Netherlands:
6/163
England:
5/162
Outside Sledge
D.T.W
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Friday, 5 June 2009
Roy
He Has Done It!
Roy has successfully totalled his career!
Derailed more than once, it is hard to imagine a comeback from here. Many will be happy, some angry, i'm just disappointed. So much potential, such a waste!
When everyone is finished ripping him apart, i hope it can be remembered that he is an addict with all of the associated baggage that entails... plus he is in the public domain and considered a "role model"; whatever the fuck that is supposed to mean!
Thanks for the brilliance Roy, good luck for your future, you will now not be able to have one representing your country at cricket.
Rugby Union anyone?
Roy has successfully totalled his career!
Derailed more than once, it is hard to imagine a comeback from here. Many will be happy, some angry, i'm just disappointed. So much potential, such a waste!
When everyone is finished ripping him apart, i hope it can be remembered that he is an addict with all of the associated baggage that entails... plus he is in the public domain and considered a "role model"; whatever the fuck that is supposed to mean!
Thanks for the brilliance Roy, good luck for your future, you will now not be able to have one representing your country at cricket.
Rugby Union anyone?
Monday, 1 June 2009
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
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
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Well, it's official
Brad Hodge has clearly violated Merv's wife. Surely Hussey dobbed him in.
The Ashes squad.
Ricky Ponting (c) (Certainty)
Michael Clarke (vc) (As above)
Stuart Clark (Dead eye)
Brad Haddin NSW (When has a keeper not picked himself?)
Nathan Hauritz (Pressure on this guy)
Ben Hilfenhaus (Good pick)
Phillip Hughes (Patience young one)
Michael Hussey (Tinniest man on the planet. Should be Hodge)
Mitchell Johnson (Best in the world right now)
Simon Katich (Mr Durable)
Brett Lee NSW (WTF!!, on what form??)
Graham Manou (Cleaner gloveman than Haddin)
Andrew McDonald (More runs please)
Marcus North (For when Watson breaks down)
Peter Siddle (Solid)
Shane Watson, QLD 27, subject to fitness (A big subject, the man's an invalid)
And there you have it. Sorry Brad, maybe next life. Go and have a beer with Jamie Siddons.
The Ashes squad.
Ricky Ponting (c) (Certainty)
Michael Clarke (vc) (As above)
Stuart Clark (Dead eye)
Brad Haddin NSW (When has a keeper not picked himself?)
Nathan Hauritz (Pressure on this guy)
Ben Hilfenhaus (Good pick)
Phillip Hughes (Patience young one)
Michael Hussey (Tinniest man on the planet. Should be Hodge)
Mitchell Johnson (Best in the world right now)
Simon Katich (Mr Durable)
Brett Lee NSW (WTF!!, on what form??)
Graham Manou (Cleaner gloveman than Haddin)
Andrew McDonald (More runs please)
Marcus North (For when Watson breaks down)
Peter Siddle (Solid)
Shane Watson, QLD 27, subject to fitness (A big subject, the man's an invalid)
And there you have it. Sorry Brad, maybe next life. Go and have a beer with Jamie Siddons.
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Isn't a Gayle just a lot of wind?
Thanks Leftriteout for pointing out WI captain Chris Gayles comments on test cricket.
Quite clearly, Gayle did not have his 'game face' on when he stepped off the plane for the English series. Given that the fixture was relatively late in be finalised, it would seem the top Windie doesn't have the fast paced mind his love of short form cricket would imply! Or is his mind so fast paced that he can't comprehend the intricacies of the 5 day game? The results of that series leads me to believe the later.
Or, is he so money focused that he can't see a value to cricket (Test). It has always been a bit of an issue in the West Indies moral (when not winning) that there is no "Nation" to play for, only a region. But I'm sure there would be plenty of young players that would give an unprotected left nut to play at an international level... any form of the game.
Whether Gayle's remarks were just a knee jerk reaction to the rushed nature of the tour, a long flight and the cold weather of Blighty juxtaposed against the tropical Caribbean, it doesn't behove a team captain to denigrate the great game. If Gayle is not inclined to play 5 days for a pay check, I'm sure he can make a years income in the IPL- or is he just too greedy. And that is where I'd prefer him with this attitude!
stoph verismo
down the wicket
Quite clearly, Gayle did not have his 'game face' on when he stepped off the plane for the English series. Given that the fixture was relatively late in be finalised, it would seem the top Windie doesn't have the fast paced mind his love of short form cricket would imply! Or is his mind so fast paced that he can't comprehend the intricacies of the 5 day game? The results of that series leads me to believe the later.
