That's what I'm talking about!

In this day of sensationalist media, it is rare that people being interviewed are frank and forthright in their answers. A perfect example is Tiger Woods. One need not even interview the fellow to know what he will say.

So, imagine my happiness when I came across this interview with the great New Zealand batsman Glenn Turner. The interview is chock-full of interesting information and he is not afraid to tell it like it is.

I would love to play cricket today, with all - I am not just talking of money - the opportunity you get, the practice facilities, the amount of time you are able to put into preparation.

Old perceptions die hard. When I played, we went to tour straight after the monsoon. The pitches used to go off the top. Always Australia and England coming after us. We played quite often in smaller centres. But even when I was coaching in the mid-80s, when we were having all that success - in fact, Australia and England used to play for the wooden spoon called the Ashes - it still didn't change our rating in terms of perception in people's mind. Not much has changed still.

It is much harder for players now. With the attention that's paid to them, it takes a strong young mind to take all the money and the exposure and come through it with a level head. Life has become more complicated now. Young people have to make a lot more decisions than was the case previously.

Read the whole thing and relish his candor.