Ricky Ponting has been interviewed by the UK's Daily Telegraph. Amongst other things, he has said "what I would not have is the minnow nations in the World Cup and the Champions' Trophy, and I would not have Bangladesh and Zimbabwe playing Tests at present."
I understand his sentiments but do not agree with him. I would rather see a two, or even three, tier system. Australia, who are light years better, shouldn't have to play Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. But Bangladesh and Zimbabwe can be competitive against each other and currently against the West Indies. And in one-day tournaments can pull off shocks, like the win against Australia last year.
Friday, 17 February 2006
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Something that I have been thinking of is a tiered system with soft boundaries.
For example, with the current 10 test teams, perhaps the top two ranked teams would not be obliged to play the bottom four teams and the top four teams would not be obliged to play the bottom two teams.
This example might be unworkable and I certainly don't know how it might be put into practice, but it would largely maintain the current schedule, while replacing the mismatches with competitions between more evenly matched teams.
The problem I have with hard tiers is that it would comdemn Bangladesh and Zimbabwe to playing too little quality cricket to allow them to improve. They may not actually learn much from being thrashed by Australia, but probably learn quite a bit by being beaten by New Zealand.
If you take the example of the New Zealand rugby NPC, the best second division sides are almost never good enough to get into the 1st division, which is why the NZRU has scrapped promotion into the new 1st division (or premier division).
The example of Sri Lanka is also instructive. I can't imagine them being where they are now without having had the opportunity to play the better teams. In fact, I think it was probably the tour of Australia under Ranatunga when they really became a world class team.
I also worry where New Zealand might end up in a tiered system. We are doing well now and could fight our way even higher in the table, but there have been many periods where we would not belong in the premier tier.
Something has to be done to help promote the likes of Zimbabwe and Bangladesh to greater heights, however I'm unsure how effective the tiered system would be. Put Australia aside and there isn't really one other test side that has shown any consistency to cement themselves up there at the top for any great length of time.
This would then throw the tiered system into slight disarray, especially if the rankings continue to change as quickly as they have been doing over the last 24 to 26 months!
sorry, should read "24 to 36 months"
Sorry to spam (in a sense) but could you guys give me your opinion of playing conditions in Wellington for the 1st ODI tomorrow please? Got weather but keen to know anything you could tell me about the nature of the wicket and the outfield.
Finding it quite hard to find up to date news about NZ or WI squads, injuries etc. Why didn't Sarwan play last night? How is Dwayne Bravo?
Really enjoyed your blog.
Conditions should be good. The Wellington wicket at the new stadium had a patchy start but has been a belter in recent matches and we have had warm, dry weather for a week or so now. With two weakish bowling attacks (Bond apart) we should see plenty of runs scored.
No news on Bravo yet, but Sarwan should be fit to play. He wanted to play in the Twenty20 match but management decided to give him another couple of days to rest up.
Thanks very much indeed Mike. I think I'd put NZ runs over/under at 270 batting first, and WI at 220. The Windies bowling attack looks like it could fall apart pretty easily - I'm a fan of Bond and Franklin as a pair. Styris and Astle have put the squeeze on effectively in the middle overs in the past if the ball proves hard to get away. Were WI's top order to see off the openers then we could have a game.
In England batting second under lights is almost always a major disadvantage. This isn't true in the subcontinent, where captains freqently opt to chase under lights. Looking at the stats for the WestPac I'd say that there are several close chases between competitive sides but that batting second seems to be a definite negative.
Having a great time in NZ and looking forward to the game today.
Thanks
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