Miss Field's Cricket Blog

The Year of the Jrod

2009-05-24T22:54:00.003+08:00

If you visit any blog other than this one you're sure to know that Jrod of Cricket With Balls has published a book that he's compiled from a year's worth of blog posts.

Buy it. Why? Because the truth is, Jrod is headed for world domination. Don't be fooled by the format, this is blogland's own Jrod, who's well on his way to ensconcing himself in the world of English cricket journalism. He's also linking cricket with fundraising for Everyman, the UK charity for prostate cancer. He's done radio interviews (though not before me, I've got that one over him) and it won't be long before Today Tonight are sending a camera crew to England to get a piece of him. He has even stolen the heart of an English lass - that's right, he's infiltrated enemy lines. In fact I'd go so far as to say that this guy can win the Ashes for us just on his own spin.

Not convinced? Well sure, you can choose to pretend this dude isn't the future of cricket comment, but you'd be wrong. Alternatively, you can jump on the Cricket With Balls bandwagon and, one day soon, be telling your friends and workmates that you possess a first edition copy of Jrod's first book.

I've read the book. There's a shitload of reading there, and it's awfully entertaining. And, cricket aside, you can see how Jrod's writing style evolved over the course of the book and the year in which it was written.

So go here and help buy Jrod some dinner - it's a long way to the top, on his way though he is (it's not like he hasn't been mistaken for a homeless person before). At $20 (including postage) it would be un-Australian not to, and is just the treat for a shitty winter's evening in.

OR you can win one of two signed copies right here. To enter just send an email to misfield@gmail.com with an appropriate reference in the subject line. Please include your name and country of residence. Your chances of winning will be improved if you can somehow prove that you've already purchased a copy of your own.

Live blog wheeeeeeeee!!!

2009-04-13T16:00:00.123+08:00

Fuck this, I'm going to watch the game and drink Baileys. Bye!!!

These posts are getting shorter....

32.2. High.... gone for six. This is depressing.

32.1 Straight to keeper, mistimed, was expect it to spin but it didn't.

Bowling change. Hauritz in. Carn Nate.

31.6 AB dances like a girl to get a 4.

31.5 Gibbs paddles it around his body for a single.

31.4 Gibbs gets a full toss and thats six. :( is the only face I got on at the moment ...

31.3 Gibbs pushes down to the mid off boundary for 2.

31.2 Clarke to AB as he defends as it hits him on the pads, Haddin fields and goes for the stumps as he misses. No chance in the end.

31.1 Can they kill the band this is Hobo hearing their tromboning...

Clarke still in as the run rate is still a bit too high as wthe SA run total gets into the Warne IQ as AB digs it for a few.

30.6 Sexy to sexy, one run. Shut up, band. 151-2.

Punter is smiling. Why is this?

30.5 Yorker to AB on off stump, digs it out and back to Mitch. No run.

30.4 Gibbs on the front foot but it goes to mid on. The overs are flying by. Or are they?

30.3 To Gibbs, cut back to the bowleer. South Africa make 150.

30.2 Sexy Mitch to slightly less sexy AB, Mitch chases and fields it.

SA on track for 300.

30.1 AB to mid off. Fielded well. Only one run. One run too many!

Gibbs and AB STILL in. Ugh.

29.6 AB pulls it and takes a single to retain the strike.

29.5 Down to Nathan Bracken down to point one run.

29.4 Defended from Gibbs and is looking good here...

29.3 Back to the bowler no run.

29.2 Gibbs plonks it up trying to sweep. noob.

29.1 Mitch is looking better here as Clarke continues.

Clarke to Gibbs as he plonks it up.

28.6 carn mitchymoo..... swing and a miss. short ball from mitch.

28.5 another bottom edge to johnson. nearly takes the stumps off. almost 142kmh. no run.

28.4 to point. no run.

28.3 hit the bottom of the bat straight to johnson, would have gone for four if hit better.

28.2 Straight through to the keeper.

28.1 Mitch back in the attack. not the best eonomy. 4 overs for 21 runs. to AB, bouncing just above off stump. defended and no run.

Not sure about Clarke being protological son... more like closet case with expensive handbag.

27.6 Clarke finishes on a DOTT ball:)

27.5 AB leaves it to play late as he watchies the spin for a sinngle.

27.4 as Gibbs comes across the line for a single. Its chugging along toooooo much.

27.3 Clarke to AB now as he defend for a single. Paying him some R_E_S_P_E_C_T.

27.2 Gibbs paddles down leg for a single.

27.1 This is running away from Australia like Usain Bolt on a good day here... Clarke the Prodological son comes in to bowl.

Clarke to Gibbs as he defends back to the bowler.

26.6 Defended down leg side for a single, just past the umpire. Good over. It must be said, Hauritz bowls a bit girly.

26.5 AB to deep square leg, again no run.

26.4 AB down leg side. No run.

AB 27 from 24 balls. Ugh.

26.3 AB spanks Hauritz for 6. Feck and boohoo.

26.2 Gibbs paddles down leg side for 1.........runs are drying up

26.1 Hauitz to Gibn leg side - no run

25.6 Hopes in for his last ball as its pushed through to point and no run taken.

25.5 Gibbs to Midd off and takes a single, what are they singing in the crowds. Boo to them.

25.4 as AB straigh drive into the air and no catch. Im sensing a wicket here!

