State of cricket

[Matabele]

That would have to be the most tedious summer of cricket in memory.  However, it can't all be put down to sub-standard opposition.  There have been other summers with poorer quality sides on tour than this year.

One thing I have noticed, when the Aussie side on the mid/late 90s were slaying all comers they were legends.  The current crop are matching their feats but the opposition are being panned.

Is it because the current blokes lack charisma?  Or has the Australian public disconnected with professional prima-donnas who are cossetted from an early age?  (Blokes like Steve Waugh and even Shane Warne were essentially amateurs when they made their debut and became millionaires later). 

Just interested.  Next summer should be better with the Ashes vibe, but what then?  Another 4 year wait for the poms?

 

[SilentBob]

Not much to get excited about in the Australian side, Ponting the only true great there and he's on the decline. Clarke is reaching the top of his game but he's fresh off the CA production line, no personality.

In the past we've had one of the best sides ever assembled running out flogging everyone, it's good to watch. Current side is far from that standard.

Should get better after the Ashes and ODI World Cup, can see a few retirements coming and some fresh faces around, will be exciting to see who sinks and who swims.

 

[Chip and Chase]

Windies and Pakis didn't put up much of a fight save for the Adelaide and Sydney Tests. You have Aust, SA, India and Poms in one group that makes for competitive cricket and the rest are a class below, except maybe Sri Lanka at home where Murali can dominate. That's just the way international cricket is at the moment. Pakistan's inability to host home series' is hampering their development (along with their mental fragility) and the Windies are struggling at grass roots level and don't look likely to get back to their glory days until that is fixed.

Sportsmen in general these days lack charisma, it's a product of all the media training and sponsorship responsibilities, codes of conduct, and role model expectations. Basically you can't have a personality and fit into the current mould of a professional sporstman.