How much do Americans know about cricket?

[outbreak]

With the ashes on at the moment I've been watching a shit load of cricket lately and was wondering about Americans opinions/knowledge of cricket.

Was wondering have you ever tried to watch cricket?
Is it even possible to watch it in the american?
What do you know about it and what's your opinion of it?

For me basketball and cricket are the only sports I really follow and I love watching both.

[9erempiree]

I don't understand it at all. It's not a diss on the game as I like to follow sports in general.

[DeuceWallaces]

If you're born and raised here you know absolutely nothing about it. Literally not a single thing beyond a ball, some stick, and that sometimes the games take forever. It's never on TV, no one plays it, and no one talks about it.

[chosen_one6]

I have no understanding of it and therefore think its boring.

[gts]

just not exposed to it in the states other than Seinfeld saying "wicked googly" on an american express ad... I did watch it a couple time live in Malaysia.. didn't really know what I was watching but i watched non the less

[9erempiree]

just not exposed to it in the states other than Seinfeld saying "wicked googly" on an american express ad

and I don't even know what that means.

[outbreak]

and I don't even know what that means.
it's a type of delivery (way to bowl) when someone who normally makes the ball spin one way when it bounces makes it go the opposite way.

I understand why cricket will never catch on in the states, it's similar to baseball in that you need to learn quite a few things before you start to understand what's happening and know the tactics and what players are trying to do.

I've been trying to teach my girlfriend about cricket and I've realised how little she notices about what is happening and what the state of the game is because she never learnt about it growing up.

They did play a couple of games in florida (i think it was florida) a couple years back but they used two poor teams and the pitch wasn't prepared right so the game was horrible.

[Grinder]

If you're born and raised here you know absolutely nothing about it. Literally not a single thing beyond a ball, some stick, and that sometimes the games take forever. It's never on TV, no one plays it, and no one talks about it.

Not necessarily true. A lot of Indian and Paki kids born and raised in the US watch and play cricket (obviously in large part due their parents and heritage). There's a bunch of teams in a rec league in my town where a lot of guys from the Caribbean, Indians, Aussies, etc. go out and play.

I personally find it boring and tedious to watch.

[outbreak]

Not necessarily true. A lot of Indian and Paki kids born and raised in the US watch and play cricket (obviously in large part due their parents and heritage). There's a bunch of teams in a rec league in my town where a lot of guys from the Caribbean, Indians, Aussies, etc. go out and play.

I personally find it boring and tedious to watch.

Is it possible to watch it in the states without having to use online streams? Any cable companies show sky sports or anything?

[Grinder]

Is it possible to watch it in the states without having to use online streams? Any cable companies show sky sports or anything?

If you have Dish or Direct TV, there's a few cricket specific channels you can subscribe too. I know ESPN3 has shown a ton of different leagues, IPL, Caribbean, etc.

[outbreak]

If you have Dish or Direct TV, there's a few cricket specific channels you can subscribe too. I know ESPN3 has shown a ton of different leagues, IPL, Caribbean, etc.

is it mainly just 20/20 cricket?

[Grinder]

is it mainly just 20/20 cricket?

ESPN3 mostly is, yes, although I've seen some ODI on there as well. The subscription channels show everything. Look for Willow Cricket, it shows international, Aussie, NZL, etc.

[outbreak]

ESPN3 mostly is, yes, although I've seen some ODI on there as well. The subscription channels show everything. Look for Willow Cricket, it shows international, Aussie, NZL, etc.
I'm in australia myself, was just wondering if it's possible for americans to even watch cricket.

[gigantes]

i keep meaning to learn cricket and mahjong, and i figure the best way to do that is to simply play them myself... virtually.


i think this was the last version i was fooling around with. it contains a tutorial and practice mode, so it should be a decent way to learn:

http://www.mousebreaker.com/games/supersixcricket/cricketv2.swf

[Balla_Status]

Absolutely nothing. I only know a little because my dad is english.

I've watched it on TV with other Aussies while out in the field. Most boring sport ever. The spectators couldn't give a shit either. They're just there to dress nice and get drunk.

And what the ****? You guys have an ashes/test like every other week with another country. It was england a few weeks ago and now it's in Brisbane?

[outbreak]

Absolutely nothing. I only know a little because my dad is english.

I've watched it on TV with other Aussies while out in the field. Most boring sport ever. The spectators couldn't give a shit either. They're just there to dress nice and get drunk.

And what the ****? You guys have an ashes/test like every other week with another country. It was england a few weeks ago and now it's in Brisbane?

The ashes happens once every 2 years (this year was an anomaly and happened quicker) between england and australia

The series is 5 tests (a test is a game, each test can go for 5 days) and will be in 5 different cities around australia. Unlike most sports where they play makes a big difference, some areas the ball will move through the air more, some grounds will be prepared to spin more, some have more bounce etc

A lot of people go just to get drunk, especially to the big tests like the boxing day/new years tests. It's hard to attend though because of the time commiments, most people just follow on tv and radio when they can. It is awesome to be home and watch all 5 days though.

