Saturday 13 March 1999
Day one, second Test: Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
Steve Waugh has taken to the Australian captaincy as an expectant woman
takes to motherhood. While he may have had a few initial nerves, he is
now running the show as though he was born for the job. Anyone who
thought his outstanding batting may suffer when he took over as captain,
would have had all their doubts eliminated today, as he scored another
typically tough Test match century.
Like deja vu, 'Tugga' and 'Junior' today continued their love affair
with Sabina Park. Four years ago it was the brother's partnership which
proved instrumental in our historic fourth Test victory and this
afternoon it was their combined effort which may be the catalyst for
another Test victory. If not for a ball that ran straight along the
ground, I am sure 'Junior' would have also finished the day with a ton
to his name. He was at his effortless best. He makes the game look so
easy it is almost sickening.
Where Mark is known for his elegance, Steve was at his most fierce best.
He hits the ball so hard you can almost hear the red leather projectile
crying for mercy as it leaves the bowler's hand. He is a natural leader
who is feeling pretty happy with life after his innings, and the last
hour of play. Glenn and Jason continued their first Test form with
inspired spells of fast bowling.
Standing at short leg this afternoon, I started thinking that this is
what it must have been like when the West Indies were at their dominant
best. The only difference is that they had four bowlers, bowling at
express, aggressive pace. 'Pigeon' and 'Dizzy' both bowled like the
wind, giving the West Indian batsmen little opportunity to find the form
that the their beloved fans are craving for.
On another bowler-friendly pitch, that is sure to deteriorate over the
next few days, our moderate first innings total of 256 could turn out to
be a very competitive one. Fielding today was great fun. When you're on
top, with four world-class bowlers to call on, cricket is a blast. All I
need now is a few runs from my own bat and things couldn't be better. I
am sure they are just around the corner.
If we can dismiss Brian Lara early tomorrow I think we could be in for
another very fruitful day.
From Jamaica, JL
|