Comments on: Australia wins world cup and nobody cares http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/ Blogging politics, culture, sociology and life from Brisvegas Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:18:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: j_p_z http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364681 j_p_z Tue, 01 May 2007 08:15:28 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364681 Or if you're really bored with cricket, you could start to play "43-man Squamish." Look up the rules on wikipedia, you'll laff yerself silly. God bless George Woodbridge (and I think Tom Koch, IIRC)! Or if you’re really bored with cricket, you could start to play “43-man Squamish.” Look up the rules on wikipedia, you’ll laff yerself silly. God bless George Woodbridge (and I think Tom Koch, IIRC)!

]]> By: FDB http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364654 FDB Tue, 01 May 2007 05:05:21 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364654 One hand one bounce is a must. What about ball tampering <em>a la</em> electrical tape skewed off the seam just a bit for swing? One hand one bounce is a must.

What about ball tampering a la electrical tape skewed off the seam just a bit for swing?

]]> By: David Jackmanson http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364649 David Jackmanson Tue, 01 May 2007 04:02:34 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364649 David Rubie, re rule 6) you can also play with the batsman standing in front of a wall and have an 'automatic wickie' instead. That's as opposed to an 'automatic wiki', which is a website that generates pointless arguments all by itself. Oh, and I remember 'Basebrawl', j_p_z. 70's MAD Magazine - things just don't get better than that. David Rubie, re rule 6) you can also play with the batsman standing in front of a wall and have an ‘automatic wickie’ instead.

That’s as opposed to an ‘automatic wiki’, which is a website that generates pointless arguments all by itself.

Oh, and I remember ‘Basebrawl’, j_p_z. 70’s MAD Magazine - things just don’t get better than that.

]]> By: David Rubie http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364643 David Rubie Tue, 01 May 2007 03:52:36 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364643 Pablo wrote: <blockquote>I would also be in favour of rules that said a batter should be trying to hit the ball for runs with every ball and that the umpires would be compelled to penalise batters who don’t</blockquote> I thought the beach cricket craptacular was supposed to be full of this stuff, but never managed to watch a game. In any event (and with tongue in cheek) the 20/20 cricket should be replaced with proper backyard cricket: 1) Tippety run. 2) Electric wickets. 3) Over the fence is six and out. 4) Into the back of the shed or the paling fence on the full is six. No fours. 5) Into trees on the full is out. 6) Use a metal garbage bin for the wickets. 7) One batsman at a time. 8) Tennis ball - must be chewed by a labrador and be missing all of the fuzz. 9) Once bounce - single handed catches. 10) The umpire must wear an apron and only be on the field sporadically. 11) The ball chewing labrador is a legitimate fielder but does not bat. If he catches the ball, it's time for cordial. First one to run back out into the backyard and grab the bat bats next. 12) No teams - whoever turns up is playing. 13) Whoever gets you out bats next. 14) Girls can bowl underarm (sorry Trevor, not you). 15) Any other rules decided by a shouting match. Umpire only to intervene when the shoving starts. 16) Game is over when somebody gets in a huff and takes their bat home or is sent home by an irate umpire. 17) Boring statistics to be replaced by idle boasts: "I made 134 against my mum last sunday" etc. Pablo wrote:

I would also be in favour of rules that said a batter should be trying to hit the ball for runs with every ball and that the umpires would be compelled to penalise batters who don’t

I thought the beach cricket craptacular was supposed to be full of this stuff, but never managed to watch a game. In any event (and with tongue in cheek) the 20/20 cricket should be replaced with proper backyard cricket:

1) Tippety run.
2) Electric wickets.
3) Over the fence is six and out.
4) Into the back of the shed or the paling fence on the full is six. No fours.
5) Into trees on the full is out.
6) Use a metal garbage bin for the wickets.
7) One batsman at a time. 8) Tennis ball - must be chewed by a labrador and be missing all of the fuzz.
9) Once bounce - single handed catches.
10) The umpire must wear an apron and only be on the field sporadically.
11) The ball chewing labrador is a legitimate fielder but does not bat. If he catches the ball, it’s time for cordial. First one to run back out into the backyard and grab the bat bats next.
12) No teams - whoever turns up is playing.
13) Whoever gets you out bats next.
14) Girls can bowl underarm (sorry Trevor, not you).
15) Any other rules decided by a shouting match. Umpire only to intervene when the shoving starts.
16) Game is over when somebody gets in a huff and takes their bat home or is sent home by an irate umpire.
17) Boring statistics to be replaced by idle boasts: “I made 134 against my mum last sunday” etc.