[DeuceWallaces]

Not necessarily true. A lot of Indian and Paki kids born and raised in the US watch and play cricket (obviously in large part due their parents and heritage). There's a bunch of teams in a rec league in my town where a lot of guys from the Caribbean, Indians, Aussies, etc. go out and play.

I personally find it boring and tedious to watch.

It's pretty much 95% true. The exceptions being second or third generation immigrants or communities with very high minority concentrations from appropriate heritage.

[Balla_Status]

The ashes happens once every 2 years (this year was an anomaly and happened quicker) between england and australia

The series is 5 tests (a test is a game, each test can go for 5 days) and will be in 5 different cities around australia. Unlike most sports where they play makes a big difference, some areas the ball will move through the air more, some grounds will be prepared to spin more, some have more bounce etc

A lot of people go just to get drunk, especially to the big tests like the boxing day/new years tests. It's hard to attend though because of the time commiments, most people just follow on tv and radio when they can. It is awesome to be home and watch all 5 days though.

Yeah I hear ya. I definitely want to go to a match at some point. I just simply don't get the sport and it seems like nothing happens.

[outbreak]

Yeah I hear ya. I definitely want to go to a match at some point. I just simply don't get the sport and it seems like nothing happens.
Cricket's really hard to follow when you don't really know all the rules, you can show someone a game of basketball/nfl/soccer/golf and they will pick up the basics just by watching what's happening, you may not be following the screens, cuts and plays being run but you can still just enjoy them scoring.

To really get into cricket you need to know about the tactics being employed for each situation. There's far too much to try and give a quick run down but in each scenario there's a lot more happening than just hitting the ball. The fact that there's a large number of people in the big cricket countries who don't really understand what's going on in a cricket game either doesn't make it likely it will ever catch on in america though. People keep trying to push 20/20 cricket (each team only bats for 20 overs, an over is 6 balls, so the game only last afew hours) into America but 20/20 cricket isn't really cricket.

[bdreason]

It's probably the only major sport for which I have no idea what the rules are.

[Styles p]

it's real big in st.lucia and i would watch it when i was there but really had no idea what was going on :lol

[bluechox2]

i know the rules and scoring, played a little bit, but not that into it since its not here

[HarryCallahan]

Cricket's really hard to follow when you don't really know all the rules, you can show someone a game of basketball/nfl/soccer/golf and they will pick up the basics just by watching what's happening, you may not be following the screens, cuts and plays being run but you can still just enjoy them scoring.

To really get into cricket you need to know about the tactics being employed for each situation. There's far too much to try and give a quick run down but in each scenario there's a lot more happening than just hitting the ball. The fact that there's a large number of people in the big cricket countries who don't really understand what's going on in a cricket game either doesn't make it likely it will ever catch on in america though. People keep trying to push 20/20 cricket (each team only bats for 20 overs, an over is 6 balls, so the game only last afew hours) into America but 20/20 cricket isn't really cricket.

Yes it is. T20 requires just as much tactics as Test cricket. Just because batsmen play shots, doesn't mean it "isn't really cricket".

[outbreak]

Yes it is. T20 requires just as much tactics as Test cricket. Just because batsmen play shots, doesn't mean it "isn't really cricket".

Yeah it's cricket but it's a different game to test cricket, I prefer when there's an even competition between bat and ball and it just doesn't happen in that format.

I'll still watch it now and then and I do think if any format will get watched in the U.S it'll be 20/20s but I've seen so many of them now that i'm a bit over it all.

Give me a well contested test or even an ODI on an even pitch any day.

Whereabouts where you from Harry?

[HarryCallahan]

My main problem with short form cricket is the pitches. Seeing teams score 350 on a flat wicket in ODI's is tedious as fvck. I like the CPL because they have a lot of good spinners and the wickets are usually slower, so it makes for a more even contest that favours smarter batting and bowling.

[outbreak]

My main problem with short form cricket is the pitches. Seeing teams score 350 on a flat wicket in ODI's is tedious as fvck. I like the CPL because they have a lot of good spinners and the wickets are usually slower, so it makes for a more even contest that favours smarter batting and bowling.

Me too, when t20's were first being played you saw much more even pitches and bowlers had more of a chance, these days they seem to bring the ropes in so far and have such a flat pitch that you may as well roll out a bowling machine and just see who can hit the most runs facing that. It's happening in the subcontinent a lot for ODI's now too and they seem to think high scores make an exciting game when in actual fact it's far more interesting to watch a lower scoring game where the bowlers are actually in the game.

