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Cricket and curry

Don't let temptation make your eating habits go for a six, advises Courtney Walsh

ALL FOR EATING THE RIGHT FOOD Courtney Walsh enjoying a meal

For Courtney Walsh, the legendary West Indian fast bowler, still as fit as ever, proper diet is the most important aspect of a sportsman's preparation, as significant as his training.

"At the international level, you need to be at your best and that can come from proper training and eating habits," says the soft-spoken Walsh.

Back home, in `rough' Kingston, where Blue Mountain coffee is a rage as much as the Appleton rum, Walsh still takes care not to go astray with his eating.

"I am a simple man with simple eating schedule. I eat whenever I feel hungry. I don't follow any fixed schedule. I begin with a heavy breakfast and take light stuff as the day progresses. Fruits are always welcome, for you need strength to keep you going," stresses Walsh, known to bowl best against the best.

Curry goat

At the Marylebone Cricket Club, where Walsh learnt his cricket, veteran Caribbean cricket writer Tony Becca revealed that Indian food was a big hit.

"We have a dish called curry goat. It goes great with rice and is very popular with our members," Becca had said welcoming some of us, including a few cricketers, during India's tour of the West Indies in 2002.

Walsh's eyes light up at the mention of curry goat. "I like it a lot. It is not as spicy as the curry you make here. It is prepared to suit our palate and is a fantastic dish. One of my favourites," he says.

At the Sabina Park, you need to place an order before the start of play at the Kingston Cricket Club for a plate of curry goat to be delivered in the press box at lunch. Often the restaurant runs out of this popular dish. Says Walsh, "fish is my favourite, but I take extra care with seafood when I am travelling. I like Indian food. I like daal, roti, naan with curries that are not spicy. I like butter chicken but not too hot, not the vindaloo (very spicy) kind. Call me home, but serve me mild curries. I love Indian curry."

Seafood warning

Talking of sea food, one remembers 1993 when England skipper Graham Gooch and Mike Gatting missed a Test at the Chepauk; they had indulged in heavy sea food the previous night and were laid low from the heavy intake, quite similar to Dilip Vengsarkar missing the World Cup semi-final in 1987 at Bombay.

"No seafood during the match at all," warns the affable Jamaican.

"During match days, one has to take special care. I learnt it during my English county circuit. Cold food can be hard at times. You can't take chances by having a variety of food, but coffee, believe me, is a great refreshing drink."

How about milk as nourishment, for Kapil advocates it as the best potion for building strength?

"Nothing wrong as long as you know what suits your system. Proper eating habit is a must, because it helps you perform better. For an international cricketer, a lesson in this regard is compulsory," observes Walsh, who ruled world cricket with his incisive bowling that fetched him 519 Test wickets and a place in the game's history as a great role model.

VIJAY LOKAPALLY

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