In recognition of DD’s great show
BOOKS written by West Indies cricketers are not as common as their English and Australian counterparts. And when you acquire an old one authored by a West Indian written over 50 years ago, consider it very rare like Cricket Crackers by Learie Constantine – later Sir Learie.

Nostalgia: Of Dattaram Hindlekar (left), Learie Constantine (right) wrote that the Indian wicketkeeper on the 1946 tour of England spent most of that summer, when he appeared in practically all matches the touring side played, by rubbing liniment into bruises which covered him almost from head to foot

Constantine played 18 Tests between 1928 and 1939 and was a distinguished lawyer and politician. He fought a good fight to eradicate blatant racial discrimination.

From Lala Amarnath to Vizzy, Constantine’s book has mention of Indian cricketers. A fascinating story is related about Dattaram Hindlekar, India’s wicketkeeper on the 1946 tour of England which was witnessed by Constantine. He wrote: “He appeared in practically all the matches the touring side played, although he was the oldest member of the team, and I happen to know he spent most of that summer, when he was off the field rubbing liniment into bruises which covered him almost from head to foot.

His fieldsmen were sometimes wild and always eager and yet he patiently interposed his body or limbs to prevent overtthrows and extra runs. He made some extraordinary catches during the tour.” Hindlekar didn’t play for India again and ended his career as a four-Test man.

His lifespan was short too. He died at 40.