Talking cricket with the titans of the game
Columnist By Kersi Meher-Homji, 26 Nov 2011 Kersi Meher-Homji is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- Australian Cricket, Cricket, Fierce Focus, Ricky Ponting
Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting. AAP Picture
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Call me a name-dropper but Thursday and yesterday (the 25th) were days to remember for me when I mingled freely with 14 past and present Test cricketers at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
On Thursday, I attended the launch of Greg Chappell’s book, Fierce Focus, when I had the opportunity to meet the Chappell trio of Ian, Greg and Trevor, Doug Walters, Alan Davidson, Neil Harvey, Brian Booth, Brian Taber and Ian Davis.
“Fierce Focus” is a well produced book which traces the highs and highs of his cricket career, his encounters with Don Bradman (both pleasant and not so pleasant) and, among other items, gives us an insight into his acrimony with former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly when Greg was the coach of the Indian team in 2005 and 2006.
However, discussions among the media centred mostly on the thrilling Johannesburg Test and the Peter Roebuck tragedy. Jim Maxwell, Mike Coward, Peter Lalor still appeared shell-shocked at the loss of their dear friend and colleague.
The media launch for the new cricket season at the SCG was livelier as it was attended by five current Test players Ricky Ponting, the Jo’burg sensation Pat Cummins, Phil Hughes, Doug Bollinger and Usman Khawaja.
Cricket Australia’s sponsor Vodafone started the proceedings by announcing their new innovation, Vodafone Viewers Verdict (VVV), a world first.
It will enable fans to have their say on sporting issues and controversies as they happen. This will be displayed live during the Channel 9 broadcasts of the 2011-12 Test series and other internationals.
For instance, soon after the TV umpire judges “out” or “not out” during a UDR, a viewer can give his/her opinion on their VVV-fitted Vodaphone.
After the formalities, I had a chance to have brief chats with the players for the Roar readers.
Said Ricky Ponting: “My half century [in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test] was important for two reasons: for the team and for me.
“I was pleased with my partnership with Uzy [Usman] on the fourth day. I told Pup [Michael Clarke] and Huss [Michael Hussey] on the final day that the first hour was important. Pup left early but Huss and I hung around.”
To my question on whether Sachin Tendulkar, 20 months his elder and still scoring fluently, was an inspiration to him, he replied, “Yes, Sachin, Huss and Rahul Dravid are inspirational to me.”
Cummins described the Jo’burg Test as “unbelievable; a surreal experience!
Phil Hughes said that he was pleased with his 88 in the above Test. “Good to spend quality time with Watto [Shane Watson]. I’m looking forward to the new season and make opening position my own.”
Bollinger said he will return to cricket as soon as he is fit. “I am awaiting India.”
Usman Khawaja recalled his 62 and his 115 runs partnership with Ricky in Jo’burg as memorable.
Was he disappointed to be dismissed two balls before stumps on day-4? “Oh yes”, he replied. “The same thing had happened to me in the Sydney Test against England in January.”
He disagreed with me that he had trouble reading Imran Tahir’s googly. “I spotted his googlies earlier on but the ball that dismissed me was a very good delivery.”
What if he was asked to open the batting in the coming series? “If the captain asks me to, I’ll do so. I have batted as an opener, at no.3 or any other position”, Uzy replied with a straight bat.
Good on you Uzy, Punter, “Cummo” Cummins, “Doctor” Phil and “Doug the rug” Bollinger. Let the Tests begin!
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The Crowd Says (14) | Page 1 of Comments
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- Australian Cricket, Cricket, Fierce Focus, Ricky Ponting
November 26th 2011 @ 8:04am
Australian Rules said | November 26th 2011 @ 8:04am | Report comment
Kersi, did Vodafone pay for this ‘article’?
November 26th 2011 @ 8:22am
Kersi Meher-Homji said | November 26th 2011 @ 8:22am | Report comment
Yes, and so did Greg Chappell to promote his book as also Cricket Australia and five current Test cricketers and their managers!!!
You may be joking, Australian Rules, but it is hurting when I give my best for the Roar readers, 99.99% are intelligent. They appreciate a writer quoting Test players for their pleasure. And what’s wrong in mentioning a world first like Viewers’ Verdict?
