The Surfer

25-Feb-2013

Today is the Anzac day. It's been said that 'Sport is war minus the shooting', but what happens to sport when the shooting is real? Amanda Smith finds out about the role of cricket, in both the First and Second World Wars: for allied troops, for prisoners-of-war, and for the folks at home. Click here to read the transcript of this fascinating show aired in 1998.

I came across a photo in one of the volumes that's captioned 'The evacuation of Anzac'. The weird thing is though, that this is a photo of a cricket match in progress. So why were these diggers playing cricket when they were supposed to be withdrawing from Gallipoli?

Bill Gammage: Yes I know the photo, it's one Beam himself took actually, and it's one that was taken when the Australians had already started to evacuate the Anzac position. And the idea was that the people who were still on shore would pretend that things were going on as normal to deceive the Turks. Every night more and more Australians were withdrawn. And as more were withdrawn, there were more activities out in the open to pretend that everyone was still there and no evacuation was planned. That way the Turks wouldn't attack at the last minute and the chances of a successful evacuation were increased.

And this cricket match is one of them.

Gough stands up for England - in a pop video

Oh blimey, is Darren Gough becoming the new Phil Tufnell

Oh blimey, is Darren Gough becoming the new Phil Tufnell? Let's hope not, but if he continues to embrace gimmicks with as much gusto as his bowling then words might just have to be had.

25-Feb-2013

His latest bandwagon de choix? Well, Dazzler is all set to appear in a video for a football World Cup song.

Stand up 4 England is a song by pop punk band Koopa and, The Surfer is surprised to hear itself confessing as it reaches for the repeat button, the tune is actually pretty good.

The cameras are set to roll down at Essex CCC on Tuesday to capture Goughie singing the seminal line "Ner ner ner ner" as he revealed to Cricinfo: "As a keen football fan myself it's exciting to be doing my bit for the World Cup cause - albeit in a small way". Good old boy.

My Sport: Ian Blackwell

Ian Blackwell, England's batting all-rounder, is keen on having the fixture list reworked to lessen the load and improve overall standards

Ian Blackwell, England's batting all-rounder, is keen on having the fixture list reworked to lessen the load and improve overall standards. He talks about his favourite sporting moments, heroes, and more in an interview with the Telegraph. Click here to read it.

25-Feb-2013

'Run wid it again!'

Edward Seaga, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, is shocked at the amount of money that Jamaica would have to cough up to host the World Cup.

25-Feb-2013

Edward Seaga, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, is shocked at the amount of money that Jamaica would have to cough up to host the World Cup.

The World Cup extravaganza is an excellent example of small countries with small resources trying to do what big countries do on the same lavish scale in order to show that we can throw a good party too even if in our case there are massive crowds of poor and vulnerable people locked out at the gate and, the misery will be greater for the likely poor showing of our team.

The Jamaica Gleaner editorial offers a different view.

The arguments and counter arguments about the cost to the country of hosting a part of next year's Cricket World Cup tournament reflect a sad lack of appreciation by both the Government and the parliamentary Opposition of the real and potential economic benefits.

Nude cricket is just the ticket

What’s the best way to celebrate Anzac Day

What’s the best way to celebrate Anzac Day? That’s right – to organize a nude beach cricket match of course. Well, that’s what’s happening in Australia, at least. In New Zealand they’re just a bit too shy.

25-Feb-2013

But there is method behind the seeming madness. Pastor Bob Wright, a church minister and naturist, said the event, to be held on North Belongil Beach, would be a dignified one. He added that the Anzac diggers had often played games of beach cricket in between fighting during the first World War.

The Stuff website reports that New Zealand won’t be hosting a similar event because, in the words of Bill Hopper, the spokesperson for New Zealand Returned Services Association: “Only the Aussies would do it.” The Stuff continues:

Up to 500 nudists and their families are expected to attend the event, which also includes a beach carnival, body painting, sausage sizzle and a fun run. Mr Hopper said his only concern about the event was the combination of nudism with a sausage sizzle.

Ashes authors written off for best books award

Christopher Martin-Jenkins says that none of the books on last year's epic Ashes have made it to the shortlist for the Cricket Society Book of the Year award.

George Binoy

25-Feb-2013

Christopher Martin-Jenkins says that none of the books on last year's epic Ashes have made it to the shortlist for the Cricket Society Book of the Year award.

The nearest thing to it being Stephen Fay’s description of Tom Graveney’s year as president of MCC: part biography, part insight into the workings of the world’s wealthiest, and most altruistic cricket club. Also on the list are a vibrant account of India’s momentous tour to Pakistan in 2003-04 by a talented young Indian writer half Fay’s age.

Wonderful Gibbs challenge

Herschelle Gibbs, the South Africa batsman, was dropped for the remaining two Tests against New Zealand

25-Feb-2013

Herschelle Gibbs, the South Africa batsman, was dropped for the remaining two Tests against New Zealand. "Gibbs knows all the flaws and pitfalls of his life and lifestyle. He knows what he needs to do," writes Neil Manthorp. Click here to read the supercricket.co.za article.

Jagged Edge

Is Dalmiya's suspension from the BCCI a result of his past deeds or is it a witch-hunt launched by his detractors

Is Dalmiya's suspension from the BCCI a result of his past deeds or is it a witch-hunt launched by his detractors? G. Rajaraman delves into the ugly fight.

25-Feb-2013

Mills was worth the gamble

It was well worth New Zealand risking Kyle Mills in the No 3 position, says Mark Richardson in the New Zealand Herald .

25-Feb-2013

It was well worth New Zealand risking Kyle Mills in the No 3 position, says Mark Richardson in the New Zealand Herald.

In difficult conditions, the Black Caps took a punt when they promoted Kyle Mills […] It didn't work, thus exposing managements' necks, but I for one thought it was a good piece of improvisation and would have even gone a step further and had James Franklin follow Mills.

The Waugh path is a rosy one

Kevin Mitchell meets Steve Waugh and almost, almost gets him to admit England are going to retain the Ashes when the teams resume battle in Australia in December.