GUWAHATI, Dec 29 � Tony Greig was an aggressive captain who always wanted to win, said Bimal Bharali, the former Assam Ranji captain. He also condoled the death of the great cricketer and commentator.
Bharali had the opportunity to play against Greig when the MCC team visited the city in 1976 to play a three-day match against East Zone from December 27 to 29.
Recalling Greig�s attitude on the ground, Bharali said �Greig was trying to put psychological pressure on me in the second innings so that I lose patience and get out.� Bharali was batting on 40 plus and was dragging his team to the safe shores. �Greig was fielding very close to my bat and was virtually pulling my leg,� he added. Bharali, confessed that the England captain caught him off the bowling of offie Geoff Cope at silly mid-off. But the nick was so fine that the umpire gave not out despite a desperate appeal by Greig. Later he gently poked Bharali about the reality and gave a smile. Bharali finally saved that match with an unbeaten 45.
Bharali recalled another incident of the match. The East Zone team was warned by Greig after declaring their second innings at 143 for eight. He angrily asked the East Zone batsmen to wear helmets as they were ready to fire through Bob Willis and Chris Old.
But during the mandatory overs, Greig took his team to the pavilion very sportingly knowing that no result will be possible. At that stage East Zone were 137 for 7 and five overs were left.
Incidently Greig was out for 1 and 0 in both the innings in that match.
