Indian selectors, still smarting from a 4-0 drubbing in the recent Test series against England have answered criticism from supporters back home by including veteran Yorkshire all-rounder Mrs Hilda Boycott in the ODI squad to face England at the Rose Bowl later this week.
A surprised Mrs. Boycott, mother of former England test opener Sir Geoffrey Boycott was said to be delighted with the late call up.
Although Mrs. Boycott admitted she hadn’t picked up a bat since playing with son Geoffrey in the back yard during the summer of 1947 she was nevertheless confident she could bring something fresh to the current Indian squad.
The only person who was not surprised by the call up was BBC expert analyst Geoffrey....’about bloody time too’ was his forthright response to news that his mum would be opening the bowling for India ‘ I’ve been banging on all summer that my mum was a better bowler than this lot and in my opinion should have been in from the start.
She might take a while to get her rythmn going again after 64 years away from the game but if she does find a problem with her action then she’ll just have to take her pinny off’.
Mrs. Boycott, who bowls military medium with the seam up is also a useful pinch-hitter coming in down the order at No7 and will add a bit of backbone to this current Indian side.
Indian selector Ravi Sandhji said that Mrs Boycott had originally been called up as cover for VVS Laxman who has a niggling groin injury but has impressed so much in the nets that she has earned a place in the starting line up.
‘Yes...Mrs. Boycott will certainly start against England and will open the bowling with Harbijan Singh. And at least now - if we lose wickets early on - we have someone who can come in and take the attack to their pace bowlers.
You can definitely see where Sir Geoffrey learnt his batting skills.....and he was right all along...she really is better than our batsmen with that stick of rhubarb.
Mrs. Boycott said the call up was a massive boost to her World Cup ambitions and although short of match practice she had always kept herself in good condition and would not let the side down.
‘At 97 I haven’t got many chances left’ said Hilda between puffs on her nebuliser ‘but I can definitely still do a job for this Indian side. I’ve had both hips done and my pace maker won’t need replacing for another year which means I’ve come better prepared than this lot did.
I’m especially looking forward to the huddle out in the middle before the start of the match...I’ve made some biscuits you know.
I’m looking foward to the one-dayers but I’m not sure about playing in a day/night match...I’m usually in bed soon as Emerdale’s finished’.
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew agreed the inclusion of Mrs. Boycott would liven up the Indian pace attack and would certainly strengthen the slip fielding.
‘They’ve looked tired out in the field all summer and even at 97 Mrs. Boycott will freshen things up a bit’ said Agnew ‘the only thing we need to clarify before the game starts is what happens when the ball hits her zimmer-frame....is it runs or byes?
We’ll have to get Ashtray on that one.
Hilda is an inspired choice and I'm sure she'll get the runs before this ODI series has finished.
I can’t wait’.
Quick links: NewsBiscuit Home • Chat Room • Writers' Room • Top Ten
Mrs Boycott called up for India ODI squad
(7 posts) (6 voices)
-
Gerontius
offlineMemberPosted 1 year ago # -
dvo4fun
offlineMemberExcellent. Have some stars(of yesteryear). I've only recently binned a 1980s tome, written by the greatest living Yorkshireman' If only he had become supremo of English cricket, we might have been spared the decades of mediocrity which followed his retirement. And, under his wise guidance of the top order batsmen, enjoyed once more the familiar commentators' refrain "Yes; he's also been tempted to hook, by the short ball and been caught more just inside the boundary ropes".
I should have got out more.
Posted 1 year ago # -
rickwestwell
offlineMemberGreat work, and a fine FP.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Stan Laurel
offlineMemberNice one, Gerry.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Gerontius
offlineMemberthank you all very much.
but I wonder if the England cricket team realise how difficult they have made life. We're just not cut out for being good at something...how do explain something like this to the kids. You've spent years drumming into them how shite we are...then this happens. They won't believe anything you say from now on ...my nephew was in tears.Posted 1 year ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.