Cricket Banter

^^ I did manage to catch up with the highlights, a great match for any neutral fan of the game. Both sides made errors, which added to the drama. A none qualification would be a massive blow for Ireland in what is usually their strongest format. The team looks well balanced, with plenty of bowling options & long batting line-up.
My main observation is that in recent times there have not been lacking in some quality individual performances, but seem to be short of partnerships in batting & bowling, no real plans or cohesion.

I have generally been critical of the schedule at both domestic & Intenational level in England, but someone deserves some credit for the way that the Women's Ashes Test slots neatly between the Men's Test & not clashing with it, which has the effect of giving it equal importance.

I always try and donate to the Ruth Strauss Foundation each year and have just done so again ahead of Red for Ruth Day on Thursday.

It is a fabulous cause in honour of Sir Andrew Strauss's late wife.

Another associate nation with a perfect opportunity to make a statement today, with the Netherlands coming so close to overturning Sri Lanka. Not really a hard luck story however, as they beat themselves (usual with inexperienced sides) with poor game management - it is so crucial (and fundamental)

Ireland - believe it or not - won!! yes I know!!! against the USA. Still a shocking tournament, and a thorough review needed now to map out a future!

I can't believe how bad the West Indies have become at cricket.

They are about to lose another match in the World Cup Qualifier competition, this time against Scotland. And to be honest Scotland have totally dominated the match.

What's happened to the team of Sobers, Richards & Holding to turn them into this poor collection of cricketeers.

I take it that their better players are going around the world to play in IPL type competitions.

Yep Scotland won the match and that confirms that the West Indies have failed to qualify for the World Cup.

What a sad demise.

(01-07-2023 18:35 )Snooks Wrote:  Yep Scotland won the match and that confirms that the West Indies have failed to qualify for the World Cup.

What a sad demise.

In a sense yes, but it shows that where other influences 'catch the eye' the Windies board etc were asleep at the wheel (same in a different sense with Ireland (Deutroms' pie in the sky manifesto coming home to roost) - he is long gone of course- England a different case with the greed of the ECB)! No country has an inalienable right to sit at the top table, or indeed occupy any space on its history or a 'romantic' 'nostalgic' connection alone. Given the famous names that graced the sport for the Carribean Islands it is unfortunate, but unless the board can fix the problems, the sport and the ICC have to move on!

Mind you, the ineptitude of the ICC is a pressing issue (instead of leading they are bystanders) for everyone - or should/would be if it wasn't for the vested interests ENG AUS IND being in control of the entire sport. Why would they want change that dilutes their influences and the 'riches' they receive at others expense however??

How we get to a point where there is a properly constituted independent governing body that truly manages the sport from top to bottom for the good of the sport - and it alone- I have no idea - turkeys won't vote for christmas - but without that fundamental change, the sport will remain as a hostage to those vested interests

NB It should be remembered that Scotland were more than worthy winners!

England ODI Squad v New Zealand & CWC 2023
Buttler ©, Ali, Atkinson, Bairstow, S Curran, Livingstone, Malan, Rashid, Root, Roy, Stokes, Topley, Willey, Woakes, Wood

Stokes out of ODI retirement, Harry Brook misses out, & rising star Gus Atkinson benefits from the long list of fast bowling injuries that include Archer & Stone.

T20 Squad v New Zealand
Buttler ©, Ahmed, Ali, Atkinson, Baistow, Brook, S Curran , Duckett, Jacks, Livingstone, Malan, Rashid, Tongue, John Turner, L Wood