25.3 Hopes onto leg side as AB takes a single 129 for 2 and were about half way through the innings.

25.2 Hopes in now as AB hits it back to him, Hopes stops, drops and rolls what was he doing...?

25.1 AB doing not very much. This is looking to be SA game, fark!

25.6 Nope. Same again. For a single. Over.

25.5 Again....

24.4 And again....

24.3 Again. Hit it somewhere else!

24.2 Again, no run, nothing much. Yawny. Front foot, down square leg.

24.1 Hauritz bowls to AB who cuts it down to cover

23.6 Gibbs on strike as he does a french cut near his stumps, 2 runs taken, cheeky bastards.

24.5 120-2 as Gibbs mistimes it as it goes down leg to Haddin.

23.4 Pulled for another few comeon Hopes!

23.3 Pulled along the ground down his body for a few

23.2 And anohter single from Gibbs

23.1 Close to you......

Hopes gets tonked for a few.

22.6 Played across the line to take it from off to on. Single. Overrrrrrrr.

22.5 Tried to paddle, keeper and bowler go for LBW, not given, is it 4, is it leg byes, huh? Huh? Gone to mic... may go to referral... two leg byes.

22.4 Missed that. NOthing interesting. Lalala.

22.3 Again no run.

22.2 No run. Back to the bowlers. Had catching potential.

22.1 Hauritz to AB, who dances down the pitch hits to deep mid on. One run.

Ponting and Hauritz are having a chat. He's only had luck in Durban. Cape Town ugh.

A very fine point about G Smith's pulling there.

21.6 Hopes bleeds some more runs. Oh well next over to Miss Field who is lucky enough to call the next few wickets :)

21.5 AB takes another boring single, cmon guys 6's or wickets!

21.4 Gibbs defends back to the bowler down towads mid on for a single.

21.3 AB pulls it around his body for a single, he is so much more better at pulling than G. Smith:P

21.2 Gibbs on 49 here as the crowd goes silent and there it is, sucess for da baldy head man as he takes a sinlge on leg side. Now get out you bastard.

21.1 Ive been thinkin about Brett Lee, gonna get a wicket... Gonna get a wicket...

Full Tosser here as Hopes comes back into the attack. Bracken is bleeding runs, need a Hatrick here as Hopes comes to AB as he takes a cheeky sinlge to put 49 man on stricke.

20.6 Bracks to AB, thought he was going to break into song, but isntead on the back foot, drive to cover. One run. Over to the tosser.

20.5 Bracks over the wicket, Ab defends, no run. Good speed. 129kmh.

20.4 Bracks to Gibbs, a second slip would have been gone as the ball goes to third man for a single.

20.3 AB mistimes, no run.

20.2 Bracken to AB, lovely shot, pierced the field and gone for 4. The crowd's stoked.

20.1 Gibbs dances down the pitch, couple of runs, saved from 4.

Getting kinda bored. Can't watch when blogging. Wish this was T20.

19.6 Harwood to AB down leg side as it's paddled down for one run as AB retains the strike.

19.5 Harwood to AB as he clobbers it in the form of a cut shot to point. No run.

19.4 Gibbs now gets a full toss and he strickes it back to the bowler who cannot cut it of as mid off comes around to field, and he comes to 49.

19.3 Gibbs on strike on 48 as he doesnt pick up the slower ball as Harwood makes it bounce through to Haddin, well done mate.

19.2 Onto the front foot by Gibbs who takes two runs. Good hit I must admit... now WICKET!

19.1 Balckwoods for all you workplace needs!:P

Harwood into AB as he takes it down leg for a single. I wonder if AB's younger brother is CD and the Younger than that sister is EF...?

Mitch is back with Blackwoods. Oh Mitch.

18.6 On mid stump, defended to point. AB settling in. Boo to that.

18.5 Again, no run.

18.4 Sorry, make that AB. Straight to Clarke. One run.

18.3 Guided down to third man. One run. Gibbs on strike.

18.2 Same again, brought down by Hauritz and almost run out.... but not. If Hauritz's been quicker...

18.1 Or not... Bracken to AB, guided mid on, no run.

Here's my other man, young AB. Hello Abraham. Gonna get you for a duck. Oh yes.

Are we back in business? I hope so...

Hooray for Harwood. Is he related to Gwen? Unlikely! Hooray for Ferguson, a very handy young man. I think I'll claim them both.

17.7 Harwood to Kallis as he cuts fine and its gone! Wicket Ferguson takes a catch, good wicket as Kallis poo poos it again. GO Aussie!

17.6 Harwood to Gibbs who controls it to point, one run.

17.5 Gibbs looking interesting as a bald man, never seen him with hair... no run.

17.4 Harwood to Kallis as he hits him on the gloves, no real threat as they scamper through like rats for a single.

17.3 Ah I can see alchhol affecting me writing wheeeee. Another dot ball:)

17.2 SA are attacking our good bowlers as the ball is missed by the bat and through to Haddin. Good bowling for the old fella here.

17.1 Apparently thi pitch isn't very mosit but a bit on the dry sad, thats no fun! Harwood now as Gibbs pushes for a single onto the off side.

16.6 Straight forward defensive stroke to short extra cover, and yup, it's over.

Wicket time! Or not...

16.5 Again to Kallis, tucked it fine for 4.

16.4 Kallis clubs the ball into the crowd. Club = appropriate terminology.

16.3 . Misfield!! By Hauriz. Probably shouldn't celebrate that. No run.

Bracken Bracken he's our man... if he can't do it...... well let's face it, Mitchell Johnson probably can.

16.2 Again, paddles around but saved from being a four.

16.1 Bracken to Gibbs (I think?) No run.

How will it go from here? Spiral out of control I imagine? Will we win? Umm.

Now that I have a drink, I'm sure to make fewer msitakes. Ha!

