We were all, I think, hoping for great (or, at least, better-than-awful) things from the Kiwis in the limited overs games. "Well, the tests were always going to be tricky", we thought. "But they're much better at the shorter forms of the game" we said to each other.
O noes! In the first ODI, The England got 307, and in reply the Kiwis got to 193.
The Gingers each stated their case for their continued inclusion in the side.
Owais Owais Owais Owais / Owais Owais Owais Owais / Owais Shah Shah Shah smacked 49 runs off 25 balls. KP got 110, off 112 balls, including a shot that was described as follows.
[b]Cricinfo:[/b] "42.6 Styris to Pietersen, SIX, that's the most extraordinary shot, he switches his grip to that of a left-hander and launches Stryis high over long-off for a might six. That is one of the more incredible shots you'll see".
[b]Guardian OBO:[/b] "And then KP unleashes another left-handed heave, this time over long-off - or long-on if you consider him to be a left-hander. That was even more amazing than the left-handed sweep - more of a drive. Ludicrous!".
[b]TMS:[/b] "Quite brilliant from KP. He does the stance-switcher again, and this time he hits it even better - a genuine belter of a drive way over what was mid-off but has become mid-on. Styris is in stitches, and the crowd dance with bug-eyed delight".
After the match, the main point of interest appeared to be this lefty-handed shot. From what I can gather (although I don't play cricket so am ready and waiting to be smacked down on this), he changes his grip for this shot so that he becomes a left hander momentarily.
What does anyone think?
Do you even care?
Is it unfair for him to do this?
Which is the leg stump?
How, if at all, could he be given out lbw?
Is it yet another advantage of the game being skewed in favour of the batsman?
Should he be applauded for doing something interesting and exciting?
Is he simply taking advantage of the genetic advantage of being ambidextrous?
Whatevs, it's good to see a bit of non-probotic zip from the kid.
Separately-but-connected: anyone who, like me, was at the rainy Saturday of the Lords test, you have until 19 June for your ticket to reach the adminstracrats so that you can get your refund. Yes, Cricketwithballs is now a public information service. www.cricketwithballs.com
Now with new proper english lady blogger.
No comments:
Post a Comment