Boony!

Because I was in the West Indies when one of Australia's greatest-ever batsmen decided to retire from Australian first-class cricket, I haven't had a chance to catch up with Boony and pass onto him my congratulations on his wonderful career. You never quite know what to say when someone retires. Are you supposed to congratulate, commiserate or wish them well for the future? I always find it a hard one to get exactly right.

Today I finally got a chance to discover the right words, as Middlesex played Durham in a one-day encounter at Boony's home ground. Having been good mates with David since I made my debut for Australia, it was once again a pleasure to catch up with him today. It almost seems odd seeing Boony in anything but his green baggy cap, but as it is his blue Durham cap that he will finally end his distinguished first-class cricket career in, I suppose today's meeting was quite appropriate.

Last summer I wrote the following article:

"As David Boon strode onto Lords this afternoon, I couldn't help but smile, in awe I guess, at this determined little bastard, making his way to the middle of this privileged cricket ground. So long a boyhood hero, and now a good mate, it seemed odd, seeing one of Australian cricket's great ambassador's, trudging to the crease wearing a Durham CCC helmet rather than his favourite baggy green Australian cap.

"During his three hours of crease occupancy, his favourite pastime, many of my Middlesex teammates asked me about 'Boony', as he cut and drove his way to yet another first-class half-century. What's he like? Is he as scary as he looks? Is he a legend in Australia? Did he really drink that many cans of Fosters on the way to England? The questions kept coming.

"With every answer, I just smiled, knowing that this man, all five foot of him, personifies what Australian cricket is all about and perhaps what English cricket needs. He's the sort of bloke you would take to the trenches with you. He's tough as old leather, loves the game and would never let you down. He loves his country and is rightfully proud of his achievements, on and off the field.

"They say he did drink all those cans on the way to England, an achievement that just adds to the legend of one of the game's greatest fighters. Let's face it, you would have to fight through a few pain barriers to break such a drinking record. Certainly a gutsy effort if you ask me. Marathon runners are a breed of their own, but anyone who can drink forty-odd cans of beer, without a break between Melbourne and London, is mentally tougher than any marathon runner that I have ever met.

"Hopefully for Middlesex's sake we won't be seeing too much more of DC Boon tomorrow. Maybe a few glasses, or even bottles, of red wine tonight will slow him down for the morning. I am sure it won't take too much enticing, especially if I ask Sue to buy a couple of the best bottles of red she can find. As much as I have enjoyed watching him bat over the years, I think, for once in my life, I'd rather see him shuffle across his stumps and miss a straight one, before he does any more damage to our bowlers." (Extract from "From Outfield to Outback")

Here is cheers to an outstanding career and an outstanding Australian.

From London, JL