Fire In Babylon

The four horsemen - Roberts, Holding, Croft and Garner.

I don't like cricket.. I love it ... but I've lost touch with the modern game because in SE Asia, the game is as popular as bland tasting food.

As I tell many non-cricket fans - Americans basically - cricket is the ultimate test of mind, body and spirit. That's why this documentary on the West Indian cricket team (1978-90) - one of the greatest, meanest, hardest, skillful and successful outfits in the history of the game - was a high priority watch for me.

It doesn't disappoint. Any film featuring interviews and footage of legends such as Viv Richards, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, Clive Lloyd etc has a lot going for it. Throw in the wit and wisdom of Bunny Wailer, as well as great news clips from the 70s and 80s, and it's sure fire winner for cricket tragics.

As an avid rugby fan it was also interesting to note the similarities - re the struggle for acceptance and bigger pay cheques, faced by the West Indian cricketers back then - and polynesian rugby players and teams in relatively recent times.

My only beef was the lack of comment from notable opponents like Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, Greg and Trevor Chappell and Tony Grieg. I wanted to know what they feared/hated/respected  most about facing the Windies.

If you are watching at home get in a few cans of ice cold Red Stripe and crank up the bass because the reggae flavoured soundtrack is superb.

Fire In Babylon trailer