After battling two years with cancer, New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee said it changed his perspective on life. During the period he did have his eyes on international cricket as well. In a recent interview, Hadlee shared his journey in those two years along with some opinions on cricket.
Hadlee on his cancer and life after
Richard Hadlee was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June, 2018. After a surgery for the tumour, he got operated for secondary liver cancer. In a recent interaction, Hadlee recalled his journey during the period and said, “It puts life into perspective because I never had symptoms. It was purely a freak situation where a routine colonoscopy determined the problem. I was faced with a huge challenge in my life as odds were not in my favour.”
He discussed about the first six months after diagnosis which were probably the worse time. Now he knows that it could come back. “Two years have gone by and I have to go through the next three years. Tomorrow I could wake up with a symptom.” He added, “At the moment all good, I lost 10 [kilograms]. I do all normal things now, just watch my diet. I get regular check-ups every three months. Tests were also in my favour but I am not out of the woods. I have to still get through the next 12 to 24 months without re-occurrence. If it comes back, I will deal with it then, but it won’t be good. But at the moment all clear.”
Hadlee on contemporary bowlers
But Hadlee never stayed away from cricket even during these toughest times. While speaking about the same, he applauded India’s fast bowlers and mentioned what makes India number one team. “India have got some wonderful fast bowlers. Ishant [Sharma] has done a wonderful job in Test cricket. I like [Mohammed] Shami. He brings in a lot of energy as he runs into bowl. Bumrah is one of his kind, very unorthodox but hugely effective. That’s the point of difference that he is unusual. They are a very balanced attack and that’s why they are No 1. Good batsmen and world-class bowling attack.”
Indian bowlers might have impressed Hadlee, but it is England bowler James Anderson who has Hadlee’s support amongst the current set of bowlers. Hadlee is completely awe of Anderson and Stuart Broad is another English player he likes. “Anderson has been phenomenal. You just watch it on telly, watch what he is doing — outswinger, inswinger, the release and wrist position. Nearly 600 Test wickets. Stuart Broad has also got a bit to do over the years. What a combination. They are the most successful combination in the history of the game. Incredible.”
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