To beard or not to beard, that is the question in International cricket - Part I
November has come and gone and so has the month which was dedicated to the moustache. The aptly titled “Movember” movement began in the United Kingdom for a charity to raise awareness for cancer amongst men. The idea was that men
all around the UK would be growing moustaches from the 1st of November and by the end of the month, the men would shave it off.
The Movember movement endorser, Kevin Pietersen- England’s flamboyant cricket star -was the one who introduced the movement to the cricketing world. The revolution caught up and moustaches were seen everywhere on the pitch.
So when the moustaches were taking over, how could we forget about the formidable beards of international cricketers?
The beard is considered to be something that reveals the heroic image of an independent, determined and a gladiator-esque man. And aren’t cricketers gladiators with their sword like bats and their armour like pads?
Here’s a look at some of the most flowing beards in cricket, manes that give us something to talk about other than the cricketres play on the field.
W.G. Grace
Whenever there is a beard, there is Mr. Grace. His chin was held high with utmost prestige, with his contributions to first-class cricket. He was an all-rounder in the true sense but one thing that stood out was his long, bushy
beard. J.K Rowling is rumoured to have taken the inspiration for Dumbledore’s beard from Mr. Grace himself.
When he slouched a bit at the crease, the bowlers would be astounded with the shiny glare of his flowing locks. Grace is credited to have introduced the batting style that is copied in modern times. A doctor by profession, Grace
and his chums also invented the art of sledging. He was a true leader as he led his team to the pitch like they were fighting a small war. His batting and bowling was surely impressive yet his beard was the one that pulled in the crowds .
Mike Brearley
The former England captain is up next who charmed his way into the 1979 Ashes. Ok, so well he did not actually steer his team to win the urn but he certainly changed his clean shaven look to intimidate the opposition. It was not
long and silky rather it was bushy and the Ayatollah-inspired look failed to provide the psychological upper hand that England needed. The abrasive appearance however was received with Aussie taunts and backfired as England slumped to a 0-3 defeat. But the
beard looked good on him.
Ian Botham
Sir Botham might be battling it out in the car park with his long time enemy and rival Ian Chappell, but his neat and always trimmed beard gave him a soft look on the field. Known as “Beefy” he always was found with a neat moustache
but the way he flirted with the beard gave the Englishmen a certain rough edge that he used to glorify his credentials.
(To be continued)
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