It’s a bit of a cliché.
“Good cricket”. Well played.
I even have a “good cricket” category on my blog, but looking at my posts I’m not sure they have much in common, beyond the category.
So what constitutes “good cricket”?
Category: Good cricket
It’s not the #£*?&@! IPL!
We have had a few discussions around the Club about a lack of discipline in the field shown by some of the junior teams – fielders wandering out of position between deliveries, not paying attention to the captain when he wants to make changes to the field, even directly questioning and countermanding the captain’s instructions.
There is an issue of etiquette, and acceptable behaviour – it’s simply not cricket to challenge the skipper…and don’t you dare move one of my fielders!
There is a question about experience, and coaching – coaches and team managers need to make very clear what is expected from the players.
There might even be questions about Generation Z entitlement – ‘my opinion is just as informed as yours’.
But there is also the matter of example – I have seen similar behaviour in senior cricket this year, with two or three players (none of them the captain or bowler) resetting the field between balls, even as the bowler is preparing to bowl.
If the U15s see this on Saturday, with adult Captains & players, of course they will do the same on Sundays playing with their peers.
“Cricket 2022” – the “master plan” (first draft)
Darren Talbot posted an impassioned blog last week: View from the Coach: Where’s the plan for cricket in England & Wales?
I am more positive about All Stars Cricket than Darren, but I do agree with his prognosis – introducing a new entry-level offering for 5-8 year olds can only be the start of a five (or 10) year plan to bring players back to the game, and as yet there is little discernible evidence of that master plan from the ECB.
So – what should the game look like in five years? Continue reading ““Cricket 2022” – the “master plan” (first draft)”
