Book Review
Test of Character: Jeremy Wilshire
Published by: Echo Publishing - pp. 371
Cricket, they say, is a 'gentleman's game.' But in modern times, the aphorism has turned into a hackneyed cliché, resulting from the on field grubby sledging which has soured mutual respect and convivial relationships among international players.
In the second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa, played last week in Durban, the International Cricket Council slammed a four-match ban on Pakistan skipper, Sarfraz Ahmed, for racial abuse.
Sarfraz had called SA batsman Andile Phehlukwayo a black guy which amounted to breach of ICC Anti-Racism Code.
The Pakistan Cricket Board took a strong note of it and called back Sarfraz immediately, replacing him with Rizwan.
Cricket merges the individual in the eleven;he doesn't play that he may win, but that his side may.
Sarfraz forgot this adage and out of frustration made a scathing attack on Phehlukwayo after his side lost control of the game which had tilted towards Pakistan.
"Cricket is truly a test of character. It is more than averages and strike rates; it's about a shared spirit of competition and camaraderie, and it is about embracing the game, it's laws and traditions. Above all, cricket is so special because it brings people and nations together," wrote Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, in his Foreword to Test of Character.
Imran Khan, a legendary cricketer of yesteryear and now the prime minister of Pakistan, must take a strong note of this murky Sarfraz- Phehlukwayo incident so that the image of Pakistan is not sullied in the eyes of the world in future.
After all, players are ambassadors of their country and are duty-bound to keep the reputation of their country intact.
Though Test of Character is a remarkable account of twentynine international players, the paperback volume has some smudgy black and white photographs which in no way contribute to its get-up.
Nevertheless, Jeremy Wilshire has really taken pains to meticulously paint the legendary players about their on and off field character.
The chapters on Sir Richatd Hadlee, Ian Chappell, Barry Richards, Bishan Singh Befi and Mohammad Nabi are pretty captivating. Once the legendary English umpire Harold 'Dickie' Bird said "cricket's appeal lies in the stories within the game." Test of Character is a living testimony to this stark reality.
S. Rifaquat Ali
Sydney, Australia
The Journal of America Team:
Editor in chief:
Abdus Sattar Ghazali
Senior Editor:
Prof. Arthur Scott
Special Correspondent
Maryam Turab
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