Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Did You Know a Test Match is about to get Underway?

After about a month of Slam Wham Bam, in just over 12 hours from now, cricket returns to its much more sedate roots of test cricket as the touring New Zealand side take on England.

The pure traditionalist cricket fan, who had to bear with the IPL frenzy and the "non-cricket" that is known as 20-20 cricket for the last month or so, will be delighted.

Whereas the pure modern day viewer would be so absorbed by the Indian Premier League, he wouldn't even know a test series is about to begin.

As for myself, a crazy cricket fan, any and all kinds of cricket is eagerly awaited and welcomed. The more the better. I'd switch and flip and chop and change and watch a bit of both with interest.

Which one are you?

The Pure Traditionalist?
The Modern Day Viewer?
The Crazy Cricket Fan?

Whichever one you are, I'll give you a few reasons as to why you should catch a bit of the action from the 1st test between England and New Zealand.

1. The England Summer

It's the first test of the summer, the first of the new cricket season, and it's at Lord's. You shouldn't need another reason. But I'll give you more anyway.

2. The Tim Southee

Three months ago, this boy was playing in the U19 World Cup and ended as its leading wicket taker.

Two months ago this boy made his test debut against England in New Zealand.

He picked up 5 wickets on his 1st day in test cricket.

On his 5th day in test cricket he played an entertaining knock of 77 with 9 sixes!

New Zealand produces very few exciting cricketers who are world class players and entertain at the same time. Chris Cairns, Nathan Astle, and Shane Bond are a few from the last decade. Tim Southee is one of the few for the next.

3. The Ross Taylor

He is another one for the next decade.

Taylor made his test debut late last year against South Africa and hit his maiden ton against England earlier this year. He was New Zealand's top scorer in that series.

He's a very exciting batsman as he showed during his several cameos in the IPL.

I reckon he will be the backbone of the Kiwis' batting line up for a long time to come.

4. The Kevin Pieterson

All I want to see is how badly is his blood boiling after watching his best friend Shane Warne and his enemy #1 Graeme Smith play for the same IPL franchise.

5. The Unknown

There are a number of unknowns in the New Zealand side. I'd be surprised if people outside NZ have heard of Aaron Redmond or Daniel Flynn.

Its always exciting to watch new talent at the the highest level of cricket.

6. The Underdog

A large section of the British media have termed this New Zealand side as the weakest ever team to tour England.

Sure the Kiwis are depleted without the big names like Fleming, Astle, McMillian, Styris, Vincent, Bond all playing in 20-20 leagues, but they can't be taken lightly. Can they?

There is always a certain charm associated with supporting the underdog. Everyone wants them to do well.

I am no different. I wish the Kiwis well. And I hope they prove the British media wrong by winning a test or two.

7. The Sportsfreak

Last but not least, Sportsfreak, the only Kiwi blogger around, is running a little competition on his website.

Its a competition for bloggers. The Likes of Uncle J from Cricket with Balls, Miss Field, and Suave from Republique Cricket are taking part. We are in it too.

These added on attractions like super selector games, fantasy cricket, bet365, bets with office colleagues, and Sportsfreak competition make a cricket series all the more exciting.

Root for Q, root for Well Pitched to win Sportsfreak's competition.

Root for the underdog, root for the Kiwis to win the test series. Or Draw it, that way I win too.

Make your pitch on this post...



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16 Pitched:

  1. Viswanathan said...
     

    I am with you Q. The Kiwis are going to put one over the English.

    Cheers.

  2. Anonymous said...
     

    Cut it out guys.

    Instead can you all please tell the English that a crushing victory is inevitable, they should totally dominate those dull NZers, and this is but preparation for their successful Ashes campaign next year….

    That’s our best hope. Thanks

  3. Q said...
     

    Come on LB, surely u have to have more faith in your own boys!

  4. straight point said...
     

    kiwi will pom pom the poms!!

  5. Anonymous said...
     

    Q thanks for putiing my site in your blog roll, I will also update my blogroll very soon.

    NZ will struggle in the test matches,they do not have an experienced bowling line up. But some of their younger players are quite exciting as you mentioned in your post.England cannot take them lightly.

  6. Q said...
     

    I don't think England will take them lightly but the Brit press has made a mockery out of them. I wish they bite their own back sides!

    McCullum's innings was outstanding.

  7. Anonymous said...
     

    Ohh, what an enjoyable day.

    KP got sawn off and looked very grumpy, Bell got worked over by Martin, and Ambrose padded up first ball…

    I do so love it when they get all paranoid and defensive like that 

  8. Q said...
     

    The Kiwis better not lose it from here LB. Lead of 57, 3 down, 80 overs to go. Lots of cricket left.

  9. Anonymous said...
     

    Never fret when we’re 3 down Q.

    Because you know that’s when our best batsmen are in… In retrospect, that 2 hours of Oram scratching around like a stoned giraffe in the first innings gradually finding some kind of form could prove to be significant.

    Congrats on the orange cap.

  10. Q said...
     

    Thank you LB :-)

  11. Anonymous said...
     

    What's the story with you and a NZ site in the past Q?

    I've got no idea what you and jrod are on about...

  12. Q said...
     

    Haha, there's no story with a NZ website LB.. I'm guessing JRod is just referring to the cricket and the upper hand that Pak has had over NZ in the past.

    I don't see any other reason :-)

  13. Anonymous said...
     

    Damn; I thought there was a juicy story behind it.

    Don’t worry; we’re used to it…

  14. Q said...
     

    Nah, no juicy story :-)

    Actually, u r the first person from NZ that I am actually interacting with. There are very few of you in the part of the world that I am in.

  15. Anonymous said...
     

    Not enough sheep in your part of the world Q…

  16. Q said...
     

    Haha, yeah that too.

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