Chandigarh, Saturday, June 5, 1999
Chandigarh, Saturday, June 5, 1999 |
First round belongs to Zimbabwe By Abhijit Chatterjee Zimbabwe, rank underdogs before the commencement of the tournament, are probably just two points away from qualifying for the semi-finals of the ongoing World Cup. With four points already in their kitty — two from their win against India and two from their victory against South Africa — in the Super Six stage , Zimbabwe have to win just one match to make it to their semi-finals, a situation which no one could have imagined when the tournament began a fortnight ago. Racial
past continues to haunt South Africa Problems
of female matador
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First round belongs to
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe, rank underdogs before the commencement of the tournament, are probably just two points away from qualifying for the semi-finals of the ongoing World Cup. With four points already in their kitty — two from their win against India and two from their victory against South Africa — in the Super Six stage , Zimbabwe have to win just one match to make it to their semi-finals, a situation which no one could have imagined when the tournament began a fortnight ago. The Zimbabwean team has been making waves ever since it made its debut in the World Cup in 1983 (the year when Kapil’s Devils upset all calculations of the bookies to emerge victorious). It first stunned Australia and then came close to beating India before Kapil Dev came to score that scintillating unbeaten knock of 175 to steer his team to a win. This year too, the way Zimbabwe have played in the tournament so far has given ample indication that their cricket has finally come of age. They started their campaign in the tournament with a quiet win over another African nation, Kenya. But then they switched gear to get past India in a match which must have stunned all pundits of the game. India were cruising smoothly when Henry Olonga changed the course of the match with five deliveries. And with it Zimbabwe’s fortunes have changed for the summer. Not that their cricket had been brilliant this year. Far from it. Since January 1 ,1998, to December 31, Zimbabwe have played a total of 26 one-day matches, winning just six. They first played a series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, losing all three matches. Then they could win one solitary tie in the five-match series played in New Zealand before losing both matches of a two-match series against Pakistan in Zimbabwe. Then in the three-nation series in India, they lost both their matches to Australia as also to the hosts, before beating India 2-1 in a series played in Zimbabwe. In the ICC Cup in Dhaka, they lost their first match to New Zealand before qualifying for their first ever multi-nation tournament final at Sharjah where they played India after beating Sri Lanka in both matches in the round robin league. The gains of 1988 were translated into a series win in a three-nation tournament hosted by Bangladesh early this year. They won all their five matches, beating Kenya thrice and Bangladesh twice. After beating India in the league match, Zimbabwe became a little careless and were beaten rather easily first by Sri Lanka and then by England. With four points from four matches it was a do-or-die situation when Zimbabwe took on neighbours South Africa for their last league match . South Africa by then had won all four league matches while Zimbabwe had won two matches out of four. And going by South Africa’s track record in the tournament, it was a foregone conclusion that South Africa would easily get past their neighbours. But that was not to be. Zimbabwe, picking up their game by a couple of slots, not only beat South Africa but threw the standings in the whole group topsy turvy. This was not only Zimbabwe’s biggest win ever in the World Cup but was also probably the biggest upset in the history of the tournament. Neil Johnson, who had learnt most of his cricket in England and South Africa, started the tremors with a three-wicket burst. Then a crucial contribution by Heath Streak was enough to upset the applecart of the South Africans. With only two teams to be eliminated from the Super Six before the semi-finals of the tournament, Zimbabwe , with four points in their kitty, will have to win just one match to make it to the last four. And if the group matches are any indication, then even these four points might be just enough for them to make it to the next grade. Zimbabwe might not have super stars in their squad but each and every player has done his bit to propel the team to the Super Six. If in batting, the team has depended a lot on Andy Flower and his brother, Grant, Neil Johnson, Heath Streak , Guy Whittall and the little-known Henry Olonga have done their bit with the ball. But more than their
batting and bowling, it is their fielding that has done
the Zimbabweans proud. If the South Africans have one
Jonty Rhodes then Zimbabwe have 11 players on their field
who can field nearly as good as Jonty. In every match,
the Zimbabwe fielders have by a conservative estimate,
saved about 40 sure runs which in the final analysis
meant that they had to score 40 runs less than what would
have been the actual target. |
Racial past continues to haunt