Drinks break! Which I have taken advantage of, here with my Baileys... mm... smooth. I must say, great to hear a female commentator, she obviously knows her stuff too. I've observed with the commenators during the SA visit that generally they have less to say than the Aussies. Not necessarily a bad thing.

15.6 Harwood to Gibbs and... its.... played to third man who takes a single. and after 16 overs it 70 for 1 loss. Aussies are bring it back but they need to do that by getting wickets, not by slowing the run rate.

Drinks and im gonna get slightly more pissed:)

15.5 Gibbs defends off the backfoot as it runs to point. No run. Well done Harwood. Playing a god role here.

15.4 Harwood to Gibbs as he bottom edges it, it bounces a few timesbefore Haddin takes it and he celebrates.... something... maybe catching it...?

15.3 Kallis plays down past 2nd slip for a single and runs it down to 3rd man.

15.2 Kallis on strike as he swings and misses again, Harwood mixing it up here. DJ Harwood is rockin the the Port!

15.1 And i Noticed the band shut up whilst Miss Field was blogging didn't play its a conspiracy!!! Runs have not really dried up but slowed down. Goodo.

Harwood to Gibbs as he cuts for a single off the backfoot.

14.6 Hopes to Kallis, no run. 1 for 67.

14.5 Again to Kallies, hit off, again no run.

14.4 Hopes to Kallis, no run as one of the players exudes a loud FUCK! discernible to all.

14.3 The band can only be annoying the players.... imagine sitting near them. You'd want to them to shove their....Another swing and a miss as they scamper through for a cheeky single

14.2 Hopes to Gibbs. Mistimed, no run. The Aussies are itching for another wicket here.

14.1 Hopes to Kallis, defended to gully. One run.

Missy back, promise not to miss any balls this over.... doot doot doot...

13.6 Harwood charges in as Gibbs ducks. Chicken shit!

13.5 Harwood to Kallis who listens to that god awful noise byt the band in the staduim, who decided that!?! One pommy one is enough grrr Cut for a run.

13.4 Harwood wafts it down off and its struck to point for nothing.

13.3 Kallis swings down off side and misses through to Haddin.

13.2 Gibbs takes it down leg side with a tap and takes a single.

Were up to Smith's IQ in SA runs of 64.

13.1 Full tosser here as Harwood comes into Gibbs who again clubs the ball, this guy should be in baseball. Esp with his head shaved :P

12.5 Straight down the ground, one run.

12.4 Paddled onto leg. Boring.

12.3 Dances down the pitch, guides it down mid off for four. ALMOST caught. Carn laddies, get that wicket.

Close up of Ponting and his mullet.

12.2 Edged to first slip where there wasn't one, for one run. Cameron White is playing. Any fans out there?

12.1 Hopes to Gibbs (ideal wicket in my opinion), bit of a delay with the sightscreen, ok now he's happy, Hopes to Gibbs, direct onto the stumps, pulled, shouldn't have been, mistimed the ball as it bounced over his wicket... agaaaain. Almost a wicket. Do iiiit!!

K well.... another wicket or two would be well timed about now~

11.7 Harwood not look as good, now damn, Kallis defends o the front foot to short extra cover. Good pace by Harwood, needs a rocket ball into his stumps. Carn Aussie!

11.6 Harwood good of a length pulled to make 3 runs. Saffas chugging along here.

11.5 Harwood into Gibbs as he sticks his bat up as the ball goes over his head. Wide given. Damn umps being paid by the Saffas.

11.4 Harwood is looking good here direct onto the stumps but Kallis takes it down leg side. and thats the 50 up. boooooo.

11.3 Field change now Ponting works something, hopfully magic as Gibbs clubs it down the ground for 1 run. Gibbs wanted two :)

11.2 Harwood to Kallis directs it to 3rd slip and takes a run as there is no thrid slip. What is ponting doing?!> not sitting in 3rd slip.

11.1 This is getting interesting, runs and wickets, who will get the upper edge? Australia of course, Kallis on 1 and Gibbs on lots :( Harwood to Kallis who shoulders arms and watches it go down off side.

10.6 Kallis walks across his stumps, fielded, overthrows, stumps flying, one run.... quite exciting.... but no wicket....

10.5 Defended to short extra cover. No running or anything.

10.4 Hopes to Kallis, defended to point.

10.3. TImes two. C'mon Jaques... do something....

10.2 Ball left, straight through to the keeper.

Smith trudges off lookin sooky. Here comes the other chunker, Mr Kallis.

Yes Amy, he is truly not very important.

10.1 SMIITTTHY byebye! Hopes to Smith, caught Hadin. Goodbye my love!! WAHAHaaaaaa.

Bowling powerplay being taken which means field restrictions. This could be baaaaad.

Put the wrong score up before now, 46-0.

Thanks for the comment - knew you could!

9.6 Harwood to Gibbs as he cuts it fine, well controlled. 49 with no loss and Over to Miss Field:)

9.5 Harwood to Gibbs and its wide as they take no run.

9.4 Harwood says North on the back oh dear, into Gibbs who defends back to the bowler, THey arent taking him on like the did McGain. Goody!

9.3 Harwood from Vic to Gibbs who stuffs up, TYPICAL! no run.

9.2 Harwood to Smith who cuts fine and picks up a single. Good bowling thus far.

9.1 Hopes brings no luck the last over. Harwood the new guy into the attack. Right arm over fast Smith defends back to Mid on. Looks pretty dedicated.

Kudos to Micheal for getting me a drink.

