A legend in his own country and a chicken farmer by profession, our winner had
already made his mark in Zimbabwean cricket with his country's first ever hat-trick
in first-class play, and an unexpected match-winning bowling spell against England
in a World Cup game. On January 3, 1997 he combined both those elements to
produce a match-winning hat-trick against England at Harare. This achievement
spearheaded a 3-0 clean-sweep for Zimbabwe over England in the one-day series.
At month's end our champion was back in action in the SBI One-Day Series in
South Africa. On January 27 he took five wickets against India and then
pulled off the last wicket run out to tie the game. And on January 31
his devastating opening spell to remove Hudson, Kirsten and Klusener was not
quite enough to give Zimbabwe their first-ever victory over their mighty
neighbours.
your replies!
Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 12:07:53
From: Andrew Hall (ahall11@students.scu.edu.au)
Eddo mate!!!
How are you going, I am just writing to let you know that I
congratulate you on your achievement. I am previously from South
Africa and I am now living in Australia. Well, well done but
Australia's quadro of pace (Gillespie, Reiffel, Mcgrath, Bichel)
outrank you and South Africa's pathetically aged fast bowlers.
Point being South Africa is relying far too much on their aged
quickees such as Donald, De villiers and co, bad luck!!!
Australia is the best in the world!!!
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 18:27:51
From: Andrew Brown (lechtech@iafrica.com)
Eddo
I can only say one huge congratulations to you and the whole Zimbabwe
team. You have always, and will continue to, make us prowd to share the
zimbabwe heretage wherever we may be around the world. We have been
privilaged to share in the fantastic spirit and determination of the
whole team's performance continued through-out the past few months. Once
and for all the arbitrary ignorant cricket mouth has been silenced,
Zimbabwe should NEVER be taken lightly as an opponent on the cricket
ground.
Rudi, your brother, is a great friend of mine from his time here in
Stanger on the Natal North Coast. And we certainly shared in his delight
as you ripped the top batsmen of S.A. and India apart. I will never
forget watching your hat-trick live at Harare Sports, to the HUSH of the
Barmy Army and the tears in Atherton's eye!!!
Grant Flower, if you're out there Congratulations!! and cheers
Andrew Brown
(brother of Paul),
Ex St Georges College
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 1997 21:37:52
From: Khawar Rabbani (kr@paknet1.ptc.pk)
Eddo has one thing in him who makes a player great with the passage
of time and experience and that is "He is a real tryer" , Once the
Batting Wizard Javed Miandad said one who is a tryer and don't leave
anything unless trying will be on top.
So Eddo is heading for that place , A few more polish rubs and he will
be among the masters in making.
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 1997 08:11:46
From: Hannes Greyling (HGreylin@Irdeto.nl)
Well done Eddo. The way things are going in the one day series in South
Africa, another Zimbabwean should take the honours, with their desparate
batting. Perhaps Dave Houghton or Andy Flower. Sorry guys, still got
to learn from S.A.
Date: Thu, 06 Feb 1997 17:15:08
From: Ian Hammond (ihammond@srk.co.za)
***KENTUCKY FRIED ATHERTON*** Good of your team to give the English a
hiding in Bulawayo and Harare!!! Great to have you here playing such
entertaining cricket. Please beat the Indians - you deserve it - and I
am certainly tired of seeing the same faces over the past six months.
Didn't the team management order you a jersey or sufficient shirts?
Date: Thu, 06 Feb 1997 10:37:18
From: PENNEY FAMILY (SANDK@SAMARA.CO.ZW)
MESSAGE FROM THE PENNEY FAMILY IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE.
WELL DONE ED - BLUE BLOOD - NOTHING TO DO WITH JAMESON HOUSE OF COURSE!!
GOOD LUCK ON FRIDAY, SUNDAY AND "12TH" WE KNOW ZIM CAN DO IT.
SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET BACK TO HEAR THE WAR STORIES.
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 1997 12:12:09
From: "Rizwan Umer Farooq" (rumer@khi.compol.com)
Well i'm from Pakistan and there were Paki Players who deserved it but in
my opinion Eddo deserved it more than anyone else.
