Tractor's Thoughts and Tantrums

Should The Ashes be free to air?

2010-01-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Whoops! I obviously got a bit swept up in the last Ashes fever and then....er....just became a bit lazy about updating this blog! In all honesty, I was planning to update it earlier but didn't want to tread on Midnight's Tour Diary toes. However, the fact that he is still on tour and I am back at work has forced me to do anything I can to feel reconnected with cricket! I will, though, try to avoid either thoughts or tantrums related to the current tour.

BBC news today carries a report that the future of cricket broadcasting will be made before the upcoming general election. For any of you non-politicos, that's 3 June at the latest but potentially a month or so earlier. The real debate concerning cricket is whether home Ashes series will be shown on free to air TV, or whether it will remain, as with all other cricket, off the 'Crown Jewels' list and consigned to pay TV (Sky Sports, unless a subscription broadcasting mutiny takes place).

When, after the home Ashes in 2005, the realisation that such scenes would not be available to all for viewing, most spectators were gutted: some on principle, some just because they liked Channel 4 coverage. For a while, other media chappies joined in with the masses' argument: take away tours, take away all other series, but don't take away our Ashes! But, as happens, the story was dropped. As it rears its head again now, I keep hearing the ECB's complaints that removing Sky funding will have a massively detrimental effect on the Counties and grass roots cricket.

Obviously Sky's money has done good things for English cricket. But how much damage has been done because so many supporters and potential supporters can't watch the game? Yes, plenty of people do have Sky, and Sky Sports at that, but how do you come to the game otherwise? We currently have a situation where you can only be introduced to cricket by a parent, who provides pay TV for their children. Wouldn't it be nice if young people could discover it for themselves? Or maybe I'm just being idealistic. I fear I've asked too many questions, rather than answered them.

As a romantic traditionalist I would prefer cricket to be shown on terrestrial TV. I thought Channel 4 did a fantastic job not just of broadcasting the live games but encouraging new viewers to the game through their analysis and jargon-busting segments. They even led Sky in many ways through their innovative coverage. However, I don't see the point in only showing five tests every four years on free to air channels. Either the public loves cricket, and the advertising will recoup some of the bidding costs, or it truly is a minority sport that needs the dedicated coverage (County cricket as well as non-England internationals) and financial input that Sky can provide.

When the time for the decision making comes, what I would really like to be compulsory is not free to air broadcasting of home Ashes series, but a daily highlights package of all England games, T20, ODIs and Tests, both home and away, against all opponents. This keeps the money in the English game, whilst allowing viewers to catch up on the team's on-field exploits. A 45 minute slot, with analysis and interviews included, would be much more watchable than Sky's two-hour highlights marathons that take up far too much of busy viewers' time.

Big Win, Big Dutchmen and Big Brother

2009-06-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

Some have called it the worst ever day for English cricket.

I think that's going too far. Last night's defeat was silly and highlighted yet again England's arrogance in thinking theoretically weaker opponents will just roll over and be beaten.

England's innings started well, with the openers giving us a good base to build on in the later overs. As the halfway point passed we were still no closer to the sort of big hitting that Twenty20 requires. In fact I have to say I found our innings quite boring - I even, shamefully, resorted to watching 5 minute snippets of Big Brother Launch Night on Sky+ then flicking back onto the cricket and could calculate quite easily that I hadn't missed any boundaries. And if England thought they shouldn't send in Key at 3 to hit the big shots, why oh why did they think it was better to send him in at 6 to face just 8 balls? The glowing 0 in the 6 column of England's scorecard could tell anybody that our chances of winning were slim.

Bowling-wise England were not outstanding, but they cannot be blamed for our defeat in this game. The selection of Rashid over Swann is one I can't understand; others have said Rashid's economy rate of 9 an over is not shameful - but when the initial run rate was less than 9 I think he should be pretty disappointed.

