Headbands

Fantasy Bob found much to agonise about during England's demolition by India in the Second Test at Chennai.  He was at times beside himself with despair.  Not at the quality of the pitch, which seemed tranquil compared to some of the surfaces lower league players have to contend with.  Nor the questionable nature of some the umpiring decisions - never an issue for a lower league player.  Nor the death wish apparent in English batsmen's attachment to the sweep shot - which just proves the wisdom of FB's career long aversion to the shot. 

A rational mind could deal with all these difficulties.  But even the most advanced thinker would have difficulty at the resurgence of one of the scourges of the first lockdown - Test cricketers wearing head-bands.  Why, oh why? Fantasy Bob has to assume it was a fashion statement since it served no ostensible other purpose - except in the case of Rory Burns, who needs all the help he can get in hiding his haircut.  Leaving Burns aside, as the selectors are likely to do soon, it was when sensible men like Joe Root also affected this fashion item that all hope seemed lost.  

FB was therefore relieved that the First Test at Chennai suggested that the ICC managed a clamp down to outlaw the ridiculous garb since he saw no evidence of it.  But his tranquillity was seriously disturbed when as he went to open the bowling on Saturday, Stuart Broad removed his sunhat to reveal a return to the worst excesses of the lockdown.  Of course it had to be Stuart Broad, but that is another matter.

FB acknowledges that some time ago big time cricketers such as Desmond Haynes and Dennis Lillee were headband devotees.  He never understood why - at least they were towelling and might have served some sweat related purpose.  But even so headbands have never convinced in cricket. And the item worn by Broad appears to a hankie folded up and tied at the back of his head.  It is not even a sporting type of headband.  

There are serious headband wearers in many walks of life.  Rugby players, tennis players and even musicians, though concert pianists have yet to find them of use.   But FB will go to the grave firm in his view that the headband is not for cricket.  And if Stuart Broad were here he'd tell him so.