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 1997 16:37:45
From: Dylin Kuni (dylin@cidivision.co.za)
Congratulations and all the best!!
Its amazing to see your endurance and dedication (as a family man,
chicken farmer, and cricketer).
With such determination you should only prosper!!!
Date: Wed, 05 Feb 1997 17:27:19
From: ravi shankar (ravi@aztec.soft.net)
Chicken them Eddo!!
You bowled some unbelievable delivaries in the triangular series.It was
great watching you.Hope you carry Zimbabwe to a world cup victory ala
the srilankans.
Date: Tue, 04 Feb 1997 16:25:31
From: coffeede@bestindia.com
Hi Eddo !!!
"You certainly have mastered the art of counting the chicks before they
bat !!!!!"
Keep it going.
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 1997 15:41:20
From: norths@paknet1.ptc.pk
Congratulations Brandes my favorite bowler (and chicken farmer) Hope zimbabwe can produce another chicken farme...errrr bowler to hold up the other end when you are on the RAMPAGE!!!!!!
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 1997 09:27:37
Message from rayhaan@msinfo.co.za (Kevin Govender)
Eddo!!!!
You deserve this accolade as well as some from Standard Bank. I hope Zim make
it to the final.
Your'll certainlly gave us (S. A.) a difficult time.
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 1997 08:36:53
Message from MchughD2@Aforbes.co.za (Damian)
Good choice, nice to see a cricketer from Zim winning player of the month. What does this team have to do to win a game? I am South African fan but you have to feel for the Zims.
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 97 04:06
Message from phatric@ozemail.com.au (Robj)
I think that Brian Lara should have got player of the month. AFter all, he is a much better player than brandes
Date: Mon, 03 Feb 97 11:21:23
From: Sunil Vasudevan (sunny@howe.EE.McGill.CA)
HI EDDO "chick" BRANDES,
CONGRATS!!!! WELL THE CHICHEN FARMER HAS CERTAINLY COME TO ROOST. BY GETTING
THE BATSMEN "CHICKENED" OUT YOU HAVE CERTAINLY MADE JANUARY YOUR MONTH. GOOD
LUCK!!!
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 97 02:21
Message from gulshan@asiaonline.net (Gulshan M. Chhugani)
A great bowler with a great action & temperament.
A legend in his own country & now proving to the world at this late stage of his career that he can be a match winner.
Would love to taste one of his own grown chicken !!
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 97 01:14
Message from mala6669@Hcol.Humberc.on.ca (Anas Malik)
I really congratulate him on his great performance and wish
him all the best in the future.
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 23:30
Message from M1SHRA@HOTMAIL.COM (RANDHIR MISHRA)
Given a chance to play at home, Zimbabwe is proving a point in the international cricket arena. Eddo Brandes in particular has been a rare find and much is expected from this cricter in the coming years. He needs a fair time to be judged over all. Barring the lapse of application in that final wide ball against india, he is a player of greater abilities
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 23:19
Message from dicka@netcomuk.co.uk (Dick Appleby)
As a bowler myself, what a refreshing change to see someone succeed through strong will and determination.
What a shame we under-estimated the opposition so much, and we don't seem to have learned any lessons, as our form in New Zealand is showing!
Well done Eddo.
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 17:33
Message from gt7649b@prism.gatech.edu (Masud Mahdi)
Well Done Eddo! I'll never forget your performance against England in
WC 92. Four wickets, and Hick for a duck. Looks like you put a good
friendship aside for the match. Congrats once again
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 16:59
Message from fernal60@lnhdent.agw.bt.co.uk (Linus )
Great show for a chicken farmer especially playing for a team considered to be minnows!
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 16:50
Message from hma2@iafrica.com (Neville Martens)
Well done on some great bowling performances, and I'm sure that your team's
rewards as far as some good wins are concerned, are just around the corner.
Best of luck in the games ahead.
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 14:05
Message from ou90535@deere.com (raju)
Hi Eddo,
Congrats.
U deserve that. Like to see more such performances.
Wish u a good year ahead.
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 13:39
Message from megakris@onaustralia.com.au (kiran meegada)
Congratulations Eddo! When i read "Chicken Farmer Roasts England" in the news
paper i couldnt believe it , it was a shocker. i am happy you gonna be a hero to
the youngsters out there .keep up the good work and smash them. good luck to
your future.
