This is Michael Holding's autobiography and its a lovely addition to my collection. Thanks Vinod bhai. The book was published in 1993 first. The title was the name umpire Dickie Bird (on the cover page) christened Holding with because Holding would hardly be heard in his run up to the wicket - so smoothly would he run in.
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Coming from a large family in Jamaica Holding was as much interested in athletics as he was in cricket. Originally a spinner he was converted into a fast bowler and soon made his mark. Holding however was academically inclined and was considering a career in software programming before destiny drew him to cricket and to all time greatness as part of one of the all time great teams and all time great fast bowling combinations. He discusses the topic of race, Packer years, the humiliation of losing to Australia (how he broke down when Chappell was not given out), bad umpiring, becoming world beaters, losing to India in the 1983 World Cup etc.
What comes across however is that they did not become greats by chance. They worked hard. The fast bowlers had trainers who put them through the grind and could bowl 20-25 overs a day at a decent pace. The fielders took hundreds of catches in practice so no catch was dropped in matches. The team itself was rarely disturbed and selectors would keep Holding with the team on tour even if he was not fit.
The part of Clive Lloyd's first tour as captain in Australia was interesting. The senior players would undermine him and it showed in the team's performance. But Clive soon took things under his control, set his four fast bowlers theory and and stayed with it. Captains must also be given a chance to evolve and they must have managers who are tough.
Good read. Many wonderful tips and pointers for me. Thanks Vinod bhai.
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