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| Kiwis spotted at the IIT-Chemplast ground |
| By V Ramnarayan |
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| The invitation extended to the New Zealand
Cricket Academy (NZCA) to take part in the Buchi Babu memorial
tournament and play a number of practice matches against strong
local outfits was among the more progressive steps taken by
the Indian cricket administration. That the young tourists were
guided on the tour by two eminent brothers, one of them cricket’s
first fast bowling knight, ensured that they derived the maximum
benefit possible from the experience. |
| It was the Sanmar group’s pleasure to
host a couple of matches against the NZCA and extend hospitality
to Sir Richard Hadlee, Manager, and Dayle Hadlee, Coach of the
team. |
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| Sir Richard Hadlee, Manager, New Zealand Cricket
Academy with Dayle Hadlee, Coach of the team. |
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| The visitors won the first of the matches by a margin
of three wickets after Chemplast had scored 240 runs in the allotted
50 overs. In the second, the home team was well placed at 108 for
one after dismissing the opponents for 179 but rain put a premature
end to the day’s proceedings. |
| The Cricket Academy boys were an eager bunch who
absorbed as much as they could of the conditions prevailing in the
subcontinent. Dayle Hadlee, a good listener and conscientious coach,
tried to get the best out of his interactions with local cricketers
past and present, in order to pass on relevant advice to his wards. |
| Both Hadlee brothers were role models to emulate.
The trouble Sir Richard took over his managerial responsibilities
had to be seen to be believed. He often carried buckets of water and
refreshments for the players, even put away their plates after lunch.
He tirelessly signed autographs and gave speeches and if he ever showed
signs of frustration, elder brother Dayle was at hand to remind him
of the responsibilities that go with celebrityhood. The siblings enjoyed
an easy rapport, often pulling each other’s legs. |
| The Hadlee brothers were full of praise for the
facilities and hospitality extended to them, the excellence of the
cricket on offer and the splendid wickets they encountered, even if
some of them took slow turn, essential for the players’ education,
really. “The IIT Chemplast ground in particular is an outstanding
one, the pitches and pavilion there can compare with the best anywhere.”
Sir Richard commented. Dayle Hadlee marvelled at the number of talented
cricketers on view and wondered where India lost them between the
time they were 19 and 25. A point to ponder indeed! If only we knew
the answer to that one, wouldn’t we be world beaters! |
| For the Chemplast boys, it was a useful experience
to pit their strengths against what could be the nucleus of the future
New Zealand team.
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