Planet "M"

He was named the best Under-19 cricketer by the BCCI for the 2012-13 season. After that, his performance with Kings XI Punjab brought him the Emerging Player trophy for the 2014 edition of IPL. He took a five-wicket haul in his second only first-class match against Delhi last year; whilst his performance with the Under-23 team helped India win the 2013 ACC Emerging Teams Cup.

Coming from the ranks of Junior cricket with gradual transformation to the Senior side, Gujarat’s Akshar Patel has a lot to promise with both bat and ball.

An admirer of batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, cricket never came as the first choice to the lanky southpaw spinner. When Akshar expressed his wish to become an engineer, it was actually his father who forced him to play cricket seriously.

Since his First-Class debut in 2012 to the ongoing India-Sri Lanka series, he capitalized the chances given to him. Be it the 2013/14 Ranji season with Gujarat or the debut IPL season with KXIP this year – his performance in the One Day Internationals made everyone a fan of him.

He has 29 First-Class wickets to his name with an impressive economy of 2.10 whereas his best bowling figure stands at 7/75 – all that from just 8 matches.

Talk about his performance in the shortest format of the game, his bowling average falls at 22.52 in comparison with 24.10 that he manages in the First-Class cricket.

While his bowling records impress equally in the List A career, his batting ability lower-down the order often comes handy. It was seen during the Quadrangular series finale – in August this year – where he and Rishi Dhawan paired to add 93 runs for the seventh wicket that thumped Australia A in a close encounter at Marrara Oval in Australia.

The same kind of hitting he did during the 1st ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Barabati Stadium of Cuttack: scored 14 off just 4 balls that he faced, out of which two went on for sixes as India put 363/5 on board after brilliant centuries from Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan for the first wicket.

His bowling figure of 3/40 in the 3rd ODI at Hyderabad even left R Ashwin shy of him who managed just one at the expense of 43 runs. Note that Akshar Patel bowled a maiden over too.

At the age of just 20, Akshar Patel, however, has had a brilliant start to his career. While it may be too early to comment on his all-rounding ability, especially his comparison with Ravindra Jadeja for an ODI slot, performing at the international level is one thing and staying there while improvising your own game is another.

But when he said “I have set a goal, to play for India when I am 23 or 24, and I am working towards that” in an interview last year, it can be assumed he knows his game even better.

The other two Quarter-finalists would be decided by today’s Group League matches from Group A and Group B.

As the tournament is ideally famous for pioneering young cricketers, and history books have recorded many examples of it, let’s dig out the hat-tricks of the U19 World Cup so far.

Belongs to a rare breed of cricketers – Left arm spin or Chinaman, this 19-year-old has been a hot topic of discussion everywhere for a while. In a group match against Scotland U19, he grabbed three wickets from three consecutive deliveries; thus, acclaimed the title of first indian to have a hat-trick in Under-19 WC history.

The UP born dismissed Nick Farrar, Kyle Stirling and Alex Baum to achieve this feat; his bowling card reads: 4/28 with an economy of 2.80.

Coming from the Brett Lee’ hometown – Sydney, Australia – Harry Conway did an absolute blunder for Nepal U19 in the 2012 World Cup. The 6.5 feet tall was well supported by fellow-bowlers to ensure a commendable win of Australia by 212 runs - restricting Nepal below 25 overs.

The then 19-year-old bagged wickets of Pradeep Airee, Naresh Budayair and Prithu Baskota by shattering their off-stump in quick successions. He finished with 3/15 from six overs.

An admirer of Dale Steyn and Wasim Akram, Kamran Islam Rabbi of Bangladesh played a pivotal role, alongside his team-mate Alauddin Babu, in the Plate final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2010 against Ireland. Defending a marginal total of 307 runs, Tigers wrapped Irish innings in the 39th over, won by 195 runs.

A frontline pacer of his side, Kamran took only 4.5 overs to complete his hat-trick – wrapping the tail of Irish-innings, dismissing Shane Getkate, Eddie Richardson and Craig Young. Kamran wishes to become a forest officer, if he can’t excel as a professional cricketer.

Note: List compelled from the match data available on the net.

How fancy it would be to get something before dreaming it? And what if the same dream turns true as soon as you open your eyes? Darn mind-boggling or freaky fascinating?

Today, let’s start the conversation from conception to a fortune. Take a visit from the lanes of a fairy tale to the streets of majesty and learn the art of preservation through persisting it.

Scene 1:

To start with, let me take you back to February 2009. Team India had left for New Zealand for a packed series of 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 2 T20s.

With triumphs over the Kangaroos (2-0), Englishmen (1-0) and Proteas (1-0) in Tests at home, 16 men were drafted to be led by MS Dhoni. A confident Indian camp started their tour with two T20 defeats. Courtesy the home team, Kiwis displayed marvelous game of cricket. Nevertheless, the Indians summed up the series with kudos. Further, rewards were firmly credited on account of the skipper; breaking a 41-year jinx in Tests for a visiting Indian side.

The conception:

March 8, 2009 – Third ODI of the series. The ground was Christchurch. Precisely well known for its brief boundary – just 53m from the center. Had not Tendulkar been retired hurt, the day could have become the double century day. Sachin amassed 163 off 206; resulted India won the match by popping a discussion behind them whether 200 is possible in ODIs or not?