South Africa THEIR bright green and yellow uniform makes the South African cricket team currently playing in the World Cup in England a colourful outfit. But, when it comes to the players, the team is still lily white with the exception of the freckle-faced opening batsman Herschelle Gibbs. The absence of black players has sparked a fierce debate both in South Africa and abroad about cricket’s transformation process and a much-heralded ‘development programme’ to take cricket to blacks. Having had the benefits of being coached and using the facilities at an exclusive private white school, Gibbs can scarcely be described as someone coming from a disadvantaged background. Despite this, the influential National Sports Council (NSC), which was responsible for cancelling an England rebel tour to apartheid South Africa in 1990, has pronounced itself satisfied with the composition of the World Cup team. “The NSC fully supports the team at the World Cup. We have understood the United Cricket Board of South Africa’s explanation about why there is only one black player (Gibbs) in the team,” said the NSC’s Chief Executive Officer Mvuso Mbebe, who declined to divulge what the UCBSA’s explanation was. “We will be meeting with the country’s cricket administrators shortly to set targets as far as black representation in provincial and national teams are concerned. I’m very optimistic that by the time the next World Cup is played in South Africa in 2003 there will be much greater black representation,” he added. Admittedly, the UCBSA suffered the misfortune of having to withdraw the country’s leading black African player, Makhaya Ntini from the squad after he was convicted of rape. Ntini, a young pace bowler from the rural areas of the Eastern Cape, is the only genuine product of the development programme to have made it to the international scene. Another leading black player, Roger Telemachus, who had a highly successful debut in one-day international cricket last year, was struck down with long-term injury while the unorthodox left-arm spinner Paul Adams, a Test regular, was dropped from the World Cup side. Mbebe’s optimism is not shared by a leading black administrator who spoke on condition of anonymity. “There is a great deal of unhappiness among black administrators about what’s happening in South African cricket,” he said. “While the white administrators are content to allow junior national teams to have a fair black representation, it’s different story when it comes to the senior team. The same applies to key administrative positions like chairman of selectors, chief executive and coaches. There’s been no real transformation in South African cricket — only window dressing.” Opinion among supporters following the team on its World Cup campaign is divided. Shiman Singh, a young Asian supporter from Durban said, “The team has to be selected on merit. Everyone who’s playing at this World Cup deserves to be here. That’s why we are favourites to win the tournament. Politics should be left out of sport.” However, black South African Igsaan Salie disagreed. “It’s crazy that there’s no black faces in the side,” he said. “We’ve been back in international cricket for such a long time now that there certainly should have been a few players of colour in the side. The will to have black players in the side doesn’t seem to be there. I don’t think the cricket authorities are doing enough.” “Blacks are too new at the game to be able to make the national team so soon,” said Darryl Campbell, revealing a startling lack of knowledge common to white South Africans about the rich history of black cricket in South Africa. Blacks in South Africa have been playing the game since the 1890s. In 1915 Krom Hendricks, a Cape coloured was even selected to play for South Africa against England before it was discovered he was not white. Blacks cricket in South Africa reached its peak in the 1950s and 60s when a national team played the Kenya Asians in reciprocal tours in 1956 and 1958. These tours launched the career of batsman Basil D’ Oliveira who went on to represent England while several others like Cecil Abrahams and John Neethling went on to play in the Lancashire League in England. Players made their way to the Lancashire League throughout the sixties, including Sulaiman ‘Dik’ Abed’s who went on to represent Enfield club for a record ten seasons. Such was Abed’s impact on the fortunes of the modest village club — helping it win two league titles in four years after a drought of 25 years — that he was named the club’s “all time great” ahead of legends like the West Indian Sir Clyde Walcott and Everton Weekes. To its credit the UCBSA has recognised the need to quicken the progress of black cricketers to the international level. From the start of the new season in October, each of the country’s 11 provincial teams will be required to field at least one black player in matches. The best of them will be invited to a special training camp. These measures resulted from pressure exerted by senior politicians and the NSC who were outraged about the absence of black players in the national team which played the West Indies in a recent series in South Africa. But South African
cricket — indeed most sports — has still to
come to terms with the realities of transforming itself
from its apartheid past. Until it does so with
