Cricket = Action = Art

Not Even Close

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:32:00 +0000

That was the run out, and the game.

I do hope this doesn't become one of those lengthy winter tours where The England limps from one headline to another.

Dodgy Reception

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:14:00 +0000

But very important. The Black Caps may have lost focus but they were able to sharpen up when it really mattered. The series was eventful enough to make me wish there was another game or two instead of the up coming hit and giggle.

Ask And You Shall Receive

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:55:00 +0000

Classic Vettori appeal if just a little stylised.

He may have been asking for an LBW or just pleading for someone to get Aamir out!

Drive On

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:44:00 +0000

OK, I would normally do an image of one of the winners but I just happen to like the strength of this photo. Besides we have all seen plenty of Ponting surpressing his glee.

This is one of those series which is setting things up for some great battles in the future - I just hope they finally get my Sky on so I can watch!

Trumper Enhanced

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:36:00 +0000

A recent Cricinfo article sent me back to one of the great historical cricket images to see if I could give old Vic Trumper a tweak. In the end I just cleaned up the image a little - it is hard to improve on the damn near perfect.

This Little Piggy

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:06:00 +0000

Cheer up Styro the great thing about being an allrounder is you can stuff up batting and then come back and take a crucial three wicket bag.

Green And Gold Group Grope

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:39:00 +0000

Seems like this series is developing a bit of momentum and excitement, despite the lack of enthusiam from all us jaded bloggers. I guess that is another reason why they play the game rather than just read about it.

Orange Moon, Orange Moon

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:01:00 +0000

Those of you who saw the original photo on cricinfo probably anticipated it's appearance on this blog.

There certainly is a surreal element to NZ v Pakistan in Abu Dhabi which this image does nothing to dispel. Queenstown or Karachi, it is not.

The moon's resemblance to a cricket ball is, I am sure, purely coincidental.

The Eyes Have It, Again

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:19:00 +0000

The enigmatic Afridi contemplates yet another demoralisation of the Kiwis.

The Black Caps only chance to even things up is to put Vettori and Afridi head to head and let the rest just watch. It would make it more interesting for the bookies as well.

A Bit Of Fizz

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:35:00 +0000

Young Bollinger displays some bubble and sparkle in taking one of his three wickets.

The potential for PUNishment is great - any one care to contribute their ideas or thoughts on a champagne series? Or has your glass gone flat?

Mr Bingle

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Posting may be a little patchy over the next week as I am moving house to a no braodband environment.

Couldn't resist this little charmer - sultry and sweet - you decide which is which.

Might And Power

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:34:00 +0000

The old adage of class being permanent was proved once again by MS Dhoni. In full flight he is a powerful sight - frightening if you happen to be the bowler.

Six - Four - Hop

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:31:00 +0000

"He was a great man and a tremendous man to umpire with. He was a good bloke, he'll be sadly missed."

Yes Dickie Bird, he will be.

Thank God for the characters of cricket and thanks for David Shepherd.

Rampant Pinkos

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:39:00 +0000

Just when you thought Bangladesh were a star on the rise they get extinguished by Zimbabe. Or could it be that the boys in pink are the rising stars?

Either way, watch your backs West Indies.

The Enthusiasm Of Youth

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:53:00 +0000

There is a lot of tiredness in the cricket blososphere at the moment. Too many average games in the between seasons period seems to have left us a little jaded.

Time to look at it all through someone elses eyes. Every time I have visited Cricinfo in the last few days this image has caught my attention. If you forgive the barbed wire this is a picture of hope for our game.

Consistently Unorthodox

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:46:00 +0000

Harbhajan Singh can't help himself, he just has to do it his way. The Ausies do bring out the "best" in him and it was almost enough in the first ODI.

Can't wait to see what they get up to next time round.

When Fantasies Collide

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Tom Brady at the Oval! Two of my great loves, the Patriots and cricket, coming together in a very strange way. God knows what each would make of the other.

Now if they could work some single malt whisky into the scene my day dream would be complete.

The Secret Diary of Andy Moles, Aged 48 And A Bit

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:05:00 +0000

In the best traditions of Web 2.0 how about you all contribute to the thoughts of Coach Moles - just leave a comment.

Monday - the little players have been picking on me.

Tuesday - Dan says he is my friend, but I am not so sure. Today they all stopped laughing when I arrived at the team meeting!

Wednesday - I have started sniffing balls to make myself feel better. It doesn't seem to be working.

Thursday -Mr Vaughan says the NZC have complete confidence in me.

Friday - I am fired!

Saturday - Looks like I get a year or two on full pay - and I don't even have to watch the Black Caps play.

The Gong Show

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:26:00 +0000

When you think about it the MBE is a very appropriate award for Graeme Hick, as there is no doubting he is a child of the Empire. He has lived and played in a good number of the old colonies.

As appropriate might have been a Distinguished Service Medal for a guy who has played one hell of a lot of cricket.

The Bolt

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:48:00 +0000

If there is one thing that West Indies cricket needs right now it is a shot of Usain Bolt. Talent and charisma are in short supply, so bring in the real deal.

Actually a round of electro shock treatments for the WICB wouldn't be a bad idea either.

The Big Ugly

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:37:00 +0000

No disrespect to Brett Dorey but it is good to see an image of an "old fashioned" style of cricketer. Seems you have to go to Aussie to find any non hit and dance cricket at the moment.

Begone Spring, roll on Summer!

Remember The West Indian Titans

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:38:00 +0000

The first in an occasional series to remind ourselves that the Windies were once Titans who bestrode the cricket world and scared the hell out of everyone.

RR was just one of what seemed like a production line of powerhouse batsman.

It would be great to think they could rise again.

Mystery Stylist - revealed

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Who is this mysterious left handed stylist?

He is obviously the product of some good coaching.

And now Andy Flower is a pretty good coach himself.

Big Red

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:45:00 +0000

Young Alister McDermott shows some form and some Queensland Red fire.

A slightly redder chip than the original old block the young fella shows the strongest genetic echo in the way he applies that zinc!

The Truly Artistic

mdrav@clear.net.nz (Martyd) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:52:00 +0000

Not one of mine but the work of a real artist, one Jane Kellahan. Jane is a Kiwi who managed to win the $20,000 first prize in the inaugural Australasian Cricket Art Prize. It was judged, and will hang, at the SCG.

Seems the aussie judges were not told who had painted what, which is why they ended up giving the dosh to a Kiwi lady who doesn't actually like sport. Not a bad old picture though.