have a hunch that Hirwani and Kumble may both play in a game or two, if
it is true that England players have a weakness against leg-spin. I think it
was Allan Lamb who said that India should have taken two leggies to RSA, since
Kumble was obviously a tough nut to crack for the RSA'ns. Who knows, he might
have been right. 

Isn't today the day India captain will be announced? Anybody have any guesses
as to who will get the nod? This is one time I do not have a firm opinion about
who should captain. If Gavaskar feels Azhar should continue, I guess Vishy will
be inclined to agree with him. After all, Gavaskar was *there* all thru the
tour. And a home series is not going to be all that much of a strain on the
captain. Since Wadekar has been retained, he might have a strong say in the
decision. If there has been one positive outcome of this tour, it is that both
Amrit Mathur and Wadekar have hit it off very well with the boys and the media,
and the hosts. 

BTW, all you Kiran More fans, it is reliably learnt that More's one ambition is
to help India win a Test with his batting (now, now, you
others/pessimists/non-More fans,  don't mention anything about the 333 or the
other dropped catches/missed stumpings which have cost India matches). Also, he
is a very enthusiastic fellow, and does not shirk work/responsibility. A solid
team-man, and captains are happy to have him on their side. A wildlife
enthusiast, he is game for any outdoor activities. An early riser(unlike
Manjrekar), is willing to go to great lengths to make any team project a
success. I personally have nothing against him, but would like to see Rajesh
Yadav get a few decent chances before he is also written off. Perhaps, Yadav
for tests and More for ODI's? No? Well it was worth a try. :--)

-Murali {there are too many Muralis around, let me add my last name} Iyer

P.S: Please be generous with those smileys. :--)

Newsgroups: rec.sport.cricket