[boozehound]

the average american knows as much about cricket, aussie rules or rugby as they do astrophysics. They've probably heard of it, but have no idea what it actually is other than some broad description (its about space=its kinda like baseball).
My mum is English and we grew up around a lot of engrish ex-pats, so I know a little bit about it, but not really. I get the general concepts of scoring ( tagging the crease) and the framework for outs and so forth. But its fairly confusing for americans as their are 10?outs in an inning, two batsmen at a time, a batsman may continue to bat after striking the ball if he isnt dismissed, etc.

[Nick Young]

Its even more boring then baseball

[DukeDelonte13]

i know the basic rules/how its played. I don't know any teams or players. Never played it myself.

[Dresta]

From my experience: pretty much nothing.

[East_Stone_Ya]

I know that it is very popular in Pakistan and India

[rufuspaul]

We have no need for cricket when we have real sports like baseball and American football. Does that sound American enough?

[DukeDelonte13]

We have no need for cricket when we have real sports like baseball and American football. Does that sound American enough?


Any cricket fan that tells you that cricket takes more athleticism/hand-eye/sporting skill than baseball is full of it. They think baseball is easier because they get to wear gloves while cricketers have to make catches with their bare hands.

[gts]

I mentioned this to a buddy of mine last night while watching the Laker game

He tells me Cricket is alive, well and popular in SO Cal, they have a big following and multiple teams..

So I google and sure enough he's right... may have to check this out when their season starts up

http://sccacricket.org/


Who knew

[Dresta]

Any cricket fan that tells you that cricket takes more athleticism/hand-eye/sporting skill than baseball is full of it. They think baseball is easier because they get to wear gloves while cricketers have to make catches with their bare hands.
Someone who clearly knows nothing about cricket ^^^^

The technical skill and tactical awareness necessary to be a top level cricket player far exceeds that of baseball. And while it is true that you don't need to be a top-notch physical athlete to be a batsman or spin-bowler, fast bowling is one of the most physically demanding activities an athlete can do. And athleticism in the field has become increasingly important in cricket.

[DukeDelonte13]

Someone who clearly knows nothing about cricket ^^^^

The technical skill and tactical awareness necessary to be a top level cricket player far exceeds that of baseball. And while it is true that you don't need to be a top-notch physical athlete to be a batsman or spin-bowler, fast bowling is one of the most physically demanding activities an athlete can do. And athleticism in the field has become increasingly important in cricket.


it takes a lot more athleticism to make a running grab in the outfield and throw the ball on target to where it needs to go than anything in the entire game of cricket. You need to have quicker reflexes in cricket than you do as a major league outfielder, but compared to infielders i'm not so sure there is much of disparity if any. You think fast bowling is more physically demanding than what major league pitchers do? If anything its equal. And that's being generous to cricketers.

Some bowlers will wow you with technique, but that's sh*t's nothing compared to what a major league batter faces every time they step to the plate. You aren't getting 90+ MPH fastballs thrown inches from head at you.

I agree cricket is a game that emphasizes technique more so than baseball.

[DukeDelonte13]

I mentioned this to a buddy of mine last night while watching the Laker game

He tells me Cricket is alive, well and popular in SO Cal, they have a big following and multiple teams..

So I google and sure enough he's right... may have to check this out when their season starts up

http://sccacricket.org/


Who knew


i bet every major city with an indian population has amateur cricket leagues. Cleveland does as least.

[outbreak]

it takes a lot more athleticism to make a running grab in the outfield and throw the ball on target to where it needs to go than anything in the entire game of cricket. You need to have quicker reflexes in cricket than you do as a major league outfielder, but compared to infielders i'm not so sure there is much of disparity if any. You think fast bowling is more physically demanding than what major league pitchers do? If anything its equal. And that's being generous to cricketers.

Some bowlers will wow you with technique, but that's sh*t's nothing compared to what a major league batter faces every time they step to the plate. You aren't getting 90+ MPH fastballs thrown inches from head at you.

I agree cricket is a game that emphasizes technique more so than baseball.

it's stupid comparing any sport and saying one needs more athleticism but you should be aware that fast bowlers are pretty much at the psyichal limits of a human body right now. Bowling 90+ mph with a straight arm puts a lot of stress on the body, most quicks have to actually cut the top section out of their shoes as the pressure on their front foot can dislocate/shatter their toe when they plant their final step. They also routinely suffer stress fractures through out their body due the shock of bowling that fast. Both pitchers and fast bowling are very physically demanding. One other thing to remember is a fast bowling is doing this over and over and over through out a 5 day game while also having to bat and field.

It's also a bit silly saying baseball has 90mph fastballs at peoples head, cricket has the exact same thing in the bouncer but it is even more of a risk as it's bouncing off the pitch first which means it can be highly uneven. So many people just get hit because the ball doesn't bounce as they expected, moves off the pitch and they can't do anything about it. In baseball you generally know what area they are pitching into as well whereas in cricket people will try to hit you.

