Thursday, January 17, 2008

The man with the golden arm


It was in the summer of 2002 at Antigua Recreation Ground that a man with bandaged jaw was trying his best to break the ongoing West Indian partnership. He had been earlier hit on the jaw by a rising delivery from paceman Mervyn Dillon. And he got his victim...Carl Hooper...but alas! It was a no-ball.



Still determined, despite doctor's advice to rest, this man continued to bowl...and there it came...the prized wicket of dangerous looking Brian Lara.



Who can forget that splendid effort by Jumbo? Having bowled 14 overs with a fractured jaw, he ran a great risk. But such is his dedication to his team.



And today, Anil Kumble became the first Indian bowler and the third in the world to reach the milestone of 600 wickets on day two of the third Test against Australia in Perth. Kumble achieved the record just after the tea break when he had Andrew Symonds caught by Rahul Dravid at first slip.



In India where the batsmen usually steal the limelight, this man has done a wonderful job in a glorious career spanning over 18 years. Congratulations to him for achieveing this unique feat.



Kumble is a man of great character. He has delivered everytime the critics doubted him, whether it be Australian tour of 2003-04 when critics questioned his selection in the team (where he claimed 24 wickets in 3 tests and helped India draw the test series against mighty Australians in their own backyard) or his ability to bowl on Carribean pitches ( where he claimed 6-78 in the second innings of the final Test in Sabina Park, Jamaica(2006 series), and bowled India to a historic series victory; it had been 35 years since a similar series victory.)



His fighting spirit was well drafted when he bowled 88.5 overs in a test match against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground during 2003-04 tour and though the match ended in a draw, he returned triumphantly with 12 wicket haul in the match.



He has won a number of awards and national honours ( Arjuna Award and Padam Shri). He already has a number of records to his credit(including 10 wicket haul in one inning) and at 37, though the age is not on his side, he still has a lot to offer. Way to go Jumbo!!!

2 comments:

J said...

Sorry, dunno much abt cricket to comment!

Unknown said...

yes this man has a lot of courage nd will to succeed!!!
he'll always come at u harder nd harder everytime,he has that never say die spirit in him.....a fighter in real sense!!!!
nd one thing that is in my mind from quite sometime is that u nd kumble has many things in common(like ur humger for more success,toiling hard,lifting d spirits etc,nd also u look pretty much like him so cheers JUMBO alias!!