Sunday, 8 July 2007

Ben on...NZ for WSC 08/09?

According to this article in The Australian, NZ and South Africa are pencilled in to play in Australia in 2008/9. Awesome. Unfortunately, the gist of the article is that the three teams might not compete in a tri-series because the international programme is just too crowded. The first real evidence that the 28-year old tournament is in jeopardy. This follows on from suggestions during the last series that the event may have had its day (something about 1/3 of the tournament featuring teams that aren't Australia being something of a problem).

It would be a real shame if the Australian tri-series weren't to happen. It really is a fantastic tournament. The victories and close losses in the World Series Cup are some of my best memories of cricket (and here are some of Mike's memories). It just the best ODI tournament out there – except maybe for the Chappell–Hadlee, but certainly better than the World Cup. Long may it continue.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh stink! :-( I love the tri series and look forward to it every year, I agree in that I reckon its the best ODI tournament in existence. It would suck big time if it didn't go ahead.

Tim said...

As an Englishman, the tri-series victory a few months ago is probably my most abiding memory of one-day international cricket. It would be a great shame to see it go - the same has happened in England, for the same reasons.

I am attempting to pick the 'Greatest Test XI' (from those who made their debuts in 1908 or later) and it would be great to get your imput (http://third-umpire.blogspot.com/search/label/Greatest%20Test%20XI) The only Kiwi on the 28-man final shortlist is Richard Hadlee.

Unknown said...

For Tim: Have 5 great batsmen (Bradman, RG Pollock, JB Hobbs, Kevin Pietersen, George Headley). You have wanted that the list should contain only players who made debut after 1908 and so it leaves out Francis Jackson. Then you have the best test match keeper i.e. Wally Grout. Add to this list 2 great all-rounders (Trevor Goddard, Gary Sobers) and 3 genuinely great bowlers (Murali, Croft and Garner). Now you need a 12th man who is not a keeper but a great fielder / catcher. Go for Eknath Solkar. You have a list. But your worry is who would be the skipper. Take Gary Sobers. As Vice Captain you take RG Pollock. No problems.

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