That's what Ajit Wadekar and Brian Close talked about recently when they were inducted in an American hall of fame
That's what Ajit Wadekar and Brian Close talked about recently when they were inducted in an American hall of fame
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The year 1971 will always be a landmark year for Ajit Wadekar thanks to his India teams' unprecedented series triumphs in the West Indies and England.
However, 2010 will also be memorable for the former India captain. Earlier this year, he was the recipient of the Mother Teresa Lifetime Achievement Award. More recently, he was inducted in a Hall of Fame at Hartford, Connecticut, joining other cricketing greats like Sir Garfield Sobers, Sunil Gavaskar, Vivian Richards and Michael Holding.
Brian Close, the former England captain was inducted along with Wadekar. They played against each other in the 1967 series in England. Both exchanged notes and remembered how Close caught Wadekar off Ray Illingworth for 91 during the Leeds Test. It would have been the Mumbai man's maiden Test hundred.
Crowds wanted
Apart from that 1967 series which India lost 0-3, the duo, according to Wadekar, discussed Test cricket's battle for survival from a crowd point of view. For example, the Mohali Test between India and Australia which ended in a one-wicket win for the hosts, was a major thriller, but it was not played in front of a packed house.
"Brian and I agreed that to bring back the crowds, there must be some more excitement on offer. On-field excitement to be precise. Why not allow bowlers to bowl unlimited amount of bouncers. In any case, there is very little for the bowlers in contemporary cricket," said Wadekar.
Close (80 in February) was a daredevil, who took blows on his body from bowlers when he stood up to them and while fielding in the firing line. He was famously recalled to the England side in 1976 at 45 and he faced the likes of Michael Holding and Andy Roberts without even a cap on his top.
Aptly, his autobiography was titled, I Don't Bruise Easily.
Wadekar stressed that the fear factor should be brought to fore and it would do more good than harm for Test cricket's popularity. "No restriction on bouncers will get back the fear psychosis amongst batsmen and it will be exciting for the spectators," he said. The former captain admitted being surprised to be honoured in the American Hall of Fame. "I was taken aback when I heard they wanted to honour me. This was made possible due to the Indians and West Indians who are promoting cricket in the US.
"I wonder what stops the Mumbai Cricket Association as well as the BCCI from honouring players in such fashion. We have a rich history and it is important we do so because the younger generation know about the past greats. In fact, MCA must take the lead since it is a premier association."
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