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 12:11
Message from ajay.gaonkar@zeitnet.com (Ajay Gaonkar)
I am quite impressed be Eddo Brandes's bowling. He bowls very
straight and hardly gives any room for the batsman to score.
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 12:05
Message from DecarvalhoT@Aforbes.co.za (Tiago)
Hi - Just a note on the light side - from the above comment, does Eddo farm medium sized chickens who run fast?
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 1997 03:18:18
Message from jp@dns.nat.com.kw (JayPee)
Congratulations Brando!!!
U have once again justified ur name as one of the best bowlers in the world now by displaying ur brilliance during the last few months. This award is just one more feather in ur cap and we hope to see u in action more consistently in the future. U HAVE A MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY FOR UR COUNTRY SO>>>>>>> watch out for injuries because we want to see u in action for long.
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 10:30
Message from SHUNMUGAMS@SABC.CO.ZA (SUMIE)
I THINK YOU'RE JUST GREAT.
BILLBOARD MESSAGE:
"WHY GO OUT FOR A NANDO'S CHICKEN WHEN YOU CAN CATCH A BRANDES CHICKEN"
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 22:02
Message from (RAHUL & ANAND)
Hi! We think your outswingers are great. Pls email us
i beg you.!!!
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 17:58
Message from rajab@eureka (Hatem Rajabdeen)
Excellent Work from Brandes. Hope keeps it up. Its a pity his career
has been plagued by injury. Hope he can lead Zimbabwe to the Tri
Nation Final in South Africa. His Hatrick against England has opened
many a eye in England and rest of the World and probably put England
in the last spot in the ratings. Keep it up.
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 16:56
Message from fiebiger@iafrica.com (Martin Fiebiger)
I enjoyed the game very much, I think you gave us (South Africa)
a bit of a fright. Well done - Look forward to seeing you in action again.
Thanks for a good game.
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 16:33
Message from Ashmi@giasbma. vsnl.net.in (SAMEER SALVI)
HI EDDO! HOPE TO SEE YOU FOR LONG CONTINUING THEVERY SAME SPREE YOU'VE SET IN
SET IN THE FIRST MONTH OF 1997.HOPE THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING. YOU
CERTAINLY HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO. ALL THE VERY BEST!!
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 16:29
Message from debdas@usa.net (Debdas Pattnaik)
Congratulations EDDO !!!
You really deserve this award. I expect you to win PLAYER OF THE MONTH award for February also.
Keep it up !
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 15:32
Message from ccam201@uce.ac.uk (Del Maitland)
What more can be said than this bowler has been underated the world over!
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 19:45
Message from khalid@awan.khi.erum.com.pk (Qasim Awan)
Heartiest Congratulations to Eddo Brandes.Ther chicken farmers
exploits this January have very much put him in the limelight.The
chubby,cheerful fast bowler may be at the end of his career at
33 years of age,may not be the best bowler in the world,or the
highest wicket-taker,but his match winning bowling performances
over the last month have earned him a special place in the heart
of the cricketing world.I wish him all the best in the future.
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 08:04
Message from thambi@mcbl.iisc.ernet.in (Sinnathamby,G)
It is really great that Brandes has been elected the player
of the month Jan 1996. He is a very elegant bowler and it is
quite evident that he is capable of laying his hands on matches
where his country needs his contribution. The aforementioned
records of him against the mighty South Africa, modest India
and Cricket Lion England are suffice to judge his
capability. He would definitely shine in the top list of bowlers
in the forthcoming seasons at the tune of Hadlee, Imran, Marshall,
Roberts and others. I would like to wish him
all success in the seasons ahead.
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 06:16
Message from karim@ait.ac.th (Fazle Karim)
Brandes's bowling against South Africa last Friday was really impressive.
He was the most attacking bowler in the Zimabawen team. I felt that he should have
attempted to try more yorkers to the South African batsmen and tried to swing the
balls in to the batsmen whenever they were trying to hit the balls for more runs.
I hope this bowler will be one of the most attacking bowlers in the world soon.
