Daryl Harper doesn’t want one-sided test at Adelaide

Bipin Dani January 25, 2012 0

Daryl Harper doesn’t want one-sided test at Adelaide

MUMBAI: Daryl Harper, the Adelaide-born umpire, who had pulled out of his farewell Test in Dominica last year after being hounded out of the game by criticism from Indian players, will be keenly following Team India’s performance against Australia in the last Test commencing on Tuesday.

“I am eagerly awaiting the fourth Test in the hope that India can be competitive. One-sided matches may be popular in the winner’s country but they aren’t good for the long term survival of the game. The first three Tests have reminded me of how the Christians were fed to the lions in ancient times. It was no contest then and it hasn’t been a contest here in Australia. I am hoping that some of India’s ageing gladiators can find some form and provide a contest…otherwise they may be shown the door to be replaced by some youth as I was by the ICC last year”, he said over telephone from Adelaide.

“I will be attending every day of the Test, even if it is only three or four days. This is my home town and we have a beautiful ground with marvellous facilities for spectators. I chatted this afternoon with Harsha Bhogle and we are both hoping for some kind of Indian revival”, he further added.

Regarding India’s slow over rate, he says, “M.S. Dhoni probably expected that he could improve his slow over rate in Perth when India bowled to Australia in the second innings. But if your batsmen can only muster 171 runs in the second innings, there is no chance of even bowling a second time, let alone improving the over-rate”.

“India remains my favourite cricket destination where I have enjoyed the passion and excitement of many Tests, ODIs and two IPL series. I became a blood donor in Vellore and played a small part in the Bollywood movie ‘Victory.’”, he informed.

‘I hope the old blokes can stretch out the game at least into the fourth day since my wife and I have been invited into a delightful hospitality area on the fourth day”, he signed off.

Daryl Harper, the former ICC umpire has moved to Baseball, the game he has also loved most. On Sunday, he went to umpire the 4th match, which involved Adelaide “A” grade team. Even during his cricket umpiring days, he used to go to US to watch the baseball games.

Interestingly, Harper did attend a few sessions of Hindi tutions in his home country. He picked up a little Hindi during his several trips to India and being an extra on movie-Victory-, he decided to make an effort to learn more of the India’s national language.

Harpers’ daughter, now working as an animal doctor in Alice Springs, was in India for a few months help controlling street dogs.