* The CW XI 1st Anniversary *
Over the past year of Cricket Web XI Cricket, we have experienced the highs and lows of the games. The highest point being our trip to the World Cup final, whilst the low points, most of the defeats in between.
Moments of joy...
15.4 David to Smith, OUT, Bowled him! Great delivery by David. Graeme Smith didnt have a clue
Graeme Smith 28 (51b 6X4)
b. David
That's the first wicket for the CW XI at Test level! They're on the board!
Moments of pain...
49.6 Gayle to Marc71178, one run, Hit to Sarwan at midwicket and they can only get a single! That's it. The CW XI have been beaten by the West Indies in the 2004 World Cup final!
End of innings (50.0 overs)
CRICKET WEB XI 280/4 (RR: 5.62)
CH Gayle 7.0-0-52-1
Eclipse 32(33b 2X4)
Marc71178 34(26b 1X4 2X6)
We've all shared the smiles and the tears. Now we gather here to celebrate the first anniversary of this diverse team concept, called the Cricket Web XI.
What does the CW XI mean? It means team spirit, it means perserverance and most importantly, it means unity. Players from all around the world playing as one, interacting as one. The world could use a few more with that attitude.
On that note, it is my pleasure to announce the awards for the achievements that gave us and the world over the joy and pride of Cricket Web colours - individual achievements.
The winner of the award for Best Test Bowling performance is...
Lucky Eddie, for his
11 for 69 against
South Africa in the 2nd Test involving the CW XI.
"In the same match as Cloete's historic double hundred, Lucky Eddie pushed home the fight for the CW XI, with bowling figures of 5/30 and 6/39 in spells of raw pace. His wickets included Smith (twice), Gibbs, Kirsten, Kallis, Rudolph (twice) and van Jaarsveld. His bowling figures remain as the best FC match-haul for the CW XI."
Best Test Batting performance...
Cloete, for his
240 against
Sri Lanka in a rear guard action on the subcontinent.
"Facing a 1-0 scoreline entering the 3rd Test of 4-Test match, the CW XI surrendered a 173-run first innings lead to the hosts Sri Lanka. Still with some 174 overs left in the match, Murali primed and Vaas coming off 6/55 in the first innings, a stand-up sort of innings was needed. Once more it would be Cloete to provide that innings, batting for over 6 hours and facing 306 balls, he scored 240 with 45 fours and 2 sixes. Muralitharan went on to take 6/139 in the innings, but never really trouble Cloete and he took the attack to the champion offspinner. The game was drawn."
Best ODI Bowling performance...
David Kennett, for his
7 for 22 against
South Africa at Potchefstroom.
"This is the stuff a bowler dreams of. On a chilly evening during the day/night game between South Africa and the CW XI, in their first ever ODI series, David Kennett engraved his name in CW XI history. Not only was he the first person to take a 5-wicket haul in an ODI for the CW XI, but he went on to produce one of the most sensational spells seen in ODI cricket. Having to defend only 209 runs, the CW XI needed something special, and David came on as 3rd change. He then removed Smith, Rudolph and McKenzie over the course of one over, then got Hall, Pollock and Elworthy to close off with 9.3-1-22-7. Needless to say, the CW XI won by a comfortable 41 runs."
Best ODI bBtting performance...
Blewy, for his
121 not out against
Sri Lanka to help achieve the first 3-0 whitewash for the CW XI.
"Another Blewy special, this time wrapped and delivered to Sri Lanka in a total of 307/3 that saw the CW XI achieve their first ever series sweep. The unbeaten knock took only 103 balls, the century up in 95 balls. 16 fours and a six proved quality stuff for all those watching and Blewy further established himself on the world stage."
These players are but ambassadors for the establishment of Cricket Web and we hope that they will continue to find success in whatever aspect of the game they pursue.
The Best Team performance would have to be the
2004 World Cup effort on a whole, where the players played their hearts out and did superbly.
We also take this occasion to announce the opening of the
Official (Revamped) CW XI Hall of Fame which will be opening on Wednesday the 26th of May.