]]> By: j_p_z http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364629 j_p_z Tue, 01 May 2007 02:47:11 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364629 Or maybe we could all just surrender, and start playing Rollerball. You know you want to. Jon-a-than! Jon-a-than! Jon-a-than! Or maybe we could all just surrender, and start playing Rollerball.

You know you want to.

Jon-a-than! Jon-a-than! Jon-a-than!

]]> By: j_p_z http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364626 j_p_z Tue, 01 May 2007 02:42:21 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364626 Mmm, Nicky Hopkins. He's always got such a great sound. How does he do it? To make cricket more interesting, maybe you could take a leaf from "Shaun of the Dead," and introduce some zombies onto the playing field. It would certainly get me to watch. Cricket seems totally fascinating, but I think I've gotten too old and brain-rotten now to ever actually understand it. But I love hearing people talk about the rules and everything, it's so unbelievably complex and arcane. And the words don't sound like they belong in the genre of sports. It sounds more like hearing someone read from a Martian user's-manual about how to operate an eight-dimensional laser cannon or something. Or maybe everybody is just stoned. Yeah, that's it. Hey man. Head Bread. The humorist Al Jaffee (he of MAD "Fold-In" fame) once considered how to liven up baseball in a similar way, and he came up with a sport he called BaseBrawl. One of its innovations was that you kept your bat with you as you ran the bases, and used it to assault the opposing players as you encountered them. Maybe you could try that. Mmm, Nicky Hopkins. He’s always got such a great sound. How does he do it?

To make cricket more interesting, maybe you could take a leaf from “Shaun of the Dead,” and introduce some zombies onto the playing field. It would certainly get me to watch.

Cricket seems totally fascinating, but I think I’ve gotten too old and brain-rotten now to ever actually understand it. But I love hearing people talk about the rules and everything, it’s so unbelievably complex and arcane. And the words don’t sound like they belong in the genre of sports. It sounds more like hearing someone read from a Martian user’s-manual about how to operate an eight-dimensional laser cannon or something. Or maybe everybody is just stoned. Yeah, that’s it. Hey man. Head Bread.

The humorist Al Jaffee (he of MAD “Fold-In” fame) once considered how to liven up baseball in a similar way, and he came up with a sport he called BaseBrawl. One of its innovations was that you kept your bat with you as you ran the bases, and used it to assault the opposing players as you encountered them. Maybe you could try that.

]]> By: FDB http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364606 FDB Tue, 01 May 2007 00:34:00 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364606 <blockquote>some great Jeff Beck Group outtakes</blockquote> And the name of this album please?

some great Jeff Beck Group outtakes

And the name of this album please?

]]> By: Brian http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364573 Brian Mon, 30 Apr 2007 21:44:06 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364573 I heard on the BBC last night thay the Indians may be bringing a vote of no confidence against Malcolm Speed. I heard on the BBC last night thay the Indians may be bringing a vote of no confidence against Malcolm Speed.

]]> By: Nababov http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364562 Nababov Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:05:34 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364562 Well lookie here, the ICC is as incompentent as but perhaps slightly less corrupt than the IOC. Yet Aus still keeps winning. Don\'t explain or complain. Just glort. Or gloat. Easy for me to say. I\'m well in the bag thanks to Glenmorangie 18 and some great Jeff Beck Group outtakes involving Nicky Hopkins but not Rod Stewart. \"I love ya, love ya like sugar cane I, I love ya like sugar cane Strip it down, sure is sweet You keep on chewin till your dead on your feet I get high on your sugar cane Its the only thing baby that keeps me sane Its so nice to have you near Someone so close and so dear I, I love ya like sugar cane Strip it down, sure is sweet You keep on chewin till your dead on your feet Hey baby don\'t go away Its the only thing I really, I really want to hear ya say If you leave I could not stand the pain Give me more of that sweet sweet sugar cane I, I, I, I love ya like sugar cane I, I get high on your sugar cane Its the only thing baby that keeps me sane Its so nice to have you near Someone so close and so dear Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby Sweet, sweet I get high, get high, get high, get high Sweet, sweet On your sweet, on your sweet, on your sweet sweet sugar cane Sweet, sweet \" Did I mention Nicky Hopkins on piano? Well lookie here, the ICC is as incompentent as but perhaps slightly less corrupt than the IOC.

