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The postings about non-nationals miss my point - possibly deliberately(?) - i wouldn't accept that I'm against change but when we see the effect that they have had in other sports in Ireland I feel that I am justified in my comments. Or perhaps my idea of Cricket Ireland offering contracts to those guys who have gone to England to entice them back may be too progressive. Could anyone confirm if there is any rule that would prevent the likes of young Mr, Joyce from representing Ireland even for a short time should he return? On the question of rules - what about a change to the NCU "non-declaration" rule. I have seen a couple of games in the past year involving 2 seriously mismatched sides. It can't have been much fun for a young Larne 2s side (not counting Esler!) conceding over 400 a couple of weeks ago. Now how's that for being progressive.
And I am sure if the batsmen who did not nick the ball and were given out or got a bad LBW the fielders should call them back in the spirit of cricket! Harden up lads. You win some you lose some and if you fall for the antics of somebody messing around more fool you! (Probably not a quote that would assist my MCC membership!)
It will be interesting to see if umpires will take appropriate action against those batsmen who choose to stand on when they have clearly edged a ball (complete with splinters) and been caught behind? surely this is not within the spirit of the game either as they are blatently trying to chance their arm. Yes umpires are there to do a job and batsmen are entitled to wait for a decision. Unfortunately there are many aspects of cricket these days where people involved are not entering into the 'spirit' of the game although could this not be said about many sports?! Maybe if players didn't have the opportunity to be in the shop window for the irish team / county scene then the game in ireland may not be quite so cut throat!...obviously this cannot be helped!
Agreed
You don't see too many batsmen stand on when they hit it to backward point so why they stand on when they hit it to the wicketkeeper I don't know!
Just to pick up on your post there ed i remember many years ago watching jack russell keep wicket in a test match. He took the ball down the leg side and followed this up immediately with the words s**t chase it. The unsuspecting batsman promptly took a couple of steps down the wicket looking for a run presuming jack had deflected the ball down to fine leg. Jack took the bails off end of story. Many would consider this an extremely smart piece of cricket and as far as i know jack russell was not hauled up on this. Surely it is up to the batsmen to be aware of where the ball is? If unions are going to clamp down on this then should they not clamp down harder on the rules which are fairly simple to understand? ie the rule regarding excessive appealing. I can think of one or two teams where excessive appealing is the norm. It seems umpires will not enforce this rule unless foul language is used or severe dissent is shown towards an 'incorrect' decision.
My personal opinion is that the practice of pretending to have the ball in the field when you don't, to deceive the batsman, is contrary to the 'Spirit of Cricket'.
This is from the Leinster Umpires and Scorers website:
Guidance for umpires
A fielder chasing a ball down to fine leg, did a slide and mimed a pickup & throw while still about 15m away from the ball and while the batsmen were running. The umpires consulted and considered that this could well constitute an attempt to distract the batsmen under Law 42.5. When they spoke to the captains and the fielder, the latter stated that it was a practice that had been coached in his home country! The umpires insisted that it was against the Spirit of Cricket and possibly Law 42.5.
We suggest that umpires keep an eye out for this practice and be prepared to act under Law 42.5, The correct procedure, if the umpire considers that an attempt to cause a distraction, is to call and signal "Dead ball", and inform your colleague and the fielding captain of the reason. In addition, neither batsman shall be out, 5 penalty runs shall be awarded and the run in progress shall also be awarded, even if the batsmen have not crossed. The ball shall not count as one of the over and the batsmen shall decide which of them shall face the next delivery. A formal report must be made under the disciplinary procedure.
Can anyone in the NCU confirm that a similar approach will be taken to this most unsporting practice!
I am sure we speak for everyone associated with local cricket in expressing our sincere sympathy for Ian and his family at this tragic time. Ian has always been one of the most popular people in local cricket and an unsung hero who does a mountain of work behind the scenes without fuss or controversy. It begs the question why does tragedy always hit the nicest people? We can't imagine the devastation within the family but we can offer our prayers and sympathy. It puts everything in life into perspective.
Clarence and Peter
Ryan, you are correct on both fronts. The "Non nationals" debate is the legacy of the old Ireland culture unable to move into the modern arena of Cricket Ireland. These are often the same people who are anti-professionals and anti-change and in some cases anti-everything. In their hands the game would stagnate and eventually die a slow death!
Whether we like it or not we have to move with the times.
120 a run a ball maybe easy in theory but when you are facing the worlds best bowlers it becomes that little bit more tricky for part time players to get it away surely....
I dont understand the whole "non-nationals" debate if they are qualified to play it shouldnt even merit a mention. There is no doubt anyone who has been picked to date is good enough to feature.
Andy, you were away too long. You didn't happen to notice who was bowling when we were chasing a run a ball? Quantum leap in standard for our boys and they did well. As for the overseas players in Irish cricket go back to the days before them and tell us we were as strong as we are now. I know you love a wind-up but since tennis is in vogue these days can I just say "You can't be serious!"
have been on holiday so have missed the background to the recent postings.
I didn't have time to post some thoughts about the Cricket Ireland performances in the 20/20 competition. Was really interested to see the lack of participation by some members in "Ireland's Call" - but then I realised that some wouldn't know the words! - Bit like watching Jackie Charlton's Irish imports trying to sing "The Soldier's Song" (or "Amhran na bhFiann" as we call it in Buckna) a few years ago. Can't really accept the view that the inclusion of non-nationals improves our overall standards other than to encourage others whose grannie once visited Blarney Castle or the Ring of Kerry to claim an Irish passport and come here in order to improve their cricketing CV. Also disappointed that scores of 120 gave us problems - it is only a run a ball
On behalf of all the players and members of Cregagh Cricket Club we send our condolences and prayers to Ian Houston and the Houston family circle.
On behalf of Woodvale Cricket Club, we send our condolences to Ian Houston and his family circle.
On behalf of Armagh Cricket Club, we send our condolences to Ian and the Houston family circle at their tragic loss.
Dundrum cricket club sends our condolences and prayers to Ian Housten and their family circle who lost their 5 year old grandaughter after a long illness. RIP
Have just heard the tragic news that Ian Houston's grand-daughter has died after a long illness. My thoughts are with Ian and his family at this awful time.
Please contact Mark Hawthorne with any appointment queries until further notice.
