‘Cricket has been a batsman’s game, bowlers don’t get any credit’

Chennai

Taking a break from coaching enthusiastic youngsters at the Ultimate Sports Coaching Camp by Golden Goose Sports, Courtney Walsh revealed that he wouldn’t want to face Indian batsman Virat Kohli, when he’s in good form. “Cricket has always been a batsman’s game. We bowlers don’t get  any credit. So, you got to practice your skills. The game is easier for the batsmen, who have to stand and deliver. True, you need to have certain skills as a batsman too but the bat certainly has the advantage. That is why bowlers have slower balls and they vary their pace and try to swing yorkers to contain them,” said the West Indian selector.

The rules of the game have changed, said Walsh. “Sunil Narine, a spinner is opening the bowling attack instead of a pacer, as per the tradition. I’ve nothing against it. For me, it has always been about what’s best for the team. If Narine is the best person to bowl the new ball against an opposition, I’ve  nothing against it. He’s got good control and variation – so why not,” he mused.

Speaking about the shorter format of the game, Walsh said that he could fit in today’s T20 scenario. “I would go on to practice and do what I have to do,” he said. So, who does Walsh think is the best fast bowler today? “Definitely South African fast bowler Dale Steyn,” he added.

With batsmen like Virat Kohli or South African captain AB de Villiers or West Indies power hitter Chris Gayle, the bowlers certainly have a hard time, said spinner Nicky Boje. “All three of these players bring in something different to the game – Gayle’s powerful batting or de Villiers’ finesse or Kohli’s performance. The way Kohli is playing now – hitting all over the field – for us as bowlers, to contain a guy like that is tough,” conceded Boje.

Can spinners, like Imran Tahir, become a match-winner for South  Africa? “Imran Tahir has done well for South Africa. He struggled a bit in Test cricket because he bowls that one bad ball an over. But, if he can sort that out, he can be a match winner in any format of the game,” he added.

The South African government has banned the Cricket South Africa (CSA) from hosting international events, for failing to increase the representation of black players. Will this affect the sport in the country? “Hopefully, it should get sorted out soon. There will be meetings with the government to see if this problem can be fixed. Sport plays a massive role in South Africa. So, I think it will get sorted out soon,” concluded Boje.