8.6 Edged to deep third slip. Over to the Full Tosser.

0-49. Boo. How'd they add up so quick?

8.5 Gibbs pulled hard for 4. Yuck, on so many levels.

8.4 Ran down the pitch, mistimed the ball and looked all like a small kid smacking at a butterfly. Clumsy.

8.3 Again no run.

8.2 To Gibbs, big swing, no run.

Graeme Smith... cutting fine since 1981.

8.1 Hopes to noe one as he changed his mind.... run up mk 2... Hopes to Smithy, cut fine, one run, still boring.

woo bowling changes. James Hopes, carn laddie you can do it. get us a wicket or ten.

7.6 Johnson to Gibbs, cut and great fielding by Clarke, but we need a wicket!

7.5 Johnson, the handsome man to Gibbs, left alone. Like him at school.

7.4 Johnson to smith and he cuts it down near his stumps. Maybe this needs a bowling change...?

7.3 Johnson wider and its almost feilded but didn't... Another 4. This is beginning to suck.

7.2 Johnson direct on off stump, smith defending down the ground.

7.1 An average of just over 4 so far from SA. Johnson to smith and thats four, straight drive. THe crowd goes wild.

6.6 WICKET NOW PLEASE!!! Bracks to Gibbs, onto the backfoot, defended down to deep square leg. Picks up two runs. Ovuh!

6.5 Almost a full toss wide of the stumps, defended to short extra cover.

6.4 Inside edge to his pads. Still no run though he looked like he was in pain for a second. I'll take that.

6.3Again Bracks to Gibbs, went v high and went for six, but only got as far as a four. Suffer in yer jocks.

6.2 Try again ..... now he's defending on the front foot.

6.1 wicket this over pleeease. Bracken to Gibbs for 4. The south africans are pleased. enjoy it while it lasts... i say with false confidence.

5.6 Johnson looking good here Wide doen the off stump and a swing and a miss. 19 for nothing. Bit boring from the South Africans, give us a wicket!

5.5 On middle and Smith works it leg side to deep square leg. Only a few runs.

5.4 Smiith, cut it into his stumps again, keep goin Mithc soon.... very soon.....

5.3 Johnson to Smith wide down the off side left alone, so it should be!

5.2 Johnson stright onti leg stump full toss and SMeeth tangles himself up, dick:P

5.1 Johnson in again youker to Smeeth who digs it out, good batting, damn!

4.6 Bracks to my fella, who walked into the line of it and hit it to leg side. Come on, ramp it up!

4.5 16-0, Bracken to Smith, defended to point, no run. yawn!!

4.4 Bracken to Smith, straight bat, not gonna get through that.

4.3 Cutting into Smeethy, no run.

4.2 Gibbs runs forward, cheeky single. He needs a new uniform, the number on the back is peeling.

4.1 Bracken to Gibbs, defended to short cover, no run.

Right, well let us know if you're here, chuck us a comment. That's you kiks, I know you're out there!

3.7 Making up for the wide here, Gibbs defends to backward point, 15 without loss, which is a shame really the Aussies deserve a wicket :)

3.6 Gibbs defends, doesnt knwo what he's doin now, attack one ball defend the next wha?

3.5 Johnson on leg goin down to the keeper on off, what did I just see, must be the alchol:P

3.4 Swing and a miss, Gibbs tries to take him down the leg side from off and misses.

3.3 Gibbs takes him for 4, full of a length. 14 for nothing atmo!

3.2 Wide from Johnson, whats he doin? Gibbs looks unsettled, and so he should!

3.1 Johnson in and Smeeth pulls to take just one run, wow not cool for the saffas, Carn mitch aim for his 8 other fingers you havent hit.

Hi team, Miss Field and the Full Tosser here.

Our man Ponting has won the toss and sending the Saffers out to bat. And there's Graeme, with his uber massive glove... here we go...

Bracken to Smith, nudged to second slip. Try again laddie. It's high.... bah.

0.3 Bracken to Smith, wide! down the leg side. Shake of the shaggy mans hair

0.4 Bracken, good of a length, left alone

0.5 Bracken around the wicket, left alone.... shoulders arms... yawn... I don't like the Aussies uniforms?

0.6 Bracken to Gibbs left alone. One run off the over. YAY MITCH IS HERE!!!

1.1 Johnson on now, man he's lookin good. Can he break Smeeeths head this time? Johnson in full length defended, the crowd cheers as it goes nowhere near Smeeths hand.

1.2 Johnson back in for the second delivery. On to the off stump, bit of inswing onto the leg side and gets 2 runs! Wow

1.3 Good bouncy delivery straight through to the keeper.

1.4 A swing and a miss, damn shame there. Good speed and well taken but the wickie.

1.5 A defensive shot, GIbbs defending looking for the inswing and it went past his bat. Dumbass, wont last long here.

1.6 Another dombass shot and thats over. Gibbs is lookin unsteady, from an aussie fan boy POV ;)

Over to miss Field for the third over.

WOW Mitch is advertising Blackwoods. DUnno what it is but I'm gonna go there.

2.1 Bracken to Smithy, went to leg slip.

2.2 Smith Cut into his stumps but missed. Fool!!

There's a delay here. Tick tock lads.

2.3 Bracken to Gibbs, nearly took off a single before he realised the ball was almost at his stumps. A shame, the Aussies scrambed around.

2.4 Bracken to Gibbs... damn I got distracted. There might have been something there. nothing exciting.

2.5 Quick single, Hauritz went sliding. Fuck Ponting needs a haircut.

2.6 Another run. Boo clowns.

Live blogging tonight!

