Bring back the characters of cricket

Do you ever sit in front of the television watching cricket from some corner of the globe and get the feeling you are viewing robots?

Well I know I do. In fact from time to time I get plain bored. Before I go any further let me state that I don’t for one minute understand or appreciate the level of professionalism required to consistently perform at such a high level…..but hey, wouldn’t it be great to have some blokes with character to watch.

Think about it. Try and name five cricketers that you would love to have a cold beverage or two (or ten) with and really get to know. In days gone by there seemed to be so many more of the ‘larger than life’ individuals parading their skills day in and day out. I understand money earnings and the potential for such rewards are more prevalent these days and those goals can stifle a personality, but wouldn’t cricket be more enjoyable with the fine players of today displaying their true character and looking like they enjoy their work.

Let’s turn back the clock and remember just a couple of the names that in years gone by have made us marvel at their cricketing ability and their personalities.

The king of them all in undoubtedly Ian Botham. He has done most things in life and more. Oh yeah, he could play a bit too. I have had the privilege over the past few years to get to know “Beefy” extremely well and let me tell you he is simply a great guy who is full of life and fun.

One of the other great characters of the cricketing world is a big blustering former fast bowler by the name of Merv Hughes. We are lucky enough to have him as our special guest on Extra Cover this week.

Merv was an outstanding performer for Australia and loved nothing more that having a good time on or off the park. He considered himself an entertainer first and foremost and didn’t it show. He had the uncanny ability to unsettle players and raise his game to a competitive intensity that frequently resulted in success. He possessed a secret weapon that was basic and powerful for a fast bowler and that was essentially to get under the batsman’s skin…….he was good at it too!

For Merv it was all a game. He was a superb motivator in the Australian team and someone Aussie’s loved to watch perform…..and often he did!

Allan Border said he was invaluable to his team because he had the rare ability to dismiss the very best players and he enjoyed himself and played with his heart on his sleeve. Hard not to pick someone of those capabilities.

Big Merv was aggressive, sometimes you might think over the top, but let me tell you he was and still is extremely well liked by his peers. He also put bums on seats.

I’m still waiting for your list of five.