From: 9063iyerm@vms.csd.mu.edu (Murali Iyer)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.cricket
Subject: Allan Donald's spell(s)
Date: 29 Dec 1992 20:21:44 GMT
Organization: Marquette University - Computer Services
Reply-To: 9063iyerm@vms.csd.mu.edu
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In article <msains.48.725654296@ibis.ru.ac.za>, msains@ibis.ru.ac.za (Malcolm Sainsbury) writes:
>I'm afraid the Indian fans won't like this news, but cheer up, there
>is at least some good news for you.

Malcolm, Vasanthan, Feroz and all others who have been reporting on the RSA-IND
series have done a great job. Despite the result, I am sure the game was an
entertaining one. Perhaps good for the gates. Kapil's innings has definitely
come at a very good time, if he had any aspirations to the captaincy. However,
as I have gathered from various reports, he has completely stopped thinking
about it and is hence finding it easier to concentrate on the cricket. Again, I
don't think he will say "No" if the selectors offer him the captaincy against
England. Sweet revenge it will be if Kaps can bring off a victory against all
odds. After all, it was his leadership against Gatting's men that cost him his
job. 

The reason I started this post was Donald's performance. I read an interview
with Donald in Sportstar in which he had sounded very frustrated that wickets
were eluding him, despite good bowling and all-out efforts. He had prayed for
a few wickets in the ODI's and tests, and now he has hit paydirt. He is
undoubtedly a world-class bowler, as per reports from everyone who has seen him
perform. And he is ably supported by Schultz, Macmillan, et al. I read that
every one of them is tops in speed and can match the strength of WI and
Pakistan. And there are more waiting in the wings! 

India is not facing a bunch of novices when they are playing South Africa. The
RSA'ns are seasoned players, having played in England and against world-class
opponents. They are no pushovers. And they are in good hands with people like
Procter, Pollock, Woolmer, et al taking a big hand in their moulding. 

>
>We had heard so much about the prowess of Kapil Dev, and we were beginning
>to think that his reputation was inflated.  He has not had a good tour

Actually, none of the players have been going around with inflated reputations.
Sad fact is that none of them have been performing upto their potential.
Perhaps this is how a downfall of a cricketer will look, when he fails again
and again. Manjrekar may well have signed his death warrant with his failures
in this test. Amre and Jadeja still have a lease of their lives, basically they
have started recently. Srinath has been taught the lesson that no one can take
his place for granted, while Raju learnt that all is not lost. Kumble will
re-learn the lesson he learnt after the series against England, that he is
still a ways from top-class. Raman, Shastri, Prabhakar.......... I don't know
what to make of the reports that officials back in India are crying for blood,
preferably Azhar's laced with a few other players'. There is one more test to
go, and I am an optimist first and last. I am hoping Azhar will salvage some of
the reputation and respect with a win in Cape Town. 

Gavaskar in his column in Sportstar (On The Write line) talks about the lack of
application and temperament in players who are selected to play for their
country. Ranji Lions abound, which is proved by the number of players who go on
one tour and then are in the penumbra regions. Players are more concerned with
the freebies and the glamour of the tours and relegate the game too far from
the forefront. This is apparent in their pathetic performances. 

>The other good thing for all cricket fans is the emergence of Alan
>Donald as one of the top flight of fast bowlers.  He took 12 wickets
>in the match with the finest spell of quick bowling I have ever seen.  I
>was there on day 3 when he ripped through the top order.  I think he
>will be quite something to go and see for fans all round the world.

>As for the Indians, it seems that the SA batsmen have now figured out how 
>to play Kumble more confidently.  Raju looked to me like a much better
>bowler.  Kumble can certainly handle a bat better than Raju.  

>The Indian top order need to come to terms with the hostility of the 
>SA pace attack.

Golden words, truly spoken. If Raman and Shastri could have blunted the opening
attack, then the later batsmen would have had a better chance. Not that
Manjrekar will have sorted out his problems, but SRT and Amre may have
delivered. 

>We have not yet seen the best of Tendulkar, Manjrekhar, Shastri, etc.
>Perhaps it will all come together in Cape Town.

You are joining the likes of myself who are always hoping this will happen.
Looks like major surgery or shock treatment is required, to jolt these guys out
of their stupor. 

>Meanwhile the Indian Schools team is also touring here and making a
>better impression on SA bowling than their seniors.  They are unbeaten to 
>date in about 7 games.

Good news, in the midst of all the gloom.

>Stay well

You too, like they say here in the US of A.

>Malcolm

-Murali

p.s: Geoffrey Boycott is reported to have inquired about Maninder, and said
"That guy can win matches for India". Perhaps the selectors will pay heed to
one of the best openers the cricketing world ever saw, though not the most
attractive. However, in the selectors' defence, Maninder's performances in
"selection matches" was way below par. Kumble outshone him in all departments. 

Boycott's non-retention as a batting coach is being looked upon suspiciously by
reporters in England. They are wondering what might have soured Boycott's
relations, other than his caustic tongue and outspoken opinions. Boycott was a
hailed as a major influence is England's performances in WI on their last tour
there. 

Newsgroups: rec.sport.cricket