The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Preparation key to success: Walsh

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Tuesday, Nov 14, 2006
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Preparation key to success: Walsh

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Navjyot Singh Sidhu has an interesting anecdote to highlight Courtney Walsh's dedication. During the 1997 series in the West Indies, Sidhu woke up at the crack of dawn, shaken by a shadow that flashed past his window. Daring to take a peep, Sidhu saw a figure of a tall man, pounding down the walking trail.

"I was scared for a moment, and then I was pleasantly surprised," remembered Sidhu. It was Walsh running alone, preparing for a day of intense cricket at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

The legendary Walsh, with a Test haul of 519 wickets, was in Delhi to promote Jamaica as a tourist destination for cricket lovers next year. Jamaica plays host to a few practice matches involving India, and Walsh was visiting Delhi in his role as Ambassador-at-Large, Jamaica.

Call to Indian fans

The fast bowler, who rarely glared or indulged in verbal duels with the opposition, requested cricket fans to come to Jamaica and support India during the World Cup. "We are hosting India in the warm-up games and I know you all want India to play the West Indies in the final. I have to support the West Indies. There is no doubt that the West Indies will play the final and that's because we all will support the West Indies. I have thrown a challenge to you. So please come and support India. I hope to see you all in Jamaica. Come and support your team and come and support cricket. The Indians and West Indians share the same culture. We are both cricket crazy," said the soft-spoken cricketer.

Hard work

Walsh, taking a few questions on cricket after having presented Jamaica as a great tourist destination, remarked, "there can be nothing better than hard work to achieve your dreams. You have to train properly. You have to strike a balance between training and match fitness. I used to do a lot of running because it strengthens the legs. I also did a lot of swimming because it developed overall strength and stamina. I must tell youngsters of today that the key to success lies in preparation."

On the issue of doping in cricket, Walsh said, "we have to look into this issue and hopefully people will get to the bottom of it. The image of the game should not be tarnished. The game has to be in the limelight for its dignity."

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