Fielding was, I believe, the area that let England down. We have a side full of excellent fielders but the whole England side seemed to panic when they realised they were actually going to have to fight to win this game. We had plenty of opportunities for runouts that could have ended the game and to lose on overthrows really says it all. That is not to say I blame Stuart Broad for shying at the stumps; it was the right thing to do but from that distance he really should have hit!

What I will say is that despite my high heartrate, I really enjoyed the Dutch innings. It was tremendously exciting and BB forgotten as their tenacious batsmen operated on the basis of 'no dot balls' with big shots thrown in as well. And I couldn't help but be pleased for the Associate side and feel their excitement as they twitched and trembled on the boundary during the last couple of overs.

The Netherlands thoroughly deserved their win. England were poor and the Dutch were better. What remains to be seen now is whether England are capable of regrouping and pushing the boundaries, both literally and metaphorically, in the match against Pakistan and, hopefully, beyond.

Windies down, Aussies to go!

2009-05-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that Ricky 'Gary Pratt running me out was unfair' Ponting has started his pre-Ashes mind games. Targeting Andrew Strauss and repeatedly referring to the Aussies as a 'better side' might trouble some of the newer players in the England side but hopefully most of the England boys know better and can focus on their own game.

There were many positive to take from the series against the West Indies, and obviously some areas for the ECB to look at more closely.

You can only feel for Durham, who were unable to lower ticket prices despite low demand and could do nothing to control the miserable weather (which was fabulous oop north in April). It's disappointing to see such low turnouts, especially when there is a sizable population in the north east who could have gone to watch. The only reason for such low turnouts, which affected Lord's as well, is the ludicrous cost of tickets. Administrators harp on about the low cost of the cheapest tickets, but they seem to be judging by last season's standards rather than looking at the real situation facing cricket supporters. If people are willing to spend the cost of a short holiday abroad to buy a couple of tickets for Ashes matches later in the summer, they have no chance of buying tickets for the early season freeze-fests too.

I am almost ashamed to say it, but I actually breathed a sigh of relief when England finished off the West Indies at Lord's on the Friday night because it saved me a good £80 for Saturday's ticket (£40), transport, food and drink costs. That has made me slightly less worried about the four £60 tickets I bought for Headingley in a moment of weakness!

Ravi Bopara showed himself off as a class batsman, along with Alistair Cook who finally got past his blip of not converting 50s into 100s. Stuart Broad was rewarded for his tenacity in the Caribbean and Anderson finally became the strike bowler he deserves to be. There is really no need to mention Graeme Swann's cemented position as England's top spinner. Onions slotted in nicely and although Bresnan did not star in his two tests, England still line up a solid looking side.

No, we have not got Jones, Hoggard, Harmison or (probably) Flintoff like we did in 2005. But repeating that fact is not going to change it.

In fact, I agree wholeheartedly with Boycott (this is worryingly starting to happen more and more!) who thinks England should be confident that they can compete with the Aussies, but not get carried away with high expectations.

Cricket Season is Here!

2009-04-10T11:00:00.001-07:00

For those of us who, for financial, work or family commitments, were unable to travel to the Windies for the recent tour, cricket season is finally here. The traditional curtain-raiser to the English cricket season (current champions vs MCC) started on Thursday, although the weather allowed no play today.

Durham shape up without Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood or even little bro Harmy, but the MCC on the other hand have lined up a crowd-inducing side. Michael Vaughan, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Jamie Foster, Sajid Mahmood and Adil Rashid (who played last year, and I tramped along, paid £20 to the MCC, all in the hope of watching him bowl, only to be distracted by wine. To be fair, it was the only worthwhile distraction given the atrocious weather.)

I will be rolling up to Lord's again tomorrow, keeping faith that the start of the cricket season means the start of summer, which means Tractor is able to get the bikinis out and start swapping fake tan for the real thing. Bliss. But it's almost like the gods don't fancy cricket. Or maybe just not during Holy Week.

