Cricket is a most precarious profession; it is called a team game but, in fact, no one is so lonely as a batsman facing a bowler supported by ten fieldsmen and observed by two umpires to ensure that his error does not go unpunished.
John ArlottAustralianism' means single-minded determination to win - to win within the laws but, if necessary, to the last limit within them. It means where the 'impossible' is within the realm of what the human body can do, there are Australians who believe that they can do it - and who have succeeded often enough to make us wonder if anything is impossible to them. It means they have never lost a match - particularly a Test match - until the last run is scored or their last wicket down.
John ArlottUmpire Harold Bird, having a wonderful time, signalling everything in the world, including stopping traffic coming on from behind.
John ArlottIt is rather suitable for umpires to dress like dentists, since one of their tasks is to draw stumps.
John Arlott