Who remembers Richard Austin? He's a former West Indian test cricketer who's fallen on hard times, and despite his surname he's neither Stone Cold sober, nor is he the Six Million Dollar Man.
Michael Holding remembers him and hints he ought to get his act together....
His plight has not gone unnoticed by former teammates, either. Michael Holding, now a commentator, is sympathetic, but says "players have to make sure their future is secure".
Read the rest for an interesting contrast between today's well paid, high profile test cricketers and a star of yesteryear who's doing it tougher than the rest.
That's pretty seriously sad. Though probably no saddder than Scoop, the ex international journalist who hangs around the caffs at the end of our street..and in very poor condition.
Posted by: david | 27 December 2003 at 17:34
Dicky Austin is a name not familiar to me...but who remembers the incredible John Dyson? He has clearly fallen on hard times by managing THAT infamous rabble.
Posted by: Brett Pee | 27 December 2003 at 21:09
Hell, anyway, i'm more concerned about crocs killing more fellow Australian's round our neck of the woods. These salties are meaner than Sadaam, Latham and Ghadaafi put together.
Posted by: Brett Pee | 27 December 2003 at 21:43
Sad, David, he could no doubt do with a hand but ultimately it's up to him to get it together. And give us the scoop on Scoop, who is he?
Posted by: Tony.T | 29 December 2003 at 15:49
I'll tell you who remembers John Dyson, Brett. Sylvester Clarke.
And there's a sure fire way not to get eaten by crocodiles. I'm sure you know what it is.
Posted by: Tony.T | 29 December 2003 at 15:52
Sure... grab a pencil and.......
Posted by: Brett Pee | 29 December 2003 at 21:28
run?
Posted by: Tony.T | 29 December 2003 at 21:39
Nope. Just ram the sharpened end right between it's eyes. Then run.
Posted by: Brett Pee | 29 December 2003 at 21:55
Well I'm a little surprised at Austin's predicament. At least Bernard Julien and Tony Gray got government coaching jobs in Trinidad. I don't know what the position is in Jamaica, but I should think that there are similar jobs.
However this illustrates a serious shortcoming in W.I cricket. Even with all the money floating around there are no retainer contracts, and financial planning etc. Many young players today could easily end up in the same position if they are not careful.
Posted by: Emery | 12 May 2004 at 05:57
Too true, Emery. A point that is accurately made by Michael Holding. Wise words indeed.
It's not such a problem here lately, but certainly it's been a problem in the past. Terry Jenner for one, stumbled onto some hard times and if it wasn't for Ian Chappell and a few friends, might have ended up in some real strife. He was a mess.
Chuck Fleetwood-Smith too....
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/11/1057783359507.html
"Chuck Fleetwood-Smith played for Australia with Bradman before falling upon hard times. He turned up for a drinking session once with fellow alcoholics on the banks of the Yarra in Melbourne, wearing his baggy green. One drinker suggested it wasn't right. Chuck never wore it again along the river banks."
Bavid Bairstow in England....
http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Articles/0/201.html
Posted by: Tony.T | 12 May 2004 at 11:21