conviction, questions will continually be asked about the
lack of black players in the national team. —
GEMINI NEWS |
Problems of female matador SPAIN’S only fully fledged female matador blamed her colleagues’ “machismo” when she decided to abandon her 10-year career as a bullfighter. They, in turn, claimed that Cristina Sanchez had not made the grade — and accused her of mounting a publicity stunt to boost her flagging fortunes in the ring. An ordinary tale of bullfighting folk? Not quite. Sanchez is the first woman to have fought on foot — as opposed to on horseback — in the prestigious Las Ventas ring in Madrid, and she seemed to have successfully challenged one of the last bastions of Spanish male supremacy. Now she is laying aside her sword and cape, saying that she has had enough of the backbiting and prejudice that have shattered her confidence. “I’ve never traded on the fact that I am a woman; I’ve never used it to get ahead, but I’ve certainly suffered because of it,’’ she said. “When you lose the sense of joy in what you do it’s best just to call it a day.” Sanchez has been subjected to frequent verbal abuse by conservative fans and open hostility by colleagues who believe that women in the ring are unlucky. Many refused to share a billing with her and put pressure on ring owners not to include her in fights. “Women should be in the kitchen, backing up men. It is unnatural for them to fight,’’ said Jesulin de Ubrique, who has described himself as the women’s favourite bullfighter. The opposition of the top star, the traditionalist Enrique Ponce, proved even more damaging. He threatened to boycott fiestas at which Sanchez appeared. She denies her competitors’ claims that she is planning a comeback. “Bullfighting is a man’s world, geared to male psychology and needs. I’ve got further than any woman before me and I’m very proud of that. But this will be my last season.” In the ring Sanchez kept strictly to the age-old traditions: she wore the tight-fitting suit of lights, tied her hair back in a pigtail, as men do, and was barely distinguishable from them. “Bulls are associated with courage and virility and some men cannot forgive a woman for being able to hold her own in that environment,’’ she said. “I realised prejudice had won when I wasn’t accepted in any of the top festivals this year and I refuse to accept a life trailing around second-rate rings fighting dud bulls.” Women have fought bulls since the 18th century, but a law in 1908 banned then from the ring on the grounds of “decency and public morality”. The restriction was lifted when Spain became a republic in the 1930s and reimposed by the dictator Francisco Franco in 1940. It was lifted again only after his death. But women bullfighters remain rare. Most prefer to stick to the less dangerous rejoneo — fighting on horseback. Sanchez (27) who comes from a small town near Madrid, chose to do it the hard way. Even her father, a frustrated matador who became the driving force behind her career, tried to dissuade her when she gave up hairdressing at 16. She graduated from the Madrid bullfighting academy third in her class, the only woman among 100 men, and began a gruelling three-year tour of small villages as a novillera, an apprentice bullfighter. Then, three years ago, came her alternative — the ceremony when a fighter first kills a full-grown bull in public and is recognised as a matador. “I thought the worst was over when I was signed up to appear in the San Isidro festival in Madrid, the most important in the bullfighting calendar, last year. But I was wrong. It only seemed to make the hostility worse.’’ At a farewell press conference fans greeted her with applause and shouts of “torero” (bullfighter). But some critics said she had just not been good enough to rank among the stars who command several thousand dollars for a fight and ensure a packed ring. “She was skilled in the initial stages of a fight with the cape, but never learnt to kill well. “She wasn’t tall enough. No one doubts that she’s shown guts in the ring. But last year she fought more than 60 times and wasn’t injured once. A bullfighter who’s doing the stuff properly gets gored,” said one. Sanchez now plans a career in public relations or acting. — By
arrangement with The Guardian |
Nonita Lal Qureshi became the second Indian woman to turn pro recently at the ripe age of about 40. Simmi Mehra was the first to have turned pro. Both are stocky and hit a long ball. Both are competitive. While Nonita has bagged several titles in domestic and international circuits, Simmi has been performing superbly in the US pro circuit. There is, however, a difference between Nonita and Simmi. Unlike Simmi who is a playing pro, Nonita, a trained coach, wants to help youngsters develop their skill, ability and technique. Happy with her numerous achievements, she feels that it is time to give something back to golf which has made her what she has been. “I have had the best moments of playing golf”, said Nonita adding: “Now I will watch with keen interest my pupils perform in competitions.” Champion of national title for six times, Nonita was very pleased when she bagged the title for the first time at Delhi. She prevailed upon Shruti in one of the most absorbing finals at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) course. An