Bashing a way in to the Test team

ok, so i accept that i'm pretty much in a club of one here at DTW regarding T20. That is fine and a reason why i don't moderate- diversity of opinion is one of the best ways to learn new stuff that a person may not have considered before due to only seeing things from their own perspective.

I've said all along since taking NOS (number one son) to our first Big Bash game 3 seasons ago that i know it to be "junk food cricket" and it best serves a market of kids and adults with ADHA... or those that would rather any form than nothing at all.

I am though, totally on board with the suggestions that the timing of this BBL and the postponing of all (state) multi day cricket is detrimental to that which must always be considered the first priority- the Test team.

Now it seems that while the mainly print (and online print) media have been quick to point out that the crowds have been below expectation at BBL games, this has always been supplimented with the additional statment that TV audiences have been solid. I can't help but wonder what international players would feel playing in a venue as amazing as the G in front of 1,000 ground staff should it come to pass that the format ends up only serving a TV audience?

Anyway, back to the media. What i have noted has been an escalating amount of media refering to the BBL as players opportunities to find form/prove fit/get eperience to ensure a test team berth. Clarke mentioned it several weeks ago regarding Hughes finding form. But he clarified that that was the only opportunity for Hughes due to the lack of Sheild games, it was apparent he felt this to be an unsatisfactory situation.

I think 4 years ago we all would have pencilled in one M.Clarke with his bling, car, model girlfiend, hair and youthful 'i can have the world and all of its rewards' as the leading cadidate to accept a cash v career in the IPL. He has matured into a player that has upheld the value of Test and has not failed to support his stance with actions and words. While he may be considering a spell next IPL season, i am confident he would only do it after much consideration as to how it may affect his other responsibilities- and not to their detriment.

I challenge you readers, check online, papers etc -even on air- every sport section is carrying at least one reference to this disturbing occurance of refering to BBL as a Test entry point. At the moment it is in reference to Marsh and his big knock last night for the Scorchers. Warner was mentioned earlier in the week, but he had cemented his spot anyway. We all know he is going to get out now and agin due to playing big-bash type shots in Test, but if he can regularly show enough capacity to settle and carve out an innings i'll accept that.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


On a completely different subject, i'd like to mention one 300kg S.K.Warne!

I think it proper that on Boxing day after meeting at the Captain, those of us going pilgrimage to gate 2 to pay homage. Although i imagine it will be busy!

New NEWS, Names & Nathan

I'm a bit perplexed by Nathan Bracken's actions against CA
For those not in the know, Bracken is suing CA $1m for lost earnings and medical expenses for, 'allowing him to play with a knee injury'.

Now i know places in the squad are always at a premium, but surely it was Nathan's call ultimately as to whether he felt he should play- i highly doubt he was told, "You better play no matter what!"

I for one hope that the residing judge throws this out of court and tells Bracken, "Stop wasting Cricket Australia and tax payers money, and get a bloody haircut!"

***

PCB are to get Pepsi sponsorship for Umpire DRS on the UAE tour against Eng and SLa- does anyone know how this will work, or have any more TLA's?

***

Pat Howard for the new GM of CA... i don't have an opinion on this as i didn't know who he is, nor do i know what administrative skills he brings to the position. I know he has been 'High Performance manager' for Rugby Union Australia as well as a successful coach of Leicester in Union- i didn't know he was 12th man for a county game! Is that enough for the new position?

***

Glen McGrath has come out and publicly praised new quick Pat Cummins, and with last nights T20 debut against RSA confirming his talent, Pidge seems to have called it well. Watto likes what he saw too and announced (earlier) that he thought Cummins is 'equal to any talent seen in the last decade.' Big call! Let's hope he is groomed correctly so that his T20 international debut is just a small stepping stone to the real stuff.

For what it's worth, Australia's 5 wicket win in the last over of the T20 last night (13/10/11) will probably only go further to reinforcing the "crowd pleaser" mentality of the format. Like it or not, non-traditionalists want 3 hours and a result down to the wire.