2009-04-13T12:09:00.002+08:00

Right, well, I have decided that I am going to attempt a live blog of the One Dayer this evening. There may be shots of Tequila involved. I may also have to duck off for an hour or so to play tennis. I might even change my mind between now and then. But we will see.

Til then!

Shane Warne The Musical

2009-04-12T16:59:00.004+08:00

I saw Shane Warne the Musical recently. The tickets were $75, which I thought was a bit steep for what it is, but I heard from a lot of people that it was hilarious, so thought I'd take a look.

I read that the man himself was quite worried about how his mum would be portrayed. He really didn't have much to worry about on any level, I think they were very kind to him. Very forgiving of his off-field indiscretions. Why? Because all that matters is cricket, the Baggy Green, the Ashes. Right?

That said, there's not much about cricket at all in the story really.

It is very funny and the songs are catchy, though I found it difficult to visualise Eddie Perfect as Shane Warne, because he's infinitely more attractive. Some bits seem a bit rushed, and I think that maybe if the writing had been refined a bit in some places the jokes could have been maximised, but it's definitely not bad.

The creator said he'd like to take the show to England, but I'm just not convinced it would be appreciated there. The humour is very Australian, and I know English people therefore think that means 'not funny', but that's not the case. The ex-pats would like it though.

There wasn't a huge audience, which was disappointing, so if you get the chance to see it, go along and support the team. It's cool.

I love Daniel Vettori

2009-03-27T19:04:00.001+09:00

Even though he had a baby with someone else.

New blog

2009-03-24T21:49:00.004+09:00

I just noticed a new blog being written from Sydney by Amy S.

She's a bit on the treacherous side - Australian, with a thing for South Africans. Imagine that!? AND she claimed Albie Morkel off me. Just like that. The cheek!

She ranks the top cricket nations and why she likes or loathes them. My favourite -

8. New Zealand should float by on the back of Dan Vettori's success. Only, Jesse Ryder would need a flotation device. I'm not sure Dan would do.

She also got this comment that she proudly displays at the top of the page "why dont u piss off Amy S!!!!!! u dont know about australia!!!! go back to your sh1thole!!!". I love people.

Amy S Talks Cricket here.

"South African" Premier League

2009-03-22T21:46:00.007+09:00

I'm choosing to ignore Australia's dismal performance for now.

Let's talk Indian Premier League.

Insert obligatory comment about the passage of time: it really doesn't seem like a whole year ago we first saw a cricket in such a... dazzling... light.

It was amusing but it didn't take long to lose interest. Sure, Ricky Ponting wore a black and gold costume (uniform doesn't say enough) and Shane Warne proved he's still ace, but it's only Twenty20, and the whole thing went for too long.

It really was a tournament of very little substance.

The best part of it, in my opinion, was seeing the likes of Ponting and Ganguly playing side by side; something county cricket followers would be familiar with, but we haven't got an Australian equivalent.

But a lot of things have changed in the last twelve months.

India has been subjected to a horrific terrorist attack.

The recent attack in Pakistan saw made us realise that our beloved sportsmen are not immune to the instability of the world.

The 2009 IPL will coincide with federal elections in India.

If I was a cricketer I wouldn't want to go. As it is several Australians have pulled out of the competition. Though citing other reasons, security must have been a factor and a big one.

The Indian government have said they cannot provide extra security because of the elections.

"Due to the attitude of the government that it cannot provide security for the tournament, we are forced to take a decision to move the IPL out of India," the country's cricket chief Shashank Manohar told reporters.

I commend the BCCI for this. It would have been easy to turn a blind eye and reap the reward and profit, despite the risk of attack.

South Africa is the likely host for the IPL, with England a second alternative.

I wonder what implications this will have for the league's profits.

An integral part of this tournament is interpellation - Indians identify with the IPL, it's their tournament. Their celebrities own the teams, those celebrities are often filmed in the crowd celebrating or lamenting the performance of their team. The spectacle and the glamour, from the player auction to the season launch to the costumes; it is India.

In turn, atmosphere at Indian cricket matches is something to behold, and I believe assist to sustain the interest in this event. They are an immensely lively bunch and it goes hand in hand with the extravaganza of the IPL. Again, it is their tournament. Will it be mimicked in South Africa? No.

There is a 3.5 hour time difference between the two countries. Granted this is not as big as if it was being held in England, but it will still affect prime time viewing in India (and make no mistake, this tournament is held to be broadcast in India).

Take away these patriotism factors - will the Indians lose interest if tournament seems to become South Africa's? My Indian blogger friends are far more qualified to comment on this than me, but it makes me wonder.

While all these factors are interesting to consider, none of it really matters. What matters is the safety of the cricketers and subsequently the safety of the people around them who may in turn be affected (security guards, by-standers etc).

There can be no doubt the BCCI are doing the right thing here. If that means the IPL dies, which is unlikely even if this season goes badly, so be it.

I also commend South Africa for being ready to mobilise with this.

It's cricket. We're there for each other.

Ponting's wicket

2009-03-22T00:03:00.000+09:00

Michael Hussey really needs to find some form.

In the next two minutes.

Test matches and OBEs and Engerland. And South Africa.

2009-03-18T06:42:00.009+09:00

The third Test starts tomorrow.

I know. I too am struggling to contain my excitement.

To mark this occasion, here is a post written by my esteemed friend Angus on his most excellent blog, which he has kindly let me re-post here.

It's about an incident back in 2005. Something happened back then, now what was it... oh yes, that's right.

We lost the Ashes.

OBEs for EVERYBODY!!!!!

