Duncan: Huffed out. A new form of dismissal? (Aug 95)

How was he? Huffed, out for 0, and in the cricket record books.

by John Duncan

The Guardian.

Quietly, without so much as a halfhearted "Howzat", the game of cricket invented a new way of being dismissed yesterday. The man responsible is Robin Wightman of Whiteleas CC, who has made his mark in cricket`s history books after he was recorded as "R Wightman: absent huffed, 0" on the scorecard against local rivals East Rainton. Now that phrasing has been acknowledged by the MCC, custodians of cricket history, as a legitimate way of losing one`s wicket. "Though officially this would be recorded as retired out," said the MCC`s assistant secretary of cricket, John Jameson, "there are scorers who have a sense of humour and put in their own interpretation." Mr.Wightman, aged 42, is in good company. Over the years unusual dismissals recalled by Mr Jameson have included "sick on wicket", "ran away, scared by bowler", "dropped spectacles on wicket", "left to catch train to Continent", "shamefully refused to go in", "did not arrive at crease in time" and "remembered a previous engagement". Mr Wightman had seven wickets for 58 runs in a North East Durham League match when he stepped up to bowl the last over of the innings, but the captain, Ian Wilburn, said he would be taking over instead. Mr Wightman was furious. "I don`t believe it" he muttered, walking off, as the records now clearly indicate, in a huff. Mr Wightman, long departed from the ground, did not bat as his 10- man side were skittled out for 100, 53 short of their target. At stumps a debate ensued among the team as to how to record Mr Wightman`s departure. "We didn`t consider he was injured so he hadn`t retired hurt," said Mr Wilburn. "We hoped doing it this way would make an impact with Robin and it has had the desired effect." "I am sure there have been many huffs on cricket pitches over the years" said Mr Jameson. "but I have never come across it being classed as a form of dismissal. However, technically it is correct, and will count as an innings in the batsmen`s averages for the season." Mr Wightman disputes the scorecard`s verdict. "I didn`t want to bat because it would have aggravated a hamstring injury." he said yesterday. "I told a couple of the lads I was going home, but didn`t tell the captain. I have heard he submitted the scorecard after a pint too many in the club. "I`m not a huffy sort of person but I am delighted that I can now tell people my exploits have been recorded in the official records at Lord`s."