1/ The satisfying "thwack" of ball against corrugated iron boundary after hitting a four... Our ground is like Sabina Park with its bobbly outfield, corrugated iron and green hills in the background, just being able to play there is enjoyable in itself...
2/ Lying down on the thick grass of Benoni or Centurion with the smell of braais in the heavy air, the sun beating down making the pitch shimmer, and spending a lazy day under a tree watching others toil in the heat... you havent seen cricket until you have watched it in SA...
3/ Watching Allan Donald as an impressionable youngster glide in like he was was walking on water was one of my fondest childhood memories... Cricket sometimes gives moments that are indelible in it's supporters minds, that was mine
4/ Watching Mark Waugh, Azharuddin or VVS Laxman too... Batting is one of the most expressive forms of art when its being done by these craftsmen....
5/ Above all, being able to chat on a friendly basis to the most seasoned professionals... it wouldnt happen in many sports these days... Shaking hands with a guy who has reached a personal landmark is the kind of stuff that we should battle hard to keep... Cricket should battle hard to keep its ideal balance of agression and friendliness....
Oh, harry... i am a baseball fan.. I value it because it is more readily digestible, more exciting maybe... But it doesnt touch cricket for sportsmanship, elegance or skill IMO....