Tristan Lavalette bemoans the fact that the cricket authorities decided to shrink the number of participants and cut back on expansion.
The World Cup desperately needed a spark and Pakistan being Pakistan unexpectedly provided it. Out of nowhere, after such a disastrous opener against the West Indies, they stunned favourites England with brilliance, flair and – dare I say – composure when it mattered most.
It was a reminder of Pakistan’s unparalleled unpredictability and why they remain the ultimate X-factor. More importantly, the result energised a lacklustre start to the World Cup with the beginning stages of the tournament marred by mind-numbingly, lop-sided games.
Hopefully – surely – the World Cup will pick up as teams get into the groove but there is a dose of colour missing from cricket’s biggest spectacle. I can’t help but feel the World Cup being reduced to a measly 10 teams is at the core of the flat start.
And I don’t think I’m in the minority of this sentiment – judging by the continual backlash over the ICC’s cull from 14 teams previously.
One of the thrills of watching any supposed global event is getting the opportunity to see the emerging teams. It doesn’t really matter if these teams aren’t particularly good. It’s more about getting around them and learning something new about teams you’ve rarely – or never – thought about.
And usually one of them does something just a little bit different and unexpected. It’s always fun seeing them compete against the best and seeing how they fare. That’s what World Cups should be about – a celebration of the sport developing outside traditional heartlands. Giving everyone a fair go.
Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin June 7, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin June 7, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