With that, i read too that White is calling for more games and better scheduling for the T20 format; well, he would given he won't be playing for his country in creams again! But i'm inclined to agree with him on one level: with the format becoming more entrenched into season fixtures and another T20 World cup looming the opportunities for teams to see themselves gel as a unit are very ad hoc. If this World cup is a success, it may be time for the ICC and all national boards to structure their fixtures better than just a game tacked on here and there before the commencement of a series.

***

stoph verismo
Down the Wicket

DTW Open letter to CA

Guys, we have begrudged CA's inability to hear the common man/fan/player and stated that they will do what they want regardless, as they will not be told by anyone.

I've sooked but i didn't offer an alternative... so here it is.
We at DTW TELL CA what is wrong with their system and plans and we publish it here and endeavour to get further support via a facebook page.

I propose we compose the letter by consensus. Of course with consensus comes concession, so we need to be able to work out our grievances before publishing.

Who's in for having their say?

stoph verismo

Bashing the Big Bash

I appreciate that the format is of ZERO interest to my very discerning friends here, but, will anyone pay any attention to the new Big Bash format commencing this summer?

I for one will be if for no other reason then continuing the interest of my offspring in cricket, as this fast food version suits the attention span of single digit aged boys.

With Melbourne having to choose between two teams it will be of interest to me to see how much support the Docklands based Renegades get against the G based Stars. It was a no brainer choice for my eldest as i proposed his options... he loves the big stage that the G offers.

For mine it was a big mistake dividing the city when Geelong was a far better option that would have likely got support from regional (western at least) Victoria, more so with Ballarat not too far up the road.

If the format last longer than 5 years i'd be surprised if the Renegades were still there at that point; more so with the Stars having G. Shipperd as coach.

Still, several months out who knows what this heralds for the game and how it will be taken up by the public, i noted that the days the teams were announced the comments on FB were scalding not just because of the T20 format, but more at the structure of the competition, recruitment and the fragmentation of the Bushrangers.

But i'm sure you blokes don't give a rodents rectum for any part of the whole grotty thing, and this i understand.



Stoph Verismo has spoken!

The answer to Twenty 20

With the Chamions League currently occurring at the home of 20/20 I think we are seeing the best format for the shortest version of cricket. The concept of franchises has been well established through American sports and it is my contention that this is how 20/20 should remain. I must admit I've had little interest in the games but at least state/province clubs get an opportunity to reap the financial rewards that 20/20 offers.

This could mean international events are avoided and more 'real' cricket being played as a result. Sri Lanka play just 6 tests in the next 18 months - this is unforgivable and only acts to hinder their development as a top-flight test team. It means Sanga, Jayawardene, Samaweera and co. miss many opportunities to show their wares and build the passion for 5 day cricket in their own country. While many of us DTW followers have decried the infestation of 3 hour cricket, we all (I think!) tolerate the fact 20/20 is not going anywhere. As a consequence the right 'fit' for it must be found. While I'm sure the ICC cannot bear to miss out on the cash associated with the format - I suggest courage being sought and restricting 20/20 to teams/franchises which fosters youth.

Perhaps this can build on the ODI Champions Trophy success and an avoidance of stupid 7 match series like Aus competed in in England and soon India. I think a tournament like we saw in South Africa suggests that 50 over cricket has a place in the calendar - just not as often as it currently is. Watching a mixture of past and present players with imports and exports adds an interesting element to the Champions League. While I'll never likely be an avid follower I think the right mix has been found for the 20/20 format. Leave the green and gold for cricket that matters and give blokes like Henriques and Warner the opportunity to face different bowling in varying conditions; hopefully learning enough to develop more as cricketers.

Limited Overs= little interest- unless i'm playing!

i know it not the purpose of this blog, but it is BF hard for me to be interested in short form cricket played OS.

As we know, Aus are the Champions of the Champions Trophy, well done to the boys, sorry that i just don't care!
For ODI i really only value the World Cup, as it at least gives lesser teams a chance at playing the big boys- who knows, one day we may get an Ireland or Holland side into a final! But a best of the best; just a same old same old to me- pouring $$$ back into the teams that need it less!

Great wins to NSW and Vic in the Champions league T20, for short form games, this is where i believe it is at: best club.

apart from that -until Australia play tests again- i'm a little engrossed in playing for Mordi!

