In the NZ vs Bangladesh test, Shakib Al Hasan was given out following a catch by Brendon McCullum that turned out to have bounced. Chaos ensues.
I think everyone is looking at this the wrong way. This is the perfect opportunity to integrate backyard cricket and so-called "real" cricket.
We all know the complex rules of backyard cricket. It occurs anywhere, preferably a sloping site, obstructed by trees, possibly with a downhill run-up or, as superbly demonstrated in my house as a kid, running round the corner of the house to give the all important delivery. Wickets do not match. Bails are optional and regularly fall off. The ball may be a piece of plant life. The bat has seen better days.
However, one of the two key rules should apply in the current situation.
1) One hand, one bounce - you're still out. Suffer.
2) Six and out - an important rule that if you're the smart bugger who hits the ball over the fence and the game has to stop for 10 minutes until it's found, you can have the score but be punished for showing off.
I reckon McCullum was working on rule 1. Bringing it to the people. Great stuff.
The Rose
Gosh this brings back a few memories! I remember that run-up - it was great, because we could be so sneaky with the delivery as you came around the corner. We put Shane Warne to shame with those googlies!
ReplyDeleteHowever, not sure "six and out" would work for the likes of Lance Cairns and his ilk.
That raises a question: if we had to choose personas to play as, which NZ cricketer would you play as now?
R
Is there any doubt? God Gav - NZ's most worried man. The Rose
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