A fairy tale:

March 11, 2009 – Fourth ODI of the series. The venue shifted to Hamilton and Sehwag took the commanding charge after falling short in last 4 matches. Destiny willing, he remained not out with 125 runs whilst India finished at 201/0 in reply of 270/6 by NZ in a rain-marred encounter. Thus, a pause took place until 2010.

However, then the Indian Test team was quite muscled – have gotten a witty sharp captain, the opening slot had a blazing flair and middle order was enriched with experience; the bowling department, too, was fizzy. The absence of Kumble and Ganguly didn’t reflect since the results were highly productive.

Scene 2:

Later, as scripted, time chaired its place. Indians continued enjoying triumphs of sweet sweat until 2010 where Proteas served the outrageous dish of sour grapes – first Test defeat under Dhoni’s captaincy; unbeaten since his debut, a record holder with 11 Tests (8 wins and 3 draws) and the only one so far yet.

Despite sketching a drawback on skipper, the guests were renowned by Sachin Tendulkar in the similar fashion. And the following year, the world witnessed Sehwag replicating the same but against the West Indies. Thankfully, there was no Dhoni on both the occasions.

Fortune:

Better known as ‘the double century day’, February 24, 2010 registered by the landmark of first double hundred in ODI history. And who other than Sachin would be better to do this honour.

The majesty:

Following the legacy of Sachin, Virender Sehwag, on December 8, 2011 surpassed the highest ever ODI total by a batsman – rattled the Windies by a brutal inning of 219 runs.

However you would say – a coincidence or a chase, it ends the same way it started back then. To be honest, I always wished Sehwag to achieve it at first. But trust me, excepting the 200-run feat for him couldn’t amazed me more than one get’s fascinated with the Sachin one.

Scene 3:

With remarks to the captain, for the kudos and the cameos, Dhoni started with a richly experienced side in Whites, which included everything to make a better team. In return, the entire fraternity bows down evenly. On twist, especially in this transition phase, he is unleashing his own experience to be a better leader, where not each player has gelled well together and which invited a lot of criticism, questions and an arguable debate.

Amid of all those limelight and floodlights, the puzzle somewhere missing him a morale-boosting long inning; not only to get him into the groove, but also to re-energized this down Indian team.

The art of preservation:

A fitted 5’9” tall frame, named MS Dhoni, has cemented a distinctive space through sheer hard work. Always the golden son of lady luck and credited as ‘the most applauded Indian captain’ by the former greats and ‘the best ever brand’ after Sachin Tendulkar’s to the corporate world.

Persistence:

Numerous records, captaincy benchmarks, leading the so-called Maharaja-stature team India (read as a weak fielding side) at the helm of world cricket; followed by the awful disastrous away tours to England and Australia – MS Dhoni has tasted a 360 degree captaincy experience in his given career.

By keeping in mind the perks and glitz of backyard series, history sound so aesthetic; until and unless a defeat soak-in the joyous moisture.

Since the end of 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, the Indian cricket has seen a range of drastic changes – not only in the dressing room environment but also in the on-field attitude. The composure was quite refreshing for the fans and so has been the outcome.

With Dhoni’s maiden Test Double in the 1st Test, on February 24, 2013, which eventually turned the table for the Indians, here wishing the return of good days in Indian cricket.

Similarly, if existence of a specific thing last for long; it is impossible to neglect its impact collectively. For say, the Aussie effect on cricket.

Though it’s a separate topic of debate whether women’s cricket is too awkwardly forgotten or men’s cricket is ridiculously commercialized on a scale of recognition. But on account of conquering the most prestigious title – the World Cup, Australia hardly outshone.

Be it their Men’s team or the Women’s one – it seems like every entity meticulously flourished with great intensity of ‘quest for win’.

Cricket, in a vast context, is a male dominated sport. However, the first women’s cricket team formed in 1745 – approximately 100 years prior to the first official International match – played between Canada and United States in 1844 and the very first International Test match between England and Australia in 1877.

Nevertheless, regarding the Australians, both men and women cricketers are equally enchanted in every cricket street. Not for the ‘cunning game,’ they use to script on a specific day, but also for the agility and level of fitness at any given moment.

In the recently concluded ICC Women Cricket World Cup 2013, in India, the Australian Women Team ended up as the 6th time title winner. Overall, it is the 10th feature in the elusive Australian Cricket Cabinet. What a tendency!

At a glance, Australian Captains and the World Cups:

Women’s Cricket Team: won 6/10 from 1973-2013.

Margaret Jennings – 1978
Sharon Tredrea – 1982
Lyn Larsen – 1988
Belinda Clark – 1997
Karen Rolton – 2005
Jodie Fields – 2013

Men’s Cricket Team: won 4/10 from 1975-2011.

“A generous Umpire who shared a good rapport with every individual and, unarguably, the best man to handle match-pressure and game rivalry at the same time with equal calmness; Simon will always be lauded as  the most respected umpire in the players’ fraternity!” Writes Monika Arora

On Jan 26, 2012 he headed to US for a treatment and then on Feb 5, 2012 reports came about his Cancer saying "Yuvi having Chemotherapy in US, diagnosed with cancer"

A description of Yuvraj's Lung Cancer. Source: Dainik Bhaskar.