For example this is some highlights from the first ashes tests (the second was just as brutal) of an australian bowler named mitchell johnson, remember these balls are coming at over 90mph, a cricket ball is harder than a baseball and you have to try to anticipate what kind of bounce the ball will get from the pitch and also these are mixed in with balls bowled up at your feet and on the wickets that you have to protect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1CMFxm5rhk

Some aspects of cricket you can get away with being unfit though, you can be a great batsmen while being overweight or a great spin bowler while being a fat ass, it was more common back in the day though as now they are trying to push fitness more. Both sports require just as much athleticism though and it's a bit silly to argue one over the other and a bit naive to think cricket is a gentle sport.

One of the other things people don't talk about in cricket is just how much pressure is on an international player, there is only 11 spots for your country and you may only get one of two chances to make an impression before you are dropped and never know if you will ever get another chance. The mental pressure is huge as the job security is non existent. Even top players will have people calling for them to be left out of the side after a few poor performances and it isn't like basketball where you can brush it off and get on with the next game as the next time you get a chance to bat or bowl may be weeks away and you may again get out through no fault of your own

[Inactive]

We have no need for cricket when we have real sports like baseball and American football. Does that sound American enough?"American football"? There's only 1 kind of football.

All I know about cricket is that it's something those redcoats do when they aren't too busy losing wars to us, having homosexual experiences in boarding school, or getting saved in wars by us. I believe it involves a malformed baseball bat of some sort.

[DCL]

cricket is simply a game for gay ho's.

it just ain't interesting.

there is no debate.

[gigantes]

"American football"? There's only 1 kind of football. ...
ah yes, football. the #1 sport in the world.


but there is another sport, based on rugby, that they play in the states. some people call it handegg. have you heard of it?

[outbreak]

"American football"? There's only 1 kind of football.

All I know about cricket is that it's something those redcoats do when they aren't too busy losing wars to us, having homosexual experiences in boarding school, or getting saved in wars by us. I believe it involves a malformed baseball bat of some sort.

Lincoln, Jefferson and Washington were all cricket lovers, before the civil war cricket was popular in the U.S but during and after the war baseball took off and all the cricket players and grounds were converted over to baseball with a big patriotic marketing movement. This thread wasn't supposed to be an argument or insult thread, was just trying to gauge how much americans were aware of cricket and if it is possible to even follow it there if you wanted to.

[HarryCallahan]

it takes a lot more athleticism to make a running grab in the outfield and throw the ball on target to where it needs to go than anything in the entire game of cricket. You need to have quicker reflexes in cricket than you do as a major league outfielder, but compared to infielders i'm not so sure there is much of disparity if any. You think fast bowling is more physically demanding than what major league pitchers do? If anything its equal. And that's being generous to cricketers.

Some bowlers will wow you with technique, but that's sh*t's nothing compared to what a major league batter faces every time they step to the plate. You aren't getting 90+ MPH fastballs thrown inches from head at you.

I agree cricket is a game that emphasizes technique more so than baseball.

Uhhhhh, yes you are? With a harder ball, shorter distance and having to deal with bounce as well?

For someone who is acting like the American authority on cricket you sure don't seem to know what you are talking about.

[outbreak]

Uhhhhh, yes you are? With a harder ball, shorter distance and having to deal with bounce as well?

For someone who is acting like the American authority on cricket you sure don't seem to know what you are talking about.
another point too is that in cricket your potentially out there batting for 5-6 hours at a time facing balls aimed at you.

[gigantes]

a few months back, a rumanian buddy and i were trying to pick up girls at the squid bar. they had a baseball game on the monitor, we started bullshitting, and i learned about oină for the first time.


so europe invented the basics of cricket and baseball in the 1200 or 1300's or so, apparently.

[GOBB]

Not necessarily true. A lot of Indian and Paki kids born and raised in the US watch and play cricket (obviously in large part due their parents and heritage). There's a bunch of teams in a rec league in my town where a lot of guys from the Caribbean, Indians, Aussies, etc. go out and play.

I personally find it boring and tedious to watch.

Exposed, you're Indian! lol cheers!

[HarryCallahan]

another point too is that in cricket your potentially out there batting for 5-6 hours at a time facing balls aimed at you.

Yeah, give me 3-4 at bats in the majors>>> facing Mitch Johnson in the morning session day 1 at the WACA.

[outbreak]

Yeah, give me 3-4 at bats in the majors>>> facing Mitch Johnson in the morning session day 1 at the WACA.

Are you Australian or English?

[Draz]

I was forced to follow it at my younger age. My father played and had a team for several years. He's recently resigned. I have nothing against it, I actually lately realized how much I wish I can actually pay attention to him play and watch him play at this age because I'm getting so old and I'll never be able to have that back once he's done for good.

As for following it outside of my dad, I just don't find myself interested. It just doesn't stick to me honestly.

[bagelred]

They rub their legs together. It makes a lot of noise.



Nuff said.

[HarryCallahan]

Are you Australian or English?