Yet Aus still keeps winning. Don\’t explain or complain. Just glort. Or gloat.

Easy for me to say. I\’m well in the bag thanks to Glenmorangie 18 and some great Jeff Beck Group outtakes involving Nicky Hopkins but not Rod Stewart.

\”I love ya, love ya like sugar cane
I, I love ya like sugar cane
Strip it down, sure is sweet
You keep on chewin till your dead on your feet
I get high on your sugar cane
Its the only thing baby that keeps me sane
Its so nice to have you near
Someone so close and so dear
I, I love ya like sugar cane
Strip it down, sure is sweet
You keep on chewin till your dead on your feet
Hey baby don\’t go away
Its the only thing I really, I really want to hear ya say
If you leave I could not stand the pain
Give me more of that sweet sweet sugar cane
I, I, I, I love ya like sugar cane
I, I get high on your sugar cane
Its the only thing baby that keeps me sane
Its so nice to have you near
Someone so close and so dear
Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
Sweet, sweet
I get high, get high, get high, get high
Sweet, sweet
On your sweet, on your sweet, on your sweet sweet sugar cane
Sweet, sweet \”

Did I mention Nicky Hopkins on piano?

]]> By: Alastair http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364560 Alastair Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:01:19 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364560 Abolish the ICC. That organisation is full of dead-beats who don't care about the players or the spectators - only money. I could rant and rave about the rubbish that has gone on in that organisation over the last 10 years but it'll take a long time. I'll just mention this: If Australia doesn't tour Zimbabwe in a few months time they will be fined a few million dollars, unless security is a problem. This is outrageous. Zimbabwe is an international disgrace with its human rights abuse, rampant racism and abuse of democracy. This country shouldn't be allowed to participate in cricket whilst all that rubbish is occuring. They are also now, of course, pretty hopeless at cricket, as all their best players have quit, not wanting any part of the corruption, discrimination, and poor treatment that is clearly present in Zimbabwe cricket. The ICC has been doing a terrible job of running cricket in the last ten years. I say get rid of them and each country can organise their own tours (like they used to do) and play who they want, when they want, where they want. Abolish the ICC. That organisation is full of dead-beats who don’t care about the players or the spectators - only money. I could rant and rave about the rubbish that has gone on in that organisation over the last 10 years but it’ll take a long time.

I’ll just mention this: If Australia doesn’t tour Zimbabwe in a few months time they will be fined a few million dollars, unless security is a problem. This is outrageous. Zimbabwe is an international disgrace with its human rights abuse, rampant racism and abuse of democracy. This country shouldn’t be allowed to participate in cricket whilst all that rubbish is occuring. They are also now, of course, pretty hopeless at cricket, as all their best players have quit, not wanting any part of the corruption, discrimination, and poor treatment that is clearly present in Zimbabwe cricket.

The ICC has been doing a terrible job of running cricket in the last ten years. I say get rid of them and each country can organise their own tours (like they used to do) and play who they want, when they want, where they want.

]]> By: pablo http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364544 pablo Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:54:33 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364544 One way to overcome the problem of boring matches could be to allow team captains to overcome batting setbacks by declaring an innings and asking their opponents to bat. Each side would still have a total of 50 overs to make a cumulative score, but they could take equal advantage of any pitch conditions and essentially lessen the dominance of winning the toss. I guess you could alternatively formally divide games into four innings each of 25 overs. I would also be in favour of rules that said a batter should be trying to hit the ball for runs with every ball and that the umpires would be compelled to penalise batters who don't and bowlers who 'bounce' or otherwise make it difficult for batters to score. This essentially occurs now with bowlers. Defensive, non scoring strokes would incur a 'deficit' run. I would also like to see the batting line up fiddled with, such that say you would have your bowlers opening the batting. Perhaps this could be done with the initial toss. Lose the toss and your batting line-up is reversed for example. My son thinks I'm mad. He may be right. One way to overcome the problem of boring matches could be to allow team captains to overcome batting setbacks by declaring an innings and asking their opponents to bat. Each side would still have a total of 50 overs to make a cumulative score, but they could take equal advantage of any pitch conditions and essentially lessen the dominance of winning the toss.
I guess you could alternatively formally divide games into four innings each of 25 overs.
I would also be in favour of rules that said a batter should be trying to hit the ball for runs with every ball and that the umpires would be compelled to penalise batters who don’t and bowlers who ‘bounce’ or otherwise make it difficult for batters to score. This essentially occurs now with bowlers.
Defensive, non scoring strokes would incur a ‘deficit’ run.
I would also like to see the batting line up fiddled with, such that say you would have your bowlers opening the batting. Perhaps this could be done with the initial toss. Lose the toss and your batting line-up is reversed for example.
My son thinks I’m mad. He may be right.