Speaking of which, it's hard to help thinking dear old KP has some sort of Jesus complex: I come among you, hitting centuries and healing English cricket; but the authorities decide to get rid of me, and the public largely agree to 'crucify' me in the press and Harriet Harman's Court of Public Opinion; I preach about England players needing to hit more boundaries, but it does little use, the public only turn against me. Will I be resurrected as Twenty20 captain? Or will that new prophet, Rob Key (he seems to resemble the Buddha actually) take over?

Apologies to any who may have been offended by that little tangent - none was intended.

I am hoping to see Vaughan bat tomorrow at the home of cricket, and do think there is room for him in an Ashes-winning England side, if he is able to return to the form he struck in 2003. I think he did a cracking job with England, although I think he stepped back at the right time in the knowledge that he was dropping out of form.

I'm desperately hoping for a resurgent England team that might just be able to win in South Africa and heal some of the wounds I still bear from 2005.

Here's hoping the gods forgive us cricket fans tomorrow and let us get some play in, even if it's freezing. Lord knows we'll need it after paying a fortune for the privilege of being among the 30 spectators in the ground.

Tantrums in the Windies

2009-02-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

Throughout the first Test at Sabina Park there were repeated comments in the media about 'trouble in the dressing room'. It seems to be one of those open secrets among journalists, who know all about the situation but, for whatever reasons, don't come out with the details. I suppose they need to keep a good relationship with the players and the management structure, but it's frustrating because really it just creates further rumours about what is really going on.

There is plenty for England to learn after the debacle in Jamaica; whether the so-called factions in the team can unite to learn these lessons is not so certain. Naturally, there is further speculation about Ian Bell's place in the side. Personally, I like him as a batsman, and I don't think removing him alone will paper over the cracks in our team. It could, however, send out the clear signal that no-one is safe in this team, no-one's place is guaranteed. We seem to be slipping back into the days of Duncan Fletcher's clique, and the role of the captain in cricket, as opposed to a manager/coach in football or rugby, makes it much harder for captain and coaching staff to select the best possible side.

Shah's inclusion might not automatically reverse England's fortunes, but the England team management must be seen to be making changes. The selection of Panesar, too, has been thrown into doubt by his further inability to vary his bowling, especially under pressure. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an automatic replacement for Monty; this speaks as much about the state of cricket in England and Wales as the internal workings of the England team.

For me, the real reason England were humiliated by this West Indies side is that they believed their own hype, just as they did after the fantastic Ashes win in 2005. The print and broadcast media barely concealed their expectations of a crushing win for England, constantly referring to the statistic that the Windies had won only 2 of their last 30 tests. Our bowlers toiled, although clearly finding the conditions frustrating (not that they hampered the Caribbean Crew too much), but our batsmen shows their hosts no respect whatsoever. There seems to be a belief that England are better than most sides, which is patently not true.

If we are to challenge the West Indies in the next three tests, the players and management need to realise quickly that they are only as good as their last innings, to steal a footballing cliche. Dressing room feuds need to be treated the same way schoolboy fallouts would be, and the eleven individuals in the pavillion need to realise that they play a team game. If they don't like it, they can forfeit their contracts and go play in the IPL. Obviously the ECB needs to try to keep their assets playing for England, but I am a fan and want no-one playing and earning for England if they aren't fully committed.

Hope those of you here in Blighty enjoyed the snow and, just for a moment, weren't too envious of the sunbathers in Kingston!

RIP Bill Frindall

2009-01-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

I'm sure articles and blogs about Bill Frindall's death will be popping up on cricket websites all around the world. He truly was an icon of cricket; his droll sense of humour always perfectly balanced out the school-boyish antics of his fellow TMS commentators, and even at his most gruff, he was still intensely loveable.

I used to score for my school and university cricket teams, and the 'Bearded Wonder' always did a lot to champion amateur scorers around the country. It is such a shame that this amazing man never had the chance to say goodbye, and to know how much he was loved and respected. Although he was being treated for Legionnaire's Disease, it has still come as a great shock to everybody, and all there is left to do is look back fondly on his life and career.

