AN EMAIL COMMENT from the Cricket Tragic ERROL FERNANDO:
Hi Michael, …… Ben Stokes and his admirable partner Leach deserve every accolade they receive. However,cricket lovers need to be reminded of the absolutely incredible victorious last wicket partnership between Kusal Perera,150 not out, and Fernando against the might of Steyn,Rabada and Philander a few months ago. Fernando probably did not know which end of the bat to use,and Leach was a Bradman compared with him.
Let us also remember the victorious last wicket partnership between Lara,150 not out,and Courtney Walsh to famously defeat Australia.
I would love to see highlights of these three partnerships to decide which one receives the Nobel Prize and Victoria Cross – Lara, Perera or Stokes ?
I will leave you to make the judgement,Michael !!
ANSWER: Andrew Fidel Fernando hit the nail on the head in conversation with me at the Colombo Oval. He said we aficianados were lucky to absorb two great innings and stands in one year. But he was quite clear; the innings by Kusal was a greater achievement because achieved ABROAD not at home. QED.
Ben Stokes did steel the show. So did the umpire who officiated in that last over of the 2nd test. It is quite amazing that England secured victories in two important matches – the Word Cup Final against the NZ and the test match I refer to because of umpiring errors.