#BTColumn – Glorious uncertainties

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.

by Michael Headley

A few days ago, Gline Clarke, a seasoned player of the political game, called into Getting Down to Brass Tacks, and like a middle order batsman, took a few swipes to defend the ‘any idiot can play cricket’ comment.

Former Barbados Labour Party Minister Delisle Bradshaw (Braddie) had made that statement while referring to the candidacy of Floyd Reifer, who is contesting the St. Philip North By-Election as a Democratic Labour Party candidate.

Mr Clarke figuratively left the crease, did some fancy footwork, and went down the wicket to lift this threatening political ball over the boundary.

He was quick to remind the raucous crowd that there was a precedent for this as he invoked the names of two late, great players of the game – Sir Frederick Smith and former Prime Minister, Hon Errol Barrow, who, according to Mr Clarke had also made some gaffes when they had played in the political arena.

Apparently, a faux pas may occur when the pace gets too hot or if a spinner has the ball turning with an occasional googlie to boot.

Braddie, a lover of all sports, regretted having bowled such a sharp, bouncing delivery so early in the innings. And his captain and others tried to lessen the blow by explaining that there was no intent to seriously injure the new batsman.

However, the opposing team is looking to capitalize on this Freudian slip and is hoping that it tips the ball in their favor. Also, former distinguished heavy hitters like Sir Clive Lloyd
and Sir Garfield Sobers had previously stated that cricket needs thinkers who can out-think their opponents, especially when under pressure, and also identify challenges, use strategies, and be flexible. And more leadership skills are required if you were the captain.

It’s more than just batting and bowling.

Because of this unusual circumstance, I hope that something like the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method may not be needed to decide the winner of this knock-out by-election match when stumps are pulled on November 11.

It will be fun to watch this one from the stands. Someone once said that cricket has its glorious uncertainties.

Michael Headley resides in Brooklyn, New York.