THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: David Boon's handlebar moustache, one of the most unmistakable sights in cricket during the 1980s and 90s, is still in place. But at the age of 55, his role in the game has changed over the years. The former Australian top-order batsman and national selector has also had a stint in marketing other than being an ICC match referee.
His latest visit to India is in an ambassadorial role with a high-level delegation which aims at building bilateral relationships between India and his home state of Tasmania. Boonie, as he is known to his teammates and cricket enthusiasts, rates Brian Lara more naturally talented than Sachin Tendulkar. Excerpts from a chat with Express.
On Twenty20 cricket:
T20 has definitely done a world of good for cricket. Any format that promotes the game is good for the game. In countries like Australia, we have a diverse population that comes from countries with no cricket. It is no good for them to walk into a game that lasts five days and still does not produce a result.
So, T20s can provide these group with an environment where they can have a shot at cricket, enjoy the game and maybe put their talent in cricket.
On the evolution of cricket:
The game has moved forward as it should from era to era. The advent of T20 has influenced how the ODIs are played. Last night, I watched Australia score 263 in 20 overs! Are you kidding me! During our time, we could win 50-over games with 220.
The innovation of these young players and their lack of fear gives them an ability to have more freedom than ever. It is wonderful to travel around the world as a referee and watch these guys play.
On Test cricket losing its importance:
I am very much a traditionalist and think Test cricket is a historical part of cricket. They are extremely important -- as much as ODIs and T20s -- and administrators of every cricket-playing nations have the responsibility to maintain the importance of Tests.
We need to look at changes to how Tests are played. I am very supportive of day-night Tests with pink balls (if that is the colour to go with). I think this will develop and reinvigorate people's interest as people can come in after work and watch cricket again.
On a World Championship in Test:
It is up to the ICC to take a decision on that after discussing with world bodies. ICC chief executive David Richardson is pro World Test Championships and it is something that should be debated.
I will support every decision which is best to maintain a standard of Test cricket and that makes young kids dream and aspire to play for their country at the Test cricket level.
On the most talented cricketer ever:
There are very few absolutely naturally talented players who are successful at the highest level. Most of them have the element of talent, but it is how they play the game and their desire to be as best as they possibly can that makes cricketers successful. If I had to pick one that was the most naturally gifted, that will be Lara.
I know that is very harsh on Sachin Tendulkar. I admire him immensely as a player who was successful in all conditions and in all formats. He is someone who worked very hard on his game and became mentally very strong. I wouldn't put him in that 'pure naturally gifted package' but nonetheless, he is one of the best cricketers of the era.
Picking Australia's best captain:
For me, it's a really easy option. I absolutely respect Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh's leaderships. When Ricky Ponting became the captain, I could see in him a little bit of Allan Border, Mark and Steve. But for me, Allan is the godfather of modern Australian cricket.
As a group, under Allan's example and leadership, the group of players were stable and realised how much the Baggy Green meant and what an honour it was to wear it.
On Australia's maiden World Cup triumph:
We were at a rebuilding stage. Other than Allan, the team did not comprise many established cricketers. We were very much the underdogs. it was a perfect example of how a team can triumph over individuals if you have clear targets and disciplined like we were under coach Bob Simpson.
A very big test for us was the semi-final against Pakistan in Lahore which we managed to win. The final at Kolkata was unbelievable. It was the first time I was to Eden Garden in front of 100,00 plus crowd. I think this was the only time the Indians rooted for an Australian side perhaps because they did not like the British from the historical perspective.