Big Bash

[wisedog 350]

To me the 50 over game goes far too long . We already have a long version of the game in Test cricket . I reckon it will be the 50 over game that will fade away to be perfectly honest .

I think it will too. One-day cricket lacks the prestige and significance of Test cricket, and has been surpassed as the hard-hitting, fast scoring form of the game by Twenty20. I have wondered if it was necessery as a bridge between Test and Twenty20, but I don't think so. It's become the mid-strength beer of cricket.

I don't mind Twenty20, I think it has an important role in attracting people to cricket who may be otherwise put off by the idea of a 5 day game. Unfortunately, I've struggled to get behind the revamped Big Bash - I think it had more credibility when it was a state competition.

[Macca 16,606]

I think it will too. One-day cricket lacks the prestige and significance of Test cricket, and has been surpassed as the hard-hitting, fast scoring form of the game by Twenty20. I have wondered if it was necessery as a bridge between Test and Twenty20, but I don't think so. It's become the mid-strength beer of cricket.

I don't mind Twenty20, I think it has an important role in attracting people to cricket who may be otherwise put off by the idea of a 5 day game. Unfortunately, I've struggled to get behind the revamped Big Bash - I think it had more credibility when it was a state competition.

Yes wisedog, you make a good point re the "State competition" though I can understand why CA made the move . Most big sporting comps around the world are City based so they've just re-jigged it .

It will take a bit of time before the public warm to the Stars , Renegades , Sydney Thunder and Sixers but in the other Capital cities the new "franchises" have been accepted ( if you go on crowds ) .

The "Thunder" having Chris Gayle and the "Stars" having Warnie will help those teams pull a crowd you'd reckon . Possibly by the end of January people will start to accept the new teams and certainly by the end of next summer .

I still find it a bit strange switching from "Test" mode to "t20" mode but I reckon most feel this way .

Cheers

Edited January 1, 2012 by Macca

[Macca 16,606]

Hodgey and Ronnie put on a show . Some big 6's in that innings . Always nice to see Melbourne beat Sydney !!

[einstein251 61]

Hodgey and Ronnie put on a show . Some big 6's in that innings . Always nice to see Melbourne beat Sydney !!

And both are Melbourne Demons because they play for the Melbourne Cricket Club.

[Macca 16,606]

And both are Melbourne Demons because they play for the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Ah yes , I used to check the District scores as a matter of course , einstein . ( that's not meant to be a put down btw ) ! , but have lost touch in a lot of ways because I don't buy the paper that much anymore ! The Age on the weekends is about it .

You've reminded me that I should do so as the Melbourne Cricket Club are one of my many sporting teams that I support . Won a lot of Premierships have the MCC and I've played a bit of cricket with a couple of blokes that played in the 3rd eleven there .

Cheers

Edited January 3, 2012 by Macca

[Whispering_Jack 29,179]

I watched a bit of today's game involving the Melbourne Stars and the Perth team and I'm starting to think of it as being a bit like basketball - the last few overs of each innings are interesting but the rest is a bit Mickey Mouse.

I was interested in Faulkner who showed something and continues to impress me as an all rounder of the future who will hopefully one day supplement the bowling attack led by Pattinson, Cummins and possibly Heazlewood, Starc, Copeland et al. There are a few other youngsters coming through which suggests that as long as Nathan Lyon comes along, we'll have a fantastic bowling line up.

Faulkner was good before his fourth and last over but it was great to see a young bloke get the ball thrown to him for the final over and keep an even keel with all that stuff going on with every ball.

That said, the BBL will always pale against test cricket IMO.

[H_T 3,032]

I watched a bit of today's game involving the Melbourne Stars and the Perth team and I'm starting to think of it as being a bit like basketball - the last few overs of each innings are interesting but the rest is a bit Mickey Mouse.

I was interested in Faulkner who showed something and continues to impress me as an all rounder of the future who will hopefully one day supplement the bowling attack led by Pattinson, Cummins and possibly Heazlewood, Starc, Copeland et al. There are a few other youngsters coming through which suggests that as long as Nathan Lyon comes along, we'll have a fantastic bowling line up.

Faulkner was good before his fourth and last over but it was great to see a young bloke get the ball thrown to him for the final over and keep an even keel with all that stuff going on with every ball.

That said, the BBL will always pale against test cricket IMO.

Isn't Cameron White struggling with the bat ? And to think a year or two ago I was suggesting possible captaincy material for Australia....

Wade tried valiantly to get the Stars over the line. Faulkner did impress me too.

Brad Hogg still very handy with the ball.

Wright took up too many balls with singles or dot balls towards the end which proved as costly as the top order collapse.

