The short lived glory

It’s very hard for me to stay away from cricket. Cricket and me are inseparable. India’s dispiriting performance and the early exit from the world cup has broken many hearts and the men in blue probably lost so many fans across the country. But, nothing could keep me away from this game. I am kind of addicted to this sport. It’s the passion for the game and not for the team that keeps driving me. Even after India’s exit from the world cup, I almost saw all matches in the tournament and thoroughly enjoyed some good cricket!! I watch even county leagues, Australian leagues and almost all matches when I am bored. I prefer to watch the whole day of a test match (even if India is not a part of that match) if its really interesting, rather than passing time by just switching the TV channels back and forth.

I’ve admired so many cricketers and some of them really are unforgettable. Amongst them, there are few cricketers who had a brief stint in the international arena, but really impressed me.

1. Neil Clarkson Johnson (Zimbabwe)

Made his debut in 1998 and created an impact in the 1999 World Cup. I am sure, any cricket lover would remember him for his excellent performances during the world cup. He was instrumental in the victories secured by Zimbabwe in that particular tournament (they won us as well…) . Gifted all rounder who opens both the batting and bowling for his side. He was really a stand-out performer and would have probably helped Zimbabwe cricket in its revival. Unfortunately due to various reasons, he moved to England and joined Leicestershire which obviously forced an end to his international career.

2. Neil Douglas McKenzie (South Africa)
   

Flawless in his technique, a sturdy middle-order batsman, who made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2000. He is such a elegant stroke maker, whose cover drives are a treat to watch. I like to watch him play the seamers rather than the spinners, as he scores very fluently against them. As a perfect replacement for Daryll Cullinan, his role in the middle-order was crucial. His international career also came to an end very soon. I don’t really know the reason why. I still think that a lot of cricket is left with him.

3. Lakshmipathy Balaji (India)

A bowling sensation for India during India’s tour of Pakistan in 2003. Right arm speedster with a whippy action, who bowls Yorkers and bouncers regularly. A injury-prone player, who suffers from injuries quite often and keeps him away from action. Earlier in his career, he was struck by an injury in 2004, but he managed to comeback with a slightly different bowling action. With all the inputs from Denis Lillee and Shekar from the MRF Pace Academy, Balaji bowled with a good wrist position, wide from the crease troubling most of the batsmen. He seemed to have mastered the art of bowling the deliveries that straighten after pitching and the one that comes into the batsmen. He is also famous for his big-blows with the bat, especially the massive six he pulled off Shoaib Akthar.

When he was all set for a permanent fixture in the Indian side, injury struck him again! Pathetic, but he is hopeful though to make a come back.

4. Mathew Stuart Sinclair (New Zealand)
   

A double ton in the debut test match against the West Indies – Doesn’t this sound good?? Mathew Sinclair had most promising of starts to his international career. With two double-centuries very early in his career, he was considered as the one for the future. I was watching his debut match against West Indies at Wellington. His splendid stroke-making capabilities and the way he played the fast bowlers were really impressive. Inconsistency was his major problem and despite so many chances in both forms of the game, he failed to make runs and was left out of the NZ squad. The absence of Hamish Marshall has opened up the gates for Sinclair now, but should wait and see how he manages to grab the opportunity.

My association with the game has been so strong all these years and I follow a few Ranji players and a few county players as well. Planning to post about them also.... :)

Cheers...!