Wasim wins honours at battle of midway (2 June 1999)

2 June 1999

Wasim wins honours at battle of midway

Michael Henderson

Halfway: the World Cup awaits its resolution. South Africa and Pakistan have impressed, England have disappointed and Australia have slumbered. But there has been nothing more significant for the game's health than the magnificent victories of Zimbabwe over South Africa and, better still, Bangladesh against Pakistan. It is time for a few general observations.

The carnival of cricket: This is the language of marketing men and, allowing for the fact that they are needed in cricket, as in everything else, the image of happy, prancing people, in England in May, was never likely to catch on. Unless, that is, one considers a lot of giddy spectators running on to the field at the end of the game, or guzzling pints of filthy beer, to be part of any self-respecting festival.

Although Michael Browning, the event director, spoke of public access to cricket fields as an English tradition, the question arises: why do people want to run on to the playing area? To show off, usually. Unless security arrangements are reinforced, there will be some casualties in the next two weeks. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that the game between India and Pakistan at Old Trafford next Tuesday will have to be completed behind closed doors. It is that serious.

The BBC coverage: The corporation have been such a good friend of cricket for so many years that the nightly highlights package comes across as a huge disappointment. John Inverdale gives the impression of not being entirely at home with the game - witness his reference the other night to a one-day "Test". What a ricket.

There was worse. A 'taster' of a group of England players, accompanied by a pounding, percussive soundtrack without which no filmed report seems to be possible these days, referred to Darren Gough as "fast, furious - with attitude". Whoever wrote those words for Inverdale should be thoroughly ashamed.

'Attitude', so far as one can make out, is an imprecise quality often accorded to those dim youths who wear baseball hats the wrong way round and communicate by grunt and leer. Gough, on the other hand, is a splendid chap, full of good cheer and refreshingly untainted by the sort of triumphalism associated with the modern sportsman. 'Attitude', indeed! Flim-flam, more like.

Super Waz: David Lloyd said after England's defeat by India at Edgbaston that he saw his job not in terms of "pressure" but "challenges". Wasim Akram obviously takes the same view. Uneasy rests the head of the Pakistan captain, with the judicial inquiry into match-fixing allegations continuing back home, but he cracks on, trusting his brilliant, if erratic team to play flat out.

What a joy it is to see a great cricketer in his pomp. Wasim has led Pakistan superbly, barring that loss to Bangladesh. He has bowled marvellously and has managed to get a group of players famous for their mutual disregard to bond impressively. Mind you, there are some things beyond even his compass. Inzamam-ul-Haq's running between the wickets is no longer a subject for low comedy. It's nothing less than a professional disgrace.

Good old Gussie: It is possible that Angus Fraser bowled his last ball as an England player at Edgbaston. When the Test series against New Zealand begins next month, there will be some younger men in the England side and Fraser will spend the intervening weeks looking over his shoulder, wondering whether he's 'had his time'.

If he has, then he can reflect on a career that brought him honour. It seems a shame that this proudest and most niggardly of English bowlers should have only one World Cup wicket to his name, bought for 111 runs. England bowled well in this tournament, with Gough and Alan Mullally outstanding. They are entitled to wonder why the batsmen brought so little to the table.

No, Minister: Tony Banks has spent the better part of his parliamentary career under the illusion that he is a bit of a wag, with a penchant for calling a spade a spade - unless he falls over one. He was at it again after England's departure, calling on the game's authorities to tap into the "enormous enthusiasm" of British Asians and Afro-Caribbeans for cricket. "More should be done to encourage them into the game," said the Sports Minister.

Actually, cricket clubs of all types are trying to encourage talented young players of all racial groups. It can be difficult, though. The sons of Caribbean immigrants tend to favour football and many Asians stick with their own teams. English cricket has many faults but this is not a stick with which to beat it. It is the most multi-racial game in the world. Banks should remember what a real wag, Oscar Wilde, said: "A man who calls a spade a spade should be compelled to use one. It is the only thing he is fit for."

Advance, Australia Fair: One or two obituaries were being prepared last week when it became clear that Australia might not make the cut. There was impolite talk of Steve Waugh's captaincy, and it was said the players were tired (it would be odd if they weren't) and this was a competition too far.

They survived, though, and they may yet prosper. Before the tournament, I offered the view that they would win it. I see no reason to amend that prediction.

Bangladesh are seeking to replace Gordon Greenidge with Javed Miandad, who quit as Pakistan's coach just before the World Cup. The Bangladesh board have approached Javed and a meeting to discuss the job will take place next month.

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph