SRI-LANKA TOUR FIXTURES RELEASED:
The Tour fixtures have been released.
It should be wonderful seeing the Baggy Green contest the Lankans on their turf, best of all…3 Tests!
5 ODIs though? Two too many, but with the odd shower in Sri-Lanka it’s worth the extras.
If you are interested in touring for the series, visit Waving the Flag.
Baggy Green Blogsite contributor Dan Stapo will be there!
See the fixtures page for more information.
AUSTRALIA A SQUAD ANNOUNCED TO TOUR ZIM:
Fixtures
4 Day Squad:
Tim Paine (Captain) - TAS
David Warner - NSW
Phillip Hughes - NSW
Usman Khawaja - NSW
Callum Ferguson - SA
Nic Maddinson - NSW
Mitch Marsh - WA
Luke Butterworth - TAS
James Faulkner - TAS
Jason Krejza - TAS
Trent Copeland - NSW
Ben Hilfenhaus - TAS
Mitch Starc - NSW
Michael Beer - WA
One Day Squad:
Tim Paine (Captain) - TAS
David Warner - NSW
Aaron Finch _ VIC
Callum Ferguson - WA
Chris Lynn - QLD
Nic Maddison - NSW
Mitch Marsh - WA
Luke Butterworth - TAS
Stephen O'Keefe - NSW
James Faulkner - TAS
Ben Hilfenhaus - TAS
Trent Copeland - NSW
Nathan Lyon - SA
Mitch Starc - NSW
This article isn’t exactly in any specific order but feel free to discuss it all at random.
Baggy Green and Limited overs players included in the Squad are the following:
Tim Paine, David Warner, Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Callum Ferguson, Jason Krejza, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitch Starc and Michael Beer.
So there are a few players who have experience at the elite level, or atleast had a taste of the competitiveness. But the good news is there’s some fresh blood in there and no doubt there’s some intense but healthy competition in place for this series.
But check how many Tasmanian cricketers have made the side! Don’t see that every year. Good on the Tigers, they’ve really come along so strongly.
Tim Paine is our Skipper and even though he’s recovering from injury, he’s a class act and it’s good he’s getting some grooming with the Captaincy honours.
Callum Ferguson is a proven performer for the Green & Gold, but on a personal note I really hope he debuts for the Baggy Green this year. It would be epic to see him be given that cap, but this is his second test for the status after Usman Khawaja was given the honour for the SCG Test during the 2010/11 Ashes series when Ricky Ponting was ruled out to injury.
I am glad Ben Hilfenhaus has been given a chance. His Ashes performances were well below what we expected after his efforts emerging as the best bowler in the 2009 series, but it was predicted he’d have some challenges on home soil. With Craig McDermott as the bowling choice, I can’t think of a more suitable bloke to pull Hilfy through the ranks. He just needs to get back that wicket taking habit as a new ball bowler and find a slightly better game plan when the swing dynamics fade. A tighter line outside of off-stump would be better than the delivery pitched too straight far too often.
On a bowling note, Luke Butterworth fully deserves his opportunity. He bowled outstandingly for Tassie and he’s one guy I am excited for regarding the Aus A fixures, while obviously I was expecting Trent Copeland to appear who I know will become a very competent Test match bowler.
Mitch Starc has been on injury leave (who hasn’t?) but seeing him the ODI Squad is a good sign as this is the ideal format for him to keep grafting. His debut for the Green & Gold was impressive!
Jason Krejza and Michael Beer will go head to head, while also complement each other as the spin bowling dup for the series. Nathan Hauritz is still fighting his way to full recovery but it was reported he was slowly getting back into his stride. Still wishing Ritz all the best but it’ll be good to see the Beer/Krejza bowl off.
The spinner stocks are being stacked up but dammit, I hope we find someone to stick with soon. Here’s what Greg Chappell had to say on the matter;
"It's really just a matter of trying to get as much exposure for our spin bowlers as possible so we can keep working out just where our stocks are,"
"It's pretty open. It's no secret that spin bowling is an area that we're keen to get at, finalise or make some ground on. We haven't really for one reason or another, either through injury or form had much consistency in that area.
"Spin bowling's not a straightforward issue. It is easily crowded by the success that Shane Warne had but most countries take time to find spin bowlers and good ones certainly don't just drop out of mid-air. I think we've got about seven spinners in our sights, the four going there, Hauritz, Doherty and Steve Smith. So there's about seven guys there and nobody's really nailed the spot down at this stage.
