'It's about giving everyone a chance to play the game we all love'
Why are Associate players so silly?
Reader: shane deitz
I coach the Vanuatu team and we are preparing for Division 5 but if you saw the boys training you would think it was for the world cup, but for us it is. Players get $2 AUD a training session and train every day during the week. The bus costs $1.50 AUD one way return trip $3. They put 100% into everything and we have very limited opportunities only a 6 day tournament this year. After being involved with the game at first class and international level these associate players put in as much work and even more dedication than the professional guys do as they have to work on top of training. Just doesn't feel right that these guys can't get more opportunity to play more on the international scene let alone some more funding. It's sport and it's about giving everyone a chance to play the game we all love.
Reader: Noemilafata Simonegambino (Italian Cricket president)
Congratulations on this raw but truthful account. Italy, of course, is well behind the three ODI European countries (Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland) sitting in the second tier with Denmark, Guernsey and Jersey. In November 2013 Italy finished 9th out of 16 in the 2014 T20 World Cup Qualifier, losing to Scotland who then lost to the Netherlands. Realistically, I fear this is the nearest Italy will come to qualifying to a cricket World Cup of any format for the next 50 years. The reason behind what the article correctly points out is the ICC is not ready to invest in global exposure. FIFA and IRB, to make an opposite example, have been willing to lower the standards of the preliminary rounds of their flagship events to ensure these events are truely global. It is very sad but this is the way it currently works and, even if a correction to current money distribution occurs in the next few months, I doubt Cricket World Cups of any format will become more inclusive in the near future.
Reader: cricketmaan
I recollect meeting Siva in 94/95 when India Pistons player Ram Kumar used to practice once twice at Vivekananda college nets. I met Siva and even bowled a bit! He was down to earth and cool. I do recollect what was being said about him even then. As a kid then i too believed in it. Looking back now after 2 decades it must have been tough for Siva. I keep watching those old videos especially the world series ones for various reasons that includes Siva, Sadanand and to hear Benaud. Yes its getting a bit too much at times when its repetitive, but then Indian commentators are always looked down. I don't think even Sunny, Sanjay have a good reputation among fans!
'This one time when I played first-class cricket
Reader: alexfrompessac
I faced David Lawrence on a dodgy grass net in Bath in 1991. I'd seen him on the TV and he 'didn't seem that quick', as you say... Well, I was half way through a forward defensive push when the ball pinged into the back of the net. Real pace is scary, even with all of today's protection.
Reader: rowayton
Don't know about batting against fast bowlers - I once bowled to former Australian player Gary Gilmour in a match. He was a renowned smasher of the ball. It was terrifying. The first ball just about took the non striker with it as it smashed into the boundary. I can assure you that he didn't get anything pitched up after that!
'Nowhere near where we want to be'
Reader: jose...p
I am very impressed with Boof's sense of realism. It is only a few of us, the fans, who appear unrealistic. No. 1 rank is very ephemeral. It is there today, and not there tomorrow type. As Brydon points out, in test cricket South Africa, India and Australia have all held top spot already in 2016.
I don't consider the next four series scheduled to be played by Oz as potential threats; but as opportunities. Opportunities to prove to all the doubting Thomas's. More importantly to the team, its players and the captain. And, the fans.
As Dunger.Bob says, " they're a good team with ship-loads of promise but they now need to prove themselves on battlefields around the world to establish themselves as the real deal" . Honest to goodness statement. Chances are good that they may do it. All the missing ammunition resulted only from injuries. That is where I share the views expressed by Pigeon in one of his recent statements. Hope it gets addressed. More so as preventive measures.
Does Under-13 cricket need to be competitive?
Reader: Nampally
Talent comes to the forefront at a very young age. Hanif Mohd. "the Buchaa" played in Tests for Pakistan when he was 15 years old. Tendulkar was just 17. Gavaskar debuted when he was 20 but what a debut it was -774 runs Vs. Gary Sobers' WI team abroad. I know lot of talented Cricketers from Hyderabad who were outstanding at age 14 of less. Asif Iqbal was one such prodigy as was Abas Ali Baig. In 50's & 60's there was no "Age group" Cricket. We were either Juniors or Seniors. Hyderabad mostly won the All India School's championship trophy whilst Bombay mostly won the University one. So Hyderabad somehow lacked the facilities to convert Boys into super Men Cricketers whilst Bombay had. Youngsters need good coaching facilities + grounds & competition to turn their talents to results. Bombay did it the best & still do. At age 13 & 14 most Indian Boys already have it in them or Not. So coaching needs to start at age 10 to have correct Cricket fundamentals. That is when the results show!