Net run-rates are so much fun

Even when Scotland took the final wicket to beat UAE, not only did we not know who had qualified for the 2011 World Cup, but we weren’t sure which six teams had ODI status. Such is the nature of cricket, and the really rather ridiculous reliance on Net Run-Rates (or NRR for acronym anoraks), but it provoked silly scenes on the outfield. Scotland were warming down and Pete Steindl, their coach, was half-chatting and half looking in my direction. We’d agreed on a post-match interview. But there was little point in chatting until I knew whether to grill him a) on Scotland losing their status as an international country, b) on his joy of Scotland reaching the World Cup in the most unlikely of circumstances or c) on his relief, and luck, at not making the World Cup but still retaining their status.

It’s high time one of Cricinfo’s unheralded members receives a worthy plug. Robin Abrahams (aka The Oracle) has worked for us since the dawn of time, when Yahoo! were king of the interwebs, John Major was in office and the term credit crunch hadn’t been invented. Without Robin, Cricinfo would probably not exist. In fact, he hasn’t slept since the mid 1990s – too busy ensuring our tables are up to date, scorers have internet access, and a myriad of other vital things besides. So I called the Abrahams Hotline who immediately had the details. And the details of the details. And the reasons behind the details. And something about a flag? Just in the nick of time, the cheery Steindl loped over as I hung up, and the first question? “Well, Pete, a good win today – and you’re into the top six I hear. You must be relieved.” Almost as relieved as I was. Thanks Robin.