Anyone for cricket?

[Apocalypse XXXI 243]

I have just undergone the experience of T20 on TV.

I have prepared an Haiku in response:

Parasites parade in pyjamas selling poulet.

Prostitutes of pathetic perfunctory performance

Postscripts to professionalism.

Pfffft....

And I would add "pizzweak".

I wonder if this phenomenon is contributing to our dearth of quality batters coming to the fore in the longer version of the game?

Warner aside, very few are making the adjustment from having to score off every ball against some strange bowling and field placings compared to playing a responsible test match innings.

[Macca 16,909]

t20 and the "Big Bash" can fall into the category of "Popular culture" in many ways. You don't have to like it and you don't have to watch it, but you're probably going to have to accept it. It's popular and in my opinion, it will only get more popular. In fact, it's already made some tremendous inroads in a very short space of time. CA and channel 10 are pumping a lot of money and resources into the "sport."

Of course, it may become less popular but that might be more a "wish" with some people. That type of view could also end up being along the lines "wishful thinking."

In Australia, it's the only team sport that is shown on prime time, "free-to-air," commercial TV on an Australia wide basis.

Every other team sport has some sort of restriction when it comes to prime time commercial TV (the NRL and AFL are not shown in certain States during prime time - as for Rugby and Soccer - you'll need cable) Channel 10 forked out 100 million for 5 years for the broadcasting rights.

Apart from the "Big Bash", we may also not be interested in watching the IPL or even take any interest in the IPL. (the IPL is not broadcast into Australia anyway) However, there's no denying the IPL's popularity (we're talking hundreds of millions of fans - or at least tens of millions of fans) 37 Australian players were involved in the IPL last year (even Pup is involved - Clarke signed on for $400,000 but didn't participate because of his bad back)

I don't see this"version" of cricket as necessarily being a threat to Test cricket (one-day cricket was once viewed this way) In fact, I can see the sport as being an overall help to cricket in general. However, certain Countries need to address their own fans interest in Test cricket. Some of the crowd numbers outside of Australia and England are worrying. Marketed better? Better scheduling, pricing and creature comforts? We don't seem to have an issue in Melbourne - phenomenal crowd numbers.

New fans of t20 may end up watching Test cricket when they may never have watched it before. Many of the players involved in the various t20 leagues around the world also play Test cricket. Fans will follow their heroes and favourites.

t20 can offer a pathway to cricket for a young bloke like never before. The money on offer is huge (especially in the IPL) A top batsman should be able to adapt to all 3 forms of the game - many players are already doing just that.

t20 may lead to higher scoring rates in Test cricket and thus, bring in more fans. (I believe that "One day Cricket" has had that effect over the years) Fans of Test cricket don't necessarily need to see higher scoring rates but it can't hurt. We may also see more wicket taking opportunities as a result.

As stated above, a good batsman should be able to adapt to all 3 forms of the game (the South Africans - Smith, Amla, Kallis and AB de Villiers don't seem to have any trouble adapting) If you're 'A' grade, you can adapt.

t20's popularity with certain demographics is the whole key here. If you're not part of that demographic, it probably won't matter. In summary, I believe we're all going to have to get used to it. It's not going away in a hurry.

What may seem remarkable is that I can have this view yet not be all that interested in watching t20. I tune in occasionally. I'm attempting a more balanced view here because on a personal note, I'd rather watch a movie!

It's Ashes versus bashes as Nine and Ten in cricket ratings battle

"To break through the million-viewer barrier on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night with our first foray into prime time free-to-air TV is a terrific result," said BBL boss Mike McKenna.

Edited January 1, 2014 by Macca

[dee-luded 2,959]

Very true, simplicity is often a best friend.

The second, perhaps more genuine test for this lot comes in South Africa. Even with Kallis retiring, it will be the real mice and men exercise. If they find success there, I think we can call the turn around complete.

Happy 2014 fellas.

