Disgruntled of Durban
From Mr Jonathan Caldow Sir: Michael Henderson's slanted and cynical article (Sport, 15 February) on the opening match of the cricket World Cup cannot go unchallenged.
Lara's glorious innings was generously applauded by the players and capacity crowd fortunate enough to be at Newlands, as well as by the South African sportswriters and cricket-followers. Lara set the World Cup alight, and all South Africans rejoiced in his innings. Although victory would have been preferable, the result was accepted in a sportsmanlike manner. Neither the South African players nor the 'oneeyed spectators' expected 'a nice little rout'. Far from it. Anyone who knows anything about the game of cricket expects the unexpected from the West Indians. On song, they'll beat anybody, even the Australians.
Your sportswriter again misses the point about Hansie Cronje, The majority of players and followers of cricket in South Africa were embarrassed by and openly critical of the comments made by a few players and supporters dedicating the tournament to Cronje. The cynical tone of the article — `Yarpies ... cocky hosts . . players and spectators deserving each other — smacks of that brand of English journalism regularly criticised in your magazine.
J. Caldow
Durban, South Africa
Previous page
