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In a recent interview, former England cricketer Allan Lamb shared his insights on Indian cricket, his experiences playing with and against some of India's greatest cricketers, and his views on the evolution of the game. Lamb unequivocally stated his preference for Sachin Tendulkar as the best Indian cricketer he played against, even ahead of Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli. He recounted a memorable incident where he dropped Tendulkar early in his innings, leading to Tendulkar scoring a century. Lamb humorously claims responsibility for making Tendulkar's name, a testament to the respect and admiration he holds for the Master Blaster. He acknowledges Virat Kohli's brilliance and ability to score quickly but ultimately believes Sachin's overall impact and skill set him apart. Lamb's preference is rooted in his experience playing against Tendulkar during his prime, witnessing firsthand his exceptional talent and ability to dominate bowling attacks. He also mentions the one regret of not seeing Sachin playing against the West Indies pace battery like Sunny Gavaskar did.
Lamb also spoke fondly of his time playing alongside Kapil Dev at Northamptonshire. He recalled a humorous anecdote about Kapil Dev's arrival, expecting him to bolster the bowling attack. To Lamb's surprise, Kapil declared his intention to focus on his batting, a testament to his all-around cricketing abilities and his ambition to excel in all facets of the game. This anecdote highlights Kapil Dev's confidence and determination, showcasing his desire to improve as a batsman despite being a renowned bowler. Lamb's experience playing with Kapil Dev provided him with firsthand insight into the Indian cricketer's skill and dedication.
The interview also touched upon the significant impact of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on the cricketing landscape. Lamb acknowledges the transformative effect the IPL has had on the lives of cricketers, providing them with lucrative opportunities and financial security. He noted that modern cricketers can focus solely on T20 contracts globally, earning substantial wealth without necessarily playing Test cricket. While acknowledging the vast difference in earnings compared to his playing days, Lamb expresses no resentment, stating that today's entertainers deserve to be well-compensated for their skills and contributions to the sport. He also admits he would have enjoyed playing in the IPL as he always enjoyed the last 20 or 10 overs of the innings.
Lamb further discussed the structure of international cricket, particularly the World Test Championship (WTC). He expressed his concerns regarding the current format, finding it confusing and potentially unfair. He points to the example of South Africa's qualification, suggesting that they benefited from playing weaker teams, which Lamb views as a flaw in the ICC's system. He suggests the introduction of a two-tier structure to ensure that strong teams consistently play each other while also providing opportunities for weaker teams to develop and compete. Lamb emphasizes the need for the ICC chairman to address this issue to safeguard the future of Test cricket.
Shifting the focus to South African cricket, Lamb expressed his pride in South Africa's recent World Cup victory, acknowledging their historical struggles and reputation as 'chokers'. He praised Aiden Markram's performance under pressure, highlighting the significance of the victory for the nation. However, he also addressed the sensitive issue of racial quotas in South African cricket, drawing a comparison with rugby, where a strict quota system is not in place. Lamb believes that South Africa could be a stronger team if players were selected solely on merit, regardless of race. He emphasized that the days of Apartheid are long gone, and that coloureds, Indians, blacks, and whites should work together to build the best possible team based on talent and ability. He feels that overdoing the quota system is ultimately detrimental to the team's performance and overall development.
In summary, Allan Lamb's interview provides a comprehensive overview of his perspectives on Indian cricket, his experiences with legendary cricketers, and his views on the evolving nature of the game. His admiration for Sachin Tendulkar is evident, citing personal experience and observation as the basis for his preference. He shares insightful anecdotes about Kapil Dev and discusses the impact of the IPL on the lives of cricketers. Furthermore, he offers critical commentary on the ICC's WTC format and the quota system in South African cricket, advocating for merit-based selection and a more equitable structure for international competition. Lamb's interview offers a valuable perspective from a seasoned cricketer, providing insights into the past, present, and future of the sport.
Source: "It Was Me That Made Your Name": England Great Told Sachin Tendulkar, Shares Epic Story