Stripped Down II

Now this may look like a simple image but trust me it has taken a lot longer than one of my normal throw togethers.

The last Stripped Down generated some interest so who do we think this one is based on. It is a fairly distinctive delivery stride so I don't think it will prove too difficult.

Not Fade Away

Mark Taylor said, and I quote "Ricky Ponting should look to the Indian marvel Sachin Tendulkar for inspiration as the lights fade on his once formidable batting". "He is not getting any better" said Taylor.

Well there is another sub plot to the series - is Ponting going to make any runs and will he throw something at Mark Taylor if he does?

What Up?

Thanks for the suggestions guys but I couldn't help myself with this one.

Now what do you think Sachin might be saying? Leave your suggestions in the comments and I will post the best one.

The Indian boys don't look too nervous about the up coming Aussie challenge.

Another One Bites The Dust

Daniel Harris has eyes full of concentration it's just that his hands aren't full of cricket ball.

Monty Heads South

Break out those left over Monty masks, he's back.

Apparently he is a better player, and a better person. Now I don't know about that but I do know he is not number one and it will be interesting to watch how he "develops" amongst the heat and the flies.

And can someone tell me if he is a better person now what exactly was wrong with him before?

Ijaz Butt, Detective.

"Hmmmm, something smells fishy."

Stripped Down

In these complicated times it is sometimes best to strip things back to there essence. I know that's a bit zen,let's just say I wanted to have a go at stick men.

Either way, this one is based on a famous fast bowler, who can tell me which one?

Umar Loves Cricket

There used to be a Pakistani blogger who's blog was named Omar Loves Cricket. I would like to think he is out there somewhere with a bit of a smile on his face.

Umar Gul gave us a great example of how you only need a small number of really good deliveries to generate great figures.

Funny old game, cricket.

See Ya Freddie

Enjoy your retirement but stay out of the water!

Wish You Were Here/There

You have to admire some peoples determination to have fun, even at something as unexciting as the Champions League.

At Least Someone Is Excited

I have noticed a lack of energy and enthusiasm in the cricketing blogosphere of late.  Could be too much cricket. Could be too much crap cricket. Might be that the fix has gone in. Maybe we are all just saving our energy for the Ashes.

Whatever the reasons they don't apply to Cameron Borgas and Tom Cooper of South Australia. Scoring 24 of 7 balls to win is good grounds for a cuddle and if CD can manufacture an unlikely win I might just get a bit touchy feely myself.

Spring Clean Time

I know you Northern Hemispherians are slowly moving towards the dark times but we in the south are cheering up considerably.

In the spirit of spring it is time I got my act together and updated this blog. It is time for new contacts, new features and even the Lion of Huddersfield has to make way for a slightly better batsman at the head of the page.

Over the course of this week I will be chopping and changing things and I would really appreciate any input you might have over what you would like to see when you visit. I am especially looking to update the blogroll, so if you have a great cricket blog, or you know of one you can't live without, leave a comment with the link and I will share with the world.

Great Catch

Hardly A Toss Up

Daniel Vettori, NZ Cricketer Of The Year.

Not even a back street bookie in Bangalore could have produced any other result.

He remains a big fish in a fairly small aquarium.

The Gentle Art Of Avoidance

As practiced against the surprise bouncer from Afridi.

Eoin Morgan appears to be on strong medication or have achieved a type of nirvana - possibly both.

Akmal has finally found a situation where he can not be blamed for missing the ball.

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

Given that Pakistan seems unable to apply any pressure on The England the crafty coaches and trainers have decided to increase the stress levels at training.

You can see from the image that it is a lot more fun to watch than to do but it does add meaning to the old adage of "putting your balls on the line".

Oooops!

Ask Luke Wright if everything goes into slow motion as you take the catch. I believe your life passes before your eyes only after you have dropped it.

You can't accuse him of not having his eyes open but perhaps next time he might want to look at the ball.

Great Catch

I am looking for more inspiration, any thoughts on catches you might like to see?

Tendulkar Prepares For War

It would appear that Indian cricket and Sachin himself are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for Australia's brief tour. The Little Master is of course very much officer material.

Perhaps a bit of "boot" camp would be of real value to some of the other teams in world cricket at present.

Head Shots

This slide show is a bit of a retrospective of cricketers heads I have messed with. To be fair, a good many of them were already pretty messed up.

KP Comes Home To Roost

Well at least for the time being. Who knows where he will finally end up? Any bets on South Africa?

This image is based on a great photo from the people at Getty Images.

Meanwhile, Back At The Cricket ...

... Laurie Evans gets cleaned out by Simon Cook.

Despite all the angst and wailing currently taking place cricket will carry on. Those in charge had better get their shit together however, if they want to go with it.

Whether it is 20 overs on a Saturday morning in New Plymouth, tennis balls in the backyard in Melbourne or sticks and something round in Colombo or Karachi - people will play cricket. That gives cricket a strength that many other sports lack, as they have so many spectators and so few players.

We will keep playing cricket we just won't pay as much attention to what the "stars" and their backers are doing.