We’ve all been there when writing about cricket. A slow day at the Test, acres of space to fill, a silky cameo like the one played by Pakistan’s Babar Azam and suddenly we are witnessing the next best thing to Don Bradman.
It is like a lemming rush driven in part by the assessment of experts like Michael Vaughan and Shane Warne. A sound bite from one of them, suggesting Babar’s greatness however conditional, is all it needs for the hyperbole to go into overdrive.
Yet, just as everyone is reading your sage words of wisdom the following morning it all comes crashing down as Babar, perhaps believing the previous day’s hype himself, plays a big shot at the sixth ball of the day and is caught at slip having not added to his overnight score of 69.
Like most of us, Vaughan is sometimes guilty of overstatement but probably not on this occasion. He knows his stuff about batting and if he says Babar will establish himself among the other great batsmen of the current era – Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root – before the series is out, it is worth taking heed.
Actually, Vaughan went as far as to say he thought Babar, 25, would soon be in the top three, high praise from someone who played with Root’s dad given that he wouldn’t want to wind him up unnecessarily.
This story is from the August 09, 2020 edition of The Cricket Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 09, 2020 edition of The Cricket Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
