Much ado about cricket

I read with a great deal of interest and amusement the letter about cricket and colonization (June 12). I think the writer exaggerated the order of importance, indicating that he does not quite understand the game and its value to millions of its followers.

It should be noted that under no circumstances would the BBC's cricket coverage be interrupted by the world news, particularly if a test match was being contested. For heaven's sake, one must get one's priorities right. Just ask Victor Mason of Bali Hash.

As for colonization, as an Australian of the former British colonial empire and one who has never excelled at the game, I can only say that if the Brits left nothing in our country other than cricket we have much for which to be grateful. I am sure even the uninitiated will understand that there is no better feeling than beating the Poms at their own game.

What a pity the Dutch didn't play cricket. Wouldn't it be nice to send an Indonesian team to Holland and come away with a trophy?

In Bali our Yayasan Kriket (Bali International Cricket Foundation) is currently working on a program to teach the locals this wonderful game and hopefully, with support from sponsors and governments, there will be a team visiting Australia in a few years time. We have found that the locals have a good eye and they perform well.

It is also a great game for race relations. India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Australia, the West Indies, South Africa, England and Fiji, all play each other. Hopefully Indonesia can become involved. If Sri Lanka can build a World Cup winning team in 10 years, why not Indonesia?

TERRY FIRMSTONE

Sanur, Bali