We played week 2 in or one day comp yesterday and after last weeks win against last years winners, we were pumped. Unfortunatley, due to the importance placed on the team when it comes to selection through the club, we only had 4 of last weeks 10 playing.We lost... quite badly!

At 9 wickets for 100 i went in with still nearly 8 overs remaining. After last weeks duck and the acknowledgment i probably closed my eyes as the ball came through, i was determined to practice what i preach to my son, and watch the ball onto the bat; every ball!

the other batter Mark was a middle order batsman so i knew one end should be alright, but it was up to me to redeem last weeks fiasco and try and stay in for the rest of our innings; i had plenty of time to settle.

Mark informed me of the bowlers ability- not too quick and getting a bit of swing- and i then took the time to check the field and just enjoy the opportunity of stonewalling my end.
I let myself block or leave the rest of the over and just kept my eye on the ball and on to the bat; easy as!

The next over was a leggie who was getting no turn (which surprised me as i got heaps last week on the same track!) and getting onto a loose one i was away; the chance of a pair broken.
It is such a nice feeling when you rely on the basics and they pay off; there were no glorious shots, i concentrated on offering nothing in the air -one ok cover drive- a couple of streaky sweeps against the leggie, and one very close call on a run out -once again, saved by the basics: the massive furrow through the dirt before and crossing over the crease dispelled any doubt as to whether my bat was grounded!

They brought the opening bowler on to knock off the bunny, and the best thing about that was getting hit on the thigh pad a couple of time trying to turn the ball around my body. Because he was absolutely fizzing them in the blows allowed me to disregard any concerns of being hit; and when one lifted sharply at the body and smacked in to the thigh square and i just smiled back at bowler i knew i'd broke him down a degree. He got a maiden for his troubles, but he also stopped bowling at my body and his next over he was all over the place.

With one ball remaining we'd made it through our overs and when the other batsman called for a second run and ran himself out, we'd added 34 to the total and i walked off with 12 n/o. Happy days!

In the field nothing came my way as a chance, but i fielded well and received a nice big bruise on my left palm where a dive pulled up a certain 4. Brought on as first change again i was feeling really confident due to bowling 'on the spot' in the nets the night before.

The batsmen were well settled but i was mostly effective with a few smacking the pads turning in from well outside leg. Unfortunately as a 'newbie' i don't get to set my own field and while i respect the captains understanding of the game, i know my own bowling better. I would always put in a fly slip and deep leg slip; unconventional positions to be sure but i can get a lot of sideways on the ball so it goes across the stroke often or comes on quick to a batsman trying to play me down to fine leg. Given 2 chances for both of these positions went begging i better speak up next game.

In the end, my card belied how well i bowled- 0-28 off 5. There was a sitter dropped, and two shocking miss fields for 4 so i was fairly disappointed after my last over given so many ball landed well and most of the hits were not well controlled and very uppish. I'm not saying i was perfect, i bowled about 3 long-hops but apart from that...

I know stats don't tell the whole picture... i just hate it when they distort mine

stoph verismo
down the wicket

two serves, anyone?

Not that it is really our format, but it begs addressing that Aus are now 2-0 up in the ODI (only dolts interested) comp in Blighty at the moment.

I missed the first game and was too tired to get into the 2nd due to a few days in the hills, but after reading a few reports and listening to the radio this morning it is interesting to see a team that plays with a lot more self belief... do we think this is due to Clarke at the helm? Or the quite different make up of the squad?

Ferguson has settled into his role there. The bowling team were consistent amongst themselves, with Hopes the only one going for more than a run a ball- admittedly only bowling 3 overs. Lee was frugal with 2 wickets and Jonno, Watson and Bracken all getting 2 also.

In the batting it was contributions all around apart from the skip, Hopes, and Hussey showing he is consistent with his form across all formats! Either Hussey is just the nicest bloke to ever strap on pads (possible from all accounts) or he knows of every crime and indiscretion every selector and member of CA has done and has made a list and is checking it twice!