]]> By: Robert Merkel http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364534 Robert Merkel Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:31:02 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364534 Bernice, did you see the <a HREF="http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/03/29/cancelled-due-to-foul-play/#comments" rel="nofollow">previous discussion</a>? I think it's terrible that Bob Woolmer was murdered. I'd sure like to know why, both so that his murderers can be severely punished, and because of the risk that the game is further corrupted. But I still haven't heard a compelling reason why the tournament should have been stopped. Bernice, did you see the previous discussion?

I think it’s terrible that Bob Woolmer was murdered. I’d sure like to know why, both so that his murderers can be severely punished, and because of the risk that the game is further corrupted. But I still haven’t heard a compelling reason why the tournament should have been stopped.

]]> By: David Jackmanson http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364529 David Jackmanson Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:07:07 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364529 <blockquote>Rolleregg!</blockquote> What? In all the rice paddies?

Rolleregg!

What? In all the rice paddies?

]]> By: anthony http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364528 anthony Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:03:12 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364528 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_and_a_Bit" rel="nofollow">Rolleregg!</a> (and help! I've been bitten by a rare pufferfish that only allows me to comment via 1970s British TV) Rolleregg!

(and help! I’ve been bitten by a rare pufferfish that only allows me to comment via 1970s British TV)

]]> By: Bernice http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364526 Bernice Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:55:00 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364526 A coach is murdered, strangled in his hotel bathroom & the game merrily rolled...if you're wondering what's wrong with The Game, I suspect that just about sums it up. A coach is murdered, strangled in his hotel bathroom & the game merrily rolled…if you’re wondering what’s wrong with The Game, I suspect that just about sums it up.

]]> By: Russ http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364460 Russ Mon, 30 Apr 2007 05:52:34 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364460 Brian, I think you'd find that would be 10 test teams 2. Except both Kenya and Ireland have ODI status now, and therefore should be included as well. If we want to get top teams playing minnows without clogging up the world cup then we should force everyone to qualify (the chances of India or Pakistan completely stuffing up a qualification group are pretty low). Qualification: 8 groups of 4, playing 6 games each in the seeded team's home country. Top team qualifies, second teams play off against each other over 3 games. Sure, it's inconvenient for the test teams, and there would be a number of thrashings, but it gets a lot of teams playing a high level cricket, and should fund itself. World Cup: 2 groups of 6. either top 2 teams qualify for a group of 4, top 2 teams play the final. Or as in 1996, top 4 teams qualify for quarter finals. The former may be better. In '96 the group stage was a tedious exercise where Aus and WI could afford to forfeit in Sri Lanka because they knew they'd qualify for the quarters. That would be less of a problem now - the minnows are better - but the easier it is to move forward, the less interesting it is. (and speaking personally, I couldn't have been happier to see India and Pakistan lose) Either way, 37 games in total. A much shorter cup. Brian, I think you’d find that would be 10 test teams 2. Except both Kenya and Ireland have ODI status now, and therefore should be included as well. If we want to get top teams playing minnows without clogging up the world cup then we should force everyone to qualify (the chances of India or Pakistan completely stuffing up a qualification group are pretty low).

Qualification: 8 groups of 4, playing 6 games each in the seeded team’s home country. Top team qualifies, second teams play off against each other over 3 games. Sure, it’s inconvenient for the test teams, and there would be a number of thrashings, but it gets a lot of teams playing a high level cricket, and should fund itself.