I think I speak for all of us when I say that beating South Africa in sporting contests is one of Australia's three most solemn duties (the other two are beating New Zealand at Rugby Union, and preserving the memory of Gallipoli).

Beating England is not solemn - it's a raucous affair. But beating South Africa is important, it is crucial, and it is satisfying.

I was speaking to Miss Field a while ago - who has been keeping another blog hidden in plain sight - about why losing to South Africa in Australia was less painful than losing to England in 2005 (in England).

Here are my top reasons why losing to England in 2005 was so hard to take:

1) The series of coincidences that went England's way

2) Australia could not have played ANY worse, we were lacking our best fast bowler (we dominated the one Test he played), and we still only lost the series by two runs.

3) England's team was full of crap players who played much better than they ever had or ever would again to fluke wickets and runs.

4) They treated a marginal 2-1 series victory as if THEY HAD RE-WON WORLD WAR II.

5) The English players went back to being crap within 24 hours of the final Test.

But one of the hardest things to take was something Miss Field pointed out: that any time an Australian mentioned that perhaps the English were over-reacting by giving their players OBEs for winning two Test matches, we were accused of being sore losers.

Ashley Giles. Useless cricketer. OBE.

It was not a great time to be an Australian cricket fan. Just like this past summer against South Africa. However, here are the key reasons why losing to South Africa is not as painful as that horrible 2005:

1) South Africa were the better team. Australia played badly again, but we had our chances to win it and we bottled it. We can acknowledge better teams.

2) The Proteas' performances were not flukes, and their players were not in some kind of never-to-be-repeated Indian summer. They had built their form up over the past few years.

3) They didn't carry on like flamin' galahs after they won two Test matches. Whatever the equivalent of the South African OBE is, they didn't give it to a bunch of blokes who did the job they're paid large amounts of money just to get done.

4) We recognise that our team is in transition and we're willing to cut them some more slack.

5) We've just gone and handed them a defeat on their home soil with three of our blokes playing their first Test.

The Ashes in 2005 will always be a bad memory, but hopefully, one day, Flintoff and Vaughan and co will come out and say "you know what, I probably didn't deserve to be made a member of the Order of the British Empire for barely winning two cricket matches." And I'd like to think that I will be around to say "EXACTLY!"

"I love weddings... drinks all 'round!"

2009-03-17T11:36:00.005+09:00

Adam Voges is not allowed to get married while being a cricketer.

So he is not going to be a cricketer... for the One Dayers in South Africa, at least.

Apparently he asked if he could fly home to marry his girl, and Cricket Australia said no because it will mean the team will be short a batsman.

Andrew Hilditch said he understands Adam's position but cannot put the team at risk.

(Read: except when Matthew Hayden is involved.)

I hope this doesn't have too great an impact on his future selection chances. He is fab and worthy.

I can understand CA's point of view, though on the surface it does seem a little harsh. Surely he could have planned his wedding better.

BUT weddings have to be planned often a year plus ahead. A friend of mine who tried to place an order for a wedding dress eleven months in advance was told she was an 'emergency bride'. I assume it's a WA thing, but I could be wrong.

And obviously Adam hasn't been keeping up with the Upcoming Tours listed here to notice the terrible timing.

Or maybe, as he is from WA and not NSW, he wasn't expecting to be selected. That said, Marcus North is going to replace him. And that's good.

Domestic season closing

2009-03-16T22:14:00.000+09:00

Victorians.

Love 'em or hate 'em they are about to win the Sheffield Shield against Queensland.

Yup. The coolest named team in Australia are 392 runs in front of the Bulls at stumps on day four. So they'd better declare and do their thing so that Brad Hodge can have some joy in this cold, callous world.

Good stats - Chris Rogers (still not forgiven) 105; D Hussey 103; Cam White 135. Andrew Symonds 4/48. Dirk Nannes 4/65, Clint McKay 3/35. It's Victoria's game; none of the Bulls' batsmen even deserve a mention!

Two questions spring to mind... what the fuck happened to New South Wales? And will Jrod be able to cope with the Bushrangers actually winning the Shield?

I vaguely remember saying this last year, but it's the Warriors' turn next summer... just you wait and see.

Women

2009-03-16T00:05:00.000+09:00

You wouldn't know the Women's World Cup is going on at the moment.

And not just because I haven't written about it yet.

But because on Cricinfo the only mention of it is down the left hand menu.

And then, the first sentence of the lead story isn't about cricket at all.

During the second World War, a secret bunker in Bankstown was used as the base for Australia's air-force operations.

Cricinfo. For all your wartime history needs.

I flicked onto Fox Sports 2, whose programme listed said "ICC Women's World Cup". But instead they were showing the last Test between Australia and South Africa. Men.

Who's going to win this series? I do not know. My tip is England though. I'd rather it was New Zealand. Or Bangladesh. Or, you know, Australia, though that's nigh impossible now.

I am, however, hanging out to see the Aussies take on the Poms on Thursday.

If it gets shown.

The England flogged us during the Ashes, so I hope it's time for the World Cup defenders to exact some vengeance. Though, yeah. Unlikely.

The whole thing is about five weeks shorter than the last men's World Cup. I think the lads need to take a leaf.

Incidentally... Fox Sports 2 is now showing a Geelong v Collingwood game. Hmm.

Good luck Binga

2009-03-15T00:43:00.004+09:00

Watching the last Test match against South Africa made me think... Brett Lee and Stuart Clark will have their work cut out for them getting back into this team.

Brett Lee has different ideas.

"I'm not embarrassed to say that I expect to lead the pace attack and take that brand new ball again for Australia," Lee told Cricinfo.

