Our cricketers exemplary ambassadors

Elements and umpires mar prestigious world cup final:

Richard DWIGHT

WORLD CUP: The eyes and ears of all cricket playing countries and yet others, stayed focused on the World Cup cricket final that concluded on Saturday at the Barbados Kensington Oval.

The high riding, domineering Aussies were one of the finalists, whilst the other was the impressive not to be outdone Sri Lankans.

In the run up to the final the aggressive Aussies, most clinically skilful in their approach were found to be invincible, with nothing in their mind other than lifting the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

The Lankans on the other hand came from not too bright a background and environment, not to mention as well that they were just emerging successfully from a team building exercise.

Viewed in this light, it was very commendable that the our cricketers excelled beyond themselves, to steer their way through the preliminary round matches to qualify for the Super 8 series.

Continuing to be admirably led by skipper Mahela, the Sri Lanka team performed well as one unit to be consistent and, forged ahead to enter the semifinals - where they soared to even greater heights to convincingly triumph over the Kiwis and, be the worthy opponents of the Aussies in the finals.

Both teams were now in the quest for, cricket’s supremacy in the limited over’ version of the game.

This, then was an all important contest, in a competition that has through the years come to be steeped in history and tradition to make the final ever so prestigious for the most coveted trophy.

Quite naturally there prevailed fever pitch excitement and a tremendous build up, not only in the countries of the finalists, but the world over. And so a vast concourse of people with eager anticipation, zest and vigour converged on the Oval to take in the action.

But all this was short lived and contrary to man made thinking, for the rains came down intermittently to enforce a delayed start and the sporadic stoppages in play as well.

The contest had no alternative but to proceed on the D/L format, with both sides having to bat for 38 overs, with Sri Lanka’s batting further reduced to 36 overs, surely this must have necessitate both teams to adjust and adapt themselves from a 50 overs match to a 38 over game, and also re-strategise their mode of play, which could have been demanding.

All this must have dampened the spirit and enthusiasm of the spectators and those viewing it on the screen, to take away the gloss and glamour of this final.

Worse was to follow when the umpires and the match referee in a ridiculous droll acted silly in bad light, to suspend play with just 3 overs left for the match to end. It did certainly lower the standard and stature of a final, that is always spoken of as prestigious.

As for the final it was by no means Sri Lanka’s day. There wasn’t a semblance of luck coming our way, with shots that were miscued falling short of our fielders. Here was Gilchrist completely out of form, down in the dumps, the game comes along picks him up and sets him up on a belligerent, whirlwind knock.

It was unique to be freakish and how could you possibly win against that. But we are sure that the Aussies do have a respect and regard for our cricket.

The Aussies did score runs and take wickets to win the trophy, but our cricketers were victorious too, by playing hard to endear themselves to many, to win their hearts on and off the field, as fine sportsmen with that special quality of innocence that counts for much.