ICC World Cup 2023: English father-son pair support Bangladesh, SA respectively

Steve McCarthy with his son Luke at Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Subodh Mayure

Disappointed with the Jos Buttler-led England team's performance in the World Cup so far, London-based father-son pair of Steve and Luke McCarthy enjoyed the Bangladesh versus South Africa game at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.

However, both decided not to wear the England jersey and supported Bangladesh and SA through their respective jerseys. Steve, 48, told mid-day: "England have disappointed us. They were so tired during the game against South Africa. I think to be consistent in this 50-over format is too much to ask from them. Hence, we chose our favourite team for today's [Tuesday] game. Bangladesh are the underdogs. They are fighters, but Bangladesh have just 10 per cent chance today."

Father and son play for Weybridge Cricket Club in the third and fifth XI respectively.

Luke, 17, a wicketkeeper-batsman, remarked: "Quinton de Kock showed his class by scoring his third century of this World Cup. But New Zealand are a balanced team. Though they lost to India in Dharamsala, it will be an India versus NZ final and the Kiwis will win this World Cup."

Also Read: Miles to go before Bangla sleep!

Energetic Donald serves B'desh well

For South African bowling legend Allan Donald, this game was about charting a strategy to disturb his own nation's batting plans. And as Bangladesh's fast bowling coach, Donald was seen doing it perfectly while on the boundary ropes right from the very first ball of the game, despite a hot and humid afternoon at Wankhede Stadium. The former speedster didn't even mind carrying a couple of energy drinks, a towel and an ice pack with him for the Bangladesh bowling unit.

Allan Donald

Fielding at third man, left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam was seen talking to Donald before starting his second over. It is not known what exactly Donald told
Shoriful, but the bowler clean bowled opener Reeza Hendricks (12) through a beautiful incoming delivery on the very first ball of his new over.