Aussie record-holder Clinton Peake's advice to Indian U19 double-centurion Pavan Shah
Mumbai: The world record of highest individual innings score in U-19 Youth cricket by Australia's Clinton Peake (304 * against India in 1995) remained intact as India's Pavan Shah missed the triple century against Sri Lanka in the second Youth Test at Hambantota on Wednesday.
Speaking exclusively over telephone from Australia, Peake says, "I think it is fantastic that Pavan made such a big score. No doubt he has talent, endurance and strong motivation. A number is just a number. The hunger to do whatever it takes to help the team is what cricket is all about. Batting long periods is just about the greatest pleasure. Doing it whilst representing your country is cream on the cake".
"If I met Pavan I would tell him to cherish every moment, take nothing for granted and to keep trying to be the best he can be for his whole career. There are no guarantees in cricket. Treat success and failure the same as when you finish. It is all about your character and friendships, not runs and wickets".
Talking more about the world record, he adds, "in terms of the record- I haven’t thought about it for years but know the person who breaks it will love the game. It took me 8 and a half hours so you have to know your game pretty well to bat that long!".
Pavan Shah hit six fours in one over.
"Cricket has evolved a lot in 20 years. In my day a run a ball was considered quick. Nowadays with short-form cricket actively trained it will happen more often. It is a fair feat isn’t it. I am sure the bowler will never forget Pavan!", Clinton Peake concluded.
Indian record
Tanmay Srivastva, who had this record (220 runs against Pakistan in 2006) in Indian cricket is happy to handover the same to Pavan Shah.
"I am happy for him. At least by breaking my record, people have remembered me. I wish he represents India soon", he said exclusively from Noida.
Politics in UPCA (Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association) has kept him out of reckoning despite 28-year-old Tanmay performing well.
