There is something about the Eden Gardens

December 1, 2012

vvs-laxman

New Delhi, December 1: There is something about Eden Gardens: an electric ambience, and an audience that recognises and appreciates quality performance, even if it comes from the visiting team. When full, the venue is transformed into a theatre of joy.

A cricket contest at Eden Gardens can be an experience of a life time, for player and spectator.

Just ask Mohammad Azharuddin. Or V.V.S. Laxman.

Laxman made 10 Test appearances at Eden Gardens and Azharuddin seven. Laxman crafted a career-best 281against Australia in that epic match in 2001, and Azharuddin produced a 110 on debut against England in 1985. Both have five centuries each at the venue.

Of course, Azharuddin was to produce a gem seven years later when he cracked a sensational 182 against the English. The 281 and the 182 are two regal batting demonstrations that continue to evoke passionate discussions even today in the paras (neighbourhoods) of Kolkata.

“There are certain grounds where you know you can do nothing wrong. For me, Eden Gardens is the one,” says Laxman.

“For me too,” says Azharuddin. “I don’t really know the reason but I always looked forward to batting at Eden Gardens.”

He was 14 when he first played at Eden Gardens in a Duleep Trophy match. “I was in awe. It was a huge ground,” he recalls.

Azharuddin’s captaincy was on the line in 1993. He was given the job for just that Test. His response was a knock of 182, but the 141 against Pakistan in 1987 remains close to his heart.

“It was my toughest hundred to make. The conditions (ball was moving a lot) and the pace attack (Imran Khan and Wasim Akram) made batting a very difficult task. The applause echoes in my memory to this day,” recalls Azharuddin.

No different was the 281 for Laxman.

“I remember every moment, every shot. It is a pleasant dream that unfolds whenever I reflect on that match.

“Eden Gardens is a very special ground for me. Terrific ambience, and the pitch is ideal for Test cricket…and then the people make it very special too. You can feel it from the time you arrive in Kolkata. The entire city becomes involved in the match,” gushes Laxman.

Laxman raves about curator Probir Mukherjee’s work.

“The pitch suits my style of batting. The ball comes on nicely, and the outfield is unbelievably fast. It adds value to your shots,” he says.

Azhar says: “I always found the pitch worthy of producing quality cricket. You play a shot and just watch the ball scorch the turf. It gives you indescribable joy.”

Laxman once said he would have loved to play an innings like Azharuddin’s 182.

And, Azharuddin returns the compliment. “I would be proud if I could bat like Laxman in that 281,” says the former India captain.

Laxman says: “It has an imposing structure, actually imploring you to give your best. Kolkata has a great sports culture.

“Yes, the ground staff is very understanding. In fact, nothing changes at Eden Gardens, the staff at the ground and the dressing room, even the caterers. I love a visit to Eden Gardens.”

“The ground staff is so polite and kind. It is the best ground in India,” says Azharuddin.



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News Network
February 10,2020

Potchefstroom, Feb 9: Bangladesh clinched their maiden ICC U-19 World Cup title after beating favourites India by three wickets in the summit clash here on Sunday.

Set a revised target of 170 after a brief rain interruption, Bangladesh won the match with 23 balls to spare.

Sent in to bat, India's batting wilted under pressure as a superb Bangladesh bowling attack shot the defending champions out for a paltry 177 in 47.2 overs.

Yasashvi Jaiswal (88 off 121 balls) was once again a standout performer but not for once did he look like dominating the Bangladesh bowling unit whose new ball bowlers Shoriful Islam (2/31 in 10 overs) and Tanzim Hasan Shakib (2/28 in 8.2 overs) literally stifled the Indians for runs.

The third seamer Avishek Das (3/40 in 9 overs) was the most successful bowler in terms of figures but it was Shoriful's first spell with channelised aggression that put the Indians on the back-foot from the onset.

After a short rain break towards the end, the target was revised to 170 from 46 runs but Bangladesh reached 170 for 7 in 42.1 overs to win the match.

Opener Parvez Hossain Emon top-scored for Bangladesh with a 79-ball 47 while captain and wicketkeeper Akbar Ali was not out on 43 from 77 deliveries.

