Respect Ambassador Courtney Walsh

RECENTLY, AMBASSADOR Courtney Walsh was denied entry into Sabina Park because he did not have a pass and he was not recognised by a security guard. According to the newscast, the president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Lindel Wright, said Walsh could have telephoned a member of the JCA executive and it would have been resolved. In addition, someone had a pass for Walsh. Walsh added he would have gone to pick up the pass if he knew who had it. However, the pass should have been sent to him. Walsh deserves more respect.

It was, therefore, unfortunate that TVJ's 'Sports Commentary' with Oral Tracey blamed Ambassador Walsh. It was a joke gone too far. The commentary was not in sync with TVJ's sportscast, which showed Walsh willing to go the extra mile.

And to make matters worse, Wright's apology was not unequivocal but had mitigating circumstances which were not valid as the onus should be on the JCA to get a pass to Walsh. There was no need for Walsh to call anyone or to go for the pass. Since a section of the cricket mecca, Sabina Park, is named after Walsh, then certain courtesies should be extended to him. A photograph of Walsh should be erected beside his name at Sabina Park. He should also be given a permanent pass to the facility along with a guest of his choice. He should also have two reserved seats marked for him in the President's Box and a similar thing should be done for Ambassador Michael Holding and guest. Preferably, the greats should have their seats side by side.

Walsh made his Test debut against Australia in 1984 and played his last Test match against South Africa in Jamaica, in 2001. I was there. He and Curtly Ambrose formed one of the most feared bowling attacks in world cricket. Walsh was known as a workhorse bowler and is the only fast bowler to have bowled over 5,000 overs in Test cricket. In addition, Walsh and Glenn McGrath of Australia are the only fast bowlers to have taken 500 or more Test wickets. Walsh is a colossal in world cricket.

Walsh is also famous for his sportsmanlike gesture of not running out last batsman Saleem Jaffar of Pakistan in a World Cup match in 1987, which cost the West Indies the match and a place in the semi-finals. Walsh was honoured for that sportsman-like behaviour by the United Nations. It is not necessary to make the ambassador appear as if he lacks class.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES

Walsh has many outstanding perform-ances. He, along with Brian Lara, batted for hours to save a Test match against Australia. Who can forget the ball he bowled to Craig McDermott to get McDermott out and prevent Australia from defeating us? Who can forget the Test match against South Africa at Sabina Park when Walsh and Jimmy Adams bowled us to victory? Who can forget his bowling performance in New Zealand? Or when, as captain, he threw wind to caution in going for victory and drew a series on the Asian continent?

Walsh has taken 519 wickets in 132 Test matches. He is not at Sabina Park only to watch Test matches, but he supports the national team and he should be treated with respect.

I cannot recall whether it was when Walsh took 500 wickets or most wickets in Tests or his last wicket that Curtly Ambrose bowed playfully to him. We should show homage and respect Ambassador Courtney Walsh and hopefully have him return to Sabina.

The Reverend Devon Dick, PhD, is pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew and author of 'Rebellion to Riot: The Jamaican Church in Nation Building', and 'The Cross and the Machette'. Send comments to columns@gleanerjm.com.