It started with a stump mic, morphed into referrals for run outs, then grew into Snicko, Hot Spot and Hawkeye. Now, with player referrals to be trialled, it’s fair to ask “Where is technology taking us?”
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Am I the only one yawning during fifty over One Day Internationals these days? I don’t think so; the game is losing its appeal.
How often do we see a close finish to an ODI these days? Even with the introduction of the bonus point system, and the “power plays”, most games I’ve watched in past two or three years have been dull, un-eventful and even boring, with most results pretty much decided before the lights are even turned on.
Now nearly a year on from Duncan Fletcher’s resignation as England coach, we can begin to assess how his successors in the selection box are going. It does not look good.
Since transformation and South Africa’s reintroduction to international cricket, much work has been put into developing Black African cricket. There are many different opinions on whether enough has been done and what the correct strategy should be. However, whatever the viewpoint, goodwill and resources have been devoted to this topic and yet the majority of cricketers are still products of the traditional White and Coloured cricketing communities. The relatively small number of Black African cricketers that are coming through are predominantly bowlers. What are the reasons for the lack of Black Batsmen?
With another testing series against Sri Lanka ahead, the West Indies selectors are back to work to earn their ample wages. The search is on for the eleven men who can compete for five days at a time and reverse a humiliating trend of mediocrity. Thus far the selectors have named a squad of fifteen players in preparation for the first Test. But the only firm selection decision as yet is the confirmation of Chris Gayle to the West Indies captaincy. An unfortunate consequence of his injury, the move resigns Ramnaresh Sarwan to the role of deputy again.