Opinion: Fear factor: Terrifying job, but someone has to do it
Sport is often about physical prowess but the ability to conquer
fear must not be under-rated. Dunedin student Emile Donovan
reports.  There is a lovely cricketing anecdote from a late
1970s county game regarding courageous Englishman Brian Close.
Although Close had built up a reputation as a fearless batsman,
the day's light was fading and the wicket as green as a weak-
stomached sailor. It was, therefore, with no small consternation
that he strolled to the crease to face fearsome West Indian fast
bowler Wes Hall.  A pusillanimous Close took guard, and Hall -
who had already retired two batsmen that day - began his
menacing run-up.  Suddenly, the crucifix that the bowler
habitually wore around his neck leaped up mid-stride and struck
him in the eye. The demonic quick was unable to complete the
over, the day's play was suspended, and a relieved Close was
gratefully spared Death by a Thousand Bouncers.  Fear - and the
instinctive repression of fea