Though, when the news of his tumour came into media, it was enough for cricket world to get shocked as he is the Man of the Tournament in the recently concluded 2011 WC - where India recreated history! The man, who had stupendous WC memories, is now fighting with cancer.

But the question now raised is that, is this one day's story - first tumour, then some therapies, later sudden move to US followed by a Cancer?

Actually NO. Former Indian cricketer and Yuvi's father, Yograj Singh, said that all the family members were aware of this news from past two years. He signalled the 2009 T20 match against Sri Lanka where Yuvi hitted a dashing  half-century with 4 huge sixes. He was coughing that time badly, if you noticed. (Let me say, it was Prince's Birthday too)

As we all know that he is a fighter and earlier too did successful comeback for the national side as well, time now for fans to boost-up his strength. Give a big shout for his come-back on the ground, just like you did during Chemo process! Although, Yuvi himself did a part of that too. He has read famed Cyclist and 7-consecutive time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong's Autobiography "It's Not About The Bike: My Journey Back To Life" - the book which in itself is an Ocean of Motivation. Clearly, it's not too far when we advice Yuvraj to hit like that or so, while watching him on TV screens once again! Just stay ready for ACTION.

Before you'll get busy in talking over Yuvraj, let me take you on ride of some successive stories of players and personalities from Sports field, who survived after cancer and played the rest of game in themselves. (kindly fasten your seat-belts please) There we go :

Lance Armstrong

Mario Lemieux

          Dreamer of Audi Q7, JP Yadav finds his bowling ability a worth one instead of batting skills and describe it as "Due to the ability of getting the red cherry of cricket swing, I'm termed as the Badshah of red ball by my Ranji team-mates"

          But very less people know that this former Indian all-rounder defeated cancer much before his International Debut. In 2000, he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour above his heart, all this at a young age of 21. His world went in dark after knowing such deadly disease at this stage of career where he has everything to conquer through his own ability for his first love - CRICKET.

          But he didn't stop there. Believer of "Work is Worship", strong willed JP underwent three cycles of chemo. With the support of family and true efforts of doctors at Tata Memorial Hospital, JP won the fight of cancer after lost valuable 15 kilos of an all-rounder.

JP (right) with MS Dhoni

          Soon after, he resumed cricket within a month of his third chemo cycle, played domestic cricket for MP and got the ticket for International Debut in 2002. He was the first super sub of the Indian Team. He represents India in 12 ODIs, won Ranji Trophy with Railways Cricket Team and Duleep Trophy with Central zone in 2004-05 domestic seasons.
          After lacking chances in 50-overs format, JP tried his luck in shortest format of the game in ICL with Delhi Giants in 2007 which later recognised as 'unauthorized cricket league' by BCCI.
          JP's halted cricket career later granted amnesty by BCCI in June 2009 along with many other ICL players who have been declared eligible for domestic cricket in India.

          "He is a fighter and I'm certain he'll win this battle, especially with the improvements in medicine and the resources at his disposal", said yadav, who earlier represent India in 2005 alongside with yuvi, on Yuvraj.

6. Andy Flower (Cricketer - ZIMBABWE)

Andy Flower

          Andrew Flower (Andy Flower for everyone) is in himself is a multinational cricketer. Born in South Africa, have played for Zimbabwe and now coaching English National side since May 2007, from Assistant coach to full time team Director.
          Made his ODI debut for Zimbabwe in 1992 WC, nicknamed as 'Petals', Andy is one of the reckoning player of unspectacular Zimbabwe side. An inventive stroke player - Andy, who has kept Zimbabwe's glows for more than 10 years, is one of the best players of spin bowling in the world. He scored 540 runs, from four innings and was dismissed twice, in a test series v India in 2000/01 -  most runs by a wicket-keeper in a series on a losing side. Such a countable performance by a player from a minnow team - Zimbabwe.
         Being a prolific wicket-keeper batsman - Andy, as a captain too, has moments to treasure - led Zim to their first test win v Pak; first Zim captain to lead a test tour of England in England in 2000. Even, before world will come to know Gilly (Adam GilChrist), it was Andy who defined the archetypal wicket-keeper batsman.
          As his International career began with Cricket WC, so as it brought the ending. In 2003 Cricket WC, Andy and his team-mate Henry Olonga protested against the policies of Zimbabwe's Govt., what they called 'death of Democracy' in Zimbabwe, by wearing black arm bands. This act brought pre-mature retirement of his fantabulous cricket career. Later he moved to play an English County Cricket Season for Essex and Australian Domestic Season for South Australia.
          In 2005, Flower Power, the combination of Andy and his brother Grant - the mainstay of Zimbabwe batting for a decade, became the first brothers to score first-class centuries for the country in the same innings while playing for Essex.
          Being an International Cricketer, Andy,  who redefined Zimbabwe cricket, holds many Zimbabwean records under his belt - most Test career runs, most ODI career runs and the highest test batting average. He is the only Zimbabwean in ICC's Top 100 All-time Test Batting rankings at Number 28. His aggregate score of 341 in the first test v SA in 2001 is the highest by a wicket-keeper bat on a losing side.
          Soon after Andy retired from competitive cricket in 2006/07, the 2002 Wisden Cricketer of the year was appointed Assistant Coach of England Cricket Team. Later in 2009, he replaced Peter Moores as England's full time team director - Head Coach.
          In November 2010, this flourished Zimbabwe batsman was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma under his right eye - a version of skin cancer. He underwent for surgery and within next 2-3 days, he re-joined the team after the successful removal of cancerous growth.
          Under his coaching, England won two Ashes campaigns, home and away, their First Twenty20 WC (even the first Cricket WC trophy) and became the #1 test team after much-anticipated test series v India last year in 2011. In BBC Sports Personality of Year awards (2011), he was named as 'Coach of the year' whereas his English side won 'BBC team of the year'.