Aussie (Aussie, Aussie. Oi, Oi, Oi).

[bergs14]

I'd be interested to know if anyone on these forums follow Aussie Rules football. (Not Rugby)

Great sport.

[Balla_Status]

I'd be interested to know if anyone on these forums follow Aussie Rules football. (Not Rugby)

Great sport.

Another sport that I don't understand. Probably be fun to play but it just looks like a bunch of grab ass on television.

Give me rugby league. That's a fun sport to play and watch.

[bergs14]

See, I've always thought Rugby was like grab-ass. Just never got in to it, and find it boring as bat *hit. I like how AFL is a lot more free-flowing.. Takes a lot of stamina/endurance to play the game though.

Also, recent times they've started holding some sort of camps over US trying to scout 'not-good-enough-for-NBA/NFL' players. (Or however you want to put it) Article I read said their athleticism was off the charts. I predict it won't be long before we see a American come over and dominate.

[Balla_Status]

See, I've always thought Rugby was like grab-ass. Just never got in to it, and find it boring as bat *hit. I like how AFL is a lot more free-flowing.. Takes a lot of stamina/endurance to play the game though.

Also, recent times they've started holding some sort of camps over US trying to scout 'not-good-enough-for-NBA/NFL' players. (Or however you want to put it) Article I read said their athleticism was off the charts. I predict it won't be long before we see a American come over and dominate.

Rugby Union is a bit grab-assy. Always going for penalties. It's a bit lame. I don't feel the same as Rugby League.

[AI Thornton]

What cricket looks like to Americans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEH4ahCCrJo

[El Kabong]

See, I've always thought Rugby was like grab-ass. Just never got in to it, and find it boring as bat *hit. I like how AFL is a lot more free-flowing.. Takes a lot of stamina/endurance to play the game though.

Also, recent times they've started holding some sort of camps over US trying to scout 'not-good-enough-for-NBA/NFL' players. (Or however you want to put it) Article I read said their athleticism was off the charts. I predict it won't be long before we see a American come over and dominate.
They'll probably all end up being like other basketball converts like Kurt Tippett. Can take a grab, can't kick for shit. No good if you're a forward kicking 2.4 every other week.

[B-Easy8]

As an Aussie I can say it is a horrendous sport.

If I had to watch a cricket match then a baseball game followed by an NFL game I would probably kill myself. It would go all day and there would be 10 minutes of combined action.

[outbreak]

I'd be interested to know if anyone on these forums follow Aussie Rules football. (Not Rugby)

Great sport.

I was a big fitzroy fan until they merged, haven't really followed it much beyond the odd game with mates or the Grand final since

[outbreak]

I had a teacher in high school try to explain it to us and all it did was make me dumber.
It's hard to explain without watching the game and seeing situations unfold. Takes awhile for people to understand game situations too like players batting for draws, declarations, protecting tail enders, nightwatchmen scenarios, giving players runs to get someone you want to bowl to on strike, the way fielding placements effect the areas a bowler should be looking to bowl in etc
I played cricket as a kid but it wasn't really until I was like 15-16ish when I actually started to notice what was going on in a game.

[Draz]

It would be fun if Americans understood the rules clearly. It's definitely worth giving an honest try with effort. And for the record my father didnt play hardball it was softball. Man, you can lose a finger with that hardball.

[outbreak]

It would be fun if Americans understood the rules clearly. It's definitely worth giving an honest try with effort. And for the record my father didnt play hardball it was softball. Man, you can lose a finger with that hardball.

Yeah there's a reason most wicket keeps fingers look like a bag of twisties.
My Dad was apparently pretty good before I was born and he's broken fingers taking catches, he was concussed once and had to be rushed to hospital after getting hit in the head

[pinhead]

Cricket is known for its fair play, sportsmanship, elegance and class. Why would you expect a nation of Hicks to understand it?

[flipogb]

As an Aussie I can say it is a horrendous sport.

If I had to watch a cricket match then a baseball game followed by an NFL game I would probably kill myself. It would go all day and there would be 10 minutes of combined action.

lol, I came here to make a similar post. agreed on those 3 sports, I can't think of anything worse

[RoseCity07]

When we talk about gay sports it is the referent.

[andremiller07]

For me when Adam Gilchrist retired from the Australian team that was the day cricket died, most exciting batsman I ever seen he was playing 20/20 before such a thing existed.

[HarryCallahan]

Cricket is known for its fair play, sportsmanship, elegance and class. Why would you expect a nation of Hicks to understand it?


:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Stop, you're killing me! "Sportsmanship... :roll:

[outbreak]

Cricket is known for its fair play, sportsmanship, elegance and class. Why would you expect a nation of Hicks to understand it?
maybe 100 years ago, sportsmanship and fair play is dead in cricket and has been for many years probably before even bodyline. A lot of americans do seem to think it's a gentle game though, don't know what's gentle about having a ball flying at your head at 90mph while the other team crowds around abusing and threatening you and stepping out of the way to avoid being hit by a ball could cost you your job. Even your own country will abuse you and call for you to be dropped after a bad series regardless of how good you've been for years before that point, your only ever as good as your last innings.

