The spirit of the game
James Forsyth 4:25pm
Now that Andy Murray is out of Wimbledon, we can turn our sporting attention to the coming Test series between England and South Africa. It should be a cracking series, as the South Africans probably have the slightly better side, but England have home advantage. After two rather unsatisfactory series against New Zealand, it will hopefully demonstrate why Test cricket is both the most skilful and most entertaining form of the game.
The two teams will be playing for the Basil D'Oliveira trophy; it was South Africa’s refusal to accept D’Oliveira’s inclusion in an England touring party that led to the breaking of sporting links with the apartheid regime forty years ago. Pete Oborne’s splendid Basil D'Oliveira: Cricket and Controversy has a detailed account of this whole episode including the cricketing establishment’s initial desire to kow-tow to the South African government. With the cricketing world once more having to decide how to confront a vile regime, it makes for timely reading.
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Verity
July 3rd, 2008 5:33pm Report this commentI have just one question. Are they going to wear whites?
If they're going to run around in colourful polyster track suits and baseball caps, I'm not taking an interest.
Kevyn Bodman
July 3rd, 2008 6:45pm Report this commentVerity,
In Test Matches, which I regard as the highest form of cricket and which are played over 5 days, they will wear whites.
For the one-day games, which I regard as pyjama cricket, England will play in blue pyjamas with 'fetching' red trim and logos and South Africa will play in, I think, green pyjamas.
Kevyn Bodman
July 3rd, 2008 6:51pm Report this commentBut in pyjama cricket the players have their names on their backs.
This helps me, watching my TV thousands of miles away, to differentiate between Bell and Collingwood when they are batting together.
And long may they continue to do so; they will each come out of their slight slump, I am sure.
HJ
July 3rd, 2008 6:52pm Report this commentNow that Andy Murray is out of Wimbledon, we can turn our attention to... Henley Royal Regatta.
Great racing, a real sport, and athletes that make Murray's claim to be strong and fit look laughable.
John
July 3rd, 2008 11:36pm Report this commentVerity, it's Test cricket - of course they'll wear whites.
Verity
July 4th, 2008 1:17am Report this commentWell, John, excuuuuuuuuuse me! How am I supposed to know how far the rot has set in? All I've seen recently is colourful polyester shell suits. (Given that cricket is the most glamourous game in the world, how did they get so stupid they thought they should dress like American baseball players?)
Every race of man in the world looks like a hero in cricketing whites.
Why would they sacrifice this advantage on the altar of polyester?
Verity
July 4th, 2008 1:23am Report this commentKevyn Bodman - Pajamas cricket! Ha ha ha ha ha! V good! They look bloody ridiculous. Those outfits do not lend themselves to the elegance of the game.
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