7. Dave Callaghan (Cricketer - South Africa)

Dave Callaghan

          Born in SA, David John Callaghan, is a right hand batsman and also a handy pacer. Though, his ODI career lasted for 8 years, David has appeared in 29 ODIs whereas his first class career lasted for 19 years.
          Apart from South Africa, he has also played for Easter Province, a local South African team, and for English County Cricket team Nottinghamshire. Justin Kemp, who plays Test and ODI cricket for South Africa, is his cousin.
          Before being a cricketer, Callaghan, nicknamed Callas by his team-mates, was a promising rugby player. Though, David was a good all-rounder who has the ability to seam bowl yet he was a better player at first-class circuit.
          In Sep. 1991, a year before his debut, David was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Later he received four sessions of Chemo treatment and returned to full health and earned a place in the national squad next year.
          The only defining moment of his International career was an inning of 169 Not OUT off 143 balls including 4-sixes v NZ in 1994. Later, he also took his career best bowling figure 3/32 and won MoM award. It was his first inning after recovering from cancer.

          What motivated Callas during those survival days, he quoted "Like cancer, sport plays mind games with you. One minute you're on a high because you've scored a hundred, the next you've been dropped because you're not making runs." He said taking a positive attacking approach had helped both his healing process and his cricketing career.

          Over Yuvraj, he said "He is a superstar in India, but an illness like this makes you understand that you're just like anyone else in the world. He need to be on positive side. He'll do well to tell himself 'by the end of my treatment, I would like to play... for ex. next year's IPL.' A target to work towards is important." David retired from cricket in 2003, and last year in 2011, he celebrated 20 years of surviving cancer.

8. Bernard Julien (Cricketer - West Indies)

Bernard Julien

          Bernard Denis Julien, known as BD Julien, is in himself a complete cricketer. A good striker of ball, brilliant fielder, a left-arm spinner with a strange quality of left-arm seamer (without a doubt Mr. CRICKET before Australia's Mike Hussey).
          Born in Trinidad, Julien have played 24 tests and 12 ODIs for West Indies. He also played for T&T as well as Kent in English County. He was also the part of Windies side that won the first Cricket World Cup in 1975 under the Captaincy of great Clive Lloyd.
          Julien's career ended in 1982-83 after that rebellious Windies tour to South Africa - a story of 18 men who became hero and villain at the same time. It's quite strange that he played his first and last test match v England and ODIs v Pakistan.
         In a short span of his International Career, Julien, who made his test debut in 1973, has hit two centuries and claimed 50 wickets including one 5-wicket haul in tests. His first hundred came in 1973 test v England at Lord's, where Julien (121) added 231 for the 7th wicket with another all-rounder Garry Sobers who stroked 150* (retired hurt). And no surprises windies won that match by an inning and 226 runs. (As that time of windies squad were totally different of today's Caribbean side - then's team had balanced strength of seamers and hitters!)
          On Jan 2005, according to a report in the Trinidad Express newspaper claimed former West Indies Test all-rounder is battling throat cancer. Julien was diagnosed with throat cancer almost a year ago. He had been working as a government coach in Trinidad & Tobago, but had to stop because of persistent coughing and a lump in his throat. Doctors clearly gave him 90% chances of recovered from disease only if he takes his medication and stops drinking and smoking.
          He quoted "I want to live, I want to beat this thing. I'm not giving up." And somewhere his spirit approaching him to LIVE more rather give up on proceeding as he is still battling with cancer.

