Dear Editor,
Guyanese could use a hero. They got one at long last in newcomer Shamar Joseph. When we all needed inspiration, there was Shamar Joseph to deliver. Length and line. Speed and grit. The grit is what caught my eye, what thrilled my mind. It may be doable for a spinner, but a fast bowler with a toe out of commission is going beyond the limit. Clearly, a young man of determination and ferociousness to do his bit to give his team a chance to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat staring. The number is one not seen in a long time by a West Indian bowler, save for Godakesh Motie, another youthful local boy. The stat line is mesmerizing, the result even more delicious.
Here was a young Guyanese fast bowler, new to the demands of the international craft, digging deep, and giving of his all. For all those who made up his team. For all of us in this region, so long starved of a victory of substance and significance. Against Australia of all teams, and in Australia, is the summit of sterling success. The minnows confronting and overthrowing the proven global masters. If I may, I now say that this simple youth, this new regional cricket star, has shown all Guyanese what could be done in the face of adversity, and against the odds. No railing against teammates. No finding of fault. Just making up his mind that there is an extremely difficult job to be faced, and then doing it by bending his back to the challenge. Somewhere in all of this, young Shamar, set an example and a standard for every Guyanese. There is an uphill task that stands before. Just do it. Together.
I note that the accolades and applause flew quickly from many corners. They are deserving. They also came from heights, and, perhaps, there could be some learning at that elevation. No shrinking and retreating, no matter the formidable nature of the foe. It would have been the essence of what could be justified, a toe so badly mangled that everyone understood. Battling through pain, through giving of his best, and his all, for his teammates. Rising to the occasion to deliver the stuff of legend. When the hour looked its grimmest, there was Shamar Joseph reaching for the ball, and touching the stars. It would be a delight to see some of that in the local environment, and all Guyanese should have no trouble knowing what I mean. Joseph led the charge, and his own are better for it.
I recall a fellow also by the name of Joseph from a book in a place called Egypt. He was there when the going got tough, and his people were in desperate straits. Like I hinted at earlier, there is a crying need in this land for men and women of fire, equipped with unlimited and fearless zeal to take Guyanese to another level, the highest possible. Like the courageous and indomitable Shamar Joseph, there comes a time when all the talking must be over, and the doing and delivering must begin with unmatched and unswerving will guiding forward. There was Shamar Joseph and his glittering efforts. That was in service of a sport, the cricket held so dear in this area. There are other places and other challenges in the game of life that demand the very best out of us. Perhaps there are a few like him to gird their hips and steel their minds: there is work to be done, a battle to be fought. Starts with the first steps-stutter step, racing step, powerful step-to bowl over what stands in the way. Yesterday, it was Australia. Today and for many a tomorrow thereafter, it could be anybody from anywhere.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall