Mid-Day
Gros islet (St Lucia), Jun 20: They are cricket fans. However, they are unique in the true sense of the word. Their home country, England is playing Sri Lanka in cricket and their football team is playing the World Cup in Germany, but 64-year-old Peter Chismon and 46-year-old Danny Byrne are in St Lucia to watch the West Indies vs India Test.
They say, they are not the normal star-struck supporters but cricket fans and go where they feel they’ll be witness to good cricket. Chismon chooses his matches after weighing the quality of cricket expected, while Byrne decided on St Lucia because he wants to see as many cricket centres around the world.
Even contest
“I like to see a competitive Test. West Indies play well at home and India don’t play well away so you’ve got a match,” said Chismon explaining his rationale behind choosing this match.
Byrne has watched a total of 40 Tests at 41 different grounds around the world. He has been to all other Test playing nations except Zimbabwe.
Byrne started touring regularly in 1998 while Chismon became a regular in 1995. “Once you get the taste you won’t let go,” the duo echoes in unison.
All five days
Chismon has watched Test cricket in all the Test playing countries and his tally stands at 33. (For them watching a Test means watching every ball on all five days).
Bangladesh was the only country Chismon had not visited until April.
“Everyone laughed at me and said it would be over in three days but it was a good competitive series (Australia against Bangladesh),” said Chismon taking a dig at his detractors.
To keep their concentration going they keep scores. Chismon has his scorebook autographed by Jason Gillespie after his double ton against Bangladesh in the second Test.
India vs Pak Tests
He enjoys watching the India vs Pakistan Tests and watched both the last series, in India as well as Pakistan. “They have very wristy players and the matches are very competitive.”
For them watching cricket is the best way to spend their holidays. “We adjust the cricket with our leaves. It is the best way to switch off form the world.”