One Caribbean Nation.
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| Chris Gale |
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| Brian Lara |
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| Ramnaresh Saran |
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| Usain Bolt |
The Mahogany Coconut Group, considers cricket, to be the most
unifying cultural force in the Caribbean region. Our current cricketers have
continuously depressed us by their apparent intention, to systematically
destroy a legacy, that has been built through sporting, and occasionally
physical, blood sweat and tears. We went on a ride of almost mystical dominance
, that disappeared like the viciousness of Viv Richards hitting a bowler for six or the swiftness of Garry Sobers
snatching up a catch at pick pocket.
As the period of dominance evaporated, we have been luckless
in discovering any considerable star material. Most of our players have often
turned up; showed some talent and then faltered. However in this barren time at
least two have demonstrated immense talent and can correctly claim some level
of greatness. Brian Lara and Chris Gale are obvious stars of the last two
decades. Brian Lara is the epitome of great batsmanship and has been constantly
ranked alongside Sir Garry Sobers as the world’s greatest batsman. Chris Gale
has already declared himself “up there with the great ones”. We believe that
the purists will not be as kind to Gale as he has been to himself. However,
there is always the possibility that we can find ourselves, in the right place
at the right time. The T20 version of the game heralds Gale, as the greatest
batsman of that particular version. Honesty demands that we therefore recognize
his greatness.
His illustrious career is now coming to an inevitable end and
he has tried to determine the calendar for his exit. His latest debacle
involves his transfer from his home team in the Caribbean Players League
Competition. He is publicly expressing the view, that another former West
Indies player Ramnaresh Sarwan, has been instrumental in what Gale considers to
be some form of sporting massacre. The entire episode clearly shows that superstars
do not enjoy being slighted as their careers reach the end. We witnessed with
some amusement Usain Bolt, trying to be a successful soccer player. Its hard to
walk away regardless of the millionaire status that Gale and Bolt have
achieved. Gale has enjoyed his controversies and the high publicity. He is
indeed a superstar.
We hope this will be his last battle and he would find it possible
to make that last walk off the field with the dignity of a Viv Richards or the
humility of Garfield Sobers. Perhaps Gale, should show his greatness because it
is not always the race, we run but how we finish. There is nothing more
relaxing , at a game of cricket, than to witness a great batsman quietly play
the last bowl back to the bowler. ; the stumps are pulled ; the clouds lengthen
and the day is over. Chris Gale has hit more sixes than others of lesser talent
have struck singles. Perhaps he should try playing the bowl quietly back to the
bowler and head to the pavilion.
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