This week I ask the question, is there a commentators conspiracy against associates? The historic win for the Dutch against England followed by... [More]

The creation of the World Cricket League (WCL) by the ICC was a huge step forward... [More]

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The World Cup Qualifying Series (WCQS) is a new competition that will see 12 of the leading non-test countries claim one of four places at the next world cup, to be held on the subcontinent in 2011. With ODI status for 5th and 6th, and Intercontinental Cup berths for 7th and 8th, there is everything to play for. Indeed.. [More]

There is no finer sight in cricket than the contest between a top class batsman and an exponent of that most revered and mystical of bowling arts, leg-spin. In cricket’s Victorian age being able to spin the ball was well down the list of pre-requisites for success, behind a gentlemanly demeanour, an Oxbridge degree and a kempt moustache... [More]

It begins with a riddle. In the 2003 World Cup a bowler ran in and delivered a ball outside off-stump. No wicket was taken and no run was scored yet the crowd erupted in applause. Why?... [More]

Louis Klazinga is one of Namibia’s young stars and one of the lynchpins of their successful Intercontinental Cup campaign. He has that most elusive of weapons for an Associate bowler - the pace to trouble top order batsmen... [More]

It was late February. Outside, frost-dappled trees swayed in the light breeze of a suburban winter evening as a lorry scattered salt onto the tarmac blocking an impatient procession of irascible SUV’s wending their way home. Inside I relaxed in the warm comfort of half-remembered anecdotes and birthday well-wishing of kith and kin. After a cursory glance at the menu, my father asked what I was doing over the next few weeks. ‘I’m off to Estonia’, I replied nonchalantly. ‘Whatever for?’ came the slightly bemused reply. ‘To play cricket on ice’ I said while vying for a waiter’s attention... [More]

It’s a muggy early summer’s day in a Jersey seaside town; the pitch is bathed in late afternoon sunshine; spectators lounge on picnic rugs while eager boys face obliging fathers in impromptu games beyond the boundary rope. It is 80 for 7 and a nervous tailender faces the next delivery with a single run need for victory. It’s a familiar scene; scampered single, firm handshakes all round and back to the bar... [More]

The fielding of an overseas player in Ireland’s Friends Provident Campaign has been a contentious issue in recent seasons. Supporters will look back fondly on the contributions made by the likes of Steve Waugh... [More]