LETTERS

Shining star

Sir, - Shane Warne has carved a name for himself in the annals of Test cricket by claiming his 400th wicket, in The Oval Test. A leg-spinner with tremendous variety, his magic may not have worked wonders in the sub-continent, but he was able to exploit even the most docile of wickets in every other part of the cricketing world. He is a born bowler and played a big hand in Australia's numerous successes.

C. K. SUBRAMANIAM, VASHIWonderful Warne

Sir, - I have been reading The Sportstar for almost two years now, without missing an issue. It is my favourite magazine.

This letter is with reference to the Cover Story on Shane Warne (issue dated Sept. 8) and congratulations to the author for penning such a lovely article. Mohandas Menon's Factfile was very informative.

My congratulations to Shane Warne for achieving the milestone of 400 Test wickets. He has added new dimension to the art of leg-spin bowling.

SAGAR V. PRASADE, PUNEMaster craftsman

Sir, - Ted Corbett's article and his views on the Aussie spin ace Shane Warne was interesting. The Aussie bamboozler, lovingly called 'Warnie' by his teammates, reached a new landmark, joining the exclusive club of bowlers who have claimed 400 wickets in Test cricket.

Scalping 400 victims is a Herculean task for any bowler, so being the lone spinner in the club speaks volumes of his credentials as a top class operator. He has battled injuries, not to speak of controversies, but he persevered every time he had the ball in his hands.

Along with pace ace Glenn McGrath, he tormented the English batting line-up with his incisive bowling. What is really commendable about Warne is the variety he possesses, either mystifying batsmen with well-flighted leg-breaks, beautifully disguised googlies or outwitting batsmen with a sharp flipper that crashes through their defences and he bowls them with such control that he becomes one hell of a bowler to combat.

So, if 'Warnie' keeps himself fit and continues in the same vein, he will certainly scale greater heights.

SOYUZ CHANDA, SIVASAGAR, ASSAMA legend, indeed

Sir, - I am a regular reader of The Sportstar. The interview with legend footballer Diego Maradona in the issue dated Sept. 8 was simply superb. He is my all-time favourite footballer.

His contribution to world soccer is unforgettable. The interview shows that he is a great human being too, for he has admitted the mistakes he has made.

To his million fans like me he was a star, is a star and will remain a star.

Whatever he is doing now for the upliftment of young footballers back home is truly great.

ASHISH WARRIER, MADHYA PRADESHSplendid coverage

Sir, - I would like to thank you for the detailed coverage of the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, complete with match results. The coverage of the Confederations Cup was also nice.

The column 'Kicking Around' by Brian Glanville is very good, thoughts of a veteran football writer about the present-day game and its character.

The interview with Maradona gave an insight into the person and the legend.

T. RAJSEKHAR, WARANGAL