9. John Hugh Edrich (Cricketer - ENGLAND)

John Hugh Edrich

          Former English cricketer John was recognised as a sole batsman amongst the best players of his generation. He played 77 test matches for England from 1963-1976. He is known a reputed and fearless batsman who love to play his shots.
          John belongs to a cricket background family where his four cousins - Eric, Bill, Geoff and Brian Edrich having played first class cricket. Being the 5th member of the family to appear in county, he learnt cricket at home on concrete pitch and said as far back as he can remember, he always had a bat in his hand. His father first bowled to him when he was of 5 year old.
          John is the batsman of opening slot who made his first class debut with Surrey in 1959. He was the batsman of an era when fast bowlers like Sobers, Griffith, Hadlee and Peter Pallock were talking with ball, hit body more than deck and helmets were even in concept of thoughts, yet he had enough technique to play like every before.
          His test debut came in 1963 v WI, where he didn't contributed much like he usually did for surrey in county cricket. But as he was a batsman with class act, year 1965 gave him all recognition and fame that his batting deserved to get. He injured badly in 1965 when then's fastest SA bowler - Peter Pollock's short pitched ball hitted his forehead (mind you, this was before helmets came into use). All this happened a week later his career high of 310 Not OUT v NZ at Headingley, Leeds - a mammoth of total includes 52 fours (highest by any in a test inning so far) and 5 sixes i.e. 238 runs or 77% of his inning from 8 hours. Such an act, isn't it.
         He was named Wisden Cricketer of the year in 1966 - with Peter Pollack who hitted his forehead, for his achievements in 1965 where he had scored a total of 2319 runs at an average of 62.67, including 8 hundreds and 49 sixes during the course of the season. At a stage, his 9 successive inning brought a sum of 1311 runs for him including one triple hundred, one double hundred, one 150+ score with 3 century and three 50+ scores with a state of three NOT OUT marks.
          In the 1970-71 Ashes series, his 648 runs kept him at crease for 33 hours & 26 mins - best performance by an English batsman for 27 years, that broken by Chanderpaul of WI in 2001-02 v India.
          John's good form helped England to play 27 consecutive tests without defeat in 1968-71, and lose only one test out of 40 in 1966-71.
          On the tour of Aus in 1974-75, his ribs was broken by Dennis Lillee on the very first ball of the 2nd inning he faced. Retired hurt. Strong willed Edrich didn't gave up. He returned to the crease and batted for over two and half hours to make immensely 33 Not OUT (mind you, it was his first and final appearance as a skipper and he hitted 50* in the first inning but his efforts didn't assured a win)
          During the 1977 county season, Edrich scored his 100th first-class ton. His first-class career ended in 1978 with 39790 runs. He became a Test selector in 1981. In 1995, he was named as England's batting coach.
          In his 13-years career with the English team, John, aged 63, was diagnosed with a rare form of incurable leukaemia in 2000 and given 7-years to Live. He underwent oral chemo on mistletoe therapy for six years.

          "It was quite a shock. I hadn't seen a doctor for about 10 years, but I'd been feeling tired for a while. And after test they discovered leukaemia." he quoted.

          It was a co-incidence that where his test career began in 1963, the same venue - even same opponent - brought the end in 1976. Edrich was in among the cricketers who've appeared in the very first ODI played at International level - January 5 1971, England v Australia at MCG.
          Although once cancer forced him to retire, but like his fearless batting, today John concentrating on more years to add in his life's batting card.

10. Geoffrey Boycott (Cricketer - ENGLAND)

Geoff Boycott

          Geoffrey Boycott, famously known as Geoff Boycott - a trenchant commentator, is a former England captain from Yorkshire whose cricket career lasts from 1962-1986. Sometimes, tagged as obsessed with success, Boycs is most successful opening batsman that England ever produced.
          During his early days of cricket with Yorkshire, he played with spectacles and later switched to contact lenses. He left school at 17 because he no longer wished to be a financial strain on his parents and wanted to purse his cricketing career.
          He is the fifth highest accumulator of first-class centuries in history - a mammoth of 48,426 runs with 151-hundreds. He twice averaged over 100 in an English first-class season: 100.12 in 1971, and 102.53 in 1979 - the first English player ever to do so. The supremacy of his batting impressed each one who saw him and he was honoured as Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1965 at a young age.
          His ability to occupy the crease for hours of defensive play made him an essential member of English Test side. How valuable he was to England is shown by the fact that only 20 of his 108 Tests ended in defeat, mainly when he failed - unarguably a solid pillor of english side at that time. He is the first England cricketer to pass 8000 test runs, as of 2012, is 4th on England's all-time run scoring list. Also, he is the fifth most capped Test player for England with 108 test appearance.
          He is the first English player to bat on all five days of a test match where he spend 629 mins on crease to produce 191 runs against Aus at Trent Bridge in 1977 during Ashes Series on his come back to Test Cricket after a three year self-imposed exile. He was the second person to achieve this feat, after ML Jaisimha of India, who managed it against Australia at Calcutta in 1959-60.
          He was part of the very first English side that played first ever ODI. Also he is a holder of very first ball in a ODI and was first wicket to fall. Soon after his retirement from cricket, he became an outspoken and controversial commentator on both radio and TV.
          He had discovered a lump in his neck while shaving and in September 2002, his doctor told him it was cancer. Boycott, ever blunt, asked what would happen if he did nothing. "The doc said: 'I'd give you three months, till just after Christmas.'

          "I'll say it's tough. It's horrific. It's the sort of treatment that reduces strong men to tears. And it did me. Many a time. I was so full of morphine I kept falling asleep. And then, when i woke, the relentless pain was still there. But in the end there are just two of you in that match: you and the bloody cancer. I used to think cricket was everything, But staying ALIVE is everything. Surviving cancer changes your perspective on everything. You get a second chance and you don't waste it. I could never, ever have gone through that treatment without Rachel (his wife). I couldn't have handled it by myself. I was covered in raw, red burns from my neck to my chest, had to wear burn pads 24 hours a day. I had to be fed by tube for more than four months. I lost 50 lb. I needed help with everything. You can't do it alone. If you don't have regrets then you haven't learnt anything from life. It smoothed a lot of my edges. Things that seemed important before weren't. Living was important." Geoff said over his survival from Throat Cancer.

