Under the sun

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Sabai, Sarakku, Samaadhaanam

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It is easy to get nostalgic about old customs. But socialising with opponents was often the best way for young players, especially bowlers, to learn the secrets of the trade. Alcohol loosens tongues, and more useful information has been disseminated over a drink with an opponent than in a dozen sober net sessions with the coach. How else do you think the closely guarded secrets of reverse swing entered the mainstream?

Drinking with your opponent can also be a tactical weapon, as Ian Botham regularly proved. Being "Beefied" was a term familiar to most sides heading down to Taunton in the 1980s, as Botham would try to neutralise as many of the visiting team as possible with a whirlwind pub-crawl that would culminate with a lock-in at the infamous Four Alls. When Surrey visited, he allegedly did such a good job on their fearsome fast bowler Sylvester Clarke that Clarke spent three days sleeping off the hangover on the physio's bench as Somerset took the points


4 Comments:

  • adhu sari

    thanni adichu techniques theriyira maarina paravayilla

    pattu

    thanni adichi.. mandaya odachi sethu poyitta.. (like the australian senior who lost his life in a bar there )

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Tue Nov 06, 05:13:00 PM  

  • bala,
    Botham's autobiography is full of such stories. Here is one, luckily I found the whole chapter here

    By Blogger The Talkative Man, at Tue Nov 06, 07:09:00 PM  

  • Selva,

    thanni adichi.. mandaya odachi sethu poyitta.. (like the australian senior who lost his life in a bar there )

    whooooooooooooo????
    [Rings a vaguely familiar bell but im not able to place it]

    TTM - The Archivist,
    Salute! Thanks again :)

    By Blogger Bala (Karthik), at Wed Nov 07, 12:54:00 PM  

  • Botham was quite a character. He is one of the few "real" cricketers from England in the last couple of decades . Search youtube for the 1980s ashes final and you will see what I mean.

    ttm:
    Great article.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Sat Nov 10, 01:32:00 PM  

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