Beyond the boundary - 'Tis An Ill Wind (6 June 1999)

7 June 1999

Beyond the boundary - Godot Kept Waiting

Shakil Kasem

Unless you have a name like Geoffrey Boycott, that fiercely loyal son of Yorkshire, you would not want to have anything to do with cricket at Headingley. To a man, cricketers from Yorkshire have been dour, stubborn kinds who spent most of their misspent youths in the minepits, because the dull, drab and dreary weather was too much to bear. Playing on those uncovered wickets in the days of yore, with the rain never more than a bouncer or two away, players like Trueman and Boycott emerged as much as characters of the game, as accomplished players which they undoubtedly were. You have to take Headingley and its weather and live with it. If not, "this game has "nowt to do with thee," as they say in Yorkshire.

Zimbabwe and New Zealand received the customary welcome at Headingley with a late start. The covers were on, as predicted, and the familiar sight of the patrons huddled under the ubiquitous umbrellas was enough to depress anybody other than Geoffrey Boycott, out of his mind.

The toss was won by Zimbabwe, who promptly decided to bat. The wicket did not look like gifting runs to any side and the Zimbabweans thought they were better off putting as much on the board as possible, then make life as difficult as they could for Fleming and his men. On the face of it, not a bad ploy. But then what is a defendable total, actually? This World Cup is yet to provide an answer to this most basic of questions. Granted, the Zimbabweans have a brilliant fielding side, but the bowling however leaves a bit to be desired. Neil Johnson, nee Natal and for a while contemplating a slot in Hansie Cronje's side, looks the only bowler likely to pose any searching questions with the ball.

Batting first, Zimbabwe immediately ran into trouble, with their most consistent opener being run out and not being able to flower (couldn't resist, ignore all those puns). Johnson played on in unfortunate circumstances, and New Zealand were on top right away. A brilliant catch later, Campbell's side were 47 for three in only the 11th over. It needed a captain's knock to correct matters and the captain obliged in the company of Murray Goodwin. The rains dutifully arrived on cue again, and rehabilitation was suspended once again. These sort of rain interruptions, as any batsman would tell you, are good for the ulcers. Both these teams are lying at the bottom of the totem pole, as far as the quality of assets on view in the Super Six, is concerned. The way they strove manfully to fight the elements, as well as try and fashion an outcome of the match in their favour, boiled down to the most obvious of intentions. The name of the game was attrition.

Allot was again the pick of the New Zealand bowlers. More than any other bowler in this competition, he has the knack for picking up top order batsmen's wickets. Yesterday was no exception either. New Zealand bowled exceedingly well to stay on top. Zimbabwe batted well enough under the circumstances, to keep their nose above the water. Barring the unspeakable, the calculators, in plain pidgin, it promised to be an engrossing day at Headingley. It is a tough arduous climb to the top for both these teams.

The only difference is that, Zimbabwe is carrying those extra canisters of oxygen by virtue of the four points they had remembered to bring along. New Zealand needed a performance out of the ordinary, if they are to maintain their reputation as dark horses.

Considering New Zealand's blistering start to their innings, it seems they are just a tad tired of Yorkshire pudding. It's probably time to move on.

Source :: The Daily Star