I reckon the turnaround has happened, & they are playing for one another & their country again.

next for boof & the selectors is to grow the talent into the list over the next few years; particularly to transform the batting. Our bowling stocks look strong with many young players getting themselves right.

its an enjoyable ride again following the team.

[dee-luded 2,959]

And I would add "pizzweak".

I wonder if this phenomenon is contributing to our dearth of quality batters coming to the fore in the longer version of the game?

Warner aside, very few are making the adjustment from having to score off every ball against some strange bowling and field placings compared to playing a responsible test match innings.

I just don't can't watch it. sorry but it just doesn't turn me on. I put it on last night for 10 minutes & thats all I could take, then switched over.

[jazza 1,323]

I just don't can't watch it. sorry but it just doesn't turn me on. I put it on last night for 10 minutes & thats all I could take, then switched over.

same

been watching SA vs india

SL vs PAKIS

much better entertainment

[P-man 13,366]

I reckon the turnaround has happened, & they are playing for one another & their country again.

next for boof & the selectors is to grow the talent into the list over the next few years; particularly to transform the batting. Our bowling stocks look strong with many young players getting themselves right.

its an enjoyable ride again following the team.

I'd love to say the turn around is complete but I can't just yet. I still think there are question marks over the batting lineup which could be exposed, partly due to the high number of short form style batsmen we have. But more importantly, England have been that abysmal that we can't say with certainty that this Australian team is the genuine article. At times in this series they've barely been tested at all. How they fare in South Africa will answer some questions about the maturity of a lot of these players. There isn't too much I'd change about the bowling attack, it's just a shame about the age bracket. Fortunately we have some quality coming through, but none of them are at Rhino or Mitch's level yet.

In saying all that, there is no doubt a corner has been turned and nothing should be taken away from the performance. With a rampant Mitch leading the attack and Pup in the form he's in, we have two players who are as damaging as any in world cricket, being ably supported with a stack of raw talent. We have every reason to be going to South Africa with confidence.

[titan_uranus 24,970]

always wondered what it would be like if somebody held thier breath,you can go first seeing as you proposed the idea.

see you next year maybe

just going back to your post

maybe im reading the wrong thread,but so far in this series,i havent seen to many knockers of lyon or haddin

most people have been complimentry of thier cricket

watto,as usual has copped a bit,because under pressure,he just doesnt cope and so far in his career has only made minor contributions when the heat has been on

so,as your post suggests,should people all stand and make apologies for your comfort?or should OUR opinions be our opinions,

make apologies,pppfffft year 6 at school finished ages ago,for most of us

That's right. Except for you and your pathetic insults, everyone else on here recognises that Haddin is playing fantastic cricket, both with the bat and with the gloves.

There have been a few on here over the past few years who have disliked Lyon, but as he's improved, those numbers are dwindling. Biffen is one who still can't see what most others can see.

I agree P-man. Any criticism of Haddin in particular is absolutely laughable. Since his return he's arguably become the world's premier keeper-batsman, with genuine first rate contribution from both aspects. AB de Villiers is the only close rival IMO. I couldn't be more pleased with his game. The criticism levelled at he and Lyon is just a classic case of people allowing their preconceived views to cloud their assessment.

I'd have AB well in front of Haddin, to be fair to both. AB's an incredible cricket. Number 1 ranked batsman in Tests and ODIs. Has averaged 57 or higher every year since 2008 except one, where he averaged 47. And his keeping is flawless. Absolute star.

But I'm with you as to the criticism of Lyon and Haddin.

Very true, simplicity is often a best friend.

The second, perhaps more genuine test for this lot comes in South Africa. Even with Kallis retiring, it will be the real mice and men exercise. If they find success there, I think we can call the turn around complete.

Happy 2014 fellas.

The South African tour is going to be huge for this side. We'll either be competitive or we won't. If we are (whether we win, lose or draw the series), that will speak volumes of the steps we've taken, given there are questions over the opposition we're currently facing. If we're not, though, we may not be as developed as we'd like to think.

