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Match referee: role of a cool job
By Shamseer Jaleel
This is the most difficult and responsible job done by an individual in involving International cricket. But most of the spectators watching the game think that this is a cool job.

The following are a few things that a Match Referee is answerable to International Cricket Council (ICC). The day before the match (whether it is One day or Test match) the match referee is supposed to meet the team Captains, Managers of the 2 teams and the umpires involved in the match. At this meeting they discuss the playing conditions.

On this day the match referee goes through the practice facilities for the players, state of the ground whether it is suitable to play an international match, safe for the players, security arrangements, catering, dressing room facilities for the players and umpires.

The referee should also familiarise with the technology of the producing Television Company. Referee arrives at least 1 hour before the match to check that everything is fine for the start of the match. Then 30 minutes before the match the referee has to supervise the toss and also by this time they should have exchanged the teams. After the toss no Captain can change his teams.

Once the match starts he sits with the 3rd umpire (TV umpire) and watch each and every ball live. The referee's role is to see that it is played according to the laws of the game and as well as good spirit.

The referee should be a good communicator, working with all players, fellow umpires. If any unwanted event happens he has to conduct an inquiry according to the rules and regulations of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He can punish players according to the seriousness of the fault starting from Warning, Reduction of match fee, Suspending for future matches.

At the end of the day he has to update the 2 Captains how the day went such as unwanted incidents, over rates etc. He also meets the umpires. After everything is over he has to send a report to ICC on how the match went.

Sri Lanka should be very proud of producing one of the Match Referee's - none other than Ranjan Madugalle who is respected by all players as well as officials. He is the most senior Match Referee to date. He received his primary education at Trinity College and then ended at Royal College.

Producing another master blaster
Having the opportunity to speak a few words to Virendra Shewag during the recent ICC Champions Trophy tournament, my initial impression was that here was quite a shy, unassuming, uncomplicated character. His speech does not portray him as the man who can fearlessly tame the quickest of pace bowlers in the world.

Compare the Indian with Sri Lanka's two top young batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara and there is a noticeable difference. The two Sri Lankans have as much flair, talent and ability. Shewag defeats them for consistency and the manner in which he tears an attack apart when in full cry.

The twenty four year old is employed as an Assistant Administrative Officer in the Oil and Natural Gas Company, when not playing cricket. A similar situation that most of the Sri Lankans are in. An avenue to fall back on should they not be able to continue playing at the highest level. That will not be so for this youngster from Delhi. He has cemented a place in both the Test and One Day side with some sterling performances. Cricketers in India are also in much demand for appearing on TV commercials.

During the recent months it is reported that Shewag has been involved in shooting five commercials! Financial rewards and stardom that follow success. Competition for places in the Indian Team is very high, particularly in the batting department.

Therefore, consistency becomes a key word. Consistency at test levels is the ultimate qualifier in judging a batsman. Although still early days, when Shewag reached his tenth test match he had notched up three tons in three different parts of the world. A century scored in every third test match is certainly an ample beginning to launch a career to someday rank amongst the best.

The centuries have been against some top class attacks too. The first came against Shaun Pollock and co. in Bloemfontein. The next was against a highly inspired England attack at Nottingham midway this year. In the opening test against the West Indies a few weeks ago the diminutive right-hander carved a test best 147 in 207 deliveries with 24 boundaries and three sixers. He is definitely on the correct track. The Godfather of Indian batting, Sunil Gavaskar had offered him a piece of advice.

A batsman should give the first hour to the bowler. After all a bowler too is a competitor on the field. You give him the first hour and the rest would be yours. Once you overcome the initial stage, batting becomes a joy at any level. One can dictate terms by batting sensibly at the start and the bat will find the ball far more comfortable. It may sound basic but that is a formula that all great batsman have tested and found to be a time tested remedy.

Shewag has always gone out and played his natural game, which is based on plenty of attacking strokes. A word on coaching: Coaching is important to a young player who wishes to improve his game. But this must be limited to a deep knowledge of the basic principles of each department of the game. Thereafter the player must be left on his own to reproduce his own interpretation and individual character, so adding variety and spice to the general enjoyment of the game. Very broad based but practically so sound.

Virender Shewag has put in plenty of work to reach his present position. Losing weight, developing his batting against pace bowling, making runs when the opposition is in command, have fortified his game. He has become a role model for batsmen in this sub-continent to follow. He has converted natural talent to runs, runs and more runs.

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