Herschelle Gibbs often smiled during tough times on the field. Years have rolled by but his eyes, picking out little things around him, continue to laugh.
This South African, with the spirit of a bohemian, was also tough under his skin. Gibbs formed a formidable partnership with Graeme Smith, the only opening pair in Tests with three 300-plus associations.
In the city recently to coach youngsters as part of Golden Goose’s Ultimate Coaching programme, Gibbs recalled his days, opening the innings with Smith in a chat with The Hindu .
The 42-year old Gibbs said, “When you open with somebody you form a special relationship. You are always walking out together. We practised together. We were close off the field too.”
He added, “Both of us were outgoing. We both partied, perhaps he didn’t do it as often as I used to. Cape Town is very much a party place and people enjoy themselves there. But we worked hard on our cricket, set each other high standards.”
Unique credentialsIndeed, Gibbs and southpaw Smith put on 2983 runs at 56.28 in Tests and 3007 at 41.19 in the ODIs. And their three triple century partnerships – 368 against Pakistan in Cape Town, 338 versus England at Birmingham and 301 at the expense of the West Indies at Centurion – lent the pair unique credentials.
Remembering the early days of their relationship, Gibbs said, “Graeme is about eight years younger to me. When he moved down to Cape Town from Johannesburg, I basically took him under my wings. I saw him develop.”
This was a right-left pair of contrasting heights that made the bowlers constantly change their line and length.
Despite the challenging situations, the two often didn’t talk about cricket during their partnerships. Gibbs said “We wanted to take our mind away from the pressures. Sometimes I would ask him if he had spotted somebody in the crowd worth looking at! We kept it as light-hearted as possible.”
Gibbs said opening the innings on the first morning of a Test was among the most demanding jobs in cricket. “It’s the uncertainly of how much the ball is going to do, how much the wicket is seaming or bouncing and how much the conditions would encourage swing. The battle’s so intense.”
On Smith’s batting Gibbs said, “He was a little more gritty, wasn’t as free flowing as I was. But he batted with a lot of heart.” The light-footed Gibbs was a much better player of spin. Though Test cricket is the “real deal” for him, the mercurial Gibbs was involved in a timeless moment in an ODI. It was when South Africa chased down Australia’s 434 to win the sensational game at the Wanderers in 2006. Gibbs smashed 175 and was involved in a vital 187-run stand, this time for the second wicket, with Smith. “It was a world record chase. There was so much pressure. But I enjoyed the ride. It was an adrenaline rush. It was also so emotional,” said Gibbs.
Shoaib Akhtar was the quickest and the most difficult bowler Gibbs faced as “his action made it tough to pick him”. England was the toughest place to play since the ball both seamed and swung, testing technique and footwork more than in any other country.
The interview over, Gibbs was back smiling. He’s like that, full of life and laughter.
