The Surfer
Bracken wants ball boys for Twenty20
Australia's Nathan Bracken would like to see the introduction of ball boys to Twenty20 cricket , in the same way as they're used in Tennis:
Will
25-Feb-2013
Australia's Nathan Bracken would like to see the introduction of ball boys to Twenty20 cricket, in the same way as they're used in Tennis:
Bracken said the introduction of ball boys would speed the game up even further with players not required to chase the ball over the rope.
"Because you're on a tight schedule, an hour and 15 (minutes) to bowl your overs, if you can get some kids out there to be a part of the game on the boundary and basically get the ball it would make it that little bit quicker," he said.
"It would make it a little bit more exciting for the crowd and gives the fielding side more of a chance to get through their overs."
Full postGetting shirty
Oh dear
The Surfer
25-Feb-2013
Oh dear. The Aussies just can't get it right, can they? First their nicknames came in for a pounding, now it's the shirts they're printed on as noted by The Advertiser, an Adelaide-based newspaper. Now, The Surfer likes to try to stay clear from sartorial judgements as a rule, but this time the critics may have a point.
Full postHancock signs for Shropshire
Tim Hancock, the former Gloucestershire batsman, has signed for Shropshire :
Will
25-Feb-2013
Tim Hancock, the former Gloucestershire batsman, has signed for Shropshire:
It means the 33-year-old will carry a major burden of responsibility in the county having also agreed to become Wellington’s professional for their Birmingham League campaign.
Hancock played a huge part in Gloucestershire’s one-day success in the late 1990s and has scored over 12,000 runs in First Class and limited overs cricket.
Full postNicknames shouldn't be the name of the game
The Australian has an amusing take on the significance of Australia's first international Twenty20, but it also has a warning:
The Surfer
25-Feb-2013
The Australian has an amusing take on the significance of Australia's first international Twenty20, but it also has a warning:
"The one thing international cricket does not need is further programming pressures, so leaving Twenty20 fixtures as a cash cow for the tiers below would ensure the golden goose ain't headed for the Colonel's deep-fryer."
Full postHussey tagged for top honours
"It is a reflection of Michael Hussey's unassuming nature that when he was told of his meteoric elevation to Australia vice-captain, he was dumbfounded," writes Andrew Ramsey in The Australian
The Surfer
25-Feb-2013
"It is a reflection of Michael Hussey's unassuming nature that when he was told of his meteoric elevation to Australia vice-captain, he was dumbfounded," writes Andrew Ramsey in The Australian. "Upon being congratulated on his appointment by The Australian, Hussey responded with: "you are joking, aren't you?"
Full postWill he, won't he?
Malcolm Conn writes in The Australian on Warne's secret World Cup talks .
The Surfer
25-Feb-2013
Malcolm Conn writes in The Australian on Warne's secret World Cup talks.
Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, believes that one-day cricket's SuperSub rule may be a way for Shane Warne to make a return to one-day cricket, but stressed that any comeback must be unconditional.
Wacky cricket an instant hit
"If the size of a beer snake is any guide," writes Justin Norrie in The Sydney Morning Herald , "Twenty20 cricket has already won the approval of Sydney's sports fans."
The Surfer
25-Feb-2013
"If the size of a beer snake is any guide," writes Justin Norrie in The Sydney Morning Herald, "Twenty20 cricket has already won the approval of Sydney's sports fans."
Also in The Sydney Morning Herald, Peter Roebuck pens his account of Australia's Big Bash.
They came in their thousands, streaming through the gates, a mass of cheerful humanity lured to North Sydney by the lack of pomp and the chance to salute sixes or even to catch one and to claim the reward of a thousand bucks. They had smiles on their faces, wandered around in shorts and thongs, drank a lot and cheered every blow and every wicket. No one yelled, "'Ave a go, ya mug!". No need. Sixes came as thick and fast as jokes in a New York club.
ACE cricket academy gets underway
There is an ACE cricket academy day at The Oval today, and the BBC have more on those involved
Will
25-Feb-2013
There is an ACE cricket academy day at The Oval today, and the BBC have more on those involved. Their official site also has details of how to join, and upcoming events around Britain.
Full postPlunkett or Anderson? Or both?
Liam Plunkett, James Anderson...or both
Will
25-Feb-2013
Liam Plunkett, James Anderson...or both? That is the question Scyld Berry attempts to answer in his article at the Daily Telegraph, as England's selectors deliberate who to pick for the tour to India:
If England are to play to their strength, and field four fast bowlers in these first two Tests, will Liam Plunkett be sufficient as the only back-up?
He has surely taken over the No 5 spot because he has a wonderful temperament for a 20-year-old and he can bat. But is there space also for James Anderson, who is getting his rhythm back, and, if one of the Big Four dropped out before Mohali, would probably bowl better than Plunkett because he can swing the ball more?
Full post