Sounds a bit too big for his boots. Like someone else we just managed to get rid of. It would be different if Australia had lost the first two Tests. But we didn't. Should a winning formula be changed? I don't think so. Does Mitchell Johnson secretly want to punch him? Perhaps.

Also, er, I bet Matt Hayden's feeling a bit small. Because if he had gone when he was supposed to (as decreed by me), well, let's just say there might not have been so much losing going on during the summer, eh?

Introducing...

2009-03-14T17:31:00.004+09:00

Over at Cricket With Balls, Jrod has decided that Cricket Australia actually does have the right idea, and sought out some super feline bloggers to raise his profile among the laydeez.

Introducing Nimby and Mizzy.

And don't question Mizzy's hair. It is most certainly not a Cherry Ripe wig. K?

Kiki and Sassy ruin cricket

2009-03-13T15:25:00.010+09:00

It has come to my attention through Jrod of The Balls, that Cricket Australia have recently implemented two females to blog on cricket.

I'm insulted.

I'm not claiming to be the only woman to blog about cricket. There are other female cricket bloggers out there. To the best of my knowledge, the only other from Australia is 12 years old. She knows a lot more about it than these two.

In fact, what does make these women qualified to write about cricket? It doesn't say they are former players, and I certainly haven't seen them doing the hard yards around the cricket blogging circles.

No. They are generic bloggers HIRED TO WRITE ABOUT CRICKET.

It would be fairer to have a male cricket blogger PRETEND TO BE A WOMAN writing about cricket. Jrod would give it a damn good go, for one. Plus he'd look fine in that afro wig you get in Cadbury showbags, the one that genetic-woman is wearing.

I may write a lot of fluff. Sure, I have a crush on Graeme Smith. But at least I know what I'm talking about. In fact my friend Kirstie, who has to be dragged head-first to a cricket match, knows more about it than these two clowns.

So I guess Sakky and Kisi, or whatever their names are, are the nieces of James Sutherland or something.

I would very much like to spend more time writing about cricket. I can write nice. I can write stupid. If you've read what I wrote in Whingeing Pom you'll know I can twist the knife in the heart of my own team if I have to. I'll even assume a retarded name. Sassbo.

If you need me to write my own comments too, I'm on it, for shizzle. Sehwag knows I can create better characters than the morons with no interest in cricket whatsoever, who apparently ended up in the Cricket Australia blog page to declare their newfound interest.

This blog is an insult to any woman who likes cricket for more than the "Maddona microphones" and because "what other game gives you an excuse to park yourself on the lounge for five days straight?".

By their own admission they don't know what they're doing.

Please do me a favour and don't visit their stupid blog. Just take my word for it. It sucks. If you feel even a twinge of annoyance, I encourage you to write and tell Cricket Australia so. Here's a link for you.

And while you're online, visit Crikey and support our Jrod.

A jihad on these charlatans. A jihad on Cricket Australia. In the words of Daniel Vettori: Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you all.

Not that Kisi and Sakky have any idea who he is.

I need your help

2009-03-08T01:50:00.004+09:00

On a rather less serious note, I have been meaning to ask all of you who live in Australia to acquire a copy of the February edition of the award winning Whingeing Pom magazine. Your local newsagent would have it, and don't worry, it's bi-monthly, so it's still around.

And then check out the 2,000 word story I wrote on page 54. That's right. This may come as a surprise to you, but my name is actually not Miss Field.

So. Whether or not I get another gig with this magazine depends on the reaction to what I wrote. Love it or hate it, I encourage you to write in and tell the team what you think.

If you feel betrayed by any of those 2,000 words, email the editor and tell him. He's a top fella. For a pom.

Thank you.

We're all in this together

2009-03-05T19:59:00.006+09:00

When I was at uni, there was a terrorist attack in Indonesia.

Not the sort that changes the world, but one in which people died, and it was significant if for no other reason but that.

The university sent an email out to all students saying that a certain number of people had died, but fortunately, no Australians were among the dead.

A lot of people, students and teachers alike, were angry about this, but it's a common attitude in the face of accidents and disasters. We are ok and sod the others.

It's a displaced sense of patriotism that skews the value of human life.

Even leading on from this, watching the SBS World News you can see the tragedies that occur around the world every single day that don't stand a chance of being reported on the six o'clock commercial news.

The sort that make you thankful for the life you have and the country you live in.

Why isn't it reported? Because it happened so far away, in a poor country where English is not the first language. It doesn't matter that 300 people died. Ben Cousins takes drugs. Ben Cousins had a coffee in Leederville. Ben Cousins flew to Melbourne.

In light of the attack in Pakistan, a similar attitude has emerged, this time not in a patriotic sense, but an elitest sense.

The terrorists struck but the cricketers survived*. Phew. The end.

I am as happy as anyone that the Sri Lankan cricket team and their entourage were not killed in this awful attack.

But it bothers me that in the media this sentiment largely outweighs the tragedy at the lives that were lost, even if it was in the line of duty. And this doesn't help the poor bus driver.

Sure, analyse the consequences for our sport. Validate your point of view on the future of cricket in the region. But don't let the loss of life pale into insignificance because of who was and wasn't killed. Rome is not worth one good man's life.

Maybe I'm just naive to think we should all be equal. Australian, Indonesian, cricketer, bus driver.

*Six police officers died protecting them, and two civilians.

Cricket in Pakistan

2009-03-04T13:20:00.002+09:00

Being on the Pakistan Cricket Board can't be an easy job at the best of times.

