Taking in the dazzling beauty of Scotland

Source: Gulf News     Date: July 27, 2003

Only taking part in the National Cricket League for Scotland this summer means that unlike the last time I was here playing for Kent, I have had long breaks in between games which means one has the chance to not only get a bit of training and fitness work in but also to travel a bit seeing the sights and sounds of this beautiful country.

Scottish cricket has been very keen to use this year as a chance to raise the profile of the game all over the country and try and grab the attention of not only the sponsors and spectators but also the young kids, especially in the northern part of Scotland where though the sport is hugely popular as a community sport, something you do on Saturdays, but is struggling to take of in a more serious fashion.

They have organised a number of coaching days and events all over the country and I have travelled along with some of their coaches to try and help generate interest and convert some of the boys and girls to cricket followers. These journeys have taken me to some beautiful places in the north of Scotland like Inverness and through the beautiful locks that are supposed to be the home of the famous Loch ness monster and Focabers along the Spey River which is famous for its soups, fishing and drinks, though not necessarily in that order!

Fly fishing for salmon is very popular in these parts and I jumped on the chance to try and catch a few fish. But it's a lot harder then it seems and there is a genuine skill to it which takes a lot longer then one day to master, but just spending a day wading in a river with beautiful settings and glorious weather was a fantastic experience, even though I didn't feel that 'tug' of the fish that is a drug to the regular fisherman.

The Loch Ness monster also remained hidden in the depths in spite of our best efforts in trying to spot it and get 'the picture'. For me, spending a few days amongst the beauty of nature sure beats the lights and sounds of any big city and some of my happiest days have been spent trying to find tigers in the forests in Karnataka.

On the other hand, the Indian 'A' team on tour in the UK, I'm sure, has had only cricket on their mind and the have performed really well on the tour here. All the batsmen have been amongst the runs and the fast bowlers have taken wickets regularly.

I spent a few hours with them at The Oval and they also seemed a very happy side and looked like they were enjoying the tour, which is most important. They will gain from the experience none more than the two youngest members, Parthiv Patel and Ambati Rayadu. Thanks to these 'A' tours and constant exposure its fantastic to see how confident and mature these young kids are.

Both of them at a young age have already travelled extensively (before being selected to the Indian team I had travelled abroad just once with the 'A' team to Kenya) and have been exposed to various conditions. These tours can only be good for them and Indian cricket especially if they go on to fulfill the potential and talent that they so obviously possess and become the future leaders.

I would have liked though, for the Indian 'A' team, is to have played at least a few games against an England 'A' side or the like. Unfortunately, due to the long season, counties seem to view these games as a chance to rest their main players and give some of the second team boys a hit.