To coin a phrase, Thanks for the Memories

RIP xx

Tests vs Twenty20

2009-01-24T11:24:00.001-08:00

So the schedule for the tour of South Africa has been announced, as has the decision by a number of England players to take part in the early part of the IPL season this summer. As far as I can see, it's impossible to separate the two decisions, and they will both impact on the future of cricket, both in England and worldwide.

South Africa seemed to be a safe place to go and play a solid 5 test series. I have never heard anybody actually argue that it is better to play fewer tests, and last time we were in SA in 2004-5 the test series played out really nicely, despite a controversial draw in Durban. It seems that the ECB are fairly disgruntled by the itinerary, but until they come out and make clear their intentions to play meaningful series England's test hopes will be bulldozed by meaningless ODIs. Really, that's the most ridiculous part. I thought the cricket world had decided that 50 over internationals were dead. Twenty20 good, Tests good, gimmick-laden ODIs: bad.

Speaking of the upcoming tour, I'm already desperately trying to find the best value flights to fit in with school holidays and it's the return flights that are causing a problem, as the early birds are gambling and booking the latest flights back before the first day back at school. I'm now considering flying out early, possibly taking a little holiday in Namibia before flying into Durban, watching the test there then flying home on the cheapest flight I can get around New Year. Most England supporters will be celebrating the onset of 2010 (it's only just 2009!!) in Cape Town, overlooking the harbour and in the shadow of Table Mountain, and as I doubt Durban can compete with that, I may as well be mid-air if it saves me a bob or two.

So, Flintoff, Pietersen (confirmed) and Harmison (as yet only rumoured) have put themselves forward for the opening four weeks of the IPL. I object to this on a number of grounds:

1) 'Burnout' - people were just starting to take it seriously when the IPL came along and cricketers decided that it would be fine if they were paid more.

2) Given the extensive opportunities now available for international cricketers after retirement, there is simply no argument that players 'need the money'. I felt so let down by Paul Collingwood claiming that he 'needs to pay school fees' for his children, and haven't quite forgiven him for not being able to see the way most people live now. Fifteen years ago even some international cricketers were forced to have a winter job to stay afloat. Those days are gone.

3) I had been hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the England stars playing for their Counties before the international season started, given that I can't afford the £65 a day ticket prices for the summer test matches. How much money will counties lose out on because of lost players? Not just from gate revenues but from winning fewer matches without their best players.

4) No matter what anybody says, four days in England in preparation for the international test season is not enough, especially after four weeks slogging like mad.

Part of me wishes the ECB would take the moral highground and tell any player that if he wishes to play in the IPL, he must play in the whole tournament and forego his England career. I know it seems like shooting English cricket in the foot, but there are thousands of people who would give anything to play the game they love for the country they love, and this childish tantrum-throwing from the players feels like a slap in the face to the fans. Player power is important, and yes, we need to try to balance the long and shortest forms of the game, but when England's success in put in jeopardy, as it is by this selfish, showboating exhausting charade, the ECB should have the teeth to stand firm and take control.

Tantrum over, for now! Bring on the Windies series!

ECB Tantrums

2009-01-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a fairly busy week down at the ECB, and I haven't decided yet whether I'm surprised or not. Finding out exactly what had happened after I received a 'KP has resigned' text, with the sender not answering their phone for me to get the gossip, was hard, even if you did have internet access. The rumour mill went into overdrive, but so far it unfortunately seems that all the rumours were true.

KP was always a controversial choice for captain; the question hanging over his appointment was always, can he separate his love of himself from his love of the team? I have held my hands up over the last four years and admitted that maybe I was wrong to shout loudly for Graham Thorpe's inclusion in the 2005 Ashes Squad, but I feel like my concerns about KP's appointment were justified. To write (I say 'write'...) in the News of the World about the rift with Peter Moores went beyond what you expect from anyone in a team unit, let alone the captain.

To then go to the ECB and (allegedly) offer a 'him or me' ultimatum was about as badly misjudged as Monty's catch attempt in Mumbai a few years ago, and the ECB were absolutely right to tell him where to go - they shouldn't be bowing to anyone. It just made them look a bit silly when they then sacked Moores as well! Talk about shooting yourself in the foot, and just as the Aussies hit their weakest form in over a decade too! It certainly makes you shake your head in wonder.