November 27th 2011 @ 12:24pm
Australian Rules said | November 27th 2011 @ 12:24pm | Report comment
Was just having a light jab mate, I like your work.
November 27th 2011 @ 7:58pm
Kersi Meher-Homji said | November 27th 2011 @ 7:58pm | Report comment
Thank you, Australian Rules.
Integrity means a lot to me. Am pleased that you like my writng.
Have a nice day.
November 26th 2011 @ 9:42am
Rickety Knees said | November 26th 2011 @ 9:42am | Report comment
I’m with you Kersi – I enjoyed reading this article – it is nice to read quotes from the players, Keep up the good work.
November 26th 2011 @ 9:51am
sheek said | November 26th 2011 @ 9:51am | Report comment
Well Kersi,
I’m going to name-drop as well – I’m overdue to have lunch with this guy called Kersi…..!
I’ll contact you via the other medium…..
I must say I’m pleased Greg Chappell is back above Ponting in the averages, as the second best Aussie bat behind Bradman. No offence to Punter, but GC was one of my favorites, he’s from “my time”.
November 26th 2011 @ 10:29am
Kersi Meher-Homji said | November 26th 2011 @ 10:29am | Report comment
Thank you, Rickety Knees. Your support is heartening.
And Sheek, I have not forgotten our lunch. I’ll ring you sometime today.
Imagine my thrill meeting and talking with the legendary Greg, Harvey, Dougie, Chappelli, Booth (almost as elegant as Harvey), Ponting and the flavour of the month Cummins within 26 hours! They represent the yesterday, today and tomorrow of the very best in Australian cricket! Something money cannot buy.
November 26th 2011 @ 10:49am
Rickety Knees said | November 26th 2011 @ 10:49am | Report comment
Guys I have suggested to the Z’s that we meet up for a Christmas drink – it would be great to meet both of you!
November 26th 2011 @ 5:08pm
ilikedahoodoogurusingha said | November 26th 2011 @ 5:08pm | Report comment
I had a “few” of beers with Dougie in the early nineties at The Lord Dudley, Woollahra…..a very interesting and pleasant afternoon.
November 26th 2011 @ 11:08am
sheek said | November 26th 2011 @ 11:08am | Report comment
Thanks Rickety,
I’ve missed a couple of Roar drinks. Last year I was O/S while in previous years, shift-work has been my excuse.
Let me tell you Kersi is one of the gentlest & noblest people you could meet. He even has a keen, whimsical sense of humour not immediately detectable!
November 26th 2011 @ 3:44pm
Kersi Meher-Homji said | November 26th 2011 @ 3:44pm | Report comment
What a shame Copeland is ignored again from the Australian squad to play New Zealand in Brisbane on Thursday.
Test squad: Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (vice-capt & wk), Peter Siddle, Ben Cutting, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson.
Who will be the 12th man?
One hopes David Warner becomes the Keith Stackpole of 2010s. Or Sehwag??
November 26th 2011 @ 4:16pm
sheek said | November 26th 2011 @ 4:16pm | Report comment
Kersi,
Will reserve judgement on David Warner.
Let’s hope he doesn’t become another Kris Srikkanth (very aggressive & exciting but ultimately inconsistent & unreliable Indian opener).
November 26th 2011 @ 8:58pm
Rickety Knees said | November 26th 2011 @ 8:58pm | Report comment
Me too – I feel for Copeland. His time will come and his true value realised.
November 26th 2011 @ 5:04pm
Johnno said | November 26th 2011 @ 5:04pm | Report comment
Sheek i used to love kris Srikkanth in the old ODI world seires matches. I have compiled a list everyone, o flayers dave warner resembles and the ones who were explosive but inconsistent, and not reliable openers for test cricket. I hope Dave Warner does not become one of these players.
Kris Srikkanth
Phil Simmons
Steve Small
Paul Nobes
Wayne Larkins
Mal Loye
Mark Greatbatch
Rod Latham
Micheal Slater(Had not a long one day limited overs career)
Chris Gayle (sometimes great but very unreliable too in test cricket)
Hershelle Gibbs(great too but unreliable a lot as well)
Sewahg(hasn’t been as reliable in test cricket of late)