"We're trying to give as many of them opportunities as we can and find out which ones have what we're looking for. It's about trying to find the right people for the right conditions and that can vary depending on where you're playing, South Africa will be different from Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka's different from India even - it was quite remarkable watching the Sri Lankans and Indians play in each other's country."
David Warner has been placed within both the limited overs and 4 day Squads. He needs his brain washed out from all this Twenty20 nonsense and this is an ideal platform for him to reignite his limited overs career for Australia, while he can continue to develop a natural game in the longer form of the game. His performances for New South Wales were good in the Sheffield Contest and I do remember really liking his attitude regarding the value and dream to represent the Baggy Green.
Mitch Marsh has his call-up, which will be good to see as his brother Shaun is likely to appear for the limited overs side against Sri-Lanka. There seems to be a bit of a debate as to why Cam White, David Hussey, Steven Smith and Shaun weren’t in Australia A.
I don’t have the answer but I know Smith is still recovering from an injury, while I can only assume Cam and Dussey will either be omitted or placed within the touring Squad to Sri-Lanka.
I don’t like speculating, but I struggle to see why Shaun Marsh can’t be granted the chance to atleast appear far more regularly in limited overs matches for Australia. With an adjustment and temperament and some courage to come out of his shell and actually go for broke with the band in hand, he may be a very valuable candidate to our side!
But back to Mitch Marsh, he’s shown enough promise for the Warriors to have been drafted.
Nic Maddinson – who is in the very early stages of his State career - and James Faulkner had to be included. Faulkner is another player emerging as a Tassie representative and is a young talent that gives the Tigers a boasting credibility and they have more players popping up on the scene. He’s young and has the goods to become a versatile all-rounder.
Chris Lynn needs to pass a fitness test before heading over with the limited overs team, while the Redbacks’ Nathan Lyonn has his call-up to show case his skills to debut for the Green & Gold as another potential spinner. The numbers keep growing!
Throw Steven O’Keefe into the mix, although there’s been plenty of question marks as to why he hasn’t ever been given a loud enough call up. Can we expect an answer with this series?
Of course there’s Phillip Hughes who is trying to regain his mojo, while Usman Khawaja is probably just heading over to Zimbabwe to built upon his abilities just that extra bit. He’s been playing in the County Circuit so his intention is clear and that is to play for the Baggy Green!
Aaron Finch is another excellent choice for the limited overs side. Another future World Cup performer.
It’s a series that you get the feeling every single bloke can make an impact, and any one of them who makes an impact isn’t going to be cast aside carelessly...we hope. This is the competitive setup I have been waiting to see for a long time. Wishing them all the best to play to the best of their abilities as each of them either attempts to regain their form, fine tune their skills or begin the journey to reach the elite level.
Good luck to our Australia A representatives! The NSP got this selection right.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER:
@Ianbaggygreen / @Dan_Stapo / @BaggyGreenBlog
22 May 2011
Quick chirps on a few topics in the cricket world
I have taken some time out the last few weeks but aim to atleast write very short articles from time to time just to keep up to speed with things to avoid a snowball effect.
Granted I've had a busy schedule recently, but I have also been wanting to just get a good grasp as to the general thoughts and feelings going around regarding the unforeseen future of our great game.
This article is just a collection of thoughts, but I was trying to focus particularly on our Coaching changes.
THE COACHING DYNAMICS:
A good move has been the promotion of Craig McDermott as our bowling coach!
Wonderful news and I am proud to see him leading the bowling unit.
The other candidates were good but I strongly believe we need more of Craig's era.
We have Justin Langer who has had a rough time but maybe he needs a slightly different support network around him so we can see some synergy not just from a Player to Coach outlook but rather the entire picture!
The bond between Players & Coaches is essential without the interruption of top level management or political interference.
Our team can beat anyone but the synergy needs to be created. It has begun!
Craig suffered a few tough times in his career (both on and off the field in both his current and post-playing days), at times being outgunned or injury riddled and was a member of the Border era who ultimately turned things around.
They had a tough transition and came through. Craig relied on his swing dynamics a fair bit and when those subsided I have some faint memories of the game getting "away from him". Reminds me a bit of guys like Ben Hilfenhaus, Ryan Harris and Stuart Clark, but all these genuine swing bowlers need to find certain weapons to pull through the challenges, which Stuart Clark (recently retired) was able to and Ryan Harris has some mean variations with an ability to almost skid the ball across any track into the right handed batsman. Hilfy is getting there but I am confident he will return stronger than ever!