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 02:11
Message from bhowmak@eng.auburn.edu (Achintya K Bhowmik)
Hi Eddo:
Good show. But I would really like to see if you can get me out! Tough guy, you see...
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 20:38
Message from johnporter@pixie.co.za (jonathan porter)
It has been a pleasure watching Eddo. He has been an inspiration to watch and very exciting.
I am very glad I can't lip read when he gets it wrong! Keep going Eddo.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 17:16
Message from atul@post1.com (Atul Dobhal)
Brandes's bowling against India in the tie match was
very impressive. He bowled out the top order Indian
batsmaen and created the pressure on Indian side.
Due to his bowling only the Zimbabwe was once in the
full commanding position in match.
I could not see his bowling against England but his
bowling against RSA was also very good. Thanks to the
South African strong mid order batting otherwise the
match could have won by Zimbabwe.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 17:18
Message from l2nqc@qcunix1.acc.qc.edu (Mohammad Rahman)
Congratulations Edoo Brandes!!!!!!
I hope you will help your country becoming a good strong cricket
nation and be the role mode of the young cricketers of your Country.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 16:55
Message from venkatra@ncat.edu (Sreenivasan Venkatraman)
Great !! You keep up your good work!!
All the best for your future assaults!!
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 15:39
Message from aquresh@ibm.net (Asadullah Qureshi)
Congrats! Job well done Mr. Eddo. Although the Zimbabwae team really deserves a victory on 31 January against S.A, but due to some mistakes by captain in bowling change they were not able to win. It was the real time for eddo Brandes to bowl when S. Poullock newly arrived at the crease. But do'nt worry you will beat S.A in final. Just beat India. You really deserve to be the player of the month and hope you will be player of the February too. With best wishes for you and for your team
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 15:03
Message from rochish@chemeng.iisc.ernet.in (Rochish M. Thaokar )
Your talent is known right from the days you came to India for the
Reliance cup. You really deserve this. CONGRATS. All the best for the future
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 14:25
Message from DREYER@MIAL.GLOBAL.CO.ZA (HILEDAGDRD DREYER)
FOR ME ZIMBABWE WAS ALWAYS THE CINNDERALA'S IN CRICKET,AND IT WASN'T
A BIG DEAL IF WE WON THEM. BUT NOW EDDO BRANDES CAME ALONG AND SUDENLY
ZIMBABWE WON ENGLAND 3-0.HE IS A GREAT PLAYER AND DESURFS TO BE MAN OF THE
MONTH
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 13:59
Message from abhijit@giaspn01.vsnl.net.in (Abhijit Phatak)
Being a mad follower of cricket being played all over the world, I can only say that the state of Zimbabwe cricket is akin to the state of Sri Lankan cricket a couple of years back, just before the triangular world series in Australia last year, which saw Jayasuria and Kaluwitharana exploding on the international scene. Zimbawe, I feel, is on the threshold of an explosion,in which undiubtedly, Eddo Brandes has a major role to play. Best of luck to them. (I think there skills will take them to glory and they would not need any luck).
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 11:48
Message from prasad@giascl01.vsnl.net.in (Ravi Kant Prasad)
I would really cogratulate him for being Player of Month. He really deserved
it for achieving this feat. I also appreciate the panel for making very
perfect selection. At somewhat luckier than his team since Zimbabwe just
been one step behind the fruit of victory. Wish him and his team-mate for
high spirit. And good luck. I think only luck is not in favour of Zimbabwe.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 11:22
Message from ai@2nsb.org.au (Jason Ford)
He certainly is a character leading his side back in the 92 world Cup
with 4-21 v England, and now have become Englands bogey side.