For the India U-19 side, Ravi Bishnoi was the most successful bowler with figures of 4/30 while Sushant Mishra had 2/25.

India thus missed out on a record fifth title in their seventh final appearance.

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News Network
July 2,2020

Jul 2: Cricket's biggest names, most of whom could hear only stories of Sir Everton Weekes' exploits from the bygone era, on Thursday remembered the "great" batsman and a "greater human being" in glowing tributes after he died aged 95.

Weekes, who formed the famous three 'Ws' of West Indies cricket alongside Clyde Walcott and Frank Worrell as part of a formidable batting lineup for more than a decade, died on Wednesday.

His death left the cricket world in a state of mourning.

"As one of the remarkable 'Three Ws', along with Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell, who together struck 39 Test centuries, he played an important hand in a period that marked the rising dominance of West Indies cricket," the ICC said in its obit.

The 1925 Barbados-born Weekes made his Test debut against England in 1948.

"On behalf of CWI I want to publicly express our deepest sympathy to the family of this remarkable Iconic sportsman and gentleman, who passed away earlier today," Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt said in a release.

"I never had the opportunity to see Sir Everton bat, but I had the opportunity to get to know him a little in his later years. I learned about his incredible career by reading about him and looking at old videos when I could.

"His performance stats were excellent as he set tremendously high standards for his time."

In his career, Weekes played 48 Test matches and made 4,455 runs at an average of 58.61 per innings. That included a world-record five consecutive centuries in 1948 — scores of 141 against England in Jamaica, followed by knocks of 128, 194, 162 and 101 in India. In his next innings in Madras, he made 90 when he was controversially run out.

Skerritt added, "... Sir Everton was, therefore, a most amazing pioneer in West Indies cricket; a gentleman and quite simply a wonderful human being."

The modern-day cricketers also mourned his death and paid moving tributes.

Former India captain Anil Kumble tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the passing of WI legend Sir. Everton Weekes. Had met him during the ICC conference in Barbados. He remembered a conversation we had during his time as a match referee. Condolences to his family and friends."

Kumble's former India teammate VVS Laxman wrote, "Heard about the passing away of West Indies legend, Sir Everton Weekes. He was one of the greats of the game. My condolences to his family and loved ones."

Mike Atherton, the opener who led England in the 1990s, was also disappointed to know of the legend's passing away.

"Very sad to learn of the passing of Sir Everton Weekes. A humble man who wore his greatness lightly."

Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop said, "I had the great privilege of spending time in the company of Sir Everton on several occasions over the past 2 decades. Never once did I leave his presence without feeling a sense (of) warmth, cheerfulness & having learnt something rich & endearing each time. A truly great human being. The Marylebone Cricket Club said in a statement: "Everyone at MCC and Lord's are saddened at the news of Sir Everton Weekes' passing,"

"He will forever be remembered as one of the West Indies' finest cricketers."

Former India player and current coach Ravi Shastri said, "Saddened by passing away of Sir Everton Weekes who was the last of the famous 'Three Ws'. A true humble great of the game. My thoughts and prayers are with Sir Weekes' family and fans in this hour of grief. RIP Sir Folded hands."

All three -- Walcott and Worrell, Weekes -- were born within a couple of miles of one another - within 18 months in Barbados between August 1924 and January 1926, and all made their Test debuts within three weeks in early 1948.

Worrell died in 1967 and Walcott in 2006.

Weekes' average of 58.61 runs places him along with George Headley in the top 10 Test averages of all time.

Darren Sammy, who captained West Indies few years ago, took to Twitter and wrote, "We lost a legend today. Sir Everton Weekes is part of @windiescricket great history and legacy. He also was a great human being. Condolences goes out to his family. May he Rest In Peace."

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News Network
January 8,2020

Indore, Jan 8: Skipper Virat Kohli struck an unbeaten 30 as India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international in Indore on Tuesday.

The hosts rode a 71-run opening stand between KL Rahul, who hit 45, and Shikhar Dhawan, who made 32, to chase down their target of 143 in 17.3 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the first match was rained off.

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took the wickets of the Indian openers but Shreyas Iyer, who scored 34 before falling to paceman Lahiru Kumara, and Kohli, who hit the winning six, got the team home.

The third match is on Friday in Pune.

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