On the death of ‘Freddie’ Trueman

"He's an old friend of mine, I've known him all my life and I've got no doubt he is the greatest English fast bowler there has ever been and he would be in my top six of all-time." Michael Parkinson English chat show king

Every now and again the subject of cricket sneaks its way into our political social commentaries. Occasionally your correspondent will draw on the noble game for an analogy, cricket is full of analogies. Sometimes cricket is used as a gentle stick to beat your correspondent around the ears.

However the subject comes up it carries, for me at least, a depth of meaning and ‘grounding’ well beyond any status as a game.

Cricket is far more than the sum of its parts, the paraphernalia, the arcane rules; it is a sport which has bought to the fore some truly remarkable people.

I could list many, and of course, many Australians. But it is the magic of cricket, that fierce partisanship does not cloud the deep respect for an honourable opponent.

To listen to Australian and England fans talking about each other raises visions of all our religious war, take no prisoners, give no quarter.

The animosity is deep and abiding; games played over half a century ago still raise blood pressure and ill-will; but the heroes of the game transcend those emotions, forever being seen for who they are, not who they play for.

‘Freddie’ Trueman was such a man, a hero. Parkinson’s words will strike a deep personal note with many, many Australians.
I met Trueman once, briefly, at an airport. It was a magic unforgettable experience. He was a magic unforgettable man. He was, in a strange sort of way, a friend to all cricket lovers.

In later years I would listen to five days of radio match broadcast, enjoying Trueman’s commentary as much or more than the game itself. Cricket is a multi-layered experience.

He was a great bowler, but he was much more. I can happily let go of the fact that England beat us in the last Ashes encounter (the high church of cricket, the Holy Grail!). That the Ashes were in England when Trueman dies is a fitting tribute, one most Australian fans will readily accept.

But watch out next time Poms, the pressure will be back on, because Freddie Trueman can only be properly honoured by the two old enemies donning the whites and playing like nothing else in the world matters except winning the Ashes.