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Back to the future

It is always disturbing to see an injured cricketer, but when one sees arguably the best batsman in the world struggling to get on the park, it becomes even more so. Speaking with the dubious authority of one who had to give up the game because of a back injury in 1984, I can sympathise with the type of pain that Sachin must be experiencing. A national hero, a sporting icon and a legend already in his short career, Sachin's departure from the cricket field at such a tender age should be out of the question, but is it?

The one thing I did discover is that conventional medicine may not be the answer where backs are concerned. Sachin must look in other directions such as osteopaths or chiropractors for a possible cure. That is not to say that I do not believe conventional medicine can help, quite the contrary, but backs are strange things, and I believe he should look in another direction as well.

What causes this problem? Cricket is a game that often brings on a backache, especially if you are a batsman. Sachin spends more time at the crease than most and consequently is more vulnerable. Since limiting his career is an option neither Sachin nor his fans would like to even consider, I think he should stop bowling altogether. My other prescription of course is adequate rest and rehabilitation. He is young and can afford to take a break so that his back recovers to whatever extent it can.

In the meantime, India must learn to play without him. They should use this opportunity to prove to Sachin, themselves and the world that they can perform without his talent or his guidance. This would make the unfortunate break a blessing in disguise. A stronger Indian team with a rejuvenated Sachin -- what a mouthwatering prospect.

Sachin’s case is not in isolation. For many years now, the incidence of player injury has been on the increase. Why then, in this age of ultra-fit cricketers, are there more injuries? There is no doubt in my mind that one-day cricket is the most physically demanding of games. And with the sharp rise in the number of one-dayers played, the body is punished for that many more days in the year.

Science has shown that if a fast bowler has a brilliant year taking lots of wickets, in the next season he is most susceptible to injury. Take Javagal Srinath who two years ago had such a phenomenal season and then suffered debilitating injury. More and more one-day tournaments are now on offer, Singapore, Toronto and Kenya to name a few. The question is are we killing the goose that laid the golden egg?

There is no doubt that the one-day game is a favourite with the public and therefore television channels and companies are interested. Television brings in the sponsors and therefore the money. I believe it is a fact that the Indians are paid the same amount for a one-day match as for a five-day Test. No wonder then, that the players want to play all the one-day games they can.

There are positives and negatives to the increase in limited overs cricket. The negative side of course is that star players like Tendulkar and Jadeja succumb to injuries, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the Indian team. Or any team with the same problem. The positive side is that if a player is injured, he gives a young, promising player the opportunity to prove himself. This means that India will be expanding its base and its bench strength, at least for one-day cricket.

Of course, the ICC is committed to fostering the game throughout the world and in countries like Singapore and Kenya, where a cricket culture already exists, it is important to encourage it by having international tournaments. These give the country concerned a chance to get television involved, and then a local sponsor. The problem will be when two second-rate sides go out to battle with the main forces out injured. Will the crowds come in if Sachin, Srinath and Kumble are not in the team? And will their replacements be able to give the crowds high-quality cricket?

Opportunity is the key, and the Kenyan tournament is another opportunity for the host nation to stake a claim for full recognition and for Zimbabwe to continue their growth in stature as an international team. India and South Africa will provide the class, and if all goes to plan, should meet in the final. However, Zimbabwe defeated both India and South Africa recently at the World Cup and they know they have done it.

Kenyan conditions are similar to those in the subcontinent, although the soil can be a reddish clay which can turn appreciably. In terms of games, this is not a punishing schedule, and will set the stall for the new South African season. South Africa have a new coach in Graham Ford, originally the Natal coach, and a captain in Hansie Cronje who has been given a firm message from the selectors that they want results. So we have two men under pressure. Fortunately for both men, they have arguably the most consistent one-day side in world cricket today. They will be a handful, especially with Kallis, Klusener and Pollock, who are three of the best all-round talents in the game.

India have arguably three of the best batsman around in Dravid, Jadeja and Ganguly. Zimbabwe have the same squad (not too many to pick from in Zim cricket) and Kenya will put on a brave show but should be outclassed. South Africa have selected Paul Adams who has been working hard under the tutelage of Terry Jenner and it will be interesting to see him back again in the one-day arena. Another debutant for South Africa will be a young Free State player Boeta Diepenaar. He is an exciting player and a lot of people are expecting him to go places in the Test match circuit.

The final should be between India and South Africa with Zimbabwe the next in line. It depends on how rusty SA are in comparison with both other teams who have been playing recently. I suspect though that the freshness of South Africa will take them all the way! I must be biased! (Can't think why!!)

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