Johnson's going to need to show his bowling works against all batsmen, Lyon's going to get hit hard if he doesn't get his lines and lengths right, and let's not start on how difficult Steyn, Philander and Morkel are going to be for our batsmen. If we come out of that tour with respectability, that is huge.

[P-man 13,366]

On reflection that's a fair call on AB. But that's no disrespect to Hads, and I really don't think he's a long way behind at the moment. What he's shown in this series, and through his career, is that he can be relied upon in pressure situations. With his position in the lineup he is often called upon to drag the team out of the muck, and he very often succeeds. Stats alone don't tell you that side of the story.

[jazza 1,323]

That's right. Except for you and your pathetic insults, everyone else on here recognises that Haddin is playing fantastic cricket, both with the bat and with the gloves.

There have been a few on here over the past few years who have disliked Lyon, but as he's improved, those numbers are dwindling. Biffen is one who still can't see what most others can see.

I'd have AB well in front of Haddin, to be fair to both. AB's an incredible cricket. Number 1 ranked batsman in Tests and ODIs. Has averaged 57 or higher every year since 2008 except one, where he averaged 47. And his keeping is flawless. Absolute star.

But I'm with you as to the criticism of Lyon and Haddin.

The South African tour is going to be huge for this side. We'll either be competitive or we won't. If we are (whether we win, lose or draw the series), that will speak volumes of the steps we've taken, given there are questions over the opposition we're currently facing. If we're not, though, we may not be as developed as we'd like to think.

Johnson's going to need to show his bowling works against all batsmen, Lyon's going to get hit hard if he doesn't get his lines and lengths right, and let's not start on how difficult Steyn, Philander and Morkel are going to be for our batsmen. If we come out of that tour with respectability, that is huge.

we'll either be competitive or we wont.???

your next word might be strayya

[dee-luded 2,959]

I'd love to say the turn around is complete but I can't just yet. I still think there are question marks over the batting lineup which could be exposed, partly due to the high number of short form style batsmen we have. But more importantly, England have been that abysmal that we can't say with certainty that this Australian team is the genuine article. At times in this series they've barely been tested at all. How they fare in South Africa will answer some questions about the maturity of a lot of these players. There isn't too much I'd change about the bowling attack, it's just a shame about the age bracket. Fortunately we have some quality coming through, but none of them are at Rhino or Mitch's level yet.

In saying all that, there is no doubt a corner has been turned and nothing should be taken away from the performance. With a rampant Mitch leading the attack and Pup in the form he's in, we have two players who are as damaging as any in world cricket, being ably supported with a stack of raw talent. We have every reason to be going to South Africa with confidence.

what I mean by turnaround is just simple players back onboard with the team & playing for the common goal. to improve & win tests. all the same direction has made the big difference. all willing participants, giving of free will, generosity.

theres more to do & then add more talent along the way. but the spiritual health of the team is back. it can only grow from here with the selfless off-field team inplace.

I don't expect us to beat Sth Africa, but to be highly competative... anything beyond that will be a bonus.

[jazza 1,323]

what I mean by turnaround is just simple players back onboard with the team & playing for the common goal. to improve & win tests. all the same direction has made the big difference. all willing participants, giving of free will, generosity.

theres more to do & then add more talent along the way. but the spiritual health of the team is back. it can only grow from here with the selfless off-field team inplace.

I don't expect us to beat Sth Africa, but to be highly competative... anything beyond that will be a bonus.

dont under-estimate the loss of kallis

i watched the last series against india and his bowling was an important option for the skipper

thier batting line up looks ok

the bowling attack can be lethal,

the indians did however score against most bowlers,my only question on thier bowlers was the fact they delivered a lot of unplayables,but not many long tight spells like sids and harris

our spinner may start just ahead of thiers on his tighter spells of recent

[dee-luded 2,959]

dont under-estimate the loss of kallis

i watched the last series against india and his bowling was an important option for the skipper

thier batting line up looks ok

the bowling attack can be lethal,

the indians did however score against most bowlers,my only question on thier bowlers was the fact they delivered a lot of unplayables,but not many long tight spells like sids and harris

our spinner may start just ahead of thiers on his tighter spells of recent

No I'm not, probably the best cricketer in the world, or close to it.

but I haven't kept up with the world of cricket for years so I don't know who's-who anywhere really.

but I know they have been strong for some years now, & we are just climbing back up onto our feet after some Major setbacks in recent years, so they have a real deeply instilled mental momentum, that we would naturally lack at this point, when under pressure.