[Macca 16,606]

Fair old game tonight ! 399 runs in 3 hours . Best game so far and young McDermott was very good in the last over .

The Heat get a win at last though they probably can't make the finals .

[Nasher 33,607]

Fair old game tonight ! 399 runs in 3 hours . Best game so far and young McDermott was very good in the last over .

The Heat get a win at last though they probably can't make the finals .

Wasn't it! I missed the first innings, but saw the chase put on by Birt and Shah, and there was some seriously good hitting in that. To me Owais Shah has always just been that forgettable guy that played for England when they were shit in the mid-00s, but he's been a great pickup by the Hurricanes so far and was desperately unlucky not to take the chocolates in the end there.

[Whispering_Jack 29,179]

I'm never going to be sold on this game but the cream seems to always rise to the top and, once again. JP Faulkner proved his worth netting four wickets, despite him being expensive. He was not needed as a batsman

Also watch out for Hanscombe who was 12th man for the Stars. The kid can play.

[Jumping Jack Clennett 1,748]

What an exciting game last night between the Stars and Hobart!

It worries me that two England(?occasional)players were such stand-outs(Shah and Wright).(though Victorian reject Birt...?any relation to Johnnie?)....did really ell,too.)

What was Clint Mackay doing bowling gift full tosses? Did the wet ball slip? Normally Clint is a top class bowler.

[Rogue 585]

Shah's always been a pretty good limited overs player.

[Macca 16,606]

Perth Scorchers vs Sydney 6ers . Should be a cracker !

Herschelle gone 1st ball ! That's gotta hurt .

[Macca 16,606]

Here we go - I know we're not supposed to like this 'sport' but there are such things as 'remote controls' . You can always watch 'The Manor Reborn' or 'Border Patrol NZ' (there's some 'riveting' tele!)

I've only just started watching the games as I see t20 as a bit of a 'Holiday mode' sport . You've switched off from work and just need some entertainment that doesn't require much brain power !

Anyway, the 2 Melbourne teams are flying and aren't far off securing semi-final berths (already) . Double header tonight (starting soon) with (hopefully) a big knock from Chris Gayle when the 'Thunder' bat .

[Whispering_Jack 29,179]

Here we go - I know we're not supposed to like this 'sport' but there are such things as 'remote controls' . You can always watch 'The Manor Reborn' or 'Border Patrol NZ' (there's some 'riveting' tele!)

I've only just started watching the games as I see t20 as a bit of a 'Holiday mode' sport . You've switched off from work and just need some entertainment that doesn't require much brain power !

Anyway, the 2 Melbourne teams are flying and aren't far off securing semi-final berths (already) . Double header tonight (starting soon) with (hopefully) a big knock from Chris Gayle when the 'Thunder' bat .

13 off 14 balls with one 6.

Happy to use the remote control after that.

Bring on Boxing Day.

[Macca 16,606]

Bring on Boxing Day.

Normally I'd be saying the same thing but the Sri Lankan's don't really capture the imagination . Expect the Aussies to win the next 2 tests quite easily (weather permitting)

[Macca 16,606]

Stars and Renegades go at it tonight .

Wonder if Warnie will somehow get a hit . Here is an interesting story from Fox Sports

The last time he picked up the willow was in May 2011. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, he was bowled by Brad Hodge for two.

Could the following be construed as tanking? ...

With 26 runs needed off the last nine balls, and Lasith Malinga striding to the middle, the instruction clearly looked to be “bat out the overs, just don’t get out.” For footy fans, it seemed like cricket’s version of Paul Roos’ alleged NAB Cup order to “go forward, just don’t kick a goal”.

Edited January 6, 2013 by Macca

[Macca 16,606]

I'm kinda liking seeing all these old timers doing well in this frenetic form of the game - in some ways it doesn't make sense but of course, class is permanent. Kallis was great to watch tonight

I'm thinking that this version of the game is terrific for those summer nights. Light entertainment at it's best. Not to be taken too seriously - that's the whole key.

[gsmith12 491]

Not a big fan but I watch as 2 of my Grandchildren spend time with us and they just love the game.

Jacques Kallis was terrific tonight, still all class.

[Grapeviney 9,499]

I'm kinda liking seeing all these old timers doing well in this frenetic form of the game - in some ways it doesn't make sense but of course, class is permanent. Kallis was great to watch tonight

I'm thinking that this version of the game is terrific for those summer nights. Light entertainment at it's best. Not to be taken too seriously - that's the whole key.

I agree Macca.

This is the first year I've watched the t20 and it's done its job in whiling away the summer nights.

