Bit of a fuss developing over the ICC decision to make the next cricket world cup a 10 team tournament,as opposed to the 14 which started this one. To many,this will exclude the smaller cricketing nations trying to develop the game in their own country. This will include Ireland,who have beaten more test sides than England over the last 3 world cups
184 the target, aussies going to win this at a canter. Another sh1t cricket world cup coming to a predictable end.
Losing McCullum in the first over was a disaster for the Kiwi's. Aussies chasing just over 4 an over shouldn't be a problem,currently 74-2 off 16
50 over cricket is dying a painful death. With every power play, every 300+ score, it's selling its soul for the modern day skysports fairweather fan. The drive towards a 6 hour slogfest goes against everything beautiful about the format - that perfect balance between calculated pace and spin bowling, with tactical field placing, against the technical art of strokeplay and timely boundaries. I've always preferred Test Cricket but I loved the 50 over world cup as well. The competition wasnt perfect but it provided a level playing field, which like a great football cup competition, allowed form to go out the window and enable any team to outplay another on sheer merit based on the 3 main elements of the game. Now it just seems to be dependent on 1 mainly and the rules, as well as the pitches, are set skewed towards that. Another world cup like these last two and I am sure the 50 over game will be dead and buried.
It's ironic the best games have been with the minnows (Scotland, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Aghantistan) when they all played each other they went down to the final over and scored were around 270 making it a good game. Everyone would much rather see 2 teams fight a lower scored match than 1 player go and smash 150 off 80 balls every game surely? It's ridiculous that they are trying to make it so only 2 of them make the next WC to be honest when most put uo a better fight than England and even WI. They have made it so much more a batsman game (even the 2 balls has helped the batsman as it's kept the ball harder towards the end meaning it goes further) and when the first team gets 300+ 90% of the time it's game over (apart from if it's England). The pressure to then score means the team chasing inevitably falls for 50odd short. Best games are when teams make 250-270 on a pitch that offers a bit to everyone in conditions that offer the bowlers something... which is one good thing about England wher overcast conditions provide the bowlers with an edge.
Spot on Especially that last bit. You just know the game is finely balanced. Run rates used to actually matter. I remember you knew that 4 to 5 was achievable but if it went above 5.5 you'd take into account wickets, you'd have a real feel for the match and balance of play...the advantage tipping between bowler and batsmen depending on the ebb and flow of rr & wickets remaining. And if it went over 6 that was it, the slippery slope. This slogfest has pretty much put paid to all of that.
Do you reckon England are still playing that way in the hope that everyone else sees sense and joins them in being "mediocre" and thus providing a better game for everyone?
England are taking the game to the next level. The world will thank us when batting scores drop to double digits and full tosses are considered a bowling masterclass!
You reckon we're just 10 years ahead of everyone else and will be called the pioneers of the new age when everyone else finally catches up?
Yes... they will reintroduce wearing all whites, having handlebar moustaches and everyone and I mean everyone, stopping for afternoon tea, cucumber sarnies and crumpet!
well my opinion is clear the rules are far far far too stacked against the bowler in particular and really he should be able to tie a big slogger up in all sorts of trouble. something must be broken if a player can get a double century in a 50 over match... really broken. to have it happen twice in the same tournament and many other centuries too really says the thing was a slogfest
Absolutely gutted. He was the only convict I truly admired and is in the same category as Jim Laker and John Arlott. He will be badly missed RIP, Richie