Or, is he so money focused that he can't see a value to cricket (Test). It has always been a bit of an issue in the West Indies moral (when not winning) that there is no "Nation" to play for, only a region. But I'm sure there would be plenty of young players that would give an unprotected left nut to play at an international level... any form of the game.
Whether Gayle's remarks were just a knee jerk reaction to the rushed nature of the tour, a long flight and the cold weather of Blighty juxtaposed against the tropical Caribbean, it doesn't behove a team captain to denigrate the great game. If Gayle is not inclined to play 5 days for a pay check, I'm sure he can make a years income in the IPL- or is he just too greedy. And that is where I'd prefer him with this attitude!
stoph verismo
down the wicket
Friday, 15 May 2009
Can a brother get a contract
Well, we have the contracted players for 2009/2010. Breakdown by state:
TAS - 2
NSW - 10
SA - 2
QLD - 2
WA - 4
VIC - 5
Thank you to selectors for allowing 15 out of 25 spots to come from outside NSW: very gracious indeed. With the size of Qld I'm amazed they could find 2 players worthy of contracts. Tassie gets two token players: one of which is the Aus captain who lives in Sydney and hasn't played for his state since the 1940s. Callum Ferguson gets a deserved gurnsey and Manou is rightly in as a back-up keeper who will no doubt get a go when Haddin is rested (maybe he'll captain at some stage).
Siddle is an obvious one from Vic as he has a heart bigger than Phar Lap and produces similar results. The biggest surprise to me is another Victorian: what was his name? That bloke who made heaps of runs for Aus and has continued to do so for his state. Ah - Brad Hodge. Excellent to see him back and selectors talking up his chances (in some media and downplaying chances in others) - which of course, through giving him a contract many people would not have expected, they are obliged to do. Let's hope they show courage and drop M. Hussey for Hodge so he can demonstrate what selection based on merit is all about.
Play some cricket, Tait, and you may earn back your contract.
Jacques, unfair as it may seem a bloke 10 years younger has got your dosh and I don't think he'll be surrendering it any time soon. Thanks for your efforts but goodbye.
White, contracts seem to be based on all forms of the game it appears. Never will we see you in whites but, you lucky bugger, you don't need to wear them to get a contract.
So, have we got a mix that covers all bases? We've seen before that selectors will get in non-contracted players to fill spots: Katich is a good example of a good decision. I'm pleased to see Marsh in the list as there's something about him that tells me he'll shine in years to come. One spinner: now that tells us something. North, Clarke, Katich and Symonds can expect to roll the arm over a fair bit. The problem I see there is, well, problems, is that I don't think any of them could be guaranteed of being able to. North hasn't proved his worth with the ball at international level, Clarke has back problems and is in the team predominantly to bat, Katich doesn't like bowling in tests, and Symonds likes fishing too much (and booze, swearing etc).
Thoughts?
TAS - 2
NSW - 10
SA - 2
QLD - 2
WA - 4
VIC - 5
Thank you to selectors for allowing 15 out of 25 spots to come from outside NSW: very gracious indeed. With the size of Qld I'm amazed they could find 2 players worthy of contracts. Tassie gets two token players: one of which is the Aus captain who lives in Sydney and hasn't played for his state since the 1940s. Callum Ferguson gets a deserved gurnsey and Manou is rightly in as a back-up keeper who will no doubt get a go when Haddin is rested (maybe he'll captain at some stage).
Siddle is an obvious one from Vic as he has a heart bigger than Phar Lap and produces similar results. The biggest surprise to me is another Victorian: what was his name? That bloke who made heaps of runs for Aus and has continued to do so for his state. Ah - Brad Hodge. Excellent to see him back and selectors talking up his chances (in some media and downplaying chances in others) - which of course, through giving him a contract many people would not have expected, they are obliged to do. Let's hope they show courage and drop M. Hussey for Hodge so he can demonstrate what selection based on merit is all about.
Play some cricket, Tait, and you may earn back your contract.