World Cup: 2 groups of 6. either top 2 teams qualify for a group of 4, top 2 teams play the final. Or as in 1996, top 4 teams qualify for quarter finals. The former may be better. In ‘96 the group stage was a tedious exercise where Aus and WI could afford to forfeit in Sri Lanka because they knew they’d qualify for the quarters. That would be less of a problem now - the minnows are better - but the easier it is to move forward, the less interesting it is. (and speaking personally, I couldn’t have been happier to see India and Pakistan lose) Either way, 37 games in total. A much shorter cup.

]]> By: Brian http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364459 Brian Mon, 30 Apr 2007 05:52:27 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364459 Fdb, I did read your comments and wilful's and in an ideal world that's fine. In the real world, where the money that world cricket operates on comes from India and the sub-continent, I'm saying that they'll devise a system that keeps the Indians and Pakis in. So I was recognising this reality and trying to go from there. Fdb, I did read your comments and wilful’s and in an ideal world that’s fine.

In the real world, where the money that world cricket operates on comes from India and the sub-continent, I’m saying that they’ll devise a system that keeps the Indians and Pakis in. So I was recognising this reality and trying to go from there.

]]> By: Craig Mc http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364455 Craig Mc Mon, 30 Apr 2007 05:41:46 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364455 Well done Australia. The team copped a lot of crap after fumbling the two summer series earlier this year, but the showed - once again - that they know what they're doing. Further, that they are the greatest one-day cricket team ever. So long Glenn, and thanks for all the wickets. 1. ICC funds facilities with lights and ideally, roofs for holding WC finals. 2. or ICC has power over broadcasters to reschedule games shortened by rain. 3. Play-offs for world cup places. 4. Have umpires and officials on the same page in not-so-exceptional circumstances. 5. Expendable robots as Pakistani coaches. Well done Australia. The team copped a lot of crap after fumbling the two summer series earlier this year, but the showed - once again - that they know what they’re doing. Further, that they are the greatest one-day cricket team ever. So long Glenn, and thanks for all the wickets.

1. ICC funds facilities with lights and ideally, roofs for holding WC finals.
2. or ICC has power over broadcasters to reschedule games shortened by rain.
3. Play-offs for world cup places.
4. Have umpires and officials on the same page in not-so-exceptional circumstances.
5. Expendable robots as Pakistani coaches.

]]> By: FDB http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364454 FDB Mon, 30 Apr 2007 05:31:16 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364454 Oops, comment in moderation due to use of email address that Akismet hates. Oops, comment in moderation due to use of email address that Akismet hates.

]]> By: FDB http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364453 FDB Mon, 30 Apr 2007 05:21:19 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364453 Brian: <blockquote>how about a 12-team comp with all test playing nations included?</blockquote> Entrenched heirarchy anyone? One of the purposes of one-day cricket is to get interest globally for the game, without the necessity of building a test squad and teaching the punters the joys of the 5 day game - let's face it, an acquired taste. So no way on that score - if a team plays badly, they're out. See <a href="http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364409" rel="nofollow">me</a> above and wilful's <a href="http://larvatusprodeo.net/2007/04/30/australia-wins-world-cup-and-nobody-cares/#comment-364414" rel="nofollow">refinement</a>. <blockquote>On bowlers, I like the five by 10 overs each because you do need more than one or two good ones. </blockquote> Can't say I'm with you there either. We should let a superstar bowler from a mediocre country really shine to inspire fans and give them a fighting chance. The tradeoff is they'd be bowling shorter-tailed outfits (as everyone cuts down to 3 specialised bowlers) but still, I reckon it's pie-chuckers that really destroy a lower-ranked team. Brian:

how about a 12-team comp with all test playing nations included?

Entrenched heirarchy anyone? One of the purposes of one-day cricket is to get interest globally for the game, without the necessity of building a test squad and teaching the punters the joys of the 5 day game - let’s face it, an acquired taste.

So no way on that score - if a team plays badly, they’re out. See me above and wilful’s refinement.

On bowlers, I like the five by 10 overs each because you do need more than one or two good ones.

Can’t say I’m with you there either. We should let a superstar bowler from a mediocre country really shine to inspire fans and give them a fighting chance. The tradeoff is they’d be bowling shorter-tailed outfits (as everyone cuts down to 3 specialised bowlers) but still, I reckon it’s pie-chuckers that really destroy a lower-ranked team.

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