The bet

This incident happened during the 1971 tour of India to the west Indies. The tour was significant in many ways. It heralded the arrival of India's spinners as genuine match-winners.

In the 5th test at Port-of Spain. West Indies after getting India out for 360 were going strong , at 517-6. Maurice Foster was batting confidently and reached 99, David Holford and he had already added a handy 93 between them Sunil Gavaskar who was fielding at fine leg was asked by a spectator if he thought Maurice would get to his 100. Gavaskar said he would. The spectator felt he wouldn't and was willing to bet on it. They agreed that if Foster got out on 99, Gavaskar would pay him a pound and if Foster got to his 100, the spectator would give him 100 pounds.

Suddenly Foster became jittery. Three balls later, he edged one on to his stumps ! Out for 99. During tea break , Gavaskar took his pound on the field but couldn't find that spectator .. and with Foster's dismissal West Indies collapsed to 526 all out.

After Retirement ?

By profession former English captain Mike Gatting is a plumber, before and after representing England

Pakistani cricketer Moshin Khan, joined Bollywood. He married actress Reena Roy and settled in mumbai

Michael Holding started a gas station soon after he retired in his native Jamaica before he started commentary.

Curtly Ambrose and Richie Richardson started a reggae band named Big Bad Dread and the Baldhead.

Mike Whitney started hosting travel and reality TV shows in Australia. Most notably Gladiators Australia

I need more Rotis

Flashback to 1974. There was a camp for under 16 cricketers in wankhede stadium , mumbai . Keki Tarapore was in charge of the camp. There was a young kid from the north , tall and broad shoulder who bowled quick. When food was being served, he went up to Keki and told him

Boy " Sir I need more rotis " .
Keki " Why ? "
Boy " I need strength . I am a fast bowler "
Keki " Huh ! We dont have fast bowlers in India. In India we have only spinners "
and scoffed at him.

The boy ? Kapildev Ramlal Nikhanj . who went on to become India's wisden cricketer of the century . Kapil has privately mentioned that this incident went a long way in steeling up his determination to bowl fast .

Image courstey Wikipedia