Tuesday 13 April 1999
Dale's illness big blow to our World Cup hopes
I was shocked to hear the news of Adam Dale's return to Australia with
pneumonia. His illness is a monumental blow for the good guys who will
be using the seven one-day internationals in the Windies as a solid
preparation for the World Cup. During the final Test match in Antigua,
'Chippen' definitely wasn't himself throughout the whole game. He seemed
low on energy and his bowling seemed to lack the extra 'zip' off the
wicket that has made him so successful over the last few seasons. All of
his team-mates were concerned about his wellbeing but he simply shrugged
it off as "nothing to worry about".
Looking back, 'Chip' didn't look all that well and you could tell by his
demeanour that something was worrying him. As it has turned out he was
obviously very ill, leading me to now think that his effort to play the
fourth Test was an incredible one.
It is a shame for 'Chip', and for that matter Australian cricket, that
he has been struck down with this illness. Throughout the tour, no one
worked harder than the Victorian Queenslander. He was very fit leading
up to the final Test and I know he was working extra hard to ready
himself for the World Cup. He has forged himself a reputation as being
one of the most consistent one-day bowlers going around and I think he
will be shattered if he is not available for the World Cup starting next
month. I hope he makes a speedy recovery because he is one person who
truly deserves all the success that comes his way.
I am not sure whether his absence was the reason behind the good guys
losing the first one-day international but I am sure it wouldn't have
helped. Without he and Glenn McGrath opening the bowling, BJ, Flem, Paul
Reiffel, Shane Lee and 'Barman' Bichel are going to have to lift a gear
to ensure that our batsmen aren't chasing too many runs against the
strong West Indian bowling line-up. Although the boys lost the first
one, there is still six matches to go and I am sure it won't be long
until the Aussies are playing their best one-day cricket.
From London, JL
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