The Shinier, Newer Cricket Pavilion
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 1:33 am
A very disappointing result in the first test for NZ. It seems that we have a ODI team trying to play tests. A run-a-ball 40 or so is simply not what is required when batting to save a test. It's all well and good "playing your natural game" if your natural game is one that might actually help your team but sometimes you need to harden up and show some grit.
For instance, my natural game is to avoid getting out for long as possible, principally by flatly refusing to hit the ball unless absolutely necessary. I have perfected a variety of artistically flourished leaves, along with an off-drive for a single and a slap behind point for the loose one. However, yesterday I played as a ringer in my first ever competitive, inter-club T20 (for a mate of my brother). Having been out of the game for a several seasons, it took a little while to get my eye in (coming in at 5) but after seeing off my first over without risking getting caught (or, indeed, scoring any runs) my new team mates kindly reminded me that run rates were considered important in this crass version of the game. So I abandoned my natural game and soon found myself compulsorily retired on 30* at better than a run a ball. Having been a 2-day man throughout my club days, I was pleased to have doubled my career tally of sixes, by launching one into the carpark at a straightish long on and, most satisfyingly, a firmly struck (but not over-hit) lofted straight drive, right over the bowler's head to knock a good chunk of paint off the tin wall of the Browns Bay Racquets Club clubrooms. Not bad for a comeback match in an unfamiliar format, I thought. It was also the first time that I played in same team as, and batted with, my brother which was pretty special.
For instance, my natural game is to avoid getting out for long as possible, principally by flatly refusing to hit the ball unless absolutely necessary. I have perfected a variety of artistically flourished leaves, along with an off-drive for a single and a slap behind point for the loose one. However, yesterday I played as a ringer in my first ever competitive, inter-club T20 (for a mate of my brother). Having been out of the game for a several seasons, it took a little while to get my eye in (coming in at 5) but after seeing off my first over without risking getting caught (or, indeed, scoring any runs) my new team mates kindly reminded me that run rates were considered important in this crass version of the game. So I abandoned my natural game and soon found myself compulsorily retired on 30* at better than a run a ball. Having been a 2-day man throughout my club days, I was pleased to have doubled my career tally of sixes, by launching one into the carpark at a straightish long on and, most satisfyingly, a firmly struck (but not over-hit) lofted straight drive, right over the bowler's head to knock a good chunk of paint off the tin wall of the Browns Bay Racquets Club clubrooms. Not bad for a comeback match in an unfamiliar format, I thought. It was also the first time that I played in same team as, and batted with, my brother which was pretty special.