[HarryCallahan]

maybe 100 years ago, sportsmanship and fair play is dead in cricket and has been for many years probably before even bodyline. A lot of americans do seem to think it's a gentle game though, don't know what's gentle about having a ball flying at your head at 90mph while the other team crowds around abusing and threatening you and stepping out of the way to avoid being hit by a ball could cost you your job. Even your own country will abuse you and call for you to be dropped after a bad series regardless of how good you've been for years before that point, your only ever as good as your last innings.

I play park cricket, and even that's not friendly. You give the bowler some stick and the next thing you know he gives you a head-high full toss (I don't wear a helmet, because it impairs vision).

[outbreak]

I play park cricket, and even that's not friendly. You give the bowler some stick and the next thing you know he gives you a head-high full toss (I don't wear a helmet, because it impairs vision).
yeah we had that even when I played juniours, would also get the fielders supposedly going to a run out but just throwing the ball at your if you'd talked back

[outbreak]

on the off chance anyone is interest the third test between australia and england can be watched here

http://www.crictime.com/cricket-live-streaming-free-1.htm

[JMT]

Absolutely nothing.

My only exposure to cricket (in a sense) is when relatives from the UK came to visit when I was about 13. We always had a big family baseball game for the summer picnic and they were there. One cousin was a fairly big, athletic looking guy who played cricket.

He played in the baseball game, flailing away fruitlessly each time to the plate. Then somebody threw him a pitch that was either really low or sank (can't recall) right into his natural swing plane. He hit it further than anyone had ever hit a ball in those games, and two of the uncles had played some minor league ball.

He hit that thing a ton.

[artex]

My parents migrated to America from India in the late 70s / early 80s so I'm a 1st gen kid in America . I never saw any cricket on American cable networks here , randomly I'd catch an occasional glimpse of it on some Indian television networks growing up , but it always confused me . also , being absorbed by skateboarding and basketball , I never pursued an interest in it .

But A couple months ago I watched this documentary on the epic West Indies domination era where viv Richards , Michael holding n teammates took charge and transformed their teams clown like image into a real powerhouse that curb stomped opponents from all over the world for a solid two decades . They would **** people up by bowling super hard and purposely hitting fools that trash talked them with racism or snide remarks during games or in the press . All these different Caribbean nations uniting under one banner at that time is pretty amazing to me . Plus the west indie players were cool with bob Marley . :pimp: :pimp: he'd be hanging out before/after matches n hyping em up with pep talks in their locker room . The documentary is called fire in Babylon if anyone's interested but it definitely piqued my curiosity . I'm going to visit India again next year and I'm hopin catch a match . Bonus *** their uniforms are dope so hopefully I can pick up a nice one . :rockon:

[outbreak]

My parents migrated to America from India in the late 70s / early 80s so I'm a 1st gen kid in America . I never saw any cricket on American cable networks here , randomly I'd catch an occasional glimpse of it on some Indian television networks growing up , but it always confused me . also , being absorbed by skateboarding and basketball , I never pursued an interest in it .

But A couple months ago I watched this documentary on the epic West Indies domination era where viv Richards , Michael holding n teammates took charge and transformed their teams clown like image into a real powerhouse that curb stomped opponents from all over the world for a solid two decades . They would **** people up by bowling super hard and purposely hitting fools that trash talked them with racism or snide remarks during games or in the press . All these different Caribbean nations uniting under one banner at that time is pretty amazing to me . Plus the west indie players were cool with bob Marley . :pimp: :pimp: he'd be hanging out before/after matches n hyping em up with pep talks in their locker room . The documentary is called fire in Babylon if anyone's interested but it definitely piqued my curiosity . I'm going to visit India again next year and I'm hopin catch a match . Bonus *** their uniforms are dope so hopefully I can pick up a nice one . :rockon:


Don't expect much great fast bowling in India, their pitches are spinners decks and flat roads for boring run fests. I'm pretty sure I've seen that documentary and it is pretty good. The windies were a great team back then but they struggle now. If you liked brutal fast bowling this ashes series has been great, yesterday Broad picked up a fractured foot and Swann had a finger dislocated.

[nightprowler10]

Bumping to appreciate outbreak's knowledge and ability to explain the game. :applause:

[BrownEye007]

Nothing. Had never even heard of the ashes until this thread.

