Robelinda
International Coach
Blimey, I must be a little older than most of you.
The first summer I watched cricket was when the Windies came over in 1980. So when the following summer came along I was hooked. And boy, what a summer. (you can probably guess where this is going)
My first hero was Ian Botham. Still is. Won't have a bad word said about him. Still argue with those that say Imran was a more complete all-rounder, but then I'm biased and its my opinion.
But I'm one of those guys who is not happy with just supporting everyones favourite and so Derek Randall caught my eye. I loved his antics, he'd fidget at the crease, look awkward, but my god, could he field. I used to field in the covers meself, and used to imagine I was 'Arkle'.
My favourite Randall innings was in 1983 when the NZ's were over here. 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, and Randall and Botham just had a ball. More classic than Botham/Dilley 2 years earlier and the cover drives that Randall displayed were just a joy to behold.
That 1980 summer was great, I remember that huge Hughes six at Lord's during the Centenary Test, and of course the WI flexing their muscles. Viv's ton at Lords was awesome, so too was Peter Willey's ton!
Randall was a charismatic player, I loved his quirky batting style, and his flowing drives. That Trent Bridge knock was a Randall classic alright!! Great free flowing partnership. Not great bowling though apart from Hadlee.
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