Now, call me cynical, but surely amputating part of your body is not the best physical preparation for a World Cup? I don’t think it’s a simple case of “lop it off, couple of paracetamol, back to hitting sixes”. I think he’s underestimating how important all his little pinkies are to the control of a cricket bat.

“If it means cutting the finger off, if that’s the worse-case scenario, if that’s the last resort, I’ll do that, there’s no way I’m missing this,” he told NZPA.

(Source)

I suppose you have to admire his patriotism and his determination, but it sounds bloody ridiculous to me.

Post from: EveryJoe

Cut my finger off and call me Jacob

This is, however, good news for England, who are in the same group as New Zealand. With Kenya and Canada as the other opponents, England must surely be favourites to win their group.

Which is one thing I never thought I’d be saying about England’s one day side.

Post from: EveryJoe

Oram out

Umpire Steve Davis

I’m not sure what it is, but there’s something about Umpire Steve Davis that I don’t like. I think the first thing is that I have absolutely no idea who he is. He has somehow appeared on the International scene without so much of a word of warning. The second thing is that in today’s ODI between England and New Zealand, he made a lot of mistakes. But thirdly, and most importantly, it’s his name. Steve Davis. In my book there is only ONE Steve Davis, and to non-snooker fans this might not make a lot of sense, but it’s former gazillion-time World Snooker Champion, the one, the only, the carrot-top himself… Steve Davis. So it turns out that Umpire Steve Davis has umpired some 50 odd ODI’s, but I don’t care. He will never compare to Snooker’s Steve Davis, so he needs to either step out of the limelight, or pay a visit to Mr Deed Poll.

Daniel Vettori

How good is this guy? I’ve always been cynical of him, I’m not sure why, but I think it’s because he looks funny. And his funny-looking-ness is only as a result of his glasses. Which is ironic considering I’m as bespectacled as he is. But there’s something about a cricketer, well, any sports player, wearing glasses. It’s just not becoming. (Yes, I’m not mentioning Vettori’s dodgy new lip-warmer.)

Jacob Oram

Where did this guy come from? Apparently he was really good for NZ, and then got injured, and now he’s back. Well, I’ve chosen to block the first part from my memory so I can only base my opinion of him on this series. But he’s an absolute animal. He has absolutely no respect for any bowler, and rightly smashes anything that’s on a good or bad length. And usually for six. He’s a lot of fun to watch, moreso than KP or Gilchrist. And he’s backing it up with his fielding after a couple of top quality catches.

David Lloyd

David Lloyd is nothing less than a total legend when it comes to commentating. Those of you who do not watch their cricket on Sky Sports are honestly missing out. He’s pure quality. For example, as Peter Fulton ballsed up yet another catching chance, by choosing to use his head instead of catching the ball, Lloyd can initially be heard off-microphone laughing and saying:

[chuckle] “Ooh it’s ‘im on the ‘ead

he then comes on-microphone and says:

“Top corner, on me ‘ead son”

Comedy genius. So whilst the cricket might not be top class at the moment, at least there’s some good people about.

Post from: EveryJoe

It’s all about the people