Mike Gatting

Is Mike Gatting
known for his batting?

 

Or was he born
to be bowled by Warne?

 

The memory lingers
how he waved his finger

 

in Shakoor Rana’s face,
but could he handle pace?

 

And who can recall
that Malcolm Marshall ball

 

that turned his nose
into the English rose?

 

Does he lose any sleep
over the reverse sweep

 

that cost the poms the Cup?
And what the hell was up

 

with the captaincy charade?
Bowled over by a maid.

 

The worst shot he never played.

 

 

 

About Damian Balassone

Damian Balassone is a failed half-forward flanker who writes poetry. He is the author of 'Strange Game in a Strange Land'.

Comments

  1. Superb Damian

  2. Peter warrington says

    Really like that. I will have to lift my game. Maybe the Ozzie gatt, I.e, Yallop

  3. Phillip Dimitriadis says

    Great work Damo. Gatting had an interesting career to say the least. In fairness, he did captain the Poms when they creamed us in 1986-87.

  4. Cheers Rulebook, Peter and Phil. Gatt was a great character and the butt of many jokes. I like Botham’s comment on the barmaid scandal: “It couldn’t have been Gatt. Anything he takes up to his room after nine o’clock, he eats.” You’re right Phil. England won everything in that 86/87 summer under Gatting. I also remember a fighting ton from him in Adelaide 94/95 – he was still kicking around after those rebel tours.

  5. One of your best, Damo.
    A career summed up in 19 lines.
    Brilliant stuff!!

Leave a Comment

*