Make way for Twenty20

I have to admit it. I’m a believer. I don’t like Twenty20 cricket – I love it! Don’t get me wrong: If we could chose but one form of the game, I’d take Test cricket without hesitation. There has been some concern that Test cricket will become less popular and struggle to survive because of T20. The way I see it, 50 over ODI cricket is the one that should make way. For many years I have found 50 overs cricket boring. Isn’t that one of the reasons for the invention of T20?

I read in a recent Cricinfo article that “Twenty20 matches are generally vibrant, high-octane affairs”. That is well said. In reducing the timeframe of the match, the effort and intensity is effectively concentrated and the results are often stunning. The bowlers seem to bowl faster and send down more jaffas. The batsmen hit it higher and further and the fielding is usually at another level. Voges catch the other night was something else – unbelievable. I won’t bother describing it because you will have all seen it (if not have a look in Youtube) but it had everything – skill, incredible presence of mind and superb athleicism. I’m not saying that the catch could not have been taken in a Test or ODI. However, in T20, the boundaries are being pushed harder and more often than other forms of the game.

Admittedly, a T20 can flop if the team batting first is 6-25 and struggles to 77. But at least we get it over with and look forward to the next game. In an ODI, it’s painful when the team batting first is 6-25 after 8 overs and spends then next 33 overs grinding out another 82 runs.

Some might say that T20 does not have the character of a Test and that the players are not tested as in Tests. Guys like Tait can send down thunder bolts for a handful of overs but will never make it in Test cricket. All of that is true. But why care? If you take T20 for what it is, and stop comparing it to Test cricket, you should find that it is exciting and enjoyable. And it does showcase most of cricket’s skills in a very positive way.

I remember back in the dark ages when Olympic swimming did not have 50m events. Can you believe it? A race had to be 100m or more to be worthy. Fiddle sticks! I recall a guy dubbed the Singapore Sling. He was acknowledged to be the fastest in the world over 50m but of course he never won a medal because he couldn’t keep the after burners blowing for quite long enough. Today, he would be a sensation. Those old fogies at FINA finally decided that 50m races wouldn’t be a bad idea. I’m not sure where T20 fits into the analogy – does T20 equate to the 50m or is it more like a 15 m race? Hmmm…. Perhaps ignore that last comment.

BTW, Adam Voges flew to Perth that night and was dismissed by Brett Geeves for a six ball duck.

Anyway, Australia has already arrived in South Africa to see if they can keep, and lay some credibility to their number one ranking. Ponting has handled and posed with the Holy sceptre that is proof of Test match ascendancy. I hope he fixed the moment in his mind.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/rsavaus2009/content/story/391078.html

The first Test gets under way in Johannesburg on Thursday, 26 Feb.

“Beautiful one day, out for 51 the next”

I feel that it is my duty to record that England has been dismissed for 51 – its third lowest Test score. Having trailed the Windies by just 74 runs on the first innings, they managed to lose the first Test by an innings! Only Flintoff (24) made double figures.

As South Africa and India vie for the title of best cricket team in the world, Australia and England are competing to see who can limp into the Ashes series in the worst form.

But enough said. The terrible bushfires in Victoria put anything about cricket into perspective. It would seem bad form indeed to harp on about the hapless Poms or the incompetent Aussies. It’s great to see that the next ODI, in Adelaide will be a bushfire benefit match. However, the proceeds of that match will be a drop in the ocean of need. It’s worth doing but what we need is for those of us who are able (and who isn’t really?), and who haven’t yet donated, to give a little. If 5% of Australians gave $100 each, that would be about $100m – now that would make a huge difference.

You can easily donate on-line at the Salvation Army or the Australian Red Cross. Or you can do it over the phone by calling 1800 811 700. Give it a try – I did. It felt good. Money can’t heal broken hearts but the owners of those broken hearts still need food and clothes.

https://secure1.salvationarmy.org/donations.nsf/donate?openform&projectid=AUS-Disaster