Kasprowicz has thrilling debut as commentator

Former Aussie speedster Michael Kasprowizc's first game as a commentator in India ends up being memorable

Kasprowicz has thrilling debut as commentator

Former Aussie speedster Michael Kasprowizc's first game as a commentator in India ends up being memorable

Pool ofu00a0thought: Michael Kasprowicz who is on his fourth tour of India for an international series. PIC/GETTY IMAGES

He was rewarded three years later when Adam Gilchrist led Australia to a historic series win in India after a 35-year gap.

After retirement from domestic cricket, Kasprowicz joined the rebel Indian Cricket League that ended prematurely this year.

'Kasper' is back in India. This time as a commentator. "I genuinely love being in India and enjoy the cricket culture here. So when the opportunity came up to do commentary, I couldn't say no," Kasper told MiD DAY yesterday.

Different
"Commentary has been a different experience from playing and it's definitely more comfortable sitting in the air-conditioned room and talking about cricket than playing it," said the Queensland bowler after Australia won by four runs.

"It was my first day and I think it went quite well. There are six more games to go and I am looking forward to them."

A tough competitor on the field, Kasprowicz's friendly nature made him quite popular off it and he's going to use this opportunity to catch up with cricketers he once battled with.

"I keep bumping into Indian cricketers, some of them I have played with and some I know. Before the match today, I met a few of them and we exchanged hellos. But I didn't want to cross a certain line and get very chatty as they would prefer to focus and prepare for the game the way they want to. So it's better not to disturb them," Kasprowicz said.

The burly pacer played a significant role even when Glenn McGrath andu00a0 Jason Gillespie shouldered the attack alongwith young Brett Lee. Kasprowicz's never-say-die-attitude and ability to keep toiling away made him a necessity in several conditions.

And an attitude like his would have surely helped Australia, who are in a transitional phase with most of the big guns gone.

No worries
"It's not easy to replace people like Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and McGrath. But the selectors will be happy that the youngsters are doing a great job.u00a0 They are still the No 1 ODI side and that speaks highly of how the whole transition phase is being handled. It also shows the depth in Australian cricket and it augurs well for the future," Kasper said.

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