And when Wasim Bari says things like this: "At a time when terrorist attacks are taking place all over the world Pakistan cricket should not be abandoned or isolated. We can still hold international matches."

It's impossible not to feel sorry for him.

Terrorism 'n' stuff

2009-03-03T21:18:00.004+09:00

Here in Australia, the story of what's happened today in Pakistan is being used to validate the actions of Cricket Australia in continually 'postponing' Australia's tours of the country.

Sure, they were right.

But let's stop thinking about ourselves for a second and look at this from a different angle.

I am not sure whether I have mentioned this here previously, but I generally think the word brave is bandied around too liberally.

I won't go into where I think it's inappropriate, because you'll be queuing up to call me nasty names, also it's not really relevant, so let's move on.

The Sri Lankans were brave to play in Pakistan.

Sure, you could call them foolish, but that doesn't mean they deserved this attack.

On the flip side, I doubt they have the same 'get-out-of-jail' options available as countries like Australia and England.

They really were brave to be there, and I respect them for it.

Sri Lankans should be angry. Really, really angry.

If they were my boys over there, I would be livid. As it is I am angry on their behalf.

For a long time people have viewed cricketers as somewhat untouchable, because of the point of view that the love of cricket by people in cricketing countries outweighs their potential desire to inflict carnage and destruction, as it would a) do their cause no good and b) affect a major source of entertainment. I guess this is not the case.

I wonder what motivates someone to do something like this, what makes them think they have the right. These weren't politicians. But then I give up because it's not something I will ever understand.

It's a sad day for cricket in Pakistan. It's yet another sad day for Pakistan.

Got a beef with Sri Lanka?

2009-03-03T13:46:00.004+09:00

So the Sri Lankan cricket team has been attacked in Pakistan, and while there are casualties and the act is totally reprehensible, four possibilities spring to mind:

1. coincidence
2. deliberately targeted by the 'terrorists' Cricket Australia want to avoid by not letting the Aussies tour there
3. deliberately targeted by 'terrorists' hired by Cricket Australia (and maybe pitched in for by other cricket boards who don't let their teams tour there) to make their point
4. Roy did it

Will we ever know the truth? Will Roy ever be sobre enough to own up? Will Australia ever tour Pakistan?

I think the answer is clear to at least one of those questions.

BlackCaps regroup!

2009-03-01T00:10:00.000+09:00

I have noticed that whoever designs the BlackCaps' uniforms is getting a little adventurous.

A little too adventurous.
What's wrong with a silver fern? Ok you could say it's overused, but it looks a damn sight better than these. And baby blue? What's that about?

And everytime I see it I think maybe it's a sign of things to come.

My Joernaal - The Wanderers, day three

2009-02-28T21:19:00.006+09:00

Fuck.

Bloody AB. Always upstaging me. If the stupid man hadn't given me out, that would have been me, in my rightful place as century maker. Little shit.

Other than that I'm not too fazed. We will win. I will make a hundred this innings. We will be number one. And when we are I will be the first in line to give Ponting that patronising handshake. Oh yes. And AB will know his place.

I don't need to get revenge on Johnson now either. 96 n.o. is punishment enough for any bowler. It'll never happen again. I laughed for hours.

I got a letter from Minki on Wednesday, a postcard from Norway.

Deer Graem,
I hope your feelng beterr after ur surjerry en I hope u beet those Ossies.
I think of u sumtimes. Alle voorspoed.
Minx.

Damn I miss her.

I had a ham sandwich for lunch. It was delicious.

Not the one

2009-02-23T16:40:00.004+09:00

The head of SBS has told a senate estimates hearing it will pay back a $15-million loan to broadcast the Ashes over the next five years.
SBS secured the rights to the cricket series to be held later this year, to ensure it can be viewed on free-to-air television.
But the broadcaster does not have the cash to pay for the rights up-front.

The most important fact that can be gleamed from this information is that SBS showing the cricket means Channel 9 won't be.

Praise be to Sehwag!

Hell, I'd pass the hat around to raise $15 million for this cause.

I wonder, seeing as they're doing it on the cheap, if they are looking for commentators.

Will commentate for seat in media spaceship. And food. And an audience with ~~Michael Vaughan~~ ~~Brendon McCullum~~ Mitchell Johnson. And one photo with a Baggy Green.

Deal?

That's our boy

2009-02-17T01:03:00.000+09:00

I thought, prior to extolling the virtues of Adam Voges, I should check that he's not actually a closet Kiwi or something (especially seeing as I almost accused Graeme Smith of having no fans in my last post).

As it turns out, he was born in the very suburb I'm writing this in.

Western Australians. Is there anything we can't do?*

*Rhetorical question, please do not answer.

Got fans?

2009-02-16T11:09:00.001+09:00

These numbers are a few weeks old, but if you've ever wondered how the Facebook community rallies around certain players, wonder no more.

Kevin Pietersen - 6,689
Daniel Vettori - 1, 049
Ricky Ponting - 4,922
Dale Steyn - 1,587
Anil Kumble - 1,633
Andrew Flintoff - 4,496
Brian Lara - 11,429
AB De Villiers - 3,344
Sachin Tendulkar - 24,440
Michael Clarke - 2,183
Shivnarine Chanderpaul - 5,614
Mitchell Johnson - 3,854
Graeme Smith - 257

I saved the best until last. I'd say "let's all have a chuckle," except that in the interest of some sort of accuracy I decided to double-check.

In the five weeks since I compiled this list the dude has gained some 4,000 fans. Way to spoil my fun.

Genuine respect or the greatest Facebook stack of all time? You be the judge.