Postcard (13 April 1999)

13 April 1999

Postcard

from Justin Langer

Dale's illness big blow to our World Cup hopes

I was shocked to hear the news of Adam Dale's return to Australia with pneumonia. His illness is a monumental blow for the good guys who will be using the seven one-day internationals in the Windies as a solid preparation for the World Cup. During the final Test match in Antigua, 'Chippen' definitely wasn't himself throughout the whole game. He seemed low on energy and his bowling seemed to lack the extra 'zip' off the wicket that has made him so successful over the last few seasons. All of his team-mates were concerned about his wellbeing but he simply shrugged it off as "nothing to worry about".

Looking back, 'Chip' didn't look all that well and you could tell by his demeanour that something was worrying him. As it has turned out he was obviously very ill, leading me to now think that his effort to play the fourth Test was an incredible one.

It is a shame for 'Chip', and for that matter Australian cricket, that he has been struck down with this illness. Throughout the tour, no one worked harder than the Victorian Queenslander. He was very fit leading up to the final Test and I know he was working extra hard to ready himself for the World Cup. He has forged himself a reputation as being one of the most consistent one-day bowlers going around and I think he will be shattered if he is not available for the World Cup starting next month. I hope he makes a speedy recovery because he is one person who truly deserves all the success that comes his way.

I am not sure whether his absence was the reason behind the good guys losing the first one-day international but I am sure it wouldn't have helped. Without he and Glenn McGrath opening the bowling, BJ, Flem, Paul Reiffel, Shane Lee and 'Barman' Bichel are going to have to lift a gear to ensure that our batsmen aren't chasing too many runs against the strong West Indian bowling line-up. Although the boys lost the first one, there is still six matches to go and I am sure it won't be long until the Aussies are playing their best one-day cricket.

From London, JL