Birds eye view on a fledgling start

Dickie Birds final match was Rahul Dravids debut.

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1st Test at Lords,1996. It was when the world bid adieu to the games most-loved and respected man,donning the big white coat. Incidentally,the Test also saw the debut of a man who would go on to be an iconic figure in flannels.

Dickie Birds final match was Rahul Dravids debut. After the Lords Test every player bid me farewell,including Dravid. I had just seen his batting and he looked so special. I still remember the first time I met him,I told him Young man,you will put your name in the record books. He merely smiled, recalls Bird.

The Yorkshireman was spot-on with his prediction. For Rahul,the records speak for itself. But Rahul is much more than that to be judged by numbers. Hes one of the few gentlemen to have played the game, says Bird.

Even though his opportunity to watch Dravid was very limited,Bird loved his various interactions,as MCC members. Over the years,I have had a chance to speak and interact with him on different subjects. I dont think he ever argued with the umpire and has always played in the spirit of the game. Even if its just one match,it was an honour to be on the same field with him, he says.

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