LBW: Leprechauns, Bowling and Woolmer...



Usually we try post something special about each and every major sporting event. However none of us here at RSJ really have the authority to comment extensively on the ICC World Cup. I have virtually no talent at the game, Rockstar went to a previously disadvantaged prep school so played soccer and Bball, and although Docstar had immense talent with the willow and represented some recognised sides he is busy in an innings, he came in (at) number 1...

Well this weekends cricket prompted me to cast aside my wisden inadequacies and make comment on the other side of the ICC.


Before you think I am going to goo and gush over Hershell Gibbs' big over don't get a head of ourselves. Ricky Ponting summed it up when he said: 'the stadium is so tight I mis-hit a few onto the roof'. Hershell's biggest over is in the 300s apparently so lets not overrate six 6s. Cool about Jack Daniels giving a million to a charity of his choice. We suspect it will either be Alcoholics Anonymous or the Rondebosch Home for Nymphomaniacs.

What really brought my attention to the tournament this weekend was the two "upsets" on saturday night. Bangladesh, a recognised ICC albeit part time side, beat the star studded India outfit and Ireland thrashed Pakistan. Now I love an upset. A minnow side playing out of their boots to beat an established team is great viewing, unless they do it through rolling mauls. (I am bitter still bitter about the sharks) The fact that an upset happens at a World Cup is monumental. (...Aregentina v Ireland RWC 2007 pool stages, watch this space)

It is kinda like the USA getting bunned at basketball and ice hockey every Olympics. However, I want to pose a question...

If you were a member of a top quality side going into a silverware tournament where the other top sides are in such form that you have virtually zero chance of getting near the trophy (think New Zealand, Aussie and obviously the Proteas) would you consider making more rupees in 50 overs than in your entire career as a professional sportsman???

---Luck of the Irish: Get those from your mom or did someone else make them for you?

I say damn right you would. India and Pakistan threw those games further than guys who quote about buying bottles of canes throw their names when they own up to doing so on a website. Don't give me that Irish pride on St Patrick's day crap either. It just makes my argument more plausible as it was the perfect day for an 'upset' hence clouding your judgment when you watch the hilites package.

Go watch supersport 24. The sweeping shots that led to boundaries for Bangladesh and the Irish weren't good shots, they were bad balls. And you can't really say the gentlemen of the game that play in those sides, aka Sachin, Dravid, Inzie, would NEVER consider throwing a game as wasn't Hansie the game's bigest gentlemen before they recorded his telephone conversations?


I am not singling out individuals here but in a country like India where more money goes through cricket betting than through the JSE per annum you have to wonder. Mahendra Dhoni is a world class keeper and highly rated one-day batsman, made nought and dropped a sitter in the first over. Come on!!!!

To add more spice to my theory. If you risked your life, your career and your reputation to make enough money to pack the bat away forever and someone, like your coach, threatened to expose you, would you cause their death mysteriously??? Why not? You do have the lovely alibi that your nation is so fanatical that they would kill a a scapegoat anyway so you're not the primary suspect.

Somethings not right in the windies, mon....