Group C - New Zealand, England, Kenya, Canada

[Fiery]

The problem in this case, has nothing to do with Flintoff's drinking, and everything to do with the timing of Flintoff's drinking. No one criticised Flintoff when he went on an all night bender with the English cricket time after the Ashes was over. Why? Because the job was done. He'd finished his work as a cricketer, so it was time to party.

In this scenario though, his work has only started. And to go out and get smashed a couple of days before what was a must-win game (no matter who the opposition was) was ridiculously unproffessional. I don't care how much of a legend Flintoff is for nearly drowning himself (Ummm, Pasag, how exactly does that work again?), there is a time and a place for partying. The exact same goes for school or work. You never get pissed before a big exam or meeting.

Flintoff is perfectly capable of keeping his "larger than life" persona without doing things like this. What he did, didn't make him look like an iconic sporting hero. It made him look like an alcoholic moron, and the laughing stock of the cricketing world. Hopefully he'll learn from it, and save the celebrations for after the tournament, from now on.

Well said Bahnz

 

[ohtani's jacket]

I like Flintoff, but he clearly has a drinking problem. The guy has two kids. It's about time he grew up.

 

[Richard]

You might do well to learn what's meant by "has a drinking problem". There's a big difference between that and having a bit too much of an enjoyment of the big bender, which is patently what Flintoff has.

 

[ohtani's jacket]

Rubbish. Flintoff has a drinking problem.

 

[Richard]

And you are qualified to make the distinction how, exactly? You've studied his drinking habits? You work in the alcohol-retail trade? You've undertaken qualifications relating to alcohol and it's effects on humans? None of the above?

 

[Dick Rockett]

I'm with Richard on this one. All we have is the word of a bunch of journalists (no offence, Volty).

 

[ohtani's jacket]

Flintoff qualifies himself.

 

[Richard]

I'm with Richard on this one. All we have is the word of a bunch of journalists (no offence, Volty).

Even if what they're alleging's true it doesn't mean he has a drinking problem. It means he's very, very stupid and on this occasion has got himself so drunk that he didn't really know what he was doing.

Something I'd guess roughly half the population of England, New Zealand and anywhere else you care to name where alcohol-consumption is regular is familiar with, having done at least once in their life. I certainly number myself among those.

 

[Richard]

Flintoff qualifies himself.

WTF?

 

[Athlai]

Drinking problem or not. It was a stupid thing to do.

Just desserts for a lack of professionalism. (And if anyone else did it I would hope they receive the same result.)

 

[Richard]

And absolutely no-one is disputing such a thing. It was crazy.

But he's made his mistake and he's received his punishment. And IMO it'd be best forgotten now. Stupid comments like "he's got a drinking problem" are totally unneccessary.

 

[Athlai]

And absolutely no-one is disputing such a thing. It was crazy.

But he's made his mistake and he's received his punishment. And IMO it'd be best forgotten now. Stupid comments like "he's got a drinking problem" are totally unneccessary.

I totally agree.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

OK, back to the cricket.

New Zealand vs Kenya tonight.

Interested to see the make up for the NZL side.
Will they go with all 3 of Styris/McMillan/Fulton or just 2 of them?
Vettori/Patel spin duo or the extra paceman?

I think playing all 3 of Styris/McMillan/Fulton is an interesting prospect. Would make the batting go all the way down to Franklin/Vettori at 9 and 10. Ofcourse, only works if it doesn' effect the balance of the side. In this case, the bowling.

 

[Loony BoB]

So, how's about that NZ-Kenya game?

 

[pasag]

So, how's about that NZ-Canada game?

?

 

[Loony BoB]

Bah. I submitted that thing about 20-30 minutes ago. Quick Reply takes way too long to actually post the reply.

 

[Prince EWS]

Bah. I submitted that thing about 20-30 minutes ago. Quick Reply takes way too long to actually post the reply.

How ironic!

 

[Tim]

I'd say Bond will stay in for this game, NZ won't make too many changes against Kenya just incase but I reckon we'll see a few for the Canada game.

I think Franklin will drop out for Tuffey and Patel might miss out for Fulton.

Bond, Tuffey, Oram, Styris, Vettori & Macca to do the job with the ball.

 

[Loony BoB]

Not sure if Bond will play considering the old "Only one game a week for 007" deal they were talking about pre-WC. Then again, I suppose it's all about how he feels on the day.

 

[Tim]

They've gotta take Kenya seriously, Bond has to play if you ask me. They can rotate in the Canada game but priority should be to defeat Kenya and confirm a Super 8 spot.

I just hope we bat first...not because I want to see a longer game but mainly because I want to see us defend a target. We've been winning alot of games chasing but I feel we still need to bat first a few times.