He's a good pinch hitter. The amazing part is he is just a part-time cricketer, like many of teh Zimbabweans
Imagine what he would be like with more exposure.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 10:58
Message from odessey@paperless.co.za (Kevin)
i watched the game on the 31st and u guys played well thats what a team needs.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 15:24
Message from rbvv@ncc.moc.kw (Reginald Vaz)
Congrats.. Eddo,
Keep up the goodwork and I want personally to see you strip through the great guns and take the ZIMs to great heights like the Lankans. All the SUCCESS to u mate.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 08:39
Message from farmparts@raha.com (Aliasger Mustafa)
Hi!Brandes
Congratulations to you for being named player of the month.Very
happy with your Hatrick performance,and you know I just got one
Hatrick for myself playing in Tanzania A division cricket,but we
have completely different bowling,cause I am leg breaker.And
couldn't believe it after my Hatrick followed two other hatricks
(yours and Anthony Stuarts).
so see you and may you do well in the comming fixtures.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 07:42
Message from djtaylor@fl.net.au (Don Taylor)
I will reserve judgement until after the real test of a cricketer ----
a test match or two
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 07:15
Message from nbalaji@wipsys.soft.net (N. Balaji)
Well done, Chicken Farmer ! You have done extremely well over the past few
months. I have been following your performances with avid interest. I am
glad that you are living up to my expectations. I and my friend, called
Nagananda were discussing about creating a Fan Club called "The Chicken
Farmer Fan Club". We also wanted to create a home-page for you on the Net.
If you have a good photo of yourself bowling one of your unplayable
deliveries, could you please send it at my eMail address ? I'll be thankful.
Here's wishing you all the very best in the Future !
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 07:09
Message from umair@pacbell.net (Umair Khan)
Bravo Eddo! Well Done Zimbabwe. Its been a great 6 months for
both. And a 9 wicket win over SA in the finals would be the
perfect cap :)
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 06:57
Message from butt@buss.uob.bh (Dr. Sohail Butt)
Well done Eddo Andre.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 06:35
Message from naga@wipsys.soft.net (Nagananda.A)
Great bowler. We wish more success for Brandes.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 06:33
Message from dushyanth@hotmail.com (Bharath)
very under estimated bowler by rival teams, accurate and disciplined cricketer.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 06:03
Message from MkulK007@aol.com (Mandar)
Congratulations Eddo, for a great performance. I have watched your bowling
for years now. I storongly feel you are a very dangerous bowler when you
pitch the ball up , especially with the new ball.
I would also love to see you achive the similar success in Test Cricket. I am
sure you can be devastating , if you concentraite a bit more on the technique
of reverse swing. Also, be more aggressive man. In test cricket you have
not seen sending enough shot pitch stuff. Trust me , no matter what they say
no batsman in the world love to play a good, hostile shot pitch stuff. I guess
its a chance to make a mark on batsmans mind. I find you strongly built, make
use of your body man.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 05:37
Message from rubaalam@istar.ca (Ruba Alam)
Eddo Brandes is a much improved bowler. I was lucky enough to see him bowl in a very
tense one-day international game against Bangaldesh in Dhaka in 1993. There he bowled like
a very ordinary bowler during the Bangladeshi innings. All though Bangladesh went down by
just 9 runs, the ease with which their batsmen tackled Brandes was just amazing.
But how fortunes can change. It is ironic that a bowler who was hit all
over the park by minnows like Bangladesh can knock over teams like England.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 04:39
Message from rninan@gemini.ibm.com (Reni Ninan)
I've been really impressed by the impressive performance by Brandes in a
very short time. He's fascinating to watch and his enthusiasm for the game
is contagious.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 02:32
Message from rbulsara@ntplx.net (rafiq bulsara)
A great sense of cricket..in choosing very deserving person..
There is no need to call him chicken farmer repeatedly..not
that that takes anything away from Eddo Brandes...but casts
doubt about the CI or the writers sincerity...in applauding
a great bowler.
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 97 00:12
Message from anwar@qcore.com (Anwar A. Khan)
A very wise choice indeed. With all the fuss surrounding the
mega-stars of world cricket, its good to see a player who has
performed well and has been chosen by CricInfo.
Zimbabwe have come a long way since their debut Test and the
ICC trophy successes and its players like Brandes who have
taken them quietly from strength to strength.
letters to the editor: email
ci-forum@cricinfo.com
About CI Interactive | Email to help@cricinfo.com | StampIt Footer -->
Date-stamped : 13 Apr1998 - 18:39
Player of the Month
Cricket is an international sport, and great characters
and performances can emerge from any corner of the cricketing globe. January's
winner is a testament to that fact.
5 for 28 including the hat-trick in the third one-day international v England, January 3;