[outbreak]

Bumping to appreciate outbreak's knowledge and ability to explain the game. :applause:
Are you a cricket fan

[nightprowler10]

Huge. Not watched as much lately though. I think we may have talked about it on the odd occasion. I had heard and read a lot about Mitch's bowling but it was nice to see some good highlights that you posted. Reminded me of Windies cricket :cheers:

[outbreak]

Huge. Not watched as much lately though. I think we may have talked about it on the odd occasion. I had heard and read a lot about Mitch's bowling but it was nice to see some good highlights that you posted. Reminded me of Windies cricket :cheers:
I think Australia will get a bit of a wake up call in south africa though, aside from mitchell's great bowling I still don't think we're in as good shape as the media is making out

[HarryCallahan]

I think Australia will get a bit of a wake up call in south africa though, aside from mitchell's great bowling I still don't think we're in as good shape as the media is making out

Me either. Doolan was a bad pick, watch him flounder. I think he might be this series' version of Rob Quiney- sacrificial lamb being led to the slaughter that is Philander/Steyn/Morkel.

It'll be a closer series than it should because Kallis just retired and they have no proper spinner, but I still think S. Africa win this 1-0 or 2-0.

Good to see Hughes back in the squad, even if it was after the ridiculous recall of Marsh. I think he's our best option at #3 (#4 Watson, #5Clarke etc.).

I think after this series is over we need to inject some youth into the squad, with Doolan being replaced by either Silk, Burns, Head or Lynn. None of them are ready to play tests, but we need to get them ready for when Watson/Rogers/Haddin/Clarke all go in the next 2-4 years.

[outbreak]

Me either. Doolan was a bad pick, watch him flounder. I think he might be this series' version of Rob Quiney- sacrificial lamb being led to the slaughter that is Philander/Steyn/Morkel.

It'll be a closer series than it should because Kallis just retired and they have no proper spinner, but I still think S. Africa win this 1-0 or 2-0.

Good to see Hughes back in the squad, even if it was after the ridiculous recall of Marsh. I think he's our best option at #3 (#4 Watson, #5Clarke etc.).

I think after this series is over we need to inject some youth into the squad, with Doolan being replaced by either Silk, Burns, Head or Lynn. None of them are ready to play tests, but we need to get them ready for when Watson/Rogers/Haddin/Clarke all go in the next 2-4 years.

I actually don't mind the pick of Doolan, he's shown a bit in the shield. The marsh pick was totally stupid and likely because of his father, hughes I'm torn on because we all know he pile on runs in FC but if he hasn't changed the holes in his technique he will be a walking wicket again in international cricket. I was disappointed that we didn't get guys like silk, burns and lynn into the one day squad against england, we were rotating in and out test guys when we should have let the test squad rest and play some youth. The selection policy is messed up these days, you know there's issues when our A team regularly is made up of players who are either in their late 20's early 30s or are t20 players or have some connection to the selectors when it should be young guys with talent who need experience playing overseas.

[HarryCallahan]

I actually don't mind the pick of Doolan, he's shown a bit in the shield. The marsh pick was totally stupid and likely because of his father, hughes I'm torn on because we all know he pile on runs in FC but if he hasn't changed the holes in his technique he will be a walking wicket again in international cricket. I was disappointed that we didn't get guys like silk, burns and lynn into the one day squad against england, we were rotating in and out test guys when we should have let the test squad rest and play some youth. The selection policy is messed up these days, you know there's issues when our A team regularly is made up of players who are either in their late 20's early 30s or are t20 players or have some connection to the selectors when it should be young guys with talent who need experience playing overseas.

Doolan is a good player, but at his age, he should really only be picked if he's in excellent form-which he isn't (through no fault of his own, but still).

The holes in Hughes' technique I feel are overrated. Left-hand batsmen are always going to be susceptible to getting caught in the slips. He's only 25 and has already played 26 tests and has a decent average (it dipped a bit in his last few tests) despite constantly being dropped and moved around the order. I feel that if he's given the kind of certainty of selection that Lehmann offers, he'll be a great addition to the batting line-up.

Lynn, Burns and Silk are definitely the main guys we need to try and get experience to. Lynn and Burns both have FC/OD/T20 averages of around 40/35/30, so they could potentially be three format batsmen, and Silk already has 4 fc 100's, including one in the Shield final last year.

[nightprowler10]

I think Australia will get a bit of a wake up call in south africa though, aside from mitchell's great bowling I still don't think we're in as good shape as the media is making out
Oh absolutely, but you can't blame the media either after you guys manhandled the Poms. I can see Steyn doing some real damage with the new ball. I can't wait to see how you guys handle their bowling. I would love to see Mitch break Greame Smith's punchable face or something though.

I think both of the bowling attacks are more potent than the batting attacks, and unless we see a road or two I think all three Test matches will have results. I'm thinking SA will take it 2-1.

[Le Shaqtus]

I'm English and I don't care about Cricket. I've tried to watch it but it's mad boring.

[Nick Young]

a boring game the english invented that they suck at, I think Pakistan and India are the best countries at it. Really slow paced and boring. Like Baseball but even more boring and stupid to watch.

