Monday 22 March 1999
Heals proves once again he's tough as old boots
All in a day's work for Ian Healy.
There isn't a lot seasoned campaigner Ian Healy hasn't seen or
experienced on a cricket field. While he is as tough as old RM Williams
boots, even 'Heals' has to succumb to the modern tradition of icing up
injuries after a day's play. Most guys have to ice knees, shoulders,
fingers or elbows, but today our likeable keeper had to ice the top of
his skull after falling foul to the following through of a pull shot.
He told me that this is only the second time in his career that he has
been hit by a cricket bat while standing behind the stumps. The first
time was by another West Indian Sherwin Campbell in Australia a few
years ago. Today he received a small gash to the top of the head, a
relief considering the extent of the follow through by the West Indian
batsman. Lucky for 'Heals' he didn't have his whole head ripped off by
the wielded willow.
During play the worst scenario occurred for the good guys. Carl Hooper
helped himself to a very elegant century, putting the West Indian 'A'
side into a pretty solid position at stumps. Considering Hooper looks
certain to be selected for the third Test in Barbados, we would have
liked top have saved him from this important match practice.
Unfortunately this was not to be, so we have given away a small
advantage to the opposition coming up to the vital third Test. An
advantage we will have to quickly eliminate in a few days' time.
From Antigua, JL
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