David Boon on a different mission

Former Australia batsman David Boon, who is in Thiruvananthapuram to promote sports, tourism and hospitality of his home state Tasmania in Australia, has fond memories of India and a distinct liking for Indian bowling attack.

To a question on who among Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith is the best batsmen in the world, David Boon said all of them are very good players who have proved themselves in tough conditions consistently over a period of time.

David Boon, with his round frame and thick moustache, was one of the pillars during the transition phase of Australian cricket. After retiring as one of the most successful Aussie Test batsam, he went on to don many other roles including one as a selector.

The 55-year-old, who is in Thiruvananthapuram to promote sports, tourism and hospitality of his home state Tasmania in Australia, has fond memories of India and a distinct liking for Indian bowling attack.

He says the Reliance 1987 Cricket World Cup, which was held in India and Pakistan, changed the face of Australian cricket. The team under the stewardship of Allan Border defeated arch-rival England in the final, thanks to Boon's 75 (off 125 balls), which earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Boon, who first toured India in 1986, is on his 40th visit to India but this time he has taken a new role as an ambassador of Tasmania. He will also meet Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to have official discussion with him during his stay in Kerala.

Boon paid a visit to Greenfield international stadium, Kariyavattom and interacted with trainees of Tenvic Academy which is run by now India coach Anil Kumble. Despite Australia’s awful recent record in the sub-continent, Boon is confident that Australia can bounce back when it tours India early next year. However, the former opening batsman said that the biggest challenge for a cricketer is to adapt to the tough conditions in India and Australia’s success will depend on how well its batsmen quickly adapts to the spinning pitches in India.

To a question on who among Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith is the best batsmen in the world, Boon said all of them are very good players who have proved themselves in tough conditions consistently over a period of time. The Australian legend said they are all different kind of batsmen and it is difficult to pick the best among them.

David Boon was impressed with the Greenfield stadium and said the venue has the right credentials to be hold international matches, provided some minor changes are made to the design of the stadium. However, Boon said a drop-in pitch at the venue was not feasible as the technology was in infancy in India.