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Article: Cricket: Bevan brilliance being frozen out Peter Roebuck looks at Australia's selection dilemma as an intense character tries to conquer his demons
- Article from:
- The Sunday Telegraph London
- Article date:
- July 13, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1997 The Sunday Telegraph London. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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WHENEVER Michael Bevan walks to the crease he knows what to
expect. As he takes guard so the fast bowlers loosen their muscles.
It is an insult. Opponents are saying "this bloke can't cop
bumpers." Bevan hears this as he looks around the field, senses the
questioning, feels the withering disrespect. It is a far cry from
the dreams of his youth and the promise of his early days. And it
is a torment. Bevan does not see himself as a batsman of superb
creativity and vibrant footwork, nor as a matchwinner with bat or
ball, nor as a wonderful athlete, though he is all of these things;
his vulnerability does not permit any such impression.
To his infinite dismay Bevan's critics have been proved ...