Anthony William Greig better known as Tony Greig needs hardly any introduction to those who have even a little idea about cricket. Born in South Africa, the tall all-rounder played Test cricket for England in the capacity of a player and captain in the sixties and seventies. He is also considered the pioneer of the instant version of the game when he along with 52 other leading cricketers made a deal with the Australian television magnate, Kerry Packer, to play in the 'World Series Cricket' in 1977.
Tony is now in Dhaka as one of the six WorldTel commentators who are covering the ongoing Wills International Cup. Tony, who is now leaving in Australia, gave an exclusive interview to The Daily Star on Monday during the Sri Lanka-New Zealand match. During the 20-minute instant cogitation at the WorldTel Commentary box, Tony mostly focused on the present and the future of world cricket.
The following are excerpts of the interview:
The Daily Star: The scenario of cricket is changing rapidly after the introduction of limited-over game alongside the Test version. Could you tell us where the game is heading and what will be the future of the game after 25 years?
Tony Greig: Can I say first of all that I think the game is going forward. I said that because Test match cricket was beginning to stagnate a little bit ... to stagnate the game. It had a big following with the older people and cricket needed something to give some enthusiasm to young people ... and I think that's what happened. The best parallel I can draw for you between One-Day and Test is like McDonalds restaurants and fine dining restaurant. You need those. The youngsters are going to the McDonalds and their parents like to go to a fine dining restaurant. There is a place for both of them. What you hope is that the children going to the McDonalds eventually also go to the fine dining restaurant. That's one point.
In 25 years time, I think you will find that the One-Day game will have changed by a lot. It may even be that the game is played in four innings. They will have 25 overs and then the next team goes for 25 overs and then 25 and 25. That's what I think should happen.
I also think that cricket will become more popular at the expense of Teat match cricket. The biggest challenge of all is to maintain the enthusiasm of the spectators for Test match cricket. It's a big challenge. It's not easy. And I think we've got to do that through the One-Day game. I'm not sure that we will succeed in maintaining the interest in terms of crowd. We'll still see a lot of revenue coming into cricket for the actual programming to go on television. A lot more people will be watching all sorts of games in the comfort at their homes. So it may be that the atmosphere on the grounds today may be totally going to the One-Day games.
DS: You have played cricket for England for quite a long period. The standard of cricket is going down in England despite having the most busy local formats. Can you comment on that? Whom do you want to blame for this?
TG: Well, what's happening in England is very sad and one can only blame the administrators of the game there. It's been obvious to me for a long time that the game in England seemed to be struggling. I think the most important thing is that they have to play cricket all the seven days of the week. They have to commit a living out of cricket. I suppose they will be able to work out and play. There are lots of very good cricketers in England who are not prepared to commit themselves to seven-day a week cricket when they are 20 years of age. Of course, that takes a lot of people out of the contention. The best thing is for England is ... I don't know why they haven't done yet ... is to create a very very good amateur league. In other words, an inter-town league to give people an opportunity to also play for England. They should also use a part of the millions of dollars they are collecting from television revenue to see to it that the competition is successful. That is the way to fix English cricket.
DS: If I tell you to compare the structure between Australia and English cricket ...
TG: The Australian structure is miles better because you can turn to a national cricketer from club cricket any time. If they see you good, they will put you in sixth grade..you get some runs or wicket, you are in the fifth grade..you get more wickets you are in the fourth grade and if you can reach the first grade, the selectors will see you on the net and then go and straight play for Australia. It's a full time job there and that should be the format.
DS: Which team is your favourite in the One-day game?
TG: Well, I would like to speak that the Sri Lankans are playing the most entertaining cricket. I think people like Sanath Jayasuriya, little Kaluwitharana and Aravinda ... they are very exciting. And the Australians are playing some good cricket too. Very positive and attacking cricket. They have got some really good players. Steve Waugh ... I think he is brilliant. He looks to be the best player in terms of commitment and results.
DS: Do you have any reservation for Indian master blaster Sachin Tendulker?
TG: Yes, I think Tendulker is the best player in the world at the moment. He is one of those players who is just absolutely wonderful to watch. You don't want to miss his batting and I hope he keeps going for quite a long time. He provides a lot of entertainment for a lot of people.
DS: Cricket in this sub-continent, specially in Pakistan, is going through major problems because of the betting scandal. What do you think in this regard?
TG: I just like to see some one make a decision. You know I just like to see some one do something on that. There are too many decisions coming out from the courts. If there is any proof that any one has misbehaved or breached the code of ethics of cricket, don't pick them. If they don't do that they are going to continue with the problem.
DS: Finally, what is your impression about Dhaka on your first visit? How is the crowd here and the atmosphere?
TG: Well, can I just say Bangladesh, first of all, that it's absolutely amazing to me. It reminds me of Eden Gardens in Calcutta and also the enthusiasm the people have in cricket....it reminds me of my favourite ground which is Eden Gardens. So, it's not as big..it just holds as many people. But the enthusiasm to the game here when one considers the country is yet to play Test, is absolutely phenomenal. It seems that the morale of the people is so.... you know through the roof, very high. So clearly Bangladeshi people are very resilient and that's an unbelievable attribute.
DS: Thank you very much for sparing some time.
TG: Thank you too.