The Ashes

[Brian]

I think I witnessed the death of English Cricket this morning.

Going to burn a bail and put it in a small urn in memory of the dearly departed.

Is it Bazball or just plain stupidity? It's the later for me I'm afraid.

[DarrenW]

Im a big fan of test cricket Brian or any form of cricket for that matter except the 100.

I am strongly disliking modern Test match cricket and this match strongly endorses that. It's played more like one day cricket now and often over in 3 1/2 days if that. Not my idea of test cricket.

[Brian]

Like you Darren, I really dislike the Hundred.
The only thing I like about it is it puts Women's Cricket on the same bill as the Men's which I think is really important for the development of the Women's Cricket.

It's all about money making. It generates big crowds so the ECB loves it and obviously it promotes the game. I can't understand how the scores are displayed on TV or get used to 5 ball sets (overs!) where a bowler can bowl two sets on the trot.

Really enjoyed the recent Women's World Cup in Indian and Sri Lanka.

20/20 is great. Every village cricketer when I was playing could relate to it because mid week competitions were always 20 over matches.

[DarrenW]

Like you Darren, I really dislike the Hundred.
The only thing I like about it is it puts Women's Cricket on the same bill as the Men's which I think is really important for the development of the Women's Cricket.

It's all about money making. It generates big crowds so the ECB loves it and obviously it promotes the game. I can't understand how the scores are displayed on TV or get used to 5 ball sets (overs!) where a bowler can bowl two sets on the trot.

Really enjoyed the recent Women's World Cup in Indian and Sri Lanka.

20/20 is great. Every village cricketer when I was playing could relate to it because mid week competitions were always 20 over matches.

Couple of points you make there I agree with. Womens Cricket is a good watch and also the Hundred does promote the female game. No issue or problem with that it's great.

You mention the 20/20 at village level. A mate who loved playing cricket whose now a Dad would love to play still but seem's like no opportunities for "Dad's cricket" Like they have done in football. He played for Baldock. Surely a 10 over game for the Dad's and Vets would be a good call?..... Im Sure Roy Izzard would be in favor of this.

Much better than not playing at all which seems to be the case if you have a family to support.

[Brian]

Interesting point about short cricket games.

The problem cricket has is that it isn't anywhere near as popular participation sport as football is or as popular as a sport to watch.

Just about every sports centre has 5-a-side league or something similar.

I used to play with some work mates on one of the tarmac pitches at John Henry Newman School.
One night a week for an hour or so. I'd finish work in Hemel, stop off in Stevenage and then head home afterwards.

Also a 5-a-side match can be just 10 minutes each way so not a whole evening lost.

Cricket is a lot of standing around and time wasting.

[DarrenW]

Interesting point about short cricket games.

The problem cricket has is that it isn't anywhere near as popular participation sport as football is or as popular as a sport to watch.

Just about every sports centre has 5-a-side league or something similar.

I used to play with some work mates on one of the tarmac pitches at John Henry Newman School.
One night a week for an hour or so. I'd finish work in Hemel, stop off in Stevenage and then head home afterwards.

Also a 5-a-side match can be just 10 minutes each way so not a whole evening lost.

Cricket is a lot of standing around and time wasting.

Cant argue with that but surely there is a way to have a game that lasts a couple of hours.

I totally agree with your points there just know there are many lads who used to play and still love cricket that would still play if they could.