Batter Up

Ishant Sharma steps to the plate.

In Major League Baseball in the States they are calling it the Year of the Pitcher, in Colombo it was just the week of the pitch.

Small But Mighty

Eion Morgan is in danger of becoming a cult hero.

• A six to reach your maiden test century.
• All the difficult shots.
• Little man verses the world.
• Success in all forms of the game.
• Good back story.

All things that will endear him to The England faithful and bandwagon jumpers every where.

Eion would do well to look at what has happened to some of the other cult heroes that have gone before - that might be where he "finds the fear" that he doesn't currently have at the crease.

Like A Fine Wine...

... he just keeps maturing.

Yesterday's image of the young master contrasts well with the veteran in this shot, still doing what he does best.

If Tendulkar was a wine, what variety would he be?

How Old Do You Feel?

If you can remember when this photo was taken the answer is too old. Spooky to think Sachin is still playing, perhaps despite the advice of his early mentors.

What year was this?

A New Star In The Cricket Constellation?

Tharanga Paranavitana.

A hell of a name and perhaps a hell of a player.

He sure has the measure of the Indian attack at present and it will be interesting to see how well he travels over the next year.

A Concerted Appeal

If you are going to ask you might as well be whole hearted about it.

Interestingly, this particular request was denied. Perhaps because the short mid on could not decide between appealing or picking his nose. A classic mixed signal.

Old School Rudi

Seems everything that happens at the moment is significant or historical. Must be the way the stars are aligned.

We bid farewell to Rudi with this image, although a smiling Rudi is not really the way I will remember him - but then I guess even umpires are kinda human.

The 800 Club Of One

Muttiah Muralitharan strides into retirement and history with the ever present smile on his face.

The sound you heard in the distance was the collective sigh of a thousand batsman.

Pakistan Finds A New Home

Fancy that, Pakistani's feeling at home in Leeds!

The photo, from the good people at AFP, shows that Pakistan cricket has been training for English cricket conditions for some time.

A plan that came together spectacularly with a little help from "We'll Have A Bat" Ponting.

The astute viewer will notice the red brick wickets, possibly made of Yorkshire clay.

Butt, Butt, Butt.

I can't help thinking that Salman Butt's hairdo is going to get worse as his stint as Pakistan captain progresses.

The hands on head posture is also a prerequisite for the position - so he might be a natural.

Gloomy Galle

Murali's smile lights the gloom at Galle. Maybe he is thinking about the chances of ending his career on a "sticky wicket" and the black bird is ominous omen for the Indians.

Nelson's? I Don't Think So!

Paranavitana embraces the number, and the flag, on his chest as he joins the maiden test century club.

At the end of the day he is only one run short of his test number and you get the feeling he may not be finished yet.

Murali's Last Stand

HARbhajan Gives It A Tweak

What is it about spinners eyes? If they are a window on the soul there is some degree of darkness lurking there.

Still, Murali and Bhaji's eyes are easier to read than Vettori's tongue!

A Good Day Out

Shane Watson tips his cap in recognition of his latest step on the journey from brittle bad boy to key player.

Contrasting Emotions

Gul is gleeful while Paine is, well, pained.

Day one could well have set up a  very interesting test.

One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other

Well done the Banga Boys! A great day out and more action than a World Cup final - but how hard can that be.

Catch!!!

No explanation needed.

The Big Blue Bin

The perfect end to a hot day at the cricket, but always be sure to empty the bin first!

I am a little confused though as the good people at Getty Images (who I have the geatest respect for) labeled this as Canada's Manny Aulakh taking the bath. A quick check of the scoreboard seems to suggest that Manny didn't actually play. Seems a back rub and ice bath is a bit over the top after carrying the drinks.

But then I could have got things wrong. It happened once in 1992.

Brothers In Arms

Another man love moment but this one is between two old comrades, and the respect clearly shows through .

A Farewell Hug

Well, of sorts.

The Pup seems less stressed than the Pakistan Panther.

The Beginning Of The End

The first of what will likely be many farewell images of the great tweaker.

An Appealing Colour

A number of bloggers have already commented but I would just like to add my slight weight to the feeling that Pakistan has the best colours in cricket. there is just something about that juicy green!

A Day At Lords

A new genre for me. What do you think?

C'mon People!

Don't make me beg, or threaten, which I am even worse at.

I know you have been to the cricket.
I know you took your camera.
I know you have photographed your forward defence when you thought no one was looking.

Send me those pics (email) and let me have a play.

Full Stretch

Young Dinesh Chandima displays the balance and concentration required of a top class wicketkeper.

Cheers, Big Ears! (Revealed)

And the answer is...

Well known Bon Vivant and mouth from the south Jeremy Coney circa 1983