Sunday, November 1, 2009

Australia can bounce back in Mohali:Sir Richard Hadlee



Q: What brings you to Hyderabad?

Ans: Well I was in Delhi a few days ago to attend the leadership conference. I was on a panel with Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri to debate on some world cricketing issues.

During my stay in Delhi, I had the opportunity to meet some of the Australian cricketers, who were staying in the same hotel. I happened to discuss with some of the players regarding my niggling knee problem, which has been plaguing me for some time.

I think I bowled some one hundred thousand balls during my first class international career and it was rather a legacy for fast bowlers to have such niggling problems.

During my chat one of the cricketers said he was suffering from the same problem and suggested that I should consult some specialists in a Hyderabad hospital. It happened with coincidence that they are opening a knee clinic today and I feel fortunate be part of this. I had a professional check and a through one. I am really grateful to the team of doctors here who attended to my problem.

Q: Who are the favourites in the ongoing ODI series between India and Australia?

Ans: Well at the moment with 2-1 up India do look favourites. They must be pretty pleased with their performance after having lost the first one. But you can never underestimate the Australians in any sport.

They have shown it many times that they can come back from behind and win matches and trophies. I am sure they can make it 2-2 with a win in the next game and put pressure back on the Indians to perform. They are always capable of doing that.

Q: What do you think of MS Dhoni as captain of India?

Ans: He is a great cricketer in my opinion. The way he has been leading by example gives you a feeling that he is a very tough guy. For a keeper to perform consistently it is always difficult. But he is doing that fantastically. India are really fortunate to have such a fine leader. I hope he will continue the same performance and win more matches for his country.
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Q: Sachin Tendulkar has been an international cricketer for two decades now and still going great guns. What has been his most impressive aspect?

Ans: Well first of all I really appreciate that. He is a great player, he has broken almost all records. The ones he is going to set will become extremely difficult to be broken. I have known him from the time he played as a sixteen year boy in 1990 -that was the fag end of my career. What has mainly impressed me is his humility and patience. He is a real role model for any cricketer. I think he still can make a significant contribution to Indian cricket for another two-three years.

Q: You toured India in 1976 and then in ‘88. What are your memories of this country?

Ans: It has always been a great challenge for any foreign team to play in India and perform to expectations. For a fast bowler, especially bowling in hot and humid conditions, it was always testing. I have had some mixed memories. I always enjoyed bowling to the Gavaskars and Vishwanaths.

I can't forget Bangalore where I broke Ian Botham's record. But I certainly love visiting India time and again and have developed some wonderful friendship with some wonderful guys like Kapil Dev.

India, I think has changed a lot from my visits in the past. The other day when I landed at the Hyderabad airport I was stunned for a while to see such a wonderful atmosphere around.

Q: India and Australia have decided to play each other every year. Unfortunately it is not happening with other countries?

Ans: Well, the ICC have got to think about this. Every team should play each other regularly over a period of time - the Test matches and one-dayers. And teams like New Zealand should also get opportunities to play more Tests. New Zealand unfortunately tend to play two-match Test series most of the time, whereas Australia and England play five-match Ashes series. I think the balance is not quite right there. From my point of view I like to see our country play more Test matches and bigger series.

Q: The scheduling is also becoming tougher for players.

Ans: Well that is because of different forms of cricket the players preferring to play, which I think is detrimental to players. If they play 11 months a year they can't be as competitive as they want to be. I really liked Ricky Ponting's decision to not play T20 Internationals. You may be getting a lot of money in T20’s but you have to be ready to sacrifice something. If you do that it gives you a chance to freshen up before a big ODI or a Test series. The players I think have got to be mentally strong enough to take such decisions so that they can survive for longer in the game. Players do need time-out. Otherwise I am afraid it will produce mediocre results.

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