THE EDITOR, Madam:I WANT to add my congratulations to Jimmy Adams and the rest of the West Indies team on their victory over the English in the first Test of the present tour. Somehow I feel more comfortable celebrating this victory as opposed to the victory over Pakistan. Following the victory over the Pakistanis I had discussions with some colleagues regarding the events of the last day of that final Test. I was shocked by (in) action of our "Captain Courageous" Jimmy Adams, who despite the vociferous and confident appeal of the Pakistanis after he nicked a delivery from Wasim Akram which was taken by Moin Khan behind the stumps, (did not walk).
My colleagues are convinced Jimmy did the correct thing in leaving the decision to the umpire. They are of the view that cricket is now a professional sport. It is no longer a gentleman's game. I wonder about that. Steve Waugh came to the West Indies, made a double century and when he was caught stood around waiting for the umpire's decision. We all quite rightly criticised Steve Waugh then.
Umpires give batsmen the benefit of the doubt, the batsman must do that benefit justice. Now I see in the second innings against the English in the first Test Jimmy walked on a less confident appeal. As it turned out Jimmy was not out as the catch was not taken cleanly. I now wonder how one reconciles both incidents. I don't think I am any less a supporter of the West Indies than anyone else. My hope is that all West Indians will give Jimmy Adams a chance to distinguish himself as a captain with good morals even while staring defeat in the face. I certainly do not want Jimmy to feel pressured to win at all cost. I don't believe that "Anything to make West Indies again a winning team is best for the team and in the best interest of the people."
After all it is not about winning, it is how you play the game.
I am, etc.,
R.A. THOMAS
E-mail: tommy-rohan@hotmail.com