Our team morale` will be Critical over there.

[Macca 16,909]

dont under-estimate the loss of kallis

i watched the last series against india and his bowling was an important option for the skipper

thier batting line up looks ok

the bowling attack can be lethal,

the indians did however score against most bowlers,my only question on thier bowlers was the fact they delivered a lot of unplayables,but not many long tight spells like sids and harris

our spinner may start just ahead of thiers on his tighter spells of recent

I agree, jazza

Them not having Kallis puts a bit of pressure on their spinner (Peterson) as well. I'd rather Jacques was playing in order for us to really get tested - they'll miss him. There's talk of an all-rounder coming in and batting at no.7 for them but I don't know who. You might assume that de Villiers, Duminy and du Plessis would all move up one spot in the batting order. At least 4 Tests would have been so much better as well. I guess you can't have everything.

They are a hell of a side but we somehow find a way to match-up against them (especially over there) No predictions from me - there's too many variables (plus, I'm a shocking tipster!) At home, they'll be tough to beat. Could end up being a battle of the fast bowlers. Just want to see us continue to play the way we are right now.

[jazza 1,323]

yes ,we seem to have hit a good patch after some very very ordinary cricket

hard to judge us at the moment

havent seen anybody predict the poms would lose the players and form they had for 4 years

trott=sadly not impacted on tour

swann=embarassed himself by accepting a contract and pats on the back when winning,

cook=no show for the summer

bell=after 3 hundreds last tour has fallen on lean times

prior=completely lost all skill in 3 months

broad/anderson=little impact compared to last 4 years

bressnan=no impact at all

very difficult to judge us on this summer,roll on springboks

[titan_uranus 24,970]

Wow. Corey Anderson for NZ just hit the fastest ODI century ever, off 36 balls. He finished on 131* off 47. Jesse Ryder made a comparatively pedestrian 104 off 51.

New Zealand scored 4/283. In a 21 over game.

[dee-luded 2,959]

yes ,we seem to have hit a good patch after some very very ordinary cricket

hard to judge us at the moment

havent seen anybody predict the poms would lose the players and form they had for 4 years

trott=sadly not impacted on tour

swann=embarassed himself by accepting a contract and pats on the back when winning,

cook=no show for the summer

bell=after 3 hundreds last tour has fallen on lean times

prior=completely lost all skill in 3 months

broad/anderson=little impact compared to last 4 years

bressnan=no impact at all

very difficult to judge us on this summer,roll on springboks

sounds like a rudderless ghost ship, doesn't it? just a silhouette of the former team.

Llleadership! it just aint there, one player gets unwell & goes home another then decides to retire mid tour. all failing, & in poor form.

no leadership & all unhappy??? sounds familiar doesn't it? & the only international test side in real form in recent years is the Sth Africans, & 2 of their home boys have coached their opponents really badly.

good culture demands the right fit as coach.

[jazza 1,323]

sounds like a rudderless ghost ship, doesn't it? just a silhouette of the former team.

Llleadership! it just aint there, one player gets unwell & goes home another then decides to retire mid tour. all failing, & in poor form.

no leadership & all unhappy??? sounds familiar doesn't it? & the only international test side in real form in recent years is the Sth Africans, & 2 of their home boys have coached their opponents really badly.

good culture demands the right fit as coach.

thats why its so hard to judge our team atm

after 4years of rubbish its great to be winning

but how can you judge our improvement,if any besides MJ against a team thats so inept as the poms

some people will say its our dominence thats killed them,but im not sure about that

theyve just melted and not given us any test whatsever

[dee-luded 2,959]

thats why its so hard to judge our team atm

after 4years of rubbish its great to be winning

but how can you judge our improvement,if any besides MJ against a team thats so inept as the poms

some people will say its our dominence thats killed them,but im not sure about that

theyve just melted and not given us any test whatsever

yes, but from my observations of them & the behaviors thats we've witnessed of the poms, its a bit of both.