Jacques, unfair as it may seem a bloke 10 years younger has got your dosh and I don't think he'll be surrendering it any time soon. Thanks for your efforts but goodbye.
White, contracts seem to be based on all forms of the game it appears. Never will we see you in whites but, you lucky bugger, you don't need to wear them to get a contract.
So, have we got a mix that covers all bases? We've seen before that selectors will get in non-contracted players to fill spots: Katich is a good example of a good decision. I'm pleased to see Marsh in the list as there's something about him that tells me he'll shine in years to come. One spinner: now that tells us something. North, Clarke, Katich and Symonds can expect to roll the arm over a fair bit. The problem I see there is, well, problems, is that I don't think any of them could be guaranteed of being able to. North hasn't proved his worth with the ball at international level, Clarke has back problems and is in the team predominantly to bat, Katich doesn't like bowling in tests, and Symonds likes fishing too much (and booze, swearing etc).
Thoughts?
Monday, 11 May 2009
Ashes - bowling our way to victory
Great stuff by Nospmas to initiate the anticipation of the highly expected and long-awaited Ashes. See how excited I am - how many unnecessary words does it take to fill a sentence? In keeping with analytical tradition I thought we could run through the various aspects of competing in test series': starting with bowling.
Seamer friendly, slower and softer pitches in Eng with the Duke ball need to be considered in the same way that dusty turners in India are. My list of challengers for (let's say) 4 bowling spots are:
1. Mitchell Johnson
2. Doug (the rug) Bollinger
3. Peter (hey diddle) Siddle
4. Stuart (um....) Clark
5. Brett (I'm ready cos I say so and should get the new ball cos I'm Brett Lee) Lee
6. Ben (arrrrr) Hilfenhaus
7. Nathan (I'm an offie) Hauritz
8. Shane (ah my back) Watson - I realise this would occur in an allrounder capacity if selected and if it was one or the other he'd be picked as a batsman
9. Dirk (jaz) Nannes
Personally I'd go for Johnson, Hauritz, Siddle and Bollinger. I would say Katich, North and Clarke are good for 15 - 20 overs between them if necessary and Watson chiming in: what do you know - that's 8! Maybe give Haddin a bowl too as the selectors seem to feel he can do anything. I've probably let a cat out of the bag re batting but I'll leave a tempter out there. There are many discussion points that will influence selection: eg allrounder vs specialist number 6 batsman so over to you guys and gals.
Seamer friendly, slower and softer pitches in Eng with the Duke ball need to be considered in the same way that dusty turners in India are. My list of challengers for (let's say) 4 bowling spots are:
1. Mitchell Johnson
2. Doug (the rug) Bollinger
3. Peter (hey diddle) Siddle
4. Stuart (um....) Clark
5. Brett (I'm ready cos I say so and should get the new ball cos I'm Brett Lee) Lee
6. Ben (arrrrr) Hilfenhaus
7. Nathan (I'm an offie) Hauritz
8. Shane (ah my back) Watson - I realise this would occur in an allrounder capacity if selected and if it was one or the other he'd be picked as a batsman
9. Dirk (jaz) Nannes
Personally I'd go for Johnson, Hauritz, Siddle and Bollinger. I would say Katich, North and Clarke are good for 15 - 20 overs between them if necessary and Watson chiming in: what do you know - that's 8! Maybe give Haddin a bowl too as the selectors seem to feel he can do anything. I've probably let a cat out of the bag re batting but I'll leave a tempter out there. There are many discussion points that will influence selection: eg allrounder vs specialist number 6 batsman so over to you guys and gals.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Listen closely
Can you hear that? It's hard over the incessant din of the IPL and the endless, meaningless talk of the Twenty20 World Cup. Hidden away in the psyche of all passionate cricket fans across the Commonwealth is the slow, steady, surging beat of another Ashes battle. It's the five day game personified. Reputations made, and broken. Legends born. Five glorious days times five of pitched battle for the ultimate prize in all of cricketdom. World Cups are used to clean the sprigs, Champions Trophies as a welcome footstool after a long days toil, Frank Worrell's a distant memory. This is what we live for. Early mornings with a cup of Joe, not needed to keep awake but more as a companion in the dark. Wives asleep and unimpressed. It's the lover at 2am that has broken your heart and fulfilled your fantasies. It's cricket at it purest, the way it was intended. All whites and creams, all day, all you've got to give.
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