Eggs bounce off Matthews

Press, 24 February 1986, Page 23

Eggs bounce off Matthews

Greg Matthews experienced the unpleasant side of New Zealand cricket on Saturday, Just when he should have been savouring one of the highlights of his career in the first test between Australia and New Zealand at the Basin Reserve. The ebullient Australian all-rounder was making his way from the boundary to the players entrance, through a throng of young admirers, having made his highest test score, 130, when he was struck on the head by the first of two eggs thrown at him that afternoon.

“1 saw the kid who threw it, but there wasn’t a policeman around so I couldn’t do anything about it,” said Matthews.

.He did manage

tain his sense of humour. The egg bounced off his head: “It was hard boiled, but the shell was peeled off.” The second egg was hurled at Matthews as the Australian team was taking the field for New Zealand’s first innings after tea. “I saw that one coming and ducked,” he said.

He said that it was not the first time he had things thrown at him. He was making a thinlyveiled reference to the verbal barbs he has endured. The incidents did not, however, particularly concern him. “Different strokes for different folks, and this isn’t my turf,” was his typically off beat view of the egg throwers. The century, made while sharing . a record fifth wicket stand .for

Australia against New Zealand of 213 with Greg Ritchie, is a continuation of an outstanding summer of success for the engaging 26-year-old from Newcastle, north of Sydney. The six tests against New Zealand and India before Christmas produced his first two centuries for Australia and also turned Matthews, in the public eye, from a brash eccentric into a genuinely admired folk hero.

His first test century, against New Zealand at Brisbane, understandably meant more to the player than his effort on Saturday.’ “I felt more satisfaction at Brisbane. It was my first test and it was a turning point in my life and my career.”

Matthews would not have been able to cele-

brate his highest test score had Martin Crowe held a straight forward edge at first slip when Matthews was on 97.

He had similarly blundered against Pakistan when his test career was in its infancy, and admitted to some sympathy for Crowe.

He also recalled that at Brisbane, Crowe had dropped Matthews, but then proceeded “to give me a real walloping.” He explained his gestures on completing his century, drawing the imaginary letters,, JJ. “It was to my. woman. She understands it”

Matthews felt the pitch had something to offer his off-spin. Enthused Matthews: “It is a real bunsen burner.” Translation: There should be plenty of turn later in the match.