Eden Gardens will make its 2011 debut today and kolkatans are not the only ones celebrating
Eden Gardens will make its 2011 debut today and kolkatans are not the only ones celebrating
Even though Corrie van Zyl has not played at Eden Gardens, the venue has a special place in the heart of the South African coach.
Having made his first-class debut during the apartheid era, Van Zyl had a delayed start to his international career, which meant that he missed out on the South Africa's historic visit to India in 1991-92 that marked their return to cricketing fold.
The Clive Rice-led team played three one-day internationals, including two at the venue, which will mark its 2011 World Cup debut today by hosting South Africa and Ireland.
Van Zyl eventually made his international debut when the South Africans toured the Caribbean later that season. But after playing in only two ODIs, his career came to an end, leaving his dream of playing in the 'City of Joy' unfulfilled. "Yes, I missed the bus that time. After that trip (to India), I got selected for the national side," the South African coach told MiD DAY.
"I know this is the ground where we returned to international cricket. Eden Gardens is a special place to play cricket. Everybody has heard about Eden Gardens.
"When we came here last year to play a Test match, the stadium was half-filled. It looks good. We are looking forward to the game."
