Idle cricket musing

[Ted Max]

Brendan, it's the same as tennis really. You think you've got a stinker, you appeal. You won't make frivolous appeals because then you lose your chance when you really need it. It's all over quite quickly and it was seen as diffusing dissent in recent trials.

I think there is merit in telling players the umpire's word is final, and to get on with it on that basis. And at all other levels of the game that is what does, and should, happen.

But when you get a situation where within 30 seconds of a decision everyone in the ground, and watching on TV, knows it's the wrong one, then there is a problem.

No system will get every decision right. But I'd argue you want to try and get as many right as you can, whilst keeping the spirit and flow of the game alive.

EDITED for spelling and to add a missing "other"

[Brendan]

Yeah but it leaves the opportunity open for the players to manipulate the game. Here?s what I would do:

All LBWs, stumpings and runouts are decided by the 3rd umpire. The 3rd umpire starts to make his decision as soon at the players appeal and then relays it to the on field umpire who informs the players.

Catches can be referred to the 3rd umpire by the on field umpire on his discretion.

Any funny business or argument from the players results in them getting publicly kicked in the pants by all the match officials after the game and receiving a warning letter from the ICC telling them to grow the fuck up.

[Ted Max]

Yeah but it leaves the opportunity open for the players to manipulate the game.

I don't see how. They're only asking for a second opinion.

[Brendan]

What if you could force a draw if the game gets stopped and time, bad light or rain are threatening. You have 4 appeals left. So you appeal every decision the umpire makes, after mucking about for 5 minutes conferring with your wikky and vice captain etc.

[Ted Max]

Seems an unlikely situation. Even so, umpires are still in control of the match, can enforce spirit of the game etc. Pakistan delayed and delayed vs England in Karachi (2001?) and ended up fielding in total darkness because of it.

[MelbourneGr]

At least we won't get captains, players, coaches and fans complaining about decisions that went against them.

[Brendan]

I don't feel it is for the players to have any say in the decisions making process. Use technology to get the right decision by all means but the players are there to play not get involved with the umpiring. Or to be all precious and cry about it when a decision goes against them for that matter.

[MelbourneGr]

Fair point. I think with the increasing number of players that have a tendency to claim catches when the ball has bounced or stay at the crease when they know they have nicked the ball, it might reduce the number of players trying their luck. I don't know if the batting side can make referrals? If they can't it would probably be a bad idea as it will only add to the pressure on the batsmen.

[Ted Max]

Good news for all right thinking cricket fans everywhere: Australia currently 4-52 chasing over 500.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Oh dear. I am very touched by their plight.

[Brendan]

diddums.

Watch 'em block it out now. How many hours of play ar left?

[Ted Max]

36 scheduled overs today, and 90 tomorrow.

Mind you, if this is what India are doing to the Aussies, England may well get a proper horsing out there later this year. Will probably be glad it's only a two test "series".

[Ingenuity]

I think blocking out on a turning pitch with quality seamers moving the ball and getting reverse swing is a bit much even for the Aussies at 75-5 and over a day to play.

And yes England may have a tough series too but Flintoff can reverse it and Panesar can get good turn... 2 skills the Aussies dont seem to have at the minute.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

see what Pietersen can look forward to!

[Brendan]

Suppose it is fitting considering that it is his mum who is the english one.

[Brendan]

(Tasteless joke warning)

- Kashmir?s bowling attack prepare for their upcoming series against India.

http://photos.mg.co.za/view_photo.php?pid=4494&gid=292

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

yes, but funny.

[david_carnell]

He's got the same action as Malinga.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

34 for 5 doesn't bode well.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Not a promising start.

I do think men are more exquisitely bitchy than women. The whole of the Radio 4 commentating team managed to accuse Yuvraj of cheating without being explicit.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

From the CricketLive commentary:

Over 50: Broad 0-1-4-1-2-1 : 387-5 - And finally the misery is over, I've not been that happy to see something come to a climax since I had the misfortune to go and pay to watch Miss Congeniality at the cinema.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

17 for 2. What a load of cobblers.

Hello - anyone else out there? Am I carrying the weight of England's anguish on my shoulders alone?

[Ted Max]

I hear you, PGC.

I'm afraid this one was coming. England seem to have done not much in preparation since dealing with the Saffers in the ODIs. And Yuvraj was on a mission after a difficult time recently.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

If they'd done less farting around chasing money instead of glory, they might have been better prepared.

[Ted Max]

That wasn't their fault, to be fair (Brian).