Moving ahead, I can declare that I am 100% behind Straussy as the new captain. He has always been a favourite of mine, as I was at Lord's for his first test match and I really like the fact that he looks and sounds like an old fashioned cricketer. He even plays like one with those solid innings, and (forgive me for living in the past) that superman catch to remove Gilchrist at Trent Bridge will live forever. I'm not sure about his ODI form, but I don't think Collingwood could handle the pressure of captaincy and I can't see anyone else in the side whose place is guaranteed that could do it either. At least if it doesn't work out with Straussy in there, they can get rid of him from the ODI side without ruining his confidence and career, which I reckon is what would happen if they gave it to anyone else.

We all have to keep our fingers crossed now that England have a successful tour to the West Indies and can build up enough momentum and unity to have a real shot at the Ashes. After witnessing pretty much every ball of the last Ashes Down Under, I could do with some victories to wipe away the memories!

Most Hated Test Teams

2008-12-30T04:26:00.000-08:00

The day after England's recent defeat in Chennai, I met up with a couple of old friends from uni, and as soon as our philistine friend departed to the ladies', the topic of conversation quickly turned to our traditional 'debate': which are the most hated teams in Test Cricket?

I was over the moon watching India beat Australia - as a 24 year old, I only vaguely remember the very end of the West Indies' dominance of world cricket, and it's been all about Australia being bad winners ever since then. I have since been delighted by South Africa's series win Down Under, and how it has highlighted 'Cheer up Ricky' Ponting's deficiencies as a Test captain now he can't chuck the ball to Warney to terrorise batsmen at one end, and McGrath at the other.

I have struggled, though, to decide whether I am happy for South Africa or just sadistically enjoying the Aussies' pain (watching those 'hoons' at the MCG when Punter got out on 99 was hilarious!) I rate Australia as my No. 1 Most Hated Test Team (capitals required - this is serious business), closely followed by Pakistan (too much random appealing, Monty style, and basically a lot of cheating down the line). Then, controversially to some, especially my old uni friend, I rank South Africa as third Most Hated Test Team. I do admit that this has come about fairly recently - I have enjoyed two trips to South Africa, and confess to an undying love of Hansie Cronje. I've even started to like Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers for some unknown (physical?) reason! I think the real problem is Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis. Since hearing that most international cricketers despise Smith, aka The Worst Captain in the World, I completely independently decided that I should too. He always has that arrogant little snarl on his face, although judging by his current size, maybe it's just because he's hungry. Then there's Kallis, who almost took away my will to live whilst sunbathing at Newlands during England's last tour there in 2004-5 - he just could not have been any slower, and even the Saffers were bored of him.

Anyway, to return to purely cricketing reasons, India are fairly low down on my Most Hated list. Fair enough, Harbhajan Singh can be a little annoying, but I feel that Tendulkar, Dravid, Dhoni, and the rest are genuinely good guys. The other thing is, as Freddie has mentioned, it can only be good for world Test Cricket to have a successful India. With the BCCI pretty much running world cricket with the number of votes it commands at the ICC, Test fans need to have India on side. Funnily enough, I have a similar view of the inter-island Stanford Series in the West Indies, hoping that it might save young boys in the Carribean from the horrors of baseball and basketball and eventually help create a resurgent West Indian Test side.

For a moment, I was worried that the sole factor in compiling my Most Hated Test Teams list was success, and my jealousy as an England supporter of that success. But I have come to realise that it's not that at all; it's about the spirit in which cricket is played by these teams. To generalise: Australia are ungracious winners and worse losers; Pakistan are cheats; South Africa have been arrogant without cause. To my eyes, the rest of the Test-playing nations are a friendly, usually-gracious bunch, who try their best with respect and dignity, which is as it should be.

Until they're playing Australia, however: all's fair in love and cricket.