          Boycott, however, survived from cancer with incredible positive input from his wife and now fully back in play as an international commentator. He had four cancerous tumours close to his voice box. He underwent 35 sessions of radiotherapy to wipe out the tumours.

          Boycott's mother, unfortunately couldn't survive breast cancer and died on 15 September 1978. "She had a lump under her arm for ages before she told anybody. Her generation didn't want to go bothering doctors. She only told me after I had made my 100th century at Headingley in the 1977 test match. She didn't want it to get in the way of that. Hell, I knew you had to get it quick. But it was too late for my mam. Two operations and a year later she was dead." Geoff said, who is very close to his mother. (and it is said that it was probably for the first time when he talked about his mother publicly. Quite sentiments of Strong man like Boycott himself, isn't it!!)     

          He first picked up a cricket bat at the age of 9 when his uncle, a county bowler, powered balls at him between matches. He finally put down his cricket bat for good 26 years ago. "Twelfth of September 1986, 5.21 pm" Geoff reels off, while remembering those cricket days in an interview of him after successful cancer survival.

          "I would advice him to stay positive and do everything what he can," Boycott on Yuvi.

11. Keith Miller (Cricketer - AUSTRALIA)

Keith Miller

          Tagged as 'the golden boy' of cricket, nicknamed as Nugget, Keith Ross Miller was an Australian Test cricketer cum a fighter pilot. Born in Melbourne, he is widely regarded as Australia's greatest ever all-rounder, even among the world's best who can turn a match with bat or ball, and as dashing off the field as he was on it.
          Miller, who was named after two pioneer Australian pilots - Keith and Ross Smith - was a fighter pilot himself in the Second World War. He played alongside the like of Sir Donald Bradman, his captain that time. He was the youngest of Leslie and Edith Miller's four children. The three Miller boys played football in winter and cricket in summer. Their father had been a successful local cricketer and taught the boys to play game.
          Then's Australian captain - Bill Woodfull was his maths teacher. In 1934, Miller failed all of his subjects, scoring zero in his final exam for Woodfull's geometry class and was forced to repeat the year. Miller's sporting career was interrupted by Second World War. But later he was granted leave so that he could play inter-state cricket.
          Keith Miller was a key member of Donald Bradman's famous Australian cricket team, which toured England in 1948 and went undefeated in its 34 matches. This unprecedented feat by a Test side touring England earned the Australians  the nickname - The Invincibles. They're regarded as one of the greatest cricket teams of all time. Miller's test career lasts from 1946-56.
          After his retirement Miller remained in the public eye. The social contacts he'd built up - there were unsubstantiated rumours of an affair with Princess Margaret. He employed by the Daily Express as a "special cricket writer" for 20 years.
          Miller's later life was affected by ill health. He had skin cancer, caused by his insistence on always displaying his mop of hair and not wearing a hat (alongside his fascinating batting and fiery bowling, its the key factor of his popularity off the ground). The cancer also attacked his legs, and coupled with his hip injury, severely curtailed his mobility, forcing him to use walking frames and wheelchairs. In November 1991, he was hospitalised, necessitating two further operations. Asked at 75 about death, he said: "Never think about it. No regrets. I've had a hell of a good life. Been damned lucky."
          In late-2002, he divorced his wife Peg, with whom he had four sons. He did so to marry his long-term mistress Marie Challman, with whom he had been living since 1999. During his later years, his illness contributed to what his family felt was a deteriorating attitude and he fell out with his sons, but they reconciled shortly before his death.
          Miller died in October 2004 after being in persistent poor health. He was given a state funeral by the Govt of Victoria, and was broadcast across the nation on ABC Radio.
          Miller was one of the ten inaugural inductees into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 1996. In 2000, he was named in the Australian Cricket Board Team of the Century as its vice-captain. In Jan 2010, he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
          When he began his first-class career, he was a specialist batsman, and a very occasional bowler. On his first-class debut, he scored 181 for Victoria in 1937-38. He was also a fine fielder and an especially acrobatic catches in the Slips. Away from cricket, Miller was also a successful footballer.
          Miller had a special affinity for the West Indians: four of his 7-test tons and three of the seven five-fors came in the 10 tests he played against them.
          He is also one of only four Australian cricketers, (the others being Bradman, Victor Trumper and Shane Warne) to be honoured with a portrait in the Long Room at Lors's in London. Miller is one of only three men (the others being Vinoo Mankad and Garry Sobers) to have his name on both the batting and bowling honors boards in the visitors' dressing room there, for scoring both a century and for taking five wickets in a test at the ground. (109 in 1953 and two five wicket haul in 1956 in both innings)
         One straight six that he hit at the Sydney cricket ground was still rising when it hit the first deck of the M.A. Noble Stand. In Ian Chappel's words "People who saw it still talk of Keith Miller's monster shot that hit the Members Stand clock at the SCG in the 1950s"

