A contribution from poet and author, Indran Amirthanayagam '82

A Captain's Example

I grew up believing that playing cricket

I would learn how to be a sportsman,

how to battle for a draw, that not every

game has to end in victory or loss,

that how I play matters.The other day

I read about a captain who withdrew

an appeal from his star bowler

for a run out at the non-striker's

end. The batsman was one run shy

of a century. If given out he would

have been denied. And for what:

one more wicket in a game

that was perhaps already won

or lost? Nobody remembers

the result now but that gesture,

yes, imprinted in heart and mind,

noblesse oblige, the more fitting

reply. The value has not died

despite money, limited overs 

games, the T-20 shot fest.

Cricket can still present

its human and teaching face.

Indran Amirthanayagam, c) January 25, 2023