He has the experience, has played at the elite level and was a competitive cricketer who understands that sometimes when things go poorly (as they admittedly did during the Ashes) you need to also have the empathy factor to back your players in a supportive but tough way. Attitude is mindset is what he has.
Now we need skill execution, but our guys are professionals. They can learn from him and deliver their best! I know it can happen.
Here's a short extract Craig stated which I liked alot:
"It's okay putting one ball or two balls in the right spot, but you've got to do it 25 times in a row to build up pressure. Execution only comes with hard work and practice and being fit enough to be able to execute for long enough, you don't want to have fatigue come into it.
"I think we've got a number of players who can do that, we've just got to make sure we do the work and making sure we're physically fit enough to execute for long enough to create problems for batsmen. Glenn McGrath was strong, fit and bowled a lot of balls in the right spot, there's no secret to that. It's been no secret that's the way to get batsmen out since WG Grace."
© Getty Images
STUART CLARK RETIRES:
Last week Stuart Clarkannounced his retirement after spending most of the season as more of a bowling mentor for New South Wales.
Watching Stuart Clark on debut was epic. The closest to Glenn McGrath to a man of class in his own regard who ultimately had more to offer but sadly lost opportunity to a mighty fine team at the time.
Injuries knocked him back and despite that awesome debut in 2006 (where he stepped in for Glenn) one of his best performances in my opinion was against the West Indies in tandum with Brett Lee in 2008.
Perfect placement, total patience from the first ball, composure, building up the battle front perfectly to offer the smallest variation to bring about total frustration or mixed reception from the Windies batsmen, who were ultimately saved by Shiv Chanderpaul who batted with the mindset of Stuart Clark's bowling approach.
That series stands out and while it was sad he never got to build upon his last test for us in 2009 against the Poms after our victory, he served the Baggy Green with respect, solid performances and a bloke who made us proud.
He was suited to test cricket and while he was a member of limited overs team as well (member of the 2007 World Cup Squad) he was always a test cricketer!
His Twenty20 performances for NSW haven't been too shabby but now he will retire from the game and while playing a bit of club cricket he will take on an adminstrative role for the new Big Bash League. I am not an endorser of the Big Bash League but Stuart has always strived to pursue life outside of cricket with a degree, numerous studies and a quiet personal life, so I hope he finds success off the cricket field as well.
Well done Stuey, you've provided us with some good memories from a bowler who achieved alot in the relatively short time frame of opportunity for the Baggy Green.
Stuart dismisses a dangerous Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the 2008 Frank Worrell series.
© Getty Images
THE IPL IS NEARLY OVER:
Another season of DLF Maximums, Hero Hondas, out of sync Cheerleaders, Sponsorship overkill, bloody annoying commentary (yes, that's you Ravi Shastri and Danny Morrison), King Kahn and Pretty Shitty's possie (I quote Greg Blewett on reference to bollywood actress Zinta) and see-saw cricket quality will be coming to an end shortly for 2011.
If you aren't an Indian cricket supporter and not fond of the IPL, if you saw Adam Gilchrist's red hot innings where he insanely belted his way to a gripping century, you would have had reason to have dedicated your viewer time to the contest.
If you followed the career of Gilly, you would have been comforted with some epic memories of the bloke who brought about a revolution with the Keeper-Batsman role in all forms of the game. Damn Gilly was a beast that game!
In ODI and Test cricket when you see a Centurion emerge there is usually a partner alongside him to have guided him there. In Twenty20 cricket this often doesn't occur but Gilly did have one of our own Green & Gold players at the crease.
Shaun Marsh kicks into top gear when he attends the IPL. It played a crucial role in his promotion to represent us in ODI cricket, where he debuted in 2008 in the Windies following the first IPL.
Shaun's timing has been spot on and he has maintained the ability to get off to fluent starts and not bog himself down, which was a definite issue with the Green & Gold. He is an equally frustrating player for this reason because he has so much ability and a clear class about his shot execution. All he needs to do is maintain that fluency and his confidence will also soar.
Was good to see two left handed Western Warrior players cause some damage.
Adam Gilchrist lets loose for his IPL Franchise The Royal Challengers Bangalore.
© AFP
Shane Watson also had a splendid hit out for the Rajasthan Royals in their final game with Shane Warne as Skipper. Watto was assaulted with a bunch of short pitched deliveries, clearly an elected tactic to handle our opening maestro.
