Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Lala Amarnath: Life and Times
By Rajendra Amarnath Rupa 038; Co
This book is constructed around quotes from India8217;s first Test centurion, and it is a delight. In his straight, inimitable way, Lala tells of exploits on the field and fierce battles with cricket administrators off the field. After winning the inaugural match at Delhi in 1952, Lala found that while Pakistan were the opponents, his enemies were within. At the next venue, Lucknow, the authorities provided a coir matting wicket. Even as he got it replaced by jute matting, Hazare and Adhikari excused themselves from the playing 11, giving Amarnath a few things to think about.
From Dusk to Dawn
By Fazal Mahmood, Oxford University Press
Fazal Mahmood incidentally made his Test debut at the first match, and went on to help Pakistan win the Lucknow encounter. In following years, his bowling helped defeat England in England and Windies in West Indies. But in this book he goes beyond his bowling exploits, and chases the spirit that sustains cricket. Mahmood, for instance, was instrumental in having apartheid South Africa barred from international cricket. Now in quiet retirement in Lahore, he speaks fondly of that other Lahori, Lala, and says he will for long remain India8217;s best cricketer.
