LEFT ARM OVER
NEIL MANTHORP: Cricket is also about players’ aspirations, believe it or not
As any professional sportsman will tell you, they have a limited span in which to cash in
There have been more than 7,650 successful climbs to the summit of Mount Everest but only 215 people have done it more than once. The number drops to just less than 140 when you count those who have made three or more summits to the earth’s highest point. Of the 29 who have done it 10 or more times, only four are not Nepalese. A cricket tour of Sri Lanka is one of life’s great pleasures – unless you happen to be playing for your country and things are going badly. Very quickly your feet start slipping with every step and the heat and humidity make each breath an effort. Suddenly, for those who have been to the top before, the option of a safe return to base camp becomes sensible. The Proteas achieved one of the rarest achievements in Test cricket four years ago — a series win in Sri Lanka by a non-Asian team. Australia snuck past their hosts 1-0 in a three-match series in 2011 but were thrashed 3-0 on their last visit. England’s last series victory (1-0) was back in 2001. New Zealan...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.