Tuesday 13 January 2009

Instant swamp?

Here we go for instalment number 2 of this seasons T20 fixture.
What an interesting first match; interesting in that the star was un-capped at first class level. Had i had the opportunity to post just prior to that game i would have questioned the value of such a move; Warner's results would have seen mud on my face.

What i do question is whether it is right for players to jump from grade to national cricket.
I'm happy for player to find fast success, but how is it fair to those players that have diligently worked their way through the system, "paying their dues" so to speak... everyone hates a queue jumper!
Now this criticism is not directed at Warner- who wouldn't take such an opportunity (and well done to him for capitalising on his chance). It is more a question of whether we still believe in a "fair go" in this country?

With this precedent, are players going to get the depth of experience considered vital for a longer international career? Are they going to aim only to bash their way into international contention and IPL dollar glory? Will the domestic competition been seen as the backwater of Australian cricket; a place for the "almost good enoughs", as players endeavour to emulate Warner and bypass representing their states? Do people think I'm making something out of nothing?


stoph verismo
downthewicket

14 comments:

  1. fcuk blogspot web site!!!!! i am not typing that again!!! cntu!!

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  2. and now for something pleasant...

    http://www.thevine.com.au/blog/tobler1/miss-reef-bikini-08.aspx?s_cid=network:ron:gen:apr08:apr09

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  3. In all honesty Stoph I think 20/20 is such a joke that I don't even call it cricket. I hope that people who want to play cricket won't be at all concerned with this 20/20 crap and that it will highlight the people that are genuine about the game of cricket and expose money hungry capitalist pigs who care more about lining their fat pockets than playing the greatest game on Earth for their country. I think it's fine that Warner hadn't played sheffield shield for NSW as that would be real cricket - not chicken related rubbish. If tossers want to piss off to India for stacks of cash instead of wearing the baggy green bloody let 'em; I don't want a wanker like that representing my country.

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  4. I'm just glad you were honest LRO.
    coz i'd hate it if you held back worried about our sensibilities here,. :)

    so, you are saying that 2020 is not your cup o tea, comrade?
    are you going to have any games in your club? i know many now are, and though i've never played it, i can see the fun side of it; although i find the talk of "tactics" a bit humorous. Warne had a double page spread in the H/sun on sunday about tactics...hmmm.

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  5. 2020 is da future! What I was trying to say before the web site rudely fcuked me up was that it is easier and more lucrative to to get an IPL contract rather than a CA contract. Warner demonstrated that you don't need 1st class experience to play the game and he has introduced a new set of skills to cricket, the third six (i think) he hit was a classic baseball line drive.

    What it will mean is that young cricketers will hone these new 2020 cricket skills to make it in the big time. I see it as another nail in the coffin in test cricket and the death of the ugly 50 version of the game. "Et tu Brute?"

    What about Tait, how awesome is he at full tilt? Pity he only wants to commit to 2020 and ODI. The Poms would have shit themselves if he commited to test cricket.

    BTW chicks dig 2020 cricket that is why it will win.

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  6. yeah pinko gay whales not welcomed...

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  7. Taits first over today was a ripper, subsequent not so good- though not terrible.
    Pontings comment was a ripper when Tait stepped aside of JP running over the ball- when asked by (i think) Brayshaw how soft that was, Ponting said, "Hey, he looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane!" GOLD!

    still good to see a crow-eater in the side.

    big ups to Ponting on his field settings and bowling changes, very dynamic; pity the bowlers let the Saffers off the hook as the innings went on.

    stoph verismo
    down the wicket

    ps check the "latest video" bar below for a replay of Tait dropping Ab De V for a hit wicket... nearly 156km of hip crunching brutality!

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  8. ODI will die due to T20; test will ALWAYS be exactly that, THE TEST!

    stoph verismo
    down the wicket

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  9. but LRO, what about the prospect that T20 allows more players to dedicate themselves to a career in cricket, without the problem of getting into the lucrative and difficult to attain position of the national team.

    there can't be too much money in 1st class, and if players are dedicating 10+ years of their life to cricket, how can they be financial in the best earning years of their life?

    also, if they can stay in the game longer because they can afford to, doesn't that allow a deeper player pool for selection, particularly given that many peripheral player will then also get MORE experience with/against international quality players.

    you may not like the format (i don't eat Macdonalds), but i think these are fair points.

    stoph verismo
    down the wicket

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  10. great to see Hussey find the middle.
    C.White, What a powerhouse!

    i am interested to see how the 5 SA ODI matches go... are we still the short form champs?

    stoph verismo
    downthewicket

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  11. Yeah good points Stoph.
    I guess regarding payment blokes from not too long ago got bugger all for playing for Australia, let alone their state. I don't imagine 1st class players get paid too badly (however of course I don't know their average salary) to be honest. Really I don't care if guys get some dosh in the IPL but your comment I think implied a more even spread for more players than what is the reality. Phil Hughes isn't benefitting from 20/20 at all, at least not yet. So as far as the format providing an income source not previously experienced; yes - but generally for the blokes who are already on the most money as (for eg) the IPL (and any 20/20 club/franchise etc) will select the best players, who are also very well paid.

    I don't quite follow your next point dude. Do you mean players could stay in a pool of players becasue they can afford to remain playing?

    Like the 50 over version, 20/20 will provide exposure to international bowling etc for Aus players, agreed. If you mean more players to select a test team from, though, I don't really agree. I think the context any players play in in 20/20, is so far removed from looking down the barrel of 90 overs when you go into bat, or trying to get swing from a 60 over-old ball, that form or performance means close to nothing.

    Despite all of this I don't really care if 20/20 lives or dies, or the fact that it's been along in the first place. I just don't think it's existence will change cricket in any fundamental way.
    Time will tell I guess.
    (should have been a journalist with a soap box effort like that :)

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  12. i like your soap box LRO, because you obviously think about (and believe) what you say; so that gives it validity.

    about the pool of players: you are right in that there will be little interplay between T20 and test at a player level... as stated there are so many skills that do not carry through; but there are so many skill that are just a fundamental part of cricket: keeping, fielding,just bowling its self- you can't bowl at the 60th over if you don't know how to roll the arm at all, footwork for batsmen- though subtlety is certainly lacking in T20, running between the wicket, backing up...etc. That while players are unlikely to move from T20 straight to test, they are out there playing cricket at a higher level and drawing attention to themselves.
    i don't think it will be an established "player pool" as such, just that it will give greater exposure of the players to the public and selectors... and hopefully greater career opportunities. Those that love cricket for more than just potential earnings will gravitate towards test and make themselves more appealing (in their play) and available for these matches.


    as an aside, if last night gets M.Hussey back into form for test, then it is a good thing.

    stoph verismo
    downthewicket

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  13. Yep, can't disagree Stoph. Any bloke getting the opportunity to find the middle of the bat is a good thing.

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