It was the fourth match of the inaugural World T20, with Zimbabwe and Australia both making their first appearance. In the evening shadow of Table Mountain, it was due to be a mismatch. Australia; World Champions just a few months prior. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, had failed to beat Ireland. “I remember it like it was yesterday. … More “We were treated as heroes, absolute heroes”
CLR James saw cricket, to so many simply a sport and merely a game, as a manifestation of, and metaphor for, life itself. If that is the case, cricketers (and, indeed, spectators) are themselves a depiction of society. It’s through speaking to them, understanding them, and hearing them breathe life into the game that we … More Amol Muzumdar; ‘cricket is my life’
When Jimmy Neesham was named in the thirteen-man squad for the second Test against India, all the way back in February 2014, it was very much as a utility cricketer. It was his second Test-squad, having been brought in as cover for Corey Anderson in the lead up to the third Test against the West … More Jimmy Neesham, ‘not a cliché-maker’
Michael Clarke’s back issues forced him to put the more delicate art behind him. Andrew Symonds faded into obscurity after the Sydney Test. Stuart MacGill followed his lack of conventionalism by retiring mid-series in 2008. Brad Hogg played three Tests, averaging over 60 with the ball, which led him to a semi-surprising retirement. Simon Katich … More Jason Krejza; ‘I always meant to be an attacking bowler’
Leg spin is the most difficult art to master. As a very rubbish leg-spinner myself, I understand that perfectly well. Women’s cricket is a perfect example of just how hard it is – aside from Dane van Niekerk leading the South African attack, and Amelia Kerr making waves as a 14 year old for Wellington, … More Six Ball Over: Kristen Beams
Paul Smith. It’s a name most have heard of, but generally only in the occasional ESPNCricinfo piece detailing cricketers banned for recreational drug use. The story is always the same, along the lines of: ‘Paul Smith was a Warwickshire fast-bowling all-rounder who never made full use of his talents. He played between 1982 and 1996, … More Paul Smith; ‘sport can change things for the better’
In the lead-up to the UAE’s first match of the current Intercontinental Cup cycle, I was fortunate enough to interview Khurram Khan, their premier batsman. For various reasons, the publication of that piece was delayed. I had it written, and intended for it to go up today. In the 12 hours since I wrote, however, … More Farewell, the Emirati giant
Big things were expected of Scotland coming into the 2015 Cricket World Cup. An exceptional build-up had seen them run a full-strength New Zealand side very close, beat Tasmania, and have a “very good” batting camp in Dubai. In the words of their assistant coach, Craig Wright, “I think we couldn’t complain at all about … More Craig Wright; Scotland’s future ‘exciting’
Tie-breakers always seem unnecessarily cruel. No matter what method is used, no matter what decision is decided, it always seems unfair in one way or another. And the European Division One Twenty20 tournament, held this month in Jersey, was no exception. Coming into the final day of play, the victors of the two main matches … More Cricket in Jersey: “we’re punching above our weight”
It is April 2011, in the shadow of another sun-soaked summer of cricket. But change is in the air. The Big Bash League, Cricket Australia’s attempt to revitalise the domestic cricketing landscape, is still heavily conceptual. It is, in theory at least, a clean break from Australia’s traditional state-based structure, eschewing the representative pyramid for … More A Tale of Two Careers: The Lee Carseldine Story
Mind The Windows 