Occasionally, you are treated to some really great hitting, as when Hussey and Kallis batted together last week and scored 90+ apiece. And Kallis again tonight.

The format's main flaw is that if the side chasing loses 4 or 5 early wickets, the contest can be over with 15 overs still to go. At least in 50over cricket you have the time to take stock for a while and shore up the innings. A few matches this year have been blowouts unfortunately.

I couldn't bear the thought of actually going to a game - the music between balls is enough to keep me away - but the crowds in Perth and Adelaide particularly have been really good.

[Macca 16,606]

I agree Macca.

This is the first year I've watched the t20 and it's done its job in whiling away the summer nights.

Occasionally, you are treated to some really great hitting, as when Hussey and Kallis batted together last week and scored 90+ apiece.

The format's main flaw is that if the side chasing loses 4 or 5 early wickets, the contest can be over with 15 overs still to go. At least in 50over cricket you have the time to take stock for a while and shore up the innings. A few matches this year have been blowouts unfortunately.

I couldn't bear the thought of actually going to a game - the music between balls is enough to keep me away - but the crowds in Perth and Adelaide particularly have been really good.

I went to a number of Bushranger games (before the instigation of the big bash) and whilst I enjoyed the games back then, I lost a bit of interest because I was trying too take the games too seriously.

Now, I just have the games on without watching it too intently. Most people I know watch the games for the same type of reason. Strangely enough, I watch the tennis and the footy in a similar way (apart from demon games)

When I want to watch sport in a serious way, I will. t20 cricket appeals to the holiday crowd - it's a bit of fun and it's harmless. It's certainly not going to be the ruination of test cricket. In fact, the crossover of players and spectators helps the sport on an overall basis.

What I find to be fascinating is how a new sport like this can take hold of the public's interest. The positive is that the public get to have a look at our players who aren't in the test side - albeit at breakneck speed

[Grapeviney 9,499]

When I want to watch sport in a serious way, I will. t20 cricket appeals to the holiday crowd - it's a bit of fun and it's harmless. It's certainly not going to be the ruination of test cricket. In fact, the crossover of players and spectators helps the sport on an overall basis.

What I find to be fascinating is how a new sport like this can take hold of the public's interest. The positive is that the public get to have a look at our players who aren't in the test side - albeit at breakneck speed

Agree that it's helped to grow the game, opening up new opportunities for players and crowds alike. As you say, it's not going to bring the downfall of test cricket, although it's interesting to think how this new form of the game can have unintended consequences, such as Smithy noted in the other thread re teaching his grandkids how to bat in the classical fashion in an era when no stroke is considered too outrageous.

Also worth noting that tennis is about to launch its own short-form game, 4tennis or something.

[Macca 16,606]

Agree that it's helped to grow the game, opening up new opportunities for players and crowds alike. As you say, it's not going to bring the downfall of test cricket, although it's interesting to think how this new form of the game can have unintended consequences, such as Smithy noted in the other thread re teaching his grandkids how to bat in the classical fashion in an era when no stroke is considered too outrageous.

Also worth noting that tennis is about to launch its own short-form game, 4tennis or something.

Many attacking shots are just an extension of defensive shots ... t20 creates a situation where young players are playing the extension of the defensive shots as a first option but again, it's nothing to be too worried about.

Batting is an artform but there's no reason it can't be learnt with an aggressive intent. In fact, that is what is happening a fair bit of the time. The new breed of batsmen are going to be more aggressive.

Take Maxwell for example - he's got all the shots and he can play defensively but ... it's his temperament and decision making which is the issue. ... and temperament and decision making can be taught & learnt. Warner is living proof of that. He's now a much more solid player - many might have thought he'd never make it as a test player.

In the future, there will be many like Warner - it stands to reason. A lot of the young Indian batsmen are and will be gravitating from t20 cricket. Like most things in sport, the cream rises to the top. Kohli & Vijay have each played 6 or 7 seasons of IPL and are in high demand in the shortest form of the game.

Both can play.

Edited January 2, 2015 by Macca

[gsmith12 491]

Nice to see the Heat put to the sword, well done Hurricanes' wonderful chase.

[Macca 16,606]

Nice to see the Heat put to the sword, well done Hurricanes' wonderful chase.

I didn't watch it Smithy ... but, I watched the end of the Heat's innings. Didn't give the Tassie side much of a chance to be honest but that must have been a terrific run chase by them.

The 2 Melbourne sides go at it tonight at Docklands ... Stars are 0-3 and the Renegades are 1-2 so if the Stars lose, they'll almost certainly be out of it - KP might put on a show though and there's sure to be a big crowd.