Watto counter-attacked them and as usual there was total dominance in the mid-wicket to long on region. Square of the wicket and powerful domination.
Our Vice-Skipper has found his natural game and operates within his capabilities.
Shane Warne once wrote in his illustrated biography that alot of people didn't have any idea how talented a cricketer Shane Watson is.
Five years later those words have been proven and how right was Warnie?
While I was never the greatest admirer of Warnie and the way everything seemed to revolve around him, it has been an honour to have followed the career of the greatest leg spinner of all time. He will bow out of cricketer officially with the IPL over and whatever crazy antics he gets up to, I wish him happiness.
What a bowler, what a larger than life character but I hope he doesn't make any more news headlines, particularly regarding an Ashes comeback.
Ryan Harris has been fighting hard as well at the IPL and his fitness will improve drastically with this T20 stint. Looking forward to a return for the Green & Gold.
Doug Bollinger has also picked up a batch of wickets for Chennai, while team-mate and Baggy Green Champ Mike Hussey has been graceful with the bat in hand.
A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE SHIFT IN VALUES LINKING LIFE AND CRICKET:
This has been something I have repeatedly ranted on about but would take me a long time to elaborate. It has been hard to find time to fully justify and explain just what I mean by this, but if you read between the lines and Twitter outbursts you will get the picture.
The IPL has certainly continued it's popularity within it's host nation, while the concern has continued to be - for the cricket loyalist - the impact this lucrative ordeal has on a younger cricketer and the overall reflection it has on the game of cricket. While I have always found Twenty20 to be kind of the opening act, things arte changing and the business model is attractive for investors and all the Big Cheeses want a piece of the pie. Concerning thing has been the proposed Big Bash. Despite the "marketing guru's" claiming T20 is the way forward and the rather idiotic idea of the Big Bash League seems to be going ahead, I just hope the game as we know will not expire sooner than expected. In all honesty I never expected our great game to fall victim to the rapidly changing world around us.
My personal opinion on the Big Bash league is it stinks.
God help us all if we have to hear about Colonel Sanders maximums, Commonwealth moments, Milo time-outs and VB catches. Better not give Cricket Australia any more tempting ideas after those brilliantly thought out team names; Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixes etc.
From reading many other forums and just chatting with my mates, many cricket loyalists feel the same way. The business model just doesn't seem to be fit for the Australian market (independently) in comparison to the IPL (which is the direct competition) which boasts a cricket crazy market with an easier demographic to market too. Furthermore cricket is the number 1 sport predominantly by a long margin, unlike Australia with many other sports attracting equal interest.
It's a long shot I think Cricket Australia could have avoided. But it seems that despite the Ashes loss to a decent English side, it is more important to brush aside the concentration on our ultimate forms of the game and rather get sucked into the Big Bash League 100%.
I think the focus has shifted too much and while trying to catch up with Twenty20 on a business and playing level, the focus and branding of our cricket team has been diluted. Losing the Ashes seemed to be just one of those things. I don't mind losing but it was the manner in which the administrators seemed to just laugh off.
Our players essentially go out there and get the results, but we don't see the behind the scenes pressures and I will back our players any day over the top dogs at the Office.
TEST CRICKET:
I have really been enjoying the test series between the Windies and Pakistan.
I am also eager to see the Lankans battle the Poms in England. Test cricket in England is special (Day 1 with the new ball) while I am also a fanatical follower of West Indian cricket. I am really feeling the pride that seems to brewing within the West Indian team and am pleased to see Darren Sammy do the talking on the cricket field. He was thrown into a boiling pot and is professionally trying to prove his leadership skills.
It is also great to see cause maybe Chris Gayle will be realising he is not greater than West Indian cricket. All they need is Darren Bravo and Brendon Nash to get some runs behind their name and they can get Pakistan on the back foot.
AUSTRALIAN CRICKET:
As things pick up a bit more with International cricket I will increase my appearances at the blogsite, but understand that when not alot is going on in Australian cricket I sometimes have to focus on the other aspects of life outside of the game. No worries though, we got alot to discuss!
Our team faces some heavy battles ahead that will be intense and total warfare on a pyschological basis as well as a tactical basis.
The Baggy Green are having a well deserved break and I just hope that when our team return for the Sri-lankan series they will be well rested and ready to make us proud.