I think we've gone from being a 'C' grade team to a 'B' grade team.... & imo ther poms have gone from being an inform 'C' grade team to a 'D' grade outfit.

I put Sth Africa i think at 'B' +....

the windies used to be the power test team back in the day, sound like a pack of "Scouts on Jamboree"

[Macca 16,909]

This, from former New Zealand fast bowler, Iain O'Brien ...

The strange beast called confidence

It took one guy to help the others believe, one inspiring performance. Johnson is the current pack leader - a role not always to be envied as it comes with responsibilities that can drag you down, knowing you have to perform, but the rest are infected with his belief and everyone is stepping up.

"Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence," Vince Lombardi said, and for this current England team, they've been infected with the contagion of a lack of confidence.

[P-man 13,366]

Catching a bit of these other tests, I can't get past the "crowds". Test cricket might be faring okay here but it is very disconcerting having all these international fixtures being played in near empty stadiums. It's sad as much as it is worrying.

I hope the Saffies show up in numbers. A bit of atmosphere would be nice.

[Macca 16,909]

Catching a bit of these other tests, I can't get past the "crowds". Test cricket might be faring okay here but it is very disconcerting having all these international fixtures being played in near empty stadiums. It's sad as much as it is worrying.

I hope the Saffies show up in numbers. A bit of atmosphere would be nice.

It's an extremely complex situation and one where there are no easy and obvious answers. There are so many factors at play.

How much importance do Country's boards place on Test cricket?

What about the players from those Countries? Do many of those players follow the money?

The general public from those countries - what views do they have?

The other 2 forms of the game - how much influence do those 2 variations of the game have on the fans, players and boards?

The truth is, in relation to Test cricket, it's only in Australia and England where the crowds are very good and TV viewers are high. Everywhere else, the crowd numbers are often low (and it's been that way for quite some time - way before the advent of t20) England and Australia could be used as a template but can that template work elsewhere?

On a positive note, the amount of TV viewers of Test cricket involving India are huge (CA benefit from that - it's why we play India every year) Do the BCCI even care about crowd numbers at the Tests? The money from TV the BCCI gets for it's test matches is astronomical. The West Indies? What happens there? The Kiwi's have never gone to the Tests in their droves. South Africa can't pull great crowds even though they have this great team. Pakistan can't play in their own country and as for Sri Lanka, who knows?

I could go on for paragraphs here but it doesn't necessarily lead anywhere.

[Macca 16,909]

Meant to add that the amount of TV viewers could be extremely high for the current Pakistan/Sri Lanka tests (even though the crowd numbers aren't great)

[dee-luded 2,959]

This, from former New Zealand fast bowler, Iain O'Brien ...

The strange beast called confidence

Llleadership, its quality, or its nothing. good leadership in the right way allows others to take up the fight. the wrong way can destroy the creative parts of us, & kill off happiness & desire.

imo, england are in the midst of a divorce of sorts.

Edited January 2, 2014 by dee-luded

[dee-luded 2,959]

Catching a bit of these other tests, I can't get past the "crowds". Test cricket might be faring okay here but it is very disconcerting having all these international fixtures being played in near empty stadiums. It's sad as much as it is worrying.

I hope the Saffies show up in numbers. A bit of atmosphere would be nice.

its time to bring back the old Windies e`mbience to grounds.

those beating Bongo's etc, & the wave, crowd participation, a creative celebration of freedom, & of life. happiness. festival atmosphere

[jazza 1,323]

abc radio spruiking for peter nevill as next keeper

said his shield batting ave, gives him the nod