Oh, Shoaib, not again
Shoaib attacks, McDermott has issues and Shakespeare plays at Lord's
Jamie Alter
10-Sep-2007
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My aim is true
You struggle with injuries and an inflated ego, you play less matches for your country than you make headlines, you're sent back on the eve of a major international tournament after testing positive for banned anabolic steroids, and you've been on six weeks' probation following a breach of discipline after you leave a training camp without informing officials. So what do you when you earn another call-up to your national side? Well, if you're Shoaib Akhtar, you find a way to get sent straight back home.
You struggle with injuries and an inflated ego, you play less matches for your country than you make headlines, you're sent back on the eve of a major international tournament after testing positive for banned anabolic steroids, and you've been on six weeks' probation following a breach of discipline after you leave a training camp without informing officials. So what do you when you earn another call-up to your national side? Well, if you're Shoaib Akhtar, you find a way to get sent straight back home.
In the latest episode of This is My Life And I Have Issues the Pakistan fast bowler found himself dispatched ignominiously from the ICC World Twenty20 even before it started, for hitting team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat. Upon arrival in Lahore, Shoaib immediately called a press conference where he apologised and then blamed Shahid Afridi for provoking him. Shoaib, Shoaib, Shoaib ... will you never learn?
Growing pains
Former Australian fast bowler and tormented property owner Craig McDermott, Aus$18 million in debt and looking for a loan, is now going to be sued by his ex-wife. McDermott's second wife, Suzie Houston, told The Australian she would take legal action because her former husband allegedly refused to pay child support.
Former Australian fast bowler and tormented property owner Craig McDermott, Aus$18 million in debt and looking for a loan, is now going to be sued by his ex-wife. McDermott's second wife, Suzie Houston, told The Australian she would take legal action because her former husband allegedly refused to pay child support.
It's not been smooth sailing for McDermott these past 18 months. In early October 2006, the former millionaire Gold Coast property developer was forced to hand over more than $50,000 to stop home movies of him having sex with his third wife, Ann-Maree, being released on the internet. To add to his woes, McDermott's eldest daughter, Bryanna, has now labelled his present financial position and the sex-tape extortion case as "karma". "He said to me on the phone, 'You are not allowed over at our house, you are not to call ever again, I don't want to have anything to do with you ever again,'" said the 20-year-old, who added that her father believed she was only out there for his money. "I just think its karma." Sounds like a case for Dr Seaver, circa 1985, somewhere on Long Island, NY.
The bard comes to Lord's
Lord's was host to a production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet the weekend before last, the first event of its type in the MCC's 220-year history. The play raised approximately £4000 for a local hospice, St John's, attracting a capacity 500-strong audience. Close to a week later, India's cricketers left the venue feeling like robbed "star-cross'd lovers" sentenced to an "untimely death".
Lord's was host to a production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet the weekend before last, the first event of its type in the MCC's 220-year history. The play raised approximately £4000 for a local hospice, St John's, attracting a capacity 500-strong audience. Close to a week later, India's cricketers left the venue feeling like robbed "star-cross'd lovers" sentenced to an "untimely death".
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Kapil Dev and the Indian Cricket League are getting fashion-conscious. Kapil, chairman of the ICL's executive board, was seen at the tenth edition of the Wills India Fashion Week. Invited by Anjana Bhargav, one of the 40 designers showcasing their spring-summer lines at the event, the former India captain was apparently so stirred by what he saw that he requested the designers to draw up outfits for the ICL's cricketers.
"I like everybody's work," Kapil said. "In cricket comfort is very essential. If the clothes are good to look at and there is no restriction of movement, that is fashion for me.
"I would tell every designer to design for the ICL. Every designer has talent. Every designer is different and has a niche segment," he said, going on to declare that he plans to "study" the event and form judgment on it soon.
I bet the BCCI hopes this brainwave comes through, and that there are metrosexual umpires, batsmen in eco-friendly flannels, and fielders in black with hints of pink and blue with metallic sequins.
Picture perfect?
Sachin Tendulkar may not have scored a hundred all summer, but he played some stunning shots and wasn't short of runs. Inspired by India's performance and Tendulkar's innings, famous Indian artist MF Hussain captured the maestro's array of shots on canvas to celebrate. He even handed over the special, autographed painting to Tendulkar when the two met at Hussain's London pad ahead of the final two matches of the NatWest Series. Wonder if he later came up with something of Tendulkar gaping at the umpires.
Sachin Tendulkar may not have scored a hundred all summer, but he played some stunning shots and wasn't short of runs. Inspired by India's performance and Tendulkar's innings, famous Indian artist MF Hussain captured the maestro's array of shots on canvas to celebrate. He even handed over the special, autographed painting to Tendulkar when the two met at Hussain's London pad ahead of the final two matches of the NatWest Series. Wonder if he later came up with something of Tendulkar gaping at the umpires.
Overheard...
On the BBC's Test Match Special, comments man Phil Tufnell admitting he spent the night of September 4 at notorious "it girl", television personality, model, columnist and sometime pianist Tara Palmer-Tomkinson's book launch.
On the BBC's Test Match Special, comments man Phil Tufnell admitting he spent the night of September 4 at notorious "it girl", television personality, model, columnist and sometime pianist Tara Palmer-Tomkinson's book launch.
Quote of the week
"Uthappa, Michael."
Rahul Dravid lends a helping hand when Michael Atherton struggles with the name of match-winner Robin Uthappa, calling him Uthapatta, during the presentation ceremony at The Oval following the sixth ODI between England and India
"Uthappa, Michael."
Rahul Dravid lends a helping hand when Michael Atherton struggles with the name of match-winner Robin Uthappa, calling him Uthapatta, during the presentation ceremony at The Oval following the sixth ODI between England and India
Jamie Alter is an editorial assistant on Cricinfo