Miandad: I enjoyed distracting Gavaskar
THEIR on-field banter, sometimes playful and at other times bitter, was part of India-Pakistan cricketing folklore but when it came to respect, Javed Miandad said he always had the highest regard for Sunil Gavaskar's temperament and near-perfect technique against the fastest bowlers of his time.
According to Miandad, current players should watch video clips of Gavaskar's batting to see how he tackled some of the world's most fearsome fast bowlers like Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Imran Khan, Richard Hadlee, Dennis Lillee among others.
“It was amazing that given his short height, how well he played all over the world.
His consistency and performances are remarkable,” Miandad said in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Miandad said that Gavaskar's immaculate defence and balance while standing at barely 5' 5" against tall fast bowlers were lessons that can be learned. “Players nowadays can learn so much from watching his videos. See how he coped with the fast bowlers despite his short height. He played in an era where he faced the most fearsome pace bowlers in the West Indies, England, Australia, New Zealand and even against Pakistan, and yet he was successful.”
Miandad, who played 124 Tests and remained Pakistan's top run-getter before Younis Khan overtook him, also talked about the camaraderie he shared with the former India skipper.
“I enjoyed watching him bat. I remember I used to field close to him and keep chattering away to distract him as his level of concentration and focus was so high,” he said.
“There were times when I managed to disturb his focus, and when he got out he always used to leave cursing me and I enjoyed it.”
Miandad, who was a three-time coach of his national team, said India was fortunate to have Gavaskar and his brother-in-law, Gundappa Vishwanath play in the same era.
“Vishwanath was another top player but Gavaskar was exceptional,” he added.