Lessons learned from Stephen Cook

Let’s learn from the legends. In this article, we hear some incredible stories from former South African opening batsman Stephen Cook.

This year was off to the worst possible start. The worst pandemic in the space of 100 years severely impacted multiple business operations, governments and resulted in many disruptions, especially in the world of international sports.

I would have never guessed that the Cricket Fanatics Magazine would bestow the responsibility of hosting a show where I get to meet and engage with multiple cricketing legends I‘ve witnessed in the past.

After 13 episodes of “Legends with Ravi”, I gained a re-education in the game of cricket in the South African landscape. I have met former international superstars as well as disadvantaged players who never got the international accolades or rewards.

I have also met journalists, commentators and former match referees, all of which had a fundamental impact on changing the cricketing infrastructure in South Africa.

These are the various lessons I have picked up during this fortunate experience:

Stephen Cook was a particularly interesting case. The former King Edward pupil was exceptionally gifted with the bat and played alongside alumni Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie. Stephen had an 18-year career in domestic cricket within South Africa and patiently awaited his well-deserved call up. He also shared how the “Transvaal Mean Machine”.