[outbreak]

Oh absolutely, but you can't blame the media either after you guys manhandled the Poms. I can see Steyn doing some real damage with the new ball. I can't wait to see how you guys handle their bowling. I would love to see Mitch break Greame Smith's punchable face or something though.

I think both of the bowling attacks are more potent than the batting attacks, and unless we see a road or two I think all three Test matches will have results. I'm thinking SA will take it 2-1.
Yeah don't blame the media but we have alot of people here who only follow the Australian summer when we are doing well who think we're a legit number one team after the ashes who I think will be surprised

[step_back]

The less the better as far as I'm concerned. I'm from England and I'd rather watch paint dry than endure a game of cricket.

[nightprowler10]

Yeah don't blame the media but we have alot of people here who only follow the Australian summer when we are doing well who think we're a legit number one team after the ashes who I think will be surprised
I know it's early, but maybe the hype was right? :oldlol:

****ing Mitch!

[JUDGE WITNESS]

not a damn thing

[nightprowler10]

Found this awesome gif online. It's Harris bowling in the Ashes but not sure to whom. Any Aussies know?

http://www.sportsbet.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/HarrisJaffa1.gif

Mesmerizing.

[HarryCallahan]

I know it's early, but maybe the hype was right? :oldlol:

****ing Mitch!

The ball that got Graeme Smith out..... :eek:

[Dresta]

Found this awesome gif online. It's Harris bowling in the Ashes but not sure to whom. Any Aussies know?

http://www.sportsbet.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/HarrisJaffa1.gif

Mesmerizing.
Looks like Cook.

Unplayable delivery that.

[JohnFreeman]

Cricket is one of the worst sports on the planet

[outbreak]

I know it's early, but maybe the hype was right? :oldlol:

****ing Mitch!

I'm happily eating my words. Great seeing Marsh make some runs too but man he's a gump whenever he's interviewed. You'd think after the years of media training he's been put through he would be a bit more comfortable talking to interviewers. Good to see steve smith keep his form going as well, he still has a wierd style but it's far tighter than it used to be and his shot selection has improved so much since he first got in the side. hughes must have hated it

Graeme Smith actually looked scared facing johnson.

Your gifs not loading for me here at work so I can't see who harris is bowling to.

[outbreak]

Cricket is one of the worst sports on the planet

why do you say that and what matches have you tried watching?

[outbreak]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zhObh6wwC0/TtbAPqMBWcI/AAAAAAAAATk/u3CyhJsc_Hw/s1600/warneboc.gif

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klJpV_ua_ao/Ttaziyqwf-I/AAAAAAAAATE/HJbzobH3oto/s1600/warnebigturn.gif

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NK6qoIrYZto/TtaztIFW-nI/AAAAAAAAATM/ZclPXxznDSo/s1600/warnemagic.gif

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmhgNM80AJY/Ttaz936EbaI/AAAAAAAAATU/zk7tzalyqig/s1600/warneslider.gif

:applause:

[JohnFreeman]

why do you say that and what matches have you tried watching?
I live in Australia, and people hardly watch it

[outbreak]

I live in Australia, and people hardly watch it

:biggums:

[Dresta]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zhObh6wwC0/TtbAPqMBWcI/AAAAAAAAATk/u3CyhJsc_Hw/s1600/warneboc.gif

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klJpV_ua_ao/Ttaziyqwf-I/AAAAAAAAATE/HJbzobH3oto/s1600/warnebigturn.gif

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NK6qoIrYZto/TtaztIFW-nI/AAAAAAAAATM/ZclPXxznDSo/s1600/warnemagic.gif

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmhgNM80AJY/Ttaz936EbaI/AAAAAAAAATU/zk7tzalyqig/s1600/warneslider.gif

:applause:He was just incredible. Have no idea what a left-hander facing him on the 4th or 5th day could even do against him.
I live in Australia, and people hardly watch it
If you aren't joking/trolling then you're an idiot. I went to the Melbourne and Sydney tests in the ashes tour prior to the most recent one, and at one of them they filled out a 90,000 seater stadium 4 days in a row.

[HarryCallahan]

I live in Australia, and people hardly watch it

Sell out crowds and ridiculous tv rating would disagree with the nonsense your spouting. Maybe your group of fgts friends in bris don't but everyone else does.

[JohnFreeman]

Cricket is a ****** sport, everyone laughs at cricketers

[JohnFreeman]

In all seriousness, I met Ricky Ponting..pretty nice dude

[Milbuck]

My dad's Australian so he used to play a lot, still does from time to time. It's actually really fun, no one really gives it a chance here. Especially in Wisconsin, cricket is nonexistent.

[outbreak]

My dad's Australian so he used to play a lot, still does from time to time. It's actually really fun, no one really gives it a chance here. Especially in Wisconsin, cricket is nonexistent.
Its not the easiet to get into if you don't have someone explaining it to you.

7 for Johnson, the mo continues

[outbreak]

https://imageshack.com/a/img196/8960/nl6k.jpg