We have to support the guys in the forms of the game that count for tradition and raw ability rather than what fills in the stands and reflects bottom line smiles from the blokes up top.
I have been having a good think about our cricket in terms of Test level where our real concerns seems to be.
However don't you also have this inspiring feeling that despite all the criticism, Michael Clarke may yet turn things around as a leader?
Maybe that type of personality with a bunch of tough Australian fighters around him is what the team needs?
The Coaching setup is heading in the right direction. That's a start.
Certainly plenty of test playing potentials out there. We'll talk about it soon.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER:
@Ianbaggygreen / @Dan_Stapo/ @BaggyGreenBlog
Granted I've had a busy schedule recently, but I have also been wanting to just get a good grasp as to the general thoughts and feelings going around regarding the unforeseen future of our great game.
This article is just a collection of thoughts, but I was trying to focus particularly on our Coaching changes.
THE COACHING DYNAMICS:
A good move has been the promotion of Craig McDermott as our bowling coach!
Wonderful news and I am proud to see him leading the bowling unit.
The other candidates were good but I strongly believe we need more of Craig's era.
We have Justin Langer who has had a rough time but maybe he needs a slightly different support network around him so we can see some synergy not just from a Player to Coach outlook but rather the entire picture!
The bond between Players & Coaches is essential without the interruption of top level management or political interference.
Our team can beat anyone but the synergy needs to be created. It has begun!
Craig suffered a few tough times in his career (both on and off the field in both his current and post-playing days), at times being outgunned or injury riddled and was a member of the Border era who ultimately turned things around.
They had a tough transition and came through. Craig relied on his swing dynamics a fair bit and when those subsided I have some faint memories of the game getting "away from him". Reminds me a bit of guys like Ben Hilfenhaus, Ryan Harris and Stuart Clark, but all these genuine swing bowlers need to find certain weapons to pull through the challenges, which Stuart Clark (recently retired) was able to and Ryan Harris has some mean variations with an ability to almost skid the ball across any track into the right handed batsman. Hilfy is getting there but I am confident he will return stronger than ever!
He has the experience, has played at the elite level and was a competitive cricketer who understands that sometimes when things go poorly (as they admittedly did during the Ashes) you need to also have the empathy factor to back your players in a supportive but tough way. Attitude is mindset is what he has.
Now we need skill execution, but our guys are professionals. They can learn from him and deliver their best! I know it can happen.
Here's a short extract Craig stated which I liked alot:
"It's okay putting one ball or two balls in the right spot, but you've got to do it 25 times in a row to build up pressure. Execution only comes with hard work and practice and being fit enough to be able to execute for long enough, you don't want to have fatigue come into it.
"I think we've got a number of players who can do that, we've just got to make sure we do the work and making sure we're physically fit enough to execute for long enough to create problems for batsmen. Glenn McGrath was strong, fit and bowled a lot of balls in the right spot, there's no secret to that. It's been no secret that's the way to get batsmen out since WG Grace."
© Getty Images
STUART CLARK RETIRES:
Last week Stuart Clarkannounced his retirement after spending most of the season as more of a bowling mentor for New South Wales.
Watching Stuart Clark on debut was epic. The closest to Glenn McGrath to a man of class in his own regard who ultimately had more to offer but sadly lost opportunity to a mighty fine team at the time.
Injuries knocked him back and despite that awesome debut in 2006 (where he stepped in for Glenn) one of his best performances in my opinion was against the West Indies in tandum with Brett Lee in 2008.
Perfect placement, total patience from the first ball, composure, building up the battle front perfectly to offer the smallest variation to bring about total frustration or mixed reception from the Windies batsmen, who were ultimately saved by Shiv Chanderpaul who batted with the mindset of Stuart Clark's bowling approach.
That series stands out and while it was sad he never got to build upon his last test for us in 2009 against the Poms after our victory, he served the Baggy Green with respect, solid performances and a bloke who made us proud.
He was suited to test cricket and while he was a member of limited overs team as well (member of the 2007 World Cup Squad) he was always a test cricketer!
His Twenty20 performances for NSW haven't been too shabby but now he will retire from the game and while playing a bit of club cricket he will take on an adminstrative role for the new Big Bash League. I am not an endorser of the Big Bash League but Stuart has always strived to pursue life outside of cricket with a degree, numerous studies and a quiet personal life, so I hope he finds success off the cricket field as well.
Well done Stuey, you've provided us with some good memories from a bowler who achieved alot in the relatively short time frame of opportunity for the Baggy Green.
