AS completely disinterested in cricket as I am, even I must acknowledge the despondent nature of my fellow South Africans as the Proteas, once again, bow out of a Cricket World Cup.
But alas, we can’t even sport the title of ‘chokers’ with honour anymore.
We are now dreaming of the days when we were chokers, having beaten only one side the whole World Cup – Afghanistan – a nation desperately seeking to ‘bomb out’ in a wholly different way.
And as one witty Twitterati put it, at least when Hansie was running the show, we made money from our losses. Now we’re giving them away for free.
But things are only really gloomy if you don’t have some perspective. And what better way to gain perspective than by laughing at other nation’s past misfortunes?
So, to cheer up your weekend, here are some of the Cricket World Cup’s more tragic moments. Chokes aside.
1. Jonty Rhodes on the run (Pakistan v SA in 1992)
The match that put this legendary fielder on the map was a memorable one. Pakistan was chasing a revised target of 194 when Inzamam-ul-Haq set off for a run, only to be turned back by his captain, Imran Khan. Spotting his chance, Rhodes went into Superman mode and dived full-length to hit the stumps, freeing the way for South Africa to win by 20 runs.
2. The Fredalo affair (2007)
Never ones to shy from a beer, England teammates Steve Harmison and Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff enjoyed an eight-hour drinking binge after England lost its opening match. A drunken Flintoff had to be assisted by staff off a pedalo and fell drunkenly into the Caribbean Sea. It was a real low point for Flintoff with many angry Pommies blaming the disgraced cricketer for their lost World Cup chances.
3. Stiff upper lip (Pakistan v England, 1992)
During the official pre-match dinner, Australian comedian, Gerry Connolly, impersonated Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II, insinuating that the royal family should be privatised and sponsored by a local beer company. The English were not amused. Sir Ian Botham and Graham Gooch took offence and stormed out of the dinner. The following day, Botham went out for a duck and Gooch for 29, with Pakistan coming out triumphant.
4. Just say no, Shane (2003)
Internationally-revered leg-spinner, Shane Warne, was sent home on the eve of the World Cup when he tested positive for a banned diuretic. Although the Australian claimed he had taken the pill – at the advice of mommy – as a way to lose weight, his experience in the realm of professional sport meant he probably should have known better.
He was sentenced to a 12-month ban from the sport, but at least he has Liz Hurley to warm his bed at night.
So, it’s not all doom and gloom. Others have had to suffer similar tragedies.
Plus, we can’t get too sad just yet… we still have Rugby World Cup to get through.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
