NOTE: All stats as at 0900NZT, 03-08-2015 This inspiration for this piece came from a fellow Mind the Windows! writer, Dan McGrath. His suggestion was to look at the primary task of opening batsmen – that is, seeing the shine off the ball. While those with the characteristics of David Warner or Virender Sehwag have … More The Cowan
Clive Edward Butler RICE (23 July 1949 – 28 July 2015) was the face of South Africa’s re-entry to international cricket. Tragically, he was the first face of a board with whom he could never reconcile. Rice never truly accepted the actions of the ‘post-isolation’ South African board, grounded as they were in ideas of … More Obituary: Clive Rice
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’
THE ASHES ARE BACK! Australia go into this series overwhelming favourites after winning the last series convincingly by a 5-0 margin. However the English are demonstrating significant signs of improvement after a 1-1 test series and 3-2 ODI series against New Zealand. Mix in the home ground advantage of the English against the confidence and form of … More The Boldest of the Bold – 2015 Ashes Predictions
“Ryan Harris has retired from all cricket effective immediately.” The post, sitting right at the top of my Facebook newsfeed, stung sharply. I jolted out of half-attentiveness. Cricket, at its root source, is entirely unfair, unjust, unkind.
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’
In a piece published overnight, Dan McGrath waxed lyrical on the potential of the Day/Night Test, to be played later this year, in both a commercial and cricketing context. “No matter what time of day, what colour of ball,” McGrath wrote, “the intensity of Test match cricket will shine through.” I take a very different … More A party? Pah.
[some Bangladesh content from Devon Mace] Bangladesh are on a high: After an excellent World Cup, they beat Pakistan 3-0 and India 2-1. Some South Africa fans are a little worried, because despite them improving significantly, losing to Bangladesh is still a big deal. Generally, as a cricket fan, I am really happy to see … More Series Preview: South Africa tour of Bangladesh 2015
Mind The Windows 