Stuart dismisses a dangerous Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the 2008 Frank Worrell series.
© Getty Images
THE IPL IS NEARLY OVER:
Another season of DLF Maximums, Hero Hondas, out of sync Cheerleaders, Sponsorship overkill, bloody annoying commentary (yes, that's you Ravi Shastri and Danny Morrison), King Kahn and Pretty Shitty's possie (I quote Greg Blewett on reference to bollywood actress Zinta) and see-saw cricket quality will be coming to an end shortly for 2011.
If you aren't an Indian cricket supporter and not fond of the IPL, if you saw Adam Gilchrist's red hot innings where he insanely belted his way to a gripping century, you would have had reason to have dedicated your viewer time to the contest.
If you followed the career of Gilly, you would have been comforted with some epic memories of the bloke who brought about a revolution with the Keeper-Batsman role in all forms of the game. Damn Gilly was a beast that game!
In ODI and Test cricket when you see a Centurion emerge there is usually a partner alongside him to have guided him there. In Twenty20 cricket this often doesn't occur but Gilly did have one of our own Green & Gold players at the crease.
Shaun Marsh kicks into top gear when he attends the IPL. It played a crucial role in his promotion to represent us in ODI cricket, where he debuted in 2008 in the Windies following the first IPL.
Shaun's timing has been spot on and he has maintained the ability to get off to fluent starts and not bog himself down, which was a definite issue with the Green & Gold. He is an equally frustrating player for this reason because he has so much ability and a clear class about his shot execution. All he needs to do is maintain that fluency and his confidence will also soar.
Was good to see two left handed Western Warrior players cause some damage.
Adam Gilchrist lets loose for his IPL Franchise The Royal Challengers Bangalore.
© AFP
Shane Watson also had a splendid hit out for the Rajasthan Royals in their final game with Shane Warne as Skipper. Watto was assaulted with a bunch of short pitched deliveries, clearly an elected tactic to handle our opening maestro.
Watto counter-attacked them and as usual there was total dominance in the mid-wicket to long on region. Square of the wicket and powerful domination.
Our Vice-Skipper has found his natural game and operates within his capabilities.
Shane Warne once wrote in his illustrated biography that alot of people didn't have any idea how talented a cricketer Shane Watson is.
Five years later those words have been proven and how right was Warnie?
While I was never the greatest admirer of Warnie and the way everything seemed to revolve around him, it has been an honour to have followed the career of the greatest leg spinner of all time. He will bow out of cricketer officially with the IPL over and whatever crazy antics he gets up to, I wish him happiness.
What a bowler, what a larger than life character but I hope he doesn't make any more news headlines, particularly regarding an Ashes comeback.
Ryan Harris has been fighting hard as well at the IPL and his fitness will improve drastically with this T20 stint. Looking forward to a return for the Green & Gold.
Doug Bollinger has also picked up a batch of wickets for Chennai, while team-mate and Baggy Green Champ Mike Hussey has been graceful with the bat in hand.
A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE SHIFT IN VALUES LINKING LIFE AND CRICKET:
This has been something I have repeatedly ranted on about but would take me a long time to elaborate. It has been hard to find time to fully justify and explain just what I mean by this, but if you read between the lines and Twitter outbursts you will get the picture.
The IPL has certainly continued it's popularity within it's host nation, while the concern has continued to be - for the cricket loyalist - the impact this lucrative ordeal has on a younger cricketer and the overall reflection it has on the game of cricket. While I have always found Twenty20 to be kind of the opening act, things arte changing and the business model is attractive for investors and all the Big Cheeses want a piece of the pie. Concerning thing has been the proposed Big Bash. Despite the "marketing guru's" claiming T20 is the way forward and the rather idiotic idea of the Big Bash League seems to be going ahead, I just hope the game as we know will not expire sooner than expected. In all honesty I never expected our great game to fall victim to the rapidly changing world around us.
My personal opinion on the Big Bash league is it stinks.
God help us all if we have to hear about Colonel Sanders maximums, Commonwealth moments, Milo time-outs and VB catches. Better not give Cricket Australia any more tempting ideas after those brilliantly thought out team names; Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixes etc.
From reading many other forums and just chatting with my mates, many cricket loyalists feel the same way. The business model just doesn't seem to be fit for the Australian market (independently) in comparison to the IPL (which is the direct competition) which boasts a cricket crazy market with an easier demographic to market too. Furthermore cricket is the number 1 sport predominantly by a long margin, unlike Australia with many other sports attracting equal interest.