12. Ashley Noffke (Cricketer - AUSTRALIA)

Ashley Noffke

          Ashley Allan Noffke, Noffers - as abbreviated, is a Queensland born cricketer who currently plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL. Began his first-class career with Queensland, later moved to Western Australia, Ashley steps down from first class cricket in 2010.
          He is a typical all-rounder, who primarily plays as a medium pacer but also, is a worthy hitter of the ball at lower order. Though, he suffered with injuries time-to-time that affects his chances to represent Australia at International Level, yet his performance at domestic and county cricket earned a place for him in 2007-08, where he got ODI and T20I debut for Australia.
          Before that, he was rewarded central contract with a place in Australia's squad for the 2001 Ashes series but unfortunately, he rolled his ankle attempting a soccer-style run-out in the tour match against Sussex.
          On December 2007, he was selected in T20 squad v New Zealand at Perth, where he didn't contributed much with bat as was run out for a Diamond Duck while attempting a second run with batting partner Andrew Symonds. But he returned to capture 3 for 18 that led Australia for a win.
          His one-off appearance for Australia in ODI colours came in the opener match of CB Series v India at Gabba (his home ground) where he ended 1 for 46 from 9 overs and didn't got the chance to bat as match was called off due to rain. Instead of a Test call from selectors, his remarkable performance at domestic circuit brought 2008 State Cricket Players Of the Year award at The Allan Border Medal (Annual Cricket Award event by Cricket Australia).
          Ashley, who represented Australia thrice in 2007-08, accidentally discovered with cancer when a medical treatment of his hip injury turned out to be Grade Three malignant melanoma - the most lethal form of skin cancer. Doctors asked him for immediate surgery, afterwards he overcomes from cancer scare and indulged himself in cricket once again.
          In his last uninterrupted season with Queensland he had collected 51 first-class wickets and scored 741 runs, making him the 3rd Australian behind George Giffen and Greg Matthews to capture the 50-wicket, 500-run season double.

13. Simon O'Donnell (Cricketer - AUSTRALIA)

Simon O'Donnell

          Born in New South Wales, Australia - Simon Patrick O'Donnell is a promising footballer by birth, a multi-talented all-rounder of Victoria who scored century in his first match of Sheffield Shield i.e. Australia's Domestic tournament, a 50-overs specialist lower-order batsman, a former Australian cricketer (by choice) and now in business of commentary for future aspects. In short, like his father, Kevin, who was a footballer and played cricket alongside Legendary Keith Miller, Simon too is a complete Athlete. To focus more on cricket (and let me write on him for a cricket lover like you all), he retired from football.
          As a hitter of ball, he wasn't able to maintain his strike rate in longer version of the game. Instead, he became a promising part of Australian one-day side and ended his tally as 1242 runs with 108 wickets from 87 matches (1985-1992).
          He was part of the Australian side that won 1987 Cricket World Cup (first WC for Aus) and ended as most economical bowler for the side. Before he rejoiced WC win with team, he suffered severe pain - a lump on his rib that was diagnosed as non-hodgkin lymphoma - a type of cancer. Later he underwent chemotherapy and not only made a remarkable recovery, but also the fastest 50 in ODI (v Sri Lanka in 1990), which remained the fastest-fifty for almost six years, until Lanka's destructive opener Sanath Jayasuriya scored 50 off 17 balls v Pakistan at Singapore in April 1995 - a record that still stands.

          Now, as Simon completely overcome from cancer, still feels he is learning from it every coming day. He quoted "You are literally touched with it every day. Any time that word is mentioned, it takes you back to where you were and that is part of what you have to live with."

          His career as Cricketer that begins in 1984, came to an end in 1993 - when he declared retirement from competitive cricket and opts for commentary. He has become a member of Nine Network's commentary team, and is the regular host of  The Cricket Show, which airs during the lunch breaks of Tests in Australia. He also hosted a morning show with Melbourne Radio Station. Now, he is equally active in horse racing too - as an expert and hosts that cover for TV channels.

