Big Bash Up

Brad Hogg seems pretty happy about this whole T20 thingy.

Even though I still think it is a travesty of a cricket game it is hard to argue that T20 isn't working for a whole range of players and spectators. Where there is money I guess there will always be a fair degree of happiness.

Not, Out Cricket

Fantastic effort by the Orangemen but, oh The England. What happened to the fielding under pressure?

The England are unlikely to feel any better when the standard - it was the result that set up the tournament - is rolled out.

Pirate Of The Caribbean

If there is one team that relies almost completely on a single swashbuckler it must be the West Indies. Having declared his love of the T20 format Chris the Corsair has the chance to show just how exciting he thinks it can be, with or without feathered accessories.

Out Of The Blue

Abhishek Nayar launches one to leg, just another example of a new name making a splash on the world cricket stage. A stage which he then has to share with dancers and Bollywood "stars".

Not Just A Pretty Face

It seems to a humble observer such as myself that the quality of the cheerleaders mirrors the cricket in the IPL.

Sometimes spectacular, often average and always just a little strange.

Time For Another Caption Quest

Aren't those dancing girls just so in keeping with a classy event like the IPL?

I will start the ball rolling and immediately lower the tone with the classic cry - "Show us your growler!"

Now beat that.

Pretty Lady, Sharp Operator

Shilpa Shetty has a weak grip on the bat but an iron grasp of a photo opportunity. This lady may be more important to the IPL than any of the players - she certainly looks better than any of them.

Fast Motion

I am enjoying the likes of Steyn and Tait bowling really fast. Even the Windies have guys who can get into the high 140's. What does worry me is how they keep going for runs in the shorter versions of the game. Sooner or later we are going to get fast bowlers bowling their stock ball at 120 and the spinners at 110.

David "The Piranha" Warner

Yes, a Piranha.
Small, powerful, quick, aggressive, deadly, and those teeth!
Thank God there is not a school of him.

The Super Over !@#$%?!!?

A great day out for Chris Gayle. The big boxing day bat did the business and once again you wonder if either of these teams could operate without their captains holding their hands.

As for the Super Over it seems a little odd for a game which is based on brevity, if not wit, to be decided on some complex and extended ritual when the scores are tied. Could the captains not just arm wrestle for it? Perhaps both teams could play a rousing game of Bull Rush, winner takes all.

A Boxing Day Bat

Let us hope Chris Gayle brings his big broad bat to the Twenty20 circus today, for entertainments sake.

It is very hard to know what might happen at The G, but that uncertainty has it's own entertainment value.

A Bit Of A Sticky Wicket

Caption time people. In the best traditions of a wet summers day try passing the time by thinking up a clever caption for this image. If you can't think clever, think rude, and if that proves too much just get yourself down the pub.

A Use For Twenty20

For those of us stuck in the depths of winter waiting for the next "weather bomb" to explode the sight of a happy crowd under a blue sky is very warming. Even if they are only watching twenty20. But that is the point of the game anyway; cheer people up, a short sharp fix. Sporting Prozac in effect.

Lights?, Cameras, Action

The premise that the shorter you make the game the more action will ensue is an interesting one. Uncle Jrod has suggested that all last overs should require 19 runs to be scored, no matter what has gone before. A clever idea for all those adrenaline junkies who are obviously the back bone of cricket support.

If you will forgive the musings of a slightly bitter kiwi rugby coach, one of the lessons of the Super 14 "experiments" is more action does not equal more interest. And yes I know the image is from a 50 over game.