It's a long shot I think Cricket Australia could have avoided. But it seems that despite the Ashes loss to a decent English side, it is more important to brush aside the concentration on our ultimate forms of the game and rather get sucked into the Big Bash League 100%.
I think the focus has shifted too much and while trying to catch up with Twenty20 on a business and playing level, the focus and branding of our cricket team has been diluted. Losing the Ashes seemed to be just one of those things. I don't mind losing but it was the manner in which the administrators seemed to just laugh off.
Our players essentially go out there and get the results, but we don't see the behind the scenes pressures and I will back our players any day over the top dogs at the Office.
TEST CRICKET:
I have really been enjoying the test series between the Windies and Pakistan.
I am also eager to see the Lankans battle the Poms in England. Test cricket in England is special (Day 1 with the new ball) while I am also a fanatical follower of West Indian cricket. I am really feeling the pride that seems to brewing within the West Indian team and am pleased to see Darren Sammy do the talking on the cricket field. He was thrown into a boiling pot and is professionally trying to prove his leadership skills.
It is also great to see cause maybe Chris Gayle will be realising he is not greater than West Indian cricket. All they need is Darren Bravo and Brendon Nash to get some runs behind their name and they can get Pakistan on the back foot.
AUSTRALIAN CRICKET:
As things pick up a bit more with International cricket I will increase my appearances at the blogsite, but understand that when not alot is going on in Australian cricket I sometimes have to focus on the other aspects of life outside of the game. No worries though, we got alot to discuss!
Our team faces some heavy battles ahead that will be intense and total warfare on a pyschological basis as well as a tactical basis.
The Baggy Green are having a well deserved break and I just hope that when our team return for the Sri-lankan series they will be well rested and ready to make us proud.
We have to support the guys in the forms of the game that count for tradition and raw ability rather than what fills in the stands and reflects bottom line smiles from the blokes up top.
I have been having a good think about our cricket in terms of Test level where our real concerns seems to be.
However don't you also have this inspiring feeling that despite all the criticism, Michael Clarke may yet turn things around as a leader?
Maybe that type of personality with a bunch of tough Australian fighters around him is what the team needs?
The Coaching setup is heading in the right direction. That's a start.
Certainly plenty of test playing potentials out there. We'll talk about it soon.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
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@Ianbaggygreen / @Dan_Stapo/ @BaggyGreenBlog
06 May 2011
Tour fixtures released & some IPL rantings
So, the news is that Shane Warne has retired, again, and will bow out of the Indian Premier League. Epic cricketer and legend of Australian cricket, but I'm over the Warnie-hype (and associated drama). As always, he will find a way into the headlines.
In more important news, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa have released the schedules for the series in South Africa, so at last we have some scheduled cricket to look forward too!
Click here to view the fixtures for Australia's tour against South Africa.
The Sri-Lankan series is still pending.
One thing that is a bit odd is the fact there is no three test match series in place, but rather a two match series. This is something the BCCI enjoy doing.
Fact is, Twenty20 cricket is becoming the preferred business model in times where peoples time management and social dynamics are changing, as well as the value system, which is arguably dropping in the bigger picture. The focus on bottom line in sport overpowers the true ethos of the game and players, so stuff it. We will see fewer Test matches from now on.
Another reason, besides Cricket South Africa's agenda, is that the ICC Future Tours Programme continues to be relatively bizarre so maybe the reduction is another factor owed to overkill cricket?
Atleast we have some cricket too look forward to. I will be glad when the IPL is over and the Twenty20 madness ends for another year.
One thing I must say is I don't intend to disrespect my Indian readers (or Indian supporters) with my pessimistic opinions regarding their Twenty20 circus.
I do actually have a genuine interest in their Test cricket affairs, but the IPL has never really captured my attention. As someone said on Twitter, Twenty20 cricket doesn't promote longevity or appeal that will be sustainable for long periods of time, and will require continual change in order to satisfy a rather unique and less interested target market in the true forms of the game.
Okay, I put that into my own words but that was the core message, which I agreed with.
As I was an enthusiastic wicketkeeper and decent swing-bowler (at a better time in my cricketing years) I am captivated by the battle of the new ball being handled by Australia on the day of a test match. Twenty20 is a batsman's game, so the appeal loses me a bit there, no matter what T20 event it may be.
