CRICKET, though dubbed by some as an uninteresting and time-consuming game, is not without its moments of hilarity.

A Lancashire batsman had to face the Australian fast bowler Lindwall. The first bail boomed past his left ear. The second knocked his cap off and the third landed right on his heart. He was temporarily stunned. After a few minutes he recovered, and prepared to face the next delivery.

When the umpire asked if he was ready, the batsman replied: "Yes, but I would like the sight-screen moved."

"Certainly." said the umpire, "where would you want it?"

"Between me and the bowler''.

The English cricketer Tony Greig was very popular with spectators for his antics on the field. During the World XI tour in Melbourne in 1971-72, Greig told Gary Sobers that he was fascinated by Bedi's turban. "Then why don't you also wear one?" Sobers suggested jokingly. And to the vast amusement of the spectators, out came this six-foot-seven cricke¬ter to open the bowling dressed up in a brilliantly colored turban.

"After about five balls.'' Greig writes in his book Cricket, "I thought my back was broken: the thing was so heavy. ... I didn't want to hurt Bishen's feelings, but I just had to admit that the damn thing was painful, to which Bishen replied: 'You might be a big man Greigy, but only the strongest can wear the turban.' "

Gary Sobers was also known for his bantering. Once, during a match played against India, Sobers was the bowler when the ball went out of shape. He selected a substitute ball. Solkar, the batsman facing him, argued that the ball was newer than the one discarded. Sobers clinched the issue by say¬ing: "Do not worry, the ball is not likely to hit your bat."

Solkar too has a keen sense of humour. During the 1971 series in England which India won, Solkar claimed the England opener Lockhurst four times in two tests. When he had him for the third time, Solkar grinned. Lockhurst, cut to the quick, retorted: "Wait, Biackie, wait till the series is over!” Solkar got his wicket in the next innings, grinned and asked: "Is the series over?"

The immortal cricketer W.G. Grace had a graceful sense of humor. Once he was batting on a windy day. A fast ball just flicked the bails off. Unruffled, the batsman stood his ground and told the umpire: "Windy day to-day, umpire!" and replaced the bails. The umpire replied: "Very windy indeed, Doctor; mind it doesn't blow your cap off on your way back to the pavilion." Grace walked away laughing.

On another occasion, Grace was leaving home for a game when a woman came hurrying up to the doctor and requested him to see her two sons who ho were down with fever. Grace replied: "Meet me in the ground if their temperature touches 210 for two."

An appeal for lbw by Johnny Wardie, the English spinner, was turned down. Disappointed, he told the umpire, "You know, I think that would have hit the wicket."

Where do you think it would ha\e hit?" the umpire asked.

"How should I know?'' the bowler replied; "The gentleman's leg was in the way".