Editorial: Newcomers deserve our full support

I was slightly dismayed to hear a caller to a radio station talking about the issues of wandering off to watch some ICC Cricket World Cup action.

The caller pointed out that teams like Afghanistan and United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh were not exactly seat fillers when it came to getting a crowd along.

He said something along the lines of "why would you bother?"

I'll tell you why you would, and why you should.

Because once upon a time there was a team called Sri Lanka and they were not given any credence whatsoever as they initially set out on the path to eventual and remarkable success.

And once upon a time the New Zealand cricket team was seen as something of an easybeat joke.

In terms of going to see the new kids on the block (make that the wicket) in action I see it as a case of why not?

If you have a nation like Afghanistan which is sadly in the news for all the wrong reasons most of the time which wants to stake a place on the world sporting stage then you have to encourage them.

Sport is a global means of both developing friendly rivalries as well as simple friendships, and apart form some silly sledging occasionally that is indeed what emerges. Sport transcends borders and beliefs. The players in these teams know their limitations and they know the clear and present skills and power of their more experienced opposition.

But they will be inspired by that. They will want to face the best they can face.

It is not only about learning from a master or two, it is about standing up with pride and passion coursing through the old ticker and facing the big guns.

Putting in the best they can - one hundred per cent for their country's pride and flag.
I watched a couple of the UAE batsmen at work against CD and yep, they can time it alright. One boundary shot was almost too quick for the eye.
So when Afghanistan take on the Black Caps next month make the effort - bother to get along.
Ditto for UAE when they face Pakistan and then the West Indies at McLean Park.

Encourage and admire sides whose players may never visit the Bay again, but who will likely long remember it.