The point I was actually going to make was that it is amusing watching these Bollywood stars and Big Cheese businessmen watching the players like pawns on a chess board, or a bunch of disposable sales reps doing their work for them. The message is clear, as it is in league soccer, play to do one thing and one thing only; entertain, win and get the franchise in the green zone! There is no care for cricket, no care for developing Indian cricket (be honest, the fielding standards get crapper year in year out and few of these players get exposed on the International circuit as it is) and again bottom line is king and stenciling the Eurpoean and British soccer league business models has paid off.
Now all follow in pursuit, e.g. The Big Bash League. Woopee.
Back to the South African Tour, atleast we have a good blend of the three formats between two giant sides. Two test matches are better than none, three ODIs is a brilliant plan(the perfect number at last) and last of all is that we still await the fixtures for Sri-Lanka, and of course the Australian summer fixtures - likely to be against India.
Remember, the players are not disposable robots, although the top management crowd like to think they are, so get behind the Baggy Green, support the guys in each and every contest as they will need our support and encouragement as we get closer to the next chaotic schedule in the world of cricket.
Fortunately, all these contests are ones worth showing total support too.
Michael Clarke's next chapter awaits and what an exciting challenge it will be for our Skipper as his journey begins.
Can't wait to see Punter's fight back as well and the return of the Baggy Green.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
Baggy Green Blog
Ianbaggygreen
Dan_Stapo
In more important news, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa have released the schedules for the series in South Africa, so at last we have some scheduled cricket to look forward too!
Click here to view the fixtures for Australia's tour against South Africa.
The Sri-Lankan series is still pending.
One thing that is a bit odd is the fact there is no three test match series in place, but rather a two match series. This is something the BCCI enjoy doing.
Fact is, Twenty20 cricket is becoming the preferred business model in times where peoples time management and social dynamics are changing, as well as the value system, which is arguably dropping in the bigger picture. The focus on bottom line in sport overpowers the true ethos of the game and players, so stuff it. We will see fewer Test matches from now on.
Another reason, besides Cricket South Africa's agenda, is that the ICC Future Tours Programme continues to be relatively bizarre so maybe the reduction is another factor owed to overkill cricket?
Atleast we have some cricket too look forward to. I will be glad when the IPL is over and the Twenty20 madness ends for another year.
One thing I must say is I don't intend to disrespect my Indian readers (or Indian supporters) with my pessimistic opinions regarding their Twenty20 circus.
I do actually have a genuine interest in their Test cricket affairs, but the IPL has never really captured my attention. As someone said on Twitter, Twenty20 cricket doesn't promote longevity or appeal that will be sustainable for long periods of time, and will require continual change in order to satisfy a rather unique and less interested target market in the true forms of the game.
Okay, I put that into my own words but that was the core message, which I agreed with.
As I was an enthusiastic wicketkeeper and decent swing-bowler (at a better time in my cricketing years) I am captivated by the battle of the new ball being handled by Australia on the day of a test match. Twenty20 is a batsman's game, so the appeal loses me a bit there, no matter what T20 event it may be.
The point I was actually going to make was that it is amusing watching these Bollywood stars and Big Cheese businessmen watching the players like pawns on a chess board, or a bunch of disposable sales reps doing their work for them. The message is clear, as it is in league soccer, play to do one thing and one thing only; entertain, win and get the franchise in the green zone! There is no care for cricket, no care for developing Indian cricket (be honest, the fielding standards get crapper year in year out and few of these players get exposed on the International circuit as it is) and again bottom line is king and stenciling the Eurpoean and British soccer league business models has paid off.
Now all follow in pursuit, e.g. The Big Bash League. Woopee.
Back to the South African Tour, atleast we have a good blend of the three formats between two giant sides. Two test matches are better than none, three ODIs is a brilliant plan(the perfect number at last) and last of all is that we still await the fixtures for Sri-Lanka, and of course the Australian summer fixtures - likely to be against India.
Remember, the players are not disposable robots, although the top management crowd like to think they are, so get behind the Baggy Green, support the guys in each and every contest as they will need our support and encouragement as we get closer to the next chaotic schedule in the world of cricket.
Fortunately, all these contests are ones worth showing total support too.
Michael Clarke's next chapter awaits and what an exciting challenge it will be for our Skipper as his journey begins.
Can't wait to see Punter's fight back as well and the return of the Baggy Green.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
Baggy Green Blog
Ianbaggygreen
Dan_Stapo
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