FRASER: I FEAR THAT I'LL END UP CRIPPLED

ANGUS Fraser last night faced up to the secret fear stalking his Test career and insisted: "I know I could end up a cripple but I'll still carry on playing for England."

Fraser, who wound up a loser after taking a record-breaking 11- 110 in last week's Second Test in Port of Spain, and followed that with 5-40 on the opening day of the third Test, knows he will pay a heavy price for his international commitment in years to come. But the Middlesex paceman has no regrets.

Fraser, 32, underwent major surgery on a severe hip injury five years ago and that desperate bid to rescue his bowling future has long-term consequences.

He told me: "I realise in later life I may have major problems. Of course the distinct possibility of hip replacement is obvious, but I'm prepared to pay that price.

"I believe you must live for the moment. There were times not so long ago I thought I would never play again, so to be charging in for England once more is a definite bonus.

"I can't concern myself with what might happen. That's in the hands of the gods.

"In 1991 I was told I would never play again so really, anything is a major bonus.

"I'm not really concerned with what may or may not happen by the time I'm 50."

Fraser's problems began on the Australian tour of 1990-91. He explained: "It all started with a few nagging aches and pains, but when I came home I decided to get a serious medical opinion.

"Scans seemed to indicate that I was suffering from Avascular Necrosis. That is a severe disorder and at that time I thought I'd never bowl again.

"For three or four months I had an electro-magnetic pad strapped to my thigh for 10 hours a day. It wasn't very pleasant but it was the only treatment prescribed to stimulate blood supply to the hip.

"It was a weird part of my life. Often I would be wired up throughout the night and at other times I would plug in while I was working at my desk. It was extremely uncomfortable but I was prepared to try anything to get back into the game.

"Early in 1992 I played a couple of games for Middlesex but I still wasn't right. It was only when I went to see hip specialist Richard Villar in Cambridge later that year that I was given some hope.

"He looked at new scans and decided the original diagnosis was wrong. He decided to operate, and the arthroscopy duly cleared out all the debris floating about the joint.

"I couldn't believe the difference, and I've never looked back.

"I am still on anti-inflammatory tablets and I still get very stiff after a long day in the field, but I'm not complaining.

"The chance to play again was a bonus, and to be wearing the England shirt again is unbelievable.

"I have always been a very whole-hearted player and my desire is stronger than ever. There is nothing I wouldn't do to play for England."

Fraser, though, is sad that he has missed out on so much Test cricket.

He said: "I look at my old mate Alec Stewart and wonder where I went wrong. I've played 34 Tests but he's appeared 71 times for his country. We started our Test career together so obviously I've had to miss out on a lot of games I feel I should have played.

"It was particularly difficult when I got the boot after the 1996 tour to South Africa. At that time I was clearly surplus to requirements but I never lost faith in my ability.

"I told myself I was good enough to get back at the highest level but it was only when I was called up for this tour that I realised I was on my way back.

"A mate called to congratulate me on being selected and I gave him a rollicking for winding me up. It was only when the phone rang again to confirm it that I finally believed I wasn't the butt of some sick practical joke.

"Even then I didn't want people thinking: 'Poor old Gus. He'll be there carrying the bags, making up the numbers.'

"That's not in my scheme of things. I'm a competitor and if I can't do the job I've been picked for, I'm not interested.

"I've always wanted to be the best. That may never happen but at least I'll give it a bloody good try."

Fraser's monumental effort in England's losing cause at the Queen's Park Oval has left him on course to break John Snow's record of 27 wickets in a Caribbean series.

Fraser admitted: "I don't know about that. I have never played in every Test of any series so that's my first target.

"Those 11 wickets have given me a massive boost but I'm not going to get carried away.

"I'm only sorry I didn't finish the job when we had the chance to win. I should have caught and bowled David Williams with my first delivery of the final day.

"It was an easy chance but I spilled it because I wasn't expecting it so early in the day. That cost us the win and it will make me even more determined to do the job properly from here on in.

"I don't care if it means a bit of pain and suffering down the line. As long as I'm not a hopeless heap lying on the floor, unable to look after myself, it will have been all worthwhile."

Copyright 1998 MGN LTD
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