Radley Claessen: An Appreciation

Justin Labrooy

In January this year, Radley Claessen, a founder member and past President of ASLA, passed away peacefully at home after a full and active 85      dley and Brian years. The first twenty seven years of Radley’s life were spent in Colombo.   He distinguished himself at his Alma Mater, Wesley College, where he was Senior Prefect and Captain of a Wesley cricket team which carried all before it in 1952. Radley’s prominence in sport led onto a career in journalism with The Times of Ceylon where he subsequently became Night Editor.  He married Angela in 1954 and the eldest of their children, Desiree, was born in Colombo.  In 1958 the family migrated to Australia, leaving a country undergoing rapid political change to a new life and the challenges of establishing itself in a new environment.

Wesley College Cricket team in 1952 with Radley as Captain      

Murali’s Newest Milestone

Murali is flanked by Ranjit Fernando, Angelo, Malinga and other Sri Lankan cricketers after receiving his Hall of Fame emblem. 

If feasible readers should take in the moment he was inducted and listen to Michael Atherton, Sangakkara and other dignitaries reflect on Murali’s career. As momentous was the interview given by Younis Khan after  he was honoured in England a few days back. One question was this: “who was the most difficult bowler you faced?” … Immediate answer: “murali” … with elaboration following.

Kumar Sangakkara’s Portrait adorns Lords

Kumar Sangakkara stands by his portrait © MCC/CS

Vithushan Ehantharajah,  courtesy of ESPNcricinfo, May 2017, with title as “Sangakkara celebrates the great unveiling

When they talk about the best players – the very best players – achievements, accolades and statistics only go so far. Kumar Sangakkara, scorer of 38 Test hundreds for Sri Lanka, approaching 20,000 runs in first-class cricket and an impressive humanitarian for good measure, finally has his hook. Some have statues, others have busts but the only fitting Sangakkara tribute could come via a brush rather than a hammer and chisel. And on the day that a portrait of the 39-year-old was unveiled in the Lord’s Pavilion, he treated Lord’s to the strokes of a genius.

Windies Guard of Honour for Younis Khan

Indian Express News Item ...and A Note from Errol Fernando** of Kandy & Melbourne: “On a rain-shortened day Pakistan is 169 for 2.  Holder won the toss and INSERTED on a dull drizzly day. The highlight of the day’s play was Holder and friends giving Younis a Guard of Honour as he arrived at the crease.He responded by giving Holder a gracious handshake and then marked out  his guard. He has made a quiet 10 not out and will resume his innings at midnight Melbourne time. Captain Misbah, the next man in, will then receive HIS guard of honour and hopefully will join Younis at the crease. Pardon me for being a sentimental old duffer, G…, but this stuff GLADDENS my old heart!!

 Younis Khan came out to bat in what could be his last innings for Pakistan on Day 1 of the third Test — PCB Official Twitter  http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-pakistan-2017/content/image/1097242.html?object=207428;dir=next

Brian Lara to deliver Cowdrey Lecture in 2017

West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara will deliver the 2017 MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s on Monday 4 September.

Lara is set to become the second West Indian to give the Lecture, after Clive Lloyd imparted the keynote address in 2006. Following the speech, a question and answer session with Lara and a selected panel of cricketers, hosted by Mark Nicholas, will discuss topics arising from the Lecture and other cricketing issues.

The MCC Spirit of Cricket Lecture has become a notable feature in the cricketing calendar, provoking debate and discussion on the major issues facing the game today. This year’s Lecture will take place in the week of the Investec Test Match between England and West Indies at Lord’s. Previous speakers at the event include the Most Reverend Dr Desmond Tutu (2008), Kumar Sangakkara (2011) and Sir Ian Botham (2014). The inaugural address was delivered in 2001 by the late Richie Benaud.

 

Anthonians Celebrate their Cricketing History — Pictorial

Ranjan Mellawa’s Pursuit of Cricket Luv’ly Cricket

Elmo Jayawardena, with the title Winds Behind The Willows – The Full Monty to Cricket

One has to know something about cricket to enjoy this magnificent book. Suited me ideally as I do not know much about cricket matters but like almost all Sri Lankans I too am connected umbilically to international cricket and especially when the home country is at the crease. Let me try and express my views on author Ranjan Mellawa writing a book. I can categorically state that if not the bull’s eye, he certainly has hit pretty close to it as a new author in his maiden venture on cricket journalism.

The man has managed to vagabond his way to be present at six World Cup finals. That alone gives him credentials to be somewhat an expert on the international scene from a spectator’s point of view. Ranjan has been an ardent cricket fan. He’s played too, starting with a plastic bat as a kid to rustic cricket in neighborhood tennis-ball matches. From there he graduated to club level domestic league. Hence, his story begins at grass-root level and then blossoms and spreads wild and wide taking him to the world of international cricket as a die-hard knowledgeable fan.