The Hindu : Sport : Panesar has played his part

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 16, 2006
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Panesar has played his part

Cricket must show that there is nothing to fear except fear itself

PETER ROEBUCK

Monty Panesar's performance in Perth was thrilling. Whenever a young cricketer rises to an occasion it is exciting. Of course, it is wrong to attach too much significance to any performance, let alone the work of youth.

Youngsters must be left alone to grow, make mistakes, bump the car, chase a pretty girl, and generally laugh and play and suffer. Still, it was a fine sight to see a boy with such a rich heritage perform such deeds at such a time.

Was not prejudice routed with every strike? Did not those intent on deepening the divides between faiths and factions suffer grievously as the spinner wove his spell and then danced his jig?

Here was a Sikh, born and raised in England but with roots far away in Punjab, sending down superb spinners for his adopted country. Here was a boy from a Ludhiana family running around the field, exchanging high fives with his mighty and pale-skinned captain. Here was a youngster with cloth upon his head cheered to the echo by the Barmy Army.

Everyone had been talking about Monty's vast hands. Here was a mighty feat. After taking his wickets, Panesar spoke shyly, almost reluctantly, searching for the words, anxious not to boast, eager to support the team and its leaders.

He did not say anything about his omission from previous matches, a mistake that had been widely condemned. Plainly he had not let the bad luck affect him. Instead he expressed joy about appearing in his first Ashes Test and pleasure at taking wickets.

Right approach

He spoke gently and sincerely. It is the right approach. He does not cast himself as the leader of a people but as the servant of a team. His actions will speak for themselves.

Happily, most cricketing countries are moving towards the cosmopolitan. England has an advantage owing to its large intakes from the cricket-playing countries. Properly encouraged, the African, Asian and traditional communities can take England to the top of the rankings. Simply by being himself, Monty will help with that, as will his teammate Sajid Mahmood.

Already a spinner of Asian origin has played for Yorkshire. Even in that most crusty of counties, coaches and players now come in all shapes and sizes. Younis Khan has been signed as the team's overseas player for 2007. It was just a matter of time.

Emboldened

Previously, these immigrant communities had been inclined to keep to themselves owing to a lack of confidence and a fondness for family and education. Sensitivity was also a factor. Every slight was keenly felt, every rejection taken personally. Now they have been emboldened to try their luck in the wider world. Both English cricket and the nation at large will be richer for their contributions.

Every cricketing nation has a history to confront, with colonial power or apartheid or white captains or civil strife or other past prejudices. Sport must continue to overcome these obstacles. Cricket must show that there is nothing to fear except fear itself. Panesar has played his part. Is it not easier to wear a patka around English streets now?

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