Arjuna awardee, Nonita is ideally suited for a teaching assignment. She has a fine temperament to handle youngsters. She has a requisite patience to explain to her students time and again. When asked why was she retiring at this point of time when she was still the best in the country, Nonita said: “It is better to retire when people ask ‘why’ instead of their asking ‘why not’?” Summer camp Come May-June, a coaching camp is held for youngsters under the guidance of Ajay Gupta at the DGC course. More than 100 boys and girls are receiving training. There is, however, a nominal fee for trainees. But the coaching is the methodical and rigorous. All students enjoy it despite unkind weather. There is a ‘gym’ now at the club. The students must be made to work in the ‘gym’ to render them tough and robust. With physical development, there is an urgent need to help them develop their mental faculties. The sharper the mind, the better will be the performance. An Australia, renowned coach Kal Liewellyn was here to help Indian pros and amateurs. It should have been the responsibility of the Professional Golfers Association of India (PGAI), to bear the expenses incurred on the coach. But the PGAI, which has sufficient funds in the kitty, did not come forward to contribute. The young Indian pros and amateurs did not want to lose this opportunity of undergoing training. They themselves contributed for the coaching camp, which was a grand success at the Army Golf Club (AGC) course. The army club authorities provided all the facilities to the coach and pupils. The DGC authorities were
approached first for staging the camp. It would have been
an ideal venue for the camp. But it could not be held
there because of difference of opinion among officials.
Politics always comes into play, no matter how worthy is
the cause. This is the most unfortunate aspect of sports
in this country. |
Sport Mail I was overwhelmed with joy when India defeated England to enter into the Super Six stage of the cricket World Cup. This Indian victory was a total team effort. All the bowlers and batsmen deserve full praise. Even Azharuddin came good under great pressure. He handled his bowlers superbly and his field placings were perfect. My heartiest congratulations to him as well as all the team members for making us extremely happy and proud. May God give Azhar and his men still more strength, courage and self confidence to fare better in the remaining matches also. ISAAC DAVID II It was nice to see India reaching the second round in the ongoing World Cup. This was mainly due to superb batting by Rahul Dravid, who was being rated as a Test player, and the reliable Ganguly. Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin failed both in his leadership and batting. India lost the first two matches narrowly due to the poor leadership on the part of the captain and the coach Anushman Gaekwad. As India have not easily sailed into the second round, the Indian captain will have to be very cautious in his leadership as well as batting. I wish them good luck. PRITPAL SINGH III India reached the Super Six of the World Cup. With new rules introduced, India have to win all their matches against Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand convincingly. India can make it to the semifinals by winning two matches against Australia and New Zealand provided Australia and New Zealand also lose all their remaining matches. If Australia and New Zealand lose all their matches there is nobody who can stop India from reaching the semifinals. NARESH GARG Zimbabwe’s win Zimbabwe’s win over South Africa in group A was nothing less than the eighth wonder of the world. Cricket is not a game like soccer in which a last goal may change the complexion of the game. Rather it is a systematic game that depends not only on team effort but excellence in all departments. Zimbabwe who were in a must-win-situation zeroed in on making it to the Super Six successfully. Recording a win against the hot favourites is no child’s play. Neil Johnson’s 77 not out was the hallmark while SA’s all rounder Klusener did not rise to the occasion. The way Zimbabwe batted, bowled and fielded made it an interesting show. They were confident, impressive and inform. H.S. DIMPLE Complex rules Why have the complex Super Six rules, which might take us back to the classroom to understand them? Cricket was invented for enjoyment and relaxation. Let simple rules replace complex rules. For example India have to win three matches to qualify for the semifinals, whereas Zimbabwe, the third placed team, need to win only one match to move to the higher stage. I had played for Warwickshire at Edgbaston in the fifties and had enjoyed cricket at Lords and other English county grounds. I do not agree, that no improvement is visible at those centres. Biased reporting like biased umpiring has to be decried. SWARANJIT SINGH Guru Hanuman The death of Dronacharya and Padma Shri awardee ‘Guru Hanuman’ is a big loss to Indian wrestling. Guru had dedicated his life to the cause of Indian wrestling and produced international and national level wrestlers. Some of them won the Arjuna Award. His death will not only be a great loss to the wrestling fraternity but also to the Guru Hanuman Vyayamshala. GURCHARAN GILL |
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