Jack Shantry
Excited by Worcestershire's batting guns
Writing this column feels a lot like playing my first few games for Worcestershire. Surrounded by fine professionals whose work I have read and enjoyed, I am a little unsure as to whether my ability merits the platform it is receiving
Jack Shantry
29-Mar-2013
First things first, apologies that this column was so late in coming. I have found that, whilst writing for ESPNcricinfo is a great honour, it comes with attendant pressures merely by association with such a prestigious website. Every time I sit to write I imagine behind me a pacing Harsha Bhogle, dressed as a headmaster, cane in hand, with the demeanour of Orwell's O'Brien in 1984, admonishing me for my poor prose and with the very real threat of Room 101 should I fall short of his exacting standards.
Inside that room I would probably find the laser-leveled batsman's paradise that is currently hosting the third Test between New Zealand and England. For me the series has proved disappointing so far, in no small part due to the placid nature of the pitches. I have heard journalists and former players comment that had it not been for rain there might well have been results in both matches, but for me the series has been dominated too much by the bat.
Having said that, it does not take away the fantastic effort of Nick Compton, who scored his maiden Test century in the Wellington Test. Compo is someone I've bowled against a lot in county cricket, and he is the player who values his wicket the highest. From my experience and speaking to fellow professionals, he has all the shots in the book too, but chooses to play within himself and is willing to bat long periods of time to accumulate his runs, which is not in keeping with the spirit of the time in county cricket. (The pacing Bhogle says I should've said Zeitgeist instead of 'spirit of the time'.)
Full postDealing with a precipitation cessation
Whether putting your feet up for a welcome rest, trying to unpick the Duckworth-Lewis method, or battling boredom and dressing-room banter, rain breaks are an unavoidable fact of a cricketer's life
Jack Shantry
08-Mar-2013
The rain break is as established a feature of county cricket as a Marcus Trescothick century or an Alan Richardson five-for, and occurs with similar frequency.
While the fans bemoan the weather gods, it is not always the same story in the dressing room. A battle-hardened seamer may enjoy the odd 30 minutes of respite while the pitch gets that little bit juicier. For some it's a chance to get acquainted with the Telegraph sports section (the younger members obviously read Cricinfo on their smartphones). Others will use the time to relax however they can: cards, table tennis, indoor cricket, and even - if rumours are to be believed about one player - onanism.
There are certain times when you wish the heavens would open. An unnamed overseas player once announced with suitable deadpan: "With all due respect to the fans, the umpires, the administrators and my fellow players: Rain on." But for the most part the players are just as frustrated as the fans, albeit less wet.
Full postShowing 1 - 2 of 2