14. Michael Clarke (Cricketer - AUSTRALIA)

Michael Clarke

          Michael John Clarke - a cricketer, a captain, a promising middle-order batsman and an occasional left-arm spin bowler who represents New South Wales at domestic level.
          Nick named as Pup, Clarke made his ODI debut in January 2003 v England whereas his test debut was in October 2004 v India. Clarke is in amongst of those few Test cricketers (and the only Australian to do so ever), who have scored a Test century on both their home and away debuts (151 v India at Bangalore in Oct 2004 and 141 v New Zealand at Brisbane in Nov 2004). His prolific performance in 2004 calender year brought Allan Border Medal in 2005.
          After a brilliant kick to his International career, some poor performances in Tests, including 2005 Ashes series, dropped him from team in late 2005. Clarke who earlier remarked his career aim was to never be dropped from the Test team, made a come back to National Test side in early 2006 - after his first first-class double hundred and some heavy scoring in ODIs. Later he helped Australia regain the Ashes by hitting two consecutive centuries and so as cemented his place in the side as well. Continue to his good show in Tests, Clarke's batting helped Australia retain the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies where they didn't lose a game.
          Earlier before 2008, he was a well known striker of the ball....but a match v India brought a worthy bowler in him who can turn result in favour of Australia. Though, his best bowling figures of 6 for 9 (from 6.2) came against India in 2004-05 at Mumbai. On 6 January 2008, he dismissed Harbhajan Singh, RP Singh and Ishant Sharma in the second last over of the day, with just 8 minutes remaining to call the end of game and he brought win for Australia by claiming those three wickets in just five balls on final day of the 2nd match. Let me tell you - at one stage he was on a hat-trick, dismissed Harbhajan and RP on consecutive deliveries. He ended his inning figure as 3 for 5 in 1.5 overs - isn't it sound astonishing for a part-time bowler ? NO!
          Only in 2008, he got the chance to nourish the future skipper within him - soon after GilChrist's retirement, he was named vice-captain of the Champion Australian side. In 2009, he was given Australia's Twenty20 side Captaincy as Ponting declared retirement from this format of the game. Later in January 2011, he stood down from T20 captainship and declared retirement from this format in order to prolong his Test and ODI career.
          After a stand-in captaincy for the 5th test of the 2010-11 Ashes Series, he was permanently replaced as skipper by Cricket Australia because Ponting quits from both ODI and Test captaincy after the disappointing exit of Australia from 2011 Cricket World Cup!
          His biggest moment (both as skipper and batsman) came in recently concluded Test series v India - where he not only lead Australia for a 4-0 home win, but also scored heavily with bat, set new records and was named Player of the Series. In the second match of the series (which was the 100th Test match to be played at Sydney Cricket Ground), Clarke became the seventh Test Captain in the history of cricket and first Australian since Matthew Hayden (in 2003) to score a triple hundred. He joined with Ricky Ponting (134) for 288 runs partnership, and then accompanied Michael Hussey (150*) for 334 runs partnership before declaring on 329* -- the highest ever made in an Australia-India test series (surpassing VVS Laxman's 281 in 2000-01), highest ever scored at SCG, and 4th highest in Australian Test history! Quite a craftsmanship stuff though!
          But this havoc batting display didn't brought end for Indians, yet two more matches were left in the series to look for quality batting. In the 4th test match at Adelaide, he again joined with Ricky Ponting (who scored 221) for 386-run partnership and gifted himself a double-hundred (210) -- thereby, he became the only player after Don Bradman and Wally Hammond to have scored a triple-hundred and a double-hundred in the same series.
          Thanks to his breath taking innings who brought 2012 Allan Border Medal for him - his 3rd overall before joining with Legendary Ricky Ponting in 2009 for a tie scoring 41 points. He named Test Cricketer of the Year for 2009 and 2012. Also he bagged Wisden Cricketer of the year in 2010.
          Clarke is currently dating model and presenter Kyly Boldy. He was formerly engaged to model Lara Bingle, but in March 2010, the couple confirmed the termination of their engagement. That was the hard time for Michael and he left New Zealand tour to give himself a room to come over from it! Like his impressive batting, his come-back with a hundred after such taxing issue proved his commitment and mind-set towards his personal and professional life and giving enough reasons why he is the best man after Ricky to lead Australia.

Speaking to GQ Australia in November 2010, he quoted "My decision that I made there, was what I thought was right. I respect playing for my country that much that I thought, if I'm going to let anybody down, I shouldn't be here - there's somebody else who could be doing a better job than me. Going home was the right decision at the time for me. I don't regret that decision."

          In 2006, after noticing a small, irregular spot on his nose, Clarke took up the Australian Cricketers' Association's offer of a free skin screening and scans revealed what Clarke now describes as a "low grade skin cancer"! Clarke was operated to remove three skin cancers from his nose and lips. Afterwards, he became the brand ambassador of skin cancer awareness programme and still actively working for the awareness and prevention of it.

          "It was certainly a bit of a shock when they told me what it was. They said it was some form of very low-grade skin cancer. It has reminded me how dangerous the sun is, and we're obviously out in it a lot. I will be double-checking the sun-cream and zinc. Cricket will always be a big part of my life, but seeing my dad go through cancer has reminded me of what's most important in life. " said Clarke for whom cancer was an issue close to his heart.

         How Cancer has changed his life, is now reflecting in his daily routine. Clarke has already taken to wearing a long-sleeve Lycra-like suit under his Australian one-day uniform. Despite his fondness for his Australian cap, he will now do a wide-brim floppy hat during long stretches in the field. Clarke is hopeful that the way he approaches the prevention of melanoma, others too will follow his example.


P.S.:- Though, we talked and learn much about cancer and it's healing process and therapies; but only Yuvi know better than anyone of us, by which pain and process he went through; and how hard it was to face. Yet, like a human all of us, he too needs shout and support to overcome from hard fights, a dose of positivity, a word of belief that it will go! Just let it be the way it is.

On behalf of Yuvraj, his family and being a proud Cricket follower, I'm thankful to all those who chanted and worshiped for his good health and happy long life! Give a clap for yourself, you deserve it! We Indians are indeed crazy for CRICKET, without a doubt!

Last but not least, wishing him a speedy come-back on the ground where many milestones awaiting for his presence to look on. Leaving you with lines of Simon O'Donnell which i found words-worthy and highly influential....