Question

Which one of the following statements best conveys to the reader the writer's idea?

• A. The batsman's technical perfection should be astonishing, and it is most important in cricket.
• B. Without the spirit of sacrifice cricket is uninteresting.
• C. There was no sunshine in Shrewsbury's play, but that was not necessary.
• D. A good batsman must be able to turn out runs as quickly as a machine produce pins.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Without the spirit of sacrifice cricket is uninteresting.

Option B: As mentioned in the passage, "There was no sunshine in his play, no swift surprise of splendid unselfishness." and "And without these things, without gaiety, daring and the spirit of sacrifice, cricket is a dead thing."

The 'surprise of splendid unselfishness' is synonymous with 'the spirit of sacrifice', where 'sacrifice' is an 'unselfish act'. These words "without gaiety and the spirit of sacrifice, cricket is a dead thing" are hence the main idea behind this passage. As it's seen in option B, it's the right answer.

Option A: The passage does not revolve around this line as its main idea. It highlights the given words 'technical perfection' in negative light.

Option C: The words 'that was not necessary' are neither mentioned nor implied in the passage.

Option D: This line is the opposite of what the passage implies. It does not support the mechanical aspect of cricket players.

Hence options A, C and D are wrong.