Two more positive results in the yawn fests and Australia can then prattle on senselessly about how they have "redeemed themselves".

Talking of ODI's in the pejorative, it seems to me that the 'Little Master' has come to the same conclusions: ODI's in their current format are a fait accompli at the toss and so should be given a new structure to make them more competitive and hopefully more interesting.
Sachin has proposed a 2 innings game of 25 overs to ensure both teams bat under lights. I must say, i don't know why this hasn't been openly and broadly suggested before. I think it has the potential for a much more interest contest as it will bridge the gap between T20 and Test. Teams can go the tonk twice! Now i accept what it is about T20 that many out there dislike- the thoughtless crunching of the ball every ball; but as a "batsman" that only opens the shoulders my self, and as a bowler that like being taken on i think this is a serviceable way to preserve 50 over cricket.

I know i said around this time last year that ODI was dead and buried- and without some effective change it is- so as someone who was a captivated kid during the "Packer v ACB" days, i can't help being enthusiastic about this idea to rejuvenate the format.
It makes sense, but i'd like to hear why it won't work, anyone?

And because i haven't voiced an opinion elsewhere on this issue, let me say the in regard to Nielsen having a break now after the Ashes while the rest of the squad plays ODI cricket: i wish i received a holiday every time i failed to live up to my KPI's at work! In world sport, the cricket coach is the least called upon when it comes to on field activity and is therefore not much more than a skills coach/manager; if Nielsen needs a break after the Ashes and feels he can't do anything with the team to lift our standing in the next stage of the tour, maybe it should be a "permanent vacation".

stoph verismo
down the wicket

Dear ICC, listen to me!

Never one at risk of becoming a wallflower, Shane Warne has again re-inflated his already substantial profile by writing one of the most forward thinking articles on the game and its future in his Times slot.

Few things escaped Warne's critical glare, foremost being the standard of umpiring.
Some umpire -those named- may feel affronted, as being able to make decisions according to the rules of the game is their trade. But whether it is due to some mellowing, or an attempt to use his position to affect change without being labelled a wowser, Warne gives some positive points to those that he has named and shamed, (apart from D.Harper.
And if any umpire was to take issue with this, they are missing Warne's solution: pay umpires more!

Next is the place of T20 and ODI's within the greater scheme of the game. Warne believes the 50 over game is holding on only due to the greed of administrators, and that cricket is better served with only T20 and test; i'm hardly saying something new when i remind you that i believe this to be the only way too- great Victorian legspinner minds think ali...

Lastly, whether it is the bowler in him talking or greater good, Warne wants switch hitting taken out of the game. I'm a bit surprised given he was one of the best users of flight/drift/loop i would have thought he'd see a batsman playing these shenanigans at the crease as more of a target and affording more opportunities for dismissal.

Sure it all gets a bit out of whack when it comes to an LBW against the batsman having a go at this risky play, but at least Warne offers an answer here too; "...if switch hitting can't be banned, then the leg before rule must be tweaked so that the batsman changing his stance has a second off stump."
A fair call too.

The thing i don't like or think is fair are those bats with the reverse side flattened to enable reverse sweeps/paddles without turning the wrists. Pure shite!

I for one like this (switch-hitting) in the game as it adds a little more variety and excitement and it should push bowlers to develop their speed shift ups or downs on release. There is more to be addressed on the issue, but the powers that be should look at how it can be included whilst still having a balance between bat and ball.

for Warnies 6 point plan for cricket:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/shane_warne/article6798514.ece?openComment=true#comments-form

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=851007

stoph verismo
down the wicket

Today, the past, and the future!

Lefty and Nospmas, a big thanks for your ongoing contributions.
i'm sorry about my lack of major involvement lately, dare i say it... Mac problems!

now that the burnt out HDD is gone, and the new (BIGGER one) is in the mail, i should be more seriously back on line by next week end. Talking of weekends, Nospmas, i'm sorry i didn't follow up on a hit 2 w/ends ago, i got tonsillitis and was laid up seriously for a week (lost 4kg though!). Big apologies to you there though, i was looking forward to being smacked around!

