Jimmy Cook, who faced 1st ball in ODIs for South Africa, at Eden Gardens, talks of the past & present

 

Jimmy Cook

STEPHEN James Cook, or Jimmy Cook, can never be dislodged from a unique position in South Africa’s ODI history: Thirtytwo years ago, at Eden Gardens, Cook was awarded ODI cap No.1. He also faced the very first delivery, from Kapil Dev!

India, it may be recalled, won that ODI and the series. South Africa’s captain then, Clive Rice, is sadly no more. Mohammed Azharuddin helmed India. 

Cook, who turned 70 in July, is a full-time coach and has just finished working with Oman’s juniors. Besides his own Academy in Johannesburg, Cook is associated with Gary Kirsten’s one in Cape Town.

While younger son Ryan is coach of The Netherlands, elder son Stephen is SA20’s head of cricket operations.

Cricket and the Cooks, well, truly inseparable. 

Owing to Cook’s travel across continents, different time zones and his coaching commitments, my interactions with him had to be spread over a couple of days. 

Excerpts…

Q: You have the distinction of owning South Africa’s ODI cap No.1… What are your debut-related memories of playing at Eden Gardens, 32 years ago?

A: That it was an incredible experience, one not to be forgotten… Really, you’ve taken me back many years!

Q: The historic three-match ODI series was, if I’m not wrong, put together at short notice. So, what was your preparation like?

A: Rushed… We only had a week to get ready for International cricket after two decades. Weren’t sure what to expect. 

Q: Despite being a prolific scorer for Somerset (over 7,500 runs in three seasons) and at the domestic level, were you nervous facing the first ball, from Kapil Dev?

A: On the contrary, I took guard wanting to embrace the challenge.

Q: No butterflies in the stomach? 

A: None at all.

Q: For all your experience, the pressure of International cricket would have been rather different…

A: Look, I cannot remember if additional pressure was there, but everything is different when you represent your country as opposed to playing provincial or County cricket. 

Q: Having to press a ‘new’ button in the mind… Was it a significant change in approach?

A: Wasn’t a big mental switch, I just followed my routines.

Q: ‘Routines’… What did that include?

A: Unflinching focus for those few seconds as the bowler ran in and, then, delivered.

Q: Overawed, perhaps, by Kapil and a very-young Sachin Tendulkar -- one a great, the other, one in the making?

A: Was never overawed by anybody, but respected the players’ abilities. 

Q: Back then, Eden Gardens accommodated far more spectators. While the full house made South Africa feel welcome, was the sea of humanity unnerving in any way?

A: I’d never played before such a huge crowd, so, yes, it was somewhat intimidating. 

Q: You were past 38 when you made your ODI debut and over 39 when you became a Test player – making your oldest-format debut too against India (Durban, 1992). A regret that apartheid kept South Africa out of International cricket during the best years of your career…

A: No regrets, but there are a lot more opportunities for players nowadays. It’s a different world. The game has also changed.

Q: Frustration?

A: Happy that, at least, I got some opportunities.

Q: You did feature in unofficial ‘Tests’ when Rebel teams visited South Africa. Was the competition actually fierce?

A: It was very serious cricket and, indeed, the teams included exceptional players. 

Q: Idol, if any?

A: Barry Richards. I loved his technique and his ability to change tempo when needed. 

Q: Son Stephen also played Test cricket for South Africa (11 matches in a short career from 2016 to 2017). Given that he scored a century on debut, why such a short innings?

A: Stephen also made his debut late, at 33. Even though he did well, time was never going to be on his side.

Q: Did you have a huge influence on Stephen or you allowed him to just be himself…

A: I did coach Stephen in the early years, but thereafter allowed him to shape his own career. That is how it should be.

Q: Stephen is now part of Graeme Smith’s administrative team at SA20… Would you, by the way, have enjoyed playing the T20 format?

A: Yes, especially with the powerplay in place (first six overs).

Q: Has T20 made cricket richer – and I’m not referring to the coffers of Boards swelling?

A: But for the influence of this format, the hitting abilities of many batsmen wouldn’t have come to the fore in Test cricket. 

Q: Younger son Ryan didn’t play for South Africa, but has been in the news as coach of The Netherlands in World Cup 2023. What drew Ryan to the profession?

A: Ryan got into coaching by helping me at my Academy in Johannesburg and, then, moved to Gary Kirsten’s Academy in Cape Town. 

Q: Does Ryan call you for advice?

A: Of course, Ryan and I do chat, but not on how to do things. He has read coaching books from every sport to make himself better. 

Q: Divided loyalties when South Africa played The Netherlands and, in an upset, lost?

A: Fact is I don’t worry over who wins. 

Q: Still, I assume you’re following The Netherlands’ run as closely as South Africa’s…

A: Do like to watch The Netherlands’ play as they’re relatively new to this environment and, barring the other day, coping well.

Q: The 2023 World Cup will, as we speak, largely be remembered for the upsets caused by Afghanistan and even The Netherlands. Time to forget ‘smaller’ nations being at play?

A: Definitely, the gap is closing between the bigger and smaller nations (in white-ball cricket). However, the resources and infrastructure are still way apart. 

Q: Playing at home cuts both ways, but India have revelled in home conditions. Your take?

A: India look so very strong and are playing a confident brand of cricket. 

Q: From 1991 to 2023… How do you view India’s progress?

A: Cricket in India has made huge strides in the period you’ve mentioned. The game too has done so.

Q: South Africa have looked menacing right through this World Cup, except for the match against The Netherlands…

A: Let’s say South Africa are genuine contenders for their first-ever World Cup title.

Q: Has viewership of the World Cup in South Africa soared on the back of the country’s performances?

A: Can’t say if viewership is up in South Africa, but there’s enormous interest all over the world.

Q: Thoughts on the India vs South Africa match, at Eden Gardens, on Sunday…

A: When two form teams meet each other, you can expect a great match. Then, it’s at Eden Gardens! Am sure Calcuttans will have just one destination to head to!

Q: In ODIs, what counts for the most?

A: I’ve always thought runs on the board matter a lot, but as all aspects of one’s game get tested, you cannot afford to be below par whatsoever.   

Q: The role played by you in the development of modern-day great Smith… 

A: I did help coach Graeme from the time he was 12, so I guess I gave him the foundations to succeed! 

Q: What made Smith such a phenomenal batsman (and captain)?

A: Not one quality, everything. Dedication, commitment, courage… The ability to stay focused… Above all, huge passion and respect for the game.

Q: Long list…

A: To succeed, consistently, you need all the qualities Graeme possessed. 

Q: Last one: Advice to openers?

A: I tell the young ones two things… That they must develop a solid defensive technique and, once set, to keep the scoreboard moving. 

Jimmy Cook's sons, Ryan (left) & Stephen