IND vs ENG: Former Indian cricketer, Mohammad Kaif, recently shared a stunning insight into an exchange with former England captain Nasser Hussain during the memorable NatWest Trophy of 2002. The episode he recounted has brought back memories of one of India’s most iconic cricketing triumphs and has added a new layer to the lore.
The Background:
Mohammad Kaif recalled an incident during the NatWest Trophy where Nasser Hussain, the then captain of the England cricket team, sledged him with the taunt of being just a “bus driver”. Such remarks are a part of the mental game teams play, trying to get under the skin of opponents, but they often remain behind closed doors.
A Recall of the Iconic Match:
IND vs ENG: In 2002, the Indian cricket team, under Sourav Ganguly, pulled off a spectacular win against England in the NatWest Trophy final. The unforgettable image from that win was Ganguly’s jubilant celebration, waving his shirt in the air from the balcony of the revered Lord’s. The English team, propelled by stellar centuries from opener Mark Trescothick and captain Nasser Hussain, had set a daunting target of 326 runs.
The Heroic Chase:
Facing a colossal target, the Indian team was initially on the back foot, losing half its side for just 146 runs in less than 25 overs. However, the match witnessed a dramatic turn with the exceptional partnership between Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif. Their 121-run stand brought India back into contention. After Yuvraj’s dismissal at 69 runs, Kaif displayed resilience, holding the fort with an unbeaten 87, leading India to one of its most celebrated ODI victories.
Revisiting the Memory in 2023:
IND vs ENG: While commentating during the 2023 World Cup’s India vs. England match in Lucknow, Kaif was taken down memory lane by Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian team. Reminiscing about the NatWest Trophy, Kaif shared the sledging incident, revealing Hussain’s words: “You’ll probably be driving a bus, maybe taking Sachin Tendulkar on board.”
Kaif’s Fitting Retort:
Kaif humorously added that his command over the English language was limited back in the day. However, despite that, he managed to craft a fitting reply to Hussain, reminding him that actions, not words, dictate the outcome on the cricket field.
IND vs ENG: Kaif’s recollection brings to light the underlying mental battles in the sport, emphasizing that the spirit of cricket is not just about skill and strategy but also mental fortitude and the ability to rise above adversity.
Image Credit – firstpost