Personally, and i know you two are the same, the T20 world cup holds little interest to me, and i am seriously awaiting the cricket... in England- starting in Wales! But if over the next few days either of you want to address the T20wc i will get involved in the smaller window of opportunity i have on other computers. It may be fast food, but it is still cricket!

Realistically, if we assess it, we are at a crux in crickets history, the game needs 2 formats, for its own survival. ODI proved unsatisfactory at providing the "other form", maybe (and i think it is the case) T20 is the right alternative. Fast food for the focally challenged!

As i've said before, ODI is dead in the water, "let them eat cake!"
We don't have to love it, just take out of it what serves our needs... the secret lies in how players ultimately perceive the value of (Test) cricket.

stoph verismo
down the wicket

A ring-a-ding ring-in

What do you think about NSW getting McCullum on board for the 2020 final?

Certainly on other cricket sites/news sites the attitude is that it stinks! Even being compared to the underarm delivery in that while it is legal, it is "not cricket!"

This has caused a knock-on affect where T.Dodemaide has stated he would like to get A.Gilchrist in for the match... or S.K.Jehova (I now will be taking a break to clean up the mess around me due to this proposal)!

Is this a joke? Does this practice lessen the value of the competition?
Comparisons have been made to the 3 Pakistani players here at the moment, but they have been playing all/most of the season and ARE a part of their current teams; not ring-ins for a final.

And then there is the A.Symonds comments, "That's not Australian to me." http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=731843
It reads to me as a gift to the media to add an extra -mostly irrelevant - comment into the controversy; what does that really achieve? Is it just another way of letting Symonds slam his foot into his gob? Or is it Symonds trying to uphold his profile while recuperating?
Now don't quote me on the speaker- i think he was introduced as T.Moody (didn't here as i was in traffic!), but a reply to Symonds saying this was, "...that's a bit much of a comment from someone taking millions from the IPL!" If it was Moody (I'm pretty sure it was, but i haven't been able to find the quote on the radio stations website), what was his point? How was Symonds being bought and paid for by the IPL relevant to the McCullum situation?

So many question for you to address. My belief is Cricket NSW is desperate, selfish and frankly pathetic in doing this; i want to see McCullum go first ball, and grass every catch coming his way as well as miss fielding returns (although i have since been informed he is playing only as a batsman) for 4 byes frequently! Or am i just a surly Vic?

I don't blame McCullum, it is his career and he will do what he thinks is best for him (including giving himself 2 chanced at the Champions league now with Kolkata and NSW), it is just weak of Cricket NSW to try to field a team better than they have had throughout the competition from an outside source.


stoph verismo
downthewicket

Damned Duminy!

Ponting must be scratching his head thinking, "what happened?" last night in the 1st ODI against SA. After being tied down for a while at the crease, Australia posted a competitive score and then began supporting it well enough.

Duminy AGAIN looked like he has no real threats within the Australian line-up, and the "weakest link" in the SA side -McKenzie- actually got some runs against his name! At this time the game was in a nice- though somewhat boring- point of balance; then that balance tipped decidedly Australia's way, with quick wickets.

Enter A.Morkel! In one Hilfenhaus over the game was effectively taken away from Ponting.
This post is not a criticism, as i think Ponting worked his bowlers and his field well- ably assisted by Clarke- when it was clear Morkel was there to win the match; evident by the HUMONGOUS and STRAIGHTEST drive imaginable! The big issue was the 'setting-in' of Duminy to steady the innings and allow a powerhouse hitter like Morkel to save the day.

I'm sure the Aussie bowlers have a plan (each) for Duminy, but what ever it may be, it plainly isn't working; he is such a talent!
I don't have one - although Flem on the radio said a series of short ones (not necessarily bouncers)and then jammed in at his feet is what he'd do... old school, but worth a try!

Of concern was the amount of wides bowled by our bowlers too: Tait and Hilf gave away too much down leg side; it is not like they don't know that it will be called if it is even an inch off the pads!

While all is not "doom and gloom" after this game, i think the biggest thing highlighted was that, even when the ball/runs ratio is close, the longer periods of 'tied down' play in ODI mean the death of the format to T20.... my 20c.

stoph verismo
downthewicket

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