Herschelle Gibbs - To the Point: The No-Holds-Barred Autobiography

I had not been playing for Western Province for long when a 16-year-old schoolboy called Herschelle Gibbs was selected to play against Northern Transvaal. I think he scored 37 runs on the day, but watching his style and flare for the game was enough to convince anyone that this youngster was going to be around for a long time.

And so, here I am, 20 years later, having been asked to write the foreword to the autobiography of Herschelle Gibbs an honour indeed! Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity, feeling that it is important that people know the views and opinions of the person who spent many hours and days just 22 yards from him on the cricket pitch, as we battled it out against the best opposition in the world.

It was here, in the middle and under pressure, that I got to see Herschelle Gibbs at his purest and best. There were times when I saw the fear in his eyes, when I saw him vulnerable and unsure who he was and whether he belonged in this arena. But, more often than not, I saw the determination and confidence of an entertainer who had a deep desire to display his talents and skills in their truest form and show the cricketing world what he was made of.

In the early days, when Herschelles confidence was soaring (and the game had yet to dish out a few harsh lessons, as it does to us all), his stroke-making was audacious! His trademark backfoot drive, which regularly soared over the cover boundary, is such a difficult shot that I have yet to see the batsmen of the new era even consider it. Such was Herschs skill that I would often watch him select an area to hit the ball with little regard of the deliverys line or length. With Herschelle at the crease, it was cricket entertainment at its purest, and he relished and flourished in the adulation that came with it.

But, as in any great pursuit, there are challenges and obstacles in cricket. Herschelle was not immune to this. As he started playing against better opposition, they worked out his shortcomings and would specifically target those aspects of his game both mental and technical. He quickly realised he would have to adapt and work out new strategies that would give him the consistency to be a long-term fixture in the South African team. He did this and he did it well.

Im not sure when it was or how it came about, but a decision was taken that Herschelle should open the batting in all forms of the game. This was the beginning of a long and enjoyable partnership, as he and I opened the batting for South Africa and Western Province. I look back on this period as one of the most memorable in my cricket career.

Herschelle and I complemented each other perfectly. He allowed me to play my natural game without the pressure of having to score runs freely. I encouraged him to play more of a percentage game when it was required. It was during these years as an opener that he tightened up his technique and became a difficult batsman to get out. Herschelle was able to combine his natural flair and skill with good control and organisation at the crease. Thus grew one of the best and most feared batsmen in the world.

Many people will be unfamiliar with Herschelle the person. The media have projected him as something of a maverick, prone to self-destruction and always living on the edge. On some levels, this is an accurate reflection, and Herschelle would be the first to tell you that. He has always done things to the extreme, so whether it is training in the gym, batting in the nets or going out for a party, he is going to give 100 per cent commitment to it!

What has not been as well documented is what a thoroughly genuine and generous human being he is. He would be more than happy to give the shirt off his back, if that meant making someone elses day. He has set a fantastic example to future sports stars in his willingness to give to others, and many people have benefited from his enormously generous heart. He has always been fully aware of the privileges that cricket has given him in his life and has never taken that for granted.

Herschelle has made many friends in the cricket fraternity. He is well liked because he has a tremendous ability to connect with people quickly. On many occasions I have seen him with a smile on his face, happily signing autographs and engaging with cricket fans and young aspiring players, while the rest of his teammates are sitting in the comfort of the changing room. And lets not forget Herschelles exceptional wit and humour. There was never a dull moment with Hersch around, and he always kept us well entertained when we were on the road.

I dont know when Herschelle will decide to retire, but I will make sure Im at Newlands when he makes that decision to play one last innings at his favourite ground. Im certain he will still be at backward point looking for the opportunity to take a great catch or hit the stumps. Im also sure he will make every effort to entertain his loyal Cape Town fans with bat in hand and remind us of the stroke-making that turned him into one of the worlds great batsmen.

Thanks, Hersch, for the great memories!

Gazza

GARY KIRSTEN

Dambulla, Sri Lanka, August 2010

So here we are, people Twenty-odd years have come and gone. What a ride. I can honestly say its been filled with every bit of emotion, from heartache and failure to celebration and triumph. I guess thats all part of life, and, for someone who is still fairly young, I can count myself lucky to have gone through so much already. These experiences will stand me in good stead, of that Im pretty sure!

During the roller-coaster ride, Ive met people all over the world, from all walks of life from the man sweeping the streets to presidents and even the royal family. Not bad for someone who comes from an underprivileged background, hey?

Ive only ever played team sports and, with this in mind, I want to say thank you to everyone who Ive shared a team with, be it football, rugby or cricket. From the age of six till now! Its been a treat to play alongside each and every one of you lads, so thank you!

To all my coaches especially Duncan Fletcher who helped me through it all. Not sure how you men put up with me. Thank you. Fletch, you were the one who suggested that I open the batting, and we both know it worked out pretty well in the end. You are truly a legend.

To my manager, Donn Commins, who has stood by me through it all If it wasnt for you, Don, Im not sure where Id be today. Youre a gem of a woman. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

To all my sponsors sorry, just too many to name over the last two decades thank you for allowing me the privilege of using and endorsing your products. They have all been of the highest quality! To have sponsors from the age of ten, I was truly blessed.

To my former opening partner Gary Kirsten Gazza, the touching words you wrote in the foreword, bro, made me shed a tear or two, you shit! Thank you. What a complete man you are. Its been an honour indeed.

Where would I be without my friends? To all of you, shot for all the support and lets carry on with the good times, okay?

Now to my family the people Ive hardly seen because of my travels during these years. I know it hasnt always been easy, but without your encouragement and support I would never have made it through all the rough times Ive experienced. I love you all. Daddy, Mommy, Cindy, Rashard, Clinton and family, we will make up for lost time once my cricketing days finally come to an end. For now, lets just enjoy the next couple of years together. Daddy, I think all your hard work and effort in my younger years eventually paid off to get me where I am today. Im proud to say Im your son. I love you immensely.